5 Best Trail Running Shoes for Travel

There’s nothing worse than having shoes that don’t fit the terrain.

Whether it’s rocky paths, muddy trails or urban parks, the right pair of travel running shoes makes all the difference. I’ve been there. Lugging around shoes I never used. Providing nothing but extra weight in my bag and a sore back and shoulder.

I hated it. 

So, after testing countless pairs and brands over the years, I’ve compiled a list of the best trail running shoes for travel. These picks will keep you comfortable, feel great, and pack easily.

Let’s find your perfect pair.

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5 Best Trail Running Shoes for Travel

1. Salomon Ultra Glide 2

Best Trail Travel Running Shoe

Salomon Ultra Glide 2

The Ultra Glide 2 is an ultra-cushioned trail shoe designed for mixed terrain and long-distance comfort. Lightweight and adaptable, it’s perfect for 2-3 runs per week, with maximal cushioning and a 6mm drop.

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I’m a huge fan of Salomon trail shoes. I’m very open about that.

And the Ultra Glide line is my top travel trail running shoe pick (say that five times fast). Its versatile because it’s an excellent trail shoe but is also capable on the road. While it’s not the best road-to-trail option, it definitely holds its own as a road shoe. Plus it’s super comfortable thanks to is plush midsole and rocker design. So it’s an excellent trail shoe for long distance.

This makes them great for short or long runs, and speed workouts or slow slogs. And, best of all, they’re light. So they pack easily and don’t weigh you down.

Hence why they’re my best overall trail running shoe for travel.

Pros

• Comfortable and cushioned
• Versatile
• Lightweight

Cons

• Too narrow for some runners

2. Altra Lone Peak 9

Best Low-Profile Shoe

Altra Lone Peak 9

Discover the Altra Lone Peak 9, the ultimate trail running shoe. Featuring StoneGuard™ and MaxTrac™ technology for superb protection and traction, and a springy Altra Ego™ midsole for unmatched comfort. Perfect for any trail distance.

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You either love Altras or you hate them.

But people needing trail shoes for wide feet swear by them.

And shoes like the Lone Peak are loved for being the best zero-drop trail shoe, meaning the heel and forefoot are the same size. Plus, it has a lower amount of cushion for more trail feel. Some people like this, some people can’t stand it.

One thing is does is make the shoe lightweight, which makes it great for packing.

And the traction is unmatched on all trail surfaces. It’s not bad as a road and trail shoe, but it’s not the first option I’d recommend if you need at shoe that does both. If you need trail running shoes for hiking and trail running, however, these are a great choice.

Pros

• Comfortable with wide toe box
• Lightweight and breathable
• Great traction

Cons

• Moderate protection

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3. Brooks Cascadia 18

Brooks Cascadia 18

Discover why trail runners love the Cascadia. The Cascadia 18 offers stability, soft cushioning, and protection, with enhanced stability, improved traction, and lightweight cushioning.

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Salomon may be my favorite brand overall, but Brooks isn’t far behind.

From their road shoes to their trail options, they’ve got some of the best overall shoes on the market. And the Brooks Cascadia is one of those.

Realistically, this shoe has it all. The comfort is fantastic with a thick (but not too thick) midsole. And the built-in rock plate protects your feet from any rocks or roots. The traction is great on a variety of surfaces, no matter if they’re wet, uphill, or downhill. And they’re durable enough they could survive a nuclear war.

While they’re a little bulkier than the options above, they still fit well in a backpack or suitcase.

Pros

• Protective and comfortable shoe
• Durable
• Eco-friendly

Cons

• Weight

4. Brooks Catamount 4

Brooks Catamount 4

Are you aiming for the next big race between 50k and 100k? The Catamount is your perfect companion! With light, responsive cushioning and a propulsion plate designed for uphill efficiency, this shoe is all about speed and performance on the trails.

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I told you I like Brooks.

And that’s why it’s appearing twice on this list. This light trail shoe is the Cascadia’s lighter sibling. It has a design that’s similar to a race shoe, so it’s built to go fast. These are excellent for faster runs or speed workouts. It’s not bad as a road shoe, but its DNA Flash midsole can be a little too stiff for my liking.

I really like its upper, though. It’s mad from a mesh material that’s breathable, but also feels resistant to any cuts or tears. And with many of the trails near my home, the branches and thorns can cause problems for many shoes.

But the best part for travel runners? They’re extremely lightweight, which is excellent for the minimalist packers out there.

I love my pair of Brooks Catamount and have taken them on a few trips. I often choose my Salomon Ultra Glides simply because I like the bit of extra cushion and plushness. But I’m never upset if I bring my Catamounts along.

Pros

• Lightweight and responsive
• Durable
• Great traction on less-technical trails

Cons

• Firm cushioning

5. Hoka Speedgoat 6

Hoka Speedgoat 6

A grippy, responsive trail shoe with HOKA’s cushioning, aggressive traction, ultralight materials, breathable upper, foot-hugging chassis, plush tongue, and goat-inspired lug design for technical terrain.

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How could I have this list and not include the max-cushioned trail runners everyone loves?

While you can get the Hoka Speedgoat 4 or Hoka Speedgoat 5 and still have a great shoe, the 6 is the latest model. And it continues to improve upon what was working.

Its new foam is still plush and responsive, but feels lighter than previous versions. It still has the Vibram Megagrip outsole, so you can be sure-footed on a various surfaces. And its upper gives you a breathable, but secure fit on your runs. Couple that with its wide platform for stability and you’ve got a recipe to fight rolled ankles.

It’s a bit large compared to other options on this list, so it’s tougher to pack. But, it is lighter compared to previous versions so the newest model would be the best option for travel runners.

Pros

• Excellent traction
• Plush cushioning
• Stable

Cons

• Midsole isn’t so durable

Which pair of trail running shoes will you choose?

I’m not a fan of huge lists with 25+ shoes, all comparing trail features and shoes that offer mostly the same thing.

That’s why I keep these short, and I stick to shoes I’m familiar with. I’m also open about my biases. My favorite shoes are Salomon or Brooks, but that’s because their shoes feature things I look for in a trail running, hiking, and traveling shoe. I demand a lot of them, so that’s what works for me.

But, it will take some time to find what is the best running shoe for you. So, try out as many trail shoes as you can, and let me know what you choose in the comments below and why. I’d love to hear from you!

If you want more, be sure to check out my post on how to continue running while traveling to enjoy your trips even more.

Last, follow me on Instagram and YouTube for more travel running content!