10 Best Neutral Trail Shoes [2025]

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Finding the best neutral trail shoes can be a daunting task, especially with the myriad of options available on the market today. With various brands, styles, and features to consider, the search for the perfect pair can quickly become overwhelming. Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner or a novice looking to explore the great outdoors, the right footwear is crucial for comfort, support, and performance. Sifting through countless reviews and specifications can be time-consuming and frustrating, leaving you unsure of which shoes truly meet your needs.

To simplify your decision-making process, we have meticulously shortlisted ten of the best neutral trail shoes, taking into account factors such as comfort, durability, traction, and user feedback. Our curated list not only saves you time but also alleviates the hassle of navigating through endless shoe options. With our comprehensive insights, you can confidently choose a pair that aligns with your trail-running goals, ensuring a more enjoyable and successful outdoor experience.

Top 10 Best Neutral Trail Shoes In The Market

Last update on 2025-08-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Neutral Trail Shoes Reviews

Bestseller No. 1
Brooks Men’s Divide 5 Trail Running Shoe - Citadel/Ebony/Lime - 11 Medium
  • THIS MEN'S SHOE IS FOR: The Divide 5 provides road-to-trail adaptability thanks to a familiar road shoe-inspired fit that easily goes from roads to trail, featuring DNA LOFT v2 cushioning midsole technology for impact absorption and smooth transitions, while the TrailTack rubber outsole with aggressive lugs provide outstanding offroad grip and traction over trail terrain. Predecessor: Divide 4
  • CARBON NEUTRAL CERTIFIED: To achieve Carbon Neutral product certification for this style, we increase use of recycled materials to lower carbon emissions, then support carbon offset projects to neutralize the emissions we can’t yet eliminate.
  • TRANSITION FROM ROAD TO TRAIL: DNA LOFT v2 cushioning is 10% lighter than before, and delivers a soft, smooth ride from the roads to the trails with 4 mm added to stack height for a softer ride, while high surface (3.5mm) lugs provide enhanced grip for offroad light trail running.
  • SECURE FIT: Road-shoe inspired fit equipped with a tongue gusset for a snug midfoot fit, updated air mesh upper is lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying while the TPU Mudguard and toecap lightly block trail debris.
  • ENHANCED TRACTION: TrailTack Green rubber outsole is made with 25% recycled content and offers high-performance traction on both wet and dry terrain.
Bestseller No. 2
Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Black/Blue Wash/Orange...
  • THIS MEN’S SHOE IS FOR: The Cascadia 18 provides runners and mountain hikers with adaptable stability with trial ready protection. Carbon Neutral Certified product. Predecessor: Cascadia 17
  • COMFORT & SECURITY: DNA LOFT v2 provides soft cushioning over any terrain while the TrailTack Green outsole rubber provides enhanced traction on wet and dry surfaces and features 25% recycled material.
  • ADAPTABLE STABILITY: The Trail Adapt System utilizes an integrated midsole, with articulated ballistic rock shield to protect the foot without limiting flexibility. The zonal outsole pods offer enhanced control and a stable ride over any terrain.
  • PROTECTIVE UPPER: Breathable mesh is durable and quick-drying, while overlays in high-wear areas add a layer of protection for the trail and debris.
  • MUDGUARD: TPU mudguard and toecap block trail debris are designed to keep you comfortable mile after mountainous mile.
Bestseller No. 3
Brooks Women’s Divide 5 Trail Running Shoe - Mercury/Ebony/Sweet Lavender -...
  • THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: The Divide 5 provides road-to-trail adaptability thanks to a familiar road shoe-inspired fit that easily goes from roads to trail, featuring DNA LOFT v2 cushioning midsole technology for impact absorption and smooth transitions, while the TrailTack rubber outsole with aggressive lugs provide outstanding offroad grip and traction over trail terrain. Predecessor: Divide 4
  • CARBON NEUTRAL CERTIFIED: To achieve Carbon Neutral product certification for this style, we increase use of recycled materials to lower carbon emissions, then support carbon offset projects to neutralize the emissions we can’t yet eliminate.
  • TRANSITION FROM ROAD TO TRAIL: DNA LOFT v2 cushioning is 10% lighter than before, and delivers a soft, smooth ride from the roads to the trails with 4 mm added to stack height for a softer ride, while high surface (3.5mm) lugs provide enhanced grip for offroad light trail running.
  • SECURE FIT: Road-shoe inspired fit equipped with a tongue gusset for a snug midfoot fit, updated air mesh upper is lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying while the TPU Mudguard and toecap lightly block trail debris.
  • ENHANCED TRACTION: TrailTack Green rubber outsole is made with 25% recycled content and offers high-performance traction on both wet and dry terrain.
Bestseller No. 4
Brooks Men’s Revel 7 Neutral Running Shoe - White/Black - 10.5 Medium
  • THIS MEN'S SHOE IS FOR: For runners seeking a versatile springy performance shoe with sleek, sporty style for workouts, weekends, and anything in between. Predecessor: Revel 6.
  • COMFORTABLE RIDE: Adaptable DNA midsole cushioning technology that adapts to your stride, weight, and speed to help protect you by deflecting impact away from your body.
  • RESPONSIVE FEEL: The bottom of the shoe is constructed to provide enhanced energy return through all your activities.
