7 Best Trail Running Shoes For Women in 2023

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Why trust us
There are nearly 500 trail running shoes for women available on the market. Choosing the right pair is exhausting, to say the least.
But don’t fret, we took our time testing and selecting the best trail runners for women from various brands. They also come from different categories. So whether you’re looking for a trail bruiser, a protective shoe, or a long-distance tank, you got the answers on this list.
How we test trail running shoes
We conduct a multitude of tests in all the trail running shoes in our arsenal. With our own shoe testing lab, we gather data on each shoe that helps to explain why they are the greatest. Even more, we also make sure to do the following:
- Get them with our own money to avoid bias
- Run at least 30-50 miles in each shoe
- Slice them open and see what’s inside
- Measure each part of the shoe based on 30 different parameters
- Calculate their CoreScore through gathering thousands of expert and user reviews
Best trail running shoes overall for women
























Hoka Tecton X
92
Superb!
What makes it the best?
The Hoka Tecton X is Hoka's first carbon-plated trail running shoe. To justify the name, it just might have started a tectonic shift - that's how much it is loved by runners. It's positioned as a speed-ready, racing and training companion to the Hoka Speedgoat 5. Thanks to the dual-plated design, it shines at fast paces, especially the ultra ones. On top of this, it's a max-cushioned running shoe that keeps the feet protected without weighing them down.
Pros
- 2 carbon plates: very propulsive ride
- Insanely stable
- Looks fast and runs fast
- Lightweight
- Very cushioned & responsive
- Worth the investment
- Room for feet swelling
- Grippy
- No break-in
- Vegan materials used
Cons
- Not for technical terrains
- Might accumulate mud
- Expensive
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color



Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$140
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$150
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$150
Marathon Sports
Free shipping
$160
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$165
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$200
Best trail running shoes with wide toebox for women



































Altra Lone Peak 7
82
Good!
What makes it the best?
Trail runners, backpackers, and day hikers alike praised the 7th version of the Lone Peak - the do-it-all trail running shoe from Altra. People love how these shoes are versatile and comfy enough for casual trods in the mountains and taking on sharp turns on single-track descents. The lockdown and grip of these shoes let wearers take on the trail with confidence.
Pros
- Very wide toebox
- Protective midsole
- Superb lockdown
- Super grippy outsole
- Excellent for fast runs in the mountains
- Added heel cup provides stability
- Super comfy
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Colorways might be a downer
- A bit pricey
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color







Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$113
Amazon
Free shipping
$113
Backcountry
Free shipping
$113
REI
Free shipping
$113
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$150
Altra Running
Free shipping & returns
$150
Best lightweight trail running shoes for women


















Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra
91
Superb!
What makes it the best?
Most trail runners haven't been very KEEN on Adidas trail shoes. They seemed like an afterthought given that the brand's focus was admittedly on sneakers and soccer cleats. But then the Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra arrived. It performed so well out on the trails that many runners have chosen it as their go-to.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nimble ride
- Grippy outsole
- Breathable
- Dries quickly
- Great lockdown
- Reflective elements
Cons
- Feels a touch minimalist
- No heel pull loop
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color






Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$64
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$75
REI
Free shipping
$75
Backcountry
Free shipping
$77
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$80
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$128
Best women's trail running shoes for ultra
























Salomon Ultra Glide
89
Great!
What makes it the best?
Plush comfort in a Salomon! It’s what the trail running community has been waiting for. The Ultra Glide is Salomon’s answer to Hoka’s reign over the cushioned trail shoe category and they nailed it. This shoe has a peppy, energetic ride, a soft, breathable upper, and a grippy, durable outsole. It’s worth a look at $140 and has a ton of great features. The only gripe I could conjure up is it’s a touch narrow if you have a wide foot.
Pros
- Durable
- Breathable
- Grippy
- Great lockdown
- Plush and comfortable
- Great lacing system
- Protective overlays
- Energetic ride
- Cushioned
Cons
- Tight midfoot for wider feet
- No reflective details
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color







Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$70
REI
Free shipping
$70
Backcountry
Free shipping
$98
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$120
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$121
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$140
Best women's trail running shoes for mud



































Saucony Peregrine 13
90
Superb!
What makes it the best?
As one of the longest-running trail series, it’s safe to say the Peregrine is among the first shoes runners think about when going offroad. It can handle nearly anything you throw at it thanks to its tried-and-true comfort, agility, and traction. But what truly puts the v13 above its predecessors is its thicker slab of midsole foam—making it even more capable for easy days, long slow miles, and the occasional race through punishing terrains.
Pros
- Cushioned and protective midsole
- Better for longer efforts than the v12
- A good trail racing option
- Great traction whether on ice, snow, gravel, and dirt
- Mud just falls off the outsole
- Comfy and airy upper
- Performance-oriented fit
- No heel slippage
- Smooth and natural-feeling ride
Cons
- Debris tends to get in
- Not as fast as other speedwork trail shoes
- Too-firm midsole
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color






Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$79
Backcountry
Free shipping
$91
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$98
REI
Free shipping
$98
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$100
Designer Shoe Warehouse
Free shipping
$140
Best women's trail running shoes for long distance





















Nike React Pegasus Trail 4
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
The React Pegasus Trail 4 is one of the top road-to-trail options from Nike. Cushiony and responsive on the roads yet grippy and stable on the trails, the shoe makes a perfect hybrid. It also remains surprisingly light given all the features packed into it. Experienced runners are happy that it feels a lot like the original Pegasus Trail 36 but with an enhanced grip.
Pros
- Efficient road-to-trail
- Well-cushioned
- Stable ride
- Excellent, secure fit
- Very breathable
- Great traction
- Unexpectedly light
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not for muddy areas
- Not for wide feet
- Could be more stylish
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color








More colors
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$84
Amazon
Free shipping
$85
Nike
$89
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$95
REI
Free shipping
$98
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$140
Best women's trail running shoes with plush cushioning































Hoka Speedgoat 5
89
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Speedgoat 5 from Hoka remains your reliable and great-value do-everything trail shoe. But if you want to bring the best out of it, fast runs on very technical terrains can do the trick. On top of this, it ticks all the boxes of an excellent trail shoe. It's insanely grippy, durable, and supportive; conquering the great outdoors is an easy feat. Overall, take the Hoka Speedgoat 5 if you want to go fast and far.
Pros
- Super grippy
- Springy ride
- Stable platform
- Extra durable
- High impact protection
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Secure fit
- Excellent heel hold
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Flared collar is not for everyone (style-wise)
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color








More colors
Hoka
Free shipping & returns
$110
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$155
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$155
Backcountry
Free shipping
$155
REI
Free shipping
$155
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$155
Comparison of the 7 best trail running shoes for women
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