The 10 Best Trail Running Shoes For Women
This wiki has been updated 24 times since it was first published in March of 2018. Whether you’re training for a hardcore obstacle course or simply like to unwind by tackling mountainous terrain in your off-time, you’ll need to find footwear suited to your adventures. These trail running shoes for women offer extensive support and traction in order to help keep you injury-free and comfortable for miles. We've included picks to fit a variety of budgets and tastes. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Salomon Speedcross 5
2. Inov-8 Terraultra G 260
3. Saucony Grid Excursion TR12
Editor's Notes
June 02, 2020:
Noticeably different from traditional running shoes, trail runners are lighter, slimmer, and made from thinner material, which can help maximize agility especially in rough outdoor environments. Due to their light weight, they're also commonly used for extreme long-distance running such as ultramarathons. Another interesting thing to keep in mind is that most manufacturers are driven to develop new models every year. Often, this is because they can make technological improvements, but it's not necessarily true that each model is significantly better than the last. For example, many users prefer the Asics Venture 5 to the more recent releases, in part because they may hold up longer.
It's also worth considering the lug depth of the outsoles. Options like the New Balance Nitrel V3 are relatively flat on the bottom, which makes them ideal for hard ground, especially asphalt. The La Sportiva Akyra and Scarpa Spin Ultra have slightly deeper lugs and are also suitable for nearly any terrain. On the other end of the spectrum are the Salomon Speedcross 5, which have relatively stiff plates beneath the insoles that offer good protection on uneven ground but without much added weight.
The Altra Lone Peak 4 are some of the most popular zero-drop shoes, which advanced runners often prefer. The Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 have a drop of just 4 millimeters, which offers a good balance between front and back. We also want to mention a couple super minimalist models, starting with the Inov-8 Terraultra G 260. Here, we've highlighted the unisex model, which is made with ultra-high-tech materials and offers a significant amount of protection for something so light. The Merrell Trail Glove 5 is considerably different, offering about as close to the barefoot experience as you'll find in this style.
Special Honors
Tecnica Origin These are a highly interesting development that combines premium materials and build quality with a personalized fit. You'll need to head to a licensed store in order to be custom-fit, but it should only take about 15 minutes to do so, and you'll likely end up with some of the best-fitting shoes possible. tecnicasports.com
4. Hoka One One Speedgoat 3
5. Scarpa Spin Ultra
6. Altra Lone Peak 4
7. Merrell Trail Glove 5
8. Asics Venture 5
9. New Balance Nitrel V3
10. La Sportiva Akyra
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