Best Cushioned Trail Running Shoes for Women of 2026

John Zimmer Avatar
John Zimmer
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

These cushioned trail running shoes are designed to provide women with the ultimate comfort and support while tackling rugged terrains. The shoes feature a durable and flexible sole that offers excellent traction and stability, ensuring a steady and confident stride. The cushioned midsole absorbs impact and reduces fatigue, while the breathable upper keeps feet cool and dry. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or just starting out, these shoes are a great choice to enhance your running experience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Salomon Ultra Flow Gore Tex Women's Trail Running Shoes Cover #TOP 1
Salomon Ultra Flow Gore Tex Women's Trail Running Shoes
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Salomon Ultra Flow Women's Trail Running Shoes Cover #TOP 2
Salomon Ultra Flow Women's Trail Running Shoes
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Topo Athletic Women's Terraventure 4 Comfortable Cushioned Durable 3MM Drop Trail Running Shoes Cover #TOP 3
Topo Athletic Women's Terraventure 4 Comfortable Cushioned Durable 3MM Drop Trail Running Shoes
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Cushioned Trail Running Shoes for Women

#TOP 1

Salomon Ultra Flow Gore Tex Women's Trail Running Shoes

L47474200023
5 UK
Salomon Ultra Flow Gore Tex Women's Trail Running Shoes Cover
Salomon Ultra Flow Gore Tex Women's Trail Running Shoes, Bad Weather Resistant, Road to Trail Cushioning, and Mixed Terrain Ready, Deep Dive, 5

Features
Featuring An All-Conditions Weatherproof Membrane To Keep Feet Dry And Protected Without Sacrificing The Soft And Comfortable Fit Of The Non Gore-Tex️ Version
Designed For Trails, Inspired By Comfort
Outsole That Performs To Grip And Provide Hold On Any Terrain; With All Terrain Contagrip️ Rubber
Designed Specifically To Accompany Your Switch From The Streets To The Trails, And Then Back Again; Cushioned And Plush On Any Surface
#TOP 2

Salomon Ultra Flow Women's Trail Running Shoes

L47485800025
6 UK
Salomon Ultra Flow Women's Trail Running Shoes Cover
Salomon Ultra Flow Women's Trail Running Shoes, Instant Comfort, Road to Trail Cushioning, and Mixed Terrain Ready, Carbon, 6

Features
Developed And Built With A Soft Instant Fit That Will Have You Hooked From The Moment You Step In
Designed For Trails, Inspired By Comfort
Outsole That Performs To Grip And Provide Hold On Any Terrain; With All Terrain Contagrip Rubber
Designed Specifically To Accompany Your Switch From The Streets To The Trails, And Then Back Again; Cushioned And Plush On Any Surface
#TOP 3

Topo Athletic Women's Terraventure 4 Comfortable Cushioned Durable 3MM Drop Trail Running Shoes

W066-070-BLUBLU
Blue
5 UK
Topo Athletic Women's Terraventure 4 Comfortable Cushioned Durable 3MM Drop Trail Running Shoes Cover
Topo Athletic Women's Terraventure 4 Comfortable Cushioned Durable 3MM Drop Trail Running Shoes, Athletic Shoes for Trail Running, Blue/Blue, 5 UK

