Phavai / Outdoor / Ultrarunning shoes

Best Trail Shoes for 100 Miles

Shopping for best trail shoes for 100 miles gets messy fast. Phavai pulls together the best reviews and buyer feedback so the winner, tradeoffs, and proof are easier to see.

Last updated April 21, 2026 Sources checked April 21, 2026 100-mile runners, pacers, and first-time ultra racers Retail links never buy rank
Rank #1 Best Overall Best for Distance Comfort Pick

HOKA Speedgoat 7

Best current cushioned workhorse

For 100-mile efforts, the Speedgoat 7 is the current-model Hoka pick because it brings back a more protective.

86BestPick Score
Expert 89.4 Expert Score
Best evidence Running Warehouse
Also used

iRunFar, Believe in the Run

YouTube 87 YouTube Score
Best evidence Believe in the Run YouTube video
Also used

iRunFar YouTube video

Reddit 81.3 Reddit Score
Best evidence r/RunningShoeGeeks thread
Also used

r/RunningShoeGeeks thread, r/Hoka thread

Best for

Long ultras, steady mountain days, and runners prioritizing protection over ground feel

Avoid if

Your feet swell wide late in races or you need a very soft, roomy forefoot.

Key tradeoff

Fit remains the main caveat: some runners may need the wide version or a half-size adjustment.

current model

Current-model evidence is visible in the sources.

Buy now
View full evidence Upside, cautions, and proof
What people caution

Fit remains the main caveat: some runners may need the wide version or a half-size adjustment. It is still not a deep-mud specialist or a truly roomy anatomical shoe.

Expert reviews

Expert review Hoka Speedgoat 7 Review: Returning to GOAT Status? | Believe in the Run Believe in the Run by Taylor Bodin and Allison Mercer - checked Apr 22, 2026 Best expert source for the main caution: pointy toe box, possible sizing adjustment, and one early delamination concern.

YouTube testing

Video review Hoka Speedgoat 7 Review | iRunFar Trail Trials iRunFar YouTube by Travis Liles - checked Apr 22, 2026 Useful caution source for sizing and the more locked-down upper.

Reddit owner discussion

Owner discussion Speed goat 7 Ankle Collar r/Hoka thread - checked Apr 22, 2026 Useful caution source for collar comfort and fit sensitivity. Owner discussion New Hoka SpeedGoat 7 r/trailrunning thread - checked Apr 22, 2026 Useful caution source because the thread includes both disappointment and longer-run praise.
Rank #2 Best for Distance Comfort Pick Performance Pick

The North Face VECTIV Enduris 4

Best cushioned alternative

The Enduris 4 works as a cushioned ultra option for runners who prioritize comfort over precision.

84BestPick Score
Expert 88.1 Expert Score
Best evidence Running Warehouse
Also used

OutdoorGearLab, Trail Run Magazine

YouTube 83.5 YouTube Score
Best evidence Running Warehouse video
Also used

Ultra Marathon Trail Running with Simon video, Aaron Jarvis YouTube video

Reddit 80.4 Reddit Score
Best evidence r/ultrarunning thread
Also used

r/trailrunning thread, r/Ultramarathon thread

Best for

Runners who want rocker-assisted comfort on less technical 100-mile courses

Avoid if

You need the most precise technical foothold.

Key tradeoff

Less precise on highly technical trails

Buy now
View full evidence Upside, cautions, and proof
What people caution

Less precise on highly technical trails. Plate feel may not suit everyone late in a race.

YouTube testing

Video review The North Face ROUNDUP - INFINITE vs ENDURIS // and SKY 2 // Reviews and Full Comparison Humble Running - checked Apr 24, 2026 Humble Running video review: The North Face ROUNDUP - INFINITE vs ENDURIS // and SKY 2 // Reviews and Full Comparison

Reddit owner discussion

Owner discussion Zegama 2 or Enduris 4 r/ultrarunning thread - checked Apr 21, 2026 100-mile cushioned daily trail comfort signal: Specific community thread compares Enduris 4 with Zegama 2 and supports its all-day comfort and stability signal. Owner discussion Trail Runner Recs? r/wmnf thread by Hiking_Moo - checked Apr 22, 2026 r/wmnf thread adds owner cautions around The North Face VECTIV Enduris 4: Trail Runner Recs?.
Rank #3 Best Value Best for Distance Comfort Pick

Brooks Cascadia 19

Best stable ultra option

The Cascadia 19 is not flashy, but its stable platform and protective design make sense for runners who value.

