Why the Trail Running Shoe Industry Is Exploding Right Now

Trail running shoes are evolving faster than ever, with a wave of new brands and technologies reshaping the sport. In this episode, Josh and Taylor Bodin—Lead Trail Reviewer at Believe in the Run—dig into why innovation in trail footwear is accelerating and why runners should be paying attention.From heritage brands to newcomers like NNormal, Speedland, and Norda, the conversation explores the materials, design philosophies, and performance goals driving modern trail running shoes. Along the way they unpack sustainability, premium construction, and how brand identity and storytelling are becoming just as important as what’s underfoot.For trail runners curious about the brands and technology shaping the future of trail running shoes.Please give us a follow, rate the podcast, and give a review.Topics / Timestamps03:01 Heritage Brands vs. Modern Innovations06:02 The NNormal Brand and Its Unique Approach11:59 Speedland: A New Era in Trail Running Shoes29:23 The Evolution of Shoe Technology32:04 Performance vs. Design in Trail Running Shoes37:02 The Rise of Norda and Its Unique Community39:59 Innovative Materials and Their Impact on Performance46:04 The Future of Trail Running FootwearResources / LinksBelieve in the Run reviews:NNormal: Tomir 2.0, KjeragSpeedland: GS:TAM, GS:PGH, SL:HSVNorda: Norda 001, Norda 002, Norda 003Presented by Kiprun.----Find us at Borderlands.cc and sign up for the newsletter.Want to run in the Salt Lake area? Check out the Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races happening May 30, 2026.And if you haven't checked out Wylder yet, it's worth a look. iOS or Android