Best Trail Running Shoes for Hiking in Ireland
Trail running shoes are not just for runners.
For plenty of walkers and hikers, they offer a lighter, more flexible alternative to traditional hiking boots, especially on forest tracks, gravel paths, mixed trails and longer days where heavy footwear starts to feel like hard work.
The best pair depends on where you actually walk. A shoe that feels brilliant on a dry greenway may be completely wrong for wet grass, loose rock or boggy ground.
Here are some of the trail and hiking shoes worth looking at if you want something suited to Irish conditions.
What Makes a Good Trail Shoe for Hiking?
For hiking, we would prioritise a few things over outright speed.
Look for:
- good grip for the terrain you use most
- enough cushioning for longer days
- a secure heel and midfoot
- room for your toes, especially as your feet swell
- some protection around the upper
- waterproofing if you regularly walk in wet conditions
You do not necessarily need the most aggressive trail shoe on the shelf.
If most of your walking is on forest paths, compact trails and gravel, something more versatile will usually feel better than a shoe built specifically for deep mud or technical mountain running.
Merrell Agility Peak 6 GTX: Best for Wet Trail Days
The Merrell Agility Peak 6 GTX is a proper trail running shoe with waterproof protection, making it a strong option if your walking regularly takes you onto wet tracks and rougher ground.
It is designed around trail use rather than road running, with traction and protection aimed at keeping you comfortable when the surface gets less predictable.
The GORE-TEX upper also makes sense for Irish autumn and winter walking where wet grass and standing water are hard to avoid.
Best for: wet trails, longer walks and hikers who still want the feel of a running shoe.
Adidas Terrex Tracefinder Plus GTX: A Good All-Round Trail Option
If you want something for a mixture of walking and trail running, the Adidas Terrex Tracefinder Plus GTX is worth a look.
It is built as a GORE-TEX trail running shoe rather than a traditional hiking boot, giving you waterproof protection without moving into heavier footwear.
That makes it a useful option for forest trails, mixed paths and everyday outdoor use where you want decent grip but do not need a full hiking boot.
Best for: general trail walking, wet weather and mixed-use outdoor footwear.
Salomon Aero Blaze 3 GTX: Best for Road-to-Trail Routes
Not every hike starts at the trailhead.
If your routes involve pavement, gravel, park paths and lighter trails, the Salomon Aero Blaze 3 GTX is much more versatile than an aggressive mud shoe.
It is designed to move from road to gravel and beyond, making it a good option if your walks regularly include a mixture of surfaces.
Best for: road-to-trail walks, greenways, gravel tracks and people who want one pair for several surfaces.
New Balance Hierro GTX: A Strong Women’s Trail and Hiking Option
For women looking for a cushioned waterproof trail shoe, the New Balance Hierro GTX is built for both trail running and hiking.
It combines cushioning, grip and waterproof protection, which makes it a sensible option if comfort matters just as much as traction.
Best for: longer hikes, wet-weather walking and women who prefer a cushioned trail shoe.
Shop Women’s Waterproof Running & Outdoor Shoes
Salomon X Ultra 360 GTX: When You Want More Hiking Support
The Salomon X Ultra 360 GTX sits closer to a traditional hiking shoe than a lightweight trail runner.
It is designed for hiking and mixed terrain, with more structure and protection underfoot than a typical running shoe.
That makes it worth considering if you like the idea of lighter footwear but still want something more supportive for day hikes and rougher ground.
Best for: day hikes, mixed terrain and walkers who want more structure and protection.
Trail Running Shoes or Hiking Boots?
There is no rule saying one is automatically better.
Trail running shoes tend to make more sense when you want:
- less weight on your feet
- more flexibility
- a softer, more trainer-like feel
- footwear that also works for faster walking or running
Traditional hiking shoes or boots may make more sense for:
- rougher technical ground
- very cold conditions
- heavier loads
- people who simply prefer a firmer, more structured shoe
If most of your walking is on maintained trails and mixed paths, a trail shoe can be more than enough.
Should You Choose Waterproof Trail Shoes in Ireland?
It depends on where you walk.
Waterproof trail shoes are useful for wet grass, muddy tracks and cold winter conditions. They can make a big difference if you regularly start walks on saturated ground.
The downside is breathability.
If you mainly hike in warmer weather or expect your shoes to get completely soaked through streams or boggy ground, a breathable non-waterproof trail shoe can dry much faster.
So buy for the terrain you actually use rather than assuming waterproof is always better.
How to Choose the Right Pair
Start with the ground under your feet.
For smoother forest tracks and gravel, you generally do not need very deep lugs.
For wet grass, mud and softer ground, look for a more aggressive outsole.
For mixed road and trail routes, choose something versatile rather than a specialist trail shoe.
And above everything else, make sure the shoe fits properly.
A brilliant trail shoe in the wrong size or shape is still the wrong shoe.
Find Trail Shoes for Your Next Hike
Whether you are walking forest trails, getting into hiking or looking for something lighter than traditional boots, there are plenty of options that can work across Irish conditions.
