If you’re a woman who loves to run outside, then you know that trail running shoes are a must-have. And if you’re in the market for a new pair of shoes, then you’re in luck. In this blog post, we will be discussing the best trail running shoes for women in 2022. We will be dividing them into six categories: best overall, best for long distance, best for technical terrain, best for sloppy surfaces, best lightweight shoe, and best minimalist shoe. So whether you’re looking for a new pair of shoes to take on your next marathon or just want something to help you navigate through those pesky trails, we’ve got you covered!
What Are The 6 Best Trail Running Shoes For Women of 2022?
Here is my list of the best women’s trail running shoes:
- best overall: Saucony Peregrine 12
- best for long distance: Hoka Torrent 2 – Women’s
- best for technical terrain: Dynafit Feline SL – Women’s
- best for sloppy surfaces: Brooks Catamount Trail Runner Shoes
- best lightweight: New Balance FuelCell Prism v2
- best minimalist: Merrell Vapor Glove 5
Best Overall Trail Running Shoes
Reasons to Buy:
- The Saucony Peregrine 12 has a great design that is perfect for any foot size and shape.
- It also offers a very comfortable and secure fit thanks to the lacing system.
- The outsole of this comfortable shoe is made from high-quality rubber that provides a good grip and solid traction.
- The midsole is made from EVA foam which is very comfortable and provides good shock absorption.
- This shoe is also very breathable thanks to the mesh upper.
Reasons to Avoid:
- The Saucony Peregrine 12 is not a very durable shoe and it may not last long if you use it on a regular basis.
- It is also not a very good choice for people with wide feet.
We’ve tested a lot of trail running shoes, and the #1 goes to Saucony Peregrine 12! It has a comfortable fit and feel, great traction, and is durable enough to handle any terrain.
The Peregrine 12 also has a good amount of cushioning, making it a great choice for long-distance runs.
However, the Peregrine 12 is not a good choice for technical terrain or sloppy surfaces, as it does not have enough grip or support.
But for general trail running, the Saucony Peregrine 12 is a great option. This shoe is priced at $129.99.
Summary: Saucony Peregrine 12
- It has a great design and a lot of traction.
- It also has a lot of cushioning that makes it perfect for technical terrain.
- Additionally, the Saucony Peregrine 12 is also great for sloppy surfaces.
- However, the only downside of this shoe is that it is a bit heavy.
Best Trail Running Shoes For Long Distance Runs
Reasons to Buy:
- Hoka shoes are known for their signature oversized midsoles, which deliver a comfortable, cushioned ride.
- The Torrent is a versatile trail shoe that can handle a variety of terrain, from packed dirt to muddy trails.
- This shoe has an aggressively lugged outsole that provides good traction and grip on slippery surfaces.
- The shoe is also lightweight and breathable, making it a good choice for hot weather runs.
- The Torrent has a wide toe box, which is ideal for runners with wider feet.
- The shoe also comes in a wide range of colors and styles, so you can find the perfect pair to suit your taste.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Hoka shoes tend to be on the expensive side.
- The Torrent is not a good choice for runners who prefer a more minimalist shoe.
In terms of long-distance runs, the Hoka Torrent 2 – Women’s clearly wins!
It has a cushioned sole that makes it comfortable to run on for long periods of time, and it also has a water-resistant upper that helps keep your feet comfortable and dry in wet conditions.
The Torrent is also lightweight and has a low profile, making it a great choice for runners who want a shoe that won’t weigh them down or cause them to trip on uneven terrain.
This shoe is retailed at $129.95.
Summary: Hoka Torrent 2 - Women's
- It has a cushioned sole that makes it comfortable to run in and a water-resistant upper that keeps your feet comfortable and dry.
- The Torrent is lightweight and has a minimalist design that makes it great for running on technical terrain.
- It also has a wide toe box that gives you plenty of room to move your toes around.
- The Torrent is available in women’s sizes five to eleven and comes in two colors: black and white.
Best Women's Trail Running Shoes For Technical Terrain
Reasons to Buy:
- The best thing about the Dynafit Feline SL – Women’s is that it is a very versatile shoe. It can be used for a variety of different activities, including trail running, hiking, and even light backpacking.
- Another great thing about the Dynafit Feline SL – Women’s is that it is very comfortable.
