7 Best Trail Running Gaiters (Review) In 2022

From the most rigorous activities like hiking, mountaineering and hunting to the least-tasking that involves walking on a lawn or yard; all require the use of a trail gaiter. Trail running gaiters provide the necessary security against debris, dirt, sand, and other external factors to protect your men’s trail running shoes. In order to keep your feet injury or blister-free, picking the right trail gaiter to suit the activity you want to undergo is a recommended option. Our review of the best trail running gaiters is not only expository but serves as an adequate guide for all who desire to purchase one for themselves.
The Best Trail Running Gaiters
1. Salomon Trail Gaiters Low

Velcro strap
Secured sole strap
Reflective design
100% polyester
Salomon decided to add great features to make their product outstanding. Serving as the best choice for purchase, the Salomon Trail Gaiters Low is the perfect choice for adventures on various terrains. It keeps all forms of debris from your shoes, from sand to tiny rocks and snow, ensuring you have that uninterrupted moment out in nature. The Salomon Trail Gaiters Low comes in an intuitive design that goes beneath the shoes and is fastened across the ankle ergonomically. This construction ensures stability even with the most rigorous activities undergone while wearing it. More so, the Velcro strap that goes across the knees is a major contributor to the security this trail gaiter brings and comes with an added benefit of comfort.
Made from the finest of materials, this product delivers every level of comfort. For athletes, fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers, the sole trap of the Salomon Trail Low will, without a doubt, keep you secured. What’s more, the external side closure adapts effortlessly to all ankle sizes, and essentially, also protects the ankle from negative external factors. No doubt, this trail running gaiter is amazingly easy to use and is a must-have for the go-getters and the fast-pacers. Furthermore, the polyester material used for construction is temperature friendly, meaning every wearer’s leg is bound to stay as dry and comfortable as possible. Plus, the black hue of this trail gaiter is certain to complement any shoe worn with it.
Other standout features of this Salomon Trail Gaiter Low include the beautiful Salomon logo which adds to the elegant design of the product. What’s more, it measures 2 inches high and up to 8 inches wide, in order to match a variety of leg sizes. There are also two other size options to ensure everyone gets a fit. And to further implement creativity, Salomon also incorporated reflectivity via the Salomon logo which helps users to easily locate their gaiters in low light conditions. So, if you’re looking for durability, this brand is an undoubted great option, providing all your trailing needs in one single design. You may also like to check our guide to the best insoles for running.
Easy to wear
Durable material
Keeps debris out
Not great for mud terrains
Straps are not too durable
The top isn’t entirely secured from dust
2. Altra Trail Gaiters Protective Shoe Covers

82% nylon
18% spandex
Pull-on closure
Strapless design
The Altra Trail Gaiter works perfectly for all running activities and similar adventures. It has been crafted to sit ergonomically around the knee area and can easily be connected to most running shoes. What makes this product so convenient is the fact that it doesn’t use any inconveniencing fastening closure, but uses the ergonomic pull on closure. So, when wearing and tightening the gaiter, this closure comes in handy.
What’s more, the Altra trail gaiter was made with an insightful blend of nylon and spandex, of which there’s an 82% nylon composition to ensure the gaiter fits ergonomically on any wearer’s leg. On the other hand, the spandex assures stiffness and security, while also keeping debris out of the user’s shoe. It also shields the leg from all forms of external factors on terrains, even to the littlest obstruction like dirt and sand. No doubt, the spandex integration allows this gaiter to be extremely breathable, providing even more convenience to its wearers. And with the perfect balance of stiffness and elasticity, there’s a great reduction in any likelihood of abrasions. Furthermore, this trail gaiter is insightfully lightweight, weighing just 0.3 ounces, with an assurance that users don’t feel pressure on their feet when on outdoor adventures.
The manufacturers of this trail gaiter intentionally crafted it to be compatible with all Altra trail shoes. Thus, for athletes and explorers that choose Altra trail shoes, you’re guaranteed of having multiple gaiters to choose from to match your distinctive preference. And due to the way the Altra trail gaiter is constructed, there’s a breeze of convenience for users that would like to change their running socks midway through an activity. Furthermore, the trail gaiter can simply be rolled up and your socks or shoe can be conveniently removed. Coming in an array of beautiful colors with a beautiful logo design, this Altra gaiter is an insightful incorporation for all sporting adventures and more. If you are into running, make sure you also check our guide to the best motion control running shoes.
Lightweight material
Breathable design
Abrasion resistance construction
Not compatible with a lot of shoes other than Altra shoes
Size measurements tend to be too big
Not entirely tear-proof
3. Pike Trail Leg Gaiters

