10 Best Trail Running Shoes For Men 2026 in the United States

The Under Armour Men's Charged Assert 9 is a lightweight and breathable running shoe that offers moderate to high cushioning, thanks to its Charged Cushioning midsole made of compression molded foam. This makes it comfortable and responsive for running, providing a soft feel underfoot without sacrificing durability. Its mesh upper with leather overlays offers good breathability and stability, keeping your foot secure during movement. The solid rubber outsole covers key impact areas, which helps with durability and provides decent traction, though it’s primarily designed for road running rather than rough, technical trails.

Weighing around 300 grams, it’s fairly light, which helps reduce fatigue over longer runs. Fit is true to size with a low-top design, and the EVA sockliner adds to the step-in comfort. However, this shoe is not water resistant, so it may not be the best choice if you often run in wet or muddy conditions. Also, while it offers some protection and stability, it lacks specialized features like aggressive lugs or reinforced toe caps typically seen in dedicated trail-running shoes.

If you’re mainly running on well-maintained trails or roads and want a comfortable, responsive shoe that breathes well, this model fits nicely. For tougher, wetter trails, consider shoes built specifically for trail running with enhanced grip and water resistance.

The Under Armour Men's Charged Assert 9 Camo is a lightweight trail running shoe weighing about 0.82 kg, making it easy to wear for longer distances without feeling heavy on your feet. It offers maximum cushioning through Under Armour's Charged Cushioning foam, providing good shock absorption on rocky or uneven trails. The fit is true to size, featuring a low-top design that supports natural ankle movement and comfort.

The mesh upper enhances breathability, which is ideal for warmer conditions, but the shoe is not water resistant—so it may not be suitable for running through wet terrain or mud. Traction is delivered by a rubber sole that performs well on hard surfaces, although it might not offer the aggressive grip required for steep or very slippery trails.

Protection is moderate; the closed toe and durable stitching provide some defense against debris but lack extra reinforcement for rough trails. This shoe is well suited for runners seeking a comfortable, well-cushioned option for dry, mild to warm-weather trail running and casual wear, while those needing waterproofing or heavy-duty trail protection might want to consider other models.

The ALTRA Men's Lone Peak 9 is designed with trail runners in mind, offering a balanced mix of comfort and protection. Its standout feature is the Balanced Cushioning platform combined with Altra's FootShape toe box, which allows your toes to spread naturally, enhancing comfort and encouraging a low-impact running form. This makes it a good choice if you want to reduce strain on your joints during longer runs.

The shoe's traction comes from a rubber sole that performs well on various surfaces, though it’s not specifically highlighted as aggressive, so very technical or slippery trails might require caution. The water-resistant eVent bootie helps keep your feet dry in wet conditions, making these shoes suitable for rainy or damp environments. In terms of fit, customer feedback is positive, with many appreciating the roomy toe box and true-to-size fit. However, the Lone Peak 9 lacks adjustable straps beyond traditional laces, which could be a downside if you want a more customized fit.

Weighing about 1.5 pounds, it is not the lightest trail shoe but offers a good balance between durability and weight. This shoe excels in comfort and protection for moderate to challenging trails, especially if you prioritize natural foot movement and water resistance.