Best New Trail Shoes for Fall-Winter 2020

Wow! This year has flown by! Below are more than 30 models of (mostly) trail running shoes that hit store shelves in the second half of 2020… or will very soon, as all but two of these models are already available at the time of publishing.

For more on new trail shoes, check our articles on new trail shoes for spring-summer 2021 and fall-winter 2021. To find even more options for trail running shoes, check out our Best Trail Running Shoes article and our full collection of trail running shoe reviews.

[Editor’s Note: If you’re affiliated with a brand (i.e., an employee, ambassador, etc.) that produces shoes, please share that relation in each of your comments on this article. Thanks!]

If you’re interested in a particular brand or model, you can use the following list to jump ahead. (Featured previews are bolded in the list.)

Brooks Catamount ($160)

With the Brooks Catamount, the brand adds a trail racing shoe to its lineup. The 9.3-ounce (264g) shoe with a 6mm drop features a modest TrailTack outsole underneath the brand’s light and responsive DNA Flash midsole material. Drainage slits in the mudguard should help the shoe dry while a full rock plate adds underfoot protection. For more, read our full review of the Brooks Catamount. (Buy now.)

The Brooks Catamount.

Also new from Brooks:

Brooks Cascadia 15/Cascadia 15 GTX ($130/$160) – The Cascadia has been updated with a new mono-mesh upper that’s more breathable along with an enhanced mudguard that adds durability. There’s a new loop to tuck your laces into. The standard version weighs in at 11 ounces (312g) for a men’s 9 and sports an 8mm drop, while the updated GTX version now uses GORE-TEX Invisible Fit and weighs 11.7 ounces (332g). For more, read our full Brooks Cascadia 15 and Cascadia 15 GTX review. (Buy now.)

The Brooks Cascadia 15.

inov-8 Terraultra G 270 ($160)

The inov-8 Terraultra G 270 sees many changes from the Terraultra G 260, such as a repositioning of the lugs and flex grooves on the G-Grip outsole with the 4mm lugs themselves having grooves and dimples added for even more traction. Underfoot, the shoe sees the change to a softer, yet longer lasting Powerflow Max midsole that also returns more energy, while 3mm of additional midsole height adds to the underfoot cushion, with a new insole adding even more cushioning and energy return. The redesigned upper has both more durable materials and a more adaptive fit that should better accommodate changes in foot volume through long runs. The shoe stays with its 0mm drop and now weighs an average of 9.5 ounces (270g) across the line. (Buy now.)For more, our full inov-8 Terraultra G 270 review.

The Inov-8 TERRAULTRA G 270.

Also new from inov-8:

inov-8 Mudclaw G 260 V2 ($185) – The Mudclaw G 260 V2 adds a more protective and more durable toe rand. (Buy now.)

The inov-8 Mudclaw G 260 V2.

Hoka One One Torrent 2 ($120)

The Hoka One One Torrent 2 sees a number of improvements including a new engineered-mesh upper made in part with recycled material, improved underfoot feel through the gait cycle, and the realignment of some lugs for better multi-directional traction. The Torrent 2 weighs in at 9.3 ounces (264g), about a third of an ounce heavier than its predecessor. (Buy now.)

For more, watch or read our full Hoka One One Torrent 2 review.

The Hoka One One Torrent 2.

Also new from Hoka One One (including some road shoes oft used by ultrarunners):

Hoka One One Clifton 7 ($130) – The road running Clifton 7 drops 0.3 ounces to 8.7 ounces (247g) while moving to a more comfortable engineered-mesh upper and adding an integrated heel-pull tab to the ankle collar. (Buy now.)
Hoka One One Clifton Edge ($160) – An 8.93-ounce (253g) road runner, the Clifton Edge rides on Hoka’s softest, lightest foam to date with its heel extended rearward. (Buy now.)
Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6 ($160) – The Stinson ATR adds a bit of width to the midsole in the heel and metatarsal area to add stability while dropping 0.4 ounces to weigh in at 11.7 ounces (332g). (Buy now.)
Hoka One One Rincon 2 ($115) – Steady at 7.7 ounces (218g), the road running Rincon 2 moves from a single-layer to a multi-layer sandwich-mesh upper as part of a move to a more supportive upper. (Buy now.)
Hoka One One Bondi 7 ($150) – The road running Bondi 7 updates its mesh and adds a memory-foam ankle collar, which extends its plush feel. It stays roughly the same weight at 10.7 ounces (303g). (Buy now.)
Hoka One One Carbon X SPE ($200) – A tongue-free, booty-fit construction limited-edition update to the Carbon X road racer. This one weighs in a hair heavier at 8.8 ounces (249g).

The Hoka One One Clifton 7.

The Hoka One One Clifton Edge.

The Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6.

The Hoka One One Rincon 2.

