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Our favorite running shoes of 2024 (there’s some good ones)
By running in the damn shoes for lots of miles, and weighting our individual choices into an overall decision
Everything from daily trainers to race day and all the shoes in between
As the clock ticks closer to year’s end, it’s natural to ponder and reflect. We do the same thing here at Believe in the Run, but this is less of an apprehensive psychiatric adventure and more of a memorializing mission.
In the trail running world, 2024 will be known as the year of forging our own path — and it’s about time. It’s been around 15 years since trail running claimed stakes in the sporting world, and it’s finally starting to pay off with industry-wide investment.
Even with that exponential growth, we have to give credit where it’s due. Pioneers from the early days of trail running — brands like Salomon and Brooks — have done more than their part in legitimizing our space from the start. If we’re honest, our history as trail runners grew out of riding in the sidecars of both road running and hiking, and those influences will always be felt as part of the DNA of our sport in some way or another.
Then came the brands who dove headfirst with new ideas and technology — brands like Altra, Hoka, and Saucony. Each took on the trail running world with its own specific ideas, trying to build on what the pioneers had started. Nowadays, new is the norm. We meet new brands by the quarter and test out new trail-tuned technologies with almost every shoe that lands in our grubby hands. We’re truly in a new gold rush of trail running.
Unsurprisingly, that means Believe in the Run’s Dirt Division had a harder time than ever sifting through all the shoes we tested this year. The cream of the crop is getting thicker, y’all, and here’s what rose to the top.
Vectiv 2.0 carbon fiber plate, Dream midsole, SurfaceCTRL outsole, Engineered mesh upper
9.7 oz. (277 g) for a US M9/W10.5 (Unisex sizing)
32 mm in heel, 26 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
It’s rare for a shoe to launch right out of the gates at the start of the year and survive a gauntlet like this, but not impossible. The North Face’s Vectiv Pro 2 is just that good — a true juggernaut of the trail running world. It’s one thing to make it onto the feet of world-renowned athletes like Katie Schide, Jon Albon, and Zach Miller — ya know, folks getting paid to run in the shoe — but it’s another to consider that their unique perspective and input is probably what made the shoe so good.
The Vectiv Pro 2 also claims our top spot for several reasons. Our team used phrases like “game-changing,” “most capable,” and “smooth and fast across all terrain” throughout our review, and it’s tough to argue with that much positivity. It might be one of the only trail shoes to offer a true supershoe sensation without feeling like it wants to kill you, which is no small feat. Somehow, the Dream midsole, aggressive rocker, secure upper, and unique, forked carbon fiber plate just seem to work perfectly together.
That plate design is the key to this equation. It has a couple of carbon wings that extend outward in the forefoot to create truly dynamic stability on the trail. In almost all other competing shoes, you get either stability or propulsion, but The North Face has found a way to carefully balance the two while improving the wing design from its first trail racer. That simple change was enough to elevate the Vectiv Pro 2 to heights that its predecessor could only dream of.
DNA Flash midsole, TrailTack Green outsole, Engineered mesh upper
9.4 oz. (266 g) for a US M9, 8.4 oz. (238 g) for a US W7
30 mm in heel, 24 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
When you’re the overall runner-up, it’s fair to say that there’s plenty of love to go around. At first, though, I thought the simple shock of an excellent Brooks trail runner had won us over. Could Brooks possibly be capable of making such a good all-rounder for the wilderness? Over the course of many, many miles, it turned out that the answer was an emphatic yes.
The Catamount 3 is slated for racing — no question about it — but don’t let that make you think it’s a one-trick pony. Pick any other pace or terrain, and there’s a good chance we’ve put this shoe through it. It’s a fun one to go fast in, and you’ll feel confident the whole time.
Just like our overall champion, the Catamount 3 uses an engineered mesh upper to keep your foot locked in place and let the DNA Flash midsole do its job. The stack is a little more modest this time around, somewhere in the low to moderate range, but it shines when the going gets technical. Combine that with the Skyvault plate for some extra zip and stability, and the Catamount 3 feels like a shoe for just about any run at any distance — seriously.
Find us a run, and we’ll recommend the Catamount 3 almost as much as we recommend any other shoe.
