7 Best Trail Running Shoes For Women in 2023

Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.6
7 Best Trail Running Shoes For Women in 2023
We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us. 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.

Best overall
Hoka Tecton X Hoka Tecton X
$200 $140 From Zappos
Best with wide toebox
Altra Lone Peak 7 Altra Lone Peak 7
$150 $113 From Running Warehouse
Best lightweight
Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra
$160 $64 From Zappos
Best for ultra
Salomon Ultra Glide Salomon Ultra Glide
$140 $70 From Running Warehouse
Best for mud
Saucony Peregrine 13 Saucony Peregrine 13
$140 $79 From Amazon
Best for long distance
Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 Nike React Pegasus Trail 4
$140 $84 From Running Warehouse
Best with plush cushioning
Hoka Speedgoat 5 Hoka Speedgoat 5
$155 $110 From Hoka
See all 317 women's trail running shoes

    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 rocky terrain
    hoka-tecton-x-cut-in-half
    hoka tecton x cut in pieces
    hoka tecton x outdoor_012
    hoka tecton x_036
    hoka-tecton-x-trail-runs
    hoka-tecton-x-torsional-flexibility
    hoka tecton x bottom
    hoka tecton x_013
    hoka tecton x lugs
    hoka-tecton-x-cushioning-test
    hoka tecton x heel stack height
    hoka-tecton-x-slow-motion
    hoka tecton x base
    hoka tecton x freezer
    hoka tecton x trail
    hoka tecton x stretch
    hoka tecton x_019
    hoka-tecton-x-carbon-plate
    hoka tecton x toebox width
    hoka tecton x lugs outsole
    hoka tecton x heel
    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
    Full review of Hoka Tecton X

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Camellia - Blue Coral (1123162CBCRL)
    Blue (SBDP)
    Deep Teal/Water Garden (DTWGR)
    $140
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  
    $165
    See deal  
    $200
    See deal  

    Best trail running shoes with wide toebox for women

    altra lone peak 7 review
    altra-lone-peak-7-cut-in-half
    altra lone peak 7 lab test
    altra-lone-peak-7-breathability
    altra-lone-peak-7-breathability-light
    altra lone peak 7 tongue thickness
    altra-lone-peak-7-cushioning
    altra lone peak 7 heel stack
    altra lone peak 7 forefoot stack
    altra lone peak 7 inside
    altra lone peak 7 cushioning softness durometer
    altra lone peak 7 in cold
    altra-lone-peak-7-ride
    altra-lone-peak-7-heel-to-toe
    altra-lone-peak-7-flexibility-measurement
    altra-lone-peak-7-flexibility
    altra-lone-peak-7-stability
    altra lone peak 7 forefoot width
    altra lone peak 7 heel width
    altra-lone-peak-7-stable-ride
    altra lone peak 7 gusseted tongue
    altra lone peak 7 lacing
    altra-lone-peak-7-heel-counter
    altra lone peak 7 fit
    altra lone peak 7 toebox width
    altra lone peak 7 sizing
    altra lone peak 7 grip
    altra-lone-peak-7-grip
    altra lone peak 7 lug depth
    altra lone peak 7 outsole
    altra lone peak 7 style
    altra lone peak 7 price
    altra lone peak 7 lab measurement
    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
    Full review of Altra Lone Peak 7

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Dark Red (AL0A7R7G668)
    Dark Purple (AL0A7R7G252)
    Tan (AL0A7R7G922)
    Orange (AL0A7R7G880)
    Light Gray (AL0A7R7G224)
    Purple/Orange (AL0A7R7G580)
    Green (AL0A7R7G330)
    $113
    See deal  
    $113
    See deal  
    $113
    See deal  
    $113
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  

