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The Best Women’s Trail Running Shoe

Last updated on September 14, 2021

We looked at the top 15 Women's Trail Running Shoes and dug through the reviews from 50 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Women's Trail Running Shoes.

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Our Review Process

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Running is a great form of exercise for fitness novices and seasoned experts. When done on a regular basis, running helps to strengthen the heart and cardiovascular system. Runners also typically have strong leg and thigh muscles, in addition to having high bone density in the legs and hips.

Many runners choose to run on even ground, such as on treadmills and sidewalks. While that certainly has its own benefits, trail running can provide additional physical benefits. Trail running involves running on uneven terrain. It also includes running uphill and downhill, often on very steep inclines.

As a result of running uphill and downhill, trail running actually provides better strength training for legs as compared to road running. Trail runners also need to sharpen their balance and agility skills, ensuring they don’t fall on uneven ground, which is often full of rocks and tree roots. In addition, trail running involves navigating sharp turns and steep slopes, so runners need to be acutely aware of their surroundings.

In addition to the physical benefits of trail running, there are also numerous benefits to one’s mental health. Running helps to increase vitality and enhance energy. It can also help to reduce stress and tension. Exercising in the outdoors can help people feel more relaxed and build a closer bond with nature. This is known to boost creativity and feelings of positivity.

In order to protect the joints and muscles from the strains of trail running, it’s critical to have the proper shoes. Road shoes and trail shoes are built differently as they are made for two completely unique environments. Road shoes are made of lightweight material to encourage speed. There is not much need for traction in the soles of the shoes, as roads are an even surface.

Trail shoes, on the other hand, are more heavy-duty. Their job is to protect the foot from the elements of the uneven terrain. The soles of the trail shoes have enhanced tread patterns so that the runner doesn’t slip or fall while navigating stones, sticks, roots and other obstacles on the trail.

“You’re looking for that traction on the bottom of the foot but also durability on the outside of the foot,” Stephanie Mansour, a certified personal trainer and the founder of fitness brand Step It Up Steph, advises. She notes that you want a trail shoe made with materials that will support and protect your foot from rocks, tree roots or anything else you may knock into on the trail

“Unlike a running or a walking shoe, you’re looking for a shoe that is a little bit stiffer,” Mansour says. “This is because it needs to withstand the treacherous environment that you won’t find in a gym or on a sidewalk! These shoes need to be built to last.”

Our Picks For The Top Women's Trail Running Shoes

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Best Overall

Saucony Versafoam Excursion Tr13 Women’s Train Running Shoe

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Saucony

Versafoam Excursion Tr13 Women's Train Running Shoe

Spend time enjoying the great outdoors with this comfortable women's trail running shoe. It's made using a triangular-lugged outsole for a solid grip on rough terrain and supportive overlays that keep your foot from slipping around inside the shoe. There are nine different color patterns to choose from, including orchid, berry, honeydew and light b...

Overall Take

Versafoam CushioningProtect your feet from stones and debris when hiking using this high-quality women's trail running shoe.

 Great Traction

Salomon Trailster Women’s Trail Running Shoes

Salomon

Trailster Women's Trail Running Shoes

With this women's trail running shoe, you'll get both toe and heel protection. The Contagrip sole offers superior traction, so you can run on a soft surface one day and a hard surface the next. Runners will love the fit and the addition of the popular Ortholite sockliner.

Overall Take

Best GripNo matter what type of terrain you plan on tackling, this women's trail running shoe with Contagrip sole has you covered.

Pros
" Mentioned by most runners was that the Trailster provides ample cushioning for the very technical trails they run with lots of rocks and tree roots."
Cons
"It’s not the best option for really wet conditions or where maximum grip is a priority (it uses the more durable, less grippy ContaGrip rubber)."
 Minimalist Build

SAGUARO Minimalist Barefoot Women’s Trail Running Shoe

SAGUARO

Minimalist Barefoot Women's Trail Running Shoe

If you enjoy walking barefoot, but need a bit of protection when hiking and camping, you'll want to go with this women's trail running shoe. The upper shoe is breathable and made using a stretchable spandex, while the rubber bottom offers a solid grip on rocky surfaces. The front buckle is fully adjustable for a customized fit.

Overall Take

Multiple Color OptionsYou'll find this women's trail running shoe comes in an astounding 42 different color choices.

 We Also Like

New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi Trail V1 Women’s Trail Running Shoes

New Balance

Fresh Foam Women's Trail Running Shoes

Whether you're running on the road or on an off-beaten path, this set of women's trail running shoes has you covered. Not only can they handle multiple terrains, but they also come with an EVA foam insert for extra support and comfort. There are five different styles to choose from in both narrow and wide sizes.

Overall Take

Increased ComfortKeep your feet from becoming sore when you run with this women's trail running shoe that's got an EVA foam insert for added comfort.

