Trails are portals to adventure, and good trail running shoes enable you to safely, confidently, and comfortably experience those trails, whether it’s a mellow, packed path or a rock-strewn mountainside. We’re constantly researching, testing, and comparing new releases with the tried-and-true. Our test team runs on rutty Santa Barbara bluffs, rocky Colorado peaks, sage-strewn Nebraska sandhills, and soggy Virginia forest pathways, to name a few terrains. After miles and miles (and miles) of trails, these are the shoes that have risen to the top.

Update June 2025: We’ve tested and selected new models in four categories, including a new best max-cushioned shoe and a new best daily workhorse. We also added runner-up picks in the growing categories of trail running supershoes and road-to-trail. We are continually testing and will be updating this list of best trail running shoes throughout the year as new models impress our testers and editors.

At a Glance

• Best All-Around: Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide ($250)
• Runner-Up All-Around: La Sportiva Prodigio Pro ($195)
• Best Trail Super Shoe: Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra ($220)
• Runner-Up Trail Super Shoe: Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail ($230)
• Best for Ultrarunning: Hoka Tecton X 3 ($275)
• Best Daily Workhorse: Mount to Coast T1 ($180)
• Best Value: Saucony Peregrine 15 ($140)
• Best Zero Drop: Altra Lone Peak 9 ($140)
• Best for Speedy Scrambles: Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx ($112)
• Best for Soft Terrain: Scarpa Spin ST ($179)
• Best for Groomed Trails/Gravel: The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4 ($160)
• Best Road-to-Trail: Nike Pegasus Trail 5 ($140)
• Runner Up Road-to-Trail: Craft Nordlite Ultra 2.0 ($180)
• Best Max Cushioned: Nike Wildhorse 10 ($165)
• Best Natural Ride: Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 ($150)
• Best for Beginner Trail Runners: New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 ($155)
• How to Choose a Trail Running Shoe
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

Best All-Around

Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide

Weight: 10.2 oz (unisex)
Stack Height: 41–35 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 4.5-13, 14 (men’s), 5.5-14, 15 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Unmatched combo of comfort and trail performance
⊕ Quick-feeling for such a cushioned shoe
⊕ Outstanding grip
⊗ Quicklace system is difficult to adjust

Thick soles typically feel unstable on rocky, rooty trails, sloped surfaces, or sharp descents. But the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide defies expectations, delivering a surprising blend of cushioning, stability, and responsiveness. “I’m always a little wary of big-stack trail shoes because some of them feel mushy and slow, or even worse, unstable,” said one tester. “These were none of those. I felt like I nestled right into the soles and bounced right along.”

Aesthetically, the S/Lab Ultra Glide looks like no other. The funky-looking wavy midsole with ankle-deep sidewalls combines a chassis of firmer EVA for stability with a softer, bouncier PEBA/EVA core underfoot. The outsole molds to the wavy midsole, creating circular indents across the bottom of the foot, designed to defuse impact. The combination works: the shoe delivered a soft, responsive, and adaptable ride that morphed over uneven terrain. On the open trail, the four-millimeter lugs proved reliable, biting into packed dirt and loose gravel with ease.

“The shoe provided a smooth, supported run on a variety of terrains,” noted one tester, who was surprised that even when the footing got rocky, the S/Lab Ultra Glide “delivered a commanding performance, allowing for precise, responsive running.”

The soft but strong engineered mesh upper molded and moved with the contours of the foot, while providing a slight stretch for added toe box room. The gusseted tongue snugged our insteps nicely, but Salomon’s signature Quicklace system takes some adjusting each time you lace up to get the proper amount of pressure—not a dealbreaker, but not quite an effortless “set it and forget it” experience.

Once dialed in, however, the fit and ride topped every shoe in this year’s test selection, making them the shoes we always seemed to reach for.

Runner-Up All-Around

La Sportiva Prodigio Pro

Weight: 8.9 oz, 7.9 oz
Stack height: 34–28 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizes: 7.5-15.5 (men’s), 5.5-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lively midsole that still allows ground feel
⊕ Great traction
⊗ Some pressure on the top of the foot

The Prodigio Pro runs unlike any other La Sportiva shoe we’ve ever tested. We’ve enjoyed many from the brand, known for its nimble, rugged trail models. But this one is the softest to date and delivers a remarkably lively, fun ride. The midsole—a core of bouncy, nitrogen-infused TPU surrounded by a more stable, nitrogen-infused EVA cage—feels snappy underfoot. “Your foot just pops off the ground with each step,” said one tester.

The bootie construction—a sock-like, engineered mesh upper encircling the ankle—successfully kept trail debris from sneaking inside the shoe. The durable upper, made from a mix of polyester, TPU, and nylon threads that the brand is calling “Power Wire” mesh worked in conjunction with the secure midfoot wrap to hold our feet securely and comfortably. One knock on the upper: The tongue, with an interesting, tubular padding, caused a little irritation on the top of the foot beneath the laces for some testers. Most, however, found it a comfortable upper overall, one that was a pleasure to pull on.

Underfoot, a Frixion outsole with multidirectional, four-millimeter lugs did a fantastic job at gripping all surfaces. “This shoe has great traction in mud, slush, dirt, rocks, and roots,” said one tester, who noted that the shoe performs expertly on off-camber terrain. “This shoe makes me feel more nimble and quick than most shoes do.”

Best Trail Super Shoe

Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra

Weight: 9.5 oz (men’s), 8.1 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 38–30 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-13, 14 (men’s), 5-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Fast, smooth, and lively ride
⊕ Adaptive stability
⊗ Not great in really rocky terrain

Every Agravic Speed Ultra tester was in awe of how easily faster paces felt while wearing this shoe. “I consistently ran about 30 seconds per mile faster while running in these shoes than what the effort felt like,” said a masters tester. Adidas designers skillfully adapted the elements of a road super shoe to create a similar, effort-reducing, propulsive feel in a shoe that works on the uncertain terrain of the trail.

Underfoot, the main ingredients are a bouncy-but-not-too-soft gas-infused TPEE-based midsole working harmoniously with an embedded, trail-specific “plate.” Instead of a solid, rigid plate, Adidas uses semi-flexible rods that react independently to variations in the terrain. Made of PEBA in its hard plastic form as often found in track spike plates, the four prongs in the forefoot and two in the heel are splayed wider and closer to the edges than those in Adidas’s road shoes, to enhance stability. One tester said the resulting ride “provided a lively pop without being tippy on variable surfaces or prescribing a set, rigid roll.”

Deep sculpted side walls surround a beveled heel, delivering smooth, secure landings, and a narrow midfoot waist widens to a generous, flared forefoot, providing an agile and stable stance. The aggressively rockered geometry from heel to toe delivers what one tester described as “a balanced ride that makes it easy to stay forward on my feet and drive backward with each stride, creating a quick, powerful push-off.”

For the outsole, Adidas uses the same trustworthy, grippy Continental rubber found on most of the brand’s running shoes. This trail-specific version features variable 2.5- to 3-millimeter lugs for surefooted, no-stress traction. As one might expect in a high-level racing shoe, the upper is kept to a minimum for weight reduction. Made with a non-stretch, breathable, quick-drying, woven material, we found it offered a secure, snug lockdown while providing a touch of abrasion protection.

Given the tall stack height, testers had to cautiously check their foot placements through technical rocky terrain. But wherever the terrain smoothed out and allowed for full strides, the Agravic Speed Ultra came alive and delivered a ride that testers said felt like flying. If you’ve been holding out for a plated trail racing shoe that gets almost everything right, the wait is over.

Read our full review of the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra.

Runner-Up Trail Super Shoe

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail

Weight: 8.6 oz (men 9, women’s 10.5)
Stack Height: 36–30 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14 (men’s), 5.5-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Bouncy and responsive
⊕ Breathable, hydrophobic upper
⊕ Stable for a shoe this cushioned
⊗ Tight and narrow fit
⊗ Poor grip

Building off the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite, one of Puma’s top-selling racing shoes, the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail successfully brings road super shoe tech to the dirt. “It feels like a springboard. Super light and bouncy,” said one tester.

According to Conor Cashin, a senior product line manager at Puma running, the shoe’s magic stems from a new nitrogen-infused midsole foam called Aliphatic TPU that provides a more responsive ride than even PEBA, the industry standard to date, “Overall, you get a more energetic and ‘faster’ feeling in the Aliphatic TPU,” claims Cashin. After runs in the shoe, one tester said: “The foam feels like it is gathering energy as soon as my weight starts to compress it and then rebounds at just the right time and location.”

Embedded in the energetic foam is a full-length carbon-composite fiber plate engineered to have more torsional flexibility for the trail. Cashin says the plate is designed “to give you some stiffness in the shoe and some propulsion where you need it, but not going to hinder you or potentially make it more difficult to run on the trail with those different surfaces, roots, rocks, up and down.”

Our testers confirmed the plate’s effectiveness. In tandem with the bouncy foam, it produced a “super lively, great ride with huge energy return,” noted one tester. While the ride feels most efficient at higher speeds and cadences, testers reported that it works well at slower paces, too.

Despite a 36-millimeter heel, the Deviate Nitro Elite feels remarkably stable and runs more like a lower-profile shoe, thanks to the responsive foam (which keeps it from being squishy), the adaptable plate, the balanced, six-millimeter drop (two millimeters less than the Deviate Elite 3), and a slightly straighter shape than the road racer. All of which allowed the shoe to perform surprisingly well in moderately technical terrain.

The upper is constructed with an airy, durable weave featuring built-in reinforced strips for a vise-like hold. Every tester remarked on the snug, narrow fit, which most thought offered a precise sense of control and confidence while allowing enough room for comfort, especially in the toe box. One tester, who prefers wider-toe boxes, described the fit as akin to a track spike: “skinny, tight, and compressed.”

For the outsole, Puma uses its proprietary rubber compound paired with shallow 3-millimeter lugs, which testers found ideal for hard-packed, smooth trails. “On dusty flats, they feel like rocket ships,” said one California-based tester. But in mud, it’s a different story; they turn into what one called a “Slip-N-Slide.”

While not suited for every runner or trail, the Deviate Nitro Elite Trail impressed all our testers for its fun, super-shoe ride, especially when ripping through flat, fast races up to 50K and speed-focused training runs.

Best for Ultrarunning

Hoka Tecton X 3

Weight: 10 oz (men’s), 7.9 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 40–35mm (men’s); 39–34mm (women’s)
Drop: 5 mm
Sizes: Men’s 7-14, Women’s 5-11

Pros and Cons
⊕ Gaiter keeps out trail debris
⊕ Excellent balance of comfort and responsiveness
⊕ Doesn’t feel tippy, despite carbon fiber plates
⊗ Pricey

This third iteration of Hoka’s Tecton X is the best yet (and we’ve loved them all, awarding the debut model Gear of the Year in 2022). Like the first two, the Tecton X 3 features two carbon fiber plates within each shoe that sit parallel to each other, allowing them to move independently. This enables the shoe to morph over rocks and roots instead of tipping the foot, a sensation we’ve felt in some trail running shoes that utilize one large plate. The two plates in the Tecton X 3 are slightly wider than those in version 2 and feature a winged shape under the heel that’s meant to add to the shoe’s stability on technical terrain.

Other updates include a softer layer of PEBA foam above the plate and directly beneath the foot which testers reported enhances the joint-comforting cushion over long, rugged runs. The bottom layer of foam remains firmly responsive for a tactile ground feel.

And then there’s the unique upper. While some testers were skeptical of having a gaiter built into the shoe, it proved not only comfortable but also highly effective. A tester who worried the material around the ankle would annoy her reported, “The gaiter is stretchy and adds to the overall comfort and techy feel.” Every tester appreciated how the built-in gaiter kept debris out of the shoes with zero irritation or awkward clips. The Matryx upper, made of high-strength synthetic yarns, was stretchy enough for easy on-and-offs and to move with the foot, while also doing a great job holding feet in place over wild terrain. Its also highly breathable: “I ran straight through a river, and the shoe dried out very quickly,” said a Boulder, Colorado-based tester.

The entire package—two layers of foam, four-millimeter Vibram Magagrip lugs, carbon-fiber plating, and a gaiter—comes in at minimal weight for such a rugged and feature-rich ride. “This thing is light, especially for a trail shoe,” marveled a female tester, adding, “It’s absolutely speed-inspiring.” The Tecton X 3 is our pick for ultra-runners and regular folks looking for a great shoe that can tackle the most mountainous terrain in comfort.