    Best lightweight trail running shoes for women

    Adidas%20Terrex%20Speed%20Ultra%20Top%20View
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra 360
    Adidas%20Terrex%20Speed%20Ultra%20Back%20Angle
    Adidas%20Terrex%20Speed%20Ultra%20Lacing
    Adidas%20Terrex%20Speed%20Ultra%20Side
    Adidas%20Terrex%20Speed%20Ultra%20Width
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Flex Test
    Adidas%20Terrex%20Speed%20Ultra%20Freezer
    Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Flex
    Adidas%20Terrex%20Speed%20Ultra%20Weight
    Adidas%20Terrex%20Speed%20Ultra%20Outsole
    Adidas%20Terrex%20Speed%20Ultra%20Outsole%20Heel
    Adidas%20Terrex%20Speed%20Ultra%20Upper%20Toe
    Adidas%20Terrex%20Speed%20Ultra%20Logo
    Adidas%20Terrex%20Speed%20Ultra%20Reflective
    Adidas%20Terrex%20Speed%20Ultra%20Front%20Angle%202
    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
    Full review of Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Black (GZ8920)
    Black (FW2830)
    Blue (FW2806)
    Green (GZ8921)
    orange (HR1120)
    Blue (HR1152)
    $64
    See deal  
    $75
    See deal  
    $75
    See deal  
    $77
    See deal  
    $80
    See deal  
    $128
    See deal  

    Best women's trail running shoes for ultra

    Salomon Ultra Glide Parts
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Features
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Saw
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Reveal
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Cut
    Salomon Ultra Glide Tongue Thickness
    Salomon Ultra Glide Insole Thickness
    Salomon Ultra Glide Cross Section Heel
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Flex-Test
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Flex
    Salomon Ultra Glide Cross Section
    Salomon Ultra Glide Outsole
    Salomon Ultra Glide Stack Heel
    Salomon Ultra Glide Weight
    Salomon Ultra Glide Heel
    Salomon Ultra Glide Outsole%20(2)
    Salomon Ultra Glide
    Salomon Ultra Glide Upper
    Salomon Ultra Glide Lacing
    Salomon Ultra Glide Cross Section Tongue
    Salomon Ultra Glide Reflective Side
    Salomon Ultra Glide Reflective Heel
    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
    Full review of Salomon Ultra Glide

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Blue / Grey (L415539)
    Quail/Yellow Iris/Fiery Red (L417278)
    Purple (L415987)
    Orange (L415792)
    Blau Yucca Pearl Blue Charlock (L415540)
    Multi (L414308)
    Black/Alloy/Goji Berry (L414305)
    $70
    See deal  
    $70
    See deal  
    $98
    See deal  
    $120
    See deal  
    $121
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  

    Best women's trail running shoes for mud

    saucony peregrine 13 onfeet
    saucony-peregrine-13-cutting
    saucony peregrine 13 hands
    saucony-peregrine-13-smoke
    saucony-peregrine-13-light
    saucony peregrine 13 dual
    saucony-peregrine-13-upper
    saucony peregrine 13 microscope close
    saucony peregrine 13 microscope
    saucony-peregrine-13-heel
    saucony peregrine 13 midsole durometer
    saucony-peregrine-13-midsole
    saucony peregrine 13 freezer
    saucony peregrine 13 midsole forefoot
    saucony-peregrine-13-stability
    saucony peregrine 13 midsole heel
    saucony-peregrine-13-strike
    saucony-peregrine-13-flex
    saucony-peregrine-13-flex-hands
    kailas-fuga-yao-flexibility
    saucony peregrine 13 heel
    saucony peregrine 13 forefoot
    saucony-peregrine-13-running
    saucony peregrine 13 lugs
    saucony-peregrine-13-rocker
    saucony peregrine 13 logo
    saucony peregrine 13 outsole running
    saucony peregrine 13 outsole durometer
    saucony peregrine 13 insole
    saucony peregrine 13 laces
    saucony peregrine 13 gusset
    saucony peregrine 13 tongue
    saucony peregrine 13 table
    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
    Full review of Saucony Peregrine 13

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Arroyo (S1083835)
    Green (S1083825)
    Beige (S1083885)
    Night/Fossil (S1083815)
    Berry/Mineral (S1083816)
    Finesse Black (S1083891)
    $79
    See deal  
    $91
    See deal  
    $98
    See deal  
    $98
    See deal  
    $100
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  

