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I race in Saucony Endorphin Rift and Adidas Terrex Speed. Both are fast for trail shoes. The Saucony is harder to find since they were discontinued. If the trail is real technical, the Speeds would not be my first choice. Same foam as the AP3, bit a mostly mesh type upper that doesn’t offer a ton of support. But they are fast.
Saucony Endorphin Rift and Adidas Terrex Speed. Ran a 10 miler in my Speeds this morning.
Aero Glide/Blaze 3 GRVL perfect for this. I would lean towards the Blaze since they are firmer and you can find them super cheap right now. Take the Glide if you want to use them for >50% road vs. trail. Adidas Terrex Speed would also work for this, but it's a faster tempo type shoe and works best at speed with a mid to forefoot strike. All 3 of these shoes I would go 1/2 size down as they run long. Sizing down also helps makes them narrower.
I've used Adidas Terrex, Vans, and now Nike Pegasus Trail. The Nike's have been my favorite thus far in terms of comfort and keeping my feet dry.
Trail Runners are my favorite, I particularly enjoy Adidas Terrex I always have a waterproof and non-waterproof pair and use whichever is more suitable for conditions that day. I play a couple times a week and my shoes typically last 1.5-2 years that way
Adidas Terrex is the answer.
If the outsole keep wearing out, you'll want trail shoes with tougher rubber since some pairs just don't hold up on rough paths. Merrell, Adidas Terrex or ASICS trail models usually last longer and ShopWSS sometimes has similar options if you're comparing pairs
They start off still and feel like sneakers once walked-in. Used them for 1 year of daily wearing from Mexico to Colombia. Some models also look enough to pass for actual sneakers instead of hiking shoes
I used to be a trail runner convert but I just got a pair of Adidas Terrex and am currently travelling in them and I won't go back.
Shoes are highly personal but I love the Adidas Terrex range and Altras. Mostly any trail runners that are comfortable will do. Avoid goretex.
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Deep mud and soft ground

Top pick
Salomon - Speedcross Series
Best for Quick draining and drying for wet trails

Top pick
Hoka - Speedgoat Series
Best for Road-to-trail transitions

Top pick
Nike - Pegasus Trail Series
Best for Steep technical descents

Top pick
Salomon - Genesis Series
Best for Technical rocky terrain

Top pick
La Sportiva - Prodigio Series
Best for Ultra-marathon racing

Top pick
La Sportiva - Prodigio Series