Best Daily Workhorse

Mount to Coast T1

Weight: 9 oz (men 9, women’s 10.5)
Stack Height: 36–32 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: 7-13 (men’s), 5.5-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight and nimble ride
⊕ Custom-fit dual lacing system
⊗ No lace garage for lower pull cord

After successfully bursting onto the road shoe scene less than two years ago, the T1 is Mount to Coast’s first foray into trail running shoes. The T1 takes the brand’s standout features from its road lineup—a responsive, long-lasting midsole and an independently adjustable lacing system—and tuned it for off-road performance.

Underfoot, the nitrogen-infused PEBA-based midsole offers a touch of bounce, enough to be responsive but not so much that it feels unstable or out of control on the trail. Despite a substantial 36-millimeter stack height at the heel, testers felt surprisingly connected to the ground, allowing for confident, nimble movement through uneven and unpredictable footing. The Litebase Vibram Megagrip outsole with four-millimeter lugs bit into a variety of surfaces, from loose gravel to slick rock, giving us a Velcro-like, confident grip. One tester reported, “I absolutely battered it on technical terrain.”

Unique to Mount to Coast is a dual pull-cord lacing system that lets you independently adjust the fit in the toe box and midfoot for customized lockdown and comfort. Initially, it took testers some jostling to fine-tune the fit of the two-part laces, but once dialed in it allowed a level of customization regular laces simply can’t match Complementing the fit from the innovative laces is the shoe’s well-crafted shape that follows the contours of the foot. “The baseline chassis of the shoe is so well tailored that even a laceless shoe would perform well,” one tester noted.

The only gripe? A lack of a lace garage to stash the excess cord from the lower half.

Best Value

Saucony Peregrine 15

Weight: 9.7 oz (men’s), 8.6 oz (women’s)
Stack height: 28–24 mm
Drop: 4 mm
SIZES: 7-13, 14, 15 (men’s); 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Performance features at a reasonable price
⊕ Light, flexible, and nimble ride
⊕ Deep outsole lugs
⊗ Forefoot cushioning can feel slight on long runs

In an era that’s serving up increasingly fat midsoles, we’re happy to see that Saucony’s longtime performer remains relatively low to the ground, making it flexible and connected to the trail. It doesn’t, however, run too firm. The reformulated EVA-based midsole with a premium, bouncy TPU-based insole feels soft underfoot and is plentiful enough to cushion the impact even on hard rocks and packed dirt.

The Peregrine 15’s outsole features aggressive, widely spaced, five-millimeter-deep, chevron-shaped lugs made of Saucony’s proprietary rubber compound. The bite gives the Peregrine secure traction on soft terrain, like loamy soil and fresh snow. Due to its low profile, secure-fitting upper, and light weight, the shoe also feels nimble on rocky, technical terrain. That upper is a simple, flexible-but-rugged mesh with a gusseted tongue and midfoot straps that tie into the laces, keeping the foot snugly in place.

“These kept me stable while running on both singletrack and wider fireroad trails, and I felt fast because they’re so lightweight,” said a tester. Another raved, “With the light and flexible feel of a toothy racing flat, the Peregrine always inspires me to pick up the pace and fly, but I never feel beat up in them no matter how far I go.”

For a shoe that can tackle all sorts of off-road adventures comfortably and capably, $140 is a steal.

Best Zero Drop

Altra Lone Peak 9

Weight: 11.1 oz (men), 9.3 oz (women)
Stack Height: 25–25 mm
Drop: 0 mm
Sizing: 7 – 13, 14, 15, 16 (men’s), 5.5 – 12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Retains the best qualities of Lone Peak 8
⊕ Outstanding traction and grip
⊗ New protective toe bumper reduces flexibility in the toe box

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” has been Altra’s motto regarding their flagship trail shoe for years. The Lone Peak 9 stays true to its roots, maintaining the zero-drop platform, wide toe box, and reliable grip, with a few minor updates, including a re-engineered upper, improved outsole, and lighter midsole.

The midsole is still made of Altra EGO foam, but the compound has been reformulated to weigh less and have more resilient compression, so it should last longer. Testers found the changes minimal, with the shoe maintaining its signature flexibility and excellent ground feel.

The upper, which received the lion’s share of updates, features 100 percent recycled ripstop mesh with no-sew overlays. A new protective toe bumper wraps up and extends over the top of the toe box in the front and along the sides. One tester with toe arthritis dinged the new bumper for reducing the flexibility in the toe box, but no other tester noted a problem. One small but clever addition is an additional set of eyelets, spaced farther apart, that allows the option of creating a tighter midfoot hold for those with low-volume feet.

Underfoot, Altra continues to use their proprietary MaxTrac outsole with 3.5-millimeter lugs but increased the rubber coverage for this version. One tester who slogged through the wet, snowy Wisconsin winter described the outsole as “top-notch.” The heel rudder that extends out the back has been split, improving stability by reducing lateral torque. (Note, a version 9+ was recently released that is identical except for a Vibram Megagrip outsole and a new ripstop mesh).

Bottom line: If you’re a Lone Peak fan there’s nothing new here that will jeopardize that. Slight improvements sharpen the ride without altering the shoe’s core identity. “The Lone Peak’s strengths haven’t changed for me,” said one longtime Lone Peak fan.

Best For Speedy Scrambles

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx

Weight: 8.3 oz (men’s), 6.9 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 23.5–19.5 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: 7-15 (men’s), 5-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight, low-profile
⊕ Secure foothold
⊕ Nimble over rough terrain
⊗ Cushioning can feel slight under toes

If you’re in need of an amazingly agile shoe to scale mountain trails like a bighorn sheep, the Long Sky 2 Matryx is here for it. The new upper, made out of Matryx—a thin, breathable, quick-drying synthetic fabric reinforced with super-durable Kevlar threads—secures the foot, with a half-booty tongue adding extra hold. Cutouts in the Vibram Megagrip outsole save weight between the tacky, grippy-rubber, five-millimeter lugs. The flexible, compression-molded EVA midsole is on the slight end, enabling confidence-inspiring proprioception and secure footplants on tricky terrain, and firm-but-adequate cushioning on hard-surface trails.

The upper and sole combination locks each stride to the ground. “It is such a lightweight shoe, with great traction and fit, that moving your feet over terrain is easier than in a more bulky, highly-cushioned shoe,” said Lousiville, Colorado-based tester Terri Kazanjian.

This was our go-to shoe for any fast-effort trail runs, or days we craved a highly nimble shoe that felt like an extension of our body. Kanzanjian summed up: “This shoe makes you feel nimble and peppy on technical terrain, like you can run up those hills and bomb those descents faster than normal.”

Best for Soft Terrain

Scarpa Spin ST

Ěý

Weight: 9.5 oz (men’s), 7.9 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 22–18 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: European sizing 40-48 (men’s), 36-43 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Effective, toothy grip on soft surfaces
⊕ Low gaiter-link heel collar helps keep out debris
⊗ Harsh ride on hard-packed trails

The “ST” in the name stands for “Soft Terrain,” which is what this shoe is best suited for. Here’s the main reason why: 7 mm(!) lugs made out of Vibram Mega Grip rubber take hold in soft dirt, mud, and snow, offering secure footing on even the sloppiest surfaces. Complementing the toothiness is an impressively secure foothold from PU overlays that encase a stretchy mesh-paneled upper and pull securely around the foot when the laces are tightened. A tester with a bunion on one foot noted the shoe’s narrow and unstretchy toe box caused some irritation but raved about the shoe’s ability to grab hold in soft dirt.

We reached for this shoe often on snowy terrain—either on trails or when snow turned neighborhood roads into trails. The high heel collar made out of a neoprene-like stretch woven textile, which keeps trail debris out of the shoe in summer, also does a good job keeping kicked-up snow from infiltrating socks. The upper isn’t Gore-Tex, however, and doesn’t try to keep water out. Instead, moisture flows both in and out, and we appreciated the breathability on all-season runs where high effort caused hot feet, and for wet conditions when we wanted drainage. A plus: a lace-locking device and hidden lace pocket both eliminates unwanted loosening and snagging on low branches and roots.

With slight EVA cushioning in the midsole (22 mm under the heel and 18 mm under the forefoot), this isn’t a shoe you’d want to wear running hard-packed trails or road sections. But for the soft terrain it was intended for, the underfoot feel was just right, making the Scarpa Spin ST excel at tearing up the trail.

Best For Groomed Trails/Gravel

The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4

Weight: 10.1 oz (men’s), 9 oz (women’s)
Stack height: 32–26 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizes: 7-13, 14 (men’s); 5-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Great balance of stable and cushy
⊕ Propulsive feel
⊗ Can feel tippy on technical terrain

The North Face Enduris 4 is a downright comfortable shoe with a performance ride. Upon step -in, our feet felt cradled, secure, and ready for anything. The shoe excelled on routes like the 5.25-mile dirt-road loop around the Boulder Reservoir that is mostly loose gravel with occasional rocks and ruts. On smoother terrain like that, the super-trainer combination of lively cushioning sandwiched around a full-length TPU plate with rockered geometry made us feel smooth and energetic. The shoe can also handle technical terrain, but the plate makes it feel a tad tippy.

The swallow-tail design—the sole flares out behind the heel with a notch in the middle—seemed to aid a heel-striking gait, cushioning landings and helping to roll feet forward rather than torquing them inward. Traction comes from four-millimeter multidirectional lugs which worked well on a variety of surfaces and didn’t feel too clunky on smooth terrain, although one tester noted, “Mud seemed to stick to the outsole and stay there.” All testers found the seamless engineered mesh upper breathed great and kept feet in place.

Overall, we’re big fans of the updated Enduris 4 with more cush. “The shoe actually felt lighter than expected and easy to run in for both road-to-trail routes and straight trail running,” said one tester.

Best Road-To-Trail

Nike Pegasus Trail 5

Weight: 10.6 oz (men’s), 8.6 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 37–27.5 mm
Drop: 9.5 mm
Sizes: 6-15 (men’s) 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Transitions well from asphalt to dirt
⊕ Secure fit for off-road confidence
⊕ Good-looking enough for casual wear
⊗ Not as cushioned as some other road-to-trail shoes

The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 is for runners who value a shoe that can take them from home to the trail and back, running smoothly on pavement while offering traction and foothold on even the most technical off-road terrain. What puts this shoe above other road-to-trail options is its superior performance on uneven, rooty, and rocky terrain. Flywire technology (super-strong, thin, and lightweight thread) in the upper kept our feet from sloshing around inside the shoe and helped us maintain quick, secure foot plants. “I felt confident in both the traction and how my feet remained in control on a burly trail with lots of rocks and ups and downs,” said a Boulder, Colorado, tester.

The cushioning is updated in this version to Nike’s smoothly responsive ReactX foam, with a stack soft and thick enough to soften pavement impact, especially under the forefoot. The shoe runs smoothly on roads with its flexible forefoot and 3.5 mm lugs that are hardly noticeable. But when you reach dirt those lugs kick into action and deliver solid traction.

Tightly woven mesh around the toe box adds durability, while strategically placed holes around the midfoot allow breathability. The addition of a looped cord at the heel makes this shoe easy to pull on—a simple feature we appreciated every time we used it.

This shoe also looks fashionable enough to crossover to casual wear, adding to its versatility. “It’s a great shoe for travel that might include hiking, running, walking, and general adventuring,” said our lead tester, who put it through its paces in Colorado and Costa Rica.

Runner Up Road-to-Trail

Craft Nordlite Ultra 2.0

Weight: 10.9 oz (men’s); 8.9 oz (women’s)
Stack height: 40–34 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizes: 8-13 (men’s); 6-10 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Ample, responsive cushioning
⊕ Solid traction
⊗ Foothold could be better

We loved the first version of the Nordlite Ultra for its ample and lively midsole, made of reusable materials turned into supercritical foam in a non-toxic process. This second iteration still boasts great cushioning that rivals straight-up road running shoes in shock absorption and rebound. In fact, the Nordlite Ultra 2.0 challenged the Nike Trail Pegasus 5 for the top spot in this category, thanks to that energetic ride. But while this second iteration of the Nordlite Ultra has been updated with a new, more secure-fitting upper, we still feel the lockdown is better on the Nike Trail Pegasus 5, which gives us better control on rugged terrain.

The Nordlite Ultra’s update did improve the fit, however. “It’s snug and secure in the heel, and the tongue is form-fitting and comfortable,” said a Virginia-based tester. “When I was on flat terrain and wearing zero-cushion socks, I felt very comfortable in the shoe.” The secure heel hold gives way to a moderately snug midfoot. It opens up farther in the forefoot, offering wiggle room in the toe box. Cheers to Craft for using recyclable TPU on the upper, adding to the sustainable efforts of this shoe.

