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contact.running.zap@gmail.comExpert-ranked trail running shoes for 2026. Data-driven picks for every runner.
We analyzed 5 shoes for this list, ranking them by aggregated expert scores, real-world specs, and value for money. Overall scores range from 87-91/100 and prices from $140 to $250. Here's what stood out — and why the ranking order matters.
**91/100** · $155 · 283g · 5mm drop The Hoka Speedgoat 6 stands out for its value for money (86/100). It delivers strong performance for its price point — one of the better deals in its category. Best for: trail.
**90/100** · $160 · 260g · 6mm drop The Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro 2 stands out for its weight (84/100) and flexibility (88/100). It is impressively light, reducing fatigue over long distances. The trade-off: durability scores 70/100 — it trades longevity for lighter weight — expect 200-300 miles before performance drops. Best for: racing, trail.
**88/100** · $250 · 260g · 6mm drop The Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide stands out for its weight (80/100) and flexibility (86/100). It is impressively light, reducing fatigue over long distances. The trade-off: value for money scores 68/100 — it is expensive relative to its performance — you're paying a premium. Best for: trail, racing.
**87/100** · $140 · 268g · 8mm drop The Salomon Sense Ride 6 stands out for its value for money (88/100), weight (78/100) and flexibility (84/100). It delivers strong performance for its price point — one of the better deals in its category. Best for: trail.
**87/100** · $140 · 267g · 4mm drop The Saucony Peregrine 14 stands out for its value for money (88/100) and flexibility (84/100). It delivers strong performance for its price point — one of the better deals in its category. Best for: trail.
Here's how all the shoes compare on the metrics that matter most:
**Hoka Speedgoat 6** — 91/100 overall · Cushioning 82 · Durability 84 · Value 86 · $155 **Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro 2** — 90/100 overall · Cushioning 82 · Durability 70 · Value 72 · $160 **Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide** — 88/100 overall · Cushioning 78 · Durability 76 · Value 68 · $250 **Salomon Sense Ride 6** — 87/100 overall · Cushioning 78 · Durability 86 · Value 88 · $140 **Saucony Peregrine 14** — 87/100 overall · Cushioning 76 · Durability 84 · Value 88 · $140
Our top pick is the **Hoka Speedgoat 6** with a 91/100 overall score, but the **Salomon Sense Ride 6** offers the best value for money at $140. If weight is your priority, the **Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro 2** at 260g is the lightest in this group.
Our scores are aggregated from expert review sources including Runner's World, Believe in the Run, Road Trail Run, Doctors of Running, and other trusted publications. We normalize scores to a 0-100 scale and weight them equally. Specs are sourced from manufacturer data. Prices reflect MSRP at time of writing.
