The 5 Most Comfortable Trail Running Shoes We've Tested
We’ve put the latest cushioned trail shoes through months of real-world testing to find the pairs that deliver standout comfort, protection and support for long runs and endurance training.
Comfort matters more than anything else when the kilometres stack up. We’ve tested dozens of trail shoes recently and these are the ones that keep our legs and feet happier, and long runs feeling manageable.
Some trail runs are about technique and speed. Others are about survival.
Long runs, ultra training blocks, back-to-back days, or slow-burning adventures demand a different kind of shoe. You need one that protects your legs, absorbs impact, and doesn’t punish you for staying out longer.
Comfort-focused trail shoes aren’t about laziness or shortcuts. They’re about longevity. They let you train more consistently, recover better, and enjoy the run instead of counting down the kilometres until it’s over.
The shoes below are the ones we reach for when the plan involves time on feet and finishing the run feeling relatively intact.
What Makes a Great Comfort-Focused Trail Shoe?
Comfort on the trails isn’t just about softness. The best long-run trail shoes balance cushioning, stability and fit so your body doesn’t have to work overtime just to stay upright.
When we look for shoes suited to comfort and long days, these qualities matter most:
– Generous cushioning that absorbs impact without feeling wobbly or unstable
– A stable platform that reduces fatigue over long distances
– A fit that allows for foot swelling later in the run
– Reliable grip that doesn’t require constant micro-adjustments
– Durability for repeated long efforts, not just race day
These are the shoes to choose when the run might stretch out, the terrain might change, and comfort is non-negotiable.
The Shoes We Tested
For full reviews of each model, check the links below.
– HOKA Mafate X
– La Sportiva Prodigio Max
– New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9
– Brooks Caldera 8
– The North Face Altamesa 500
How We Selected These Trail Shoes
Every shoe in this comparison has earned its spot the same way: by being worn properly, over time, on real trails.
These models have been tested by trail runners across long runs, steady training weeks, and extended outings. We look closely at how each shoe handles fatigue, impact, stability, and fit over distance, not just how it feels in the first few kilometres.
We also factor in durability, value for money, and who each shoe genuinely suits. There’s no such thing as a perfect shoe for everyone, but there are shoes that consistently deliver comfort when it matters most.
HOKA Mafate X
Maximum comfort for maximum mileage
The Mafate X is unapologetically plush. From the first step-in, it’s clear this shoe is built for long days and to prevent tired fatigued legs.
The high stack, combined with HOKA’s aggressive Meta-Rocker and carbon plate, creates a smooth, rolling ride that reduces pounding and keeps momentum ticking along. It’s not a shoe for sharp, technical footwork though. It’s designed for fire trails, gravel, and long ultra-style terrain and let’s just say…..it’s a dream.
This is comfort-first design done properly.
Pros
– Exceptional cushioning for long runs
– Smooth, efficient ride
– Stable platform despite high stack
Cons
– Not ideal for very technical terrain
– Premium price point
– Less agile at faster paces
Features at a glance
– Foot type: Neutral
– Outsole: Vibram Megagrip Litebase
– Lugs: ~3.5mm
– Grip: Reliable on dry and mixed terrain
– Cushioning: High / max stack
– Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
– Upper: Engineered woven mesh
– Waterproofing: No
Vitals
RRP: $379.99 AUD / $399.00 NZD
Website: hoka.com
La Sportiva Prodigio Max
Long-haul comfort with a controlled feel
The Prodigio Max delivers serious cushioning without tipping into instability which is no small feat for a max-stack shoe.
La Sportiva’s XFlow Endurance midsole offers protection and energy return, while the broad base helps keep things steady when fatigue sets in. On descents, the cushioning really earns its keep, absorbing impact that would otherwise creep up the legs.
It’s a strong choice for runners stepping into longer distances or building endurance over time.