- The shoe has a lot of cushioning and support, which makes it ideal for long-distance running.
- The Dynafit Feline SL – Women’s is also a very durable shoe. It is made with high-quality materials and construction, which makes it able to withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Reasons to Avoid:
- The shoe does not have a lot of drainages, so it can be difficult to run in very muddy or wet conditions.
For technical terrain, we highly recommend the Dynafit Feline SL – Women’s!
The aggressive lugs on the outsole provide excellent traction on slippery and uneven surfaces, while the lightweight construction ensures a comfortable and responsive ride.
The Feline SL also features a reinforced toe box and a durable upper, making it ideal for technical trails. It is priced at $129.99.
Summary: Dynafit Feline SL - Women's
- It is lightweight and has a low profile, making it great for technical terrain.
- It is also well-cushioned and has a good grip, making it ideal for long distances.
- However, it is not the best choice for sloppy surfaces.
Best Trail Running Shoes For Sloppy Surfaces
Reasons to Buy:
- Underfoot protection from roots and rocks
- Good grip on technical terrain
- Comfortable and breathable upper
- Lightweight
- Responsive
- Sleek design
Reasons to Avoid:
- No reasons
The best trail runners for sloppy surfaces have to be the Brooks Catamount Trail Running Shoes.
They have an aggressive outsole lug pattern that helps you maintain traction on wet and muddy surfaces.
They also have a water-resistant upper that helps keep your feet comfortable and dry when you’re running through puddles or wet grass.
And last but not least, they have a cushioned midsole that provides comfort and support on long runs. The price tag of these shoes is $159.99.
Summary: Brooks Catamount Trail Shoe
- The Brooks Catamount is a great shoe for sloppy surfaces
- It offers good traction and stability, while still being lightweight and comfortable.
- The Catamount is a great choice for any woman looking for a versatile running shoe that can handle any terrain.
Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoes
Reasons to Buy:
- The New Balance FuelCell Prism v is a great running shoe for women who want a shoe that is lightweight, has great cushioning and is perfect for long-distance runs.
- The shoe has a very comfortable fit and is true to size.
- The New Balance FuelCell Prism v has a breathable mesh upper that helps keep your feet cool and dry.
- The midsole of the shoe is very responsive and provides excellent energy return.
- The outsole of the shoe is very durable and provides good traction on all surfaces.
Reasons to Avoid:
- The New Balance FuelCell Prism v is a bit pricey.
- The shoe does not have a lot of arch support.
The New Balance FuelCell Prism v² is a lightweight trail running shoe that offers best-in-class performance.
It has a full-length FuelCell midsole that provides maximum energy return, and a new outsole design that offers better traction and stability on technical terrain.
The upper is made of a lightweight, breathable mesh that helps keep your feet cool and dry.
The FuelCell Prism v² is a great choice for runners who want a lightweight, responsive shoe that can handle any type of terrain (from soft terrain to rough trails). These shoes cost $129.95.
Summary: New Balance FuelCell Prism v2
- This versatile sneaker can handle any type of terrain, whether it be long distance or technical.
- The FuelCell Prism v has a bouncy and responsive foam that provides excellent cushioning and energy return.
- It also has a comfortable fit with a snug heel and a roomy toe box.
- The only downside to this shoe is that it is not as durable as some of the other options on this list.
Best Minimalist Trail Running Shoes
Reasons to Buy:
- It is perfect for long-distance and technical terrain. The shoe is also lightweight and minimalist.
- The shoe has a lot of cushioning and is very comfortable. It also has a great grip and is perfect for sloppy surfaces.
- The shoe is also very affordable and is a great value for the money.
Reasons to Avoid:
- The women’s trail running shoe is not very durable and may not last long.
The title of best minimalist trail shoe goes to Merrell Vapor Glove 5!
It’s incredibly light and breathable, making it perfect for hot summer days.
The zero-drop design promotes a natural stride and the Vibram sole provides great traction on all surfaces.
The only downside is that there’s not a lot of cushioning, so it’s not the best choice for long runs or if you have sensitive feet.
But if you’re looking for a fast, lightweight zero drop shoe for shorter runs or races, the Merrell Vapor Glove is a great option. These zero-drop shoes are priced at $89.99.