The Hoka One One Bondi 7.

The Hoka One One Carbon X-SPE.

Salomon Wildcross/Wildcross GTX ($130/$160)

The Salomon Wildcross is the latest in the brand’s super luggy trail shoes coming out of the Speedcross heritage. This flavor comes in a lower profile with an 8mm drop for a more nimble feel. The upper features a slightly wider toebox than the Speedcross while having a much different inner sock-like construction with Sensifit wraps around the midfoot. The Wildcross weighs in at 10.2 ounces (290g). For more, read our full Salomon Wildcross review. (Buy now.)

The Salomon Wildcross.

Also new from Salomon:

Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 ($180) – The S/Lab Ultra 3 moves to more breathable mesh construction that removes its “wings” while also adding a more sock-like heel counter. The 8mm-drop shoe weighs 10.2 ounces (290g).

The Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3.

Altra Olympus 4 ($170)

The already plush Altra Olympus becomes even a bit softer with the Altra Olympus 4. Underfoot, the midsole and outsole are sculpted out behind the heel, creating a split trail rudder. The upper adds a more protective toe rand that includes drainage ports. The Olympus 4 adds nearly an ounce to weigh in at 11.6 ounces (329g). (Buy now.)

The Altra Olympus 4.

Also new from Altra:

Altra Superior 4.5 ($110) – The Superior 4.5 gets a new, more breathable, better draining mesh upper with a bit more stretch while thickening the toe protection and adding more support to the upper’s lateral midfoot. This shoe also adds an ounce to weigh in at 8.9 ounces (252g). (Buy now.)

The Altra Superior 4.5.

Saucony Switchback 2 ($140)

The Saucony Switchback 2 is a big change from the original, most notably with a redesigned upper centered around the BOA dial system. The underfoot tooling remains unchanged with a 4mm drop and 3mm lugs; however, this model adds a rock plate through the midfoot and moved from EVERUN to the lighter PWRRUN+ midsole material. Altogether, the shoe comes in a bit lighter at 8.8 ounces (249g). (Buy now.)

The Saucony Switchback 2.

Also new from Saucony:

Saucony Canyon TR ($120) – The Canyon TR is an 8mm-drop, 11.0-ounce (312g) road-to-trail shoe with a moderate amount of PWRRUN midsole and PWRRUN+ topsole cushioning, moderate 3mm lugs, gaiter attachment, and a fore- and mid-foot rock plate. A non-continuous rand adds durability to the upper while trapping less water. For more, read our full Saucony Canyon TR review. (Buy now.)
Saucony Mad River TR 2 ($110) – The primary updates for the Mad River TR 2 are a change from a booty to a traditional ankle collar construction, a move from a PWRFOAM to a PWRRUN midsole, and a bit more toe room. It’s got a 4mm drop and weighs 10.5 ounces (298g) (formerly 9.7 ounces, 275g). (Buy now.)

The Saucony Canyon TR.

The Saucony Mad River TR 2.

New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail v1 ($165)

The name says it all for the New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail v1. This shoe is built around a thick Fresh FoamX midsole with a 4mm drop. The shoe weighs in at 10.8 ounces (307g). (Buy now.)

The New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail v1.

The North Face Vectiv ($200 – January 26, 2021)

While nearly all details remain under lockdown, early 2021 will see the launch of The North Face Vectiv pictured below.

The North Face Vectiv.

Topo Ultraventure Pro ($145)

The Topo Ultraventure Pro is a 10.4-ounce (295g), 5mm-drop (25/30mm) shoe that tries to be a happy middle ground between Topo’s Ultraventure (softer) and MTN Racer (firmer, more protective). The Ultraventure Pro features a Vibram Megagrip outsole, a three-piece ZipFoam (TPU/EVA blend) midsole, and an external TPU heel counter. For more, read our full Topo Ultraventure Pro review. (Buy now.)

The Topo Ultraventure Pro.

Also new from Topo:

Topo Ultrafly 3 – The Topo Ultrafly 3 road shoe sees a significant redesign all around. The upper moves from a mesh with overlays to a knit upper with a molded foam collar and a significant external TPU heel counter along with two lace loops to hold up the tongue. Underfoot, the midsole transitions to softer Zipfoam but with a slightly firmer medial insert while some rubber was removed from the outsole, helping the shoe move from 10.3 to 9.6 ounces (272g). (Buy now.)

The Topo Ultrafly 3.

SCOTT Supertrac RC 2 ($160)

The SCOTT Supertrac RC 2 features tweaks to the Radial Traction outsole pattern for better grip and durability. On the upper, SCOTT updates to Schoeller’s cooler coldblack material and 3XDRY water-repellent finish. The shoe continues to weigh in around 9.5 ounces (270g) with its 5mm drop.

The SCOTT Supertrac RC 2.

