What are the best trail running shoes for women in 2023? The answer to this primarily is the ones that best meet your individual needs and preferences. The pair that suits your feet, the way you run, the terrain you cover and the type of off road running you like to do. It may be that there isn’t a one size fits all when it comes to choosing trail shoes for women however, we have taken a delve into the plethora of shoes out there and come up with a list of contenders:  

Here are just a a few of the best trail running shoes for women in 2023:

Best All Round Shoe for Women – Hoka Speedgoat 5

This tops our list of best all round shoe, as well as being great for those looking for a wide fit (there is a wide version). It is a work horse of a shoe that likes to go long. The Hoka Speedgoat 5 for women is a popular choice for trail runners who want a max-cushioned shoe that can handle a variety of terrain. It has a wide base and a deep lug pattern that provides good traction on both wet and dry surfaces.

We love the Hoka Speedgoat for its comfort and the fact that it doesn’t mind where you are, what conditions you are running in and how far you are going. The only situation that it wouldn’t top our list is if you are looking for a shoe to race in. It’s not the speediest of shoes despite its name. 

hoka speedgoat for women

BUY SPEEDGOAT 5 FOR WOMEN

 

Best for Short, Fast Technical – Saucony Peregrine 13

The Saucony Peregrine 13 for women is a lightweight and responsive trail running shoe that’s perfect for runners who want a fast and nimble shoe. It has a good balance of cushioning and support, and it’s a good choice for runners who do a lot of technical trail running.

While the Saucony Peregrine 13 is great for short, fast stuff, it’s cushioning and support means it can handle the long stuff Another reason that it’s made our top trail shoes for women and best all round trail shoes. 

saucony peregrine 13 for women

BUY SAUCONY PEREGRINE FOR WOMEN 

Best for Runs with Hiking and Scrambling – Altra Lone Peak 7

The Altra Lone Peak 7 is a zero-drop trail running shoe that’s perfect for runners who want a barefoot-like experience. It has a wide toe box and a flexible midsole, and it’s a good choice for runners who do a lot of hiking and scrambling. It has a cushioned midsole that provides a smooth ride, and a Vibram outsole with aggressive lugs that provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. The upper is made of a breathable mesh that keeps your feet cool and dry, and it has a roomy toe box that provides plenty of space for your toes to spread out.

Here are some of the features of the Altra Lone Peak 7:

  • Cushioned midsole for a smooth ride
  • Vibram outsole with aggressive lugs for excellent traction
  • Breathable mesh upper with a roomy toe box
  • Protective toe cap for durability
  • 0mm heel-to-toe drop for a natural gait
  • Wide toe box for a comfortable fit

The Altra Lone Peak 7 is a great choice for trail runners who are looking for a comfortable, durable, and versatile shoe. It is also a good choice for runners who have wide feet.

altra lone 7

BUY ALTRA LONE PEAK 7 FOR WOMEN 

 

Best for Trail Running in the Mountains – La Sportiva Kaptiva

The La Sportiva Kaptiva for women is a trail running shoe that’s designed for technical terrain. It has a sticky outsole and a supportive upper, and it’s a good choice for runners who do a lot of trail running in the mountains.

Here are some of the features of the La Sportiva Kaptiva:

  • Cushioned midsole for a smooth ride
  • Vibram outsole with aggressive lugs for excellent traction
  • Breathable mesh upper with a snug fit
  • Protective toe cap for durability
  • 6mm heel-to-toe drop for a natural gait

The La Sportiva Kaptiva is a great choice for trail runners who are looking for a comfortable, durable, and responsive shoe that can handle technical terrain. It is also a good choice for runners who have narrow feet.

mountain running shoes

 

Long Multi Terrain – New Balance Hierro V7

The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 for women is a trail running shoe that is designed for all-around use. It has a cushioned midsole that provides a smooth ride, and a Vibram outsole with aggressive lugs that provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. The upper is made of a breathable mesh that keeps your feet cool and dry, and it has a roomy toe box that provides plenty of space for your toes to spread out. It’s a good choice for runners who do a lot of long runs.

Here are some of the features of the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7:

  • Fresh Foam X midsole for cushioning and responsiveness
  • Vibram outsole with aggressive lugs for excellent traction
  • Breathable mesh upper with a roomy toe box
  • Protective toe cap for durability
  • 8mm heel-to-toe drop for a natural gait

The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 is a great choice for trail runners who are looking for a comfortable, durable, and versatile shoe. It is also a good choice for runners who have wide feet.

