Trail running shoes tips
Distance
Terrain
Experience and goals
Choosing trail running shoes based on distance
Distance has a direct impact on your choice of shoes. Short trail, long trail, ultra, skytrail, or vertical kilometre : Each race format requires specific characteristics in terms of responsiveness, cushioning, stability, and protection.
Trail running shoes for short distances
For short distances (up to 35 km), opt for lightweight, responsive trail running shoes, which are ideal for increasing your speed and responsiveness. They are particularly well-suited for beginners, promoting a smooth and precise stride without compromising on feel.
Depending on the terrain (dry, technical, or slippery), grip remains a key factor in ensuring a secure footing and minimising your risk of falling. For these races, choose models that offer:
• Light weight, to promote speed.
• Enhanced stability for quick foot placement on technical trails.
Trail running shoes for long distances
For long distances (between 35 and 80 km), the goal is to maintain your endurance and minimise muscle fatigue. Cushioning is therefore essential for maintaining comfort and conserving energy throughout your run. For this type of trail, choose trail running shoes that offer:
• Good cushioning to absorb impact.
• Enhanced stability to help you stay in control, even when you're tired.
• Reliable protection against obstacles (rock guards, side reinforcements).
• Reliable grip, suited to each terrain: mud, rock, or mixed.
Advice from Laure Paradan
Rossignol Athlete
Laure Paradan, a Rossignol athlete, delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 Trail du Saint Jacques by UTMB®, finishing 2nd in the women's category and 17th on the scratch in the 100 km race.
When it comes to shoes, she is clearly a fan of the Vezor, which she uses across all race formats, from the KV to long-distance races. She appreciates their balance of responsiveness, comfort, and precision. Even on runs longer than 80 km, they hold up just fine, with foam that remains responsive right to the end.
The snug fit is also a real plus for her, especially since she has narrow feet. On the other hand, she feels less comfortable in shoes with a roomier fit, where her foot tends to slide around.
The Vercors still comes into play on certain long runs, when she’s looking for a bit more comfort and less responsiveness, without compromising on grip. But when it comes to racing, her choice is clear: regardless of the distance, she wears the Vezor – her favourite model.
Advice from Marine Quintard
Rossignol Athlete
For medium to long distances, Marine Quintard chooses the Ultra Vercors by Rossignol as part of her preparation for the CCC®, the 100 km race of the UTMB®. Winner of the MCC during UTMB® week last year, she looks for a shoe that combines comfort, protection, and performance on demanding race formats.
The Vercors trail running shoes meets these needs with a roomier forefoot fit than the Vezor, providing greater comfort over long distances. Its efficient cushioning also helps manage fatigue and supports the natural changes in running form that can occur over many kilometers. Despite this added protection, the shoe remains lightweight and responsive, two essential qualities for performing in the mountains.
Trail running shoes for ultra trails
Ultra trail (80 km to over 200 km) is the ultimate challenge, where comfort, versatility, and durability are essential. Over these extreme distances, the terrain is constantly changing, and your shoes must adapt to these conditions while providing reliable support in the long term. For this type of challenge, choose models that offer:
• Maximum cushioning to protect muscles and joints.
• A versatile base for reliable grip on all types of terrain.
• A comfortable fit to reduce friction and blisters.
• A stable structure to provide stability with each step, especially when running downhill.
Trail running shoes for the vertical kilometre and skyrunning
Vertical kilometre races and skyrunning are unique disciplines in which steep slopes and the pursuit of speed require lightweight, precise, and very grippy shoes. Here, uphill efficiency takes precedence over cushioning. For these distances, choose trail running shoes that offer:
• Ultra-light weight for faster ascents.
• At least 4mm studs for maximum traction on steep slopes.
• Precise support to stay in control during technical sections.
• Low to medium* drop for more efficient forward pressure when climbing.
