Brand: Backcountry
Category: Trail Running Shoes
Recommended by Shelby Farrell, Athlete. Marketing Professional. Cat Mom. — Morrisville, Vermont
Highlights: lightweight, durable
The Cloudultra Pro Trail Running Shoe by Backcountry is engineered for serious trail runners seeking unparalleled comfort and performance. With its advanced cushioning and durable design, this shoe excels in challenging terrains, ensuring you stay agile and supported on every run. 1. Lightweight construction with breathable mesh upper for optimal ventilation and comfort. 2. Dual-layer CloudTec® technology provides superior cushioning and shock absorption on rugged trails. 3. Enhanced grip from the Missiongrip™ outsole, designed to tackle various surfaces with confidence. 4. Reinforced toe cap for added protection against rocks and debris during your runs. 5. Adaptive fit system that ensures a secure and personalized fit for all foot shapes. 6. Responsive Speedboard™ technology promotes efficient energy transfer with each stride. 7. Eco-friendly materials used in construction, contributing to sustainable running practices. The Cloudultra Pro Trail Running Shoe is ideal for avid trail runners who tackle diverse and rugged terrains. It performs best in varying weather conditions, from dry trails to muddy paths, making it suitable for year-round use. Designed for intermediate to advanced runners, this shoe excels during long-distance runs, technical trails, and competitive races, providing the support and durability needed for challenging outdoor adventures.
Price: $259.95
- Who it's for
- Trail racers prioritizing speed on runnable to moderately technical courses, from 50Ks up to 100-mile distances. Hosts flag it specifically for fast-paced race days, not casual training.
- What people are saying
- Recurring praise centers on energy return, light weight, propulsive nylon plate, and versatility across terrain types including rocky trails. One host calls the price questionable and flags potential upper durability concerns on very rugged terrain.
- Worth noting
- May run narrow at the pinky toe. The nylon plate is noted for forefoot rock protection without adding stiffness, and the shoe drains well.
Shelby Farrell's review
Probably not worth the price tag. Super light and responsive. It might run a little narrow around the pinky toe, but overall it feels quick underfoot. The landing is soft while still giving some ground feel, and you can feel a bit of propulsion as you toe off. I like the updated braided laces, but worry the upper might not offer enough protection for really rugged terrain.
Recommended by Shelby Farrell, Athlete. Marketing Professional. Cat Mom.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Cloudultra Pro Trail Running Shoe for?
Trail racers prioritizing speed on runnable to moderately technical courses, from 50Ks up to 100-mile distances. Hosts flag it specifically for fast-paced race days, not casual training.
What do experts say about the Cloudultra Pro Trail Running Shoe?
Recurring praise centers on energy return, light weight, propulsive nylon plate, and versatility across terrain types including rocky trails. One host calls the price questionable and flags potential upper durability concerns on very rugged terrain.
What should you know before buying the Cloudultra Pro Trail Running Shoe?
May run narrow at the pinky toe. The nylon plate is noted for forefoot rock protection without adding stiffness, and the shoe drains well.
What does Shelby Farrell say about the Cloudultra Pro Trail Running Shoe?
Probably not worth the price tag. Super light and responsive. It might run a little narrow around the pinky toe, but overall it feels quick underfoot. The landing is soft while still giving some ground feel, and you can feel a bit of propulsion as you toe off. I like the updated braided laces, but worry the upper might not offer enough protection for really rugged terrain.
Why does Shelby Farrell recommend Backcountry?
Shelby Farrell recommends the Backcountry Cloudultra Pro Trail Running Shoe for trail running shoes. Probably not worth the price tag. Super light and responsive. It might run a little narrow around the pinky toe, but overall it feels quick underfoot. The landing is soft while still giving some ground feel, and you can feel a bit of propulsion as you toe off. I like the updated braided laces, but worry the upper might not offer enough protection for really rugged terrain.
Is the Cloudultra Pro Trail Running Shoe a good trail running shoe?
Yes — Shelby Farrell recommends the Cloudultra Pro Trail Running Shoe by Backcountry as their trail running shoes pick. Probably not worth the price tag. Super light and responsive. It might run a little narrow around the pinky toe, but overall it feels quick underfoot. The landing is soft while still giving some ground feel, and you can feel a bit of propulsion as you toe off. I like the updated braided laces, but worry the upper might not offer enough protection for really rugged terrain.
More from Shelby Farrell's Current Shoe Rotation
View Shelby Farrell's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
13 experts recommend the Backcountry Cloudultra Pro Trail Running Shoe.
Alyssa Clark, Mountain Adventurer with An Ultra Running Problem
This is my favorite trail shoe ever! It is has a nylon plate that provides propulsion without the pain. It is light, responsive and works on every terrain.
Recommended in Broken Arrow Triple Crown
John Bruno, Ultra trail-runner, ski mountaineer
Race day shoe for folks who plan on ~running~ Light, efficient, drains well.
Recommended in Trail running
Stoked on these, great energy return, plush but propulsive, stable but aggressive.
Recommended in Broken Arrow 46k
Jeffrey Hammond, Foot Doc, ultrarunner, cool dad.
The Cloudultra Pro has become one of my favorite shoes for technical, rocky terrain. I love the nylon plate in this shoe—it does an incredible job protecting the forefoot from sharp rocks and constant trail abuse. When you're out on those "rocks of death" trails where every step makes you question your life choices and fear the pain coming through your shoes, the Cloudultra Pro gives you the confidence to keep moving. The protection is outstanding without making the shoe feel overly stiff, making it a great option for long days in rough terrain.
Recommended in Trail Shoes
Great plated race shoe for when the race demands a fast pace.
Recommended in Mammoth Dragon Back Ascent
Sam Lewis, On Professional Trail and Mountain Runner
My favorite trail shoes I have ever put on my feet!!
Recommended in Broken Arrow
Perhaps trail runnin's most accessible super shoe?
Recommended in Top Trail Running Shoe Picks
For fast, runnable, trail 50Ks!
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Matt Parker, Dr. Matthew Parker, PT, DPT
Been putting this shoe in the rotation for the last couple weeks and absolutely love it. Ran the Pikes Peak Ascent recently in it as well as just some flatter trail miles. Handles well in technical areas without compromising speed in flat sections.
Recommended in Shoe Rotation
These were one of my go-to racing products in 2025 and 2026 and have loved them for every distance!
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Best shoe in the game. I wear these for every trail race. They are so versatile, have high energy return, and keep me coming back. Just got my third pair in the mail this week and ready to rip them around Mammoth on Saturday!
Recommended in Mammoth Trailfest 50K - Gear List
My all time favorite shoes for when I want to feel SPEEDY. Put them on at mile 70, pure comfort and bounce when I needed it the most.
Recommended in High Lonesome 100 Gear