NEW BALANCE TRAIL SHOES FOR WOMEN

BUY NEW BALANCE HIERRO V7 FOR WOMEN 

 

Frequent Trail Running – Brooks Cascadia 16

The Brooks Cascadia 16 for women is a trail running shoe that is designed for all-around use. It has a cushioned midsole that provides a smooth ride, and a Vibram outsole with aggressive lugs that provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. The upper is made of a breathable mesh that keeps your feet cool and dry, and it has a roomy toe box that provides plenty of space for your toes to spread out.

Here are some of the features of the Brooks Cascadia 16:

  • DNA Loft v2 midsole for cushioning and responsiveness
  • Vibram outsole with aggressive lugs for excellent traction
  • Breathable mesh upper with a roomy toe box
  • Protective toe cap for durability
  • 10mm heel-to-toe drop for a natural gait

The Brooks Cascadia 16 is a great choice for trail runners who are looking for a comfortable, durable, and versatile shoe. It is also a good choice for runners who have wide feet.

BROOKS CASCADIA 16 FOR WOMEN

BUY BROOKS CASCADIA 16 FOR WOMEN 

Best for a Barefoot Experience – Merrell Trail Glove 7

The Merrell Trail Glove 7 for women is a minimalist trail running shoe that is designed to provide a barefoot feel. It has a zero-drop platform and a thin, flexible midsole that allows your feet to feel the ground beneath them. The upper is made of a breathable mesh that keeps your feet cool and dry, and it has a roomy toe box that provides plenty of space for your toes to spread out.

Here are some of the features of the Merrell Trail Glove 7:

  • Zero-drop platform for a barefoot feel
  • Thin, flexible midsole for ground feel
  • Breathable mesh upper with a roomy toe box
  • Protective toe cap for durability
  • Vibram outsole with aggressive lugs for excellent traction

The Merrell Trail Glove 7 is a great choice for trail runners who are looking for a comfortable, minimalist shoe that allows them to feel the ground beneath their feet. It is also a good choice for runners who have wide feet.

barefoot trail running shoes for women

BUY MERRELL TRAIL GLOVE 7 FOR WOMEN 

Choosing Trail Running Shoes for Women

Ultimately, the best way to find the best trail running shoes for you is to try on a few different pairs and see what feels the best. It’s also important to consider your budget when making your decision. Trail running shoes can range in price from around £100 to £200. Most of the brand models come in around £120 – £150 so it’s important to find a pair that fits your budget and your needs.

Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing the best trail shoes for women:

  • Terrain: The type of terrain you’ll be running on will affect the type of trail running shoe you need. If you’ll be running on mostly smooth trails, you can get away with a lighter and less cushioned shoe. But if you’ll be running on technical trails with rocks, roots, and mud, you’ll need a more rugged and cushioned shoe.
  • Cushioning: Trail running shoes come in a variety of cushioning levels. If you have sensitive feet or you’re prone to injuries, you’ll want a shoe with more cushioning. But if you’re looking for a more responsive shoe, you can get away with a less cushioned shoe.
  • Support: Trail running shoes also come in a variety of support levels. If you have high arches or you’re prone to overpronation, you’ll need a shoe with more support. But if you have flat feet or you’re not prone to overpronation, you can get away with a less supportive shoe.
  • Weight: Trail running shoes can range in weight from around 8 ounces to over 12 ounces. If you’re looking for a lightweight shoe, you’ll have to sacrifice some cushioning and support. But if you’re looking for a shoe that can handle technical terrain, you’ll need a heavier and more durable shoe.
  • Price: Trail running shoes can range in price from around $100 to $200. It’s important to find a pair that fits your budget and your needs.

Top tips for choosing the best trail running shoes:

  • Try on a few different pairs: The best way to find the best trail running shoes for you is to try on a few different pairs and see what feels the best.
  • Consider your budget: Trail running shoes can range in price from around $100 to $200. It’s important to find a pair that fits your budget and your needs.
  • Read reviews: Reading reviews from other trail runners can help you narrow down your choices and find the best pair of shoes for you.
  • Consider the type of terrain you’ll be running on: The type of terrain you’ll be running on will affect the type of trail running shoe you need.
  • Consider your personal preferences: Some trail runners prefer a lightweight shoe with less cushion

The best trail shoes for women listed above won’t be suited to everyone but help you make a more informed decision about those are that widely reviewed and regarded by top athletes and reviewers.