Adjustable pull closure
Made from a polyester material
Ranges 15 inches in height
Velcro closure and metal press studs
For hiking, mountain climbing and major outdoor activities, you’re going to need a trail gaiter that provides your feet with the necessary protection and the Pike Trail Leg Gaiters is a recommended option. This product differs from others because it was constructed to have target specific features for protection. What’s more, this gaiter is a one-size-fits-all design as Pike Trail wanted to rid many of the stress of finding their respective sizes. Hence, they intelligently made their trail gaiter to ergonomically match all user’s legs, whether big or small.
Another intuitive implementation is that of stainless steel buckles to be strapped beneath the shoes. Unlike most products in the market that would offer plastic buckles, Pike Trail was more focused on providing durability. Thus, with the stainless steel buckles, users can go for long hours on multiple terrains with a surety of being protected. What’s more, the Pike Trail leg gaiters come with a fully adjustable design, which is what assures its one-size-fits-all feature. And with a drawstring closure situated at the top of the gaiter, wearing and removing this unit is entirely easy. What’s more, as a mark of durability, Pike Trail also included a stainless steel drawstring handle to adequately keep you secured.
Additionally, the Pike Trail leg gaiter is made from a polyester material, which has outstanding durable properties. It is entirely tear-resistant, providing security for long run uses. What’s more, it’s entirely waterproof, protecting users in muddy terrains as well. Also, there’s no limit to the adventures that can be taken wearing the Pike Trail leg gaiter because it was intuitively built to handle major forms of trails. Additionally, a Velcro closure was also integrated on this unit to ensure stability and security whilst metal press studs accompany the Velcro closure to ensure the gaiter suits your distinctive features. Overall, this gaiter ranges 15 inches high, giving you full coverage in multiple terrains. Plus, it comes in an intuitively bright and colorful matching carry bag for proper organization when out with nature.
Fits all leg sizes
Tear-resistant
Waterproof properties
Straps not durable
Not compatible on snow trails
Not compatible with snow boots
4. Azarxis Hiking Gaiters

Durable TPU straps
Metal hook and loop closure at bottom
Velcro front opening closure
600D Oxford cloth
The manufacturers of the Azarxis Hiking Gaiter decided to go the extra mile to deliver the utmost protection for sporting activities and outdoor events. No doubt, a lot of intuitive ideas had already been implemented by other brands, but Azarxis decided to further advance many of the available features to their trail gaiter. This is what makes the Azarxis gaiter an excellent choice. Coming as a knee-length gaiter, there’s much more coverage to go on several terrains. This construction doesn’t just protect your legs from sand, mud, and snow, but also from insects, bugs, and many other factors that can hinder exhilarating moments.
Azarxis incorporated a 600F oxford fabric, which has an intense layer of waterproof properties. This provides an unyielding certainty of security for all types of terrains. Even more, this material comes with anti-tear properties to make your gaiter last through multiple long uses. So, if you’re worried about the strength of this unit, it is imperative to let you know it has the capacity to withstand even the most adverse uses, making it a great selection. And despite the degree of intense properties this material has, Azarxis was still able to make this product extremely lightweight. Furthermore, it weighs a total of 8.82 ounces and is lightweight enough to keep you pumped for multiple adventures.
Additionally, these trail gaiters from Azarxis come with an adjustable feature in the form of drawstrings to adequately suit the different leg sizes of individuals. More so, TPU straps were provided at the bottom of the gaiter, which is to be worn around the sole of a shoe. What’s more, the TPU straps insightfully come with adjustable buckles to ensure the gaiter fits ergonomically around a wearer’s feet and a metal hook and loop closure is situated at the bottom of the gaiter to keep it entirely secured to your shoes while in use.
Furthermore, an insightful incorporation of a Velcro closure is situated at the front region of the gaiter for easy wearing and removal. Beautifully designed in a dark and grey hue, this unit fits every outdoor occasion. Plus, it’s one gaiter you can conveniently use for different weather conditions. For more great running shoe options, check out our guide to the best neutral running shoes.
Waterproof
Tear-resistant
Breathable fabric
Stitching tends to wear out
Straps are not durable
Not suitable for heavy boots
5. Moxie Gear Ankle Gaiter

