Anyone who steps into a shoe shop geared towards catering to runners these days is bound to come up against a little intense advice from the salespeople (who are probably serious runners themselves) about how you need to keep at least three pairs of shoes – for different kinds of surfaces. If you are a runner – and it doesn’t matter what part of the country you live in or what kind of running you do, it shouldn’t be long before you long for a break from pavement or concrete as a running surface – at least once in a while. Buying shoes for pavement is nothing like buying shoes for trail running. The former are pretty easy to buy – you just look for the right level of stability to be had, and perhaps look to see how good the cushioning is.

Picking the best trail running shoes for your purposes though depends on the exact kind of trail you have in mind. If you happen to prefer technical trails or mountain trails, you would probably be best served by specialty trail running shoes; and if your preference leans towards the eclectic, crossover trainers should help you maintain the kind of agility you need over multiple surfaces – gravel, grass, loose sand and rock.

This year has a great crop of shoes from all the majors, and from several innovative minor players. Let’s take up some of the best trail running shoes in each of the shoe categories we have marked out and see which pairs out there turn out to be all-round winners.

Let’s start with the multi-terrain crossover shoes. The Brooks Cascadia 5 is a somewhat light pair of crossovers from a more or less obscure manufacturer. There is a great deal of innovation that’s gone into these shoes too as is likely with a product from an obscure firm. The kind of grip you get running on loose dirt, gravel or rain-slicked terrain is outstanding with these clogs. This is your Land Rover off-roader from about 25 years ago when they didn’t care about luxury. These do off-roading with great style; getting them on the road though isn’t such a pleasant experience – for shoes this flexible and supportive, they can turn out to be surprisingly unrefined on asphalt or pavement. But if it is trail running that concerns you, these are one of the best pairs out there. And at $100 a pair, they make a great deal.

If you’re looking for the best trail running shoes you can find that won’t sniff at some asphalt, the Adidas adiStar Raven at $20 more than the pair by Brooks above, should really make your day. The first thing you notice about them is how soft, flexible and comfortable they are. The comfort would make you feel they were road trainers; except that they aren’t. These are shoes that have great traction built into special soles made of tacky rubber that will grab on to rock, to loose dirt, just about anything. It comes with the Adidas ForMotion360 suspension that’ll protect you from ligament damage with great force flow from your midfoot out your toes. And on the road, these work like pro tarmac shoes. If you are looking for the best trail running shoes that can also cross over to pavement, I’d say that Adidas was your man..

Let’s go over now to the technical trail shoes category. The Garmont 9.81 line of racing shoes has always been extremely popular for its absolute mastery over the technical trail terrain. The company’s Bolt model excels in this category. These are light and flexible shoes and they feel responsive on the right terrain. The responsiveness inspires most people to run faster and aim higher. The Pearl Izumi SyncroFuel XC on the other hand tries to strike a meaningful middle ground between being a very light racer and being a more engineered trail runner. The extra-soft feel of the shoes would make you conclude at first that these were simply meant only for the road; but as soft as they are, they are also firm and extremely responsive.

These shoes may not as flexible as some of the other models in the competition, but they offer excellent range of motion on every kind of terrain. I’d pick the Garmont over the Izumi any day myself; but that’s just because my running style would work better in it. It all comes down to personal preference; all the shoes we feature here, are tops in their chosen trade.

Garmont Flash III GTX Review

Garmont – Prophet NTN Telemark Ski Boots $557.55

Garmont – Prophet NTN Telemark Ski Boots $557.55

Garmont – Prophet NTN Telemark Ski Boots $557.55

Garmont – Prophet NTN Telemark Ski Boots $557.55

Garmont Libero Women’s Telemark Ski Boot, Size 7.5 US, 38.5 EU, 24.5 MP, Plum $134.92

1998 FOU D’ ELLE GARMONT PARFUM PRINT AD FROM CHILE $4.23

NEW Garmont Women’s US 12 Mondo 29.0 Helium Alpine Touring AT Ski Boots $482.90

New Garmont Women’s US 7 Mondo 24.0Megastar Alpine Touring AT Ski Boots $482.90

New Garmont Men’s US 8 Mondo 26.0 Radium Alpine Touring AT Ski Boots $532.69

New Garmont Women’s US 9 Mondo 26.0 XENA Alpine Touring AT Ski Boots $532.69

Lightly Used Garmont Men’s US 8 Mondo 26.0 Radium G-Fit Alpine Touring AT Boots $323.59

