Twelve trail running shoes tested across Victorian terrain — our top picks for 2026 across every budget.

Best Trail Running Shoes of 2026

We tested 12 trail running shoes across Victorian terrain — from the loose gravel of the Dandenongs to the wet rocks of the Surf Coast Walk.

Top Picks

The Speedgoat continues to dominate. Maximum cushioning, reliable grip, and now lighter than its predecessor. Ideal for long days in the mountains.

Outstanding grip at a mid-range price. The aggressive lug pattern handles mud and loose terrain exceptionally well.

For those chasing times. Minimal drop, responsive, and the graphene rubber outsole grips wet rock better than anything else we tested.

**Lug depth**: Deeper for mud, shallower for hard pack

**Drop**: Lower drop = more natural, but takes adjustment

**Stack height**: More cushioning = more comfort, less ground feel