best-ultra-distance-trail-race-shoes-2024
Kit & Gear

The Best Trail Running Shoes for Ultra-Distance Races 2024

20 August 2024


Running an ultra-distance trail race for the first time and unsure which shoes to wear?

We take a look at this season's best ultra-distance trail shoe models, all specifically designed to tackle technical off-road terrain.

*PLEASE NOTE: THE FOLLOWING SHOES ARE NOT LISTED IN RANK ORDER*

ASICS METAFUJI™ TRAIL

For dedicated trail runners seeking to enhance their performance, the ASICS METAFUJI™ TRAIL stands out as a premium choice designed to deliver speed and efficiency on demanding terrain.

Asics Metafuji Trail Running Shoes - SS25
Asics Metafuji Trail Running Shoes - SS25

Go from adapting to accelerating and move your mind with the Metafuji Trail. It's designed to help provide advanced energy savings and cushioning properties to help you navigate the trails with less effort.​

249,99 €
Asics Metafuji Trail Running Shoes - SS25

Go from adapting to accelerating and move your mind with the Metafuji Trail. It's designed to help provide advanced energy savings and cushioning properties to help you navigate the trails with less effort.​

249,99 €

HOKA Tecton X 3

A top of the range shoe ready to propel you through gnarly terrain. The HOKA Tecton X 3 adds winglets to its carbon fiber plates for extra stability with two layers of PEBA in the midsole. Most notably, there is now a knit collar that extends up from the tongue like a gaiter to mitigate trail debris, with a lightweight upper making this version more durable and ready for whatever the trail throws at you.

Hoka Tecton X 3 Trail Running Shoes - SS25
Hoka Tecton X 3 Trail Running Shoes - SS25

Ready to propel you through gnarly terrain, the Tecton X 3 adds winglets to its carbon fibre plates for extra stability in just the right spots, and two layers of PEBA in the midsole - Hoka's lightest, most resilient compound. Redesigned lug shape and positioning on a Vibram Megagrip with Litebase outsole provide better traction, while a dynamic vamp allows feet to splay as the miles fly by. Topping it off, a knit collar extends up from the tongue like a gaiter to mitigate trail debris, and a lightweight Matryx textile upper makes this version more durable and trail-worthy than ever.

249,99 €
Hoka Tecton X 3 Trail Running Shoes - SS25

Ready to propel you through gnarly terrain, the Tecton X 3 adds winglets to its carbon fibre plates for extra stability in just the right spots, and two layers of PEBA in the midsole - Hoka's lightest, most resilient compound. Redesigned lug shape and positioning on a Vibram Megagrip with Litebase outsole provide better traction, while a dynamic vamp allows feet to splay as the miles fly by. Topping it off, a knit collar extends up from the tongue like a gaiter to mitigate trail debris, and a lightweight Matryx textile upper makes this version more durable and trail-worthy than ever.

249,99 €

Nike ZoomX Ultrafly

Featuring a carbon plate and plush ZoomX cushioning, Nike's championship trail-racing shoe offers peak performance, sleek speed and endurance for those who want to summit nature's playground.

Nike ZoomX Ultrafly Trail Running Shoes - FA24
Nike ZoomX Ultrafly Trail Running Shoes - FA24

Manifest your mountainous best, when the trail ahead is skiddy and uncertain. This is Nike's all-new championship trail racing shoe, melding the brand's best speed components from the running world with what you need to plant your flag 1st at the finish line. It offers peak performance, sleek speed and endurance for those who want to summit nature's playground.

171,11 €
RRP 249,99 €
Nike ZoomX Ultrafly Trail Running Shoes - FA24

Manifest your mountainous best, when the trail ahead is skiddy and uncertain. This is Nike's all-new championship trail racing shoe, melding the brand's best speed components from the running world with what you need to plant your flag 1st at the finish line. It offers peak performance, sleek speed and endurance for those who want to summit nature's playground.

