Top 10 Trail Running Shoes of 2026: Unboxing & First Look (2026)

Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of trail running shoes! We're about to dive into the most anticipated releases of 2026, and trust me, these shoes are going to blow your mind.

The Future of Trail Running is Here!

As we look ahead to the year 2026, the Dirt Division at Believe in the Run has been hard at work, reviewing and previewing the latest trail footwear from every brand. And let me tell you, the future of trail running is looking brighter than ever!

Our Picks for 2026:

• Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2: This 'trail super shoe' is all about performance and comfort. With incremental improvements, it promises an even better experience for your feet.
• Adidas Terrex Agravic TT: A technical terrain counterpart to the Agravic Speed Ultra 2, this beauty offers enhanced stability and grip, making it a must-have for serious trail runners.
• Altra Experience Wild 3+: Altra's robust lineup includes this accessible door-to-trail option, perfect for runners seeking a comfortable and versatile shoe.
• Altra Olympus 275 Hi-Lo: When zero drop meets high stack, you get an intriguing shoe with industry-leading materials. This ultra-oriented race day option is sure to turn heads.
• Brooks Cascadia Elite: Brooks has combined the best ingredients to create an ultra race day shoe that performs fantastically. It's a game-changer!
• Craft Kype Gravel Pro: Craft, a gravel-centric brand, is bringing us a lightweight shoe with a high-energy foam combo. It's a race day option that's highly anticipated!
• Inov8 Trailfly Pro: Inov8's history of creating specialized tools for the fells district shines through in this trail racing shoe. It's a potential game-changer in the trail running experience.
• Kiprun Kipsummit Max: Kiprun, a performance brand under Decathlon, is making waves with its trail-ready offering. With a max-cush design and Vibram Megagrip, it's a force to be reckoned with.
• La Sportiva Prodigio 2: La Sportiva updates one of its favorites, the Prodigio, with a retooled midsole for a softer, more dynamic feel. It's a subtle yet meaningful improvement.
• Merrell MTL SpeedArc Peak: Merrell continues to impress with its trail running offerings. This carbon-plated racing shoe is a unique addition to the market, offering high-end materials and proven performance.
• Mount to Coast M1: Mount to Coast has captured the hearts of runners with its innovative designs. The M1 boasts a new TPU-based foam, a wider platform, and a generous fitting upper, making it a hit for longer, technical outings.
• Mount to Coast BITR H1: A collaboration between Mount to Coast and Believe in the Run's founder, the BITR H1 combines style and performance. With an integrated knit bootie and a versatile design, it's a shoe that checks all the boxes.
• Nike ACG Zegama 3: Nike is going all out with its ACG sub-brand, boosting performance with an increased stack and a tuned Zoom X midsole. It's a shoe that offers an incredible underfoot feel.
• Nike ACG Ultrafly 2: The Vaporfly for the trail is finally here! With a dual-density Zoom X midsole and a carbon Flyplate, this shoe is built for long-distance support and confidence.
• Nnormal Cadi: Nnormal aims to fill the gaps with the Cadi, a comfortable door-to-trail option. It's their highest stack and most cushioned shoe yet, offering a relaxed fit and durable construction.
• Norda 055: Norda listens to its fans and delivers with the 055, an upgraded version of the lightweight racer, the Norda 005. More stack, more lugs, and a secure fit make it a standout shoe.
• ON Cloudsoma: ON takes a big step with the Cloudsoma, its first trail model without CloudTec holes. The one-piece Helion HF foam midsole offers a more natural running experience, engaging your foot's receptors.
• Salomon Genesis 2: Salomon updates its base level workhorse with an aggressive outsole and an improved supercritical midsole foam. It's more comparable to the S/Lab Genesis, offering a quality build and adaptability.
• Speedland RX:LDVL: The kings of custom are back with an exciting trail version of their road super shoe. The RX:LDVL offers more structure and durability for the trails, with adjustable fit points for a perfect fit.
• The North Face Offtrail Ultra: The North Face continues its winning streak with the Offtrail Ultra, a technically-oriented shoe ready for any adventure. With a new Dreambound foam and a burly outsole, it's a force to be reckoned with.

And there's more!

We've only scratched the surface here. There are still plenty of models we can't share yet, but we're excited to bring you more updates soon. For now, these are just a few of our most anticipated trail running shoes of 2026.

So, which shoe are you most excited about? And what do you think about the rising popularity of gravel/hybrid/door-to-trail shoes? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Let's spark a conversation and keep the trail running community buzzing!