The 7 Best Women’s Trail Running Shoes Reviewed

The clean air. The sounds of only your feet pounding against the ground and your breath with your pounding heart. It’s just you submersed in nature. And that’s why you’re out there, it’s why you go trail running, regardless of the weather conditions, regardless of how tired you might feel that day.


The clean air. The sounds of only your feet pounding against the ground and your breath with your pounding heart. It’s just you submersed in nature. And that’s why you’re out there, it’s why you go trail running, regardless of the weather conditions, regardless of how tired you might feel that day. Because the feeling when you’re out trail running is indescribable. That’s passion. You’ve got trail running passion. And you know that having the right gear and the right shoes is the most important aspect that lets you enjoy what you love doing most. We get you. We share that passion, too. So we’ve researched and tried the best womens trail running shoes we know of to help you narrow down your choices so you can find your perfect pair sooner and spend more time out there.

Mystery Solved!

The Best Women’s Trail Running shoes is:

Brooks Cascadia 14 Women

Why we love it?

  • They make you feel like you have little SUVs driving your feet because of the Pivot Post system
  • With the rock plate underfoot, sharp rocks turn into little smooth bumps to your feet so you don’t have to change your pounding stride to one that’s dainty as your run down a rock bed path
  • The tongue is padded, the collar is padded, it has the BioMoGo DNA midsole that super cushy, and the upper is a tightly-knit really breathable birdseye mesh
3

SOURCES UNCOVERED

2.1K

SCUTTLEBUTT CONTEMPLATED

16

HOURS INVESTIGATING

20

PRODUCTS INSPECTED

Top 7 Products

Brooks Cascadia 14 Women

Brooks Cascadia 14 Women

La Sportiva Akasha Women

La Sportiva Akasha Women

Arc’teryx Norvan LD Women

Arc’teryx Norvan LD Women

Salomon Speedcross 5 Women

Salomon Speedcross 5 Women

Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 Women

Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 Women

La Sportiva Bushido 2 Women

La Sportiva Bushido 2 Women

Altra Superior 4 Women

Altra Superior 4 Women

Awards
Price 129.95$ View On Amazon 140.00$ View On Amazon 159.95$ View On Amazon 129.95$ View On Amazon 140.00$ View On REI 130.00$ View On Amazon 109.95$ View On Amazon
Overall Rating 10 9.3 9 8.3 8 7.3 7
Pros Lightweight feel, Incredible cushioning, More grounded run, Highly durable, Strong traction Trailrocker tech promotes rolling heel-to-toe motion, Lightweight flexible protection, Excellent shock absorption, Very comfortable Highly Breathable, Multi-directional traction, Great Responsiveness, Perfect fit, Sock liner keeps debris out Lacing system provides a secure fit, The durable upper is made with a breathable protective mesh, Best waterproofness product in trail running, The dual density midsole cushions your run and provide stability and flexible Attractive design, Comfortable and Durable, Absorbs shock, Lightweight Sensitive, Stable, Perfect amount of protection, Precise fit, Great for technical surfaces Inexpensive , Super lightweight , Light cushioning , Comfortable , Zero-drop, Wide toe box yet narrow profile
Cons Might offer inconsistant sizing, May not be as stabilizing for some A bit heavy, Sizing can be tricky, A bit pricey, Not the largest selection of color options Not the most affordable shoe, Lacks cushioning Toe box a little constricting, Maybe large lugs breaking off or wearing prematurely, Not much lightweight, Breathability could be improved Uncomfortable, Narrow/tight Heavier, Lacks cushioning, Best for narrow feet Potential durability issues
Bottom Line Best trail running shoes of the year!
Waterproofness 10 9 9 8 8 7 7
Stability 10 10 9 8 8 7 7
Comfort 10 9 9 9 8 8 7

2. La Sportiva Akasha Women

9.3
Waterproofness
9
Stability
10
Comfort
9

Pros

  • Trailrocker tech promotes rolling heel-to-toe motion
  • Lightweight flexible protection
  • Excellent shock absorption
  • Very comfortable

Cons

  • A bit heavy
  • Sizing can be tricky
  • A bit pricey
  • Not the largest selection of color options

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.