Also new from SCOTT:

SCOTT Kinabalu Ultra RC ($160) – An 8mm-drop (21/29), 9.5-ounce (270g) shoe aimed at ultras and long days on the trail. For more, reader our full SCOTT Kinabalu Ultra RC review.

The SCOTT Kinabalu Ultra RC.

Under Armour HOVR Velociti Trail ($120)

Under Armour brings its HOVR midsole to the trails this season with the Under Armour HOVR Velociti Trail, an off-road adaptation of its HOVR Velociti 3 model. This 10.5-ounce (298g), 8mm-drop shoe offers a minimally lugged Vibram Megagrip outsole. (Buy now.)

The Under Armour HOVR Velociti Trail.

Also new from Under Armour:

Under Armour HOVR Machina Off-Road ($200) – Another 10.5-ounce (298g), 8mm-drop shoe that’s loaded with features: a HOVR midsole, a Pebax propulsion plate, and a BOA speed closure system along with an engineered-mesh upper and luggy outsole. (Buy now.)

The Under Armour HOVR Machina Off-Road.

adidas Terrex Agravic Tech Pro ($250)

Well, the adidas Terrex Agravic Tech Pro comes with lots of features to go along with its $250 price tag. The BOA-closure shoe includes an integrated, water-repellent, ankle-height gaiter atop a Boost midsole. If these shoes hold up to adidas Outdoor’s naming scheme, they weigh in at 420 grams, or 14.8 ounces. (Buy now.)

The adidas Terrex Agravic Tech Pro.

Merrell Agility Synthesis 2 ($110)

The 9.3-ounce (265g), 6mm-drop Merrell Agility Synthesis 2 is a full reboot for the model. It moves to Merrell’s FloatPro Foam, the brand’s softest and lightest foam, as well as to the brand’s stickiest rubber, Quantum Grip, with 4mm lugs. The primarily woven upper material remains the same, but with a more rugged mesh around the ankle collar and tongue for added comfort and durability. (Buy now.)

The Merrell Agility Synthesis 2.

Also new from Merrell:

Merrell Antora 2/Antora 2 GTX ($110/$140) – This women’s-only model weighs in at 9.5 ounces (270g) with an 8.5mm drop and 5mm lugs. For this iteration, they’ve moved to a more abrasion-resistant mesh upper. Merrell’s added wide widths and a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit model, as well. (Buy now.)

The Merrell Antora 2.

Icebug Pytho5 BUGrip ($190)

The Icebug Pytho5 BUGrip updates the company’s Pytho model. This 5mm-drop, 11.3-ounce (320g) shoe features 17 steel studs in each outsole. With moderate cushion, a roomy toebox, and its generous last, this shoe is meant for long-distance outings. (Buy now.)

The Icebug Pytho5 BUGrip.

La Sportiva Jackal GTX ($170)

Not surprisingly, the primary update embodied in the La Sportiva Jackal GTX is the addition of a GORE-TEX membrane, in this case, the no-bulk Invisible Fit membrane. It weighs 11.1 ounces (315g), which is 0.6 ounces (15g) heavier than the standard version. (Buy now.)

The La Sportiva Jackal GTX.

Nike Pegasus Trail 2 GORE-TEX ($160)

The Nike Pegasus Trail 2 GORE-TEX uses Gore’s Invisible Fit technology on the current Pegasus Trail 2 platform. A U.S. men’s 10 weighs 11.8 ounces (335g), roughly the same weight as the standard version. For more, read our full Nike Pegasus Trail 2 GTX review. (Buy now.)

The Nike Pegasus Trail 2 Gore-Tex.

SCARPA Rush GTX ($170 – December 2020)

Another seasonal GORE-TEX addition, the SCARPA Rush GTX also sees the addition of GORE-TEX Extended Comfort lining. It weighs 14.1 ounces (400g). (Buy now.)

The SCARPA Rush GTX.

Notes on Fall/Winter 2020 Updates from Other Brands

Arc’teryx, Columbia/Montrail, Dynafit, ON, Raidlight, Salewa, Tecnica, and Xero all confirmed that they have no fall-winter 2020 updates.

The following brands had updates planned for the second half of 2020 that have been delayed: SCARPA (Spin Pro 2.0 GTX – canceled in US, possible delayed release in Europe; and Spin Ultra GTX – delayed), Skechers (Max Trail 6 and GoRun Speed TRL Flow), and VJ Sport.

Call for Comments

[Editor’s Note: If you’re affiliated (i.e., an employee, ambassador, etc.) with a brand that produces shoes, please share that relation in each of your comments on this article. Thanks!]

Which new trail shoes for autumn/winter 2020 have you most excited?
Have any technical questions? Ask away!
Know of other trail shoes that came out in the second half of 2020? Tell us about them in a comment.