Features
MODERATE CUSHIONING WITH MAXIMUM PROTECTION - Retaining The Highly-Praised Moderately Cushioned Platform, The Terraventure 4 Trail Runner Provides The Perfect Blend Of Comfort And Protection. The Flexible ESS Rock Plate Shields Your Feet From Sharp Rocks And Roots
FAST AND NIMBLE ON RUGGED TRAILS - The Topo Athletic Terraventure 4 Trail Shoe Is Engineered To Tackle Rocky, Technical Trails With Ease. This Trail Running Shoe Perfectly Balances A Fast, Nimble Ride With Rugged Protection, Ensuring That Nothing Stands In Your Way
UNMATCHED GRIP - Experience Unparalleled Traction And Durability With The Vibram Megagrip Outsole. Whether You're Navigating Wet, Muddy Paths Or Dry, Rocky Terrain, The Terraventure 4 Athletic Shoe's Outsole Delivers The Grip And Stability You Need To Stay On Course
ROOMY TOE BOX FOR NATURAL COMFORT - The Terraventure 4 Hiking Shoe Features An Anatomical Toe Box That Allows Your Toes To Spread Naturally And Comfortably. This Roomy Design Promotes Better Foot Function And Reduces The Risk Of Blisters And Discomfort
GAITER COMPATIBILITY - Enhance Your Trail Running Experience With The Terraventure 4's Gaiter Compatibility. This Feature Offers Additional Protection From Dirt, Rocks, And Twigs, Ensuring That Your Feet Stay Clean And Comfortable, Even On The Most Rugged Trails (GAITERS SOLD SEPARATELY)
#TOP 4

Skechers Women's Go Run Trail Altitude 2.0 Ravine Trekking Low Cut Shoes

129525 BBK
6 UK
Skechers Women's Go Run Trail Altitude 2.0 Ravine Trekking Low Cut Shoes Cover
Skechers Women's Go Run Trail Altitude 2.0 Ravine Trekking Low Cut Shoes, Black Leather/Black Trim, 6 UK

Features
Brand Logo
Round Toe
Cushioning
#TOP 5

Karrimor Apex v4 Waterproof Womens Road Running Shoes Black/Teal 6

c689b02a-45aa-4f35-ba8e-c711077e47d6
Black Teal
6 UK
Karrimor Apex v4 Waterproof Womens Road Running Shoes Black/Teal 6 Cover
Karrimor Apex v4 Waterproof Womens Road Running Shoes Black/Teal 6 (39)

Features
Carefully Created With Weathertite Technology And Dynagrip Outsole- Making The Adventures Possible.
Hit The Trails With Confidence In These Karrimor Apex Off-Road Running Shoes.
Along With A Cushioned Ortholite Insole And A Textile Pull Tab For Comfort And Convenience.
All Completed With Karrimor Branding
#TOP 6

Merrell Women's Agility Remix Trail Shoes

J068272
Black
5 UK
Merrell Women's Agility Remix Trail Shoes Cover
Merrell Women's Agility Remix Trail Running Shoe, Black, 5 UK

The Merrell Agility Remix Shoes offer superior protection and comfort for trail running. The breathable engineered mesh and TPU upper, along with the GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, ensure your feet stay dry and comfortable, no matter the weather. You will appreciate the 100% recycled laces and breathable mesh lining, which enhance the sustainability and comfort of the shoes. Additionally, the protective toe cap provides extra security against rocks and obstacles on the trail, so you can focus on your run without worry.

What We Like
Waterproof and breathable design
Sustainable materials used
Protective toe cap
Lightweight and comfortable
#TOP 7

NORTH RIDGE Women's Ultra-Lightweight Breathable Pacer Trail Running Shoes

Black
5 UK
NORTH RIDGE Women's Ultra-Lightweight Breathable Pacer Trail Running Shoes Cover
NORTH RIDGE Women's Ultra-Lightweight Breathable Pacer Trail Running Shoes, Outdoors, Travelling, Camping (Black, UK Footwear Size System, Adult, Women, Numeric, Medium, 5)

Features
BREATHABLE - Their Uppers Are Made From A Supportive And Highly Breathable Synthetic Fabric With A Fine Mesh, Keeping Your Feet Ventilated, Cool And Comfortable
VERSATILE - North Ridge's Pacer Trail Running Shoes Have Been Designed For All Types Of Running, Whether You're Heading Out On The Road, The Trail, Or Even The Gym
CUSHIONED - The EVA Midsole Ensures Your Feet Are Cushioned And Provides Shock Absorption To Minimise Impact Each Time Your Foot Hits The Ground While You Run
CONFIDENT GRIP - The Durable And Flexible Outsole Will Provide You With A Powerful And Confident Grip On Rough And Slippery Trails In All Weather Conditions
#TOP 8