NEW Garmont Women’s US 10.5 Mondo 27.5 Helium Alpine Touring AT Ski Boots $248.91

NEW Garmont Sugar Alpine Touring AT Boots Women’s Mondo 24.5 US-W 7 $248.91

New Garmont Men’s US 10 Mondo 28.0 Radium Alpine Touring AT Ski Boots $532.69

NEW Garmont Women’s US 7 Mondo 24.5Astral Alpine Freeride Ski Boots $298.70

NEW Garmont Men’s US Mondo 27 Shaman Alpine Freeride Men’s Ski Boots $199.13

Garmont XENA Performance Freeride Womens Ski Boots 24.5 $398.27

Garmont Axon Alpine Freeride Touring Ski Boots Men 27.5 $453.03

Garmont Tower GTX women’s mountaineering boots $74.68

Used Garmont Prophet NTN Thermo Telemark Tele Ski Boots Men’s Mondo 27.0 US 9 $418.18

Garmont Luster Thermo Women’s Alpine Ski Boots 24.5 7.5 $477.93

NEW Garmont Luster Thermo Women’s Alpine Ski Boots 24.5 7.5 $477.93

Garmont G_2 90 H Power Performance Ski Boots 27.0 8.5 $358.44

Garmont Shaman Alpine Touring AT Boots Men’s 27 US 8.5 $248.91

NEW Garmont Hydra Alpine Touring AT Boots Women’s US 7 Mondo 24.5 $248.91

NEW Garmont Daemon Alpine Touring AT Backcountry Boots Men’s 27.5 Mondo US 9.5 $248.91

Garmont Radium G-Fit Alpine Touring AT Boots Men’s 28.0 $348.48

NEW 2012 Garmont SHOGUN THERMO Alpine Touring TECH Ski Boot with AT Soles – 26.5 $423.17

Garmont Rugged Shoe Hiking Trail Boot Sz 8 WORN 1X CLimate Comfort Systm Outdoor $58.75

$100 GARMONT Natura Forest Trail Shoe Sz 10.5 $49.78

NEW 2010 Womens Garmont Astral TN LEFT Ski Boot // 4.5 23.5 Alpine Downhill Free $0.99

NEW 2010 Womens Garmont Astral TN LEFT Ski Boot // 4.5 23.5 Alpine Downhill Free $0.99

Garmont Syncro GTX Women’s 7.5 Hiking boot $119.48

2010 Garmont Xena AT Ski Boot-Womens Size 23.5, Barely Used $224.03

GARMONT WOMENS WALKING HIKING BOOTS Shoes 7.5 $24.39

CHAUSSURES DE TELEMARK / TELEMARK BOOTS GARMONT LIBERO 25MP / 39 $117.55

GARMONT MONTAIN SHOES TREKKING CHAUSSURES MARCHE RANDONNEE ESF MONTAGNE NEW NEU $118.87

Garmont Eclipse III GTX Mens SZ 11 Gray Used Shoes $44.80

Garmont Elektra G-Git Telemark Snow Ski Boots skiing $50.78

Garmont Suede Hiking/Trail Shoe Youth Boys Sz 4.5 $8.95

GARMONT Telemark Ski Boots Men’s US 7, Mondo 25.5 3-Pin $1.99

GARMONT WOMENS HIKING SHOES 8 40 6-1/2 UK $9.95

GARMONT Endorphin MG AT Randonee Boots Ski Backcountry BOOSTER straps NR $124.46

GARMONT 9.81 RACE NEW Mens Trail Running Shoes US 13 $74.67

GARMONT Womens Trendy Designer Light Gray Leather Athletic Shoes SZ 6.5 M $18.87

Used Garmont Prophet NTN-L Thermo Telemark Ski Boots Men’s Mondo 28.0 US 10 $418.18