Off-road, the Nordlite Ultra 2.0’s traction proved capable on a range of surfaces, although the rubber is a tad noisy on pavement. “The outsole is extremely grippy,” said a tester, “which makes them fun on gravel and when accelerating. They also worked well on a dew-soaked wood boardwalk.” On steep, technical trails and even smooth descents, our feet slipped inside the shoe a bit too much. Still, most road-to-trail routes only cover pavement to moderate trails and back, and these versatile shoes excelled at making both surfaces comfortable and fun.

Best Max-Cushioned Trail Shoe

Nike Wildhorse 10

Weight: 11 oz (men’s); 8.6 oz (women’s)
Stack height: 38–28.5 mm (men’s); 40.3–30.8 mm (women’s)
Drop: 9.5 mm
Sizes: 6-13, 14, 15 (men’s); 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ ReactX foam is lightweight and lively
⊕ Secure foothold
⊗ A tad heavy

The Nike Wildhorse 10 takes over top spot from the Brooks Caldera 8 (which we still really like) for its ability to cushion, protect, and provide a super-secure foothold that inspires confidence on even the wildest terrain.

“Love this shoe!” exclaimed a tester based in Louisville, Colorado. “It has fantastic cushioning, great tread, and it’s just all-around comfortable.” She also noted that the cushioning placement of the Wildhorse 10 is unusually prominent on the perimeter. ”I noticed it more on the outer parts of my midfoot, which was new, but I really liked it.”

We’ve loved this shoe for everything from speedy, hilly dawn-patrols to all-day mountain epics. Its secure, comfortable engineered mesh upper moved with our feet more like a skin than a shell, which made us feel nimble over hill and dale (and river and rocky peak). And a protective midsole worked in conjunction with the Wildhorse’s full-ground-contact traction to make it a reliable go-anywhere partner. Traction comes from Nike Trail All Terrain Compound (ATC)—a rubber outsole that works well on steep ups and downs.

The Nike Wildhorse 10 is not the lightest shoe, but for all its cushioning, protection, and agility in rugged terrain, it’s a solid choice. (It may, however, be overkill for flat, smooth trails.)

Best Natural Ride

Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4

Weight: 10.4 oz (men’s), 8.2 oz (women’s)
Stack height: 35–30 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Sizes: 7-13, 14, 15 (men’s); 6.5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Instantly comfortable on a variety of feet
⊕ Highly cushioned while still allowing ground feel
⊗ Doesn’t grab loose dirt well

The Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 fits like a classic Topo shoe—a secure heel hold gives way to a wide toe box allowing the foot to splay out naturally. Even narrow-footed testers noted the secure and comfortable hold of this shoe, and enjoyed the feeling of support under the arch, which seems to further promote a relaxed forefoot.

The Topo Ultraventure 4 has a relatively high stack height and an ample amount of lively cushioning, which testers particularly noticed and appreciated under the ball of the foot. But unlike its high-cush contemporaries, the slightly firm, responsive, flexible midsole allows great feel for the ground. We enjoyed the surefooted feeling of being connected to the trails instead of floating on top of them.

The upper—a recycled mesh with a polyurethane wrap around the front of the shoe for protection from toe stubs—is slightly stretchy and conforms around the foot. “This felt like a slipper with traction,” said one tester.

Underfoot, wide, flat, 3.5-millimeter-deep lugs made of Vibram rubber stuck to steep rock slabs on dry trail runs in Boulder, Colorado, and ran smoothly on packed dirt. We craved a little more toothiness on loose trails, but appreciated the versatility and overall natural feel of this shoe. “The Ultraventure 4 felt better the longer I went and more tired I got, encouraging and supporting a soft midfoot landing and gentle roll that ate up the miles,” said one tester.

Best For Beginner Trail Runners

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Weight: 10.3 oz (men), 8.3 oz (women)
Stack Height: 42–38 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14, 15, 16, 17 (men’s); 5-11, 12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Both well-cushioned and stable
⊕ Aggressive traction
⊗ Large lugs can feel rough on hard pack

If you’re just getting into trail running, you need a shoe that provides stability, grip, and comfort—in essence, one that makes you more confident on the trail. Testers all agreed the New Balance Hierro v9 fit that bill better than any other shoe we tested. In this version, New Balance used two layers of their EVA-based Fresh Foam X in the midsole—a softer layer closer to the foot for cushioned comfort sits on top of a firmer layer that enhances stability. One tester noted this midsole combo “absorbs shock well and returns energy efficiently.” She also praised the shoe’s forefoot rocker profile, which “makes for a smooth push-off and helps with your forward motion and efficiency.”

Despite having four millimeters more cushioning under the heel (and eight more under the forefoot) than version 8, bringing the total stack to a whopping 42–38 millimeters, we found the Hierro v9 shockingly stable as long as we steered clear of technical terrain—which most beginners tend to do anyway. Grippy 4.5-millimeter lugs—which one tester described as “very aggressive”—instill confidence, particularly on loose dirt and gravelly trails. The downside is that those long lugs contributed to a rough ride on hard-packed dirt or road.

A tough-skinned mesh upper with a gusseted tongue felt supportive, yet provided enough comfort for all-day use. All in all, the combination of a thick stack of soft cushioning, grippy outsole, and comfortable and secure upper make this a standout choice for beginner trail runners eager to explore.

How to Choose a Trail Running Shoe

If you’re in the market for a trail running shoe, first consider the type of trails you run on regularly: do you tackle rugged, mountainous terrain, or stick to mellow dirt paths? Some trail shoes can handle both adequately, while others are specialized and excel in one or the other. Shoes with smaller lugs are generally better on smoother, firmer terrain, whereas shoes with deeper, more aggressive outsoles are optimized for steep, muddy, or rocky trails. If you like to feel the trail and dance around rocks and roots, you’ll likely prefer a light, more minimal shoe, but if you’d rather let the shoe roll over trail variations, cushioning and protecting while you zone out, you should look for a shoe with a thicker midsole.

Once you’ve narrowed the search to a certain type of trail shoe, you need to find a pair that complements your unique body and stride. Every runner’s body, gait, speed, experience, and ride preferences are different, so every runner will interact differently with each trail shoe. The shoe that your best friend or your sister-in-law loves may be uncomfortable for you and make running feel slow, sluggish, or even painful. Finding the perfect pair of trail running shoes is a seriously personal affair.

The process for choosing the best running shoes is a matter of finding the models that both fit your foot and also feel best when you’re running. To determine fit and feel, there’s no substitute for trying the shoes on and running in them.

Fit: Match Your Foot Shape

When assessing fit, first pay attention to length. You need room at the end of your toes as your feet lengthen during their dynamic movements on the run. A rule of thumb is to allow a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Runners often wear a running shoe a half or full size bigger than their street shoes.

Ensure that the shape of the sole and the upper matches your foot shape. The sole should be as wide or wider than your foot for the whole length, and match the curve of your arch comfortably. The shoe should hold your foot securely over the instep, while allowing the ball of the foot and the toes to splay and flex when you roll forward onto them. Your heel shouldn’t slip when you lift it, and the arch should be able to dome and lengthen naturally. Nothing should bind or rub as you roll through the stride.

Feel: Match Your Movement Path

If the shoe fits, it’s time to take them on a short run on a treadmill, around the store, or, ideally, down the block and back. Every running shoe has a unique ride created by the type and density of foam in the midsole and the geometry of that foam: its thickness, width, heel-to-toe drop, molded sidewalls or flares, and forefoot flexibility or rocker shape (plus, in an increasing number of models, the presence of and type of embedded plate). Each of these elements interact with each other and your stride to determine how the shoe reacts on landing, how much it cushions, how stably it supports, how smoothly it transitions from landing to toe off, and how quickly and powerfully it rebounds.

The best way to choose the shoes that complement your body and stride is to find the ones that feel right on the run. Benno Nigg, the world-leading biomechanics professor who , calls it the “comfort filter,” but makes clear it is far more than how plush the shoe feels when you step into it. What you want to assess is whether the shoe allows and supports the way your feet want to move, what Nigg calls your “preferred movement path.” In the right shoe, while running at your normal pace, you will touch down where you expect to land, roll smoothly and stably through the stride without noticing the shoe, feel both cushioned from and connected to the ground, and push off naturally, quickly, and powerfully. When this comes together you’ll know that you’ve found your pair.

It’s likely that several shoes will feel good on your feet. To find the most comfortable, it helps to compare them back to back, like an eye doctor will do with corrective lenses: flipping between “A” or “B,” “1” or “2.” You may also find that different shoes feel better at different paces or level of fatigue, and you may want more than one pair. In fact, research shows that wearing a variety of different shoes is one of the few to reduce injury risk as it appears to vary the stresses on your feet and joints.

What About Injury Prevention?

Running shoes have long been marketed and sold as prescriptive devices to help runners stay healthy, but there is correlating shoes, or any specific shoe properties—like cushioning or pronation control—with running injuries. Medical professionals say that it is highly difficult to determine whether a runner needs a certain type of shoe, and studies have shown that prescribing shoes using traditional methods like treadmill gait analyses or wet-foot arch height tests don’t consistently reduce injuries.

Don’t assume that you need more cushioning or more stability if you have sore joints, or if you’re a heavier runner, or if you’re a beginner—evidence doesn’t support many common beliefs. The best way prevent injury is find two or three different pairs that feel right on the run, ease into using them, and vary your shoes, your running surface and your pace regularly (plus avoid rapid increases in your training load and work on ).

How We Test

• Number of testers: 18
• Number of shoes tested: 108
• Number of miles: 22,000+ over a year
• Most Memorable Trail Run: Having a mild winter afternoon turn into a blizzard while three miles from home in the western Nebraska sandhills.

To test running shoes, we begin by researching every brand’s new offerings for the coming season. We wind up with dozens of samples of the models (84 throughout the year, 34 trail running shoes this season) that are most promising, and distribute them to 26 testers who range in age, ability, running form, geographical location, terrain, and preferred shoe types. We try to put each tester in shoes from within the same category (all rugged, backcountry trail shoes, or all road-to-trail crossovers) so everyone can test apples-to-apples.

After three to six months of running in each model on varied terrain and in all conditions, our crew members report back with their assessments of fit, comfort, traction, cushioning, flexibility, stiffness, pop, what type of running the model is best used for, how the shoe compares to other models, and more. We also run in every trail running shoe ourselves, and, combining all the tester feedback with years of personal experience, hone in on the best. We then weigh this season’s bests against the heroes from previous seasons that are still available and choose winners and honorable mentions for each category.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Lisa Jhung

Freelance journalist, editor, and author has researched, tested, and written about running shoes for the past decade and a half, much of that time for šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ. She coordinates a fleet of female shoe testers out of Boulder, Colorado, and says her home office is a perpetual obstacle course of cardboard boxes and piles of running shoes. Lisa’s written about gear of all kinds for numerous national magazines as both an editor and freelancer, including a stint as the shoes and gear blogger and trail running microsite editor for Runner’s World.

A high school jumper and occasional sprinter/hurdler, she started running—really running—after walking off the collegiate volleyball team, and moved on to road and trail races of any distance, triathlons, adventure races, and mountain running. She’s happiest testing rugged trail shoes on gnarly terrain, and also loves a good neighborhood jaunt…but is almost always looking for ribbons of dirt. Lisa is the author of Running That Doesn’t Suck: How to Love Running (Even if You Think You Hate It) and Trailhead: The Dirt on All Things Trail Running.

Cory Smith

passion for running started over 30 years ago in high school when he became the number six ranked runner in the nation at 3000 meters his senior year. After high school, he competed at Villanova University, earning two NCAA Division I Championship showings. Today, he’s determined not to let age slow him down and competes on the national master’s circuit, running a 4:12 (4:30 mile pace) 1500 meters and 9:04 (4:52 mile pace) 3000 meters in 2021 at age 43. He prefers a hard track workout or tempo run over an easy long run any day but also appreciates a challenging trail or mountain run.

His obsession with running shoes started in 2014 when he wrote his first shoe review for Gear Institute. Since then, he’s tested and reviewed hundreds of running shoes, clothing, and gear for šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ, Runner’s World, Footwear News, and other outlets. He has a soft spot for speedy shoes over heavy trainers but loves dissecting all shoes equally and thinking like a product engineer to explain the why behind every design detail. Cory is the Founder of , an online running coaching business, and since its inception in 2014, has coached runners’ to over 100 Boston Marathon Qualifying times.

One of Cory Smith’s go-to routes for testing trail running shoes:

Jonathan Beverly

Jonathan fell in love with running his freshman year of high school and quickly became fascinated with finding the perfect pair of running shoes. That quest got a boost when he became editor of Running Times in 2000 and started receiving every new model as they were released. The parade of shoes continued while he served as shoe editor for Runner’s World, then editor of PodiumRunner, and currently fitness gear editor at šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ. Having now worn nearly every running shoe created in this century—and a fair amount of those dating back to the early models of the ’70s—he’s given up on finding the one best and now relishes the wide variety of excellent options.