    Best women's trail running shoes for long distance

    nike pegasus trail 4 outdoor_011
    Pegasus Trail 4 - saw cutting_1
    nike pegasus trail 4_001
    nike pegasus trail 4 outdoor_004
    nike pegasus trail 4_015
    Pegasus Trail 4 - heel squeeze_1
    nike pegasus trail 4 outdoor_010
    nike-pegasus-trail-4-outdoor-04_1
    nike-pegasus-trail-4-outdoor-09_1
    nike-pegasus-trail-4-outdoor-08_1
    nike pegasus trail 4_026
    nike pegasus trail 4 outdoor_008
    nike-pegasus-trail-4-outdoor-03_1
    nike pegasus trail 4 outdoor_002
    nike pegasus trail 4 outdoor_006
    nike pegasus trail 4_020
    nike pegasus trail 4 outdoor_012
    nike pegasus trail 4_005
    nike pegasus trail 4 outdoor_014
    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
    Full review of Nike React Pegasus Trail 4

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Orange (DJ6159800)
    Purple (DJ6159500)
    Orange (DJ6159801)
    Pink (DJ6159600)
    Black (DJ6158004)
    Black (DJ6158001)
    White (FD0876100)
    Sail/Blue Whisper (FJ7733140)
    More colors
    $84
    See deal  
    $85
    See deal  
    $89
    See deal  
    $95
    See deal  
    $98
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  

    Best women's trail running shoes with plush cushioning

    hoka speedgoat 5 review
    Hoka-Speedgoat-5-cutting
    hoka speedgoat 5 lab review
    Hoka-Speedgoat-5-grip
    hoka speedgoat 5 outsole traction
    hoka speedgoat 5 lug depth
    Hoka-Speedgoat-5-breathability-smoke-test
    Hoka-Speedgoat-5-light-transparency-test
    Hoka-Speedgoat-5-spriny-ride
    hoka speedgoat 5 cushioning softness
    hoka speedgoat 5 in cold conditions
    Hoka-Speedgoat-5-cushioning
    Hoka-Speedgoat-5-flex-measure
    Hoka-Speedgoat-5-stability
    hoka speedgoat 5 sole width
    hoka speedgoat 5 durable
    Hoka-Speedgoat-5-lightweight
    hoka speedgoat 5 fit
    hoka speedgoat 5 forefoot width
    hoka speedgoat 5 gusseted tongue
    hoka speedgoat 5 tongue thickness
    Hoka-Speedgoat-5-heel-flexibility
    hoka speedgoat 5 toe protection
    hoka speedgoat 5 heel stack
    hoka speedgoat 5 insole
    hoka speedgoat 5 forefoot stack
    Hoka-Speedgoat-5-reflective-elements
    hoka speedgoat 5 sustainable materials
    hoka speedgoat 5 lab measurements
    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)
    Full review of Hoka Speedgoat 5

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Deep Lake/Ceramic (DLCR)
    Bellwether Blue/Cyclamen (BBCY)
    Stone Blue/Dark Citron (SBDCT)
    Coastal Shade/Green Glow (CSGG)
    Blue Coral/Camellia (BCCML)
    Blue Graphite Evening Primrose (BGEPM)
    Festival Fuchsia/Camellia (FFCM)
    Impala/Flame (1123157IFLM)
    More colors
    $110
    See deal  
    $155
    See deal  
    $155
    See deal  
    $155
    See deal  
    $155
    See deal  
    $155
    See deal  

    Comparison of the 7 best trail running shoes for women

    + + Add a product
    + + Add a product
    + + Add a product
    + + Add a product
    + + Add a product
    + + Add a product
    + + Add a product
    + + Add a product
    Best
    CoreScore
    Users rating
    Experts
    Best price
    Ranking
    Popularity
    # of colorways
    Author
    Jovana Subic
    Jovana Subic

    Whether it's a vertical kilometre or an ultra, climbing in the Alps or exploring local mountains, Jovana uses every opportunity to trade walls and concrete for forests and trails. She logs at least 10h/week on trails, with no off-season, and 4x more on research on running and running shoes. With a background in physics and engineering management, she prefers her running spiced with data.

    Email Email All articles and reviews

    Similar buying guides

    Best running shoes for women
    Best running shoes for women
    Best trail running shoes
    Best trail running shoes
    Best trail running shoes for men
    Best trail running shoes for men