10 Best Womens Trail Shoes 2025 in the United States

The Altra Women's Lone Peak 9 is designed to offer a stable and comfortable fit with its wrap-around lacing system that helps keep your foot secure during trail runs. It features well-cushioned Altra EGO midsoles, providing good support for longer or more intense trail activities. Traction is enhanced by a durable DuraTread outsole and a multi-directional TrailClaw lug pattern, which grips various surfaces to help maintain confidence on uneven or slippery trails.

The mesh upper improves breathability but offers limited water resistance, making this shoe best suited for dry to moderately wet conditions rather than consistently wet environments. Protective features provide some shielding against trail debris without heavy armor, balancing comfort and protection effectively.

If you want a shoe that combines comfort, solid traction, and a secure fit for general trail running, especially on dry to moderately wet paths, the Lone Peak 9 is a strong choice. For those requiring strong waterproofing or maximum foot protection, other options may be more appropriate.

The New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 is a well-cushioned trail running shoe designed for comfort and protection on varied terrain. Its dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole offers soft cushioning that absorbs impact, making it suitable for longer runs or rough trails. The Vibram outsole combined with Traction Lug technology delivers reliable grip on both wet and dry surfaces, helping to prevent slips.

Protection is enhanced by the Toe Protect feature, which shields your feet from rocks and roots, while the gusseted tongue helps keep dirt and debris out, improving comfort. The mesh upper offers breathability but lacks specific water resistance, so it might not be ideal for very wet conditions or prolonged exposure to water. At around 2.1 pounds, the shoe balances sturdy protection with manageable weight, though it is not the lightest option for those prioritizing speed.

The lace-up design ensures a secure fit, which is important for trail stability. This shoe suits women seeking a comfortable, durable trail shoe that handles rough terrain well but may not be the best choice if waterproofing or ultra-lightweight performance is a priority.

The ALTRA Women's Lone Peak 8 Trail Running Shoe in Mineral Blue is designed to offer a balanced performance for trail enthusiasts. With a weight of 9.16 oz (259 g), it's relatively light, which is beneficial for long trails where minimizing fatigue is important.

The shoe features a moderate cushion with a 25 mm stack height, providing decent shock absorption without compromising ground feel, thanks to the altra EGO midsole known for its responsive yet soft cushioning. The 0 mm drop encourages a natural foot strike, suitable for those who prefer minimalist running shoes. The maxtrac outsole enhances traction, making it suitable for varied terrains, though it may not be the best for extremely muddy conditions.

The ankle-height shaft offers some protection without restricting movement, and the rubber sole material adds to the durability. However, while the shoe offers good protection, its synthetic-and-rubber fabric might not provide the best water resistance, which could be a drawback in wet conditions. The fit and comfort are generally good, but as always with trail shoes, it's advisable to ensure the sizing works for your foot shape, as fit can be subjective. This shoe is a solid choice for trail runners looking for a mix of comfort, traction, and moderate cushioning, though it may not excel in extremely wet environments.