Our Top Men’s Ultra Running shoes of 2024

In the domain of ultra running, the right pair of shoes is indispensable, bridging exceptional support with personalized comfort to ensure each mile is as exhilarating as the first. The ideal shoe synergizes with your stride, transforming rough trails into smooth pathways with its superior traction and responsiveness.

With an abundance of options available, selecting the right pair can be a daunting endeavor. We've streamlined this process by consolidating a breakdown of our favourite shoes available now. Delve into our compilation to uncover insights on their support, durability, fit, and distinctive features, providing a lens to discern the right companion for your ultra running adventures.

Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3

18.5/25

Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3

  • The Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 showcases good traction across a variety of terrains, excelling particularly on dry trails. It can handle rocky terrains and some muddy conditions decently. The 4mm outsole lugs provide a balanced grip suitable for both trails and occasional road surfaces.

  • Classified as a neutral trail shoe, it offers mild sidewalls for some lateral and medial support. A small TPU insert adds a level of stiffness in the midfoot for rock protection. However, the lack of extensive stability features means it's more suitable for runners with stable mechanics over longer distances.

  • With a full-length EnergyCell+ and Energy Save midsole, the shoe provides a moderate level of cushioning that keeps the feet well-protected over long distances. It has a firmer ride but with a dampening feel, offering comfort for sustained paces over lengthy durations.

  • The shoe exhibits excellent durability with the outsole lugs maintaining well even with mixed trail and road running. However, there have been isolated reports of the upper material showing wear under extreme conditions, such as very wet and boggy terrains.

  • Fitting true to size, the shoe has a snug fit requiring some breaking in. The upper material conforms well to the foot and ankle, providing a secure fit. The Quicklace system ensures further lockdown, although some users found the forefoot area a bit narrow and experienced a sensation of pressure in the lateral midfoot and forefoot area.

HOKA Speedgoat 4

21/25

HOKA speedgoat 4 trail shoe in black with yellow detail.

  • The Speedgoat 4 is praised for its excellent grip and traction across a wide range of terrains including moderate and technical trails, rocky areas, muddy conditions, and even through creeks, streams, snowy or icy sections. The Vibram Megagrip outsole along with the 5mm lugs provide a substantial grip on various surfaces making it reliable for diverse trail conditions.

  • Despite being a lightweight trail shoe, the Speedgoat 4 offers notable stability and support. The massive midsoles provide substantial foot support, and the shoe displays some inherent stability and support, making it dependable during trail runs. It doesn't have a TPU shank or thick rubber outsoles but manages to provide the needed stability and support on trails.

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  • While the exact longevity may vary, the construction with a Vibram Megagrip outsole and robust upper materials indicate good durability. The shoe is designed to handle challenging trail conditions, and the materials used are of high quality to withstand wear and tear.

  • The Speedgoat 4 has average sizing and provides a good mix between flexibility and structure. It is recommended to buy the usual size as it fits true to size. The structure of the shoe ensures a secure fit while still allowing some flexibility for natural foot movement.

Nike Terra Kiger

19/25

Best Nike Trail Running Shoes

  • The Nike Terra Kiger is lauded for its sticky grip on a variety of surfaces including wet and rocky terrain. The multidirectional lugs at the rear further enhance the grip, especially on steep descents. However, the traction could be less effective in very wet conditions.

  • The shoe offers a balanced stability and support for mild to moderate trails but may not provide as much protection on more technical terrains or against larger obstacles. There's a rock plate extending through the midfoot and heel, providing adequate protection from sharp rocks.

  • The Terra Kigers are known for providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The use of Zoom Air in the forefoot and full-length React foam adds to the cushioning and comfort. Despite the cushioning, the shoe maintains a good feel for the ground.

  • The Terra Kiger has a lifespan comparable to other trail shoes in its category, with an expected mileage of 400 to 500 miles on easy terrain. The durability could vary if tackling more challenging trails.

  • The fit is described as similar across various versions, with an improvement in the snugness in the seventh edition. The open mesh, toe protection, and cushioned tongue add to the fit and comfort. Sizing is reported as average with a recommendation to buy the usual size.

Altra Lone Peak 7

19.5/25

Altra Lone Peak 7 trail shoe in blue, purple and yellow.

  • The Altra Lone Peak 7 provides solid traction on various trail conditions including moderate and technical trails, rocky and muddy areas. The aggressive lugs contribute to the grip on challenging terrains.

  • With a balanced cushioning and some stability, it offers a dependable support on trails. However, the absence of a rock plate could be a drawback for some runners on rocky terrains.

  • Offering a balanced to medium cushioning, the shoe provides a comfortable ride on trails. The wide toe box is particularly appreciated for added comfort.

  • The shoe holds up well on trails and is expected to last for many hundreds of miles on relatively open trails.

  • Fitting true to size with a normal heel and midfoot fit, but a wide toe box, it accommodates a variety of foot shapes.

Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G

21/25

Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G trail shoe in dark green with orange details.

  • The Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G exhibits exceptional traction on both wet and dry terrains. The rubber outsole, enhanced with Graphene and equipped with 4mm lugs, provides reliable grip. Additionally, the deep channels of exposed foam create vertical flex grooves that maintain dynamic gripping on uneven surfaces.

  • The shoe offers solid stability thanks to its sufficiently wide footprint and the highly responsive Flyspeed foam midsole. This midsole provides a springy sensation with each step while maintaining enough structure to avoid a sloppy feel. The design avoids the inclusion of an interior shank which can often add instability on variable surfaces.

  • With its light, soft, and highly responsive Flyspeed foam, the shoe provides a springy sensation in every step while also dampening the impact with the ground. The foam returns a substantial amount of energy in every stride, contributing to long-haul comfort and consistency for multi-hour runs.

  • The use of Graphene in the outsole suggests a high level of durability, designed to handle a wide range of terrain including moderate to very technical trails. The shoe is built to withstand the challenges of various trail conditions.

  • Described as a light, agile, and surprisingly versatile shoe, the Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G can handle a wide range of terrain. While there's no specific mention of the fit and sizing, the shoe's versatility and ability to handle various trails suggest a good fit for different foot types and trail conditions.