Our top pickNORTIV 8 trail running shoesGrippy lugs and a roomy toe box for rocky Colorado singletrack — men and women fits.$53.99Price as of Aug 23, 2026Shop on Amazon →Road shoes slip and bruise on Colorado singletrack, and a water fountain is nowhere in sight when you are three miles up a ridge. Trail-specific shoes and a hydration setup are the two upgrades that make mountain running safer and far more fun. Here is the gear we would grab, plus how to choose.
Our trail-running picks at a glance
The core kit, side by side:
Trail shoes
The single most important upgrade — grip and protection for loose, rocky ground. (Both picks come in men\’s and women\’s versions; size for a little toe room on long descents.)
New Balance Fresh Foam 410 v9 — the budget pick
A cushioned, affordable trail shoe with enough grip for buffed singletrack and dirt roads. A great entry point if you are moving off pavement without spending much — comes in men’s and women’s versions. Step up to a burlier shoe for rocky, technical Colorado trails.
- FRESH FOAM CUSHIONING - Upgraded midsole engineering delivers best-in-class underfoot comfort and lightweight shock absorption on rugged trails and uneven terrain
- AT TREAD OUTSOLE - Versatile all-terrain traction provides confident grip during both on-road and off-road activities, from trail runs to hiking adventures
- DURABLE TRAIL CONSTRUCTION - Reinforced overlays and breathable mesh upper combine lasting durability with airflow to keep feet cool on long trail sessions
- BIO FOAM MIDSOLE - Soft, responsive BIO Foam cushioning works with Fresh Foam technology to reduce fatigue and deliver a smooth, comfortable ride mile after mile
- SECURE LACE-UP FIT - Traditional lace-up closure allows customized tightening for a locked-in, supportive fit on technical terrain and steep descents
NORTIV 8 Wide-Toe Trail Shoe — grip and room to spread
Aggressive lugs for loose, rocky terrain and a roomy toe box that many runners love for long descents when toes need space. A well-reviewed, mid-price all-rounder for the technical trails around Summit County. Men’s and women’s sizing available.
- Wide Toe Box: To accommodate various foot shapes, these trail running shoes for men provide a roomy toe box for toes to spread out while maintaining natural foot alignment and stability, aiding in forward propulsion during walking and running.
- Airy & Breathable: These wide-toe shoes for men are crafted with a Jacquard mesh upper that helps wick away sweat, keeping feet dry and comfortable during intense workouts.
- Bouncy Support: These trail shoes for men feature an arch support insole that conforms to your feet and a lightweight EVA midsole that offers better shock absorption, ideal for heavier runners by reducing pressure on legs.
- Slip-Resistant: The wear-resistant and grippy rubber outsole with 4mm lugs provides strong grip while preventing mud buildup, making these workout shoes for men transition effortlessly from trails to pavement
- Stylish & Functional: Inspired by the Rocky mountains, these men's running shoes feature a streamlined silhouette with contrasting colors that add energy and vitality to trail running and city walks.
Hydration
At altitude and in dry air you dehydrate fast. A handheld is plenty for a short run; a vest is the move for anything over an hour.
INOXTO Hydration Vest — hands-free water for long runs
A lightweight, adjustable running vest that hugs close without bouncing, with pockets for soft flasks (or a bladder), phone, and snacks. The right call for anything over an hour in the dry, high air, where you will drink more than you expect.
- ❤ 【Ergonomic and comfortable design】 INOXTO Hiking Backpack Water Bladder Vest Kit aligns your back while gently protecting your muscles. The ventilated mesh cover keeps your back cool by maintaining air circulation, preventing discomfort due to accumulated heat, and providing excellent air circulation and breathability.
- ❤ 【Ultra-lightweight design】 High-quality nylon material and ultra-lightweight design make it more comfortable to drive. The INOXTO Sport Backpack weighs only 140 grams and can hold 1.5 liters in the main compartment. In addition, the left and right belts have pockets for storing 250 ml PET bottles. Next to the main pocket, there is a pocket for storing mobile phones and items, so you can jog while listening to music!
- ❤ 【Perfect Combination】 The lightweight cycling backpack comes with an adjustable hip belt and shoulder straps that can be changed to suit your torso. The perfect size provides a great balance of moderate weight and bulk while providing a sufficient amount of water suitable for men, women.
- ❤ 【Security and multiple storages】 Reflective trim for nighttime safety and strap clips to keep extra straps safe. There are also two large pockets and two small pockets on the front of the bag. You can put gel / soft candy / paper / towel / mobile phone / key etc. in the front pocket. Quick and easy access even if you sweat.
- ❤ 【Wide range of applications】 This hydration pack is specially designed for road cycling, running, hiking, compact construction, small size, backlight and stability, with less wind resistance. An ideal choice for men, women. It does not move around or bounce. For cycling, hiking, running, skiing, cycling, mountaineering, hunting, racing and training. 🎁 A great gift for friends and family who enjoy outdoor sports.NOTE: THIS ITEM IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE BY CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER.