  • COMFORT: Soft tongue and updated comfort collar design provides all-day comfort and a plush feeling against your foot.
  • VERSATILE UPPER: Updated knit upper offers a sleek look and fit while providing the right blend of structure, stability, and breathability for all day comfort.
Bestseller No. 5
ASICS Men's Gel-Venture 10 Trail Running Shoe, 12, Gravel/Winter SEA
  • Mesh upper: Improves breathability
  • The sockliner is produced with the solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by approximately 45% compared to the conventional dyeing technology
  • Rearfoot GEL technology: Improves impact absorption and creates a softer feeling at footstrike
  • AMPLIFOAM cushioning: Improves cushioning
  • Trail-specific outsole pattern: Improves grip on various surfaces
Bestseller No. 6
Brooks Men’s Ghost Max 2 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe - Pine Grove/North...
  • THIS MEN’S SHOE IS FOR: Runners and walkers who want maximized cushion, and a maximized protective ride with effortless, smooth heel-toe transitions and secure, stable landings. The Ghost Max 2 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. The Ghost Max 2 is a certified carbon neutral product. Predecessor: Ghost Max.
  • PROTECTIVE CUSHIONING: A high stack of nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole foam cushioning delivers soft, smooth comfort for a protective feel with easy landings.
  • STABLE RIDE: A broad base offers inherent stability for a secure feel that doesn’t interfere with your stride. Raised sidewalls offer optimal bending stiffness for a comfortably secure fit. Unique linear last construction adds more volume to the shoe for a comfortable fit inclusive of foot shapes and orthotics.
  • ASSISTED TRANSITIONS: GlideRoll Rocker transition technology actively promotes smooth heel-toe transitions for an effortless feeling as you move that won’t interfere with a neutral stride.
  • VERSATILITY: An ideal choice for runners which aids by keeping people moving in their habitual motion path thereby reducing the odds for running related injuries. Additionally, the Ghost Max 2 is also an ideal choice for walking as it actively reduces energy absorption in foot soft tissues.
Bestseller No. 7
New Balance Men's DynaSoft TEKTREL V1 Suede Trail Running Shoe, Slate...
  • DynaSoft midsole couples ultra-responsive performance with plush comfort
  • AT Tread outsole provides traction on both paved and off-road surfaces
  • High-performance midsole
  • Regrind upper overlay for added durability
  • Synthetic and suede upper
Bestseller No. 8
Saucony Men's Excursion TR16 Trail Running Shoe, Night/Black, 11
  • VERSARUN cushioning keeps you moving in balanced comfort all day long.
  • Grippy carbon-rubber lugs provide the best traction, so no matter what kind of terrain you cross, you’ll feel unstoppable.
  • Fresh design details deliver the trail protection you need with a look that goes beyond the outdoors.
Bestseller No. 9
Brooks Women’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Ebony/Sweet...
  • THIS WOMEN’S SHOE IS FOR: The Cascadia 18 provides runners and mountain hikers with adaptable stability with trial ready protection. Carbon Neutral Certified product. Predecessor: Cascadia 17
  • COMFORT & SECURITY: DNA LOFT v2 provides soft cushioning over any terrain while the TrailTack Green outsole rubber provides enhanced traction on wet and dry surfaces and features 25% recycled material.
  • ADAPTABLE STABILITY: The Trail Adapt System utilizes an integrated midsole, with articulated ballistic rock shield to protect the foot without limiting flexibility. The zonal outsole pods offer enhanced control and a stable ride over any terrain.
  • PROTECTIVE UPPER: Breathable mesh is durable and quick-drying, while overlays in high-wear areas add a layer of protection for the trail and debris.
  • MUDGUARD: TPU mudguard and toecap block trail debris are designed to keep you comfortable mile after mountainous mile.
Bestseller No. 10
Saucony Men's Excursion TR14 Trail Running Shoe, Grey/Gold, 11
  • Grippy lugs on the outsole are made with carbon rubber for rock-solid footings.
  • A moderate stack VERSARUN cushioning packs plenty of underfoot comfort no matter the destination.
  • The trail-specific mesh with supportive overlays locks your foot into place and protects from debris without looking or feeling bulky.

Last update on 2025-08-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, selecting the best neutral trail shoes can significantly enhance your outdoor running experience, providing the right balance of comfort, support, and traction on varied terrains. Our curated list of ten exceptional products was crafted after thorough research, taking into account expert reviews, user feedback, and performance testing in diverse conditions. Each shoe on our list has been evaluated for its durability, cushioning, and grip, ensuring that you can find the perfect match for your running style and the trails you tackle.

By following our recommendations, you can be confident that you’re choosing from the best neutral trail shoes available on the market. Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner or just starting to explore off-road paths, these shoes are designed to meet your needs and help you enjoy every step of your journey. With the right footwear, you’ll not only improve your performance but also enhance your comfort and reduce the risk of injuries. Happy running!

Pamela Couch

I am a designer, shoe-obsessed lifestyle expert, and founder of https://footwind.net/, a shoe boutique located in Downtown Atlanta. I love shoes and I love being able to share my passion for them with others.