Best Trail & Fell Running Shoes for Soft & Muddy Ground

This guide is for runners who prioritise agility and grip over the heavy, max-cushioned winter trail shoes.  We've focused on lightweight shoes with aggressive lugs, built for wet, muddy and soft terrain.

When the trails turn to soup, deep lugs aren't the only thing to consider. Will your shoe stay locked on your foot when you step into a bog? Drain water as fast as it lets it in? Or offer enough protection for a technical mountain descent?

Below, we break down the key features to look for when choosing a shoe for soft and muddy ground, before diving into our top picks.

Note on distance and cushioning: These winter trail and fell racing shoes excel at distances up to 25k. While they could push to 50k, they intentionally feature low-profile cushioning.  We’ll explain why in the section below…

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INOV8 Mudtalon Speed v2

Best for: Deep mud, wet grass and dedicated fell racing

The clue is in the name. The INOV8 MUDTALON SPEED v2 is a soft-ground specialist, with some of the deepest lugs in our trail and fell racing selection.

The claw-like lugs are designed to dig into thick mud and wet grass, providing good traction when you're pushing uphill or trying to maintain control on slippery descents. It’s not the lightest shoe in this category, but it still delivers a race-day feel with its precision fit and 4mm drop, offering that excellent ground feel runners often seek on race day.

*also available in wide fit

VJ IRock 4

Best for: Runners who want a secure fit on technical and muddy terrain

The VJ IRock 4 is a popular choice among trail and fell runners, orienteers and obstacle-course racers. It combines aggressive outsole traction with a unique lacing system that keeps your foot secure when the terrain gets difficult.

VJ's Fitlock system wraps securely around the inner side of your foot and under the arch as you lace up, for a more locked-in feel.

The shoe also uses VJ's famous butyl rubber outsole, which gives the brand its slogan ‘The best grip on the planet’. The VJ IROCK4 is a strong option for runners whose routes combine deep mud with rocky, technical sections.

7. SCOTT Supertrac Speed RC

Best for: Lightweight fell and mountain racing

The SCOTT Supertrac Speed RC is designed for runners who want a lightweight shoe with aggressive traction. It is one of the lightest in the article, with 7mm lugs and a 3mm drop for a low-profile feel.

Similar to the MUDTALON SPEED and the VJ, the Supertrac Speed RC offers another option for fell and mountain racing, especially if you prefer a more direct connection to the ground on uneven terrain.

The shoe uses a lightweight mesh and TPU upper, with just enough cushioning to keep the ride comfortable without adding unnecessary bulk.

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Unlike many shoes in this article, which are only available in unisex sizing, the SCOTT Spupertrack Speed RC offers specific Men’s and Women’s fit.

SCARPA Spin ST

Best for: Short, technical races on soft ground

The SCARPA Spin ST combines a relatively minimal build with an aggressive outsole, making it a strong option for short, technical fell distances, OCR, and Spartan-style races.

Its Vibram 7mm traction lugs and relatively minimal cushioning make this shoe better suited to shorter, faster efforts than to runners who want a highly cushioned shoe for long-distance trail running.

The Spin ST also features a padded collar around the ankle, or what some call a “gaiter”. This can help prevent ankle scrapes and reduce loose debris from entering the shoe. This shoe also features a unique locking mechanism, a plastic clasp that snaps shut to keep the laces from loosening over time. You can adjust your laces to your preferred tension for added security.

NNormal Kjerag Brut

Best for: Fast running on technical soft ground

Unlike some of the more minimal fell-style and soft-ground running shoes in this selection, the Kjerag Brut offers a noticeably springier ride thanks to its supercritical EExpure EVA foam midsole.

However, it is still a very different proposition from a high-stack trail or ultra running shoe. The Kjerag Brute balances cushioning and energy return while staying light and fast enough for racing over difficult terrain.  

It's worth considering for runners tackling steep, technical winter trails who still prioritise performance and comfort.

Merrell MTL Skyfire 2 Matryx

Best for: Fast running on steep, technical mountain trails

Compared with the more mud-focused options in this guide, the Skyfire 2 Matryx has a slightly different role. It's a lightweight technical mountain shoe that can handle muddy sections thanks to its 5mm lugs. However, it is not an out-and-out deep-mud specialist.

At 210g, it is one of the lightest shoes in this selection, making it especially suited to runners who prioritise agility and speed. So if your next mountain race needs a versatile shoe that can take you across exposed rock, steep climbs, technical descents and softer ground, the Merelly Skyfire 2 could be the perfect option.

If your runs are dominated by deep mud and wet grass, the deeper lugs of the INOV8 or VJ may be a better match.

Brooks Catamount Agil

Best for: Fast technical trail racing on mixed terrain

Like the Merrell Skyfire 2 we reviewed above, the Brooks Catamount Agil takes a slightly different approach to some of the shoes in this guide. The Agil is designed for fast running on technical trails, combining a lightweight construction with a responsive midsole and a propulsion plate.

Its 5.7mm lugs offer traction on difficult terrain, but the shoe's overall design prioritises fast trail racing over persistent deep mud. This makes it a useful comparison for runners who regularly move between firmer trails, rocky sections and occasional muddy ground.

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