Quick-release buckle system
Adjustable shoe straps
Elastic closure at the back of the gaiter
Shoelace clip design
The most insightful feature about the Moxie Ankle Gaiter is the fact that it perfectly suits any type of shoe worn with it. This creative design allows this unit to be adored by many outdoor enthusiasts. Also, it’s a new design that was integrated to provide much more wearing convenience for trail runners. It has an intelligent quick release buckle system that ensures easy wearing and removal of the unit. More so, this unit sits tightly yet ergonomically around its wearer’s leg and ensures all forms of debris are secured out.
What guarantees stability is the shoe strap design this gaiter makes use of. It has a narrow dimension, yet it is still able to withstand extreme circumstances. More so, despite the shoe strap being positioned beneath the shoe to keep it in place, it isn’t affected by either dry or wet weather conditions. Made with a durable material that is carbon-infused, this shoe strap is undoubtedly wear-resistant. What’s more, it comes with an adjustable feature to suit all types of shoe and leg sizes. And based on the intense durable properties the strap provides, the Moxie trail gaiter can be taken on all forms of outdoor activities with a certainty of holding up effortlessly.
Additionally, the manufacturers also deemed it fit to include two extra straps for replacement, which provides great value on the purchase of this unit. And to take things up a notch, this insightful feature this trail running gaiter possesses that makes it great for multiple uses is its ankle-high length. This offers less obstruction when undergoing certain outdoor activities. Furthermore, this new design of the Moxie gear ankle gaiter comes with a shoelace clip to keep the gaiter from lifting and prevent dirt from entering.
More so, an elastic feature was integrated at the back of the gaiter to keep it secured to the shoe while in use, while the ripstop material used for construction is entirely durable and comes with waterproof properties. The major aim of the production was to create a lightweight and durable gaiter for use on multiple occasions, and amazingly, this was effortlessly achieved.
Comes with 2 replacement straps
Durable ripstop construction
Lightweight gaiter
Not great for rocky terrains
Not entirely tear-proof
Buckles are not durable
6. WINOMO Hiking Leg Gaiters

High-density elastic cord
Hook and loop fasteners
Snap fastener loop at the bottom
Silicon coated nylon fabric
WINOMO Hiking Leg Gaiter has an entirely windproof design to protect the feet of outdoor enthusiasts who choose this product. Made from a durable high-quality material, this construction is target specific at providing maximum security. The design team at WINOMO intuitively incorporated the most secure fasteners that keep the gaiter stable at all points in time. More so, with an elastic cord that has adjustable features, situated at the top of the gaiter, it’s incredibly easy to make the gaiter tight to a desired circumference.
This elastic cord was crafted from a high-density material, which is entirely wear-resistant and can withstand adverse circumstances. Also, situated at the bottom of the gaiter is a snap faster hook that also secures the bottom axis which is essential to prevent dust or mud from entering into the shoe.
The WINOMO hiking leg gaiters stay connected to the bottom of shoes with the help of a durable webbing cord. And made from the finest material, this cord has anti-wear properties. This insightful integration makes the gaiter compatible with a wide range of outdoor hiking shoes, which is why it’s a great catch for all athletes and hikers.
Still, on the subject of security, WINOMO included a shoelace hook to keep the gaiter stable and unyielding through rigorous activities. Insightfully, this shoelace hook is rustproof, utterly revealing the intense durability embedded into this unit. And for convenient wearing processes, a hook and loop fastener was integrated, making this gaiter an easy tool to use.
Furthermore, considering the silicon-coated nylon cloth that was used to construct this gaiter, without a doubt, there’s a certainty of durability. This material also comes with waterproof advantages and has a fashion-forward design to match all sporty adventures. Overall, this is a great product that also comes in a grey and black color, mixed with a dashing yellow webbing cord to greatly complement the style of various users.
Anti-wear and tear properties
Windproof design
Maximally secured
Elastic cord too long
May not be compatible with most shoes
Tends not to be a perfect fit
7. Ultimate Direction FX Gaiter