Once a 2:46 marathoner regularly doing 50+ mile weeks, recent injuries and his age have reduced his volume and slowed his pace—but he still enjoys an uptempo workout or two each week. Beverly is the author of the book which explores how each individual’s gait—and thus shoe preference—is unique. He enjoys getting scientists’ take on new shoe trends and trying to describe the nuances of each shoe’s ride.

One of Jonathan Beverly’s go-to routes for testing trail running shoes:

The post The Best Trail Running Shoes for Every Terrain (Summer 2025) appeared first on šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Online.

Runners who travel know a packing trick: Instead of cramming our bulky running shoes in our luggage, we wear them. We wear them on planes, trains, and car rides. We wear them to tour cities, countrysides, museums, galleries, and trails. While others suffer from blisters and fatigue in their sandals, loafers, or even stylish hiking boots, we think to ourselves, “Ha! My feet are comfortable and supported, and I can walk all day!”

In the past, however, we’ve paid the price: We’ve looked like dorks.

But not anymore. Thankfully, most running shoe brands have figured out the value of making performance footwear in good-looking packages that render them almost incognito. Instead of sporting obnoxious color paneling and neon racing tones, some models now come in muted monochromatic styling that goes just as well with a dress or Bermudas as they do with split shorts.

Some running shoes are so stylish, in fact, that they even pass for “cool.” As a lead running shoe tester for šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ, I’ve tried nearly every running shoe on the market. I can attest that the eight running shoes below not only offer comfort and performance on the road and trails, they’re also easy on the eyes, and, according to my discerning 17-year-old son, steezy.

While you’re at it, be sure to check out our picks for theĚýbest running shirts and tanks for women, best women’s running shorts, and the best running shoes.

Craft Pacer

Color: Ghost

All-gray shoes are underrated. Like a white shoe, they look great and go with everything, but don’t get as dirty. The Pacer is a lightweight, supremely comfortable shoe that is smooth on road runs, and can crossover to light trails thanks to its wider-than-most base with a hexagonally-lugged rubber outsole. Bonus: The Pacer comes in nine colorways if you prefer something brighter than the “Ghost” grey.

Nike Pegasus 41

Colors: White, black

Whether you’re looking for an all-white or all-black shoe, the Pegasus 41 nails the styling in both options. This shoe is a solid, no-frills performer for walking or running, with a smooth roll and comfortable upper. It’s on the sportier end of the style spectrum, but not obnoxiously so. The shoe comes in 16(!) color options per gender, plus the ability to customize your own shoe styling.

Hoka Clifton 10

Colors: White or Cosmic gray/stardust

It’s hard to find a Hoka that doesn’t scream “Hoka” in three-inch letters on its sidewall. And while the Clifton 10 still reads “Hoka,” the type is smaller and matched to the rest of the shoe. The Clifton 10 is still a Hoka with its fat midsole, but that performance feature is becoming stylistically mainstream, and all that cushioning makes day-long walking easy. (Disney park, or European city, anyone?) Note that these take up a lot of room in a suitcase.

On Cloudrunner 2

Colors: White/green, all black

The white with green and gold accented shoe has serious tennis vibes, and with summer in full swing and tennis having a moment as a popular spectator sport (someone please invite me to the U.S. Open!), the Cloudrunner 2 is on-trend. This is a comfortable shoe that transitions well from pavement to gravel path and mild dirt and back (though going off-road quickly soils its crisp looks, so if trails are on the regular schedule, you might want to choose the all-black color).

Veja Condor 3

Color: White

The Veja Condor 3 comes in some bold colorways, but it’s also available in a stark, all-white option. I love how this shoe feels underfoot: it rolls smoothly and has lively, comfortable cushioning that puts a spring in my step when walking or running on pavement. Thanks to a secure hold of the foot, the Condor 3 also works on moderate trails. I also appreciate that this shoe is made from sustainable and organic materials.

Arc’teryx Norvan LD 4

Color: Rune/Dark Arctic Silk

If your travels include serious trail hikes and runs, or you don’t mind a little extra shoe on your road runs, the Norvan LD 4’s muted vibe in Rune/Dk arctic silk has you covered. And if you like a little color, check out the Pink Glow/Lt Pink Glow option, which resembles cotton candy at a summer fair. With a secure, protective upper, the shoe handles nearly any terrain comfortably and capably. The outsole features 4 millimeter lugs made of Vibram Megagrip, making you adventure-ready at all times.

Norda 005

Color: Neve

The Norda 005 is a high-performance trail racer—complete with a carbon-fiber plate, super-critical foam, and an ultra-durable, sustainable BioDyneema upper—in a stealth package. The “Neve” colorway is a stylish light grey that pairs with anything. A luggy, Vibram outsole makes the shoe a trail charger, but it also runs smoothly on gentle terrain, and isn’t too clunky on paved sections or awkward while walking. This shoe strikes a great balance of urban/rugged cool.

Tracksmith Eliot Runner

Color: White/navy

I’ve praised this shoe since it hit the market in 2022 for its preppy good looks combined with a peppy midsole that provides ample cushioning with minimal bulk. The lack of obnoxious branding adds to the Eliot Runner’s ability to blend in with any outfit, and the relatively low stack makes this shoe stable while walking and a solid partner in any hotel gym—I’ve found it’s not overbuilt and allows natural movement during lifts and bodyweight exercises. The white/navy model has been my travel go-to, but dirties quickly. My next pair might be navy/ivory or warm gray/pewter.

The post 8 Great-Looking (and Smooth-Riding) Women’s Running Shoes for Travel appeared first on šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Online.

As the co-manager of road and trail running shoe testing for šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ, I receive almost every new shoe released. Despite the hundred or so running shoes in my office, however, I recently found myself buying running shoes in a store. My teenage son, currently a men’s size 12 and still growing, started high school track season and needed a new pair of trainers.

You would think that after testing so many pairs, I could shop for him online. After all, I write running shoe guides that include convenient links for readers to purchase the shoes we recommend. And I wholeheartedly believe that there is great value in reading those guides to help you narrow down what shoe might work well for you—based on the type of running you do, the kind of shoe you’re looking for, how a shoe scored for our team. Reading up on the season’s best options will make you a well-informed shopper, which is valuable under any circumstance and especially if you get a shoddy salesperson—so keep reading our guides.

But nothing better informs your buying decision than the tried-and-true method of popping into your local running store and putting your real-life feet in some real-life shoes. (Lacking a convenient, competent shoe store, ordering several models from a site with a generous return policy and sending back some after gently trying them is a second-best alternative—and another reason to keep using our guides).

So, as tempting as it was to pull from my informed brain, which is filled with hours upon hours of testing and researching and writing reviews, to find my son a pair online and click “Buy Now,” I refrained. I know better.

Buying shoes in person can be more expensive than buying them online. But so is physical therapy, often the cost of wearing the wrong pair of running shoes.

Guessing on the right pair and sustaining an injury from running in the wrong shoes for your stability and cushioning needs, foot shape, running gait, and ride preferences is not worth the lower cost. Missing a track meet due to injury is enough to put a sports freak mom (like me) into a FOMO frenzy, even if it doesn’t bother my son so much. And so, we shopped in a store.

Sam, my giant teenager (6’2” and growing, with an inch or two more of hair), and I popped into in Boulder, Colorado. In Motion is both a running shoe store and physical therapy office. I’ve long known and respected owner (and former world marathon champion) Mark Plaatjes for having the strongest thumbs in Boulder for manual physical therapy, being a fantastic diagnostician with any sports-related ailment, and for fitting people in the right running shoes for them.

When Sam and I arrived, we learned that Mark was out of the country visiting his native South Africa. But Lori, a longtime footwear salesperson, was there to help. I felt at ease. Another beautiful thing about shopping in your local store is that you are helped by people in your local running community. I’d raced against Lori—we’re in the same age group—in earlier versions of both of our lives. She’s worked in run specialty retail for years, and I know she knows her stuff.

She quickly went to work. “What distances do you run?” she asked, after finding out his foot size. “Any injuries?”

Armed with his answers, she disappeared into the stock room and returned with three options, all with very different feels on the foot.

Sam went through the Goldilocks assessment, trying on each shoe and running up and down the hallway. Lori and I chatted while Sam gave each shoe a spin. “How does that feel?” she’d ask him, while checking the length of each pair on his feet.

“Which makes you excited about running?” I asked him. When he took another spin in one of the three pairs and jumped up and down with a smile on his face, I knew we’d found the winner.

Before we headed to the cash register, Lori did her due diligence and filmed him running on the treadmill in his chosen pair of shoes. His stride looked natural and smooth.

The shoes he ended up with might be on sale somewhere online. I don’t know; I didn’t check. And I decided that I don’t care, even though life (and especially, life with kids) is expensive. What Sam and I gained during that in-person shoe-fitting experience, and the community vibe that came with it, was well worth the fair retail price that we paid.

Once he wears out this pair, I’ll look back on how healthy he stayed during this track season.Ěý I’ll research updates to the model he’s in and see what other shoes are similar. If all goes well in his current pair and the updated shoe has a similar ride, we’ll likely hit that “Buy Now” button online.

But as he grows and changes in athleticism, and as shoes evolve, we’ll return to our local running shoe store to find the right model for the runner he will have become.

The post Why, and When, You Should Buy Running Shoes at a Store appeared first on šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Online.

The first time Gabby Shepard sank below the ocean’s surface and took a breath from a scuba tank, her world changed. “Everything melted away,” she says. “I was mesmerized. Just totally captivated. I felt like I was doing something that was defying humanity in some way, like I was a superhero able to breathe underwater. I just remember thinking, ‘I’m only going to do this.’âśÄ

At the time, the California native was working in the film and television industry and on what she calls a “much-needed self-care trip to the Dominican Republic.” Now, just three years after her first dive, Shepard’s life revolves around the ocean. She leads scuba diving trips to places like Belize, Mexico, and the Caribbean. And through the content she shares on her Instagram account , Shepard inspires others to discover and protect what lies beneath the surface of the sea.

In conservation, as in everything, Shepard leads by example. In April, she participated in a in La Jolla, California, joining an underwater citizen science movement. The program’s goal is to survey marine debris, leveraging real-world observations to help scientists and others working on conservation efforts.

”It was so nice to engage with the ocean in different ways,” Shepard says of her experience in La Jolla. “We actually didn’t find much trash on our dive, which is a good thing. But there are 8 million tons of garbage out there, and I’m hoping the video we made that day helps guide people through the process of collecting it.”

The Ocean for All

Shepard grew up in Sacramento, California, and says that while she was always in proximity to the coast, she never thought scuba diving was an option. “My friends weren’t going diving. None of my family members had been going diving. It just wasn’t a part of my community.”

After her experience diving in the Dominican Republic, she realized scuba diving was more accessible than she had thought. “For some reason, in my head, scuba diving cost $5,000, because no one ever told me how much it costs. But you can do a ‘discover dive’ for $100,” Shepard says. “It’s not a cheap sport, but it is an accessible one if you save and make it a priority.”

Still, Shepard says she recognizes that diving, like so many things that feed the soul, is a hobby. “You have to make time for play,” she says. “If you’re not intentional about taking care of yourself and whatever feeds you, you’re not going to do it.” The ocean feeds her.

Even before she was a scuba diver, Shepard found peace in the sea. She spent a year in Rosarito, Mexico, healing from an undiagnosed illness. Every morning, she’d walk on the sand next to lapping waves. “I don’t know how to explain it,” she says, “but I know being near the ocean is what healed me in some indirect chain of events.”

Shepard believes everyone can benefit from the ocean’s healing properties. “Even just being near it, you have to be still. You have to be quiet,” she says. “I think there’s something really powerful in just focusing on the ocean and listening to the sounds and fusing your body to it.”

World Ocean Day

When Shepard was fully recovered from her illness, and after discovering scuba diving, she started posting photos and video footage to her Instagram account. “In the beginning, I was posting videos because I was shocked that I had not seen the story of the ocean through scuba diving before. Really the story of connecting as a human to the underwater world.”

She quickly gained a following, notably encouraging others from the Black community to take up diving. “It started with people in my family and other Black people not knowing that it was something that they could do until they saw me doing it,” she says. “I don’t know what possessed me to scuba dive before I saw anybody that looks like me doing it, but I’m glad that I can open the door for some people.”

