Last updated on January 2nd, 2023 at 08:09 am
Trail running continues to grow in popularity for the many health and healing benefits. To fully embrace your experience, it is important to be properly equipped. As your feet are your main tools, it is important to give them the best protection, traction, and comfort as possible. In this post, we provide our list of the best trail running shoes for women and details on why they made our list.
What Makes Great Trail Running Shoes for Women?
Most people start off trail running in the road running shoes they have always used which is perfectly fine. However, as you look to take on more technical and advanced terrain, the need for a shoe up to that job becomes clear. There are a number of features I suggest looking for and not compromising on. The main thing to remember is that you should never be suffering discomfort because of your choice of footwear.
- Cushion:Shoes that have extra cushioned soles give you support and help to disperse the impact on your knees and joints as you navigate changing terrain.
- Toe Box: The toe box is often given little thought in your casual shoes but finding a width that suits you is important especially when you consider the impacts as you go downhill. Fitted but not overly tight would be my preference but some people prefer a roomy toe box.
- Great Treads:Treads are possibly the biggest difference to road running shoes. Trail runners will have gnarly looking aggressive lugs under foot to give you the best traction possible on all types of surface.
- Rock Plate: The rockplate of your shoe is what gives the rigid feel under your feet. You should feel secure and protected without sacrificing comfort levels.
- Stability: Stability in trail running shoes is everything. You will likely encounter changing surfaces from tree roots to rock and need to make sure that your shoes are working with you. I like extra stability to minimize the risk of any slips or falls.
Our Favorite Women's Trail Running Shoes Are...
The freedom of coursing through forests or trails is unbridled. Having the perfect shoe to do so gives you more confidence when embracing nature.
To decipher our favorites, we chose based on the features that benefit you the most including cushioning, comfort, stability, durability, traction, breathability, and more. After comparing on these points and selecting our favorites, we found the following deserved special mention:
Best all-around: Salomon Women’s Speedcross 5 GTX
Second Best: Salomon Women’s X-Mission 3
Best Zero-Drop: Altra Women’s Lone Peak 4.5
While the three shoes above are highlighted as our favorites, they aren’t alone in having incredible features. Each trail running shoe on our list excel in different ways, and while you would likely be in great shape picking from the “short-list” above, we highly encourage you to read through the rest of this post to learn more about all the options we cover.
Comparison Table of 7 Best Women's Trail Running Shoes
There are undoubtedly a lot of trail running shoes to pick from. We went through a ton of them for this post, and below we include them in a comparison table so you can see what each shoe looks like compared to each other. If you want to check out more pictures, specs, or current pricing on Amazon you can click on the picture or name of the shoe.
While all of the trail running shoes above are awesome, it might take a little more research to figure out which is perfect for your feet and your style of running.
Continue reading through the rest of this post to get a lot more detail for all of the shoes we analyzed. Each shoes main attributes, their pros and cons, and more are all outlined in extreme detail below.
1. Salomon Women's Speedcross 5 GTX
As the proud owner of many Speedcross shoes, I can say Salomon have produced another amazing shoe. The Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX is designed to protect and navigate the most technical terrain in any condition.
Many of the best known trail races in the world are run in the Speedcross 5 including the Yukon Artic Ultra and the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc. It has an ability to withstand almost anything while remaining comfortable and functional. Salomon produce a great non GoreTex option but having that extra protection from the elements gives you the scope to run year round.
Withstands Any Weather
One of the real treats to the Speedcross 5 GoreTex model is the confidence that whatever is happening with the weather, you are prepared. From competing in negative temperatures to running in the rain, your feet will be comfortable, dry, and protected throughout. If ever you have question marks about the terrain or changeable weather, these are the shoes to turn to. They will not let you down.
Incredible Treads
The Speedcross 5 is laden with incredible features. Its ability to provide traction is high on the list and the specially designed Contagrip can take a lot of the credit for this. All Speedcross models have been gifted with aggressive lugs underfoot but the changes made for the 5 have surpassed previous versions.
The same arrow-like lugs are on the 5 but Salomon have listened to the minimal criticisms that the 4 and made a modification. Each of the lugs is now spaced further apart to stop mud gathering. The treads remain at 6mm long which is significantly more than average. These features allow you to handle the most challenging terrain confidently.
