Trail running has officially entered the super shoe era. With advanced foams, propulsion systems and high-performance design, choosing the right trail shoe now comes down to terrain, distance and running style.

Here's a detailed breakdown of four of the top-performing models available at Run Trails.

On Cloudultra Pro

Best for: Fast ultras and runnable terrain. Lightweight, smooth and highly responsive.

The On Cloudultra Pro is On Running's most performance-oriented trail shoe to date. Built around a dual-density Helion™ HF superfoam midsole and On's signature Speedboard® plate, it delivers a propulsive, road-shoe-like ride on runnable singletrack and fire roads. The upper is engineered with a seamless, sock-like fit that locks the foot in place without hot spots — critical when you're deep into a 100km effort.

The outsole uses a directional lug pattern optimised for dry-to-mixed conditions, offering reliable traction on hardpack and light mud without the weight penalty of aggressive lugs. It's not the shoe for gnarly, wet technical terrain — but for fast-paced ultras on groomed trails, it's hard to beat.

Key specs: Dual-density Helion™ HF foam · Speedboard® propulsion plate · Seamless engineered upper · Directional lug outsole

Ideal for: Speed-focused runners targeting marathon to 100km+ distances on light-to-moderate trails. If you thrive on runnable courses and want a shoe that rewards a fast turnover, this is your weapon.

Worth knowing: Runs true to size. The fit is snug through the midfoot — those with wider feet may prefer to size up half a size.

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Norda 005

Best for: Durability and long-distance comfort. Built with premium materials and exceptional grip.

Norda has built a reputation for making trail shoes that last — and the 005 is their most refined expression of that philosophy. The upper is constructed from bio-based Dyneema®, one of the strongest fibres on the planet, making it extraordinarily resistant to abrasion and tearing. Pair that with a Vibram® Litebase outsole and you have a shoe that will outlast almost anything else in this category.

The midsole uses a responsive EVA blend that delivers a firm, connected feel underfoot — less bouncy than the Cloudultra Pro, but more confidence-inspiring on variable terrain. The Vibram® lugs bite hard on wet roots, loose gravel and muddy switchbacks, making the 005 a genuine all-terrain performer.

Key specs: Bio-based Dyneema® upper · Vibram® Litebase outsole · Responsive EVA midsole · Recycled laces and lining

Ideal for: Mileage-focused runners who want a shoe that can handle everything from alpine singletrack to multi-day fastpacking. If you're putting in big weeks and need a shoe that won't fall apart, the 005 is the answer.

Worth knowing: The Dyneema® upper has minimal stretch, so fit is precise. We recommend trying these on in-store or ordering your usual size — the toe box is slightly roomier than average, which suits runners with wider forefoots.

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La Sportiva Prodigio Pro

Best for: Technical terrain and mountain racing. Precise, stable and confidence-inspiring.

La Sportiva has been making mountain footwear for over 90 years, and the Prodigio Pro distils that expertise into a high-performance trail racing shoe. The XFlow™ supercritical foam midsole is lightweight and responsive, while the FriXion® AT outsole delivers exceptional grip on wet rock, loose scree and steep descents — the kind of terrain where other shoes in this category start to feel nervous.

The fit is performance-snug with a low-volume last that wraps the foot precisely. This translates to outstanding proprioception and confidence on technical ground, though runners used to more cushioned, roomy shoes may need an adjustment period. The reinforced toe cap and heel counter add protection without significant weight penalty.

Key specs: XFlow™ supercritical foam midsole · FriXion® AT outsole · Low-volume precision last · Reinforced toe cap and heel counter · Breathable mesh upper

Ideal for: Technical trail specialists, mountain racers and skyrunners who prioritise grip, precision and downhill confidence over plush cushioning. If your local trails involve exposed ridgelines, wet rock and steep technical descents, this is the shoe built for it.

Worth knowing: La Sportiva uses a European last — the fit is narrower than most Australian runners are used to. If you're between sizes, size up. Those with wide feet should try before they buy.

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Brooks Cascadia Elite

Best for: Technical trail running with maximum energy return and all-conditions grip.

The Brooks Cascadia Elite is a significant departure from the classic Cascadia — this is a full-blown trail super shoe. At its core is a DNA GOLD midsole made from 100% PEBA foam, one of the most energy-returning materials in footwear. Paired with a Pebax SpeedVault+ carbon-infused propulsion plate, the Cascadia Elite delivers a propulsive, lively ride that rewards a strong running stride on technical terrain.

The upper is built from MATRYX® engineered woven fabric reinforced with Kevlar fibres — exceptionally strong, breathable and abrasion-resistant. Underfoot, the Vibram® Megagrip Elite outsole provides outstanding traction on both wet and dry surfaces, making this shoe a genuine all-conditions performer. At 266g and with a 41mm heel / 35mm forefoot stack (6mm drop), it sits firmly in the premium trail super shoe category.

Key specs: DNA GOLD 100% PEBA midsole · Pebax SpeedVault+ carbon-infused plate · Vibram® Megagrip Elite outsole · MATRYX® Kevlar-reinforced upper · Stack: 41mm heel / 35mm forefoot · Drop: 6mm · Weight: 266g

Ideal for: Neutral runners who want a plated trail super shoe with elite-level grip and protection. Perfect for technical Australian trails — from Blue Mountains singletrack to Dandenong Ranges fire roads — where you need both speed and confidence underfoot.

Worth knowing: This is a neutral shoe — not suited to runners who need stability or motion control. The MATRYX® upper has a precise, performance fit. We recommend ordering your usual size and trying in-store if possible.

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Detailed Comparison

Final Thoughts

Each of these shoes excels in different conditions. Choosing the right one depends on your terrain, distance and running style.