The Best Trail Running Shoes for Women in 2025

Positive, you possibly can get away with sporting regular sneakers on the path, however having a pair of trail-specific trainers gives elevated consolation, grip, and safety from rocks and particles. From the forest trails of the American South to the rocky peaks of the Pacific Northwest, we spent months operating, mountaineering, and testing to search out one of the best path trainers for girls.

Whereas testing, we targeted on selecting quite a lot of shoe types to suit every runner’s wants and ft — as a result of the shoe every path runner wants is as distinctive as the paths they run.

Whether or not you like the minimalist really feel of the Merrell Path Glove 7, the additional cushion of the Hoka Speedgoat 6, or the acute grip of the Brooks Cascadia 18, we’re assured you’ll discover a new favourite operating shoe right here. Get able to lace up and hit the paths.

Our present writer, Constance Mahoney, is an avid runner who has accomplished distances from native 5ks to path ultramarathons. She lately closely revamped this information, testing over 10 completely different path sneakers and ensuring solely essentially the most deserving, present choice is represented on this information

Editor’s word: For our March 7, 2025, replace, we’ve coated the newest variations of some trail-worn favorites — the Brooks Cascadia 18, the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4, and the Hoka Speedgoat 6.

The Greatest Girls’s Path Working Footwear of 2025

Girls’s Path Working Footwear Comparability Chart

How We Examined Girls’s Path Working Footwear

Our Knowledgeable Testers

Athletes from GearJunkie have collected many years of expertise in out of doors operating, informal operating, marathons, and ultramarathons. We mix our years of expertise and schooling to supply recommendation on all running-related gear.

Lead writer Constance Mahoney has been a GearJunkie contributor since 2019. She is an skilled runner who has accomplished distances from native 5Ks to path ultramarathons. In 2021, she based and continues to guide the Path Sisters Crested Butte, Colo., chapter.

Our Testing Course of

To check these girls’s path sneakers, we ran on a spread of trails from buttery singletrack to rocky technical peaks and moist, muddy surfaces. Throughout these runs, we paid cautious consideration to consolation, stability, outsole traction and grip, and sturdiness. We examined every pair on lengthy runs, tempo runs, and hill sprints. We inspected the sneakers after every run to see if there was any visible put on and tear.

We perceive that girls’s path trainers are being up to date every season, which might be irritating if you lastly discover a shoe you like. We be certain that to check the updates to see if they’re definitely worth the improve or if you happen to ought to follow the model you might have and sit tight for the following spherical. 

Purchaser’s Information: Select a Path Working Shoe

Figuring out which shoe is the appropriate one for you might be daunting. That’s the reason we’re demystifying the shoe choice course of by offering you with helpful tricks to discover the shoe that greatest meets your operating wants. 

This text focuses on one of the best girls’s path trainers. In separate articles, we have now additionally outlined the greatest girls’s street trainers and the greatest winter trainers.

The place You Run Issues

There’s rather a lot to contemplate with trainers, and the place you propose on operating issues. Do you propose on operating on pavement? Or do you anticipate hitting the paths? Will the paths be all filth or have a mix of gravel? Your choices will typically include both a street or path operating shoe.

Street trainers are designed for compact, clean, and even surfaces. These sneakers may have minimal options that make them light-weight and versatile with clean soles. Remember that these sneakers might not be nice for rocky, gravel, or uneven terrain.

Path trainers are for runners who need to deviate from the well-groomed paths and enterprise off-road. With a view to do that, path trainers are made with deep lugs and traction patterns that may handle something the surroundings might have in its means, together with roots, boulders, stumps, and extra. Path trainers might, although not at all times, have plates and stiffer midsoles along with providing help and defending your ft from jagged rocks and sharp objects.

Establish Your Working Gait

The time period “pronation” refers back to the means your foot rolls, which has an impact in your joints. Do you might have an inward or outward foot roll? Figuring out this will probably be useful so that you can determine what sort of help your operating requires.

A straightforward approach to determine your operating gait is to look at the soles of your current sneakers and decide the place they sometimes put on out. Or go to a foot professional to find out your kind of pronation.