Quick-Lacing System
Salomon pioneered a lacing system whereby you can pull your laces through to the preferred tightness and close them using a clamp. Any excess is the rolled up and tucked neatly under the tongue.
You can tighten your shoes to perfection which really helps foot support and comfort. Added to that, being able to tuck away the laces is handy. It takes away the rare chance of catching laces on twigs or branches as I have unfortunately done on occasion. Finally, your laces just don’t open. It may not always be a factor for you but having those assurances can help your confidence.
Salomon Women's Speedcross 5 GTX Pros and Cons
Speedcross 5 GTX PROS
- Handles all conditions
- Fantastic traction
- Quick-lace system
- Comfortable
- Very durable
- Feels well-fitted
Speedcross 5 GTX CONS
- Less breathable
- Relatively heavy
- Costly
Who Are the Speedcross 5 GTX Perfect For?
If you are new to the scene and want to go straight to the top the Salomon Women’s Speedcross 5 GTX s is the shoe for you. Both professional ultramarathon runners and beginners are the perfect candidate for this shoe as it can cope with just about anything. The Speedcross 5 GTX does just about everything a shoe can to keep any slips or falls at bay. Whether you are planning on competing in trail marathons or just getting out for a nice evening run, you will be perfectly equipped with this shoe.
2. Salomon Women's X-Mission 3
The unique build of the Salomon X-Mission 3 makes a shoe with incredible support and tons of styles to choose from. Although stylish, they are rugged enough for all challenges and terrain. The quick-lace system gives you a perfect fit which is synonymous with the tailored quality of the X-Mission 3
Lightweight and Breathable
Salomon paid close attention to the weight and purpose of this shoe. What they have created is an ideal option for long distance running on the warmer days. The sustained comfort provided by the X-Mission 3 is not always a given for ultrarunning shoes so is a real treat.
At 250 grams, the X-Mission 3 is one of the lightest trail running shoes of this quality available. The 3D mesh upper helps in reducing weight and keeps your shoe breathable. On the longer days this is a gift as you lower your chances of blisters when your feet aren’t constantly perspiring.
Impressive Stability
As we alluded to earlier, the X-Mission 3 placed a high degree of importance on providing a stable, supportive shoe. The quick-lacing systems allow for you to find the perfect balance of tight and loose fitting.
However, it is the SensiFit and SensiFlex overlay technologies that really shine. The SensiFit wraps around the foot from the midsole to the laces giving extra security and stability also allowing it to become almost customized to your foot. The SensiFlex compliments this wonderfully as two stretchy panels support your foot expansion and flexibility.
Comfortable Cushioning
The X-Mission 3s adapted cushioning gives it a real edge in the comfort stakes. Molded EVA sock liner mimics your foot shape to further add to the customized feel.
This is backed up by Salomon’s EnergyCell EVA foam which is inserted into the midsole. This addition provides some much appreciated shock absorption and dispersal. It may seem a minor detail but if a trail marathon or ultrarunning are in your future, the reduction of impact on your joints will go a very long way.
Pros and Cons of the Salomon Women's X-Mission 3
Salomon X-Mission 3 PROS
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Generally comfortable
- Various styles
Salomon X-Mission 3 CONS
- Slightly narrow forefoot
- Relatively High ankle collar
Who Will Love the Salomon X-Mission 3?
Salomon Women’s X-Mission 3 is in a class of its own. The technological advancements included throughout the design cater brilliantly to the individual trail runner. Shock attenuation features reduce the chance of injury and cushions your foot strikes considerably. The adaptive foot supports ensure a comfortable ride for any user and allows you stay out on the trails as long as you want. All in all, these are a great trail running shoe.
3. La Sportiva Women's Ultra Raptor
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor’s rugged appearance correctly leads you to assume they are a tough, durable shoe ready for any conditions.
There is extra protection in the rockplate and reinforced toecaps to guard you from debris or sharp rock. The designers have gone above and beyond with an aggressive looking outsole that provides fantastic traction and a braking system.
The Ultra Raptor Treads and Traction Are Awesome
As mentioned, the Ultra Raptor excels in the field of traction with several adaptations to ensure you have the best grip possible. The outsole is made from a Vibram Sticky FriXion XF rubber that grips well to all surfaces even wet rock. This is complimented by the La Sportiva approach to trail running lugs.
