10 Best Womens Trail Running Shoes 2025 in the United States

The ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 9 Running Shoes are a solid choice for women who enjoy trail running. With a breathable mesh upper, these shoes ensure comfort during long runs, helping to keep your feet cool. The Rearfoot GEL technology is particularly beneficial for impact absorption, which is great for uneven terrain, while AMPLIFOAM provides an extra layer of cushioning for those longer distances. The trail-specific outsole pattern offers reliable traction, making it easier to navigate various surfaces with confidence.

The shoe weighs about 1.44 pounds, which may feel a bit heavier compared to more minimalist options available for trail running enthusiasts. If you prioritize a lightweight shoe for agility, this might not be the best fit. Additionally, while the shoes offer decent support and stability, those with specific foot issues may want to consider additional orthotic insoles for custom support.

In terms of durability, the combination of nylon and synthetic rubber is generally sturdy, but frequent exposure to harsh conditions may wear it down faster than some higher-end models. The shoes are also not explicitly marketed as waterproof, so if you frequently encounter wet terrain, this might be a limitation.

These shoes are well-suited for casual trail runners looking for comfort and good traction on varied surfaces. They're environmentally friendly due to a reduced water usage dye process, which is a nice bonus. If you’re serious about trail running and seek something ultra-light or specifically waterproof, you may want to explore other options.

The ASICS Women's Gel-Excite Trail 2 Running Shoes in Dusty Mauve/DEEP Mauve offer several compelling features for trail runners. The durable and breathable no-sew mesh upper ensures a comfortable fit while keeping your feet well-ventilated during runs. The AMPLIFOAM PLUS cushioning enhances flexibility and durability, which is beneficial for handling the varied terrains you might encounter on trails.

The Rearfoot GEL technology adds to the comfort by improving impact absorption, making each footstrike softer and reducing stress on your joints. Additionally, the OrthoLite sockliner provides a plush step-in feel, contributing to comfort. The trail-specific outsole is designed to offer better grip on off-road surfaces, enhancing traction and stability, which is crucial for trail running.

These shoes weigh 1.5 pounds, which is moderately lightweight, helping to reduce fatigue over long distances. These shoes are a good option for trail runners seeking comfort, cushioning, and traction.

The Saucony Women's Excursion TR14 Trail Running Shoe in Charcoal/Coral, size 8, offers several notable strengths for trail runners. The shoe features grippy lugs on the outsole made with carbon rubber, providing excellent traction on various terrains, which is crucial for maintaining solid footings during runs. The moderate stack VERSARUN cushioning enhances underfoot comfort, making it suitable for long-distance runs without causing discomfort.

Additionally, the trail-specific mesh with supportive overlays secures the foot in place, protecting from debris while maintaining a lightweight and non-bulky feel, which adds to the comfort and fit of the shoe. While the shoe offers good cushioning and traction, the level of support and stability might not be sufficient for runners who require extra arch support or have specific stability needs. Durability is bolstered by the carbon rubber outsole, but the mesh material may wear out faster with frequent and intense use.

Water resistance is not specifically mentioned, so these shoes might not be ideal for very wet or muddy conditions. The weight of the shoe appears to be moderate, which is a plus, as it won't weigh down the runner excessively. In conclusion, the Saucony Women's Excursion TR14 is a strong contender for trail runners looking for comfort, good traction, and lightweight design, though those needing extra support or water resistance may need to consider other options.