The Best Trail Running Shoes for Women in 2026

The Quick & Dirty: Max cushion meets real mountain control with a locked-in fit and dependable grip, though you should know the upper runs a touch snug and isn’t especially airy.

The Hoka Speedgoat 7 ($165) marks a strong return to what made this shoe such a favorite in the first place. It combines the deep cushioning and trail protection the line is known for with a more secure upper and a ride that feels more energetic than the last version. On long runs, we appreciate that balance. The shoe stays protective and comfortable for hours on trail, but it also feels more responsive and more capable when the terrain turns rocky, loose, steep, or awkward.

The Vibram Megagrip outsole remains a major strength, delivering dependable traction across wet ground, loose dirt, and rocky sections, while the updated upper does a much better job of locking the foot in place on technical terrain. That added foothold is a real improvement, though it also seems to come with a slightly less airy feel through the upper. Hoka also added gaiter integration, which is a nice bonus for runners who deal with dust, grit, or small trail debris on dry or loose terrain.

We also found the fit a little snugger than previous versions, and some runners may want to consider going up a half size, especially if they were already between sizes in earlier Speedgoats. Ultimately, this shoe is an ideal match for trail runners seeking a cushioned, do-it-all option for daily mountain miles, ultra training, and long race days. It is the definitive pick for those who prioritize secure footing and all-around versatility over an ultra-plush, roomy fit.

The Quick & Dirty: For runners who want a simple, low-cost entry into trail running, the Trail Scout 3 covers basic dirt miles and mellow terrain well, but it is not the shoe we’d grab for big vertical or high-mileage weeks.

At $65, the Asics Trail Scout 3 is hard to beat. It is an affordable option for those looking to expand from road running to trails. The most notable update from the Trail Scout 2 is the updated midsole to the JOLT 4. It lightens the shoe and keeps the foot more supported.

The second significant update is the addition of the webbing eyelets in the middle of the lace bed. These eyelets allow the laces to be pulled more securely, and the new flat lace design is more comfortable without adding pressure to the top of the foot.

The upper is made with abrasion-resistant mesh, making it tough but not super breathable. However, it did shed water without absorbing it. It also uses synthetic leather as a toe cap for added protection, and the shoe is vegan-friendly. The tongue is plenty cushioned but isn’t attached at the sides, so make sure you have it placed where you want it when you lace up.

The heel cup is comfortable and locks down well, and the toebox is wide enough for some wiggle room without getting sloppy. The outsole and lugs are made with a thicker rubber, making them rigid but very durable.

While this isn’t the most plush shoe to run in, it is a great, affordable option if you aren’t looking for all the bells and whistles of a high-dollar trail running shoe.

The Quick & Dirty: Plush, smooth, and surprisingly capable for such a highly cushioned shoe, the Xodus Ultra 4 shines on all-day outings where comfort matters most, though it can feel like a bit much for quick, nimble efforts.

The women’s Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 ($170) is one of the most confidence-inspiring trail shoes I’ve worn. Compared to the Ultra 3, it carries a bit more weight, but that’s because Saucony added even more of its plush PWRRUN PB foam underfoot. The result is a shoe that feels noticeably softer and bouncier while still wrapped in a firmer chassis for durability and protection.

On long runs, my feet felt fresh and supported, and despite the extra cushion, the shoe never felt slow or heavy underfoot. The dual-density midsole kept my stride reasonably lively, while the “bathtub” construction (the midsole gently cradles up and around the foot) adds stability on uneven terrain, even when I was trotting my way down a rock-covered slope outside of Aspen.

The Vibram Megagrip outsole is a huge upgrade for me since Megagrip is arguably the gold standard for traction. Whether I was hiking up slick, gritty sandstone in Western Colorado or navigating muddy steeps in the San Juan Range, the traction was incredibly reliable. Bonus: You get a dash of versatility. Sure, the Xodus Ultra 4 is built for long hauls, but I’ve also been using it as a daily driver and a hiker without hesitation. For most trail runners, the Xodus Ultra 4 is a safe and dependable workhorse of a pick.

