The Best Lightweight Trail Racing Shoes for Soft and Muddy Terrain 2025
Winter is coming - it's time to change your threads and treads.
When it comes to shoes, aggressive lugs and an outsole designed to shed the mud are both essential for staying on your feet.
ㅤ
In no particular order, here are our top 7 picks for the best lightweight trail racing shoes 2025, specifically designed to tackle soft and muddy terrain.
Conquer the extremes - choose your weapon.
ㅤ
| SHOE | PRICE | DESCRIPTION |
| INOV8 MUDTALON SPEED | RRP £129.99 | The ultimate fast-feel shoe for running and racing on soft and muddy ground. |
| VJ IRock 4 | RRP £149.99 | Built for trail/fell running, orienteering and obstacle course racing on soft, muddy and extreme terrain. |
| SCARPA Spin ST | RRP £149.99 | Providing grip, protection and stability across a range of trail distances. |
| NNormal Kjerag Brut | RRP £189.99 | Lightweight, grippy and breathable - ideal for racing trail, fell and OCR. |
| Brooks Catamount Agil | RRP £170.00 | Perfect for tackling technical mountain trails and races under 50k. |
| Merrell MTL Skyfire 2 Matryx | RRP £169.99 | Made for trail and sky runners to excel on the most technical mountains and rugged trails in the world. |
| SCOTT Supertrac Speed RC | RRP £139.99 | Your go-to shoe for anything from fell running, to mountain running, to obstacle course races. |
1. INOV8 MUDTALON SPEED
It’s time to unleash the INOV8 MUDTALON SPEED. With exciting new enhancements in grip, cushioning, protection, durability, shape and fit, this new breed of beast is ready to meet the next generation needs of runners who like to play dirty on fells, hills, mountains and trails.
ㅤ
Find out more here
| Weight | 260g |
| Drop | 4mm |
| Lug depth | 8mm |
| Width | Available in Precision (thin) and Wide |
| Key features | STICKYGRIP rubber outsole with THE most aggressive 8mm lug for grip on extreme terrain, a lightweight and breathable upper, POWERFLOW PRO foam midsole for bounce and cushioning, plus a a flexible META-SHANK rock plate for protection. |
2. VJ IRock 4
Dubbed 'The Best Grip on the Planet'
With its precision fit and incredible grip, the VJ IRock has long been a favourite with fell runners and orienteers.
Built for performance, it's best suited for shorter to middle distances in soft terrain and is in a class of its own from snowy descents to muddy trails.
ㅤ
Find out more here
| Weight | 240g |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Lug depth | 6mm (inner studs), 8mm (outer studs) |
| Key Features | Schoeller®-Keprotec® upper featuring aramid fibres for durability and protection, a Fitlock system provides added protection and a personalized fit and VJ’s signature Butyl rubber outsole with a 6-8mm lug configuration gives optimal grip on extreme terrain. |
3. SCARPA Spin ST
Combining high levels of traction, lightness and breathability for maximum performance on all types of terrain, especially soft and muddy surfaces. Built to provide stability and protection across a range of trail distances.
ㅤ
Find out more here
| Weight | 260g |
| Drop | 4mm |
| Lug depth | 7mm |
| Key features | An EVA Midsole that is comfortable, cushioned and soft underfoot to attenuate shocks and aggressive 7mm Lugs that dig deep into soft, wet or muddy ground for braking and control. |
4. NNormal Kjerag Brut
Designed for the toughest conditions
Introducing the NNormal Kjerag Brut, the newest addition to the Kjerag family, delivers the same lightweight rebound and comfort as the original—now designed for soft, steep, and vertical terrain. With a high-traction sole for grip in mud and snow, and a breathable upper that sheds water fast, it’s the go-to choice when conditions get messy.
ㅤ
Find out more here
| Weight | 230g |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Lug Depth | 6.5mm |
| Features | A Matryx® Micro upper with a sock-like collar and an external molded counter for lightweight performance, an EExpure supercritical EVA foam midsole for high energy, superior cushioning and rebound, plus aggressive 6.5mm lugs on a Vibram® Megagrip Lightbase outsole for ultimate grip and traction. |
5. Brooks Catamount Agil
Don't let your fast times be just on the road.
Ultra-lightweight and aggressive, the Catamount Agil is Brooks' fastest trail shoe yet — ideal for short races on technical terrain. This is a shoe designed with nitrogen-infused midsole cushioning to help you move faster and provide incredible grip for confidence on the trail.
ㅤ
Find out more here
| Weight | 218g |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Lug depth | 5.7mm |
| Key features | A SpeedVault Trail Plate offers protection, stability and propulsion, nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH v2 midsole technology creates a lightweight, responsive ride and a lightweight mesh upper reduces weight whilst increasing breathability. |
6. Merrell MTL Skyfire 2 Matryx
Introducing Merrell’s lightest and fastest trail running shoe. Made for trail and sky runners to excel on the most technical mountains and rugged trails in the world.
A grippy, lightweight design and secure fit gives athletes more confidence on technical terrain and an advantage on shorter, steep trails.
The MTL Skyfire 2 Matryx edition is built for elite-level performance.
ㅤ
Read the review of the MTL Skyfire 2 here
| Weight | 210g |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Lug depth | 5mm |
| Key features | Matryx Upper which is lightweight, breathable and abrasion resistant, plus Vibram MegaGrip and 5mm for supreme grip. |
7. SCOTT Supertrac Speed RC
You’ll never lose your grip thanks to a new tough and rugged outsole that has been created specifically for this shoe. Mud or rock, rain or snow, you will be covered whatever the weather. One thing is for sure, you’ll be fast when you hit the ground running in this robust trail shoe.
ㅤ
Find out more here
| Weight | Men's: 215g / Women's: 195g |
| Drop | 3mm |
| Lug depth | 7mm |
| Key features | Aggressive grip with deep lugs to provide maximum traction on soft and muddy ground, lightweight & breathable Cordura Mesh with TPU upper and AeroFoam+ in an ERIDE Midsole for cushioning. |
Interested in the latest shoes, apparel and technology? Then head over to our Kit & Gear category for more reviews, tips, advice and product releases.
Welcome
Welcome to SportsShoes Kit & Gear Hub! Here you'll find all the information and advice you need about the very latest kit, technology and gear.
Read More
Share this
Featured Articles
View All
