Whether you’re a beginner or a full-blown expert, how well you do on the trails all comes down to your shoes.
Don’t settle for the any old sneakers for women – invest in the best trail running sneakers for women.
The difference between trail running shoes and regular sneakers all comes down to their composition. Regular sneakers are lightweight and don’t require much tread or traction for walking on the pavement.
On the other hand trail running shoes need to be heavier with great traction so you don’t slip on the trail.
If you want to make the most of your running, all you have to do is choose one of the best trail running sneakers from our list.
What’s The Best Trail Running Shoe for Women to Buy in 2023?
The best trail running shoes for women are:
1. La Sportiva Wildcat 2.0 GTX – Best Overall Trail Running Shoe
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Efficient adjustment | Heavy shoe |
| Wide toe box | Foot lining doesn’t stay completely dry |
| Impact brake system for ideal grip |
One look at these sneakers and you’ll see why they’re one of the best trail running shoes we could find.
These durable shoes will make sure you never have to tread lightly over anything again. Take those trails by storm and with ultimate strength and durability.
Combine stretchy Gore-Tex waterproof technology with an AirMesh upper that has superior moisture-wicking properties and a breathable lining, and your foot will stay dry no matter what terrain you’re trailing through.
Another unique feature of this shoe is the FriXion AT rubber sole that grabs onto everything from slick rock and wet pavement for security as you adventure through the trails.
Lastly, MemFlex midsole technology with Flex Transfer shank provides ideal impact absorption, which makes these the best trail running sneakers even for bad knees.
2. Salomon Speedcross 4 – Best for Trail Running Shoe for Grip
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Great traction | Runs small |
| Wraps the foot in comfort | Does not dry quickly |
| Easy to take on/off |
For the best trail running sneakers ever, trust in the Salomon Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoes. That’s because these sneakers truly have every feature you could ever need or think of.
Let’s start with their breathable mesh upper that also includes synthetic overlays for torsional support. The DWR treatment and mud guard also prevents everything from small puddles to thick precipitation from soaking your socks.
Then SensiFit technology creates a snug, comfortable fit so that you don’t have to worry about hot spots or chafing due to over or undersized shoes. In addition, no one wants to take more time putting their shoes on then working the actual trail. That’s why these sneakers use the QuickLace system that provides a speedy and secure fit so you can put your shoes on in a cinch while never worrying about tripping.
Lastly, these sneakers use a unique Otholic footbed and dual-density EVA midsole to assure shock absorption, and a responsive, energetic feel.
With all the benefits of this shoe, they almost sound too good to be true, but we assure you, they’re real.
3. ASICS Alpine XT – Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoe
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Breathable and flexible | Not the best traction when wet |
| Works on rocky and paved roads | Does not always fit true to size |
| Ultra durable |
The reliable and beloved ASICS brand has created one of the best trail running shoes for downhill. Whether you’re going down the rockiest trail or just taking it easy on a mild trek, this shoe makes it easy to explore everywhere.
It uses SpeVA Midsole technology to improve bounce back and can keep up no matter how many miles you go. The trail-specific outsole provides ideal traction on any path. In addition, with more room in the toe box, this help keeps your foot safe and supported, especially when you are going downhill.
That’s not all this sneaker can do. The ASICS trail running shoe also effectively works with pronation; whether you’re under, neutral, or over pronated. This means the shoe can help you find your ideal and most comfortable walking/running position.
You’ll love your ASICS trail running shoes because they’re just as stylish as ASICS come. Most trail running shoes are bulky and feel just as heavy as they look, but these sneakers are surprisingly sleek and trendy.
4. Keen Explore VENT – Best Trail Running Shoe for Cushioning
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Incredible grip | Thin outsole |
| Used for a variety of activities | Laces not tight enough |
| Can be worn right out of the box |
The best trail running sneaker for women should also be the best trail running sneaker for comfort, but the fact is that some sneakers stand above the rest, especially Keen shoes.
The Keen Explore VENT trail running sneaker is more comfortable than you’ll expect.
In addition, you won’t find many trail running shoes with this many unique color options. Stand out with blue or emerald green options, in addition to several others.
Next to style, you also want your sneakers to stay clean, regardless of the terrain you tackle. Keen uniquely uses insoles with probiotic technology that naturally breaks down odors from your sweat, without emitting hazardous materials or chemicals into the
environment.
When it comes to comfort, this sneaker even keeps your Achilles in mind, with a unique notch in the back to protect the crucial tendon. The EVA midsole has lightweight cushioning so your shoes are comfy, but still lightweight.
Stay comfortable by ensuring that your feet stay cool as well. Keen uses performance mesh with TPU overlays to increase airflow while still maintaining durability.
5. Summit Q.O.M. GTX – Best for Trail Running Shoe for Hiking
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Pleasing color options | Bulky frame |
| Durable outsoles | Runs small |
| Stylish design |
The Summit Q.O.M. GTX is one of the best trail running shoes for women. That’s because it uses newly updated Gore-Tex material on the upper of the shoe, which provides more force and durability against the roughest terrain.
The unique multi-directional Vibram outsole also helps you blaze through new terrain. So whether you’re a beginner or an expert trail runner, this shoe will guide you through it all. In addition, a Rockstop plate on the forefoot of the shoe protects your foot against sharp rocks and debris, which is exactly what you need on tough trails.
Whether you’re looking for a waterproof, durable, or comfortable sneaker, this shoe does it all.