Agility Peak 6

Yes, for most runners it fits true to size, so order your usual trail number. The fit is secure through the midfoot rather than roomy, which helps lockdown on technical ground. If you have wide feet or plan long ultras where your feet swell, or you wear thick winter socks, consider going up a half size. Runners who want a genuinely wide, foot-shaped toe box may find it a little snug and should look elsewhere.

It is a strong first proper trail shoe. The grip is confidence-inspiring on wet and loose ground, the ride is stable and predictable rather than tippy, and the cushioning protects your legs while you build trail fitness. At £145 it is also sensibly priced for a full-featured shoe. Beginners who mostly run smooth, dry paths could go softer, but for real UK trail conditions this is an easy, forgiving shoe to learn on.

Yes. With a 38mm heel stack and protective FloatPro cushioning, it handles long distances and all-day efforts well, and the secure fit keeps your foot planted when you are tired. The firmer ride stays composed rather than breaking down late in a run. If you want maximum plushness for very long road-to-trail ultras you might prefer a softer, taller shoe, but for most trail ultras the Agility Peak 6 is a dependable choice.

Both are cushioned do-it-all trail trainers with excellent Vibram Megagrip outsoles. The Hoka Speedgoat 7 rides softer and taller with a plusher, more cushioned feel, and usually costs more. The Agility Peak 6 is firmer and more grounded, which makes it feel more stable and connected on technical terrain, and it comes in at a friendlier price. Choose the Speedgoat for softness and the Agility Peak 6 for stability and value.

The grip is the standout feature. The Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm lugs bites hard into mud, wet grass, loose gravel and greasy rock, which is exactly what UK trails throw at you through autumn and winter. It clears mud reasonably well and holds a line on off-camber ground. If your trails are consistently soft and boggy the deeper lugs really shine, though on hard-packed dry paths you will feel them a touch more than a lower-profile outsole.

Durability is a strong point for the price. The Vibram Megagrip outsole is hard-wearing and resists shredding on rock, and the reinforced upper stands up to repeated abrasion from trail debris. With regular trail use you can expect a full season and beyond before the lugs noticeably wear. As with any trail shoe, rinsing off mud after wet runs and drying it away from direct heat will help the upper and midsole last longer.