The 7 Best Women’s Trail Running Shoes Reviewed

Ultra-trails trail runners rejoice! We have found your perfect pair of women’s trail running shoes. These puppies have lots going to ensure that you train and race in them in full comfort and confidence for miles infinity. For one, the Akasha has the greatest amount of shock absorption ideal for long, long runs. Then its’s equipped with a OrthoLite Mountain Running Cushion Platform footbed and EVA-injected midsole for even more shock absorption and comfort. The upper is made of breathable mesh and there’s a no-slip mesh lining to keep your foot secure and comfortable. You’ll never feel any compression points and you won’t stub your toes with their Dynamic ProTechTion front active reinforcements that dynamically protects your foot without constricting it. The sole is made of super durable FriXion grippy rubber and has the exclusive TrailRocker system to help your feet move freely and happily over rugged terrain. Overall, this is the perfect pair of women’s trail running shoes for ultra-trail runners because of the colossal amount shock absorption, protection, and cushy comfort.

With the women’s Norvan LD trail running shoes by Arc’teryx, you can still look chic and elegant while hammering down long rugged trails. This pair is lightweight but provides plenty of support, cushioning, and protection that your feet long for to cover unpredictable, unfriendly terrain. The upper is a single-layer, very breathable and light mesh and there’s also a light TPU film lining that protects the forefoot and heel from abrasion. The midsoles are made of durable EVA/Polyolefin that mitigates impact to ensure you’re still happy after long-distances. The pair also boasts a 4 mm thick OrthoLite 3D molded insert for added cushioning that lasts run after run. The design of the shoe promises plenty of agility and with the super grippy Vibram MegaGrip, you can stay rest assured that you can tackle all kinds of wet and uneven surfaces. No need to break-in, these women’s trail running shoes will feel like cozy slippers right out of the box. We’re kidding about the slippers, but they will feel very cushiony and comfortable from the start and you won’t have to worry about rub spots on your first 50 km run with these. Did we mention how elegant they look? The Norvan LDs are low-profile seemingly modest little trainers but they are monsters on the trail and can quickly become your go-to shoe for both trail running and walking around town.

Ahh, the wonderful Salomon Speedcross. Not many shoes make the statement “I’m a trail runner” louder than the Speedcross. It’s probably the high traction lugs. On the Speedcross 5, the lugs are even larger, more widely spaced and a new geometry for better push-off grip and braking-grip on all surface conditions so you can make those sharp turns downhill and fly uphill. Plus, the lugs just make you look hardcore. Enough with the fashion statement, let’s talk about the famous Speedcross fit that comes from their SensiFit upper construction that cradles and snuggles your foot for that secure fit that you’d think was almost customized. Plus, the upper is stitch-free for a smooth and silky feel to your feet. The shoe has a durable high-rebound midsole that gives you the bouncy but cushiony feel. In addition, there’s the OrthoLite insole technology for added cushioning, legendary Speedcross comfort, breathability, and durability.

Another upgrade from the Speedcross 4 is a wider toe box and even stickier outsoles. Comfort and traction, comfort and traction, mile after mile.

Even more stability than before, the Speedgoat 3 comes with a wider toe box and wider midsole and enhanced heel support. All this room for those of you with wider feet and, not to worry, midsole lockdown so your feet stay in place. There’s also a little “seatbelt” support on the sides to really keep you stable while giving you all the room your toes need so you can run confidently over any kind of terrain. You’ll get tons of grip with the VibramMegagrip lugs, which give you the extra traction for devious surfaces.  These women’s trail running shoe offers generous midsole support made with CMEVA foam to absorb impact, then another cushy oversized EVA midsole for the cushioning, plus a layer of reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane midsole wraps your feet in pillows to allow you to run for literally hundreds of miles. The stability of this shoe can’t be said enough with the TMidfoot cage construction and wider platform for even more stable footing. If you only look at the Speedgoat 3, you can see stability and cushion written all over the shoe.

The Bushido II are for those wanting serious protection, stability and responsiveness for their wildest mountain runs. This pair of trail running shoes has enhanced cushioning with their 4 mm EVA and compression molded midsole plus a 1.5 mm dual-density compressed EVA rock guard. The outsoles are made of FriXion dual-compound rubber with the Impact Brake System and wraps the midsole for a combination of stability and superb grip on any wet or dry terrain. What’s special about the shoe is that it uses an internal slip-on construction making your feet feel wrapped in a sock and there’s even more comfort with the updated heel and gusseted tongue. The footbed is made of OrthoLite open cell foam for total breathability and durability. The shoe also boasts an STB Control construction with a TPU skeleton on the side of the upper down to the midsole for added stabilization and control.

This pair of women’s trail running shoes takes comfort to a whole new level. The seamless upper wraps around the foot for added support and the midsole uses the famous Quantic foam and the insole is a 5 mm contour footbed. The shoe also is equipped with the FootShape Toe Box with the Fully Cushioned Zero Drop Platform that allows your toes to relax and fan out if they want to when you sprint uphill and downhill. Plenty of traction is provided by the MaxTrac Rubber with the TrailClaw lugged outsole that are also strategically placed under the metatarsals for a confident toe off.