Dream midsole, Engineered mesh upper, SurfaceCTRL outsole
11.9 oz (337 g) for a US M10.5
30 mm in heel, 24 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
Our next pick shouldn’t come as a surprise to many. We grabbed The North Face’s Altamesa 500 perhaps more than any other shoe throughout the year, no matter the conditions, terrain, or distance. It’s an easy shoe to throw on for close to anything simply for its fat stack of unfiltered Dream Foam. The Altamesa 500 is The North Face’s first day-to-day shoe to debut with the blended supercritical midsole, and we love it.
You get everything you want from a well-padded shoe — the cushion, the responsiveness, and even a wider footprint for some inherent stability. Best of all, the midsole is durable enough to maintain those qualities for miles and miles.
The North Face also picked up a modest version of its SurfaceCTRL outsole that we felt was subdued enough for road miles yet tacky enough for a wide range of Colorado trails. In the same vein, the seamless engineered mesh upper allows for a comfortably generous fit that you can cinch down for moderate terrain as needed.
Needless to say, The North Face Altamesa 500 is ready for tons of Dream-y trail miles ahead.
TPEE Air Mesh upper, TrailTack Green outsole, DNA Loft v3 midsole
10.6 oz. (300 g) for a US M9 / 9.4 oz. (266 g) for a US W8
39 mm in heel, 33 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
If you’re after something a little more technical to go with your mountain of foam, look no further. Brooks’ Caldera is back in the BIG Awards with its seventh iteration. Like many of our picks, it’s rockin’ a supercritical midsole, which is a sure sign of some trail fun.
This time, the DNA Loft v3 foam is a little more subdued than The North Face’s Dream Foam, but it’s still padded enough to roll over anything in its path. In our opinion, what gives the Caldera 7 an edge on some of the more technical terrain is that your foot sits deeper in the bathtub-like midsole, and the technical upper wraps the foot beautifully. Add a tried-and-true TrailTack Green outsole, and this one is ready to rock.
DNA Flash midsole, Engineered mesh upper, TrailTack Green outsole
9.4 oz. (266 g) for a US M9 / 8.4 oz. (238 g) for a US W7
30 mm in heel, 24 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
At this point, you already know that the Brooks Catamount 3 is one of our overall faves for 2024. We literally just talked about it, so we’ll keep this part a little shorter.
One of our reviewers, Michael, must be pretty good at hammerschlagen, because he hit the nail on the head when he described the Catamount 3 as a “Swiss Army Knife” of a shoe. He wasn’t the only one to tout its versatility, either, with the rest of our Dirt Division also remarking on the range of this Cat’. It really is a case of ticking all the boxes for fit, ride, and fun, with the tools to be a day-to-day runner, mountain adventurer, and a race day shoe up to 50K.
EExpure midsole, Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole, Ripstop TPE upper
9.9 oz. (280 g) for a US M9 (Unisex sizing)
36 mm in heel, 28 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
Apparently, supercritical foam is a must-have for a well-rounded shoe in 2024. The Tomir 2.0 is Nnormal’s first swing at such a foam, and we think it made excellent contact. It’s a massive departure from the brick of a midsole (albeit very durable) that the first Tomir had.
No, the EExpure supercritical foam won’t be quite as responsive as the Catamount 3 or as cushioned as the Altamesa 500, but it will have a decent amount of both those qualities and feel smooth on a variety of terrain because of it. We’d also be remiss not to acknowledge that the density of the EExpure midsole is key to the Tomir 2.0’s overall durability — it’s tough stuff.
We wouldn’t typically see such a high-stacked trail shoe in the all-around category. However, the Tomir 2.0 can romp in spots where most others in the category cannot. The ripstop TPE upper with asymmetrical lacing and full-coverage Vibram Megagrip outsole give confidence on a variety of terrains, which is exactly what you want from a do-it-all trail shoe.
X Flow midsole, FriXion outsole, Engineered knit upper
9.5 oz. (270 g) for a US M9 / 8.1 oz. (230 g) for a US W7.5
34 mm in heel, 28 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
La Sportiva is a brand on the rise — which is wild to say about a brand with this much history. Its new Prodigio was a major update in an attempt to carve a niche in the ever-evolving trail space while also staying true to its ideals, and we’d say it worked out.
In the past, La Sportiva trail shoes have been more well-suited for those who come from a climbing and mountaineering background (think firmer and mechanized). The Prodigio will still please those athletes, but it will also please those who are just out there for the love of running.
