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10 Best Brooks Womens Trail Shoes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Brooks Women’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Black/Blue Wash/Flame - 11 Medium

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,482
Fit and Comfort
Cushioning
Water Resistance

Most important from
305 reviews

Fit and Comfort
The shoes provide excellent comfort and sturdy support, making them worth the investment for trail activities.
Cushioning
The cushioning delivers a soft feel without adding unnecessary weight, enhancing comfort on dirt paths, gravel, and grass.
Water Resistance
The shoes keep feet dry and comfortable during runs, especially when treated with waterproofing spray.
Durability
Durability and well-made construction stand out, supporting long-term use in rugged environments.

The Brooks Women’s Cascadia 18 is designed for women who enjoy trail running and mountain hikes, offering a good balance of comfort, protection, and stability. Its cushioning uses DNA LOFT v2 technology, which provides a soft and comfortable feel on various terrains without feeling too heavy. Traction is strong thanks to the TrailTack Green rubber outsole, which grips well on both wet and dry surfaces and includes recycled materials for an eco-friendly touch. Stability is enhanced by a flexible midsole combined with a built-in rock shield, so your feet are protected from rough trail obstacles without sacrificing movement.

The upper uses breathable mesh that dries quickly and is reinforced in high-wear areas to resist damage from debris. Additionally, the TPU mudguard and toecap are great for keeping dirt and small rocks out, which adds to comfort over long distances. At around 1.5 pounds, the shoe is reasonably lightweight for a trail shoe, helping reduce fatigue during longer runs. Although it offers durability and is well-suited for rugged trails, it is less suitable for very wet conditions due to the lack of specific waterproofing features.

The lace-up design offers a secure fit, but the medium width might not suit those with wider feet. If you need a dependable, cushioned, and stable trail shoe that handles varied terrain and provides solid protection, the Cascadia 18 is a strong choice.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,482
Fit and Comfort
Cushioning
Water Resistance

Most important from
305 reviews

Fit and Comfort
The shoes provide excellent comfort and sturdy support, making them worth the investment for trail activities.
Cushioning
The cushioning delivers a soft feel without adding unnecessary weight, enhancing comfort on dirt paths, gravel, and grass.
Water Resistance
The shoes keep feet dry and comfortable during runs, especially when treated with waterproofing spray.
Durability
Durability and well-made construction stand out, supporting long-term use in rugged environments.
#2

Brooks Women’s Cascadia 18 Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Ebony/Sweet Lavender/Copper - 8 Medium

Rating
9.1
Traction
Cushioning
Fit and Comfort

Most important from
305 reviews

Traction
Features strong traction that inspires confidence on wet and dry trail surfaces.
Cushioning
Balances cushioning and stability, making it ideal for both hiking and trail running.
Fit and Comfort
Delivers exceptional comfort right out of the box with no break-in period needed.
Durability
Provides durable protection on rugged terrain while maintaining flexibility.
Weight
The shoe’s weight feels reasonable, ensuring it doesn’t become a burden on longer adventures.

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.

Rating
9.1
Traction
Cushioning
Fit and Comfort

Most important from
305 reviews

Traction
Features strong traction that inspires confidence on wet and dry trail surfaces.
Cushioning
Balances cushioning and stability, making it ideal for both hiking and trail running.
Fit and Comfort
Delivers exceptional comfort right out of the box with no break-in period needed.
Durability
Provides durable protection on rugged terrain while maintaining flexibility.
Weight
The shoe’s weight feels reasonable, ensuring it doesn’t become a burden on longer adventures.
#3

Brooks Women’s Cascadia 19 Mountain Trail Running Shoe - Clearwater/Primer Grey/Apricot - 7.5 Medium

Rating
8.5
Traction
Fit and Comfort
Water Resistance

Most important from
36 reviews

Traction
These shoes provide excellent support and traction right out of the box, making long hikes comfortable and pain-free.
Fit and Comfort
The fit is spot on, combining comfort with a stylish look that stands out among other trail shoes.
Water Resistance
Rain resistance adds a practical edge, making these shoes reliable in wet conditions without sacrificing breathability.
Durability
Durability is impressive, holding up better than many other brands even after extensive use on rugged trails.
Cushioning
The cushioning delivers a soft yet responsive feel that absorbs shock well during long runs or hikes.

