Best trail running shoes in Australia

Why we chose it

For the best overall women's trail running shoes, we picked ASICS Gel-Venture 7 Running Shoes. On Amazon, they have a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 22,000 reviews.

These trail running shoes feature synthetic and fabric uppers, mesh linings and removable padded footbeds. They also have rearfoot GEL cushioning for increased absorption and moulded EVA midsole cushions for added comfort and shock absorption. These have ORTHOLITE sockliners as well.

Customers gave positive feedback on the shoes' reasonable price, durable construction and breathability. They have a fantastic grip, allowing you to run on any type of trail without worrying about slipping. Reviewers added that they have great protection from hard impact as well. However, these shoes run narrow and lack arch support, according to a few buyers.

New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi Trail V1 Running Shoes

Best lightweight trail running shoes for women

Not yet rated

Pros

Come in a variety of stylish colourways
Fit true to size

Cons

May be too stiff for long-distance running
Not as cushioned as other options

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Price (RRP): $132.37

From $226.22 at Amazon

Why we chose it

We recommend the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi Trail V1 Running Shoes as the best lightweight trail running shoes for women. They have a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

These trail running shoes from New Balance have a leather and mesh upper with a stitched-down tip and foxing details for flexible support and durability. According to the company, these also have ABZORB midsoles to minimise impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance. Additionally, these are available in various colourways to fit any personality.

Many customers loved the product's sleek design, adding that these could work as casual shoes for daily walks. They are lightweight, breathable and made from durable materials. Reviewers mentioned that they fit true to size and don't need any breaking in. However, they're not the most cushioned trail running shoes out there. Several customers found the insoles too stiff, which may be a con if you plan to get these for long-distance runs.

Merrell Women's Vapor Glove 3

Best barefoot trail running shoes for women

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Pros

Versatile
Comfortable with good grip

Cons

No arch support
Runs big according to customers

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Price (RRP): $196.94

Why we chose it

With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, we picked Merrell's Women's Vapor Glove 3 as the best barefoot option.

The Merrell Women's Vapor Glove 3 features durable Vibram outsoles for slip resistance and durability. These shoes also have a glove-like fit, hugging the feet for better security and comfort while running. According to the manufacturer, these shoes are vegan-friendly and use 0% animal products.

The general sentiment is that these barefoot running shoes are lightweight, comfortable and offer superb slip-resistance for running on any surface. Customers said they're comfortable from the get-go and have enough cushioning, protecting the feet from hard impacts on rocky trails. However, they lack arch support, which might not suit women with flat feet.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 16

Best road and trail running shoes for women

Not yet rated

Pros

Great arch support according to reviews
Good grip for any surface

Cons

Not breathable
May not work for wide feet

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Price (RRP): $159.99

From $176.32 at Amazon

Why we chose it

For road and trail running, we selected the Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 as the best women's option. They have a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

The Wave Inspire 16 shoes have impact-absorbing midsoles and SmoothRide Support Wave technology, balancing cushioning and lightness with every stride. These shoes also have engineered mesh for a breathable fit and internal toe caps for a sleeker look. The outsoles are made of carbon rubber for longevity as well.

Customers praised the product's stability, slip-resistance and superb arch support. These are very cushiony, protecting the feet from impacts and shocks on any surface. According to customers, they feel lightweight and durable, too. But others say they're not breathable, adding that their toes get extremely sweaty after a couple of hours.

ASICS Women's Gel-Contend 4

Best long-distance trail running shoes for women

Not yet rated

Pros

Great shock absorption
Lightweight and breathable

Cons

Narrow design
Not suitable for flat feet

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Price (RRP): $136.55

Why we chose it

For the best long-distance trail running shoes for women, we picked the ASICS Women's Gel-Contend 4 shoes. They have a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

The Content 4 trail running shoes have ASICS' lightest-weight midsole formulation, providing continuous cushioning from organic nanofibres. These shoes also have SpevaFoam for added comfort and shock absorption. Additionally, they have GEL technology to minimise impact and toe-off phases for quick strides and transitions.

According to customers, these shoes offer superb impact absorption, thanks to their well-padded soles. They are also lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for hours of running. The rubber outsoles are thick and durable, providing slip resistance and stability for any surface. But just like the Gel-Venture 7, these have a narrow design that may not suit wide feet. They also lack arch support.

Salomon XA Pro 3D v8 Gore-Tex Women's Trail Running Shoes

Best waterproof trail running shoes for women

Not yet rated

Pros

Suitable for any surface
Stable with great arch support

Cons

Too bulky for some
Not cheap

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Price (RRP): $234.80

Why we chose it

For the best waterproof option, we recommend Salomon's XA Pro 3D v8 Gore-Tex Women's Trail Running Shoes. On Amazon, they have a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 400 reviews.

These trail running shoes feature a protective toe cap, wet traction grip and waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. They also have an XA Pro 3D line system for added grip, stability and protection. Additionally, these have 3D mesh for breathability and a Quicklace system for a firm and secure fit.

Apart from being waterproof, customers praised the product's versatility, durable design and great slip-resistance. These are lightweight and offer mesh ventilation to keep your feet cool while running. Reviewers added that they provide enough arch support, thanks to their 3D chassis cushioning. The shoes' rugged look is too bulky for some buyers, but they added that it doesn't really affect the performance and quality.

Reebok Sole Fury Trail Running Shoes

Best cheap trail running shoes for women

Not yet rated

Pros

Made of durable nylon material
Customers liked the shoes' stability and support

Cons

Zip down support can be too tight, according to several critics
Run small

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Price (RRP): $82.81

From $98.73 at Amazon

Why we chose it

With a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon, we picked Reebok's Sole Fury Trail Running Shoes as the best cheap trail running shoes for women.

