Looking for the best pair of shoes for your trail outings? Thanks to the 94 votes from the Léman Running community, A clear ranking is emerging. Hoka, Asics, Salomon, Brooks... Each brand has its fans, but the right choice depends above all on your stride, your body type and your playing fields.
In this article, we take a closer look at the 5 most popular models, with their key features, recommended uses and our advice to help you make the right choice.
1. Hoka Speedgoat 6 - 23 % of votes
Technical data
- Weight: ~279 g
- DropSize : 5 mm
- SoleVibram Megagrip, 5 mm studs
- AmortizationCMEVA foam, stack 40/35 mm
- Ideal landtechnical trails, long distances, rocky terrain
Who is it for?
Riders looking for a maximum comfort, For long-distance and ultra trail running. Suitable for mid-foot or moderate heel stride, including heavier runners. The wide toe box provides good comfort over long hours.
2. Asics Trabuco - 15 % of votes
Technical data
- Weight: 310 g
- Drop: 8 mm
- SoleASICSGRIP, a good compromise between grip and durability
- AmortizationFlytefoam or Gel depending on version
- Ideal landMixed, forest, footpaths
Who is it for?
La Trabuco is a safe bet for runners looking for stability and support, particularly pronators. It offers good protection on varied terrain and is well suited to medium to heavyweight runners. It's also an excellent option for those who are gradually moving from hiking to trail running.
3. Salomon Genesis - 11 % of votes
Technical data
- Weight: ~280 g
- Drop: 8 mm
- Sole: 4.5 mm studs, Contagrip
- Amortizationmoderate foam, stack 33/25 mm
- Ideal landtechnical, dry, mountain
Who is it for?
Experienced or dynamic runners looking for a shoe that precise and responsive. Very good grip, good feel on the ground, but narrower boot.
Comparator of running shoes
4. Hoka Mafate Speed 6 - 9 % of votes
Technical data
- Weight: ~343 g
- Drop: 8 mm
- SoleVibram Megagrip, carbon plate, aggressive crampons
- AmortizationStack 49/41 mm, PEBA+EVA foam
- Ideal landultra-trails, long distances, technical terrain
Who is it for?
Ultra runners or long mountain outings. Suitable for runners who want to maximum absorption and protection, even on rough terrain.
5. Brooks Cascadia - 8 % of votes
Technical data
- Weight: ~310 g
- Drop: 8 mm
- Sole: TrailTrack, rockplate, good grip
- AmortizationDNA Loft v2, stack 33/25 mm
- Ideal landmixed, damp, roots, stone
Who is it for?
A model versatile and reliable, Ideal for wet or slippery conditions. Ideal for wet or slippery conditions.
Express comparison
| Model | Weight | Drop | Amortization | Land | For what type of rider? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speedgoat 6 | 279 g | 5 mm | Maximal | Technical, long | Comfort, medium stride, wide foot |
| Asics trail | 315 g | 8 mm | Moderate/farm | Mixed | Stability, pronation, fast walking |
| Salomon Genesis | 280 g | 8 mm | Balanced | Technical, dry | Fine foot, dynamic stride |
| Mafate 6 | 343 g | 8 mm | Max + carbon | Ultra, committed | Long-distance, cushioned ++. |
| Cascadia | 310 g | 8 mm | Moderate/stable | Mixed, damp | Safety, stability, fragile feet |
All the shoes mentioned in the vote
Here is the full list of models mentioned by the 94 members of the community, listed in alphabetical order. This reflects the wealth of individual experiences and preferences:
Xodus Ultra
Adidas Terrex
Altra Lone Peak / Olympus
Asics Trabuco
Brooks Cascadia
Hoka Mafate Speed / Mafate X
Hoka Speedgoat
La Sportiva Akasha / Bushido / Ultra Raptor
Nike Pegasus Trail
On Cloudventure / Cloudultra
Salomon Genesis / Pulsar / Sense Ride
Saucony Peregrine
Topo Athletic
How do you choose your trail shoes?
Here are some practical guidelines to help you:
- Always try your shoes at the end of the day (slightly swollen feet).
- Adapt to your use You don't run 80 km in shoes designed for fast 10 km.
- Drop A lower drop favours the mid-foot stride, but requires muscular adaptation.
- Morphology :
- Wide feet → prefer Hoka or certain Asics
- Thin foot → Salomon or Brooks
- Oily or rocky ground → choose deep crampons (Speedgoat, Mafate, Cascadia).
- Beginner Choose versatility (Asics Trabuco, Brooks Cascadia).
- A seasoned runner Opt for greater precision and dynamism (Salomon Genesis, Speedgoat).
Where can you find them?
You can find these models at our partner shops :
- Pellissier Sport (Valais) -10% on the whole shop
- Planète Endurance (Vaud) -20% on the shop
- Decathlon (Geneva and Vaud) club kitty >
- Irun and Endurance Store (online shops) permanent discount from links
Need a professional opinion?
To narrow down your choice, you can do a stride test or benefit from a chiropody assessment from our partner specialists:
In a nutshell
There is no such thing as the “best trail shoe”, but the shoe that suits you best.
This classification is a good starting point, but each foot is unique. Take the time to try and test, and if you need to, get advice from specialists.
Bon trail to you all, and a big thank you to the community Léman Running for her feedback and participation!