The Impact Brake System is a proprietary technology that really makes the most of their smaller treads. The lugs on the soles are in diagonally slanted and opposing directions. In testing, they found that the opposing directions of the lugs increased the runner’s ability to brake by up to 20% and decreased the impact experienced by 20%. The advantage of this could not be overstated. Any trail run will have you appreciating the benefits of quick braking and direction changes that this shoe offers.
Protective and Stable Design
The Ultra Raptors go one step further with stability. A reinforced heel cup or EZ-in Heel Pocket sinks your foot deep into the shoe where it feels locked into place. This gives extra confidence as there is no slippage between the shoe and foot.
The security and protection offered by the Ultra Raptor is bolstered even further. The EVA Rock Guard, dense rubber shield and inner liner act like armour for your foot. Lastly, the thick rubber cap around the toes is usually found on boots but is a welcome addition to the Ultra Raptor.
These Shoes are Very Breathable
Many shoes overcommit to waterproofing and sacrifice the need to stay breathable but not the Ultra Raptors. Despite the impressive durability and reinforced protections, the uppers are made from breathable synthetic leather and Airmesh. This allows for air to flow to your feet keeping them cool throughout the run. They are ably assisted by the moisture wicking lining which makes for a drier environment and a more comfortable run.
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Pros and Cons
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor PROS
- Very Grippy
- Extremely protective for your feet
- Breathable
- Durable
- Stability Shoe
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor CONS
- Relatively heavy
- Costly
Who Do These Trail Shoes Work Well For?
La Sportiva Women’s Ultra Raptors are a protective, stable and durable trail running shoe that offers fantastic features. The neutral design is responsive to your twists, turns and unexpected stops with incredible braking power. What it lacks in waterproofing, it more than makes up for in breathability and can even be used as a viable alternative to hiking boots.
4. Altra Women's Lone Peak 4.5
Altra pioneer many new technologies and chief among them is the zero-drop heel in the Lone Peak series. Most trail running shoes have a heel that sits somewhere in the region of 10mm above the toes. Zero-drop shoes, however, keep the heel and toes even. The popular Altra Lone Peak 4.5 benefit from a forever durable rockplate, running focussed flexibility and impressive long-term comfort.
Protective Features
Altra zero’d in on the need for increased foot protection with the 4.5 for technical rocky terrain. The Lone Peak 4.5 midsole StoneGuard rockplate is built using a firm, dense foam equipped to handle the most challenging runs. The overlaying fabrics, riptstop mesh and 3D printed material feature in the uppers giving it a much more protective feel.
Altra Lone Peak 4.5 Offer Serious Stability
Zero-drop technology is both old and new school. The Tarahumara people of Mexico are considered the greatest long distance trail runners in the world and do so barefoot benefitting from the natural design and stability. The reintroduction of this natural feel gives a stability advantage to the Lone Peak 4.5.
As your whole foot is closer to the ground, your foot assumes a natural step and doesn’t suffer from the stacked cushioning imbalances. Without this stacking, you are better balanced and more adept to corner effectively. It is built on the resilient, StoneGuard platform which maintains the stability and durability of your stride.
Tread Traction
The Trail Claw is the name given to the Lone Peak 4.5s traction system which sounds like a grippy animal. It is not too far from the truth either. The specially designed lugs are coupled with a patented rubber compound sole. These specialized features combine to give incredible traction for turning corners, slowing down and climbing on dry terrain.
Pros and Cons for the Women's Altra Lone Peak 4.5
Women’s Lone Peak 4.5 PROS
- Zero-drop technology
- Redesigned foot protection
- Impressively stable
- Trail Claw traction
Women’s Lone Peak 4.5 CONS
- Not everyone will love the zero-drop design
- Narrow in the mid-foot
Who Are the Women's Lone Peak 4.5 Perfect For?
The Altra Women’s Lone Peak 4.5s are the latest in the exceptional Lone Peak Series. Their zero-drop soles have become increasingly popular due to the similarities to barefoot running with exceptional protection. The Lone Peaks are best suited to dry technical, rocky runs with their incredible traction. They are a true purist’s choice for the natural feel, innovative concepts and overall durability.
5. Salomon Women's Supercross
A sibling of the aforementioned Speedcross 5, the Supercross benefits from many of the same amazing technological features. Extremely grippy traction and close fitting mean the Supercross is a great option for technical trails requiring you to turn sharply if needed. Special attention is focussed on the comfort as the cushioning and padding offer the runner a luxury ride.