The Quick & Dirty: When you want one shoe to handle changing terrain and steady training without much fuss, the Cascadia 19 is an easy pick thanks to its balanced ride, reliable stability, and no-drama feel.

The Brooks Cascadia 19 ($150) is one of the most comfortable trail shoes I’ve tested this year, and a major step forward from the clunkier Cascadias of old. With a 6 mm drop (down from 8 mm) and a leaner weight, the ride feels nimble and responsive without sacrificing the protection that made this line a favorite among mountain runners. Bottom line: These now feel more like running shoes than hiking shoes.

The traction is standout. The TrailTack Green outsole delivers a grip so tacky that it feels like it could rival Vibram Megagrip (Yes, those are fighting words, but I stand by them!), biting into loose dirt, rock, and steep grades with ease. A flexible rock plate keeps sharp, jagged terrain from poking through, and the midsole cushioning hits a sweet spot of comfort without feeling overbuilt.

I took the Cascadia trail runners on an 11-mile, 4,500-foot climb up the tallest 14er in Colorado, and they were so comfortable I never took them off during the long car ride home. The new laces are a little thin, but paired with the plush padded tongue, they’re never a bother (although I think the tongue borders on too padded). Still, the tradeoff is worth it. The Cascadia 19 may not be the “tank” the 18 was, but they’re lighter, nimbler, and a walk-off home run for me.

The Quick & Dirty: If your runs regularly mix pavement, gravel, and smooth singletrack, the fast and light Pulsar is ready to move. Just don’t expect the heavy-duty protection needed for rough backcountry terrain.

The latest iteration of the Salomon Pulsar ($140) launched on September 1, 2025, and it feels like the right shoe at the right time. With so many max-cushioned trail behemoths dominating this year, the Pulsar takes a different approach. Its 29 mm heel stack and 6 mm drop help the ride feel noticeably more connected.

Translation: You’ll get more ground feel here than with most other max-cushioned trail runners from this season. That makes it a great choice for runners who don’t want to be completely insulated from the trail. It’s also a versatile road-to-trail pick. I used these kicks to cruise pavement to the trailhead and on mellow dirt, gravel, or packed singletrack.

The upper and fit are dialed: an internal sock sleeve with Salomon’s Quicklace system creates a snug, locked-in ride without pressure points. The shoe runs true to size, and its lighter build keeps strides feeling relatively snappy. Underfoot, 4 mm lugs on the Contagrip hit the sweet spot: grippy enough for mixed terrain, but shallow enough to stay smooth on asphalt. Tradeoff: You don’t get the bombproof tackiness of Vibram Megagrip. But then again, you aren’t paying for it, either.

Neutral in feel and priced at just $140, the Pulsar Trail nails the road-to-trail category; a lightweight, affordable option for runners who want one shoe to take them (almost) anywhere for fast and relatively short workouts.

The Quick & Dirty: Built for runners who like to move quickly and precisely, the Kjerag 2.0 keeps weight impressively low without feeling flimsy, but its stripped-down vibe will appeal more to efficient racers than those chasing max comfort.

The Nnormal Kjerag 2.0 ($195) is built for speed. Lightweight and precise, this shoe feels like it was designed for runners who want to move quickly over technical ground without any wasted effort. You don’t get a rock plate; instead, you get direct terrain feedback as you cruise on by.

What really sets the Kjerag 2.0 apart, however, is durability. I tested these on a burly, off-trail mission in Colorado’s Holy Cross Wilderness that climbed 3,000 vertical feet and included bushwhacking through a downed forest, talus hopping, and scree scrambling in the high alpine (and absolutely freaking out when I ran into a bear!) Despite that day of pure abuse, the Kjerags escaped unscathed, with nary a loose thread to show for it. I credit the bombproof upper, woven from individually coated synthetic and Kevlar fibers. For a shoe this light and fast, it’s rare to be so indestructible.

