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10 Best Womens Trail Shoes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

ALTRA Women's Lone Peak 9 Trail Running Shoe, Black, 8.5

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,127
Protection
Fit and Comfort
Cushioning

Most important from
292 reviews

Protection
The reinforced toe offers improved protection without sacrificing comfort, enhancing durability on rugged trails.
Fit and Comfort
The wide toe box supports natural foot spread, providing relief for foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis.
Cushioning
The zero-drop design combined with excellent cushioning supports all-day wear, even during long shifts or extended walks.
Weight
The shoes maintain a lightweight feel while delivering a secure fit thanks to the wrap-around lacing system.
Traction
Traction on various surfaces remains reliable, making the shoe suitable for different terrains encountered on trail runs.
Water Resistance
Although not fully waterproof, the shoes dry quickly after exposure to rain, making them practical for travel and moderately wet conditions.

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,127
Protection
Fit and Comfort
Cushioning

Most important from
292 reviews

Protection
The reinforced toe offers improved protection without sacrificing comfort, enhancing durability on rugged trails.
Fit and Comfort
The wide toe box supports natural foot spread, providing relief for foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis.
Cushioning
The zero-drop design combined with excellent cushioning supports all-day wear, even during long shifts or extended walks.
Weight
The shoes maintain a lightweight feel while delivering a secure fit thanks to the wrap-around lacing system.
Traction
Traction on various surfaces remains reliable, making the shoe suitable for different terrains encountered on trail runs.
Water Resistance
Although not fully waterproof, the shoes dry quickly after exposure to rain, making them practical for travel and moderately wet conditions.
#2

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 Trail Running Shoe, Arid Stone/Castlerock, 10

Rating
9.1
Fit and Comfort
Cushioning

Most important from
137 reviews

Fit and Comfort
It runs narrow and small, so sizing up—sometimes by a full size plus choosing a wide width—is necessary for an ideal fit.
Cushioning
The shoe delivers exceptional comfort and quality, making it highly recommended for trail use.

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.

Rating
9.1
Fit and Comfort
Cushioning

Most important from
137 reviews

Fit and Comfort
It runs narrow and small, so sizing up—sometimes by a full size plus choosing a wide width—is necessary for an ideal fit.
Cushioning
The shoe delivers exceptional comfort and quality, making it highly recommended for trail use.
#3

ALTRA Women's Olympus 6 Trail Running Shoe, Taupe, 7

Rating
8.8
Fit and Comfort
Traction
Water Resistance

Most important from
121 reviews

Fit and Comfort
The most comfortable hiking shoes with fantastic toe space and ample cushion and support.
Traction
Ideal for walking on wet, slippery surfaces, keeping feet safe and comfortable even in rainy conditions.
Water Resistance
Not waterproof but kept feet dry during a rainy day outside.
Weight
Lightweight and stylish, making them a great choice for long walks and travel.

The ALTRA Women's Olympus 6 Trail Running Shoe offers several benefits and some areas to consider. Starting with fit and comfort, the breathable mesh lining ensures your feet stay cool during long runs, which is a significant plus. The shoe is made from synthetic-and-rubber materials, which typically provide a good balance of flexibility and durability. The fit may vary from person to person, so trying them on could be beneficial.

When it comes to traction, the rubber sole is designed to provide good grip on various terrains, making it a reliable choice for trail running. Cushioning is another strong point, as ALTRA shoes are known for their supportive midsoles, which can help reduce fatigue over long distances. Protection is adequate, with the shoe's design aimed at shielding your feet from rocks and rough surfaces.

Water resistance isn't explicitly mentioned, so they may not be the best for very wet conditions or waterlogged trails. The synthetic-and-rubber build suggests a lightweight feel, which can help with speed and agility on the trail. The ALTRA Women's Olympus 6 is a solid trail running shoe with good traction, cushioning, and comfort, though it may not be the best choice for wet conditions or those needing precise size adjustments.

Rating
8.8
Fit and Comfort
Traction
Water Resistance

Most important from
121 reviews

Fit and Comfort
The most comfortable hiking shoes with fantastic toe space and ample cushion and support.
Traction
Ideal for walking on wet, slippery surfaces, keeping feet safe and comfortable even in rainy conditions.
Water Resistance
Not waterproof but kept feet dry during a rainy day outside.
Weight
Lightweight and stylish, making them a great choice for long walks and travel.

Buying Guide for the Best Womens Trail Shoes

Choosing the right women's trail shoes is essential for a comfortable and safe outdoor experience. Trail shoes are designed to provide support, protection, and traction on uneven and rugged terrain. When selecting a pair, it's important to consider various factors that will affect your performance and comfort on the trails. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.
Fit and ComfortFit and comfort are crucial when selecting trail shoes because they directly impact your performance and prevent injuries. Trail shoes should fit snugly but not too tight, allowing for some wiggle room for your toes. Consider the shape of your foot and whether you have any specific needs, such as a wider toe box or extra arch support. Try on shoes with the socks you plan to wear on the trail and walk around to ensure they feel comfortable.
TractionTraction refers to the grip the shoe provides on various surfaces, which is vital for maintaining stability on uneven and slippery terrain. Trail shoes typically have deeper lugs and more aggressive tread patterns compared to road running shoes. If you plan to run on muddy or loose surfaces, look for shoes with larger, widely spaced lugs. For rocky or hard-packed trails, smaller, more closely spaced lugs may be sufficient. Choose the level of traction based on the typical conditions of the trails you frequent.
CushioningCushioning in trail shoes helps absorb impact and provides comfort over long distances. The amount of cushioning you need depends on your personal preference and the type of terrain you'll be running on. Minimalist shoes offer less cushioning and a closer-to-the-ground feel, which can be beneficial for technical trails requiring more agility. Maximalist shoes provide more cushioning, which is ideal for long-distance runs or rough terrain where extra shock absorption is needed. Consider your running style and the distance you plan to cover when choosing the right level of cushioning.
ProtectionProtection in trail shoes includes features like reinforced toe caps, rock plates, and durable uppers to shield your feet from rocks, roots, and other trail hazards. If you frequently run on rocky or technical trails, look for shoes with robust protective elements. For less technical trails, you may opt for lighter shoes with minimal protection. Assess the typical conditions of your trails and your need for foot protection to determine the right balance.
Water ResistanceWater resistance is important if you often run in wet conditions or cross streams. Trail shoes with water-resistant or waterproof materials can help keep your feet dry and comfortable. However, waterproof shoes can be less breathable, which might not be ideal for hot and dry conditions. If you run in a variety of conditions, consider shoes with quick-drying materials instead. Choose based on the climate and weather conditions you expect to encounter on your runs.
WeightThe weight of trail shoes can affect your speed and endurance. Lighter shoes can help you move faster and feel less fatigued, which is beneficial for shorter, faster runs or races. Heavier shoes often provide more support and protection, making them suitable for longer runs or more rugged terrain. Consider the type of runs you typically do and your preference for speed versus support when selecting the weight of your trail shoes.

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