1. Salomon XR Trail Running Shoe For Women
2. Salomon Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoe For Women
3. New Balance WT410v5 Cushioning Trail Running Shoe For Women
4. Adidas Women’s Rockadia W Trail Runner
5. Merrell Women’s Glove 4 Trail Runner
6. Saucony Grid Excursion TR12 Women’s
7. Altra AFW1855F Women’s Lone Peak 4.0 Trail Running Shoe
8. Adidas Women’s Terrex Tracerocker W Trail Running Shoe
9. Adidas Women’s Terrex Agravic Speed Shoe
10. Saucony Peregrine 8 Women’s
11. Nike Women’s Air Zoom Wildhorse 4 Trail Running Shoe
Trail Running Shoe For Women Buying Guide & FAQ
When it comes to performance, the majority of running shoes featured in our review are all pretty on par. The major differences are largely down to style and budget as opposed to functionality and fit. For us, it was pretty difficult to find a front runner, although our choice may not be the best looking pair of shoes, they offer all the features and innovation that will take you a long way. That being said, the Salomon XR’s only just took the top spot, with a number of the other options giving them a serious run for their money. There are plenty of options to suit all tastes and budgets, all without compromising on performance so that you can look great and feel great before, during and after your run.
How We Chose Our Selection Of Trail Running Shoes For Women
As always, even though we think we’ve done a pretty good job of picking out the best options on the market right now, we always like to let you know how we made our choice so you can decide for yourself. When it comes to trail running shoes, there are a number of brands that dominate the market, so this was one of our major considerations. However, we know there’s a lot more to it than the brand when it comes to finding the perfect pair of shoes, so we narrowed down our choices based on features, price points and user reviews to bring you the best insight into the endless options on today's market.
Features To Look For In Trail Running Shoes For Women
As mentioned, the features are a key player when it comes to selecting the best trail running shoes that will serve you well for a long time, and there is a whole lot that you need to consider. After all, if you’re heading out for a six-mile run three times a week, you ought to be pretty particular about what you’re putting on your feet to not only ensure you’re comfortable but to navigate the trails safely.
Grip - When you’re taking on rocky, muddy, sometimes slippery trails, the grip on your shoes is very important. The tread/grip on your shoes what differentiates trail running shoes from road running shoes.
Typically, the deeper the cleats on the outsole, and the wider-spaced they are, the better traction a shoe will give you, similar to cross country spikes.
If you plan to head out for runs on a lot of muddy trails, the stronger the grip, the better. However, it is advisable to opt for a tread that’s less than 6mm in height as they can be uncomfortable to run with on firmer terrains. If you are planning to head out on rocky, gravel trails that are harder, an ideal grip is between 2-4mm to optimum comfort.
Comfort - It kind of goes without saying that comfort is key when it comes to finding the perfect running shoes for you, particularly if you’re wearing them a lot. Of course, if your shoes are a little uncomfortable, you can try out different insoles to help, but we think that comfort isn’t something you want to compromise on.
The phrase ‘one size fits all’ most definitely doesn’t apply to running shoes, it can be a case of trial and error with a number of brands running large or small. Some brands like Saucony have developed shoes that are tailored to the fit of a women’s fit, with most leading brands offering additional support and cushioning in a bid to create a comfortable and supportive shoe.
With cushioning, the ideal amount can depend on your preference of trails. You might find that more cushioning is best suited to you if you plan to run on hard-packed trails and tarmacs for long distances. Whereas if you want a shoe that is good for soft, smooth trails and short distances, slightly less cushioning can offer a slightly more nimble, close to the ground feel. For runners that struggle with joint pain, a heavily cushioned shoe is likely your best bet as they can reduce impact.
Size - When narrowing down choices, size is also a deciding factor. If you find it difficult to find the perfect fit, you’ll want to choose a style that runs in half sizes. Although most brands size this way as standard, some don’t. If your runners don’t fit properly, you won’t get the support that you really need to take on the trails, so rather than getting a size that isn’t quite right and wearing them in or popping in a cushioned pad, it’s best to get it right from the offset.
Weight - No one wants to be wearing a pair of clunky running shoes, no matter how comfortable they are. When shopping around, it’s important that you consider the weight of a shoe as this can have a significant impact on the dynamic and flexibility that you’ll require as you set out on a lengthy run.
Stability - When you’re taking on rocky, steep and muddy trails that can often be a little difficult to navigate, stability from your running shoes is essential to avoid injury. Thankfully, A lot of running shoes in today's market are reinforced with additional layers and supports that provide a little extra support that will have you enjoying scenic trails with no fear.