Pros
– Excellent protection for long runs
– Stable platform for a max-cushion shoe
– Secure, confidence-inspiring fit
Cons
– Less nimble on highly technical terrain
– Premium price point
Features at a glance
– Foot type: Neutral
– Outsole: FriXion Red rubber
– Lugs: ~4mm
– Grip: Strong on dry rock and hardpack
– Cushioning: High (37mm heel / 31mm forefoot)
– Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
– Upper: Comfort WIRE mesh with TPU reinforcement
– Waterproofing: No
Vitals
RRP: $319.95 AUD / $349.00 NZD
Website: lasportiva.com
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9
Soft, supportive, and easy to live with
The Hierro v9 is comfort-focused without feeling overbuilt. Its Fresh Foam X midsole delivers a soft, forgiving ride that works beautifully for daily long runs and steady training.
The shoe feels stable underfoot despite its generous stack, and the Vibram outsole provides reliable grip across a wide range of surfaces. Let’s be honest, it’s not a speed shoe. It’s build for relaxed, cruisy trail days, and within that lane it’s hard to fault.
Pros
– Plush, forgiving cushioning
– Stable and confidence-inspiring
– Great for everyday long runs
Cons
– Not particularly responsive
– Can feel warm in hot conditions
Features at a glance
– Foot type: Neutral to slightly high arches
– Outsole: Vibram Megagrip
– Lugs: ~4.5–6mm
– Grip: Reliable on mixed terrain
– Cushioning: High
– Heel-to-toe drop: 4mm
– Upper: Engineered mesh with TPU overlays
– Waterproofing: No
Vitals
RRP: $250.00 AUD / $280.00 NZD
Website: newbalance.com.au / newbalance.co.nz
Brooks Caldera 8
Plush protection with surprising stability
The Caldera 8 proves that comfort doesn’t have to feel sloppy.
Its nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 midsole delivers a soft, bouncy ride, while the wide base keeps things stable even on uneven terrain. This combination makes it a standout option for long-distance runners who want cushioning without sacrificing confidence.
One thing to note if you do a bit of road. It’s built for trails — not roads — and it shows.
Pros
– Excellent cushioning for long distances
– Stable, balanced ride
– Strong grip across varied terrain
Cons
– Heavier feel
– Trail-specific, not great on road
Features at a glance
– Foot type: Neutral
– Outsole: TrailTrack rubber
– Lugs: ~5mm
– Grip: Strong on technical and mixed terrain
– Cushioning: High
– Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
– Upper: Engineered mesh
– Waterproofing: No
Vitals
RRP: $269.95 AUD / $299.90 NZD
Website: brooksrunning.com.au / brooksrunning.co.nz
The North Face Altamesa 500
Protective and forgiving for long days out
The Altamesa 500 leans firmly into comfort and protection.
Its high stack and plush midsole create a forgiving ride that suits long training runs and ultra-distance efforts. While it lacks the agility of lighter shoes, it makes up for it with stability and confidence on rough terrain.
A solid choice for runners who value protection over pace.
Pros
– Very comfortable underfoot
– Protective and stable
– Roomy toe box
Cons
– Heavier and less nimble
– Not designed for speed
Features at a glance
– Foot type: Neutral
– Outsole: Trail-specific rubber
– Lugs: Moderate depth
– Grip: Reliable across conditions
– Cushioning: High
– Heel-to-toe drop: Moderate
– Upper: Breathable mesh
– Waterproofing: No
Vitals
Website: thenorthface.com
RRP: $260.00 AUD
The takeaway
Comfort-focused trail shoes exist for a reason: they keep you running longer, more often, and with less wear and tear on the lower body.
Whether you prefer plush maximalism, stable cushioning, or a balanced long-run cruiser, each of these shoes delivers comfort in a slightly different way. The right choice comes down to how long you’re running, what terrain you cover, and how much protection your legs appreciate.
Want to stay across the latest trail running gear?
Subscribe to Trail Run Magazine for in-depth reviews as they happen, comparisons and trail-tested advice all year round.