Super Comfortable
The Salomon Supercross are next level comfort with numerous specialized features. The QuickLace System and generous fit allow you to fit the shoe in the most comfortable, customized way possible. The width in the toe box gives space for your toes to sit naturally rather than feeling narrow when you descend which can be a uncomfortable. This made to fit feel is contributed to significantly by the foot cradling SensiFit technology.
The Energy Cell midsole adds an extra layer of cushioning that remains effective in all conditions. A welded upper, padded tongue compliment the specialized OrthoLite diecut. The OrthoLite is a new insole system designed for extra cushioning, breathability and durability. That was quite the mouthful but necessary to explain just how comfortable the Supercross is.
Traction Control
The Supercross are the beneficiaries of a history of technology advancements. The Contagrip TD provides the basis for the impressive traction. This inventive technology adds significantly to the durability with a purpose built outsole compound.
The Contagrip is matched well by the chevron lugs to be found underfoot. This pattern is designed to give you the most grip when scaling or descending slippery surfaces or weaving through technical single track.
Stylish Design
It is typically against my nature to rank style as one of the most impressive features of a trail shoe. However, despite the innumerable technologies and impressive aspects, I have to include the style. The Speedcross is a work of art in the trail running business.
The 50% synthetic 50% textile and QuickLace Systems keep the design uncluttered and attractive. The toe cap doesn’t look like an aggressive outlier and fits the overall aesthetic perfectly. With a number of different color options, there is no denying how good looking a shoe this is.
Pros and Cons of the Salomon Women's Supercross
Salomon Women’s Supercross PROS
- Extremely well-designed
- Traction in all directions
- Super stylish
- Easy lacing technology
- Customer focussed
Salomon Women’s Supercross CONS
- Long QuickLaces
- 10mm drop reduces stability
- Some prefer a more narrow toe-box
Who Will Love These Trail Running Shoes?
Salomon Women’s Supercross is built with all of the modifications it can handle. The traction designs, comfort, and breathability are designed with long-distance ultra-running in mind and ably stand up to such a challenge. The Supercross is impeccably stylish with an uncluttered design and a range of color options. In my opinion, this picture-perfect trail runner is real value for money and less expensive you might expect for the features you get. A real treat for trail runners everywhere.
6. La Sportiva Bushido II Women's Trail Running Shoes
The La Sportiva Bushido II are another expertly made trail running shoe benefitting from several modifications to earlier models. They are a fan favorite especially for the more technical, rocky trails. Extra traction and grippiness keeps the shoe responsive, agile, and prepared for changing terrains, inclines, sharp turns, and declines.
While the earlier models went lighter on the cushioning front, La Sportiva has taken the feedback on board and upgraded in this area to give you comfort all through the run. It has paid off as the Bushido II scooped up the Editor’s Choice Award from Trail Runner Magazine.
FriXion Grip Traction Technology
The Bushido II truly excels in gripping technical trails. The specially designed FriXion XT V Groove-2 rubber outsole gives security and confidence whether you are ascending or descending slippy trails. The treads extend up around the sides of the shoe which is unusual. The purpose of this is to give you every bit of stability and traction needed to remain agile over changeable landscapes. It also means you don’t always have to slow down when you arrive to sharper turns or obstacles as you can have the confidence you will land safely without trips or slips.
Cushioning and Support
The original Bushido had minor criticisms for the lighter cushioning system. La Sportiva sought to rectify this in the latest model and have over delivered in quality. A redesigned heel cup gives extra security and is padded by 6mm heel stack and 4mm midsole of EVA foam. This sits on a protective but solid rockplate for extra safety from sharp edges and rocks.
Breathable and Durable
The Bushido II are a rugged, durable, and ready for anything trail running shoe. The balance between protection, durability and breathability is impressive. A solid but comfortable rockplate underpins the protective durability. A reinforced toe cap adds a welcome extra layer of defense for one of the more vulnerable parts of the shoe. The outsole is also considerably stiffer to help deal with rough terrain.
However, despite these impressive features the Bushido II remains very breathable. The tongue of the shoe has been updated to allow extra air circulation using ripstop welded fabrics. The AirMesh uppers and slip on system keep the weight way down. This shoe exceeds expectation and is surprisingly lightweight for what you get.
