Trail running is among the strongest growth categories in sports and fitness, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. Participation in trail running has nearly quadrupled in the U.S. since 2008, growing from 4.5 million participants to more than 17 million today. Additionally, data from fitness tracker app Strava also reflects a trail surge, with the number of athletes uploading trail runs doubling over a three-year period.

“A lot of factors are contributing to the trail running participation increases,” says Lance Taylor, GM at LOWA USA. “Some of those include escapism and connecting with nature – we all yearn either consciously or unconsciously to ground ourselves with nature and escape the demands of everyday life like our constant notifications on our phones, distractions, and overstimulation of modern life… Another reason is community. Bonding doing hard things really brings people together and group runs provide this, along with the majesty of the scenery the outdoors provides to all of us.”

The best new trail offerings reflect the growth of the category, ranging from new franchises aimed at making the trail fun, to more high-end shoes packed with midsole and material tech for the toughest terrain and longer distances.

A Trail Mix

ASICS has the everyday runner in mind as the brand launches a new trail running franchise focused on bringing “a fresh sense of energy, fun and versatility to the trails.” The BLAZEBLAST shoe combines responsive cushioning, wearable trail features and a trampoline-inspired ride. Developed for a new generation of trail runners, the BLAZEBLAST shoe aims to deliver an approachable trail experience without compromising on performance.

“As we spoke to consumers, we kept hearing the same thing: they loved the bounce and fun of our road running shoes and wanted that same feeling on the trails,” states Magdalena Gassebner, global product manager, performance running footwear, ASICS. “Rather than developing another highly technical trail shoe, we focused on creating an energetic, confidence-inspiring experience that feels approachable from the very first run. For us, it’s an exciting opportunity to welcome a new generation of runners into the trail category.”

Meanwhile, Mount to Coast’s new M1 is a long distance, high-stack mountain running shoe designed to maintain its cushion and responsive feel over many training and racing miles. “We built the M1 for runners who choose to add an extra summit to their run or choose to explore a new canyon instead of heading to the trailhead. These runners need a shoe that will keep their feet comfortable no matter how many miles they run,” said Mount to Coast co-founder and head of product Yeti Zhang.

The North Face is focused on adventure with the launch of its all-new Offtrail Ultra this month. The lightweight, highly responsive trail running shoe is engineered for speed, precision, and confidence across technical terrain. “Adventure running continues to evolve, with athletes pushing deeper into technical terrain and demanding footwear that can move as fast and as confidently as they do,” says Brett Rivers, senior global merchandiser of performance footwear, The North Face.

And Merrell just launched the MTL SpeedARC Peak, a technical trail running shoe built for elite runners. The SpeedARC midsole system is engineered for all-terrain performance through a three-layer design that delivers efficiency and comfort. John Sanregret, PLM, Merrell, says the shoe “was built with one purpose in mind: to enable athletes to compete at the highest level. Every detail was scrutinized and refined to deliver maximum speed, control, and confidence on race day.”

Here, we showcase a variety of new standouts for the trail.  

The North Face Offtrail Ultra

This lightweight, highly responsive trail runner has a dual-density DREAMBOUND nitrogen superfoam midsole system for high rebound and long-distance comfort. MSRP $190

Oboz Anabatic Wind EVO  

The performance trail brand is introducing two trail running styles for Spring 2027, including the lightweight, cushioned Anabatic Wind EVO.

INOV8 TRAILFLY PRO

Engineered for natural performance with a NATURALFIT shoe shape and outsole cutaways for flex. The midsole is featherlight TPEE foam.

Merrell MTL SpeedARC Peak 

A technical trail shoe featuring a PEBA foam midsole, carbon fiber FlexPlate for propulsion, and Vibram MegaGrip Elite outsole. MSRP $290.

ASICS BLAZEBLAST

This accessible trail she has an engineered woven upper, 2.5mm lugs and a high-stack platform and lightweight construction. MSRP $150.

Topo Athletic Ultraventure 5

The brand’s most popular road-trail option is a high cushion style with a ZipFoam midsole and Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole. MSRP $155.

Mount to Coast M1

A long-distance mountain running shoe, the high-stack M1 uses resilient JETCELL material to maintain cushion and responsive feel. MSRP $195.

Altra Olympus 7

Features Vibram MegaGrip and TractionLug with increased outsole coverage and durability. And new Altra EGO MAX foam is lighter and softer, for a cushioned ride. MSRP $195.

Brooks Ghost Trail

This versatile shoe is a hybrid delivering cross-terrain features for trail and road. It boasts soft and dynamic cushioning as well as 3mm outsole lugs for off-road confidence. MSRP $150.

Teva Aventrail Road-2-Trail Shoe 

Combines the traction needed for dirt with the comfort runners expect on pavement. Built with Teva’s W Strapping System, responsive cushioning, foot-on-foam comfort, and trail-ready traction. MSRP $150.

LOWA Paceterra Pro 

Designed for competitive trail runners who prioritize speed, precision, and a lightweight setup, the Spring 2027 shoe features a supercritical TPEE midsole for high energy return with greater stability. MSRP $210.

La Sportiva Endure Short

The brand’s Spring 2027 Mountain Running apparel line is led by the Endure Short, which brings advanced Kinitech construction into a storage-focused piece for the trail.

Ciele TRLCapMRPH 

This hat in the brand’s Paradis capsule features breathable COOmatic | PLUS MIKRAmesh knit that is cooling, moisture-wicking, and anti-odor. Built for the run, and everything in between.