10 Best Brooks Womens Trail Shoes 2025 in the United States

The Brooks Women’s Cascadia 18 is designed specifically for trail running and mountain hiking, offering a good balance of stability and protection. It features the DNA LOFT v2 cushioning, which makes running on rough terrain feel soft and comfortable without losing responsiveness. The TrailTack Green outsole, made partly from recycled materials, delivers strong traction on both wet and dry surfaces, which is great for unpredictable trail conditions. The shoe’s stability is enhanced by a midsole system paired with a protective rock shield that guards your feet from sharp trail debris while still allowing flexibility.

The upper is made from breathable, quick-drying mesh with extra overlays in high-wear spots, making the shoe durable and resistant to trail damage. With a TPU mudguard and toe cap, it effectively keeps out mud and small rocks, maintaining comfort for longer runs. Weight-wise, it’s reasonable at 1.5 pounds, so it won’t feel heavy during extended use. While the shoe offers decent water resistance thanks to its materials and mudguard, it’s not fully waterproof, so very wet conditions might still let moisture in.

Some runners may find the fit slightly narrow if they have wider feet, so trying them on before buying is recommended. For those looking for a reliable, cushioned, and stable trail shoe with good traction and moderate water resistance, the Cascadia 18 is a solid option for women who enjoy hiking or trail running in varied conditions.

The Brooks Women’s Cascadia 18 is designed for mountain runners and hikers who need reliable protection and adaptability on various terrains. One of its standout features is the enhanced traction provided by the TrailTack Green outsole rubber, which works well on both wet and dry surfaces, helping you stay sure-footed. The shoe also offers soft and responsive cushioning through the DNA LOFT v2 midsole, which absorbs impact comfortably without feeling too heavy. Speaking of weight, at about 1.5 pounds, these shoes strike a good balance—not too heavy for longer hikes but still sturdy enough for rugged trails.

Fit and comfort seem well thought-out with breathable mesh uppers that dry quickly and overlays in high-wear areas to protect your feet from debris. The TPU mudguard and toecap add extra defense against dirt and rocks, which is great for maintaining comfort across rough terrain. Additionally, the Trail Adapt System adds stability by protecting your foot with a rock shield while allowing flexibility, so you won’t feel restricted. While the shoe is durable and built to withstand demanding trail conditions, it’s not explicitly marketed as waterproof, so you might want to avoid very wet conditions or use gaiters if you expect heavy water exposure.

This makes the shoe a solid choice for women seeking a well-cushioned, stable, and protective trail shoe that performs well in mixed conditions but may not be the best option if waterproofing is a top priority.

The Brooks Women’s Caldera 8 is designed for serious trail runners who want comfort and protection over long distances and rough terrain. Its standout feature is the super-soft DNA Loft v3 cushioning, which offers plush support that feels like riding over rocks and roots on a bike tire, making it great for reducing impact on your feet during long runs. The shoe’s upper is made from durable, breathable materials that resist scratches and allow airflow to keep your feet cool and dry, a plus for warm or wet trail conditions.

The widened base and added flex grooves in the outsole improve stability and help you land safely on uneven ground, while raised sidewalls provide extra support on tricky terrain. It is also carbon neutral, which appeals if you care about environmental impact. The shoe uses a traditional lace-up closure, which ensures a secure fit, and the medium width should suit most feet, though very narrow or wide feet might need to try it first.

Focused on cushioning and protection, the Caldera 8 offers reliable traction and durability on long, challenging routes. It is ideal for women trail runners seeking cushioned comfort and stability, but less suited for those prioritizing waterproofing or ultra-lightweight footwear.