Not surprisingly, Shepard is looking forward to World Ocean Day on June 8. “It’s inspiring to see the full spectrum of celebration on World Ocean Day—from scientists to everyday people who just love the water,” she says. “I’m looking forward to seeing the different ways people speak about the underwater world. We all have a place in the conversation. The day gives us all a chance to express our relationship with the ocean and meet one another wherever we are on our journey in restoring its health.”

When it comes to protecting the ocean, plenty of critical environmental and climate issues are at stake. And you might hear about them on World Ocean Day. But there’s also this: As Shepard says, “There’s so much beauty down there—just unbelievable beauty.”

For more than forty years and countless adventures to ‘See What’s Out There,’ Costa’s mission has never wavered: to create purpose-built, high-quality sunglasses that withstand and enhance your experiences on the water, protect the watery world we call home for future generations, and inspire others to do the same. Learn more at .

The post Gabby Shepard Wants Everyone to Care About the World Below the Surface appeared first on šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Online.

Women’s running shorts range from skin-hugging styles to baggies, multi-pocketed distance partners to simple splitties. The wrong shorts will chafe, cling, bounce, sag, ride up, and generally make your run miserable. The right shorts disappear on the run, noticed only when you need a gel or your phone and realize, “Hey, I’ve got that in this nifty shorts pocket!” We searched for, tested, and found the best options that can handle the challenges of summer while making you look good, feel cool, and run free.

While you’re at it, be sure to check out our picks for the best running shirts for women and the best running shoes.

Update: May 2025: We selected new shorts in every category but one, carrying over only the classic Tracksmith Session Short.

At a Glance

• Best Multi-Pocketed Shorts:
• Best Trail Running Shorts:
• Most Versatile Shorts:
• Best Distance Training Shorts:
• Best 2N1:
• Best Short Shorts:
• Most Comfortable:
• Best for Hot Temps:
• What to Look For
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

Best Multi-Pocketed Shorts

Janji W’s 5” Pace Short

Sizes: XS-XXXL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight, comfortable fabric
⊕ Well-placed storage pockets
⊗ No zippered pocket

The Janji 5” Pace Shorts are so comfortable that they converted more than one tester who prefers the modesty of looser-fitting styles from “never-ever would I wear skin-tight shorts like this” to “okay, now I occasionally wear shorts like this.” The nylon/spandex fabric lightly compresses upper leg and glute muscles while remaining extremely lightweight, and the multiple pockets give runners storage options. We liked the side pockets for carrying a phone or gels, the back pass-through pocket for holding things like gloves or even a long-sleeve layer, and the internal waistband pocket for stashing a key. The silicone grip dots on the leg hems keep the shorts in place and don’t leave a mark, and the 5-inch length strikes a good balance between coverage and freedom. “I like that they are tights without being bun-huggers,” said a tester.

Best Trail Shorts

Patagonia Endless Run Shorts 6”

Sizes: XXS-XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Material dries quickly
⊕ Three no-bounce pockets
⊗ Drawstring seems unnecessary

Many running brands are designing short tights right now, but the capabilities of the Patagonia Endless Run Shorts caught our attention. These shorts dried quickly from sweat, keeping us from getting hot when it was warm and from feeling cold and clammy even when the weather turned. The 6-inch length on a trail run provided coverage and protection from both the sun and overgrown trees on tight singletrack. The next-to-skin fit kept us covered while scrambling on rocks (no flashing trail partners), and the wide, flat waistband stayed put during fast efforts and long, rambling runs alike. The lack of a center seam kept these comfortable, even when doing high-knee warm-ups or during rock scrambles. One tester raved: “A perfect length (not too short, but also not so long that they felt frumpy), perfect level of compression of the smooth, soft material that made me forget I had the shorts on.”

Most Versatile

Tracksmith Session Shorts

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Casual styling
⊕ Performance functioning
⊗ Thin waistband isn’t flattering on all

The inseam length of these shorts may be a mere three inches, but the relaxed fit, subtle branding , and easy flow of the lightweight polyester/spandex shell fabric make these shorts versatile enough to run errands or grab a coffee (or beer) afterwards. The fabric raised suspicions at first, as it appears to be a soft knit that would hold sweat. But, as one tester put it, “The fabric is a miracle–it dries quickly and just has a really nice drape to it.”

The liner, made of Italian-sourced nylon/elastane, adds to the luxurious feel and functionality of the Session Shorts—soft against the skin, extremely lightweight, and quick drying. Three interior pockets in the liner add storage options to the one exterior zippered pocket, which holds items like AirPods rather awkwardly. Some testers found the thin waistband to be unflattering as it can create a “muffin top” around the midsection. Otherwise, we love how well these shorts perform on and off the trail.

Best Distance Training Shorts

Rabbit Fuel n’ Fly 4”

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Plenty of pockets for storage
⊕ Comfortable, quick-drying brief
⊗ Can bunch up in the middle

The Fuel n’ Fly 4” shorts have a whopping five storage options—two back stash pockets, two internal stash pockets, and a zippered back pocket. What’s more, we noticed minimal movement even when stuffed with a small smartphone for a long run. One tester calls these her “pack mule” shorts, adding, “None of the pockets caused irritation or chafing when loaded,” she said, adding that they didn’t budge or slide.

The back zipper pull tab is especially easy to grab while running. A lightweight polyester/spandex shell with perforations for added breathability feels “soft and moves well,” said a tester. The liner is notably quick-drying, which we loved—it’s not fun to run in a sweaty liner. The inner brief is also treated with an anti-odor peppermint oil that kept it smelling fresh.

Best 2 N 1

New Balance RC Short 2-in-1 3″

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Slightly compressive liner supports muscles
⊕ 2N1 design provides modesty
⊗ Liner material stays wet longer than some

We tested a host of shorts with an exterior shell covering an interior short tight, and these rose to the top. We liked the feel of the thicker-than-most seamless liner; its weight made it nicely compressive. One tester reached for these for light support of her high-hamstring strain. Testers praised the quality materials of both the liner and exterior shell, and the tailoring of the shorts overall. “I really appreciate that they stay on my hips, where I put them,” said a tester.

The exterior shell paired with the interior lining provided modesty for a range of activities without restricting movement. “You’re not flashing your neighbor when you’re doing burpees or planks, on treadmill runs, lifting workouts, or playing pickle ball,” said a tester. Another enjoyed doing yard work after runs in these for the same non-neighbor-flashing reasons.

Two interior pockets and a back zippered pocket carried small items like AirPods or a key. Storing a phone in the back pocket, however, was too bouncy and awkward.

Best Short Shorts

Janji W’s 3″ AFO Middle Short

Sizes: XXS-XXXL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Light and airy
⊕ Comfortable waistband
⊗ 2-inch inseam on the frontside can feel bare

These lightweight, airy shorts with a 3-inch inseam are actually shorter than that—the backside extends to 3 inches while the front of the ultralight recycled polyester/elastane blend shell material is a mere 2 inches. One tester described the shorts as “barely there fabric in a barely there fit.” For some, these might feel too barely there, but for others, they are blissfully light and mobile.

The polyester/spandex brief liner is soft against the skin (but stays wet a tad longer than the shell). Our Virginia-based tester noted how well these shorts performed in hot, humid, dripping sweat conditions. “Because the outer is so fast drying, I would wear these shorts for SUPing as well. I just wish the liner dried faster,” she said. Bonded seams and a knit waistband add to the overall comfort.

Most Comfortable

Oiselle Roga Shorts

Sizes: 2-24/26

Pros and Cons
⊕ Universally-flattering length
⊕ Comfortable, stretchy fabric
⊗ Tighter fit around the booty/thighs than other shorts

We love Oiselle’s original Roga Shorts for their wide, flat waistband that makes them sit as comfortably as yoga pants. The 4-inch inseam length and tapered sides are flattering, and the stretch woven polyester/spandex fabric is both substantial and lightweight. A semi-fitted cut provides coverage while the stretchy material moves with your body. “They sort of fit in between a short tight and a more traditional running short,” said a tester, who described the material as having more structure than other shorts. “I liked it—it wasn’t wimpy, but also not heavy or thick,” she said.

Minimal seams in the crotch add to comfort, even during high-friction moves like high knees, and the shorts proved comfortable in hot and humid running conditions. “I wore these for a treadmill run when I was super sweaty after sitting in a sauna, and they were great—no chafing,” said a tester. Bonus: A tiny loop on the interior backside allows for easy hanging (to dry from all that sweat, for instance).

Best Shorts for Hot Temps

Bandit Vento 4″ W’s Training Short

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Flattering hem and overall style
⊕ Back yoke allows stashing a shirt/tank mid-run
⊗ Waistband elastic can feel a tad snug

The gathered waistband, perforations at the scalloped hem, and slightly shiny shell fabric of these shorts are as chic as Bandit’s home city (Brooklyn, New York). Testers commented that these look “urban” and “stylish,” but they also liked how they felt on the run. “Very lightweight and breathable,” said one. “Airy!” said another. The material, a nylon/spandex blend with a slick finish, is treated for Durable Water Repellency, which keeps these from getting bogged down from sweat or a summer rainstorm.

Pass-through loops on the backside of the waistband allow easy stashing of a shirt or tank mid-run. And while three interior pockets on the liner are intended for gels, we found them mighty small and preferred nothing in them. “These feel more like a performance race short than a casual-jog short,” said a tester.

What to Look For

When it comes to summer running clothes, look for breathability, moisture-wicking, and a chafe-free fit.

Materials

Sweat-wicking and quick-drying materials are essential. These are usually made of polyester or wool blends and have a wide variety of proprietary names and textures. Polyester weaves tend to be the most breathable and highly durable, while wool resists odors and has a natural feel next-to-skin. Try on as many options as you can to find the ones that are both soft against your skin and feel cool and airy.

Fit

The fabric should not restrict your movement or be so tight as to interfere with your breathing at all. When trying on garments, do some dynamic stretching such as leg swings, lunges, and running in place to experience your body’s whole range of motion in the apparel.

Shorts Style

Besides material and fit, there are a few key features to consider in running shorts: pockets, inseam, and waist height.

If you like to carry items like your phone, keys, sunscreen, water flask, gels, or snacks, you’ll need more pockets (if you don’t run with a vest). Make sure the pockets are large and robust enough to fit and secure what you’re carrying, and located in spots where they won’t bounce or irritate. When you’re trying on shorts with pockets, test how they feel when the pockets are full—especially if you intend to carry something heavy like a cell phone, which can drastically change the way a pair of shorts fits and rides.

Consider whether you prefer shorts with a longer inseam—like four to six inches—for more coverage and to avoid chafing, or ones with a shorter inseam that show a little more leg and feel less restricted.

The rise is crucial to consider, too. While some runners prefer a higher waist to feel more secure, others prefer a waistband that hits right at their hip bones and doesn’t constrict.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 8
• Number of products tested: 35
• Most extreme temperature experienced during a run: Sitting in a sauna then running on a treadmill; 95-degree Florida beach runs
• Most elevation gained during a run: 2,300 feet

With five testers based in Colorado, one in California, and two in Virginia, the season’s summer apparel received a full gamut of testing conditions. All testers have been running for two to four decades, and consistently put their apparel through the paces…with scrutiny.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Lisa Jhung writes, runs, and generally adventures from her homebase in Boulder, Colorado. Raised as a California beach kid, she also makes it back to the coast—any coast, but primarily the Pacific—as often as possible. She’s been testing gear for šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ for a couple of decades and co-manages the road and trail running shoe tests, and manages the women’s running apparel, sports bras, and running hydration vest tests.

More Gear Reviews

The Best Sports Bras for Summer 2025
The Best Running Shirts and Tank Tops for Women
The Best Running Shoes for Training and Racing

The post The Best Women’s Running Shorts appeared first on šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Online.

Remaining Native begins with a warning: This is a film that doesn’t shy away from abuse, violence, or any of the other crimes that darken Native American history. But that’s also the film’s strength: The feature-length documentary captures what it means to be a , balancing joys and tragedies in a way that will resonate with any athlete—and any human being.

Remaining Native, which will be screening alongside a curated lineup of other top adventure films at this year’s šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Festival, is a beautiful, powerful, and important documentary by filmmaker Paige Bethmann, a Haudenosaunee (Mohawk/Oneida) woman. Bethmann’s great grandmother was stolen from her reservation as a girl and taken to an abusive Catholic boarding school. Tragically, Bethmann’s ancestral story is common to hundreds of thousands of Native Americans, including the subject of Remaining Native, Kutoven (“Ku”) Stevens.

The film’s opening lines explain:

For over 100 years, the United States made violent efforts to strip Native American children of their languages, spiritual beliefs, and culture through federal and church-run boarding schools.

Many children resisted this assault on their Native identity by running away.