Nathan ExoDraw 2.0 Handheld — grab-and-go for shorter runs
An ergonomic handheld flask with a secure strap so you barely grip it, plus a small pocket for a key or gel. Perfect for shorter trail runs when a full vest is overkill but you still need water in Colorado’s thin, dry air.
- AN EASY MULTIPURPOSE ESSENTIAL: Our handheld running water bottle comes with a soft flask that can be removed from the sleeve, suitable for Nathan hydration vest pockets and running backpacks with soft flask pockets.
- INSPIRED BY THE JOURNEY: Nathan's collection of running essentials, including Nathan running water bottle and hand held water bottle for runners, delivers on intuitive design, comfort, quality, and smart storage to enhance performance.
- NATURALLY COMFORTABLE: Look, no hands! Feel comfortable during your everyday running with the Nathan water bottles handheld's ergonomically-designed hand strap for grip-free comfort with breathable wicking mesh to provide grip as you run.
- SIMPLE HYDRATION: Our ExoDraw & ExoShot Flasks feature an integrated hand strap and rigid ExoSpine for superior comfort and efficiency as a water bottle for running or a hiking water bottle, offering cool fluid with its simple-to-use race cap.
- CONVENIENT FEATURES: Nathan handheld water bottle with push/pull Race Cap and small stash pocket to keep essentials protected. One size fits most.
Gaiters
Low trail gaiters keep grit and snow out of your shoes — a cheap fix for a constant annoyance on rocky trails.
ALTRA Trail Gaiters — keep the scree out
Low trail gaiters that seal the gap at the ankle so sand, gravel, and snow stay out of your shoes — a small thing that saves a lot of stop-and-empty breaks on gritty, rocky Colorado trails.
- Ultimate Debris Protection - Shield feet from dirt, sand, mud, rocks, and snow. These premium trail running ankle gaiters help keep shoes clean and prevent friction blisters caused by trail debris during intense runs and day hikes.
- Strapless Shoe Compatibility - Hassle-free pull-on, strapless design attaches to most trail runners and hiking sneakers. Optimized for GaiterTrap-equipped Altra shoes for a secure fit.
- Breathable and Abrasion-Resistant - Crafted from breathable stretch fabric to help prevent sweat buildup. High abrasion resistance ensures durability against harsh brush and rugged trail conditions while keeping feet comfortable.
- Secure Fit and Reflective Details - Durable front metal lace hook anchors the gaiter to help prevent ride-up. Integrated reflective print improves visibility during low-light winter runs and night trails.
- Versatile Multi-Sport Gear - Essential outdoor gear for backpacking, gravel riding, or winter running. These lightweight, packable hiking gaiters provide reliable protection on any adventure.
How to choose trail-running gear
- Grip and protection over cushion. Look for deep, aggressive lugs for loose rock and dirt, and a rock plate or firmer midsole if you run technical, rocky trails — which describes most of Colorado.
- Fit with toe room. Trails mean long descents that jam toes forward; buy with a thumb’s width of room, and consider a roomier toe box. Both shoes above come in men’s and women’s versions.
- Match hydration to distance. A handheld flask suits short runs; a vest carries more water plus layers, food, and a phone for longer efforts — essential in the dry, high air.
- Don’t forget sun and altitude. High-altitude sun is brutal — add the Altitude & Sun Kit (sunscreen, electrolytes, lip balm), and ease into running up high; see altitude sickness.
Trail running gear FAQ
Do I really need trail running shoes, or will road shoes work?
For anything rocky or loose, trail shoes make a real difference — deeper lugs grip where road shoes slip, and added protection saves your feet from sharp rock. On smooth dirt paths road shoes are okay, but Colorado singletrack is where trail shoes earn their keep.
Hydration vest or handheld bottle for trail running?
A handheld flask is perfect for shorter runs (under an hour); a vest is better for longer efforts because it carries more water plus a layer, food, and your phone without bouncing. In Colorado's dry, high air, err toward carrying more water than you think you need.
Are gaiters worth it for trail running?
If you run rocky, sandy, or snowy trails, yes — low trail gaiters seal the ankle so grit and snow stay out of your shoes, saving frequent stop-and-empty breaks. They are cheap and weigh almost nothing.
How does altitude affect trail running in Colorado?
A lot — the thin air makes any pace feel harder, and dehydration and altitude sickness are real. Ease into running up high, slow your expectations, hydrate constantly, and protect against the intense sun. See our altitude guide.
Do these shoes come in women's versions?
Yes — both trail shoes above are offered in men's and women's sizing. Choose your usual running-shoe size with a little extra toe room for long descents.
Written by
Melissa
Melissa splits her year between Texas and Summit County, Colorado, where she has spent countless summers and winters hiking, skiing, fishing, and exploring the high country. She started Breckenmendations to help visitors make the most of Colorado's mountains with the gear, tips, and local know-how she wishes she'd had on her first trip up I-70.
Breckenmendations is written by locals who actually hike, ski, and explore Colorado — see how we pick what we recommend.