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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 2025-04-30 / 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
New Balance Men's DynaSoft Nitrel V6 Trail Running Shoe,...
- DynaSoft midsole couples ultra-responsive performance with plush comfort
- AT Tread outsole provides versatile traction during both on and off-road activities
- No-sew overlays
- EVA foam insert increases comfort
- 6 mm drop; due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 6 mm drop are approximate
Bestseller No. 3
Brooks Men’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Black/Blackened...
- 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. 4
Brooks Men’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe - Cloud/Grey/Gold - 11 Medium
- THIS MEN’S SHOE IS FOR: Runners looking for a smooth ride that won’t distract from the fun of the run. The Ghost 16 offers a refined 3D Fit Print to create a more seamless, secure fit. This Brooks Ghost 16 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. The Ghost 16 is a certified carbon neutral product. Predecessor: Ghost 15.
- SOFT CUSHIONING: The Ghost 16 offers neutral support while providing soft, nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning to deliver lightweight comfort. Ideal for road running, walking, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them!
- SMOOTH TRANSITIONS: The soft midsole and Segmented Crash Pad promotes an easy flow from landing to toe-off to provide distraction- free cushioning under your feet with every stride.
- BREATHABLE UPPER: Engineered air mesh upper blends stretch and structure with just-right breathability to keep you comfortable.
- ROADTACK RUBBER OUTSOLE: New, do-it-all rubber compound includes recycled silica and is designed to be durable, lightweight, and rebound.
Bestseller No. 5
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. 6
New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 Trail Running Shoe, Dark...
- Dual density Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content delivers our most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort. The Bio-based content in these men's trail running shoes is made from renewable resources to help reduce our carbon footprint.
- Toe Protect technology helps protect feet from rocks, roots and debris.
- Vibram outsole provides superior grip. Vibram is a registered trademark of VIBRAM S.p.A All rights reserved.
- Traction Lug technology provides superior grip in wet and dry terrain.
- Gusseted tongue offers a secure fit and helps keep debris out.
Bestseller No. 7
Brooks Men's Catamount 3 Trail Running Shoe - Lemon Chrome/Sedona Sage - 13...
- THIS MEN'S SHOE IS FOR: Trail Runners who aim to conquer the trail with a shoe that is light and responsive to help you run faster and farther on every trail. The Catamount 3 is a Carbon Neutral Certified product. Predecessor: Catamount 2.
- LIGHT & RESPONSIVE: Nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH midsole technology is lightweight and delivers the perfect blend of responsiveness and adaptive cushioning for a fast ride.
- PROPULSION PLATE: Push the pace with the SkyVault propulsion plate that’s engineered to help you run uphill efficiently while doubling as a rock shield so runners can summit peaks and push the pace.
- SUPERIOR GRIP: TrailTack Green rubber outsole is made with 25% recycled content and offers superior traction on both wet and dry surfaces.
- LOCKED-IN FIT: Streamlined construction allows upper to contour to the foot over uphill climbs and lateral motion to keep your foot locked in on uneven terrain and changing elevations.
Bestseller No. 8
NORTIV 8 Women's Lightweight Hiking Shoes, Breathable Mesh Walking Sneakers,...
- Comfortableness: NORTIV 8 Women's Hiking Shoes certainly delivers all-day comfort! Removable and shock-absorbent cushioned insoles offer the support for your feet.
- Lightweight & Breathable: Breathable mesh lining and lightweight EVA foam midsole for stability and comfort. The women's sneakers have hooks at the top to keep the laces secure.
- Durable & slip resistant: Rugged rubber outsole with Multi-Directional Traction (MDT) provides high-traction grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces.
- Perfect for Outdoors: Designed for both daily work and outdoor activities like hiking, hunting, camping, climbing, cycling, fishing, running, backpacking, trekking, mountaineering, traveling, and so on.
- What You Get: NORTIV 8 aims at providing high-quality outdoor shoes.
Bestseller No. 9
Brooks Men’s Glycerin 21 Neutral Running Shoe - Blue/Peacoat/Nightlife - 10...
- THIS MEN'S SHOE IS FOR: The Glycerin 21 is perfect for runners seeking super-soft cushioning for supreme comfort. The plush internal fit and soft, stable transitions keep runners surrounded by super-softness. This Brooks Glycerin 21 has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
- NEUTRAL SUPPORT: Provides neutral support while offering the maximum amount of cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Glycerin 20. Look for the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 for the same style with added support.
- SUPREME SOFTNESS: The ultimate in softness with even more super-soft nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning, optimized to be lightweight, responsive, and durable for plush comfort.
- PLUSH IMPROVED FIT: The plush feel of an internal stretch bootie surrounds your foot and moves and expands with your stride. The newly engineered warp knit upper is breathable and allows for a flexible, accommodating fit while staying soft against the foot.
- SMOOTH, STABLE TRANSITIONS: The broad platform stabilizes your foot and promotes smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
Bestseller No. 10
Brooks Men’s Divide 5 GTX Waterproof Trail Running Shoe - Black/Alloy/Primer...
- THIS MEN'S SHOE IS FOR: The Divide 5 GTX provides road-to-trail adaptability thanks to a familiar road shoe-inspired fit that easily goes from roads to trail with added waterproof protection, 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. Carbon Neutral Certified product. Predecessor: Divide 4
- WATERPROOF PROTECTION: Waterproof GORE-TEX technology in the upper offers a light flexible fit with breathable protection from the elements.
- 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.
Last update on 2025-04-30 / 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!