From this prelude, the viewer knows to take a deep breath and buckle up. But then, beauty: scenic shots of the desert landscape. A hawk high in a tree. The rhythmic sound of a runner’s footfall on an open dirt road. And we’re introduced to the boyish face and voice of the film’s hero, Ku Stevens.

Ku is a runner—one of the best in the state of Nevada, having clocked the fastest time across all divisions in the high school state cross country championships. Through interviews, voiceovers, and scenes of Ku living with his parents on the Paiute Indian Reservation in the small town of Yerington, we get to know the teenager. We learn that he’s always wanted to run for the University of Oregon and pushes himself to be the best he can be.

Like most runners, he says that when he runs, he thinks about his breathing and his body. But, he adds, he also imagines running for his life.

Stevens’s great-grandfather ran away from the Stewart Indian Boarding School three times. His last attempt was a successful escape. That legacy is often on Stevens’s mind.

The film does a fantastic job of weaving together inspiring action scenes that any sports fan can appreciate with sepia-toned historical images set to haunting tribal music.

“This land I was raised on, it feels heavy,” says Stevens. Through shots of barren landscape and close-up faces of those who live here, we feel it.

Parents of teens will appreciate the internal struggle of Stevens’s father, who loves and supports his son, but fears he’ll lose his ancestral heritage by moving off the reservation. Still, he and his wife do everything they can to help the young runner reach his goals.

One of the most exhilarating scenes of Remaining Native takes place at a high school track meet, where Stevens attempts to run the 3200-meter under nine minutes—a benchmark that’s become the recruiting standard for distance athletes hoping to run for the University of Oregon. The racing drama is on-par with any Olympic final or Disney sports movie.

Among the most poignant moments of Remaining Native—and there are many—comes with a slow pan of a black-and-white image from the Stewart Indian School. Native American children sit with pained faces, hair cut short, sadness in their eyes. A drumbeat plays, as if to hammer into our awareness that this bit of American history, when thousands of Native American children were stolen from their families and died or survived abuse, happened. It actually happened. And yet, people like Ku and his family keep fighting for their culture while trying to heal from their past.

At one point in the film, Stevens says, “I really just want people to understand—not just to know what happened, not just to learn from our history—but to fully understand why we feel the way that we do.”

At one point in the film, the teen explains that his name, “Kutoven,” refers to “the eagle bringing the light from the darkness” and that he doesn’t yet feel he lives up to its meaning. Viewers of Remaining Native will beg to differ.

See Remaining Native—and other captivating documentaries from top adventure filmmakers—at the šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Festival, May 31-June 1 in Denver. This year’s festival will also host a group run and talks from top endurance athletes from across the country. .Ěý Ěý

The post “Remaining Native” is for Runners—and for all Human Beings appeared first on šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Online.

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping. Summer’s longer days and warmer temperatures make for fun and free running. There’s just one problem: The heat can sap your running performance and enjoyment. Choosing the right apparel in summer—in the same way you bundle up in winter—can make the conditions not only bearable, but fun.

In this season, we need running shirts that slip on effortlessly when we’re still half-asleep in the morning, and float on our skin when we’re cramming in a tempo workout on a sticky afternoon. We searched for, and found, the best women’s running tops—t-shirts and tanks—that can handle the challenges of summer while making us look good and feel cool.

Update May 2025: We selected new running tops in all but one category, carrying over the perennially popular Tracksmith Session Tee. We also added objective lab measurements on air permeability and dry time to help you select the best summer running shirt for you. Be sure to check out the “How We Test” section below for more details on our methodologies and how to interpret the lab data.

At a Glance

• Best Tee for Hot Weather Running:
• Best Tank for Hot Weather Running:
• Best Raceday Tank:
• Most Versatile Tank:
• Most Versatile Tee:
• Best Value:
• Best Trail Running Tank:
• Best Trail Running Tee:
• Softest Tank:
• Softest Tee:
• What to Look For
• How We Tested Running Tops In the Field and the šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Lab
• Meet Our Lead Testers

How We Tested Running Shirts In the šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Lab

Best T-Shirt for Hot Weather

Craft Pro Hypervent Running Tee 2.0

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Extremely lightweight
⊕ Seamless comfort
⊗ Shows sweat

Lab Dry Time: 3 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 3 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Lab

In summer heat, a shirt that feels barely there and still provides shoulder coverage is a Godsend, and the Craft Hypervent Tee 2.0 delivers. It’s made of a super-lightweight recycled polyester/elastane blend that isn’t the fastest drying or airiest but is silky smooth against the skin with a mesh back that breathes well while still shielding us from the sun. “It’s great for summer heat because it’s so lightweight—it flitters like an aspen leaf,” raved a tester.

Taped seams at the neck and sleeves are comfortable (no chafing) and add to the shirt’s feminine silhouette. The sleeves are cut longer than regular tees and add coverage, while the raglan design allows unrestricted arm movement. “No seams is a huge plus for me,” said a tester who also loved the lack of a papery tag rubbing the back of her neck. “This was a shirt I didn’t have to think about while running,” said another.

Best Tank for Hot Weather

Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Tank

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Extremely lightweight
⊕ Minimal branding allows versatility
⊗ Runs large

Lab Dry Time: 4 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 3 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Lab

We loved the feel of this tank for everything from warm-weather runs in Colorado to high-humidity hikes in the Caribbean. Testers described the recycled polyester Capilene Cool fabric as “extremely lightweight” and said it helped them “maintain comfort while sweating.” The thin fabric dries quickly, a bonus in summer heat, whether on the run, during water sports like stand-up paddleboarding, or when traveling.

Like most Patagonia apparel, the fit of this tank runs a little large, but we liked the relaxed shape. It’s one tester’s go-to shirt while wearing compression-style bootie shorts. “I like the coverage of the longer cut,” she said. We also loved the versatility of the tank’s styling—the only visible branding is a tiny Patagonia tag at the bottom seam, so it doesn’t look overly athletic and out of place off the trail.

Best Raceday Tank

Hoka Airolite Run Tank

Sizes: XS-XXL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Airy fabric and cut
⊕ Fabric is rated 40+ UPF
⊕ Higher neckline provides coverage
⊗ Can creep up under a pack

Lab Dry Time: 2 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 5 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Lab

This tank is ready for race day with a highly breathable material and a slim fit that stays out of the way of an arm swing. We love the airy feel of the super lightweight pinhole mesh combined with an even-more-open mesh panel on the upper back–the whole tank breathes fantastically. It’s thin, super lightweight, and feels cool against the skin. “I definitely noticed it helped keep me feeling cooler and dry even when sweating heavily in higher temps,” said a tester. “It feels very performance-oriented,” said another. In the lab, it scored the highest mark for air permeability among all shirts tested. The fabric is so light that it crept up a bit while we tested it under a hydration vest, but it stays perfectly put on its own.

Most Versatile Tank

Brooks Luxe Tank

Sizes: XS-XXL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Super soft
⊕ Minimal branding
⊗ Underarm seams slightly rub (but not chafe)

Lab Dry Time: 3 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 2 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Lab

This soft, breathable, minimally branded tank looks so good we’ve worn it casually to run errands around town, but the stylishness doesn’t compromise how well it feels and moves on the run. The cut is slightly long and loose, which makes it comfortable, flattering, and adds to its versatile appeal—it can work both tucked in or left out. “So soft and breathable,” said a tester, while another marveled at how lightweight the material felt against her skin.

A couple testers noted the underarm cut was a tad high, making the non-flat seams rub their armpits, but it was more of an irritation than a run-ruining situation—no chafing. But that was easy to overlook given the tank’s versatility. “This tank is great to layer under a long sleeve for a morning run when it starts cool and will warm up,” said one tester. “I also love it for a short run, when it can double as a casual tank to run errands in before or after.”

Most Versatile Tee

Tracksmith Session Tee

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Versatile
⊕ Soft and Stretchy
⊗ Runs slightly large

Lab Dry Time: 1 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 2 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Lab

We’ve used this as a go-to running tee and an all-day tee—wearing it casually throughout the day then on an evening run. One tester even slept in it. Made of 84 percent polyester and 16 percent spandex, the Session Tee is exceptionally stretchy. It’s also finished with an odor-resistant treatment that seems to work: We’ve worn it for multiple runs without washing and swear that we’re not offending trail partners. (They concur.) The Session Tee dries slower and is less airy than other high-performance tops—so it isn’t the best choice for the hottest days—but makes up for that in soft comfort and style.

“I’m in love with everything about this shirt: the fit, the fabric, the performance,” said a tester. “It felt like a hang out shirt that I could run in!” another raved, “I forgot about this shirt during the run because it was so comfy and has the most perfect fit!”

Best Value

2XU Aero Singlet

Sizes: XXS-XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight and breathable
⊕ Reflective detailing
⊗ Can feel loose around the midsection (this can also be a positive)

Lab Dry Time: 5 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 3 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Lab

It’s hard to find well-functioning running apparel under 40 bucks, but this tank delivers. Its lightweight, sweat-wicking front (a double-knit recycled polyester), combined with a super-breathable mesh back kept us cool for all our summer running. “This tank wicked sweat away, didn’t chafe, and was very comfortable in warmer temps,” said a tester.

The simple cut provides a bit more coverage on the backside than traditional racerback tanks, and has a looser fit around the middle. Some felt it to be too baggy at the waist and loose on the lower back while others liked the flowy feel. Reflective details add safety in dusk and dawn light.

“The lightweight fabric throughout seems inherently breathable,” said one who also praised how quickly sweat dried. “The fabric is slightly textured as opposed to just one single layer which seemed to encourage even more airflow, and it dried quickly,” said another. The lab confirmed the testers observations: this tank had the best combined performance scores of all the tops we tested.

Best Trail Running Tank

Arc’teryx Norvan Tank

Sizes: XXS-XXL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Wide shoulder straps work well under a pack
⊕ Lightweight, airy, and quick-drying
⊗ 80 bucks is a lot for a tank

Lab Dry Time: 5 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 2.5 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Lab

Some tank shoulder straps can start to rub underneath a hydration vest or traditional running pack straps, but not the straps on this one. A wider cut at the shoulders stayed flat and in place under a pack during hours of mountain running in Colorado’s Indian Peak Wilderness.

This is a looser-fitting tank, which we loved for its forgiving fit all around and slightly longer cut. The material—a softer polyester frontside with a meshy backside—feels great against the skin, breathes well, and dries quickly (the fastest-drying of all the tops here, according to the lab). All seams remained comfortable over hours of wear as well—no chafing here.

Best Trail Running Tee

Black Diamond Distance SS Tech Tee

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Extremely lightweight, breathable, and quick drying
⊕ Zero irritation over long wear
⊗ Not as cottony feeling as some others

Lab Dry Time: 4 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 3 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Lab

We’ve worn this tee under a pack over multi-day runs from hut to hut in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, as well as on multiple short runs around the Boulder Foothills and neighborhood suburbs. This shirt performs: It’s super-quick-drying, moisture-wicking, highly breathable polyester jersey material with a “Quick Dry” finish that never feels bogged down with sweat. The Anti-Odor finish also proved effective—did we mention that multi-day, multi-wear hut trip? We got no complaints from our running mates. Flat lock seams, a flat hem, and lack of a tag add to overall comfort, as does this shirt’s ridiculously lightweight feel on the body.

“Loved the material. It’s loose, super ventilated and fits well throughout,” raved a tester. “Excellent performance,” said another.

Softest Tank

Rabbit EZ Tank

Sizes: XXS-XXL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Super soft and comfortable
⊕ Bonded seams
⊗ Runs small (size up!)

Lab Dry Time: 4 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 2 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Lab

Talk about buttery soft. This tank is made from the brand’s recycled polyester/spandex blend that feels like your favorite old cotton t-shirt, softened in the wash after decades of use. But unlike cotton, this material dries quickly after being soaked in sweat. While the material might not be as breathable as some other techier-feeling tanks or tees in this roundup, it feels fantastic on the skin and still performs even when damp. “The softness and overall comfort made up for the lack of breathability,” said a tester. “It’s become one of my favorites. It’s just very ‘ez’ to wear.” We find ourselves reaching for this tank, and the Rabbit EZ Tee, for lounging; it’s that comfortable.

Bonded seams around the armholes and neckline remained soft and proved irritation-free for our team of testers.

Softest Tee

Oiselle Flyout Boxy Short Sleeve

Sizes: 2-14

Pros and Cons
⊕ Great combo of style and function
⊕ Great range of sizing
⊗ Takes longer to dry than some

Lab Dry Time: 3 (1=worst; 5=best)
Lab Air Permeability: 4 (1=worst; 5=best)
How We Tested Running Shirts In the šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Lab

This comfortable, functional tee converted more than one non-crop-top-wearing tester into big fans. The polyester/lyocell/spandex fabric felt fantastically soft next to the skin and kept us dry when we sweat—the fabric effectively moves moisture to the outer layer where it evaporates. (While the sweat doesn’t stay against the body, it does seem to remain on the shirt’s fabric for longer than some quick-dry materials.)

