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 Divide 5 Trail Running Shoe is designed for women who want a shoe that smoothly transitions from road running to light trail use. It stands out with its DNA LOFT v2 cushioning, which is softer and lighter than previous versions, offering a comfortable and smooth ride on various surfaces. The shoe’s fit is inspired by road running shoes, providing a snug and secure feel thanks to features like the tongue gusset and breathable mesh upper.

Traction is a strong point here, with the TrailTack Green rubber outsole featuring aggressive lugs designed to grip both wet and dry trail surfaces well. This outsole also includes recycled materials, reflecting an eco-friendly approach. Durability is supported by TPU mudguards and reinforced toecaps that shield the foot from trail debris, although the shoe is best suited for lighter trail conditions rather than very rugged terrain. While water resistance is not explicitly mentioned, the quick-drying mesh and mudguards provide some protection against moisture and dirt.

Weighing about 1.5 pounds, the shoe remains relatively lightweight, helping reduce fatigue during runs. The Divide 5 serves as a solid choice for runners looking for a comfortable, versatile trail shoe that balances cushioning, grip, and environmental consciousness, although those tackling more technical or very wet trails might want something with stronger waterproofing and more aggressive protection.