Ankle length construction
Kill Twill Cordura fabric
Comes in three comfortable sizes
Hook and loop closure for easy wearing
The Ultimate Direction FX Gaiter is a brilliant design crafted by trail runners for trail runners. As such, most of the common problems faced when using a gaiter were properly tackled. This intuitive design comes in an ankle-length construction to provide an allowance for multiple extreme adventures. Plus, it’s stable and unyielding to a great number of external factors. Additionally, the Ultimate Direction FX gaiter was made with a Velcro closure at the front region of the gaiter, meaning there’s stability with every use. What’s more, Ultimate Direction added an insightful plastic snap at the bottom of the Velcro closure to keep the unit secure throughout rigorous activities.
The fabric used to construct this gaiter is none other than the Kill Twill Cordura fabric. It’s stiff yet entirely breathable and comfortable to put on. More so, it has intense durable properties to outlive most regular gaiters on the market. This unit also comes with a hook and loop closure for convenient wearing processes, which also provide extra protection. This design allows users to comfortably remove the gaiter without having to remove their shoes. And to secure the gaiter to a shoe, the Hypalon straps are properly positioned. Once applied, they stay secured to the bottom of the shoe and their tough nature provides anti-wear advantages.
Amazingly, these straps are neither too tight or too loose as they can easily be adjusted with the T-Hooks integrated on it. They can also be easily replaced due to the intuitive detailed design made by Ultimate direction. Overall, the Ultimate Direction FX gaiter weighs only 1.48 ounces, making it one of the most lightweight gaiters with durable properties. More so, it comes in three comfortable sizes to suit all buyers’ distinctive features.
Adjustable features
Extremely lightweight
Breathable fabric
Size measurements may seem too small for some users
May seem too complex to use for new users
May not hold up in muddy terrains
Trail Running Gaiter Buying Guide
Features To Look For In Trail Running Gaiters
Protection - The essential reason for getting a trail running gaiter is for protection. This is why it’s the most important feature to look out for when purchasing a trail running gaiter. To certify that a product offers maximum protection, you would have to consider a lot of other factors. Nonetheless, the constructional design of the gaiter is the most important feature to consider. Matching this to your distinctive features, and the type of terrain you’re going to be on, you can ascertain whether or not the product would be able to protect you from external factors.
Waterproofness - No matter the time or season, trail running gaiters should always possess waterproof properties. This will guarantee full protection in the long run. Whether you trail on muddy or sandy terrains, it’s important that this particular feature is met as a form of security.
Durability - Irrespective of how mild the activities you want to undergo is, it’s imperative that the trail running gaiter you purchase is durable. This is because no matter the degree of activity to be undergone, if the constructive features are not anti-wear and tear, then the product is certain of damage in the shortest span possible. Thus, it is always advised to look for a trail gaiter that is entirely durable for any type of activity.
Adjustability - To be sincere, it’s impossible for manufacturers to get the precise leg measurements of potential wearers when constructing their trail running gaiters. This is why it’s extremely crucial for them to have adjustable features. On the advent that the leg gaiter doesn’t fit precisely, the adjustable features should be able to cover up for it and ensure total security when in use.
Fastening - The last feature that every potential buyer must consider is the type of fastening closure incorporated on a trail gaiter. The type of fastener used determines the degree of comfort that would be obtained. It also plays a vital role in assuring the durability of the unit.