The boxy, crop-style cut adds airflow. We loved it when paired with high-rise thin tights on warm runs and appreciated the cut for gym workouts. “I liked how I could see my toes in a plank!” said one.

How To Choose a Running Top

When it comes to summer running clothes, look for comfort, breathability, moisture-wicking, and a chafe-free fit.

Comfort

Aside from chafe-free seams and a cut that allows full arm movement without restriction, consider how the tank or tee makes you feel. Are you comfortable wearing the top both on a run and stopping for coffee afterward? Are you looking for a tank that makes you feel fast on raceday? Do you want a tee that also makes you feel comfortable—both in function and style— in the gym?

Materials

Breathable, sweat-wicking materials are essential, as is how the material feels against your skin. While some fabric blends prioritize breathability and quick-drying, others provide a more cottony feel—the latter sometimes stay wet from sweat longer than the prior, but the tradeoff is sometimes worth it. All tops in this round up perform great on the run.

Fit

The fabric, cut, and seam placement should not restrict your arm movement or your breathing. The best-fitting tops let you forget that you’re wearing them. Some will fit looser or boxier around the middle, while some have a more streamlined fit. Consider what you’re after and shop from there. (Our guide describes the fit of each top.)

Tanks vs Tees

T-shirts provide more coverage and therefore more sun protection, and they can also deliver more of a cooling effect, depending on the fabric and fit. Tank tops are typically less restricting and more breathable, because of their lack of sleeves. That doesn’t mean all tank tops have freedom of movement. Some fit more streamlined around the midsection than others, while some are looser. The looser ones tend to allow airflow, while the more narrow silhouettes depend on their fabrication for breathability. In addition to fit, consider how much skin exposure and coverage you’re comfortable with, and how the tank interacts with your sports bra and running vest, if you’ll be wearing one. And consider all the settings where you’ll want to wear the top, both athletic and casual.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 8
• Number of products tested: 75
• Number of miles logged while testing: 2,500

We tested as many different shorts, tanks, tees, and other kinds of summer apparel (like sun shirts and crop tops) as we could get our hands on between June and October 2024, with an eye toward products that would be new to consumers in 2025. Our testers ranged in age from 20 to 40, each with more than a decade of running experience and at least one ultramarathon under their belt. We evaluated products by comfort first, followed by style, utility (ability to multitask as casual wear was a big plus), and durability. We also compared the new shirts to those test in the previous year and retained any that were still available and performed better than anything new in their categories.

How We Tested Running Shirts in the šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Lab

Air Permeability

Air permeability is a measure of how much air (in volume) is able to move through a fabric. It is not the same as “breathability” which measures how moisture vapor (sweat) moves through a fabric. The more air permeable, the more the cooling breeze makes it through your shirt and reaches your skin directly. To test this in the šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Lab @ CU Denver, we use a James Heal AirPro, a machine that uses a vacuum pump to pull air through fabric clamped between plates with a specific diameter opening to measure the flow rate at a pre-set pressure. The greater the volume of air getting through, the more air permeable. This lab test only evaluates the material itself, and can’t account for how the cut and design of a garment aids its airiness.

Dry Time

The lab tested drying time by soaking each shirt and then recording how long each needed to dry. Each shirt was weighed while dry, then soaked in tap water until all of the material had absorbed water. After soaking, they were hand wrung until all excess water stopped releasing from the fabric, leaving a fully saturated, but not soaked, shirt. The saturated shirts were weighed again to get the “wet” starting point and then put on a mannequin to dry. Weight was recorded every hour to start and then every 15 minutes as they approached dryness, stopping when the sample was within 4 percent of the original dry value. Allowing for 4 percent of weight gain (a few grams) takes into account any dirt particles that could be introduced from the tap water or environment, and small hemmed areas of the shirt that may hold a little moisture, even though the overwhelming majority of the shirt is dry.

We compiled the raw data into groups of similar values for each measure to obtain scores of 1 to 5, worst to best, relative to all the t-shirts and singlets tested.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Lisa Jhung writes, runs, and generally adventures from her homebase in Boulder, Colorado. Raised as a California beach kid, she also makes it back to the coast—any coast, but primarily the Pacific—as often as possible. She’s been testing gear for šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ for a couple of decades and co-manages the road and trail running shoe tests, and maanages the women’s running apparel, sports bras, and running hydration vest tests.

The post The Best Running Shirts and Tank Tops for Women: Field and Lab Tested appeared first on šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Online.

It’s the season we celebrate dads and grads—two groups who have plenty of fans. Two groups who can benefit from a gift that allows them to be self-sufficient, able to solve problems, and ready for adventures of all sorts. A high-quality, durable multi-tool will do that for years to come.

Tim Leatherman had the idea for the first-ever multi-tool—equipped with needle-nose pliers—when he and his wife were traveling around Europe as young twentysomethings on a budget. They often found themselves needing to fix leaky plumbing and the fussy Fiat 600 they bought in the Netherlands.

For the past four decades, Leatherman has pioneered the design of ever better and more capable tools, enabling people to tackle everything from minor repairs to saving their own lives (). The storied brand continues to design and manufacture knives and multi-tools in Portland, Oregon, and every Leatherman comes with a 25-year limited warranty. What better gift to give the dads in your life and the grads heading off on their next adventures, whatever they may be?

For Father’s Day

Enable Dad to tackle DIY jobs and outdoor adventures by putting fix-it options in the palm of his hand

($250): The most premium tool on the market, the ARC puts 20 tools at your fingertips and is one-hand operable. From a knife blade made of MagnaCut steel, which maintains its sharp edge and resists corrosion, to a suite of features including a bit driver, awl, wire cutter, and needle-nose pliers, the ARC sets the standard as the top-of-the-line tool.

($120): The bestselling multi-tool of all time features 18 tools, many of which—including scissors, screwdrivers, a bottle opener, and a wire stripper—can be accessed with the tool in its folded and closed position. Open it up, and the Wave+ equips Dad with tools like a saw, knife, and diamond-coated wood/metal file.

($90): Perfect for the DIY dad who wants a tool that’s full-featured but a little more compact, the Rebar packs 17 tools—including two kinds of pliers, an electrical crimper, and wire stripper—into a four-inch frame. All 17 tools lock into position and won’t fold under pressure. A range of color options allows for personalization.

($140): The Signal is ideal for dads who camp, fish, and backpack. Measuring 4.5 inches, this multi-tool features 19 tools, including a fire-starting ferro rod, safety whistle, and built-in hammer that comes in handy for anchoring tent stakes. Bonus: Find just the right look for every dad with a new-for-summer range of color options.

For Graduation

Nothing says “ready for the next adventure” like graduation—equip new grads for the journey with a high-performance multi-tool

($55): Since when did 50 bucks put so many functional items in the palm of your hand? The ten-tool Leatherman packs down to a mere 2.5 inches and can clip to a keychain. Tools like tweezers, a nail file, and spring-action scissors make this a no-brainer gift for any grad.

($70): At just 5.8 ounces and with a contoured, ergonomic design for comfort, the Bond is a great choice for grads who appreciate sleek style and easy carrying. But there’s no compromise on function: The Bond is packed with 14 tools and comes with a matching carrying sheath.

($90): This tool somehow manages to be both minimalist and totally capable, with a 2.6-inch knife blade, a large bit driver, and five other tools. A nice touch most grads (and probably dads) will appreciate: The carabiner loop doubles as a bottle opener. The Skeletool CX is available in an array of colors.

($70): The Wingman packs 14 tools into a 3.8-inch package and includes a combo straight-edge and serrated knife that enhances versatility. Designed with everything a grad may need for jobs around the house, apartment, condo, or campsite, it’s the perfect wingman.

Founded in 1983 by Tim Leatherman, Oregon-based Leatherman Tool Group is the world’s largest manufacturer of high-quality multipurpose products. Built upon three principles—unwavering perseverance, ingenious design, and the ability to save the day—Leatherman has empowered people around the world to solve problems big and small. Leatherman is proudly based and manufactured in Portland, Oregon, where the brand’s factory is located in the same building as the company headquarters. Learn more at .

The post Tools for Dads and Grads appeared first on šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Online.

Do you know what the absolute perfect Mother’s Day gift is? A well-coordinated family activity in the great outdoors with mom’s loving children not complaining about any of it, the entire time.

But we know that a family hike, backpacking trip, camping overnight, bike ride, paddle, or climb can be hard to pull off, especially with everyone involved and happily participating. So, instead, here are ten tangible ideas you can gift the outdoorsy mom in your life.

For Water Women: Surfers, Paddleboarders, Kayakers, and Swimmers

Shop for durable bathing suits that allow them to be active and come with a promise of water adventures. (To know what size to buy, check her current bathing suit drawer.) Our picks: Outerknown’s ($128), Carve Designs’ ($52) and ($58), or Patagonia’s ($65 $49) and ($75).

Ěý($35)

This completely waterproof bag holds a car or house key, key FOB, credit card, money, or other small necessities and is small enough to fit in the back pocket of her board shorts. It can also be attached to her surfboard, SUP, or kayak. It’s made out of discarded aviation life vests, helping keep urethane-coated nylon out of the landfills and the ocean.

($54)

These towels are lightweight, quick-drying, easily portable because they’re thin and pack down small, and look great. Since being gifted one of these by my son, I’ve used it as my lap swimming towel, my travel towel, and what I grab to dry off after SUP sessions. Choosing a design that makes you think of your mom (or mother of your children) will make her heart melt. Trust me.

For Dirt Divas: Gravel/Mountain Bikers and Trail Runners

($85)

Don’t underestimate the power of comfortable bike shorts (especially pairs with a funky print) to make cycling extra fun, and/or reinvigorate a person’s riding. The from Wild Rye are lightweight, compressive, and stretchy for mobility on the mountain bike.

($169)

Every trail runner needs a hydration vest to carry fluids, especially leading into summer. The comfortably holds two 500 mL HydraPak soft flasks (included) in the shoulder straps, as well as other essentials like a cell phone (which moms rarely leave home without), lip balm, and trail snacks. On the backside, a small, zippered pouch can hold first aid items, and the pass-through pocket makes a shell or other layer easy to grab or stash mid-run. Go the extra mile and put together a small first aid kit for her, buy a nice lip balm, and load the pack before gifting.

($48)

The polyester/spandex blend of Rabbit’s EZ fabric is ridiculously soft and buttery, and we love that the classic ($48) now comes in a with elastic at the side seams and an extra-long cut. The material is a pleasure to wear but also performs by breathing, wicking sweat, and drying relatively quickly. The tank can be worn running or for any other activity.

For Rock Scramblers, Summit-Seekers, and Campers

($68)

For hikers or runners who don’t always want to carry a pack but always want to carry their phones, the comfortably carries phones of all sizes in a pocket mid-back. And for wearing a backpack to carry said phone and other items, the extra-wide shoulder straps of this bra lie flat and don’t dig in underneath the pack straps.

($30)

If she’s a climber, she likely already has a chalk bag. But a second, good-looking chalk bag, especially one that’s filled with her favorite candy, is always fun. And if she’s talked about wanting to start climbing, then this is a great new activity-enabling gift.

($65)

This foldable, compact chair is ideal for car camping, or it can be taken on a hike and used for journaling or reading a book outdoors. It also works fantastically as a comfortable alternative to either hard metal stadium seating or lugging a giant camp chair across multiple outdoor sporting fields. The chair is also multi-purpose for mom-time and sports-momming.

For Any Mom (Outdoorsy or Not)

A handwritten card or thoughtful note

This truly is the best gift, as it shows thoughtfulness and care. Whether purchasing one of the above items or not, deliver it with a note of some sort. Remember: It’s the thought that counts.

More Gear Reviews

The Best Sports Bras of 2025
The Best Running Shoes for Training and Racing
The Best Backpacks, Duffels, and Roller Bags for šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Travel

The post 10 Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Active Moms appeared first on šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Online.

Every woman is built differently and has a different idea of what makes the perfect sports bra. But every woman wants (and deserves) a bra that is comfortable and supportive, and lets her do activities with zero distraction. In light of that, we had a team of testers—all different sizes—try more than 30 of the latest sports bras while hiking, climbing, practicing yoga, running, weightlifting, and more to find the models that delivered the best performance and comfort for a variety of different types of bodies, conditions, and activities.

