It's the ultimate trifecta: lightweight, tacky traction and so comfortable you'll (almost) forget you're wearing them. That's the wizardry behind the Mafate Speed 4, the latest HOKA offering that underwent a total redesign and came out pleasing our entire testing team: "I have nothing bad to say about these!" The cushioned, responsive feel comes from the new midsole: double-stacked layers of ProFly+ on top and traditional ProFlyfoam underneath. While both EVA foams are softer in the heel and firmer during toe-off, the top layer is treated differently to boost foam expansion. The result is a soft and bouncy top with a durable layer below. When combined with the classic HOKA rocker (the sole slightly curves upward like a smile), ProFly had one Colorado-based tester easily moving through varying terrain without any complaints.

The shoe's new, snazzy colorways left hearts in our eyes, as did its new shape. Constructed from jacquard mesh, the upper runs a bit snugger than in the previous version, but that isn't a bad thing. "I feel like it's more secure this time around," reports one bunion-laden tester after her first 10 miles in the Mafate Speed 4s. A few light overlays add a little design flare along with bonus durability.

A host of 5-millimeter lugs line the Vibram® Megagrip outsole with Vibram® Litebase construction. Megagrip is known as one of the stickier rubbers out there, but it's heavy; the Litebase version boasts the same traction in a thinner-and-lighter compound. "It didn't matter if I was scrambling up gritty rocks or bombing down mucky slopes; I felt solid," reports one of our crew. There is still a fair bit of exposed EVA foam to help slash ounces, but durability didn't suffer during 50 miles of testing. Final thoughts: Give 'em a go. Buy here

As REI member and contributor Courtney Holden vouches in her tested review, the Salomon Thundercross needs no break-in period. Designed to take on rugged trails in challenging conditions, testers found the new offering from the beloved French running brand to work for a variety of scenarios, even beyond what it's marketed for. Sporting the brand's tried-and-true SensiFit™ technology, the Thundercross has the same easy fit as the customer favorite Sense Ride 5 (women's, men's) while sporting serious 5-millimeter lugs and slip-resistant All Terrain Contragrip® rubber soles to keep ambitious trail runners upright and confident. Holden writes, "I loved the way it worked on runs up Boulder's First Flatiron, a trail offering ample evidence for how the Colorado outdoor hub got its name. Again and again, I appreciated the way these shoes held onto the steep and stony surfaces I put beneath them."

The Thundercross comes in GORE-TEX versions (women's, men's), making it a great companion for long, muddy, technical runs where you want to keep your socks dry. (Runners who prefer a more breathable rain-ready option will want to see below for our pick for Best Trail-Running Shoe for Wet Conditions, the Craft Pure Trail.) And that traction works across terrain: One tester described it as "not so sticky that it's uncomfortable on the road, but great on trails and over some rocky streams."

Testers noted that the shoes were plenty roomy with an ample toe box, so there's no need to size up. (Those with a narrower foot may even want to size down a half size depending on their preference for fit. Best to try on a pair at your local REI at the end of the day, when your feet are a little swollen from activity.) The shoe is cushioned enough with lightweight energyFOAM to keep you comfortable on longer adventures, but not so squishy that you can't feel the ground beneath you. Buy here.

If you can't already tell from our 2024 picks so far, versatility is the name of the game in a great trail-running shoe. The Craft Pure Trail is no exception. In her review of the new offering from the Swedish sportswear brand, U.K.-based REI contributor Rebecca Campbell found the shoes comfy and supportive on a number of high-energy runs in wet conditions. "I feel confident running over everything from paths covered in wet leaves to trails packed with squelchy mud that has little chance of drying out between rains. Even when running on sections of pavement to get to the trail, my gait has felt smooth and my feet have felt light while hitting the ground." Our California tester also found the waffle-grid outsole useful after rare rains, even on the road.

The Pure Trail's Cr Foam™ midsole offers plenty of bouncy return without having a maximal feel, and a thermoplastic urethane arch shank adds protection over rocky terrain. Our testers felt supported and protected by the cushion and rock plate combo without it impeding their stability. One tester's chiropractor husband even gave the Pure Trail his stamp of approval, making the tester a convert from her previous shoes. "I've needed less realignment from my usual runs, which is [quite the] result!"

Still, runners may want to take a closer look at sizing: Both of our U.K. testers went without socks for a better fit in their regular sizes. Our California tester didn't run into the same problem: She found the toe box roomy enough and the heel nice and snug even with socks on. Those with narrower feet may fare well going true to size, while others could benefit from sizing up a half size. Buy women's. Buy men's.

Tried and true, the HOKA Speedgoat 5 will suit runners taking on the trails either casually or while training for their first race or adventure. Featuring a roomier toe box, increased traction (with the same lugs and outsole as the Mafate Speed 4, above) and a peppy EVA midsole, runners of all stripes will be well equipped on light, moderate and even some technical terrain.

Testers can't say enough about the shoe's reliability and comfort. The Speedgoat 5 will take you straight out of your front door and onto the trails with its plush CMEVA midsole while helping you navigate unexpectedly challenging terrain with its Vibram® Megagrip with Traction Lug outsole. A late-stage Meta-Rocker profile allows you to roll through your gait with both stability and propulsion. When in doubt, the Speedgoat is there for you. Buy here.

Hybrid running shoes are a tricky thing. They're meant to perform on slick road and light to moderate trail, working without a hitch for runners who like to dabble in different kinds of terrain. They're not, however, built for technical routes, so best to think of them for your adventures closer to home. In this sense, the new On Cloudsurfer Trail fulfilled our wishes. The EVA/Helion™ superfoam and CloudTec technology provide cushiony responsiveness, while the Missiongrip™ rubber outsole gives you the grip you want on road and trail. Testers noted that while the Cloudsurfer Trail performs well across various conditions, its shallow lugs won't do much for you in the mud. For that, see our pick for Best Trail-Running Shoe for Wet Conditions, above. Buy women's. Buy men's.