Summary: Merrell Vapor Glove 5
- The Merrell Vapor Glove is a versatile trail running shoe that can handle a variety of terrain types.
- The shoe has a minimalist design, which makes it lightweight and comfortable to wear.
- This shoe has a good amount of cushioning, making it ideal for long-distance runs.
- It has a grippy outsole, making it ideal for sloppy or technical terrain.
- The shoe is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to find one that suits your style.
- It is affordable, making it a great option for budget-conscious shoppers.
What to Look For In Trail Running Shoes - Buyer's Guide
Here are the key factors of what to look for in trail shoes:
- Weight
- Traction
- Cushioning
- Waterproofness
- Breathability
Weight
When you are looking for perfect trail running shoes, one of the things you want to consider is weight. The lighter the shoe, the less fatigue you will feel on your feet, and the easier it will be to run longer distances.
However, you also want to make sure that the shoe is durable enough to handle the tough terrain, so you don’t want it to be too light. Finding the perfect balance of weight and durability is important when choosing the best trail runners.
Traction
When you are looking for great trail running shoes, one of the most important factors to consider is traction. After all, if your shoes don’t have good traction, you are likely to slip and fall, which can be dangerous.
There are a few things to look for when you are assessing the traction of a trail running shoe.
First, take a look at the outsole. The outsole is the part of the shoe that comes into contact with the ground, so it is important that it has good traction. Look for shoes that have a lugged outsole. This means that the outsole has raised bumps or ridges, which will provide a good grip on uneven and slippery surfaces. You should also look for an outsole that is made from a durable material, such as rubber, which will provide good traction and last long.
Another important factor to consider is the tread pattern. The tread pattern is the way in which the outsole is grooved or textured. A good tread pattern will provide good traction on all types of surfaces, including mud, sand, and rocks.
Finally, consider the material of the outsole. Some materials, such as rubber, provide good traction on all surfaces. Other materials, such as nylon, provide good traction on some surfaces but not others.
Cushioning
When you are looking for good trail running shoes, it is important to consider cushioning. This is because when you are running on trails, there can be a lot of uneven terrains. This can put a lot of stress on your feet and legs, so it is important to have shoes that will cushion your feet and absorb some of the impacts. There are a few different things to look for when you are considering the cushioning of a shoe.
One thing to look for is the amount of cushioning in the heel. This is important because when you are running on trails, you often land on your heel first. If there is not enough cushioning in the heel, it can cause pain in your feet and legs.
Another thing to look for is the amount of cushioning in the forefoot. This is important because when you are running on trails, you often land on your forefoot first. If there is not enough cushioning in the forefoot, it can cause pain in your feet and legs.
Last but not least, you want to look for a shoe that has good overall cushioning. This is because when you are running on trails, you often have to deal with a lot of uneven terrains. If the shoe does not have good overall cushioning, it can cause pain in your feet and legs.
Waterproofness
When you are out on the trail, you never know what kinds of weather conditions you might encounter. It is always best to be prepared for anything, which is why it is important to look for waterproofness in your trail running shoes. Waterproof shoes will keep your feet dry and comfortable no matter what the conditions are like.
There are a few things to look for when you are searching for waterproof trail running shoes. First, make sure that the shoes are made with waterproof material. This will help to keep your feet dry and comfortable even if you step in a puddle or run through a stream.
Second, look for shoes that have a waterproof sealant. This will help to keep water out of the shoes and prevent your feet from getting wet.
Finally, make sure that the shoes have good drainage. This will allow water to escape from the shoes if they do happen to get wet.
Breathability
When you are out on the trail, you want your feet to be able to breathe. This is why it is important to look for breathability in your trail running shoes. Breathability will help to keep your feet cool and dry, even when you are sweating. This is important because it can help to prevent blisters and other problems.
There are a few different things that you can look for in order to determine if a shoe is breathable. First, you want to look at the material of the shoe. Leather and mesh are two materials that are typically very breathable.
Second, you want to look at the construction of the shoe. A well-ventilated shoe will have plenty of holes or openings that allow air to flow through.
Finally, you want to look at the insole of the shoe. A good insole will also help to keep your feet cool and dry.
Final Words
There you have it! Probably the best buyer’s guide on this internet!
Keep us updated in the comments on which shoes you bought!