Pros and Cons of The La Sportiva Women's Bushido II
Women’s Bushido II PROS
- Cushioned
- Great traction
- Durable design
- Relatively lightweight
- Breathable design
Women’s Bushido II CONS
- Can feel stiff
- Relatively narrow toe-box
Who Will Think The Bushido II Are Great Trail Runners?
La Sportiva Bushido Women’s Trail Running Shoes are a runner’s dream. If you enjoy a faster trail where agility is key, you can’t go wrong with this shoe. The attention paid to traction and cushioning gives you a responsive, confident stride and makes even the most technical hard-pack rock trails a treat. La Sportiva have managed to tick all the boxes when it comes to durability, breathability, and cushioning to give you a shoe that remains comfortable throughout your run.
7. Hoka One One Women's Speed Goat 3
The Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 is an incredible option to round out our list. Named for their sponsored athlete, Karl Meltzer who holds the 100-mile trail run record, you can start to imagine how ingrained in the sport they are.
The Speedgoat 3 are recognizable due to their stunning graphics and designs. However, the comfort given to athletes for hours on end is the real crown jewel of this trail runner. A firm cushioning keeps you protected and comfortable for however long you want to stay on the trails.
Eye-Catching Style Match Their Function
As I said, style points rarely make the list of my favorite features but there is no escaping just how stunning the Speedgoat 3 really is. Vibrant blues, yellows, oranges and reds make up most of the color schemes and really dazzle. They are always the most captivating at trail races.
Extremely Comfortable Women's Trail Running Shoe
The Speedgoat 3 pride themselves on the ability to retain comfort on any length of run. If you are starting out, this should be an expectation but finding a shoe that is still comfortable in the later stages of an ultramarathon is a treat.
A large EVA midsole cushioning gives you that extra protection and comfort. The face of the shoe gives extra support with a securing overlay to keep your foot in place. Extra width in the midsole and toe box improve upon the already successful versions of the Speedgoat series. Finally, the additional heel support in this model gives you the last piece of comfort you didn’t know you needed.
Exceptional Traction
The aforementioned heel support and overlay act as seatbelts to keep your foot locked in and in full control for manoeuvering through windy trails. The Vibram MegaGrip lugs work wonders on all surfaces. The rubber outsole and aggressive 5mm lugs simply bite into the terrain giving you purchase on every step. A 4mm heel drop helps keep your stride natural. Each design feature is cleverly thought out to give you as much traction and control whatever trail you are taking on.
Pros and Cons of The Women's Speedgoat 3
Women’s Speedgoat 3 PROS
- Long-lasting comfort
- Exceptional stylistic design
- Great traction
- Tidy lacing system
Women’s Speedgoat 3 CONS
- Costly
- Might be too rigid for some
- Might run a bit small
Who Are The Speedgoat 3's Made For?
The Hoka One Women’s Speedgoat 3 is a trail running work of art. The designs and graphics catch attention wherever you go. However, it is the comfort and traction that holds up over long runs that sets this shoe apart. Sustained comfort is not always a given but the thick midsole cushioning gives you a luxurious ride whatever distance you choose. The Speedgoat series has long been one of the most popular among trail runners of all levels and the Speedgoat 3 is the leader of the herd!
Before Grabbing a Pair of Trail Running Shoes
Before settling on a pair of trail running shoes, remember to run through the list below to make sure those shoes have:
- Ample cushion so your feet are comfortable.
- A toe-box that is right for your feet.
- Treads that can handle the terrain you plan on running.
- Foot protection in the form of a rock-plate or another comparable design feature.
- Enough stability to take on roots, rocks, and more.
Whether selecting from the shoes we cover in this post, or not, hopefully you can use the bullets above to narrow your search a bit. Regardless of what ends up on your feet, we hope they provide you with the confidence to take on some beautiful single-track.
Proper Trail Running Shoes Keep You Healthy
It can be frustrating that different terrains call for different footwear, especially when cost is factored into it. Luckily, with most good trail running shoes, you’ll be able to handle the various conditions with a single pair.
The real value in using trail-specific shoes is that they will help prevent injury which can keep you out on the trails more often. After all, isn’t that what this is all about?
Whether you are just getting started trail running, or looking to add some PR’s to your list of achievements, a proper pair of trail runners can provide the confidence (and protection) needed to stay committed.
Image Credit: Viktor Vorobev | (https://www.flickr.com/photos/148456610@N03/) | Public Domain Mark 1.0 — reduced file
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