There are some tradeoffs, though. The unisex sizing means women should size down 1.5 from their usual (give or take). Also, the long, narrow feet combined with no padding or insole mean beginner runners likely want to look elsewhere because these are certainly not a plush shoe. But for experienced runners who want a fast, durable shoe to run over and through mountains, the Kjerag 2.0 is a great choice.

The Quick & Dirty: With a wider platform, softer ride, and much-improved traction, the Cloudultra 3 finally feels like a complete trail shoe for those wanting max cushion. Just keep in mind the fit still favors narrower feet.

The On Cloudultra 3 ($190) is one of the brand’s strongest trail offerings to date, with legitimate updates that make this latest version more versatile and enjoyable. The first thing I noticed was the wider platform. When combined with the rocker profile, I felt like I could efficiently cruise through bumpy terrain without any lateral stability concerns.

On also swapped in a new dual-density Helion HF Hyperfoam midsole, which runs noticeably softer than the last iteration. It feels forgiving, but not mushy; you don’t sink through and crunch the ground beneath your feet, which makes it a nice balance for daily trail miles.

Traction is another upgrade. The overhauled outsole has a new lug pattern and is grippier than past Cloudultras, largely rectifying a big gripe about these shoes. It’s still not on the same level as Vibram Megagrip or even Brooks TrailTack Green rubber, but it was reliable on downhills with only the occasional slide out. And, good news: These outsoles definitely don’t gather rocks like early On shoes.

Fit remains the lone caveat. The midfoot is still on the narrow side, although it is much improved (read: widened) from V2. Runners with narrow or regular-narrow feet will feel right at home with the Cloudultras, which are an excellent option for a stable, max-cushioned running shoe.

The Quick & Dirty: We reach for the Mafate 5 when comfort comes first; it delivers an impressively smooth, grippy ride for long miles, though its roomier fit makes it feel slightly less precise than past versions.

The Hoka Mafate 5 ($185) delivers plush protection in a way that feels like a whole new shoe compared to its predecessors. A dual-density midsole combines soft cushioning with firmer support, while Hoka’s Rocker Integrity Technology (basically a curved TPU plate inside the midsole) reinforces the rocker shape. The result is a run that feels smoother and more efficient over long miles, with just a hint of snap propelling each step forward.

Matched with the Vibram Megagrip outsole (my favorite!), the Mafates are sticky on climbs, descents, and rocky terrain. It’s easily one of the most all-around comfortable trail shoes I tested this season, and I find myself reaching for it when I simply don’t want to think about a footwear choice.

That comfort comes with tradeoffs. The midfoot feels much looser than before; this is the widest Hoka I’ve ever worn. I personally don’t have a problem with that and welcome the extra space on my hobbit feet, but others may find it sloppy on technical trails. Other changes: The drop has jumped to 8 mm (from 4 mm in the Mafate Speed 4), and the shoe gained some weight. You won’t even find the word “Speed” in the name anymore.

So yes, the Mafate 5 is a different shoe than earlier versions, and that shift may alienate loyalists. But judged on its own, I think it’s an impressively comfortable, grippy option for racking up rugged miles.

The Quick & Dirty: Tough enough for rough miles but agile enough to keep things fun, the Genesis blends durability and dependable traction in a package that works just as well for long runs as it does for big hiking days.

The Salomon Genesis ($170) has quickly earned a reputation as one of the toughest trail shoes out there — and it’s no coincidence that ultra legend Courtney Dauwalter trusts them for big miles. Built with a Kevlar-reinforced synthetic upper, the Genesis brushes off abrasion, roots, and rocks without showing wear. They’re burly and protective, but not clunky. There’s still a surprising amount of agility and responsiveness, especially for a shoe this durable.

Underfoot, Energy Foam (a blend of EVA and olefin) cushioning strikes a nice balance between comfort and responsiveness, while the Contagrip outsole bites reliably on everything from gravel to rocky scrambles. I’ve loved them not just for long trail runs, but also for big days of hiking, where the stability and protection shine. Tradeoff: There isn’t a ton of ground feel thanks to the 33 mm of cushion beneath the heel, but I can live with that.