Advice from Benoît Chauvet
Rossignol Athlete
Benoît Chauvet, a Rossignol athlete, is set to compete in the UTMB® in late August. For this challenging race, he is relying in particular on the Vercors, which he describes as a versatile shoe, comfortable over all distances. He highlights its base, effective on varied terrains, which provides genuine comfort as the kilometres rack up, especially when fatigue causes his weight to shift towards a heel strike. According to him, it also provides a real advantage on the rolling sections toward the end of the course.
With that in mind, he opts for a stable choice, aware that, with fatigue setting in, he probably wouldn’t have the energy required to take a Vezor all the way to the finish. However, he is considering an interesting alternative: a Vezor–Vercors combo, running in the Vezor up to Courmayeur before switching to the Vercors to reach the finish – a compromise that could prove particularly effective.
Advice from Lucien Mermillon
Rossignol Athlete
Lucien Mermillon, a Rossignol athlete, specialises in skyrace events – a playground in which he excels: the more technical the course, the more at ease he is. Naturally, Lucien runs almost exclusively in the Vezor, a model that perfectly suits his running style. Lucien reserves the Venosk for a few easy runs, up to 1–1½ hours, but for long runs and competitions, the Vezor remains his number one choice. As for the Vercors, he hasn’t had the chance to run in it yet, but he is convinced it can be a very good option, depending on the racer’s profile, both for long runs and ultras.
Lucien mainly competes in skyraces, with a few KV races and distances ranging up to 50–55 km, always on very technical terrain. Under these conditions, the Vezor proves to be a stable, precise, and responsive option, with what he considers excellent grip. It perfectly meets his expectations, even on slightly longer distances, making it without a doubt his favourite pair.
To guide racers, Lucien recommends a clear breakdown of the models: the Venosk for easy runs or the day before a race; the Vercors for long trail runs, ultras and certain long outings; and the Vezor for fast races, technical or not, when the goal is clearly to go fast.
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The best trail running shoes for dry terrain
On dry, relatively easy trails, focus on responsiveness and light weight. A very aggressive base is unnecessary and can make your stride feel heavier. Instead, opt for a responsive shoe with the right amount of cushioning so you can cover mile after mile with ease.
The best trail running shoes for technical terrain
On technical terrain – such as rocks, roots, steep slopes, or scree – opt for trail running shoes that offer enhanced support, excellent stability, and increased impact protection.
Choosing trail running shoes based on the terrain
The first question to ask yourself is simple: on which terrain will you be running? Each surface imposes specific requirements in terms of grip, stability, and support. Here are our tips for choosing the shoe that's best suited to your favourite terrain.
The best trail running shoes for slippery and muddy terrain
When the terrain becomes muddy and slippery, it is essential to prioritise a base that offers excellent grip to reduce the risk of falling and ensure good stability both uphill and downhill.
Flat rocks, wet surfaces, and paths smoothed by wear: these are all types of terrain on which traction is essential. A high-performance trail running shoe enables precision with each step and reduces the risk of slipping. For greater comfort on wet and muddy trails, choose Rossignol's waterproof trail running shoes, which feature the R Shell Dry membrane.
The best trail running shoes for versatile terrain
If you run on a variety of types of terrain, choose versatile trail running shoes designed to offer a good balance between grip, comfort, and responsiveness. A midsole that is neither too grippy nor too smooth will allow the shoe to adapt easily to changes in surface.
Choosing trail running shoes based on the experience and goals
The best trail running shoes based on your experience
When choosing trail running shoes, make sure they're suited to your skill level and goals. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned racer, it’s essential that you choose a model that suits your running style. Stability, cushioning, grip, and comfort are key factors when it comes to progressing safely and enjoying your run.
Getting started with trail running and competing in your first races
When you're just starting out, it's best to choose shoes that offer comfort, protection, and cushioning to minimise the impact on joints that aren't yet accustomed to the activity. A versatile model that offers a good balance between cushioning and responsiveness, will allow you to gradually adapt to a variety of terrains while reducing the risk of injury.
