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10 Best Mud Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

New Balance Women's 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe, Black/Bright Cyan/HI-Pink, 9

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,209
Fit and Comfort
Durability
Cushioning

Most important from
1112 reviews

Fit and Comfort
Fits like a glove as if it was made just for my feet.
Durability
Zero time to 'break in,' and they last around 18 months even with heavy use.
Cushioning
I not only enjoy the support they give underneath my foot, but also the sides.

The New Balance Women's 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe is designed with the demands of both on-road and off-road running in mind. Its AT Tread outsole provides solid traction, which is essential for mud trails, ensuring that you can navigate various terrains confidently. The synthetic upper and durable overlays contribute to the shoe’s longevity, making it a reliable choice for frequent runners. However, synthetic materials may not offer the best breathability compared to natural fibers, which could be a consideration for warmer weather runs.

The lace-up closure ensures a secure fit, and the shoe's weight of 1.5 pounds is reasonable for trail running, though some might prefer a lighter option for less fatigue over long distances. Comfort is addressed with a soft BIO Foam midsole, offering decent cushioning to absorb impact and provide a comfortable stride. However, the shoe does not highlight any specific water resistance features, which might be a drawback for those frequently running on wet or muddy trails.

The shoe's design and color options, such as the Black/Bright Cyan/HI-Pink, add a vibrant touch, making them visually appealing. In summary, the New Balance Women's 410 V8 Trail Running Shoe is a well-rounded option for those looking for durability, decent comfort, and good traction, though it may fall short in breathability and water resistance for some users.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,209
Fit and Comfort
Durability
Cushioning

Most important from
1112 reviews

Fit and Comfort
Fits like a glove as if it was made just for my feet.
Durability
Zero time to 'break in,' and they last around 18 months even with heavy use.
Cushioning
I not only enjoy the support they give underneath my foot, but also the sides.
#3

adidas mens Terrex AX4 Gore-Tex Core Black/Carbon/Grey 9

Rating
9.6
Traction
Water Resistance
Fit and Comfort

Most important from
1234 reviews

Traction
The Continental Rubber outsole provides exceptional grip, ensuring stability on slick and uneven surfaces.
Water Resistance
The Gore-Tex membrane effectively keeps feet dry, making these shoes ideal for wet conditions.
Fit and Comfort
The shoes offer a great fit and solid support, performing excellently even on rugged and rocky terrain.
Durability
A minor manufacturing defect in the midsole's glueing could potentially lead to durability issues, particularly with water resistance.
Cushioning
The cushioning and breathability of these shoes are superior to similar models from other brands.

The adidas men's Terrex AX4 Gore-Tex shoes stand out in several key areas for mud-trail-running. They feature a GORE-TEX membrane, ensuring waterproof and breathable performance, which is crucial for running in wet and muddy conditions. The Continental Rubber outsole provides excellent traction in both wet and dry environments, which helps maintain stability on slippery trails. The EVA midsole offers lightweight cushioning, enhancing comfort and reducing impact during runs. Additionally, the shoes incorporate at least 20% recycled materials, making them a more eco-friendly choice.

However, some users might find the fit slightly narrow, which could affect comfort if you have wider feet. The rubber materials used in both the sole and outer parts indicate good durability, but they might make the shoes a bit heavier compared to other models designed strictly for running. These shoes are likely to appeal to trail runners seeking reliable waterproof protection and superior grip, but might not be the best option if lightweight is your top priority.

Rating
9.6
Traction
Water Resistance
Fit and Comfort

Most important from
1234 reviews

Traction
The Continental Rubber outsole provides exceptional grip, ensuring stability on slick and uneven surfaces.
Water Resistance
The Gore-Tex membrane effectively keeps feet dry, making these shoes ideal for wet conditions.
Fit and Comfort
The shoes offer a great fit and solid support, performing excellently even on rugged and rocky terrain.
Durability
A minor manufacturing defect in the midsole's glueing could potentially lead to durability issues, particularly with water resistance.
Cushioning
The cushioning and breathability of these shoes are superior to similar models from other brands.

Buying Guide for the Best Mud Trail Running Shoes

Choosing the right mud trail running shoes is crucial for ensuring comfort, safety, and performance during your runs. Mud trail running shoes are specifically designed to handle the challenging conditions of muddy and uneven terrains. When selecting the best pair for you, it's important to consider several key specifications that will impact your running experience. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision based on your personal needs and preferences.
TractionTraction refers to the grip that the shoe provides on various surfaces. This is particularly important for mud trail running shoes because you need to maintain stability on slippery and uneven terrain. Shoes with deep, aggressive lugs offer better grip in muddy conditions, while those with shallower lugs are more suited for mixed terrains. If you frequently run on very muddy trails, opt for shoes with deeper lugs. For more versatile use, a moderate lug depth will suffice.
Water ResistanceWater resistance in mud trail running shoes helps keep your feet dry when running through wet and muddy conditions. This feature is important for comfort and to prevent blisters. Shoes with waterproof membranes or water-resistant materials are ideal for very wet conditions. However, if you run in a mix of dry and wet conditions, you might prefer shoes with good drainage to allow water to escape quickly.
Fit and ComfortFit and comfort are crucial for preventing injuries and ensuring a pleasant running experience. Mud trail running shoes should fit snugly but not too tight, allowing for some swelling of the feet during long runs. Look for shoes with a secure heel cup and enough room in the toe box. If you have wider feet, consider brands that offer wide-fit options. Always try on shoes with the socks you plan to wear during your runs.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the shoes can withstand the wear and tear of trail running. This is important because mud trails can be harsh on footwear. Shoes made with high-quality materials and reinforced stitching tend to last longer. If you run frequently or on very rough trails, investing in more durable shoes will save you money in the long run.
WeightWeight is the overall heaviness of the shoe. Lighter shoes can help you run faster and feel less fatigued, but they might offer less protection and durability. Heavier shoes often provide more support and protection, which can be beneficial on very rough trails. Choose lighter shoes if speed is your priority and the trails are not too technical. Opt for heavier shoes if you need more support and protection.
CushioningCushioning refers to the amount of padding in the shoe, which affects comfort and shock absorption. More cushioning can provide better comfort and reduce impact on your joints, which is important for longer runs. However, too much cushioning can reduce ground feel and stability. If you prefer a softer ride and run long distances, go for shoes with more cushioning. For better ground feel and agility, choose shoes with less cushioning.

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