Salomon XA PRO 3D W Hiking Shoes

LC1564$
7.5 UK
Salomon XA PRO 3D W Hiking Shoes Cover
Salomon XA PRO 3D W Hiking Shoes, Women

Features
Effortless Stride: Full Premium Wet Traction Grip Is More Than A Technology, It's A Mentality: You Can Just Ignore The Wet And Charge Ahead
Stability: An OptiFOAM Midsole Provides Both Dynamism And Cushioning For Optimal Comfort And A Responsive Bounce
Long-Lasting Protection: With A Reinforced Toe Cap And Smartly Placed Protection, This Is A Shoe On A Mission: To Keep Your Feet In Perfect Shape
#TOP 9

Salomon Women's Speedcross Gore-tex trail running shoes

LG1741$
Black Black Phantom
5 UK
Salomon Women's Speedcross Gore-tex trail running shoes Cover
Salomon Women's Speedcross Gore-tex trail running shoes, Black Black Phantom, 5 UK

Features
Aggressive Grip: The Contagrip TA Sole Has Aggressive Lug Design That Digs Into Mud, Wet Ground Or Soft Snow.
Weather Protection: A New GORE-TEX Construction Reduces Bulk And Improves Comfort, While Maintaining Complete Weather Protection.
Unmatched Grip And Fit, With Full Weather Protection.
Precise Fit: The Proven Speedcross Fit, With Quicklace Adjustment, This Shoe Holds The Foot Comfortably And Precisely.
#TOP 10

Salomon Womens Ultra Flow Black Tender

LI5388$
7.5 UK
Salomon Womens Ultra Flow Black Tender Cover
Salomon Womens Ultra Flow Black Tender, Versatile Hiking Shoes for Comfort, Perfect for Hiking Boots & Trail Running For Outdoors Adventures 7.5

Features
Designed Specifically To Accompany Your Switch From The Streets To The Trails, And Then Back Again Cushioned And Plush On Any Surface
Developed And Built With A Soft Instant Fit That Will Have You Hooked From The Moment You Step In
Outsole That Performs To Grip And Provide Hold On Any Terrain With All Terrain Contagrip Rubber
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it OK to use trail running shoes on road?

It's best to avoid wearing your trail running shoes on the road, since the hard pavement can wear away the soft rubber outsoles. Plus, a pair of trail running shoes won't provide as much shock absorption as your road running shoes.

2. Is more cushioning better for running?

Despite popular belief, researchers from the Spaulding National Running Center determined that highly cushioned shoes are not linked to lower levels of impact than traditional running shoes. They found the opposite to be true.

3. Can I wear trail running shoes for hiking?

Running shoes designed for trails have grippy bottoms for good traction, and a rock plate for comfort and protection on rough surfaces. As you look at these features, you might be realizing that the needs of hikers are pretty much the same! This is why trail running shoes are great for hiking.

4. What kind of cushioning is best for running?

Runners may prefer the comfort of thicker, softer foam underfoot when running long distances or multiday races. But super-soft cushioning isn't for everyone. Some don't like the squishiness feel. Moderate cushion: Shoes with moderate cushion strike a balance between pillow-soft comfort and thin or no cushion.

Editor's Notes

During our cushioned trail running shoes for women research, we found 306 cushioned trail running shoes for women products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,819 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cushioned trail running shoes for women list. We found that most customers choose cushioned trail running shoes for women with an average price of £20.00.

The cushioned trail running shoes for women are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cushioned trail running shoes for women, including Salomon, Topo Athletic, Skechers, Karrimor, Merrell.

Written by
John Zimmer Avatar

John Zimmer is a truly professional writer on findthisbest.com. He has specialized in writing content a wide variety of fields for over a decade. Since 2011, he has been using his expertise and extensive experience to write content for online shopping guide websites. In addition to writing for findthisbest.com, he has appeared in publications such as The Spruce, Wirecutter and Bestbuy.