• Fundamental, or impartial, pronation is completely different for everybody, however in the end, impartial pronation happens when your foot naturally rolls barely inward to distribute the physique’s influence upon touchdown.
• Overpronation happens when your foot rolls too far inward, which implies your sneakers will present indicators of wear and tear on the insides of them.
• Supination, or underpronation, happens when your ft roll outward, ensuing within the outer a part of the heel hanging the bottom first, which can present indicators of wear and tear on the outermost edges.

Stack and Heel-to-Toe Drop 

Except you’re operating barefoot, each shoe has a stack. Measured in millimeters, the stack refers to how excessive the insole sits off the bottom. Footwear with extra cushion inherently have the next stack. Moreover, most sneakers have a drop in stack top from the heel to the toe.

In case you’re new to operating, specialists suggest a decrease heel stack as a result of it builds a wider vary of movement and energy, which makes you a more healthy runner.

One other issue to contemplate is the heel-to-toe drop, also called the “drop,” measured in millimeters. A shoe’s drop is the distinction in cushion top between the heel and the toe. If a shoe has a drop of 10 mm, it means the heel will probably be 10 mm greater than the toe.

Those that run on the balls of their ft ought to select a zero-drop shoe just like the Merrell Path Glove 7. Moreover, those that run heel-to-toe (heel strikers) ought to goal for a shoe with a bigger drop, such because the Salomon Sense Experience 5, which has an 8.3mm drop for optimum joint help.

Cushion

A shoe’s cushion is commonly constituted of EVA or polyurethane to assist take up the repetitive influence towards laborious surfaces. With elevated cushioning, it turns into extra impact-absorbing, which is advantageous for prolonged runs. Nevertheless, the burden of the shoe will improve with the quantity of cushioning.

How a lot cushion you want for operating is dependent upon what feels best for you and whether or not you require one thing light-weight with minimal cushioning for a pure really feel, just like the Merrell Path Glove 7. Alternatively, you’ll be able to select from the Brooks Caldera 7 or the Hoka Speedgoat 6 if you would like a number of cushioning for further consolation.

Stability

For runners, significantly these with flat ft or overpronation, shoe stability is meant to supply further help within the midsole or arch to restrict the foot from rolling inward too far. Very best shoe help is designed to stabilize your foot and hold it in a extra impartial place.

When contemplating the appropriate stability to your wants, consider whether or not you require further construction to compensate for extreme inward rolling. Additionally, remember that many runners really feel a lower in stability when operating in sneakers with a better stack top. The extra materials between your ft and the path, the tougher it’s to really feel and react to uneven surfaces, free rocks, and slippery gravel.

Rock Plate

Some trainers are geared up with rock plates or a built-in nylon shank. When tackling mountain slopes, these built-in constructions are meant to defend the underside of your ft from soreness and bruising. Whereas lots of the sneakers on our checklist have rock guards, one to contemplate is the Brooks Catamount 3, as this model has all of the perks of the Catamount 2, with the addition of a rock plate. 

Rock plates, nevertheless, are pointless when operating on flat surfaces as a result of they contribute further weight. Moreover, some sneakers, just like the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4, have adequate cushioning and don’t require the addition of rock plates.

Flexibility

For path operating particularly, shoe flexibility is necessary. It helps you regulate to the terrain of the paths with out injuring your self. Ideally, the shoe will flex (or crease) close to the identical spot your foot flexes whereas pushing off. To check the pliability of your shoe, maintain the shoe with one hand on the heel and the opposite on the toebox.

Compress the shoe collectively and see the place the crease occurs. It ought to bend the place the balls of your ft are. Whether it is laborious to crease, then you might have a stiffer shoe. Nevertheless, the shoe shouldn’t wholly collapse on itself. You continue to need help and construction.  

A shoe shouldn’t solely flex along with your pure ahead gait, but it surely also needs to twist a little bit aspect to aspect. Once more, maintain your shoe from heel to toe, however twist the shoe in reverse instructions this time. You must get a twist, however not a lot as in case you are ringing out a rag. 

How a lot flexibility is required is a private choice, and a number of it is dependent upon your biomechanics and operating type. Usually, in case you are operating quick, a stiffer shoe will assist present a extra responsive and environment friendly turnover, therefore why many race sneakers at the moment are carbon plated. However a extra versatile shoe will probably be extra optimum in case you are going the gap and on the lookout for a cushion to assist with muscle fatigue.  