Pros
" With a reinforced toe tip and AT tread dual-use outsoles, you’ll get protection from rocks, sticks, and other debris."
Cons
"Most runners said it did not have sufficient arch support and footbed."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
22

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the women's trail running shoes available to purchase.
15

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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50

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Best Reviews Guide, Outside Buzz, Tent.net, Refinery29, RunRepeat.

49,404

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 15 Women's Trail Running Shoes and also dug through the reviews from 50 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Women's Trail Running Shoes.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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Our Expert Consultant

Stephanie Mansour   
Certified Personal Trainer, Health and Wellness Expert

Stephanie Mansour, host of “Step It Up with Steph” on public broadcasting, has been coaching women for over a decade on how to lose weight and make it last. She has a Bachelor of Arts in communications with an emphasis on women’s studies and psychology from the University of Michigan. She holds certifications in life coaching, personal training, yoga and Pilates.

The Best Bang For Your Buck

SAGUARO Minimalist Barefoot Women’s Trail Running Shoe

User Summarized Score

8.6
533 user reviews

Our Take

If you enjoy walking barefoot, but need a bit of protection when hiking and camping, you'll want to go with this women's trail running shoe. The upper shoe is breathable and made using a stretchable spandex, while the rubber bottom offers a solid grip on rocky surfaces. The front buckle is fully adjustable for a customized fit.

What to Look For

  • The most important element to consider when purchasing your trail shoes is the sole of the shoe. This is what will protect your feet from the various terrain you’ll encounter on your run. The ASICS Frequent Women’s Trail Running Shoes boasts a strong rubber sole with multi-surface traction. Other shoes have a rubber outsole that allows the runner to experience a more responsive feel of the terrain. They provide a strong grip on the uneven terrain. The New Balance Fresh Foam Women’s Trail Running Shoes features a rubber sole with all-terrain tread.
  • In order to have the comfort you need to complete long, intense runs, it’s critical for your trail running shoe to have solid support for your foot. Women’s trail running shoes with a cushioning system are an excellent choice. Some even have a removable foam sock liner that accommodates orthotics. A shoe with removable insoles is ideal, as it’s designed to support the arches. This helps you to transfer weight over the ball of the feet and not put too much pressure on the arch.
  • When running outdoors, it’s important to choose a shoe that can withstand the elements. You want a women’s trail running shoe that is waterproof, so you can easily run in the rain without soaking your socks. Keep in mind that some shoes take a long time to dry when they get wet.
  • If you have a particularly wide or narrow foot, it’s important to choose a shoe that accommodates your size. The ASICS Frequent Women’s Trail Running Shoes is known to have a narrow inside, which can limit the flexing of the feet. The New Balance Fresh Foam Women’s Trail Running Shoes, on the other hand, is good for those with wider feet.
  • When dealing with rough terrain with lots of loose rocks and dirt, your trail running shoes are bound to get a bit muddy. If you want your shoes to look spic and span after a few wears, it’s important to choose one that can be easily cleaned. It can be difficult to wash the dirt out of the mesh fabric of the ASICS Frequent Women’s Trail Running Shoes.
  • For some runners, style is as important as function. It’s nice to have the option to choose a trail running shoe that comes in color combinations that reflect your unique style. All four trail running shoes come in multiple color combinations. Note that the ASICS Frequent Women’s Trail Running Shoes and the New Balance Fresh Foam Women’s Trail Running Shoes come in fewer colors than other trail running shoes.

Women's Trail Running Shoe Rankings

2. Salomon Trailster Women’s Trail Running Shoes

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 7

3. SAGUARO Minimalist Barefoot Women’s Trail Running Shoe

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 1

5. Salomon Women’s X Mission 3 W Trail Running Shoe

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 6

6. Merrell Bare Access Flex Women’s Trail Running Shoes

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 9

7. ASICS Frequent Women’s Trail Running Shoes

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 8

8. ASICS Women’s GEL-Venture 5 Running Shoe

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 10

10. adidas Rockadia Women’s Trail Running Shoes

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 9

11. Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 6

12. Saucony Women’s S10483-2 Trail Running Shoe

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 3

14. Salomon Women’s Speedcross 4 W Trail Runner

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 11

15. New Balance Women’s Trail Running Shoe

Overall Score: 8.2
Reviews Included: 4

More to Explore

Like all intense sporting activities, trail running comes with its own unique vocabulary. If you hear a trail runner talking about refilling their bladder, it’s unlikely they are referring to a part of their human anatomy. Instead, they are likely talking about their hydration pack with an attachable straw. Many trail runners use a bladder to carry liters of liquid on their backs during their run.

When talking about the race, you may hear the term “vert.” This refers to how much elevation a trail has. If you hear someone say that a race was a “hundo,” this means that it was a hundred-mile race. Is a race labeled ultra? This means that it’s longer than the standard marathon distance of 42.2 kilometers.

When you’re exhausted in the middle of a race, likely as a result of dehydration or a lack of calories, the term you use to describe that is a bonk. It’s similar to hitting the wall, but specifically for trail running.

More to explore