3. Arc’teryx Norvan LD Women

9
Waterproofness
9
Stability
9
Comfort
9

Pros

  • Highly Breathable
  • Multi-directional traction
  • Great Responsiveness
  • Perfect fit
  • Sock liner keeps debris out

Cons

  • Not the most affordable shoe
  • Lacks cushioning

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.

4. Salomon Speedcross 5 Women

8.3
Waterproofness
8
Stability
8
Comfort
9

Best offers

Pros

  • Lacing system provides a secure fit
  • The durable upper is made with a breathable protective mesh
  • Best waterproofness product in trail running
  • The dual density midsole cushions your run and provide stability and flexible

Cons

  • Toe box a little constricting
  • Maybe large lugs breaking off or wearing prematurely
  • Not much lightweight
  • Breathability could be improved

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.

5. Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 Women

8
Waterproofness
8
Stability
8
Comfort
8

Pros

  • Attractive design
  • Comfortable and Durable
  • Absorbs shock
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Uncomfortable
  • Narrow/tight

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.

6. La Sportiva Bushido 2 Women

7.3
Waterproofness
7
Stability
7
Comfort
8

Pros

  • Sensitive
  • Stable
  • Perfect amount of protection
  • Precise fit
  • Great for technical surfaces

Cons

  • Heavier
  • Lacks cushioning
  • Best for narrow feet

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.

7. Altra Superior 4 Women

7
Waterproofness
7
Stability
7
Comfort
7

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Super lightweight
  • Light cushioning
  • Comfortable
  • Zero-drop
  • Wide toe box yet narrow profile

Cons

  • Potential durability issues

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.

Criteria for Our Women's Trail Running Shoes Considerations

Comfort

This is the most important aspect to selecting your favorite pair of womens trail running shoes. If it’s not comfortable, even from the beginning, you’ll never wear it. Most of these shoes have a very short break-in period, if any.

The shoe definitely has to have that “ahh” feeling when you step into them and walk/run in them. The cushioning is important in womens trail running shoes, they should feel like your feet are padded particularly at impact points so cushioning under the heels and metatarsals should be ample.

Most of these shoes have moderate cushioning, just enough so that you don’t feel every single rock you step on but you still feel enough to be able to respond quickly and move with agility over uneven terrain. The construction inside the shoe plays a role in the comfort as well. Features like seamless uppers to give you that feeling like your slipping into a sock helps to increase comfort.

Stability

We know that trail running involves running on trails that can be technical, uneven, full of sharp rocks, and basically challenging to stay balanced and upright. That’s why we selected womens trail running shoes that offered plenty of stability, from the way the shoe wrapped around the foot to the construction of the midsole and outsole. We also selected shoes with a really grippy outsole and smart lug design to make sure that you get the traction you need when running down wet surfaces. You can also check out the best waterproof trail running shoes womens if you want to have more stability even in heavy rain conditions.

Reputation of the make and model

You might think this is a strange criterion to consider but we find it very important. A lot of the best shoes have been tried and tested and improved upon after every version. When they gain in popularity, the brands receive tons of feedback and they learn what are the things that their clients love about the shoe and where they need to improve on.

Take the Salomon Speedcross, for example. It’s easily considered in the top for the best womens trail running shoes. It’s become legendary for the traction that it gets from the lugs and the really comfortable fit that you get as soon as you wear them. Right now, the Speedcross is at its 5th version and it took what people loved most, the traction and fit, and enhanced these aspects and then improved upon the other aspects that customers complained about.So, reputation of a brand and model does play a role in selection.


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Detective Devin
Hey, this is Devin! I love the adventure and drinking coffee..