Used Garmont Prophet NTN-L Thermo Telemark Tele Ski Boots Mondo 30.0 US 12 $418.18

NEW 2011 Garmont Helium Womens Ski Alpine Touring Mountaineering Boot 24.0 US 7 $428.14

New Womens Garmont Flash III XCR Gore-Tex Nubuck Hiking Trail Boots Shoes 8.5 M $119.47

Garmont Women’s Nagevi Sneakers Shoes Beige 5.5 $33.81

Garmont Women’s Montello Sneakers Shoes 6.5 $58.71

1998 FOU D’ ELLE GARMONT PARFUM PRINT AD FROM CHILE $4.23

Garmont Momentum Snow GTX Snow Boots Mens 10.5 Winter Waterproof $119.48

GARMONT Bora Trail Running Shoes Men’s 8.5 $54.75

Garmont ADD Hiking Boots, Men’s 7.5, FREE SHIPPING Lower 48 $29.86

$179 Garmont Vetta Lite GTX Men’s 9 Medium Width New LL Bean Return $119.47

NEW Women’s US 7.5 Garmont Amica Lite Hiking Shoes with Vibram Sole $59.73

Used Garmont Priestess NTN Women’s Telemark Tele Ski Boots Mondo 23.0 US 6 $448.05

Used Garmont Women’s Minerva 75 Telemark Tele Ski Boots Mondo 25.0 US 8 $482.90

Used Garmont Prophet NTN Thermo Telemark Tele Ski Boots Men’s Mondo 25.0 US 7 $418.18

Used Garmont Women’s Minerva 75 Telemark Tele Ski Boots Mondo 23.0 US 6 $482.90

Used Garmont Priestess NTN Women’s Telemark Tele Ski Boots Mondo 25.0 US 8 $448.05

Lightly Used Garmont Syner-G G-Fit Telemark 75mm Boots Mens 27.5 $273.81

Garmont Cruiser Leather 3 Buckle Telemark Boots – Size 40 (Men’s 7.5) $74.63

GARMONT PROPHET NTN TELEMARK SKI BOOT – FREE SHIPPING AND CUSTOM BOOT FITTING $447.07

GARMONT PROPHET NTN TELEMARK SKI BOOT – FREE SHIPPING AND CUSTOM BOOT FITTING $447.07

GARMONT PROPHET NTN TELEMARK SKI BOOT – FREE SHIPPING AND CUSTOM BOOT FITTING $447.07

GARMONT MYSTIC ALPINE TOURING SKI BOOT W/ 2 PAIR OF SOLES -INCL. DIN & AT SOLES $466.98

GARMONT MYSTIC ALPINE TOURING SKI BOOT W/ 2 PAIR OF SOLES -INCL. DIN & AT SOLES $466.98

GARMONT MYSTIC ALPINE TOURING SKI BOOT W/ 2 PAIR OF SOLES -INCL. DIN & AT SOLES $466.98

Mens Garmont Eclipse III XCR Leather Gore-Tex Waterproof Trail Hiking Shoes $109.52

Mens Garmont Eclipse III XCR Leather Gore-Tex Waterproof Trail Hiking Shoes $109.52

Garmont GSM Alpine Touring Ski Boots – Mondo or MP 25.5 $119.48

VTG Garmont Ski Boots & Allsop Boot-In Carrier Size 9? 12″Long $49.78

GARMONT Women’s ‘Eclipse’ Vented Trail Shoe 6.5 Dark Forest $59.71

2011 Garmont Xena G-Fit Women’s Ski Boots $443.09

2008 Garmont Genesis Padlock Women’s Ski Boots $323.60

2008 Garmont Genesis Padlock Women’s Ski Boots $323.60

New 2004 Garmont Veloce Padlock Women’s Ski Boots $149.35

2010 Garmont Helium G-Fit Ski Boots $423.17

2010 Garmont Helium G-Fit Ski Boots $423.17

Used Garmont Radium Alpine Touring AT Ski Boots Men’s Mondo 26.0 US 8 $418.18

Used Garmont Veloce Telemark Ski Boots (Womens) $149.35

Used Garmont Veloce Telemark Ski Boots (Womens) $149.35

Used Garmont Veloce Telemark Ski Boots (Womens) $149.35

Used Garmont Veloce Telemark Ski Boots (Womens) $149.35

Used Garmont Veloce Telemark Ski Boots (Womens) $149.35

Men’s Garmont Vetta Plus Red Suede Climbing Mountaineering Trail Hiking Boot 9 M $199.13

