These Are The Best Trail Running Shoes For Women

Right now, my social distancing runs are one of the few things keeping me sane. And I'm feeling especially grateful for trail running. For one, trails are way less crowded than city sidewalks, making it easier to stay the recommended six feet apart amid the coronavirus pandemic. But there's also something uniquely restorative about being out in nature — a peacefulness that acts as an especially effective counterbalance to the current stress.

What I've quickly learned about trail running, though, is that you have to have the right shoes. My current sneakers are amazing on the pavement I usually run on. But uneven, sometimes muddy terrain requires a sturdier, grippier footwear, ideally with some ankle support.

So I went looking for the best trail running sneakers on the market. Some of these picks might feel a little bulky for a city jog, but they're just right when you're taking your runs off road.

Salomon Sense Ride 2

Why we love them: I know the "quicklace" drawstring laces are meant to be primarily functional, but they're also just fun to use — and deliver surprisingly comfortable support.

Salomon SENSE RIDE 2 W, $, available at Salomon

Brooks Caldera 3

Why we love them: They're lightweight for a trail runner, and this particular version is made with the brand's new "TrailTack" rubber sole, which gives you great traction on wet or dry trails.

Brooks Caldera 3, $, available at Brooks

New Balance Summit Unknown GTX

Why we love them: Don't let the trendy ombre sole fool you. The lugs on the bottom offer unmatched grip to keep you steady on uneven paths. Plus, they're waterproof.

New Balance Summit Unknown GTX, $, available at New Balance

Merrell Women's MQM Ace

Why we love them: The brand cut its teeth making high-performance hiking boots, which means it knows how to engineer a shoe that handles terrain like none other. This sneaker gives support and protection without weighing you down.

Merrell Women's MQM Ace, $, available at Merrell

Adidas Rockadia Trail 3

Why we love them: These have plush cushioning that'll pamper your feet while you're in the wild.

Adidas ROCKADIA TRAIL 3 SHOES, $, available at Adidas

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail

Why we love them: They look, dare we say... trendy? But they deliver in terms of performance too, with lugs for traction and a wonderfully breathable upper.


Nike Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail, $, available at Nike

from refinery29