The Quick & Dirty: Keeping the roomy toe box and zero-drop feel fans love, the 9+ adds a vastly better outsole, making it a much more confident pick for loose and steep terrain, even if it still leans more steady than speedy.

The Altra Lone Peak 9+ ($155) takes everything fans love about the iconic Lone Peak and gives it a traction upgrade. Compared to the standard Lone Peak 9 ($140) that uses Altra’s proprietary MaxTrac rubber, the 9+ has a Vibram Megagrip outsole that provides far more confidence on steep or loose terrain (And yes, that’s because Megagrip is my favorite). On a two-day backpacking trip in Colorado’s Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness, the roomy toebox kept my feet comfortable even after long miles, and the Vibram outsole crushed it while descending a thousand-foot, scree-covered pass.

Altra also slightly tweaked the EGO midsole, aiming for more responsiveness and durability while keeping the time-honored zero-drop feel. Personally, I liked them better for hiking than running since they’re stable and protective, but not exceedingly peppy. But, if you’re a diehard Lone Peak fan, the 9+ feels like the natural evolution.

The Quick & Dirty: Serving up generous forefoot room without sacrificing cushion, the Ultraventure 4 is a reliable long-distance companion that excels on moderate, dry trails rather than truly technical or muddy ones.

The Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 ($150) keeps the wide toebox, low heel drop, and cushioned midsole that made the series so popular, making it our top pick for runners who need extra forefoot space. The updated recycled mesh upper and overlays improve security and debris protection without feeling sloppy, while the redesigned heel cup locks the foot in place.

Underfoot, the ZipFoam midsole has been tweaked for a slightly bouncier ride that shines on long runs, helping reduce foot fatigue. The Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole remains unchanged, offering reliable traction on most terrain, though it lacks the bite for truly technical or muddy conditions.

Without a rock plate, the Ultraventure 4 still feels protective and comfortable, excelling as a versatile, long-distance shoe for runners with medium to wide feet.

The Quick & Dirty: Big cushion, a smoother rocker, and a highly breathable upper make the Caldera a strong choice for demanding trail days, especially if you want stability without a harsh or overly stiff ride.

The updated Brooks Caldera 8 ($150) builds on the success of the 6 with smart updates that improve fit, breathability, and performance. A new lacing system with external cages allows for more customizable lockdown, while added flex grooves in the outsole smooth out rough terrain and stabilize landings. Brooks also reworked the lug design to mimic mountain goat hooves, allowing the inside and outside edges to move independently for better grip on technical ground.

A standout change is the TPEE air mesh upper, which is far more breathable and durable than the previous version, keeping feet cooler and better protected. The 7 retains its efficient rocker design and 6 mm drop for smoother forward motion, with a slightly wider fit than before. Style may still be subjective, but performance-wise, the Caldera 7 shines on long, demanding runs.

The Quick & Dirty: Minimalist runners seeking a close-to-the-ground feel at a reasonable price will find a lot to like here, but the narrow fit and barefoot-style ride require strong feet and a careful transition.

Runners who love the bare minimum at an approachable price point will rejoice at the Merrell Trail Glove 7 ($120). The lightest shoe on our list, weighing in at 14.4 ounces, gives you only what you need to run far and fast on flat surfaces with no unnecessary bells and whistles to weigh you down.

And, similarly to running barefoot, its zero drop, coupled with Merrell’s Barefoot 2 construction, keeps your foot in a natural position.

These shoes are made to hug the shape of your foot and imitate running barefoot, so those with wide feet or who prefer a wide toebox should look elsewhere. These are certainly made for narrow feet. If you’re newer to trail running or even if you’re new to a zero-drop shoe, be sure to warm up and adjust to these with some shorter runs.

Even though these shoes have a minimal design, we appreciate the 2.5 mm lugs and their durability, particularly considering that they are the least expensive option on our list at a mere $120.