GARMONT HIKING/ BACKPACKING BOOTS, MEN’S SIZE 8 1/2 $39.83

Garmont – Delirium Alpine Touring Ski Boots $605.35

Garmont – Delirium Alpine Touring Ski Boots $605.35

Garmont – Delirium Alpine Touring Ski Boots $605.35

Womens Garmont GSM AT Alpine Touring Ski Boot 25-26 8 $148.36

Garmont Momentum Mid Snow GTX Goretex Mens Black Boots Sz US 9.5 EUR 42.5 NEW $118.49

NEW Garmont Nagevi Women’s Running Shoes Size 7 Cross Training Hiking Trail $39.82

Garmont – G-RIDE AT Ski Boot Size Mondo 27 US 9.5 $298.71

Garmont Momentum Ice Lock Icelock GTX Goretex Mens Boots Black Size US 9 EUR 41 $139.35

Garmont Women’s Amica Hiking Shoe Size 10.5 REI Return very slight use EX+ $38.82

NEW Garmont FLASH GTX XCR Gore-Tex Hiking Boots EU 42.5 WOMENS 10 $159.30

Garmont Women Kiowa 7.5 Multisport Boot $39.82

Jiffy Steamer ESTEAM Handheld Travel Steamer $53.33 Jiffy Steamer’s ESTEAM is the most powerful hand-held steamer on the marketGarment steamer is the perfect houseware for taking care of tough wrinklesSimple-to-operate steamer is ideal for use at home or on the road

Mahogany Finish Clothes Valet Stand $67.99 Keep your clothes fresh, wrinkle free and ready for wear with this Mahogany Clothes Valet StandLaundry accessory offers a trouser hanger bar, jacket hanger and three chrome shoe barsHouseware includes an extra engravable name plate

Travel Select Amsterdam Rolling Garment Bag $52.99 The Amsterdam garment bag from Travel Select is just what you need for the two-day business trip or weekend excursionLuxurious two-tone polyester fabric construction (1200D polyester on front panel, 600D polyester on rest of case)

Jiffy J-2000 Pink Garment Steamer $183.99 J-2000 Jiffy garment steamer is ideal for home or commercial use1300 watts of steaming power will de-wrinkle all your laundryGarment steamer is equipped with a clear 0.75-gallon water reservoir

Atlantic Odyssey Spinner Garment Bag $99.99 Keep your clothing fresh and neat with this Odyssey garment bag from Atlantic. Spinner wheels give the garment bag excellent mobility. The high-quality design means this bag will be your travel companion for a long time to come.

Geoffrey Beene Black Wheeled Carry-On Garment Bag $67.99 Travel in style with this black rolling garment carrierLuggage has inline skate wheelsBag has telescopic handles for easy transport

Traveler’s Choice Siena 21-inch Hybrid Upright Garment Bag $72.99 Travel in high style with this hybrid rolling garment bag suitcase from Traveler’s ChoiceUpright is made of a molded shell fused together with ballistic fabricLuggage doubles as a garment case and a traditional upright in one

Executive Style Cherry with Brass Hardware Clothing Butler Valet Suit Stand VL16138 $82.05 Mornings will go more smoothly thanks to your helpful clothing butler, which keeps an entire outfit perfectly organized, wrinkle-free and ready for you to put on. This valet stand features a cherry finish with elegant brass hardware.

Deluxe Wardrobe Storage Armoire $70.49 This rolling storage armoire provides easy closet organization and storage. The portable garment rack features four side wardrobe shelves and features a blue canvas fabric exterior to protect your clothing.

Traveler’s Choice Vienna 44-inch Traditional Wheeled Garment Bag $89.99 Keep your clothing fresh and wrinkle-free while you travel with this wheeled garment bag from Traveler’s Choice. This luggage is the ideal packing solution while on the road.