To get off to a smooth start:
• Good cushioning to absorb impact
• Effective grip for a secure footing
• Reliable support to prevent twisted ankles
• An intermediate drop (6 to 10 mm) for greater comfort
For your first race:
• Short trail runs (< 20 km): choose a responsive and stable shoe
• Longer trail runs (> 20 km): focus more on comfort and cushioning
Shoes for experienced trail runners
Experienced racers will look for more technical, lightweight, and dynamic models suited to intensive practice. The choice will depend on your goal: competition performance or training mileage.
For competition :
• Choose lightweight, responsive shoes that provide good energy feedback.
• Grip and stability remain essential, especially on technical terrain
• Low to medium drop (4 to 8 mm) for greater efficiency both uphill and downhill
For training :
Choose shoes that are more durable and comfortable, while maintaining a good balance between cushioning and responsiveness.
• Greater protection and resistance
• Versatile grip
• Enhanced support for back-to-back runs
Shoes for ultra trail running
Ultra trail running requires shoes that are designed to last: long-distance comfort, maximum cushioning, and optimal protection are essential for managing fatigue over several hours or even several days.
Shoes for ultra trail running :
For these races, prioritise:
• Shock-absorbing cushioning that remains comfortable over time.
• Support that stabilises your stride and delays the onset of muscle fatigue.
• A base with grip suitable for all types of terrain, from dry to technical.
• A wider forefoot to prevent pressure points, kilometre after kilometre.
Discover Rossignol's collection of trail running shoes and find the perfect pair for your next mountain adventure.
Want to continue the adventure? Check out all our tips on the Rossignol blog.
Distance
Terrain
Experience and goals
Trail running shoes tips
Choosing trail running shoes based on distance
Distance has a direct impact on your choice of shoes. Short trail, long trail, ultra, skytrail, or vertical kilometre : Each race format requires specific characteristics in terms of responsiveness, cushioning, stability, and protection.
Choosing trail running shoes based on the terrain
The first question to ask yourself is simple: on which terrain will you be running? Each surface imposes specific requirements in terms of grip, stability, and support. Here are our tips for choosing the shoe that's best suited to your favourite terrain.
The best trail running shoes for dry terrain
On dry, relatively easy trails, focus on responsiveness and light weight. A very aggressive base is unnecessary and can make your stride feel heavier. Instead, opt for a responsive shoe with the right amount of cushioning so you can cover mile after mile with ease.
The best trail running shoes for slippery and muddy terrain
When the terrain becomes muddy and slippery, it is essential to prioritise a base that offers excellent grip to reduce the risk of falling and ensure good stability both uphill and downhill.
Flat rocks, wet surfaces, and paths smoothed by wear: these are all types of terrain on which traction is essential. A high-performance trail running shoe enables precision with each step and reduces the risk of slipping. For greater comfort on wet and muddy trails, choose Rossignol's waterproof trail running shoes, which feature the R Shell Dry membrane.
The best trail running shoes for versatile terrain
If you run on a variety of types of terrain, choose versatile trail running shoes designed to offer a good balance between grip, comfort, and responsiveness. A midsole that is neither too grippy nor too smooth will allow the shoe to adapt easily to changes in surface.
The best trail running shoes for technical terrain
On technical terrain – such as rocks, roots, steep slopes, or scree – opt for trail running shoes that offer enhanced support, excellent stability, and increased impact protection.
Choosing trail running shoes based on the experience and goals
The best trail running shoes based on your experience
When choosing trail running shoes, make sure they're suited to your skill level and goals. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned racer, it’s essential that you choose a model that suits your running style. Stability, cushioning, grip, and comfort are key factors when it comes to progressing safely and enjoying your run.
Discover Rossignol's collection of trail running shoes and find the perfect pair for your next mountain adventure.
Want to continue the adventure? Check out all our tips on the Rossignol blog.