The Best All-Round Trail Shoes Right Now
Looking for one trail shoe that can handle it all? We’ve tested and reviewed the best all-round trail shoes for mixed terrain, distance and conditions.
Most trail runners don’t run one type of terrain. We move between fire trails and singletrack, loose rocky patches, sandy sections, mud, steep slopes or even road. We do short runs, long ones, and anything in between.
For trail runners, that’s our everyday reality. We lace up and head out without overthinking it. Road shoes don’t work well on our sort of terrain, so owning a good pair of all-round trail shoes matters. The shoes below are the ones we reach for when we want a single pair that can handle it all, run after run.
What Makes a Great All-Round Trail Shoe?
A good all-rounder is like a reliable training buddy. They don’t just show up for easy days when the weather’s good, they’re there for the hard ones too. They adapt when plans change and don’t let you down when things get messy.
It’s the same with all-round trail shoes. These types of shoes don’t usually specialise, they’re generalists and the good ones can deliver serious bang for buck.
When buying an all-rounder, you should look for reliable grip across mixed terrain, cushioning that supports both short and long runs, stable geometry without feeling rigid or clunky, a good fit, and durability.
The Shoes We Tested
For full reviews of the best all-round trail shoes, check these links.
– The North Face VECTIV™ Enduris 4
– Brooks Cascadia 1 (Re-Release)
How We Selected These Trail Shoes
Every shoe in this line-up has been worn, tested, and pushed by real trail runners across a mix of Australian conditions over weeks of regular training.
When we pull these comparisons together, we focus on how each shoe actually holds up in the real world: how it feels over long and short runs, how it handles changing terrain, how durable it is, and who it suits best. Value matters too, because most of us want a shoe we can rely on, not just admire.
We’re not here to crown a single “perfect” shoe. Instead, we highlight the ones that consistently do what they promise.
Arc’teryx Norvan LD 4
Reliable, balanced, and quietly confident
The Norvan LD 4 doesn’t chase trends. Instead, it delivers consistency — mile after mile, across a wide range of terrain.
Its moderate stack height and dual-density midsole strike a balance between ground feel and protection, while the Vibram Megagrip outsole inspires confidence on wet and dry surfaces alike. The fit is accommodating without feeling sloppy, particularly for runners who prefer a slightly roomier forefoot.
This is a shoe that disappears on your foot — which, for an all-rounder, is exactly the point.
Pros
– Excellent grip in mixed conditions
– Comfortable, accommodating fit
– Stable and predictable ride
Cons
– Cushioning may feel firm for some
– Tongue can be fiddly to adjust initially
Features at a glance
– Foot type: Neutral, wider forefoot friendly
– Outsole: Vibram Megagrip
– Lugs: ~4mm, multi-directional
– Grip: Strong on wet and dry surfaces
– Cushioning: Moderate (25mm heel / 19mm forefoot)
– Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
– Upper: Breathable mesh with TPU overlays
– Waterproofing: No
Vitals
RRP: $280.00 AUD
Website: arcteryx.com
Tarkine Trail Devil 2
Versatile with a fast edge
The Trail Devil 2 earns its all-rounder badge through adaptability.
Its PEBA-infused midsole delivers a lively, responsive feel that works just as well on long training runs as it does when pace creeps up. Despite its lighter weight, the shoe maintains stability on technical terrain, thanks to a well-structured upper and confident outsole.
This is one of those rare shoes that can train all week and still feel race-ready.
Pros
– Light and responsive
– Excellent balance of cushion and precision
– Strong sustainability credentials
Cons
– Not ideal for prolonged road use
– Tongue could be slightly taller
Features at a glance
– Foot type: Neutral, wide toe box
– Outsole: Tarkine Claw rubber
– Lugs: ~3.5mm
– Grip: Strong on dry, loose and damp terrain
– Cushioning: Moderate-responsive (PEBA-infused foam)
– Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
– Upper: Structured mesh with midfoot wrap
– Waterproofing: No
Vitals
RRP: $269.95 AUD / $299.90 NZD
Website: tarkine.com
The North Face VECTIV™ Enduris 4
Comfort-leaning, confidence-building
The Enduris 4 sits slightly toward the comfort end of the all-rounder spectrum, without tipping into bulky territory.
Its Dream foam midsole and stability plate work together to create a soft but controlled ride, especially welcome on longer efforts. The wider base helps reduce wobble on uneven ground, and the outsole delivers dependable traction across varied surfaces.
This is a great option for runners who prioritise comfort and stability over outright speed.
Pros
– Plush yet stable cushioning
– Secure, forgiving fit
– Confidence-boosting ride
Cons
– Heavier than some competitors
– Less nimble for fast, technical racing
Features at a glance
– Foot type: Neutral
– Outsole: Surface Control rubber
– Lugs: ~4mm chevron pattern
– Grip: Reliable across mixed terrain
– Cushioning: High-moderate
– Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
– Upper: Dual-Warp engineered mesh
– Waterproofing: No
Vitals
RRP: $270 AUD / $300.00 NZD
More info: thenorthface.com.au / thenorthface.co.nz
Brooks Cascadia 1 (Re-Release)
Old-school stability, modern relevance
The Cascadia 1 is a reminder that not every great trail shoe needs modern foam theatrics.
Firm, stable, and predictable, it offers excellent ground feel and durability on compact dirt, gravel, and fire trails. While it lacks the plushness of modern designs, it rewards runners who value control and trail feedback.
It won’t suit everyone. But for the right runner, it still holds its own.
Pros
– Extremely stable and predictable
– Durable build
– Excellent trail feel
Cons
– Firmer ride than modern shoes
– Narrower toe box
– Limited traction in slick mud
Features at a glance
– Foot type: Neutral, narrower fit
– Outsole: Trail-specific rubber compound
– Lugs: Moderate, shallow
– Grip: Best on compact dirt and gravel
– Cushioning: Firm / low-moderate
– Heel-to-toe drop: ~10mm (traditional geometry)
– Upper: Synthetic overlays and mesh
– Waterproofing: No
Vitals
RRP: $259.95 AUD / $299.90 NZD
Website: brooksrunning.com.au / brooksrunning.co.nz
The Takeaway
All-round trail are all about reliability across many types of runs. Each of these models earns its place by doing many things well whether you lean toward comfort, responsiveness, or classic stability.
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