When the trails are dry all out grip isn’t the main priority in a pair of trail running shoes. Things like cushioning and breathability become much more important to help combat the hard packed trails and increased heat.
If you’re planning to leave the tarmac and take your running off-road, make sure you’re lacing up a pair of shoes built to contend with everything the trail can throw at them.
To help you find the perfect pair, we’ve hunted down finest trail running shoes available for running on dry and hard packed trails.
Inov-8 Roclite 290
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[column size='2/3']The Inov8 Roclite 290 Trail Running Shoes are Ino8’s lightest, most flexible trail running shoes. Designed for running quickly over multi terrain The Roclite 290 is perfect for dry conditions. With a responsive ride and high levels of durability, it’s perfect for moving fast over hard-packed trails
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Scott T2 Kinabalu 3
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[column size='2/3']My personal favourites for hard and dry conditions currently. The Scott T2 Kinabalus are a comfortable and well cushioned trail shoe. With Scotts eRide geometry and an adapted midsole height they provide a smooth and natural heel to toe transition and help support an efficient running style. The addition on a rock plate helps protect the foot from trail nasties.
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Inov-8 Parkclaw 275
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[column size='2/3']The Parkclaw 275 is the perfect shoe for runners wanting to run on paths and trails, or those looking to make a transition from road running to trail running. The Parkclaw 275 allows you to run with confidence on paths and trails.
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Salomon Sense Pro 2
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[column size='2/3']The Salomon Sense Pro Trail Running Shoe is a minimal, ultralight shoe which is a proven winner, being worn by champion of the Western States 100 Race. Embodying dynamic traction for natural motion, the sense is a forefoot running, low midsole, featuring a flexible but protective Pro Feel Plate and a super thin Sensifit overlays for supreme light support and precise fitting.
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Inov-8 Trail Talon
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[column size='2/3']The Inov-8 Trail Talon 250 is the lighter version in the series and has been designed for speed, whilst delivering the best grip possible on hard-packed trails. The Powerflow midsole technology ensures a cushioned ride to ensure maximum comfort. The uppers synthetic mesh provides lightweight coverage and a high level of breathability to allow ventilation throughout the shoe to keep the feet feeling cool, dry and fresh.
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The North Face Ultra Endurance
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[column size='2/3']The North Face Ultra Endurance is a neutral, varied-trail running shoe designed to tackle any conditions the trails can throw at you. Well cushioned with great foot protection The North Face Ultra Endurance was my show of choice for the UTMB.
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Brooks Cascadia 12
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[column size='2/3']The Cascadia is Brooks most versatile and beloved trail shoe and the 12th version is now even better. With a refined stability system that is more flexible, it allows you to feel more agile on the trail without sacrificing the cushioning and protection that Cascadias are known for.
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