If you're looking to move beyond marathons then it's worth investing in a pair of the best shoes for ultra running. Ultras encompass running challenges longer than a marathon distance of 26.2 miles (42.2km) and will test your mental and physical mettle to their limits. Often they’ll take you over mixed terrain, anything from water-logged fells to rocky mountain paths.
Running for miles off the beaten track calls for a shoe that gives good traction, with sticky outsoles or good lugs to grip on soft, loose or slippery ground. Much like the best trail running shoes, you'll want great support to lessen your chance of injury, and protection from sharp rocks, roots and other trail hazards. You don’t want them to be too heavy or rigid, especially if you’re going to encounter stretches of road, but they need to deliver on comfort. You want cushioning and padding for impact protection, but without responsiveness being compromised. And ultimately, you need a shoe that’s built to last.
Trail shoes for ultra runners aren’t the most budget friendly, but they are in the midst of a seismic shift, helping pros smash records and the beginner get through their first more comfortably.
Our running experts have tested the best shoes for ultra runners on rough and rocky paths and smooth rolling trails in a range of conditions to find out how they fared on long-mileage runs for comfort, grip and protection.
The quick list
Scan our quick list, a brief overview of the best shoes for ultra runners, then jump to our more detailed reviews further down the page to delve deeper into the specifics of each pair.
Built for endurance and stability whatever the conditions, these trail running shoes have a comfy, locked-in fit and great grip to keep you on your feet. We love the quick-drying mesh uppers
A robust running shoe that can eat up muddy trails and promise to be long-lasting. We like the way they bounce for mile after mile
A unique double BOA lacing system allows easy adjustment of these comfy, wide-fit trail shoes, which may take some getting used to if you're new to zero-drop
Get long-haul comfort from soft cushioning, rugged durability, grippy traction and energy propulsion. The only thing you might miss is trail feel
The best trail shoes for ultra runners
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The most versatile shoes for ultra runners
From the off these lightweight shoes feel good to wear: the internal bootie, which pulls on like a sock, gives you an instant locked-in feel and the cuff fits snugly without being too tight.
The breathable mesh uppers keep things light and airy, allowing your feet to breathe in warm weather, and drying out quickly after getting a soaking. The low 4mm drop gives stability while the 5mm lugs hold up even in slick conditions.
Our tester Julia Clarke loved the balance between cushioning and trail feel that the shoes manage to strike, making them perfect for taking on technical terrain and changeable conditions with confidence. Gaiter attachments are a handy feature if you're expecting a deluge.
The roomy toe box allows feet to swell on long runs – although it may offer a little too much room for narrow feet – and the TPU lining on the uppers point towards a durable construction that will perform and last.
Read our full Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 review
The best responsive shoes for ultra runners
Although one of the heavier models on test, our ultra runner wasn't put off by the weight of the Terrex Agravic Ultras, feeling confident that the durable finish would help her go the distance. And once on, she didn't notice the extra weight, citing that the robust build helped to propel her along the trails, rather than hinder her.
The cushioned midsole gives a nice amount of bounce underfoot, while the protection plate is firm with good rebound. The 4mm chevron grip will help keep you sturdy on your feet in all but the boggiest conditions.
With a comfortable fit and reinforced lacing area, our tester Julia Clarke rated these shoes as workhorses that can take a proper pounding while maintaining that vital cushioning, grip and support.
The only gripe for our expert tester Claire Maxted was that the insoles rose up as she ran and she had to replace them to get the ultimate dialed-in fit.
Read our full Adidas Terrex Agravic Ultra review
The best shoes for ultra runners for relaxed trails
Here's a shoe that's a bit different from the rest. With a wide fit, zero drop and BOA lacing system, the Mont Blanc BOA from Ultra are unique, and while might not be for everyone, will perform brilliantly for some.
Altra has worked with BOA to come up with the two-dial lacing system that locks the foot firmly in place with one securing the forefoot and the other just under the ankle - great for adjusting on the go to relieve pressure. Our tester Claire Maxted is a veteran of many ultras and loved that she could do this easily on cold days and while wearing running gloves.
The Vibram sole has 3mm lugs that are widely spaced, and combined with the moderate midsole padding you'll still be able to feel the trail underfoot.
The drop of the shoe might take some getting used to, and the high price will put off others. But the roomy fit that observes the real shape of the human foot will be much-loved by others.
Read our full Altra Mont Blanc BOA review
The most durable shoes for ultra runners
With the launch of the Inov8 TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max came the world's first graphene-enhanced midsole compound. The strong-but-thin foam is said to give 25% more energy return and much better durability compared to other midsoles.
The robust shoes offer long-mileage comfort, great durability and traction, and energy propulsion to put spring in your stride.
Carbon fiber propulsion plates in the midsoles are resilient, but still soft and flexible. Designed specifically for ultras, our expert tester Pat Kinsella thinks you'll really reap the benefit of the support the farther you run.
The chunky, maximalist outsole with rocker shape stifles trail feel, but pays dividends on rough and rocky terrain. And the durability means once you've laid out initially for the shoes – they're one of the pricier shoes for ultra runners – you won't have to think about budgeting for shoes again for a long while.