Even though the La Sportiva Prodigio boasts a relatively high stack for the brand (and this category), the moderate stack of X Flow nitrogen-infused supercritical midsole is kept in check with the appropriate midsole shape, extremely tacky FriXion Red XT 2.0 outsole, and a well-mapped engineered knit upper to get up and down the mountain with confidence.
Honestly, the La Sportiva Prodigio is what the Hoka Speedgoat should have turned into. It has everything you would want in a general trail shoe and could do very well in the “do-it-all” category. For runners who want decent levels of protection, cushion, grip, and a dependable fit, no matter the terrain, the Prodigio is a great entry point.
Matryx upper, Vibram Megagrip outsole, FloatPro midsole
8.3 oz. (275 g) for a US M9 / 6.9 oz. (196 g) for a US W7.5
23.5 mm in heel, 19.5 mm in forefoot (4 mm drop)
The Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx should look familiar within the bounds of the BIG Awards. The standard version was our Best Value Trail Shoe of 2022. This updated version takes the same underfoot experience and pairs it with a highly technical upper. The concoction created a lighter more tech-savvy version of one of my all-time favorite trail shoes.
Just from a materials standpoint, the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx should be a darn good trail shoe. I mean having a light yet tenacious Matryx upper, versatile Floatpro midsole, and deep Vibram Megagrip lugs sounds dreamy. It doesn’t get much better quality than that!
What matters most is how Merrell pulled these ingredients together in a way that equates to performance. It’s light. It’s fast. It’s precise. The MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx feels like an extension of the foot. It is an easy shoe to have a keen trail sense in – kind of like spidey sense but at break-neck speeds through the woods.
TPE beaded midsole, Vittoria rubber outsole
9.2 oz. (261 g) for a US M9
38.5 mm in heel, 32.5 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
Although it’s been a tough year deciding between several excellent shoes, when our reviewers have a favorite, they tend to agree. Craft’s Xplor Hybrid is just another example of our team finding common ground. It’s a max-cush option that’s ready for multiple surfaces, no doubt about it. And stop me if you’ve heard this before, but supercritical foam is back for another round of applause.
Craft’s Px midsole is tough to describe without sounding pretentious, but the steamed TPE beds create one bouncy cloud of goodness. It looks a lot like Adidas’ Boost foam, offering protection and cushion in equal amounts with an incredibly wide footprint. Seriously, there’s no need for stability implements because you’ll have a hard time rolling this one sideways.
Oh, and the Vittoria rubber outsole is another funky piece of the Xplor Hybrid worth mentioning. It resembles a gravel bike tire, using several smaller, flat lugs for smooth control across a variety of terrains. Of course, we have a few reservations about the roomy upper, but if you keep this shoe on pavement, gravel, or light trail, you should have no problems.
PRESA outsole, SuperGum rubber, SockFit system, Exoskeleton upper construction
9.0 oz. (255 g) for a US M8 / 7.6 oz. (215 g) for a US W7.5
28 mm in heel, 24 mm in forefoot (4 mm drop)
Where the winner of this category is the very definition of a road-to-trail shoe, Scarpa’s Golden Gate ATR 2 is more like road-to-trail-and-then-some. It’s a little bit more rugged and comes with the tech to go a bit deeper into the woods when you’re feeling adventurous. Scarpa purpose-built the Golden Gate ATR 2 as an all-rounder, and we have to say it worked out.
Honestly, the construction of the Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 surprised us the most. Its character-filled midsole, solid traction, and more-than-satisfactory fit will please runners who may just need a couple miles or less of road to get to the trails — where we really want to be.
Also, Scarpa’s lasts are a little different than we’re used to, so we recommend dropping down a half size to get the most out of the Golden Gate ATR 2.
Vectiv 2.0 carbon fiber plate, Dream midsole, SurfaceCTRL outsole, Engineered mesh upper
9.7 oz. (277 g) for a US M9/W10.5 (Unisex sizing)
32 mm in heel, 26 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
So, we don’t usually put one shoe at the top of two different categories at the end of the year, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Yes, we used most of the description of the Vectiv Pro 2 above, but this is really where it’s the most comfortable.
What sets the Vectiv Pro 2 apart from most of its trail racing compatriots is the true sense of a modern racing shoe that it provides. It gets the closest to being a road racer that we’ve ever seen while not feeling like it wants to kill us — which is very important. This one can easily handle long races on wild terrain, which is exactly the insurance we want for trail ultras. Our reviewers all agreed that this is a shoe that can handle a lot and it can handle a lot of speed, which isn’t common for the category.