171,11 €
RRP 249,99 €

Saucony Xodus Ultra 3

Featuring a full-length core of ultralight PWRRUN PB ensures max energy return for an extra spring in every step, a breathable upper and an improved PWRTRAC outsole with nimble 4mm lugs for traction, the Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 is the perfect ultra-distance trail running shoe.

Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 Trail Running Shoes - SS25
Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 Trail Running Shoes - SS25

Specifically designed for the long-haul, the Xodus Ultra 3 brings ultra-comfort for ultra-distance.

130,19 €
RRP 169,99 €
Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 Trail Running Shoes - SS25

Specifically designed for the long-haul, the Xodus Ultra 3 brings ultra-comfort for ultra-distance.

130,19 €
RRP 169,99 €

Salomon S/LAB ULTRA

Salomon S/LAB ULTRA was co-designed by renowned ultra runner François d’Haene and Salomon. Redefining the limits of pinnacle product performance, it's the first shoe to keep performing after 10 to 15hrs of racing. A foam and plate combo carve out new territory for ultrarunning bringing previously unexplored sensations.

Find out more about the Salomon x François d’Haene Ultra Collection range here

Salomon S/LAB Ultra Trail Running Shoes - SS25
Salomon S/LAB Ultra Trail Running Shoes - SS25

S/LAB ULTRA is the fruit of a uniquely collaborative vision between renowned ultra-runner François d'Haene and Salomon. Redefining the limits of pinnacle product performance, it's the first shoe to keep performing after 10 to 15 hours of racing. A foam and plate combo carve out new territory for ultrarunning bringing previously unexplored sensations.

167,99 €
RRP 239,99 €
Salomon S/LAB Ultra Trail Running Shoes - SS25

S/LAB ULTRA is the fruit of a uniquely collaborative vision between renowned ultra-runner François d'Haene and Salomon. Redefining the limits of pinnacle product performance, it's the first shoe to keep performing after 10 to 15 hours of racing. A foam and plate combo carve out new territory for ultrarunning bringing previously unexplored sensations.

167,99 €
RRP 239,99 €

HOKA Mafate Speed 4

A pinnacle product for technical trail, the HOKA Mafate Speed 4 distills what we’ve already seen in the EVO Mafate and the Mafate Speed. The same lines are here, just updated with new textiles and construction, including a breathable, single layer jacquard mesh and two-part PROFLY+™ midsole with the lightest, most responsive HOKA foam underfoot.

Check out our detailed shoe review here

Hoka Mafate Speed 4 Trail Running Shoes - SS25
Hoka Mafate Speed 4 Trail Running Shoes - SS25

Unbeatable traction. Distinct comfort. Responsive cushioning. The Mafate Speed 4 is the pinnacle product for technical trails, distilling what we've seen in the Mafate family, but with streamlined textiles and advanced construction.

179,99 €
Hoka Mafate Speed 4 Trail Running Shoes - SS25

Unbeatable traction. Distinct comfort. Responsive cushioning. The Mafate Speed 4 is the pinnacle product for technical trails, distilling what we've seen in the Mafate family, but with streamlined textiles and advanced construction.

179,99 €

The North Face Summit VECTIV Pro 2.0 IKB

Featuring artwork and the iconic blue colour used by artist Yves Klein, The North Face VECTIV Pro 2.0 IKB has carbon fibre plates for propulsion and super-soft Dream midsole foam for incredible levels of cushioning and energy return.

Shop the The North Face IKB range now

The North Face x IKB Summit Series VECTIV Pro II Trail Running Shoes - AW24
The North Face x IKB Summit Series VECTIV Pro II Trail Running Shoes - AW24

The North Face x IKB Summit Series VECTIV Pro II will be your go-to shoe for race day performance. Designed in collaboration with the Yves Klein Foundation, it features artwork and the iconic blue colour used by artist Yves Klein, and it has a VECTIV 2.0 carbon fibre plate and super-high-rebound DREAM foam to help propel you towards the finish line.

