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10 Best Womens Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

ALTRA Women's Lone Peak 9 Trail Running Shoe, Purple, 9.5 Wide

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,344
Fit and Comfort
Traction
Support and Stability

Most important from
180 reviews

Fit and Comfort
A wonderful shoe with a wide toe bed that doesn’t press in on your toes, offering great balance and comfort for walking.
Traction
The comfort and traction are awesome, providing excellent ankle support and making them perfect for weight training days.
Support and Stability
The comfort and traction are awesome, providing excellent ankle support and making them perfect for weight training days.

The ALTRA Women's Lone Peak 9 Trail Running Shoe in Purple, size 9.5 Wide, is a solid choice for trail runners looking for comfort, stability, and traction. The wrap-around fit ensures your foot stays secure, which is great for uneven and challenging terrains. The Altra EGO midsoles offer high cushioning, which helps in reducing fatigue during long runs and provides the necessary support for high-intensity activities.

The shoe's DuraTread outsole, coupled with a multi-directional TrailClaw lug pattern, promises excellent traction, allowing you to maintain grip on various surfaces, from rocky paths to muddy trails. This is particularly beneficial for those who push their limits on rough trails. The shoe's mesh outer material offers some breathability, which can keep your feet cool during intense runs. However, it might not provide extensive water resistance, so running in wet conditions could lead to soggy feet.

The shoe's durability is enhanced by its tough outsole, meaning it should withstand frequent use on rugged trails. While the lace-up closure type ensures a snug fit, some users might find it less convenient compared to quick-lace systems. This trail running shoe is well-suited for enthusiasts seeking reliable traction, cushioning, and stability, although it may not be the best choice for those prioritizing water resistance and ultra-lightweight design.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,344
Fit and Comfort
Traction
Support and Stability

Most important from
180 reviews

Fit and Comfort
A wonderful shoe with a wide toe bed that doesn’t press in on your toes, offering great balance and comfort for walking.
Traction
The comfort and traction are awesome, providing excellent ankle support and making them perfect for weight training days.
Support and Stability
The comfort and traction are awesome, providing excellent ankle support and making them perfect for weight training days.
#2

Saucony Women's Excursion TR16 Trail Running Shoe, Charcoal/Rose, 8

Rating
10.0
Fit and Comfort
Traction
Cushioning

Most important from
1762 reviews

Fit and Comfort
The shoes provide excellent comfort for all-day wear with roomy toe space and well-cushioned arch support.
Traction
Traction excels on dry, gravel, and grassy terrain, giving confidence on uneven trails.
Cushioning
They fit well for narrower feet and offer good overall cushioning without being overly soft.
Support and Stability
The lightweight design impresses, delivering stability and arch support critical for foot and knee issues.
Durability
Durability holds up well through activities like gardening and yard work, suggesting solid construction.
Weight
The lightweight design impresses, delivering stability and arch support critical for foot and knee issues.

The Saucony Women's Excursion TR16 is designed to offer balanced comfort and reliable performance on various trail surfaces. Its VERSARUN cushioning provides good shock absorption, making it comfortable for longer runs or all-day wear. The carbon-rubber lugs stand out for delivering strong traction, allowing confident tackling of slippery or uneven terrain. The shoe also features a lace-up closure that helps secure the foot for better support and stability.

In terms of durability, the rubber outer and sole materials suggest it can handle regular trail use well. The design is fresh and visually appealing, suitable for those who want a shoe that looks as good as it performs outdoors.

This shoe suits women who want a dependable, cushioned trail running shoe with solid grip and comfort, especially for dry to moderately challenging trails.

Rating
10.0
Fit and Comfort
Traction
Cushioning

Most important from
1762 reviews

Fit and Comfort
The shoes provide excellent comfort for all-day wear with roomy toe space and well-cushioned arch support.
Traction
Traction excels on dry, gravel, and grassy terrain, giving confidence on uneven trails.
Cushioning
They fit well for narrower feet and offer good overall cushioning without being overly soft.
Support and Stability
The lightweight design impresses, delivering stability and arch support critical for foot and knee issues.
Durability
Durability holds up well through activities like gardening and yard work, suggesting solid construction.
Weight
The lightweight design impresses, delivering stability and arch support critical for foot and knee issues.
#3

Saucony Women's Excursion TR15 Trail Running Shoe, Shadow/Sunblaze, 9

Rating
9.9
Fit and Comfort
Traction
Support and Stability

Most important from
2748 reviews

Fit and Comfort
The shoes offer a stable and comfortable fit, especially accommodating for wider feet without sacrificing support or traction.
Traction
They maintain excellent traction even in challenging conditions like snow, providing confidence on various trail surfaces.
Support and Stability
The shoes offer a stable and comfortable fit, especially accommodating for wider feet without sacrificing support or traction.
Durability
Durability is solid overall, but the mesh area above the big toe wears through quickly due to lack of sufficient reinforcement.
Weight
Lightweight design supports longer runs and daily walking, while effectively holding the foot to reduce knee pain.

