Best-Selling Trail Running Shoes by Color

Best-Selling Trail Running Shoes by Color

Just as we track the best-selling street running shoes each quarter, we also review trail running shoes to see which models are most popular on the market. Trail running trends differ significantly from road running, with a wider variety of brands, styles, and technical features. Based on sales data from the second quarter of the year (April, May, June), here’s a look at the top-selling trail shoes by color.

Men’s Best-Selling Trail Shoes

HOKA continues to dominate the trail scene, placing six different models among the top sellers:

• Speedgoat: Known for its high cushioning, smooth ride, and ultra-grip, this shoe remains a favorite among testers. Its popularity highlights HOKA’s reputation for reliable, long-distance performance, though the Evo Mafate may soon challenge it as a top ultramarathon choice.
• Napali ATR & Challenger ATR: Multiple colors of these versatile all-terrain shoes also made the list, demonstrating HOKA’s strong foothold in both moderate and technical trail conditions.
• Stinson ATR 4, Torrent, and Evo Jawz: These models rounded out HOKA’s presence, offering options from maximal cushioning to lightweight speed-focused designs.

Altra also had a standout quarter, showcasing the popularity of zero-drop shoes:

• Lone Peak 3.5: Secured the top spot on the list, with two additional colors also making the top 10.
• Timp and Superior: Rugged and fast options, respectively, added to Altra’s strong showing.
• In total, Altra placed five models in the top 20, reinforcing its status as a major player on technical and dirt trails.

Other notable trail shoes included:

• New Balance MT10 v1: Known for its minimalist, almost barefoot feel, the MT10 captured the interest of runners seeking a grounded, natural running experience, ranking at #2 and #5.
• Salomon: The brand placed two S-Lab models in the top 20, reflecting its race-ready performance. The S-Lab Sense Ultra sold best at #4, while the slightly sturdier S-Lab Ultra reached #16, combining speed with extra protection for technical terrain.

Key Insights

• Brand Loyalty: HOKA and Altra clearly dominate the men’s trail market, with multiple models and colorways performing well.
• Diverse Preferences: From maximal cushioning to zero-drop minimalist shoes, trail runners show a wide range of preferences depending on terrain and running style.
• Performance Focus: Shoes that combine grip, stability, and comfort continue to lead sales, highlighting the importance of technical performance for trail runners.

This quarterly roundup shows how trail running footwear is evolving, with runners looking for reliability, versatility, and style in equal measure. Whether you prefer a cushioned long-distance shoe or a lightweight, agile racing shoe, the top-selling models reflect the current trends and preferences of the trail running community.

Best-Selling Women’s Trail Running Shoes

On the women’s side, HOKA once again dominated the best-seller list, with eight of the top ten shoes belonging to the brand. Many of the models mirrored the male top-sellers, showcasing HOKA’s strong presence and versatility across both men’s and women’s trail running markets.

Top Shoe: Unlike the men’s list, where Altra’s Lone Peak led, the Brooks Cascadia 12 claimed the top spot for women. While technically not revolutionary, the Cascadia 12 is celebrated for its robust, reliable, and versatile design, making it a favorite for training and long-term trail use. Its all-terrain capabilities have made it a go-to shoe that trail runners return to year after year. Alongside the Cascadia, the Adrenaline ASR, Brooks’ all-terrain counterpart, placed #15, offering additional stability and cushioning for diverse trail conditions.

Altra’s Performance: Altra performed well in the women’s category, with different colors of the Timp and Lone Peak making the list. While these shoes didn’t dominate the top rankings like their male counterparts, they still delivered solid sales, confirming Altra’s strong presence in the female trail running market.

Unique Women’s Models:

• Saucony Peregrine 8: Only appearing on the women’s list, this shoe has gained slightly in weight compared to previous versions but remains a lightweight, aggressive trail shoe, ideal for long distances and technical terrain.
• New Balance Summit Unknown & Nike Terra Kiger: Both shoes combine lightweight design with agility, making them perfect for faster-paced runs on varied terrain. Their versatility makes them excellent for runners who want speed without sacrificing trail stability.

Key Observations

• Brand Dominance: HOKA and Brooks are clearly leaders in the women’s trail running space, while Altra and Saucony maintain strong niche followings.
• Versatility vs. Specialization: The list reflects a balance between all-terrain reliability (Cascadia, Timp) and lightweight, agile performance (Peregrine, Summit Unknown, Terra Kiger).
• Gender Differences: While men’s lists featured more Altra dominance at the top, the women’s list shows slightly more diversity in shoe types, with a mix of cushioning, durability, and speed-focused designs.

Training Tips for Trail Runners

When analyzing pros and cons for female trail runners:

• Treadmill Use in Cold Weather: Using a treadmill during colder months helps prevent injuries caused by icy, slippery, or uneven surfaces.
• Transition to Outdoors: As temperatures rise, running outdoors is recommended to maintain terrain-specific skills and improve balance, agility, and foot strength.
• Consistency: The treadmill remains a valid backup on days with adverse weather, ensuring that training plans stay uninterrupted while minimizing risk.

This expanded overview highlights not just best-selling models, but also why runners choose them, offering insight into performance, reliability, and terrain-specific suitability.