139,49 €
RRP 278,99 €
The North Face x IKB Summit Series VECTIV Pro II Trail Running Shoes - AW24

The North Face x IKB Summit Series VECTIV Pro II will be your go-to shoe for race day performance. Designed in collaboration with the Yves Klein Foundation, it features artwork and the iconic blue colour used by artist Yves Klein, and it has a VECTIV 2.0 carbon fibre plate and super-high-rebound DREAM foam to help propel you towards the finish line.

139,49 €
RRP 278,99 €

Salomon S/LAB GENESIS

Tested by some of the best ultra-runners, including Courtney Dauwalter, the new Salomon S/LAB GENESIS is paving the way for a new open-minded take on high-commitment trail running. One where you rack up more shared experiences than PBs, and also where the distance is not about the number but about the adventure.

Salomon S/LAB GENESIS Trail Running Shoes - AW24
Salomon S/LAB GENESIS Trail Running Shoes - AW24

The new S/LAB GENESIS is paving the way for a new open-minded take on high-commitment trail running. One where you rack up more shared experiences than PBs, and also where the distance is not about the number but about the adventure.

223,19 €
Salomon S/LAB GENESIS Trail Running Shoes - AW24

The new S/LAB GENESIS is paving the way for a new open-minded take on high-commitment trail running. One where you rack up more shared experiences than PBs, and also where the distance is not about the number but about the adventure.

223,19 €

Brooks Catamount 3

Great for races between 50 and 100k, get ready for top-speed trail adventures in the Brooks Catamount 3.

Light, responsive cushioning plus a propulsion plate for uphill efficiency join forces to produce this fast and responsive trail-running shoe.

Brooks Catamount 3 Trail Running Shoes - AW24
Brooks Catamount 3 Trail Running Shoes - AW24

Great for races between 50 and 100k, get ready for top-speed trail adventures in the Brooks Catamount 3. Light, responsive cushioning plus a propulsion plate for uphill efficiency join forces to produce this fast and responsive trail-running shoe.

170,00 €
Brooks Catamount 3 Trail Running Shoes - AW24

Great for races between 50 and 100k, get ready for top-speed trail adventures in the Brooks Catamount 3. Light, responsive cushioning plus a propulsion plate for uphill efficiency join forces to produce this fast and responsive trail-running shoe.

170,00 €

Altra Olympus 6

Get ready to tackle all terrain with the Olympus 6, Altra's plushest trail runner.

Featuring a natural fitting footshape, a redesigned lug pattern and a plush EVA midsole for incredible cushioning and comfort.

Altra Olympus 6 Trail Running Shoes - AW25
Altra Olympus 6 Trail Running Shoes - AW25

Hit the trails harder than before with the new Altra Olympus 6. With an updated lug pattern delivering even more grip, you can take on the trail confidently. An EVA midsole offers underfoot comfort while the Original FootShape Fit lets your toes splay for a natural feel.

161,99 €
RRP 179,99 €
Altra Olympus 6 Trail Running Shoes - AW25

Hit the trails harder than before with the new Altra Olympus 6. With an updated lug pattern delivering even more grip, you can take on the trail confidently. An EVA midsole offers underfoot comfort while the Original FootShape Fit lets your toes splay for a natural feel.

161,99 €
RRP 179,99 €

Merrell Agility Peak 5

Building on the success of one of Merrell's most popular trail running shoes, the Agility Peak 5 provides updates to this already successful trail runner. In this latest version, the rocker is increased, weight is reduced to less than 300g, and the heel cup is sculpted for better on-foot comfort and less slip.

This shoe is also available in waterproof GORE-TEX versions and a winter boot, the Agility Peak 5 GORE-TEX Trail, designed for cold and extreme weather conditions.

Interested in the latest shoes, apparel and technology? Then head over to our Kit & Gear category for more reviews, tips, advice and product releases.


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