If you want a super shoe for the trails, it’s this one.
Dual-layer Lightstrike Pro midsole, Peba EnergyRods, Continental Rubber outsole, Woven upper
9.5 oz. (270 g) for a US M9 / 8.1 oz. (230 g) for a US W7
38 mm in heel, 30 mm in forefoot (8 mm drop)
In honor of transparency, this was a close race. A lot of the qualities we talked about for the Vectiv Pro 2 are true about the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra.
One of the main differences runners will feel is that the Speed Ultra will be a little firmer underfoot, and the ride will be a touch wilder — mostly in a good way. Adidas Terrex dips into its infamous road expertise with a dual-layer Lightstrike Pro midsole and Energy Rods for propulsion (as opposed to a full carbon plate). Adidas’ Energy Rods aren’t even carbon fiber in this one, either — they’re a slightly more malleable Peba that should handle the rocks and roots of the trails.
Perhaps the most unique characteristic of the Agravic Speed Ultra is that the shoe has a more gyrosphere-like rocker that helps roll in the forward and backward plane as well as adapt to the side-to-side.
If you can nail your sizing (we recommend going down at least half a size) and avoid being bit by the slimmer heel construction, the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra should be a top inquiry.
PEBA midsole, Parallel carbon fiber plates, Matryx upper, Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole
9.7 oz. (275 g) for a US M9 / 8.6 oz. (244 g) for a US W7.5
40 mm in heel, 35 mm in forefoot (5 mm drop)
Every version of Hoka’s Tecton X has made an appearance high up on our BIG Trail Awards. It’s a shoe that’ll always be near and dear to our speed-loving hearts. This time, though, the Tecton has had a bit of a seismic shift. It’s still a good shoe, but it’s very, very different from the other race day options we picked.
It took a big leap this year, both in terms of technology and aesthetics — just look at that booty. The Tecton X 3 is going to be one of the softer, more generous-fitting, and maybe even the most wearable of the carbon-plated race day shoes for 2024. You could probably wring hours of smiles out of this one with its dual-layered Peba midsole, wide profile, and updated parallel plates, and then come back for more. It’s so ready for race day… on certain courses.
The fact of the matter is that the Tecton X 3 is different from the Tecton X 2.5 that we saw on podiums throughout the year, and not always for the best. It’s simply limited to smoother terrain for this generation. But, when it’s on that turf, you’ll basically feel like you have road racing speed at your command.
DNA Flash v2 midsole, SpeedVault Trail plate, TrailTack Green rubber outsole
7.7 oz. (218 g) for a US M9 (Unisex sizing)
27 mm in heel, 21 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
There’s likely one thing that will never change completely when it comes to short, hard trail races — light equals fast. So, here we are with yet another Brooks trail running shoe for our BIG Awards. This time, it’s a cat with different claws: The Brooks Catamount Agil. It’s a new model for 2024, but one that’s racked up podiums across the globe in its short life.
For starters, it’s one of the lightest shoes we have ever reviewed. Don’t confuse that for a lack of protection, though, as the Catamount Agil boasts a very secure sock-like upper and 4.5 mm TrailTack Green lugs across its outsole. And, as we know, light, aggressive shoes are great for technical climbs.
Equally notable is the short stack of DNA Flash v2 foam that engulfs a SpeedVault Trail plate. Yes, it’s low to the ground, but it’s much more protective and responsive than any shoes of this stature could tout in the past. This is the type of shoe that’s the future of trail running, and we want more.
29 mm in heel, 23 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
7.1 oz. (201 g) for a US M9 (Unisex sizing)
Energy Foam midsole, Profeel Film protection, Matryx upper, All-Terrain ContaGrip outsole
Salomon’s red and black colorways will always evoke feelings of nostalgia — at least for our trail team. There’s just nothing that feels faster than S/Lab branding and the way the red upper pops against the grit and grime of the trails. And now, Salomon’s newest racer has the technology to put that emotion into action.
Even though this is a different take on the light-and-fast package, the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 3 is like a little pack of dynamite on your feet. It’s easy to grab the light-and-fast notes right up front, but they’re quickly followed by feelings of smoothness and snappiness thanks to the Energy Foam midsole and aggressive rocker, and it just works.