The Saucony Women's Excursion TR15 is a solid choice for women looking for a dependable trail running shoe. It offers a comfortable and secure fit thanks to its breathable mesh upper and lace-up closure, which helps keep your foot stable during runs. The outsole features segmented, carbon rubber lugs that provide excellent grip on uneven or slippery surfaces, giving you confidence on various trail types. Weighing about 1.5 pounds, these shoes strike a good balance between being sturdy and not too heavy for longer runs.

The cushioning provides enough comfort for extended miles without feeling overly soft, supporting a smooth ride. Durability is another strong point, as the rubber outsole is made to withstand a lot of wear. While the shoe does not include specific water resistance features, it performs well in typical trail conditions. It offers decent support and stability, though it may not be the best option for those requiring extra arch or ankle support for more demanding terrains.

These shoes are well-suited for everyday trail runners seeking reliable traction, comfort, and durability without added weight or specialized protection.

Rating
9.9
Fit and Comfort
Traction
Support and Stability

Most important from
2748 reviews

Fit and Comfort
The shoes offer a stable and comfortable fit, especially accommodating for wider feet without sacrificing support or traction.
Traction
They maintain excellent traction even in challenging conditions like snow, providing confidence on various trail surfaces.
Support and Stability
The shoes offer a stable and comfortable fit, especially accommodating for wider feet without sacrificing support or traction.
Durability
Durability is solid overall, but the mesh area above the big toe wears through quickly due to lack of sufficient reinforcement.
Weight
Lightweight design supports longer runs and daily walking, while effectively holding the foot to reduce knee pain.

Buying Guide for the Best Womens Trail Running Shoes

Choosing the right women's trail running shoes is crucial for a comfortable and safe running experience on uneven and rugged terrains. The right pair can enhance your performance, prevent injuries, and provide the necessary support and protection. When selecting trail running shoes, consider the following key specifications to ensure you find the best fit for your needs.
Fit and ComfortFit and comfort are paramount when selecting trail running shoes. A shoe that fits well will prevent blisters, chafing, and discomfort during long runs. Look for shoes that offer a snug fit around the heel and midfoot, with enough room in the toe box to wiggle your toes. Try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen to ensure a proper fit. If you have wide or narrow feet, look for brands that offer different width options.
TractionTraction refers to the grip the shoe provides on various surfaces. This is important for maintaining stability and preventing slips on wet, muddy, or rocky trails. Shoes with aggressive lugs (deep, multi-directional treads) offer better grip on loose or uneven terrain, while shoes with smaller, closely spaced lugs are better for hard-packed trails. Consider the typical trail conditions you run on and choose a shoe with appropriate traction.
CushioningCushioning is the amount of padding in the shoe's midsole, which affects shock absorption and comfort. Shoes with more cushioning are ideal for long-distance runs or runners who prefer a softer feel. Minimalist shoes with less cushioning provide a more natural running experience and are suitable for shorter distances or experienced runners who prefer a closer connection to the ground. Assess your running style and distance to determine the right level of cushioning for you.
Support and StabilitySupport and stability are crucial for preventing injuries, especially on uneven trails. Shoes with good arch support and a stable platform help maintain proper alignment and reduce the risk of ankle rolls. If you have flat feet or overpronate (your foot rolls inward excessively), look for shoes with added support features like medial posts or dual-density midsoles. For neutral runners, a standard level of support should suffice.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the shoe holds up over time and through various trail conditions. Trail running shoes are typically made with tougher materials and reinforced areas to withstand rough terrain. Look for shoes with durable outsoles, protective toe caps, and sturdy uppers. If you run frequently or on particularly harsh trails, investing in a more durable shoe can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Water ResistanceWater resistance is important if you often run in wet conditions or through streams and puddles. Shoes with water-resistant or waterproof features, such as Gore-Tex linings, help keep your feet dry and comfortable. However, waterproof shoes can be less breathable, so if you run in hot, dry climates, you might prefer shoes with better ventilation. Consider the typical weather and trail conditions you encounter to decide if water resistance is a necessary feature for you.
WeightWeight affects how heavy the shoes feel on your feet, which can impact your running efficiency and fatigue levels. Lighter shoes are generally preferred for faster, shorter runs, while heavier shoes with more features (like extra cushioning or protection) are better for long-distance runs or rugged trails. Balance the need for protection and durability with your preference for a lighter feel to find the right weight for your trail running shoes.

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