10 Best Womens Trail Shoes 2025 in the United States

The Brooks Women’s Divide 5 trail running shoe is designed to smoothly handle both road and light trail running, making it a good choice for runners who want versatility without switching shoes. It offers a comfortable, road-inspired fit with a snug feel around the midfoot, thanks to its tongue gusset and breathable, quick-drying mesh upper that keeps your feet cool and reduces debris intrusion with a TPU mudguard and toecap.

Cushioning is a strong point here—the updated DNA LOFT v2 midsole provides a soft, smooth ride and is slightly lighter than before, helping absorb impact while maintaining comfort. For traction, the TrailTack rubber outsole with aggressive lugs grips well on various surfaces, including wet trails, which is great for stability. While the shoe offers some protection against trail debris, it doesn’t claim full waterproofing, so it may not be ideal for very wet or muddy conditions.

Weighing in at about 1.5 pounds, it’s on the heavier side compared to some trail-specific shoes but understandable given its added cushioning and protection. Those looking for a reliable, comfortable shoe that transitions well between paved paths and mild trails will find the Divide 5 worth considering, especially with its eco-friendly materials and carbon-neutral certification.

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.

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.