The future of trail running has never looked more exciting. At this year's The Running Event in Austin, Texas, the world’s top running shoe brands showcased their most innovative designs set to hit the shelves in 2025. From super lightweight racers to max-cushioned ultra-distance shoes, the advancements in running technology are creating shoes that are faster, lighter, and more responsive than ever before.
Whether you’re a seasoned trail enthusiast or a casual runner looking to upgrade your gear, 2025 promises something for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the most exciting trail running shoes coming your way next year.Trail Running Shoes to Watch in 2025
1. La Sportiva Prodigio Pro ($195)
Heel-toe offset: 6mm
Stack height: 34mm (heel), 28mm (forefoot)
Spec weight: 8.9 oz.
Release date: March 2025
La Sportiva’s Prodigio Pro aims to compete with the fastest trail shoes on the market. It features XFlow Speed, a nitrogen-infused TPU foam that maximizes energy return while providing excellent cushioning for long distances. The shoe’s deep lugs and sticky outsole ensure top-tier traction, while its lightweight Power Wire mesh upper keeps your foot locked in, even during technical descents. For those looking for even more cushioning, La Sportiva is also releasing the Prodigio Max later in the year.
2. X-Bionic TerraSkin XOO C ($300)
Heel-toe offset: 5mm
Stack height: 36mm (heel), 29mm (forefoot)
Spec weight: 10.9 oz.
Release date: April 2025
The futuristic TerraSkin XOO C is engineered for precision and control. Built with a responsive midsole, a carbon-fiber plate, and a rugged outsole, this shoe excels on off-camber terrain and steep trails. Paired with the brand’s anatomically designed compression socks (included in the $300 price tag), it offers a unique and personalized running experience.
3. Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail ($230)
Heel-toe offset: 6mm
Stack height: 36mm (heel), 30mm (forefoot)
Spec weight: 9.3 oz.
Release date: June 2025
Puma combines its road racing tech with trail functionality in the Deviate Nitro Elite Trail. Featuring a carbon/composite plate and Nitro Elite foam, the shoe offers a highly responsive ride. With 3mm lugs and a breathable ultra-weave upper, this shoe is designed for runners who want to combine speed with stability on moderate trail terrain.
4. On Cloudultra Pro ($260)
Heel-toe offset: 6mm
Stack height: 38mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot)
Spec weight: 8.5 oz.
Release date: May 2025
The Cloudultra Pro has been two years in the making, and it’s worth the wait. This shoe blends Helion HF foam for a soft, cushioned ride with a nylon-fiberglass plate for added propulsion. Its engineered mesh upper keeps your foot stable, while low-profile lugs provide versatility across a variety of terrains.
5. Topo Vista ($170)
Heel-toe offset: 5mm
Stack height: 38mm (heel), 33mm (forefoot)
Spec weight: 10.9 oz.
Release date: June 2025
The Topo Vista is Topo’s first venture into max-cushioned trail shoes, and it doesn’t disappoint. Built on ZipFoam midsole material, the shoe delivers durability and responsiveness for long-distance comfort. Its Vibram Megagrip outsole ensures reliable traction, while the roomy forefoot offers the trademark Topo feel.
6. Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx ($180)
Heel-toe offset: 8mm
Stack height: 49mm (heel), 41mm (forefoot)
Spec weight: 9.5 oz.
Release date: February 2025
Built with ultra-distance runners in mind, the MTL Adapt Matryx combines Merrell’s Float Pro Plus midsole with a hydrophobic Matryx upper for durability and breathability. The shoe’s Vibram Megagrip outsole provides excellent traction on both wet and dry terrain, making it a reliable choice for long trail adventures.
7. Altra Timp BOA ($175)
Heel-toe offset: 0mm
Stack height: 29mm (heel and forefoot)
Spec weight: 9.9 oz.
Release date: February 2025
Altra updates its popular Timp trail runners with a new BOA dial closure system for a secure, customizable fit. The Timp BOA retains its EgoMax midsole and Vibram Megagrip outsole, while the upper has been redesigned to provide a sock-like fit for comfort and durability on technical trails.
8. Salomon UltraGlide ($250)
Heel-toe offset: 8mm
Stack height: 44mm (heel), 36mm (forefoot)
Spec weight: 10.2 oz.
Release date: May 2025
Salomon is taking comfort to a new level with the UltraGlide, a trail running shoe designed for middle-pack runners who prioritize cushioning and support. With its Copious EVA cushioning, this shoe is built to handle long days on the trail without sacrificing Salomon’s renowned technical performance.
9. Speedland RX:FPY ($299)
Heel-toe offset: 7mm
Stack height: 40mm (heel), 33mm (forefoot)
Spec weight: 8.0 oz.
Release date: April 2025
Speedland, the boutique trail shoe brand, continues to innovate with the RX:FPY, a premium performance shoe for technical trails. It features a dual-directional BOA Li2 closure system, a removable carbon-fiber plate, and uncompressed foam midsole for responsive energy return. Each pair is crafted with trail-specific customization in mind, making it a standout choice for serious trail runners.
10. Hoka Cielo X 1 v2 ($275)
Heel-toe offset: 10mm
Stack height: 48mm (heel), 41mm (forefoot)
Spec weight: 8.1 oz.
Release date: February 2025
Hoka’s Cielo X 1 v2 is a bold update to its high-stack training and racing shoe. With a carbon-fiber plate, a new engineered jacquard upper, and an ultra-lightweight build, this shoe combines Hoka’s signature cushioning with aggressive propulsion for long-distance races and ultras.
What’s Next for Trail Running Shoes?
As brands continue to push the boundaries of design and technology, the trail running world is seeing lighter, more responsive, and more customized shoes. From carbon-fiber plates to supercritical foams, 2025’s trail running shoe lineup is packed with innovation that will help runners tackle technical terrain with speed and confidence.
Whether you’re eyeing the ultra-lightweight La Sportiva Prodigio Pro, the rugged Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx, or the versatile On Cloudultra Pro, there’s a shoe in this lineup for every type of runner. Stay tuned for more updates as these exciting models hit shelves in the coming months!
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