10 Best Womens Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States

The ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 9 Running Shoes are a solid choice for women who enjoy trail running. With a breathable mesh upper, these shoes ensure comfort during long runs, helping to keep your feet cool. The Rearfoot GEL technology is particularly beneficial for impact absorption, which is great for uneven terrain, while AMPLIFOAM provides an extra layer of cushioning for those longer distances. The trail-specific outsole pattern offers reliable traction, making it easier to navigate various surfaces with confidence.

The shoe weighs about 1.44 pounds, which may feel a bit heavier compared to more minimalist options available for trail running enthusiasts. If you prioritize a lightweight shoe for agility, this might not be the best fit. Additionally, while the shoes offer decent support and stability, those with specific foot issues may want to consider additional orthotic insoles for custom support.

In terms of durability, the combination of nylon and synthetic rubber is generally sturdy, but frequent exposure to harsh conditions may wear it down faster than some higher-end models. The shoes are also not explicitly marketed as waterproof, so if you frequently encounter wet terrain, this might be a limitation.

These shoes are well-suited for casual trail runners looking for comfort and good traction on varied surfaces. They're environmentally friendly due to a reduced water usage dye process, which is a nice bonus. If you’re serious about trail running and seek something ultra-light or specifically waterproof, you may want to explore other options.

The Saucony Women's Excursion TR15 Trail Running Shoe offers a moderate level of cushioning with its VERSARUN technology, making it comfortable for extended trail runs. The trail-specific mesh combined with supportive overlays ensures a snug fit and adds to the shoe's comfort. The outsole features grippy lugs, providing excellent traction on various terrains, which is crucial for trail running.

In terms of support and stability, the shoe's design helps maintain foot alignment during runs, although it may not offer as much support as some specialized models intended for overpronation. Durability is a strong point due to its robust construction, and the rubber sole enhances longevity. The shoe is relatively lightweight at 1.5 pounds, making it suitable for those who prefer not to feel weighed down during their runs.

The shoe is most beneficial for runners looking for a reliable and comfortable option with decent traction and durability for regular trail runs.

The HOKA ONE ONE Women's Running Shoes in Black/White, size 8.5 B (Medium), are designed to offer a mix of comfort, support, and durability for trail runners. These shoes are crafted from a combination of textile and synthetic materials, providing a lightweight and breathable option for your runs. The rubber sole material ensures good traction, helping you maintain grip on various trail surfaces.

The cushioning is one of HOKA's standout features, offering ample padding to absorb impact, which can be particularly beneficial during longer runs or on rough terrains. Support and stability are also strong points, thanks to the well-designed structure of the shoe, which helps keep your foot aligned and reduces the risk of injury during uneven trail runs.

One area where these shoes might not excel is water resistance, as the textile material may not keep your feet dry in wet conditions. Additionally, while the shoes are relatively lightweight, they might still feel a bit bulky compared to other minimalist trail running options. Durability is generally good, but heavy usage on rugged trails could wear them out faster than expected. In summary, the HOKA ONE ONE Women's Running Shoes are suitable for those looking for a comfortable and supportive trail running shoe with excellent cushioning and traction, though they may not be the best option for extremely wet conditions or those preferring ultra-light footwear.