Whether you're climbing rocky hills, making gravelly descents, or prowling through sticky mud, the right pair of trail running shoes make all the difference to your happiness levels over the miles. Although it takes some trial and error to pick the pair that best fits your feet and goals, the payoff is real. You’ll have footwear that lays the groundwork for a comfortable, rewarding, and enduring pursuit. Here are the key decision points to help you find a pair that fits well and feels comfortable.
Variations
While everyone's favourite trail has different attributes, good-quality trail running shoes for women will make the experience far easier and more enjoyable. Many manufacturers divide their women's trail running shoes into two categories: neutral and stability, or "motion-control" shoes. A neutral shoe will not change your normal gait, but it will provide extra support and cushioning to keep your feet safe from the ground. On the other hand, stability shoes include denser foam along the foot's arch. They may also feature a stiffer heel, which limits side-to-side mobility.
Some people's feet roll in too far, which requires adjustment. Overpronation is a condition that can cause foot, ankle, and knee pain. If you purchase shoes from a physical running store, you may be offered a running gait analysis, which is usually done on a treadmill. Store employees will most likely examine a video recording of your gait to identify biomechanical problems that may provide insight into which shoe model is ideal for you.
Additionally, experts recommend that you start with neutral shoes. Only switch to stability shoes if you believe you require additional support. Some runners may prefer the feel of a less flexible, more stable shoe if a doctor or physical therapist suggests it.
The Heel-to-Toe Drop Factor
The heel-to-toe drop is the difference in the thickness of the shoe's bottom at the heel vs. the forefoot. Traditional trail running shoes for women frequently have a thicker heel than the front, with a heel-to-toe drop ranging from 10 to 12 mm, which provides extra cushioning under the heel.
Approximately 90% of race runners strike with their heels. When heel strikers run, each foot lands heel first before rolling through the toe. A lesser number of runners are midfoot or forefoot strikers, which means they land in the middle of the foot or on their toes when running. Most ladies' trail running trainers have a larger heel-to-toe drop and a thicker, cushioned heel that supports the foot during heel striking, as this design feels more comfortable for the majority of heel strikers.
In other words, if your body is unhappy while running, it will adjust its movement patterns to lessen or eliminate that dissatisfaction. This once again illustrates that comfort, whatever you define it as is the most important factor in determining whether a certain pair of running shoes is right for you.
Comfort and Fit
This is a difficult metric to assess because each runner's needs and preferences are unique. Some shoes are referred to as "universally comfortable," which means that they will appeal to a wide range of individuals. Other shoes with more niche features will be less popular because the fits are more specific. When trying different pairs, consider the spaciousness of the toe boxes, the width of the midfoot, and whether or not the heel collar rubs the ankle.
Running causes your feet to expand and swell, so wearing shoes that are excessively short or narrow can result in blisters and toenail loss. To avoid this, ensure that your longest toe and the end of your shoe are at least a thumb's width apart, regardless of shoe size. Most people would also want enough space in the toe box to stretch their toes and prevent their nails from hitting the cloth within. A strong fit around the heel is also necessary to prevent the shoe from slipping up and down during the foot strike.
In terms of size, common advice is to pick ladies' trail running shoes that are half-size or even a full size larger than your regular shoe size to account for swelling when running.
Laces that are too tight or too loose, in the right or wrong locations, can have a significant impact on how the shoes feel. Take note of the lace's material, shape, and overall feel. They should tie securely and not slip. A heel-lock lacing technique keeps feet from sliding up in the back, whereas unorthodox toe lacing allows for a wider spread area in the front.
Weight
Weighing ladies’ trail runners is one thing; weighing them and assessing how heavy they feel while running is quite another. It's worth mentioning that textiles, rubbers, and foams are becoming increasingly lightweight, with the entire current line-up of shoes we examined weighing less than three ounces each.
Some runners are looking for super lightweight and responsive kicks to throttle up and down mountainsides, while others aren't concerned with their shoe's weight. Keep in mind that unless ultra-light running is your game, the lightest weight does not always make the best trail running shoe.