This trail-specific running shoe features a torsion system to keep your midfoot under control on rough terrain and allow your heel and forefoot to adapt to changing ground. The cushioning is, if anything, too good because it causes you to lose some feedback from the trail along with awareness of how it’s changing. This does make it suitable for mixed-terrain running, however.

THE GOOD: Excellent heel closure and instep support.
THE BAD: Felt a bit ‘squishy’ on uneven terrain.
BEST FOR: Newbie trail runners.

While Timberland doesn’t have the trail-running experience of some brands, the Route Racer can compete with the best of them. It has a stability control frame that helps prevent any jarring twists and an internal Gore-Tex liner keeps out the elements. The polyester air mesh keeps it breathable and because the lining, upper and sole all contain recycled material, the only environmental damage you should worry about is the flora and fauna you crush underfoot as you power along.

THE GOOD: The hard toecap will protect you from stubbings.
THE BAD: Bright design won’t be to everyone’s taste.
BEST FOR: Running in cold or wet environments.

A stripped-down, lightweight trail runner that still manages to pack a Gore-Tex upper for heavy-weather days on the hill. This shoe has a good level of cushioning, but the lightweight upper has negligible ankle support. The sticky rubber sole gives excellent traction along with mud clearance due to the nicely spaced tread.

THE GOOD: The combination of light weight and deep tread lets you put the hammer down.
THE BAD: Some runners will want more ankle support.
BEST FOR: Bad-weather races.

The lightest of the shoes on test has a highly breathable upper and definitely won’t weigh your feet down on long climbs. The heel is well cushioned and the heel cup feels like it’s holding everything together. But the forefoot cushioning lacks plushness, making rocky descents a bit uncomfortable and demanding a sharp look-out for pointy stones.

THE GOOD: Lightweight shoe that still cushions the heel.
THE BAD: The forefoot feels exposed, which could lead to fatigue on long runs.
BEST FOR: Low-mileage, high-speed runners.

The North Face set out to create a high-mileage, technical trail running shoe in the Rucky Chucky. Several hard-wearing materials are used to create a smooth transition from heel to forefoot, making this a reliable performer with good power-return. The tread grips tight going uphill, but descending is a less sure-footed experience because the forefoot seems to drift about within the shoe.

THE GOOD: Stays controlled and cushioned on any terrain.
THE BAD: The roomy toe box doesn’t inspire confidence on tricky descents.
BEST FOR: High-mileage runners.

*BEST IN TEST*

Salomon has had a lot of practice getting its trail running shoe right. Its iconic XT Wings shoe has evolved into a truly versatile beast, equally sure-footed on gravelly descents, muddy climbs and bouncy grass hills. The sole is tough enough to protect your feet from the sharpest flint, but supple enough to give you great feedback from the terrain. You can feel active support around your heel and under your instep while the forefoot is secured without being squeezed.

THE GOOD: Comfortable and secure, inspiring you to run further.
THE BAD: Shape can make some runners’ ankles feel exposed.
BEST FOR: Anyone who’s serious about trail racing.

This uncomplicated shoe does a simple job well in that it offers a responsive, well-cushioned ride with good heel closure and excellent arch support. The tread has sensibly spaced knobs to bite into loose ground and shed mud while the toe box is protected from booting the odd boulder. But a lack of technical features may limit it to neutral runners.

THE GOOD: A well balanced, nimble shoe that will suit neutral runners.
THE BAD: The feature-light specification may limit suitability for some runners.
BEST FOR: Neutral trail runners

If your local trail run starts with a couple of miles of Tarmac, this is the shoe for you. The Xodus is a true ‘run anywhere’ shoe that combines a ruggedised running shoe upper with great cushioning and a sole that’s ideal for trails. Once you go off-road, it stays responsive and the Vibram sole bites into the terrain. The sock liner and inside arch support keep your feet in place while the super-breathable upper stops them from overheating.

THE GOOD: A tough trail-running shoe with road-running comfort for the best of both worlds.
THE BAD: If you run on loose terrain, the sole will pick some up.
BEST FOR: Mixed-terrain runners