Maintain notes when testing a shoe; if the flex level or the quantity of flex makes you alter your gait (assuming you don’t want it to alter), strive a unique shoe. Additionally, one thing to recollect when operating in colder temps, the climate adjustments the stiffness of a shoe! So, what feels good in the summertime might change when winter hits.

Breathability

One of many options we search for in trainers is breathability. Nothing is worse than going for a run on a scorching day and having your ft overheat, inflicting them to sweat, resulting in blisters or, worse — some kind of fungal/bacterial an infection.

We search for sneakers with uppers constituted of mesh or another materials that permits air and water vapor to wick out of the shoe. The porous higher materials additionally lets cool air in. Nevertheless, the trade-off is it doesn’t cease filth and dirt from coming into the shoe. To get essentially the most out of your sneakers, make sure to put on applicable socks that additionally wick moisture out of your ft.

We suggest the Merrell Path Glove 7 and the Salomon Sense Experience 5, as each have wonderful air flow.

Waterproofing

Waterproof membranes are greatest when operating in chilly, moist, or snowy circumstances. Do remember that they work simply as effectively to maintain moisture out as they do to maintain moisture in.

Oftentimes, we are likely to keep away from waterproof membranes except operating within the aforementioned circumstances for prolonged durations of time, as a result of they have a tendency to entice warmth, leaving ft feeling damp, clammy, or moist, which may result in friction blisters.

Our decide for such circumstances, after we know terrain or climate necessitates water resistance, are the Brooks Caldera 7 that are rated extremely in our opinion for muddy trails.

Supplies

Working shoe supplies can influence the shoe’s efficiency — together with weight, breathability, water resistance, and sturdiness. Many manufacturers have signature types and blends, however the base supplies are related.

Most uppers on sneakers are made with artificial mesh. Relying on how intricately constructed they’re, they’ll provide distinctive options corresponding to gaiter attachments or knit collars. The material blends also can create higher breathability and extra sturdiness in areas that want them essentially the most. Some sneakers like Asics Path Scout 3 are vegan-friendly. 

Under the higher is the midsole. That is the place the cushion sits between the higher and the outsole. The cushion is usually manufactured from a technical foam product. EVA foam is the most well-liked as it’s light-weight for the quantity of cushion it offers. Manufacturers like Brooks and Salomon have their very own proprietary foam blends. 

In case your shoe has a rock plate, it sits between the midsole and the outsole. They are often constituted of laborious plastic or carbon fiber materials. 

Subsequent is the outsole. The outsole is the underside of the shoe that is available in contact with the path or street. Due to its sturdiness and traction capabilities, the outsole is sort of at all times constituted of rubber. Once more, every model has its personal mix and lug sample. Though light-weight trainers are manufactured from fewer supplies and weigh much less, they use dearer supplies, corresponding to carbon, rubber, or rock plates, which usually tend to increase the value of the sneakers.

Lugs and Traction

On the subject of how a lot grip you need, you’ll want to contemplate the place you’ll be operating and in what circumstances. Outsoles with a number of grip are nice for various terrain or deep mud, and may have aggressive-looking deep lugs that permit for extra buy on the bottom with out slipping. 

Then again, in case you are sticking to the pavement or compact filth, lugs which might be 5mm-7mm in top might be uncomfortable and pointless. Moreover, pebbles will often get caught within the lugs if you happen to run on gravel roads. Consequently, shallower lugs are what you want.

Lug patterns additionally make a distinction. Many sneakers make it a degree to have lugs which might be multi-directionally patterned from heel to toe so to cease faster and on a dime. The shoe with one of the best traction on our checklist, and for good cause, is the Hoka Speedgoat 6, designed for slick, muddy circumstances with its spectacular 5mm Vibram Traction lugs to grip gentle, deep filth.

Weight

Trainers must be light-weight whereas nonetheless offering satisfactory safety for the operating type you like. These on the lookout for a pair of ultradistance trainers shouldn’t select something that may make them really feel weighed down.

Within the operating world, any shoe that weighs greater than 12 ounces is usually considered heavy. If you wish to be thought of “light-weight,” you must try for between 6.5 and 12 ounces. The lightest shoe on the checklist is the Merrell Path Glove 7, weighing 14.4 ounces, which doesn’t qualify as extremely light-weight, however they do provide sturdiness to sort out average trails.