This year’s model also offers more durability and stability, thanks to the Matryx upper, which wraps the forefoot and midfoot in a blanket of reassurance. Even still, you’ll probably want to hold Salomon’s speedster for gentle to moderate trails where you can hammer the pace.
Energy Foam midsole, Active Chassis, ContaGrip outsole, Matryx upper
9.5 oz. (269 g) for a US M9 / 8.5 oz. (242 g) for a US W7.5
34 mm in heel, 26 mm in forefoot (8 mm drop)
This year’s do-it-all category is deeper than the Mariana Trench, but a few of the OGs seem to be swimming just fine. Right there in the mix is a new one from Salomon — appropriately called the Genesis. It was created specifically as a complement to the popular S/Lab Genesis, just with a bit more everyday fun baked in. Think of it as a daily trainer, though you might find that you like this one better.
The reason we put the Salomon Genesis into this category is obvious, too. It’s a little crazy that $150 is the going rate for a good pair of trail running shoes, but it’s all about what you get for your money. When we consider all of the ingredients in this Genesis soup and the fun we have with the shoe on our feet, the price suddenly seems remarkably fair.
I don’t know any other shoe at this price point with a Matryx upper, supercritical midsole, and grade-A grip (okay, it’s ContaGrip, but it still gets high marks). The Salomon Genesis is a truly high-quality versatile trail shoe at a solid price.
Zipfoam midsole, Recycled engineered mesh upper, Vibram XS Trek Evo outsole
10.4 oz. (295 g) for a US M9 / 8.3 oz. (235 g) for a US W7
35 mm in heel, 30 mm in forefoot (5 mm drop)
If this shoe looks familiar, it’s because it is. The latest iteration of the Ultraventure is virtually the same as the previous one but now has a more comfortable, more durable upper that lifts an already excellent shoe to a brand-new level. Yes, our Dirt Division has a soft spot on our feet for the Topo Athletic Ultraventure, but can you blame us?
Of course, we love that the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 has a wider anatomical toe box. We also love that it’s a high-stack shoe that remains flexible, thanks to a smooth and stable underfoot experience. Sprinkle in a top-notch fit from the heel through the midfoot, and it’s easy to see how this one punches above its price tag (and its weight). How can you beat the value of surprising versatility?
MaxTrac outsole, CMEVA midsole, Standard FootShape, Engineered mesh upper
10 oz. (283 g) for a US M9 / 8.7 oz. (246 g) for a US W7.5
32 mm in heel, 28 mm in forefoot (4 mm drop)
What makes the Altra Experience Wild a surprise shoe? Oh, I don’t know, maybe the fact that it’s an Altra with a heel-toe drop? Yes, you read that right. The Experience Wild is part of the first generation of Altra shoes to adopt a slight midsole drop — ya know, the opposite of everything they stood for. Not only does this open the door for more fans to give the brand a shot, but it also adds options for those who have long been tempted by a wider toebox but couldn’t stick with a zero-drop structure.
Thankfully, the Experience Wild also adds a softer EVA formula to its midsole and pairs it with a subtle (but sturdy) grip that transitions easily between roads and light trails.
SuperFoamance midsole, Superior Contact outsole, FitLock system, Full-length rock plate
9.9 oz. (282 g) for a US M9/W10.5
31 mm in heel, 25 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
VJ shoes have historically been known for their excellent grip and technical fit, which led them to become a favorite among obstacle course racers. However, this isn’t just your friend’s brother’s Spartan Race brand anymore. VJ is finally getting serious about trail running again, and the Maxx 2 is a prime example.
We’re pleased to say that VJ stayed true to its technical performance roots while creating a whole new lane with the Maxx 2. It’s strikingly similar to the original Tecton X, just without Hoka’s telltale carbon fiber plate. Stack that upon the SuperFoamance midsole — with the cheesiest name ever — and you’re in for a good time. VJ’s foam put in a solid showing, offering just enough comfort to match its performance on the trails.
If you haven’t heard of VJ or haven’t given it a shot, now is your time.
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Taylor Bodin is a trail and ultra runner living in Estes Park, Colo., with his wife and daughters. Trail running is pretty much the only hobby he can manage right now and loves it. Every so often, he will pop off a race or FKT attempt because competition is pure and the original motivator for him getting into running anyways. When not running, Taylor is a 1st grade teacher, running coach (track & field, Cross Country, and Trail/Ultra athletes), and volunteers at his church.
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