Read our full Inov8 TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max review
Best shoes for ultra runners comparison table
| Ultra running shoe | Price | Weight | Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 | From $140 (US) / £115 (UK) | 560g / 1lbs 4oz (per pair) | 4mm |
| Adidas Terrex Agravic Ultra | £160 (UK) / $160 (USA) | 595g / 21oz (per pair UK 6.5) | 8mm |
| Altra Mont Blanc BOA | $210 (US) / £185 (UK) | 504g / 17.8oz (per pair UK 6.5) | 0mm |
| inov-8 TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max | $190 (US) / £170 (UK) | 300g / 10.6oz (per shoe) | 6mm |
Meet the testers
The author of the book Restorative Yoga for Beginners, Julia loves to explore mountains on foot, bike, skis and belay and then recover on the the yoga mat. Julia graduated with a degree in journalism in 2004 and spent eight years working as a radio presenter in Kansas City, Vermont, Boston and New York City before discovering the joys of the Rocky Mountains. She then detoured west to Colorado and enjoyed 11 years teaching yoga in Vail before returning to her hometown of Glasgow, Scotland in 2020 to focus on family and writing.
The co-founder and former editor of Trail Running magazine, Claire now runs the YouTube channel Wild Ginger Running, creating films about trail- and ultra-running advice, inspiration, races and gear reviews. An award-winning journalist, writing for outdoor and adventure sports magazines and websites, Claire's first book, The Ultimate Trail Running Handbook (5k to 50k), is out now. Her second, The Ultimate Ultra Running Handbook (50k to 100 miles), is out Autumn 2024. Claire also speaks and presents at events and races.
Author of Caving, Canyoning, Coasteering…, a recently released book about all kinds of outdoor adventures around Britain, Pat has spent 20 years pursuing stories involving boots, bikes, boats, beers and bruises. En route he’s canoed Canada’s Yukon River, climbed Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro, skied and mountain biked through the Norwegian Alps, run an ultra across the roof of Mauritius, and set short-lived records for trail-running Australia’s highest peaks and New Zealand’s Great Walks. He’s authored walking guides to Devon and Dorset, and once wrote a whole book about Toilets for Lonely Planet. Follow Pat’s escapades on Strava and Instagram.
How to choose shoes for ultra runners
Whether you’re training for a 50k ultra marathon or a multi-day epic, choosing the right shoe is vital, not just for race day, but for helping you put in the hours in your training.
The best shoes for ultra runners tend to have all the qualities of a great trail running shoe, with a greater focus on durability. As always, the ultimate fit will be decided by the shape of your foot, but good cushioning, support and protection is vital.
The type of race you’re training for and the terrain and conditions you’re running in will also play a part – there’s more below on things to consider before choosing the best ultra running shoe for you.
Getting the best fit
For long days in your shoes you’ll need to try before you buy. Make sure the collar and tongue aren’t going to rub, and that your feet aren’t squeezed so they have room to swell. The lacing system needs to be able to cinch in your foot tightly, but not uncomfortably, to work with the heel cup to keep it in place.
Cushioning and drop
Shoes for ultra runners won’t have as much cushioning as road running shoes, but it’s one of the most important factors for impact protection. A foam midsole that soaks up shock but still is responsive and allows you to feel the trail is the balance you’re looking for.
Some shoes take a minimalist approach, with no or very little drop, this style of shoe will take some getting used to if you’re used to a bigger drop.
Other maximalist shoes have a ‘rocker’ shape with a sole that curves, supposedly helping to propel you forward from footstrike to lift off. Your feelings about shape is subjective, so try as many as you can before you buy and if your race is coming up soon, go with what you’re most used to.
Whether you love or hate these options is very subjective, and often comes down to your running style (whether you’re a heel, midfoot of forefoot striker). Try them on the trails and see what suits you best.
Working out grip
Are you going to be pounding along smooth paths over rolling terrain, or are you setting out to conquer a craggy mountain ultra? A great shoe for ultra running will give you a strong foothold on the terrain to keep you traveling forwards without slipping or sliding.
Take a look at the lugs on the bottom of your shoe. The bigger they are the more aggressive and the better the ‘bite’ on the ground, great for rough conditions, but they’ll slow you down on smoother ground.
The materials the outsole is made up of too are important: softer rubbers give better natural grip but they’re not as hardwearing and will need replacing more frequently.
A lot of long-distance trail shoe designers take into account that you will encounter stretches of hard surfaces and will be able to handle them well, but they probably won’t be as lightweight or responsive as road running shoes.
Protection and breathability
Smooth, rolling paths may be clearer from debris and obstacles, therefore a lighter, more flexible upper will be a great choice. However, if you’re likely to encounter wooded areas, water courses with hidden obstacles or mountainous terrain, think about the type of protection a running shoe can offer.
For rocky, techy terrain a substantial outsole and rockplate in the midsole will prevent punctures from sharp surfaces. Some shoes might offer reinforced toes and heels.
Whether you’re running a wet and wild multi-stager in the UK’s Lake District or attempting the sand-fest that is the Marathon des Sables, you’ll want a shoe that’s breathable.
Waterproofing layers can weigh down a shoe and make it run hot, plus it doesn’t take much for water to get in over the cuff, so runners prefer something that uses a lightweight mesh or materials that will dry quicker while still allowing your foot to breathe.
Durability and value
You don’t need lots of expensive gear for ultra running (in fact, here are more ways to save money on ultra running) but a good pair of running shoes are a crucial investment. They won’t last you as long as hiking shoes as they’re lighter and put through more intense stress, but they should have a good degree of robustness. When buying, look out for hardwearing materials, such as Vibram and graphene-enhanced soles.
Consider closely stitching and seam sealing, and look carefully at lacing systems for areas that could be prone to failure.