On the heavier finish of the spectrum sits the Brooks Caldera 7, weighing 18.8 ounces. These beefy sneakers are supposed to deal with rugged terrain with ease.

Worth & Worth

Price range

It’s no secret that trainers hold getting pricier, and path trainers aren’t any exception. Typically, within the sub-$100 worth vary, you need to decide the options you need. Extra breathable sneakers might not be as sturdy, as an illustration, and also you in all probability gained’t discover as responsive a experience or plush really feel as you’d get with pricier sneakers.

Nevertheless, the Asics Path Scout 3 ($65) is a stable shoe, particularly contemplating its worth. It’s sturdy, if not essentially the most breathable, and its abrasion-resistant mesh drains water effectively. And whereas it’s not the softest shoe that we examined, it has a wonderful match, and a thick, sturdy rubber outsole and lugs.

Mid-Tier

The $100 to $150 worth vary is the place you begin to discover higher-end supplies, gentle but supportive midsoles, and different options that you just gained’t get within the funds worth vary. The Brooks Cascadia 18 ($150) affords aggressive lugs for wonderful grip in mud, a super-breathable TPEE air mesh higher, and the Cascadia’s signature rolling efficiency “rocker,” which helps you obtain a extra environment friendly stride.

Premium

Spending $150 or extra will get you extra specialty sneakers just like the Hoka Speedgoat 6 ($155), which delivers the corporate’s signature plush fats sole for wonderful consolation on lengthy runs (or any run, actually), in addition to a lay-flat gusseted tongue and wider toebox for an much more snug experience.

You’ll additionally discover further options, such as you’ll discover within the Brooks Catamount 3 ($170). This shoe delivers a quick, springy step by way of its SkyVault propulsion plate, which additionally acts as a rock defend. As well as, at lower than a pound per shoe, this can be a very light-weight shoe, particularly for a path runner, making it a speedy selection for race day.

Steadily Requested Questions

With so many choices to select from, it may be difficult to decide on the appropriate path sneakers. Listed here are three issues to contemplate as you store:

1. Set reasonable operating targets. In case you dream of operating a 100-miler someday however realistically will use the sneakers for 5-mile coaching loops round your native park, purchase sneakers for the latter use first.
2. Think about shoe width. For people with vast ft, or these operating very lengthy distances, a large forefoot generally is a bonus that lets toes splay. The draw back is that wider sneakers are much less exact, generally is a little extra clumsy, and gained’t match effectively on folks with slim ft.
3. Check out the tongue. Does it match comfortably? Will it hold rocks out of your shoe?

For extra assist selecting, try our full purchaser’s information to selecting a path operating shoe.

Stack and Drop

Except you’re operating barefoot, each shoe has a stack. Measured in millimeters, the stack refers to how excessive the insole sits off the bottom. Footwear with extra cushion inherently have the next stack. Moreover, most sneakers have a “drop” in stack top from the heel to the toe.

In case you’re new to operating, specialists suggest a decrease heel drop; it builds a wider vary of movement and energy, which makes you a more healthy runner.

Cushion

Stepping right into a high-cushion shoe can really feel like strolling on a cloud. These operating longer distances (or who supinate) will favor extra cushion to damp the repetitive pounding and supply help. However it will probably turn out to be a penalty. Additional foam provides further weight.

So, is extra cushion higher? Not at all times. It’s about discovering the appropriate steadiness between pace and luxury. In case you’re aiming for a brand new PR, search for a lightweight, stiffer shoe with a tougher cushion and minimal lug friction.

Flexibility

Flexibility is your good friend on the paths. You want variability to match the variable terrain. Path runners will favor a shoe with a agency outsole and fewer cushion however a agency toebox to push off of. Flexibility and torsion may also help the foot adapt to the path and forestall accidents.

The lifetime of a shoe is dependent upon quite a lot of components, together with operating type, weight, and the way typically they’re used. However basically, 300 to 500 miles is an efficient rule of thumb.

So, if you happen to run 10 miles per week, your sneakers may final 8 months to a 12 months. In case you’re logging 20 miles per week, plan on changing your trainers each 4 to six months.

And if you happen to see extreme put on patterns, holes, or tears — or if you happen to discover a lower in footbed consolation — it’s in all probability time to seize a brand new pair of sneakers.