The Best Fashion Forward Trail Running Shoes for Men & Women

Not all adventures require taking a rig to the open road or setting up camp with a mountainous backdrop. Urban jungles and your own two feet can offer endless exploration options too. Whether hitting the trail outside of town or pounding pavement in the city, you’ll need footwear that can hold up to the challenge—and ideally well balanced between fashion and function.

These 6 stylish trail runners are as useful and at home in the city as on any trail.

1. Salomon S/LAB XT-4 ADV

Salomon’s S/LAB line is having a moment (ex: District Vision Mountain Racer). The hyper engineered arm of the French-founded (though owned by Adidas since 1997) brand has found a new popularity away from the mountains and among the city streets of—and on the feet of fashionistas in—Tokyo, NYC, and Los Angeles. The colorful S//LAB XT-4 ADV ($250) trail runner is the perfect example of why, made of a technical blend of elevated fabrics and mesh welded in stitch-free construction with a toggle fastener and Contagrip MA outsole.

2. Mammut Saentis Knit Low

There is something freeing about bare feet—but unfortunately the city sidewalks don’t lend themselves to the shoeless lifestyle (please don’t try). Fortunately, the futuristic Saentis Knit Low ($179) from Swiss mountaineering brand Mammut features a 3D Knit construction, giving them a sock-like feel. Flexibility, combined with a specially developed Michelin outsole and toggle lace fastener, make these lightweight kicks ideal for your everyday hustle. And best of all, it’s available in identical men’s and women’s models.

3. Hoka One One Speedgoat 3

The third Hoka shoe to bare the nickname of ultra running record holde Karl “The Speedgoat” Meltzer, this maximalist shoe is designed to tackle any trail, any terrain, any time. A durable shoe with an ultra-comfortable fit (thanks to Hoka’s signature oversized EVA midsole and lugged Vibram outsole), the Speedgoat 3 ($140) has enhanced heel support, midfoot lockdown, and extra “seatbelt” support on each side. Plus, the mesh construction increases breathability, making these comfortable and supportive in all conditions. Avaialble in men's and women's models.

4. Arc’teryx Norvan VT

Designed as a high-performance trail running shoe with climbing and rock scrambling in mind (Arc’teryx is a BC-based company after all), the Norvan VT ($200) delivers supportive traction and aggressive good looks in all environments. An adjustable 360 support system allows for an adaptive, comfortable fit, even if all you’re doing is walking to work or scrambling for a precious seat on the A Train. The Novarian VT will get you where you need to be, and in style at that. Avaialble in men's and women's models.

5. Danner Trail 2650

A marked departure from the legendary Oregon bootmaker, the Trail 2650 ($112) finds inspiration in the diverse terrain and massive expanse of the iconic 2650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. Made for moving, whether it’s logging 10 before 10 on the trail or from the subway to your desk, the Trail 2650 is lightweight, cushioned, and durable, making it an ideal go-to for everyday adventuring. Available in men’s and women’s models.

6. La Sportiva Blizzard GTX

Italy’s La Sportiva makes some of the wildest footwear in the entire outdoor industry. Their bright colorways and aggressive designs are impossible to ignore. The Blizzard GTX ($199) is a lightweight mountain running shoe designed to perform under all weather conditions. With sturdy grip, enhanced underfoot stability, a Gore-Tex upper, and fast lacing system, the waterproof GTX is ready for anything.