The Brooks Women’s Cascadia 19 is designed for women who enjoy trail running and need reliable performance on various terrains. Its standout feature is the TrailTack Green outsole, which offers strong grip on both wet and dry surfaces, helping with traction on uneven trails. The shoe’s cushioning is upgraded with DNA LOFT v3 foam in the heel and forefoot, providing a soft yet responsive feel that helps absorb shock and keep your feet comfortable during long runs.

The fit is supportive and protective thanks to a breathable mesh upper combined with 3D print overlays and a reinforced toe cap, which guards against rocks and debris without making the shoe heavy. Durability is solid because of the reinforced toe and mudguard, plus the outsole contains recycled material, which is a nice eco-friendly touch. The Trail Adapt System and Ballistic Rock Shield enhance stability, which is important when running on rocky or unpredictable ground.

This shoe is a great choice if you want a comfortable, stable, and durable trail shoe that performs well in most trail environments but might not be the best option if you need full waterproofing.

Rating
8.5
Traction
Fit and Comfort
Water Resistance

Most important from
36 reviews

Traction
These shoes provide excellent support and traction right out of the box, making long hikes comfortable and pain-free.
Fit and Comfort
The fit is spot on, combining comfort with a stylish look that stands out among other trail shoes.
Water Resistance
Rain resistance adds a practical edge, making these shoes reliable in wet conditions without sacrificing breathability.
Durability
Durability is impressive, holding up better than many other brands even after extensive use on rugged trails.
Cushioning
The cushioning delivers a soft yet responsive feel that absorbs shock well during long runs or hikes.

Buying Guide for the Best Brooks Womens Trail Shoes

When choosing the right trail running shoes, it's important to consider various factors that will ensure comfort, performance, and durability. Trail running shoes are designed to handle rough terrain, provide good traction, and protect your feet from obstacles. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your needs.
TractionTraction refers to the grip that the shoe provides on different surfaces. This is crucial for trail running as it helps prevent slipping on uneven or slippery terrain. Shoes with aggressive lugs (deep, multi-directional treads) offer better grip on muddy and loose surfaces, while shoes with smaller, more closely spaced lugs are better for hard-packed trails. Consider the type of terrain you will be running on most frequently to choose the right level of traction.
CushioningCushioning is the amount of padding in the shoe that absorbs impact and provides comfort. This is important for reducing fatigue and protecting your joints during long runs. Shoes with maximum cushioning are ideal for long-distance runs and rough terrain, while those with minimal cushioning offer a more responsive feel and are better for shorter, faster runs. Think about your running style and the distance you typically cover to determine the right amount of cushioning.
Fit and ComfortFit and comfort are essential for preventing blisters and ensuring a pleasant running experience. Trail shoes should fit snugly but not too tight, with enough room in the toe box to accommodate swelling during long runs. Look for shoes with a secure lacing system and a comfortable, padded collar and tongue. It's important to try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen to ensure a proper fit.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the shoes hold up over time and through various conditions. Trail running shoes are often subjected to harsh environments, so they need to be made from robust materials. Look for shoes with reinforced toe caps, sturdy outsoles, and durable uppers. If you run frequently on rocky or technical trails, prioritize shoes with higher durability to ensure they last longer.
Water ResistanceWater resistance is the shoe's ability to keep your feet dry in wet conditions. This is important for comfort and preventing blisters. Shoes with waterproof membranes, like Gore-Tex, are great for wet and muddy trails but can be less breathable. If you run in dry conditions or prefer better ventilation, opt for shoes with water-resistant treatments rather than fully waterproof ones. Consider the typical weather and trail conditions you encounter to decide on the level of water resistance you need.
WeightWeight refers to how heavy the shoes are. Lighter shoes can help you run faster and feel less fatigued, but they may offer less protection and durability. Heavier shoes often provide more support and cushioning, which can be beneficial for longer runs and rough terrain. Balance the need for speed with the need for protection based on your running goals and the type of trails you frequent.

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