Apparel and Gear Workout Gear 10 Trail Running Shoes to Help You Break Away from the Pavement By Ashley Van Dyke, Lauren Mazzo, Lauren Mazzo Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Lauren Mazzo has been working as a health and fitness writer and editor since 2015 — including six years at Shape, where she was formerly the senior editor. She's certified as a personal trainer and fitness nutrition specialist through the American Council on Exercise, and is currently working on her health coach certification. In 2015, she graduated from Ithaca College with a B.A. in Journalism and minors in Writing and Honors, and while there, she also studied Sex, Gender, and Desire and The Science and Philosophy of Sex and Love. Prior to Shape, she worked for the digital team at Self Magazine and interned at Marie Claire. Her passion for all things health and fitness began as a teenager, when she first started learning about nutrition and training as a competitive cheerleader. Since then, she's explored a variety of workouts, from weightlifting, running, and cycling to yoga, and continued cheering on the nonprofit team Cheer New York in New York City. While she's currently traveling the world as a nomad, you can catch her learning about the psychology of dating, attempting new adventure sports, and embracing the Blue Zone way of life. Shape's editorial guidelines and Susan Brickell Susan Brickell Instagram Susan Brickell (she/her) is the associate editorial director of commerce for travel, overseeing news and deals coverage on Travel + Leisure and leading the content direction of a team of commerce writers. Prior to this, she held the position of senior editor at Shape and Health, heading commerce coverage for both brands for nearly 2 years. With more than 10 years of experience in the editorial world as a market editor and writer, her work spans a variety of topics including beauty, lifestyle, home, health, and travel. She holds an M.F.A. degree in nonfiction writing from Sarah Lawrence College and a B.A. degree in creative writing from Florida State University. When she's not putting a pair of comfy shoes, workout leggings, or new eye cream to the test, you can find her hiking U.S. national parks, planning her next surf trip, or spending time with her dog, Ollie. Shape's editorial guidelines Updated on March 1, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Because you shouldn't have to sacrifice style for function, here are the best trail running shoes for women from all the best running and outdoor footwear brands. 01 of 11 Time to Hit the Trails Thomas Barwick/Getty Images Want to take your run off the road and onto softer, more scenic territory? There are some serious perks to hitting the trails for your miles instead of pounding the pavement. It's time for a trail run. That said, your typical running shoes are no match for what you'll find on most trails: gravel, roots, rocks, dirt, mud, sand, and sloping surfaces. To adequately tackle trail running (and feel good while doing it) you'll need to invest in a solid pair of trail running shoes. How are trail running shoes different? Road running shoes are designed to be lightweight and speedy, while trail running shoes offer extra traction, stability, and durability to protect your feet. They also have lugs on the bottom (think: sneaker-cleat hybrids) so you can lock into whatever you're running on. Some are even waterproof, so if you slide into a puddle or muddy section, your toes will stay dry a chafe-free. Good news: Once you grab a pair of trail running shoes — ya know, like one of these 10 solid options — you're ready to set off into the woods. Check out some of the best trail running sneaker picks below. 02 of 11 Brooks Cascadia 15 Buy It, $130 ZAPPOS Support and comfort — two important elements of all good trail running shoes. This Brooks pick has both key features with the added bonuses of a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane and a 3D Rubber Print Mud Guard for on-the-go protection from trail debris. We'd say that's a win-win-win-win. 03 of 11 New Balance Nitrel V4 Buy It, $70 ZAPPOS Hit the trail in these cool New Balance kicks, complete with breathable fabric and durable lugs on the bottom for superior grip. This lightweight pair is ready to give you a smooth ride on your next off-road adventure — without the chunkiness of other trail running sneakers. 04 of 11 Adidas Outdoor Terrex Agravic TR GORE-TEX Buy It, $100 ADIDAS Sending much praise your way, Adidas. These trail running shoes take the cake for style, comfort, and functionality. The GORE-TEX membrane helps keep your feet dry in any conditions, while the EVA midsole foam gives you great cushion and shock absorption. ( Meet the Endurance Runner Who Started a Community for Women Hitting the Trails 05 of 11 The North Face Women's Ultra Fastpack III Futurelight Buy It, $199 THE NORTH FACE Hit the trails with the company that has made getting outside cooler than ever. This trail shoe is the newest innovation from The North Face (it just launched in January!), and was designed with input from the brand's team athletes. It features an abrasion-resistant upper, reinforced toe, lugs for rugged grip, and reflective details for enhanced visibility. Also cool: It optimizes energy return and reduces impact by 10 percent, making it a lightweight, fast, responsive trail runner that you can count on mile after mile. 06 of 11 Saucony Women's Grid Excursion TR12 Buy It, from $55 Asics The bottom of this Saucony sneaker — made with heel-grid technology — looks just like a hiking boot for a reason. Feel the grip on every inch of the trail while scoring some moderate cushioning, so you're not just floating over the terrain but really feeling it. 07 of 11 On Running Cloudventure Waterproof Buy It, $170 ON RUNNING Run like a bandit in the tough-looking and tough-on-the-trail running shoes from On Running. They have — you guessed it! — a waterproof membrane, so your feet stray dry even on days as grey as their color. The outsole combines multiple grip patterns to keep you steady and upright on the trail, the heal clouds absorb impact on inclines, and the elastic loop on the tongue keeps your laces from tripping you up or dragging over wet ground. 08 of 11 Salomon Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoe Buy It, from $97 Ditch your loose-lace worries with Salomon's Quick Fit lacing system: Just pinch and slide the lace eyelet as tight as you'd like, and slip the leftover laces inside the designated pocket. Then, say goodbye to sticks stuck in your laces and mud-drenched lace tips forever. ( How Trail Running Is Different from Road Running 09 of 11 Nike Pegasus Trail 2 GORE-TEX Buy It, $160 NIKE If you've run in the Nike Pegasus on the road, then this is the perfect side-step into trail running shoes. The trial iteration of their classic running shoe offers a slightly roomier fit, a waterproof design, and extra lugs on the outsole so you can grip like hell on the uphill. 10 of 11 Vasque Breeze LT Low GTX Buy It, $160 Trail performance footwear brand Vasque knows a thing or two about rough terrain. (They make some of the best hiking boots and shoes out there.) These super-cushioned trail sneakers are made with waterproof GORE-TEX and feature a Vibram sole to grip wet surfaces and protect against rocks and other sharp objects. 11 of 11 Altra Lone Peak 5 Buy It, $130 This trail shoe from top-notch running brand Altra features foam and cushioning for better foot alignment, form, added energy return and low-impact landing. It also has a grippy outsole with rugged lugs for better traction on slippery or rocky terrain, laser-cut drainage holes if you happen to get soaked, and the brand's signature Footshape design with a wider toe box, which allows your foot to sit naturally with more dedicated space. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit