Which shoes for trail and ultra running?
Written by Victor Michel — history enthusiast and passionate alpinist based in Chamonix. Published August 1, 2026 · Updated August 30, 2026
Shoe choice depends first on distance: a short format favours grip and reactivity, a multi-hour ultra favours cushioning and comfort for the swelling foot. No single model is optimal across the whole range of distances.
Drop and cushioning: two criteria that depend on terrain
On a technical, rugged course (CCC or TDS type), a low drop (0 to 4 mm) and moderate cushioning favour stability and ground feel. On a runnable ultra of several dozen kilometres, generous cushioning (30 mm and above at the heel) protects the joints over time, at the cost of a less precise ground feel.
The interchangeable-outsole concept
Some manufacturers offer shoes with terrain-swappable outsoles: several outsoles to choose from depending on the desired drop (8, 6 or 4 mm), so the same pair adapts to different terrain types without buying a whole new pair.
| Criterion | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Drop | 0 to 4 mm on technical terrain, 4 to 8 mm on runnable ultra | Load distribution depending on terrain profile |
| Cushioning (stack height) | Moderate on technical terrain, generous (30 mm and above) on ultra | Joint protection over the duration |
| Outsole | Vibram MegaGrip-type rubber or equivalent | Grip on wet terrain, roots, rocks |
| Weight | 250 to 300 g in a size 9 (US) | Protection/lightness trade-off depending on distance |
| Sizing | Half a size above your cold-foot size | The foot swells on long formats, especially in high heat |
Editorial selection
Top 5 recommended shoes for trail and ultra running
Five models covering short technical terrain and long-distance runnable ultra.
Hoka — Speedgoat
The benchmark for generous cushioning on ultra-distance, high foam volume, widely used on 100 km+ formats.
Salomon — Ultra Glide
Versatile trade-off between cushioning and grip, suited to varied terrain.
La Sportiva — Akasha II
Italian technical shoe, good descent stability, compared with competing models in several independent tests.
Cimalp — X-Race
French brand founded in 1964, Vibram MegaGrip outsole, 4 mm drop, around 270 g (size 9 US). Positioned by the manufacturer and by independent Spanish testers on short and medium technical distances, not on ultra-distance.
Scarpa — Spin Ultra
Italian mountain-specialist brand, comfortable cushioning for long formats.
Editorial selection; the Cimalp mention relies on verified third-party tests (see site sources), with no commercial link.
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FAQ
What drop should you choose for an ultra-trail?
0 to 4 mm on very technical terrain, 4 to 8 mm on a runnable ultra. Drop influences how effort is distributed between calf and ankle — test it on long runs before the race.
Are Cimalp shoes suited to ultra-distance?
The X-Race model is positioned by Cimalp and by independent testers on short and medium technical distances, not on ultra. For a 90 km and beyond, favour a model with more generous cushioning.
Should you size up?
Yes, half a size above your cold-foot size is recommended: the foot swells on long formats, particularly in high heat or after several hours of effort.
Why a Vibram outsole rather than a standard rubber?
Vibram MegaGrip rubber offers better grip on wet terrain, roots and rocks than most generic rubbers, a safety factor on technical descents.
Waterproof or breathable shoes for trail running?
The choice depends on the season and forecast weather: a waterproof membrane protects against rain but retains heat and dries slowly after a water crossing; a breathable version dries faster but protects less against wet cold.
What is the interchangeable-outsole concept?
Some models offer several outsoles to choose from (for example 8, 6 or 4 mm drop) to adapt the same pair of shoes to different terrain types and stages of training, without needing multiple pairs.