Waterproof - Mother nature can be a little unpredictable, so even if you head out in the sunshine, there’s a chance you might be returning with muddy shoes if you’re caught in the rain. However, waterproof trainers can often lack breathability, something which you will most definitely be glad of in warmer climates. So, when you’re picking out your running shoes, take the time to consider whether or not a waterproof option is best suited to the conditions you plan to head out in.
Breathability - As mentioned above, breathability is important when it comes to trail running. Even if you don’t live in a warmer climate, after a few miles your feet will inevitably get hot and sweaty. The majority of the running shoes offer a hybrid of breathable mesh and reinforced textiles for a combination of comfort and support, but it’s just another feature to be mindful of.
Toe Protection - When you’re out running long distances your toes can often be the source of any pains as they fall victim to blisters. Although most running shoes come complete with an added layer of rubber protection on the toes, a number of styles also come with extra cushioning to support your toes. If you opt for a pair of running shoes that aren’t so kind to your toes, you can always buy inserts, however, if you struggle with blisters and corns, it’s worth noting that this is a feature you should look for.
Rock Plates - As you know, trail running isn’t always plain sailing, that’s why some trail running shoes come complete with a rock plate or nylon shank that’s built into the midsole in order to protect your foot against any potential rock bruising. If you plan on heading out on rocky or gravel trails that are slightly more technical, it’s worth looking for a shoe with this kind of protection. However, it’s worth noting that this kind of feature will add unnecessary weight to your shoe if you tend to run on soft, smooth trails. Although it’s not a huge added weight, if it’s not essential, it’s better to go without those extra few ounces.
Lacing System - There’s nothing worse than finding your rhythm as you hit up a trail to find yourself tripping over your shoelaces. Of course, if your laces aren’t the best, you can easily swap them out for another pair, but there are some running shoes that come complete with Flywire cables or reinforced laces to make your life easier.
Heel-to-Toe Drop - Heel-to-toe drops were not a consideration in mainstream running shoes just a matter of years ago, but as innovation improves this feature, which is sometimes is referred to as the drop has become more important. The heel-to-toe drop refers to how many extra millimeters of cushioning are in the heel versus to the toes. Typically, a drop is usually around 10mm-12mm which is ample cushioning for runners that tend to heel strike, for runners that prefer a midfoot strike should opt for a lower drop. It’s worth being aware of the fact that the lower the drop, the harder your Achilles will have to work, especially when running uphill.
Now that we’ve covered all of the features that you should look for in the perfect pair of trail running shoes, it’s about time we answered those burning questions so that you can enjoy browsing armed with all the information you need to know!
Trail Running Shoe For Women FAQ
Q: What is the difference between trail running shoes and running shoes?
A: The main difference between trail running shoes and standard/road running shoes is the traction on the sole. Trail running shoes are designed with deeper ridges for a bigger surface area to add more traction than a standard sole would. Because of the makeup of the soles of trail running shoes, it means they can be uncomfortable if you wear them on flat or hard surfaces regularly, so it’s important that you make this decision beforehand. Trail runners typically have a lower offset, and the heel to toe drop is shorted so the shoe is relatively flatter, offering a much more stable platform to run on.
Q: Is it OK to use trail running shoes on the road?
A: As mentioned above, it can be uncomfortable to wear trail running shoes on a road. At the end of the day, it’s down to personal preference, but it’s not advised. If you have a read over the key features to look for when buying the perfect shoe, you’ll find that you can get a hybrid option, although you need to be mindful of the heel-to-toe drop, the outsole and the cushioning in the shoe of your choice. If you know that you’ll be using your shoes for trail running, it is most definitely favorable to invest in a pair that are designed specifically for that so that you can reap the benefits.
Q: Why are trail running shoes generally not waterproof?
A: If you’re hitting up your local trails for a lengthy hike, the first feature you’ll likely be in search of is waterproofing, however, this isn’t the case when it comes to trail running shoes. The majority of the running shoes on the market today are designed to be waterproof at best. There are waterproof options available, but only if you’re prepared to sacrifice breathability, weight, and flexibility in return. With these being three of the key factors that make up the performance of your shoes, it’s probably best to settle for water resistance.
Q: What is a rock plate?
A: A rock plate is a flexible piece of plastic that sits across the forefoot/midsole part of your running shoes to protect your feet. The strategically placed feature is designed to protect your feet from rocks and stones on the ground for a more comfortable and balanced run to assist in avoiding injury.
There you have it, everything and anything you could possibly need to know about women’s trail running shoes along with our top picks on the market right now. As always, we do the research so that you can go off and shop for the very best options with the peace of mind that you can make an informed decision before parting with your hard-earned dollars. Once you’ve done the difficult part of choosing the right shoes, you can head out and do what you enjoy (/endure) most. Happy trail running!