Update April 2025: We’ve replaced the sports bras in four categories, added three new categories (best for summer, best for wearing a pack, and best simple running bra) and changed the categories of two we carried over from the fall round-up.

At A Glance

• Best for Hot Weather:
• Best for Wearing on Its Own:
• Best for High Impact:
• Best for Low Impact:
• Best for Large Chests:
• Best Adjustable:
• Best for Wearing With a Pack:
• Best for Carrying a Phone on the Run:
• Best Value:
• Best Simple Running Bra:
• How to Choose Sports Bras
• How We Tested
• Meet Our Lead Testers

Be sure to also check out our picks for the best women’s running shirts and tank tops.

Best for Hot Weather

Patagonia Live Simply Bra

Sizes: łÝłÝł§â€“Xł˘

Pros and Cons
⊕ Minimal and comfortable
⊕ Dries extremely quickly
⊗ Can fit a little loose under the arms

We’ve worn this bra hiking in 106-degree heat, sweaty weight-lifting sessions, running in all sorts of weather, and jumping in and out of lakes. This bra remained comfortable throughout all of those athletic activities and even while working at a desk for hours.

Its bonded seam construction lies flat and smooth with zero irritation, and the extremely lightweight, soft, 100-percent polyester tricot fabric dries ridiculously quickly. We appreciated that, along with the anti-microbial treatment (HeiQ Mint) that combated odors when we kept the bra on after workouts. Because it doesn’t contain Spandex, the bra isn’t as supportive as some others, but it also doesn’t stretch out as much. It’s best for low-impact, or any activity for A to C cups.

Best for Wearing on Its Own

Janji Pace Sports Bra

Sizes: łÝłÝł§â€“XłÝłÝł˘

Pros and Cons
⊕ Best range of sizes among pull-over bras
⊕ Unique, flattering and supportive straps
⊗ Removable pads come out in wash

This seemingly simple sports bra has design details we fell in love with—a flattering neckline with double straps, positioned narrower than most, that weave between each other when they cross mid back. This bra proved supportive enough even for C- to D-cup testers doing high-impact activities like running and jumping. “Nice encapsulation and I love the cross back with support!” said one. “You don’t usually get ‘cute’ with ‘supportive.’âśÄ We wore this skate skiing, running, cycling, and, when a tester couldn’t find her bikini, at swim lessons with her son. This bra proved comfortable and up to the task for all activities.

Best for High Impact

Rabbit UtiliBRA-vo

Sizes: łÝł§â€“Xł˘

Pros and Cons
⊕ Über-secure phone pocket
⊕ Classic racerback fit
⊗ Not the most breathable

If you love classic racerback bras, add a few of these to your underwear drawer. Chances are good they’ll fit and support you well, as one of our testers raved: “The fabric hits a sweet spot of compression that I think will please 85 percent of runners—not too much, not too little.” This bra also has the most secure back phone pocket we’ve ever used, without being over-designed. “Most phone pocket bras try to be all fancy and featured and space-agey,” another tester said. “This is the first one I’ve tried that’s basically just a regular old racerback, both in terms of fit and looks.” The polyester-spandex fabric is slightly thicker than the other favorites, making it a great choice for high-impact activities year-round.

Best for Low Impact

Under Armour UA Infinity 2.0 Low Ěý

Ěý

Sizes: łÝł§â€“Xł˘, Cups A–C and D–DDD

Pros and Cons
⊕ Built-in padding doesn’t come loose
⊕ Soft, comfortable, breathable
⊗ Can be hard to find a perfect fit

This good-looking, lightly padded sports bra is offered at a steal of a price. We loved how there aren’t any irritating seams and that the injection-molded padding’s strategic patterning gave the bra a lightweight, breathable feel. We found the bra dried quickly even after working up a big sweat, which we loved for keeping us from feeling gross underneath our clothes when running errands on the way home from a workout.

The pullover design and lack of a clasp on the backside makes this a great choice for workouts that include mat work, like belly-up core work, Pilates, and yoga moves. And the mesh panel on the back “adds breathability without any distractions,” said a tester.

Not only does the built-in padding eliminate the problems of losing a pad in the washing machine or having to uncrumple removable pads every time we put on the bra (truly, the worst), but we found the shape flattering and not excessive. Note that some testers found that the material buckled on the sides—although with so many size options, they thought they could likely find an ideal fit with a different size/cup combination.

Best for Large Chests

Brooks Crossback 2.0

Sizes: 30–40 band, AB–DDE cup

Pros and Cons
⊕ Extremely comfortable
⊕ Molded cups stay put
⊗ Only medium impact for the largest of chests

The Brooks Crossback 2.0 bra is not the absolute most supportive sports bra for large chests during the highest impact activities, but for virtually everything else, we loved its ability to support us comfortably. While most bras intended for bigger chests achieve support by either compressing tightly or encapsulating with stiff materials, zippers, and/or burly fasteners, the Crossback 2.0 utilizes strategic engineering—reinforced materials in the shoulder straps and chest band—and a wide range of size options for an almost custom fit. Testers loved how this bra’s smooth, flat crossback straps didn’t dig into shoulders and worked great under a backpack, as well as the lack of irritating seams and the soft but effective encapsulation.

“This works nicely for medium-impact activities without smashing you to death,” said a tester. “Love the snug fit of the material, but not snug as in too tight,” said another. “I can’t say enough,” gushed yet another. “I’m obsessed with this bra and how this bra performs and that it never chafes me at all.”

Our team wore this bra skiing, hiking, weightlifting, cycling, and running, and only one tester craved more support while running. The bra dries quickly from sweat or after washing and is comfortable during prolonged wear.

Best Adjustable Fit

Tracksmith Allston Adjustable Bra

Sizes: łÝł§â€“L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Adjustable shoulder straps and chest strap
⊕ Convertible to racerback
⊗ Clip can be felt in racerback mode

This bra is adjustable three ways: the chest band has three clips for dialing size around the ribcage, the shoulder straps are length-adjustable, and the bra can convert to racerback via a clip in the middle of the back, which puts it in high-impact-support mode. The racerback clip can be switched back and forth during one workout. “I love the adjustability and the smooth fabric,” said a tester who wore the bra while hiking, biking, and running. “It’s a great bra for someone who might end up wearing a sports bra all day because of logistics, but who wants to ease off the intensity for aprés workout.” The Allston Adjustable is made of Tracksmith’s luxuriously smooth nylon-elastane blend, with interior cups lined with nylon-elastane blend powermesh, which enhances compressive support.

Best for Wearing With a Pack

Oiselle Flyout Bra

Sizes: 2–14

Pros and Cons
⊕ Wide, flat seams remain comfortable under a vest or pack
⊕ Full coverage provides modesty
⊗ Thicker material can feel warm

The Oiselle Flyout Bra has been a favorite among testers for its ability to carry a phone comfortably and securely in the mesh pocket midback. But we also love this bra for its wide, flat shoulder straps that stay comfortable under fully loaded hydration vests and backpacks. We’ve worn this bra for long days on the trail with a hydration vest and have never experienced chafing. The wide chest band and shoulder straps provide ample coverage and combine with compressive fabric for support, even for our large-chested testers. We love that this bra comes in a wide range of sizes, like women’s dress clothes, so you can find a perfect fit (use the size guide on the Oiselle website to help).

Best for Carrying a Phone on the Run

Rabbit Strappy Pocket Bra

Sizes: łÝł§â€“Xł˘

Pros and Cons
⊕ Carries a phone midback
⊕ Cute enough to wear on its own
⊗ Thin shoulder straps can dig in under a pack

The Rabbit Strappy Pocket Bra has become our lead tester’s go-to for travel. It’s a simple, good-looking sports bra that carries a phone or hotel key card easily and comfortably, and it packs down small, especially with the pads removed. The bra also stays put while diving into bodies of water (ocean, lake) post-run and dries fairly quickly afterward, ready for the next outing. The thin shoulder straps and lower neckline give the bra a stylish, flattering appeal while still providing support and coverage. The next-to-skin liner, made from a material that uses recycled coffee grounds, feels cool, helps control odor (another travel bonus), and helps the bra dry quickly.

Best Value

Nike Swoosh Medium Support

Ěý

Sizes: łÝłÝł§â€“XłÝł˘

Pros and Cons
⊕ Fixed cups mean no pads to lose
⊕ Durable, long-lasting comfort
⊗ Pads, if you’re not a fan of them

One tester has been wearing an earlier version of this sports bra for close to 20 years. “It’s been all over the world while keeping me comfortable running, cycling, hiking, Nordic skiing, etc.,” she says. The simple, pull-on style bra wicks sweat and remains comfortable for hours. The newest version of this do-anything, durable bra comes with light padding built in (no slipping, no losing the padding in the wash), and is made with sustainable, recycled polyester materials. Its $40 price point makes it among the least expensive sports bras out there, and while it’s classified as “medium support,” it can function as high support across a range of activities for smaller chest sizes. It also lasts for-e-ver.

Best Simple Running Bra

Janji Infinity Sports Bra

Sizes: łÝłÝł§â€“XłÝłÝł˘

Pros and Cons
⊕ Reversible
⊕ No clasps on backside
⊗ Doesn’t dry as quickly as some others

There is something to be said for a simple, no frills sports bra—no pads, no clasps, just a traditional pullover racerback. The Janji Infiniti Bra is just that, and testers appreciated its “no fuss” functionality. The lack of clasps on the back make this a good bra for doing mat work: stretching and exercising on your back after a run, or for activities like yoga and Pilates. One tester said she’s looking forward to wearing this while on an SUP or even swimming, while another said the full-coverage cut (it effectively covers side-boob, for most) “is appropriate for stripping down in front of strangers.”

We love that this bra is reversible. The triple-layer construction of nylon/spandex with a polyester mesh sandwiched between the two color options provided enough compressive support for all but our largest-chested runners. Those three layers also make the bra take a bit longer than other bras to dry from sweat or while air-drying after washing. But for two bras in one, we’ll take it.

How to Choose Sports Bras

When shopping for the best sports bras for you, you need to consider four factors: intended usage, comfort, support, and breathability.

Usage

Are you looking for a bra to wear on its own or under your clothes? Will you be wearing it with a running hydration pack or hiking backpack? Do you want to be able to do yoga, Pilates, or other exercises on your back (and so, don’t want clasps or hooks back there)? Do you need your bra to carry your phone (or do you always wear a pack or pockets elsewhere)?

Comfort

Comfort is personal. Nothing can replace trying on the bra to ensure it fits your body and the fabric feels good against your skin. Each brand sizes their bras differently, so be sure to try on a range of sizes.

Support

When it comes to support, different categories like “low impact” and “medium support” can be confusing because different brands define them in different ways, and the amount of support needed for various activities completely varies by the individual. In general, bras marketed for low-impact activities like yoga, hiking, or cycling will offer less support and technical features than those for high-impact activities, like running or HIIT classes. On the flip side, bras designed to offer higher support may be less breathable and more constricting.

If you have a small cup size, you may find that low- and medium-support bras work perfectly well for high-impact activities, but women with larger cup sizes often need those “high support” bras even for some low-impact activities. Whatever you choose, know that the bra’s underband—the most important part for support—should fit securely but not so tightly that you can’t breathe. (Studies have shown that tight sports bras can restrict breathing and affect running performance.) The straps should not dig into your skin or leave red marks when you take the bra off.

Breathability

Too much sweat accumulation on a bra is not only uncomfortable but unhygienic, trapping bacteria on your skin and back. Sport-specific fabric blends—often made with polyester, nylon, or merino wool—should have strong moisture-wicking properties, and bras made of thinner fabric will allow more heat and perspiration to pass through.

How We Tested

• Number of testers: 11
• Number of bras tested: 22
• Hours working out in test bras: 500
• Toughest testing conditions: Two-plus hours whitewater paddling and then hiking from the bottom of the Grand Canyon to the South Rim while carrying a full backpack full of gear. Close second: Downhill skiing with a toddler.

We wore these bras for running, cycling, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, yoga, hiking, dog walking, camping, and working at a desk. Every tester wears a different size, ranging from A to DDD cups. If at least two testers agreed that a bra was comfortable and functional, it made our short list. Then we narrowed down the contenders based on functionality for various sports, style, and price.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Lisa Jhung lives and works in Boulder, Colorado, where she writes, edits, and tests gear by doing a variety of outdoor winter sports: running (road, trail, and full-on mountain), Nordic skiing, snowboarding, dog-walking, etc. She also does yoga and lifts weights, sometimes by carrying flagstones around her yard and doing overhead squats and chest presses with a digging bar. She likes to get sh** done while strength training.

The post The Best Sports Bras for Summer 2025 appeared first on šú˛úłÔšĎşÚÁĎ Online.