82BestPick Score
Reddit 82.4 Reddit Score
Best evidence r/trailrunning thread
Also used

r/trailrunning thread, r/trailrunning thread

Best for

Runners who want a traditional protective shoe for rocky or uneven courses

Avoid if

You want soft max cushion or a lively supertrainer feel.

Key tradeoff

Less exciting underfoot

Buy men Buy women
View full evidence Upside, cautions, and proof
What people caution

Less exciting underfoot. Heavier feel than race-first options.

Reddit owner discussion

Owner discussion Brooks Cascadia 19 GTX vs Altra Olympus 6 GTX r/trailrunning thread by Upstairs-Bad-8849 - checked Apr 22, 2026 r/trailrunning thread adds owner cautions around Brooks Cascadia 19: Brooks Cascadia 19 GTX vs Altra Olympus 6 GTX. Owner discussion Altras vs Brooks Cascadia 19 r/trailrunning thread by phijef - checked Apr 22, 2026 r/trailrunning thread adds owner cautions around Brooks Cascadia 19: Altras vs Brooks Cascadia 19. Owner discussion Best trail running shoes for trail to road and everyday use? r/trailrunning thread by RedlineBMW - checked Apr 22, 2026 r/trailrunning thread adds owner cautions around Brooks Cascadia 19: Best trail running shoes for trail to road and everyday use?.
Rank #4 Best Value Best for Distance Comfort Pick

Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4

Best for swelling feet

The Ultraventure 4 rises for 100-mile use because room, comfort.

78BestPick Score
Reddit 78 Reddit Score
Best evidence r/NorrisNutsSnark thread
Best for

Ultra runners who need toe room without going fully zero-drop

Avoid if

You want a sharp, fast, race-day feel.

Key tradeoff

Less nimble than lower-stack mountain shoes

Buy men Buy women
View full evidence Upside, cautions, and proof
What people caution

Less nimble than lower-stack mountain shoes. May feel too roomy for narrow feet.

Reddit owner discussion

Owner discussion Sockie’s Birthday Haul 🤑 r/NorrisNutsSnark thread by Cute_Cat_4140 - checked Apr 22, 2026 r/NorrisNutsSnark thread adds owner cautions around Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4: Sockie’s Birthday Haul 🤑.
Compare quickly

Top picks at a glance

For 100 miles, the winning shoe is rarely the lightest. This comparison prioritizes protection, all-day fit, traction consistency, and whether runners can trust the shoe after hours of swelling and fatigue.

Rank Product Best for BestPick Skip if
#1 HOKA Speedgoat 7 Long ultras, steady mountain days, and runners prioritizing protection over ground feel 86 Your feet swell wide late in races or you need a very soft, roomy forefoot.
#2 The North Face VECTIV Enduris 4 Runners who want rocker-assisted comfort on less technical 100-mile courses 84 You need the most precise technical foothold.
#3 Brooks Cascadia 19 Runners who want a traditional protective shoe for rocky or uneven courses 82 You want soft max cushion or a lively supertrainer feel.
#4 Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Ultra runners who need toe room without going fully zero-drop 78 You want a sharp, fast, race-day feel.
Buying questions

Best Trail Shoes for 100 Miles FAQ

Should I size up for a 100-mile trail race?

Many runners allow extra room for swelling, but sizing up can create heel slip. Start with the shoe shape first, then test race socks and downhill running during long runs.

Is max cushion always better for 100 miles?

Not always. Cushion helps, but stability, fit security, outsole confidence, and how the shoe feels after six hours matter just as much.

Should I change shoes during a 100 miler?

Some runners do, especially if conditions change or feet swell. Choose backup shoes that solve a specific problem rather than switching just to switch.

Final recommendation

What most shoppers should do

Most 100-mile runners should start with the HOKA Speedgoat 7 because it balances current-model protection, grip, and long-run familiarity. Choose the Topo Ultraventure 4 if forefoot room is the bigger risk, or the Cascadia 19 if you want a stable, traditional trail platform.

Related Outdoor guides

Most buying decisions are connected. These nearby guides help you compare the adjacent choice before you commit.

Back to OutdoorCategory hub Best Men's Trail Running ShoesReview guide Best Women's Trail Running ShoesReview guide Best Carb Drink Mixes for UltramarathonsReview guide Best Compression Boots for RunnersReview guide Best Electrolyte Mixes for UltrarunningReview guide

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Retail links never affect Phavai rankings.