The Reebok Sole Fury Trail Running Shoes have neoprene upper with hot melt synthetic overlays. They also feature a zip-up closure, die-cut EVA sockliner and rippled rubber outsole for added grip. The shoes' split EVA midsoles also provide flexibility for more fluid transitions and strides.

The general sentiment is that these trail running shoes are a solid choice for beginners. They offer great arch support and shock absorption if you plan to run on easier trails. But customers wouldn't recommend these for long-distance running as they are not as lightweight and breathable as higher-end models. The shoes are made of durable nylon material, providing stability and slip resistance in every step. However, several others found the zip-up front too tight.

Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoes

Best overall trail running shoes for men

Not yet rated

Pros

Budget-friendly
Superb grip and stability

Cons

Narrow sizing
Not for road running

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Price (RRP): $129.00

From $145.00 at Amazon

Why we chose it

For the best overall men's trail running shoes, we selected the Salomon Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoes. On Amazon, they have a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 14,000 reviews.

These Speedcross 4 trail running shoes feature 6mm lugs on the outsole for maximum traction on wet trails. They also have moulded EVA midsoles and anti-debris mesh uppers, protecting your feet against rocks, sticks and other hard objects. Additionally, the shoes have a precise foothold for a secure and comfortable fit.

According to customers, these shoes are lightweight, supportive and reasonably priced. They are breathable and have good grip and impact absorption, allowing you to make quicker strides without hurting your feet. Reviewers added that they are cushiony and have enough arch support for comfort. However, the shoes' tread is aggressive, which may be unsuitable for road running. Several customers said that these run narrow and recommended getting a size bigger if you have wide feet.

New Balance Nitrel V4

Best lightweight trail running shoes for men

Not yet rated

Pros

Sleek and stylish
Breathable

Cons

Some customers said the decals start peeling after a couple of weeks
Not suitable for rocky trails

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Price (RRP): $90.00

Why we chose it

New Balance's Nitrel V4 is our choice for the best lightweight option for men. They have a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

The New Balance Nitrel V4 shoes feature engineered mesh uppers with no-sew overlays and DynaSoft midsoles for added cushioning. These are made of textile and synthetic materials that are durable and breathable. Additionally, they have AT Tread outsoles for traction, ideal for both everyday walking and off-road running.

Apart from being stylish, customers loved these shoes' price point, comfort and breathability. They are versatile and suitable for casual everyday outfits and light trail runs. Reviewers added they're quite sturdy and have decent shock absorption to protect the feet from impacts. However, they're not as grippy as pricier options, making them unsuitable for rocky terrains. Several customers also reported that the decals would peel off after just a couple of weeks, but this seems to be an isolated issue.

Aleader Minimalist Trail Running Shoes

Best barefoot trail running shoes for men

Not yet rated

Pros

Good value for money
Lightweight and flexible

Cons

Requires breaking in
Toe box is too narrow for some

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Price (RRP): $75.60

Why we chose it

For barefoot train running, we recommend the Aleader Minimalist Trail Running Shoes as the best men's shoes. They have a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

With a 5-toe box design, these trail running shoes will make you feel like you're barefoot while you run. These have mesh and TPU uppers for flexibility and adjustable hook-and-loop closures for a more secure fit. According to the company, these are also machine washable.

Customers gave positive feedback on the shoes' minimalist design, lightweight feel and durable construction. At just a little over $75, these are also an affordable option if you're on a budget. Reviewers mentioned that the closure is firm yet comfortable, while others loved the shoes' breathability. However, they're a bit painful out of the box – some customers said they require a couple of uses before they become comfortable enough for a run. Others also found the toe boxes too narrow for those with wider feet.

Mizuno Wave Rider 22

Best road and trail running shoes for men

Not yet rated

Pros

Lightweight and extremely cushiony
True to size

Cons

Some didn't like the shoes' chunky design
No arch support

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Price (RRP): $147.50

Why we chose it

With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, we picked Mizuno's Wave Rider 22 as the best road and trail running shoes for men.

These Wave Rider 22 shoes are designed for comfort and breathability. They have a dual compound midsole and the brand's WAVE cushioning technology for improved security and shock absorption. Additionally, they have a full engineered mesh upper and perforated midsole under the heel.

According to reviews, these shoes are a fantastic option for long runs and rocky trails. They offer extreme grip and stability while protecting the feet from hard impacts. Customers added that they're lightweight and comfortable without any breaking in. However, they lack arch support for those with flat feet. A few buyers recommended using orthotics to solve this issue.

New Balance 481V3 Cushioning Trail Running Shoes

Best long-distance trail running shoes for men

Not yet rated

Pros

Good grip and slip resistance
Comfortable with great arch support

Cons

Some customers said the inner soles tend to fold while running
Inconsistent sizing

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Price (RRP): $164.20

Why we chose it

For long-distance train running, we chose the New Balance 481V3 Cushioning Trail Running Shoes as the best men's option. On Amazon, they have a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 8,000 reviews.

These New Balance trail running shoes feature Cush+ midsole with ultra-soft cushioning, and the brand's Ultra Soft Comfort inserts for added comfort and support. Apart from being lightweight, these shoes have Comfort Collars that hug the ankles for a secure fit.

The general sentiment is that these trail running shoes are lightweight, durable and slip-resistant. They provide cushiony support that reduces impacts and shocks when running on hard surfaces. Customers loved that the shoes are extremely soft and breathable, making them a solid option for long runs. There were a few complaints about the inner soles, with some saying that they fold inwards when running.

Columbia Peakfreak Nomad Waterproof

Best waterproof trail running shoes for men

Not yet rated

Pros

Features reflective lining for warmth
Fits true to size

Cons

Little ankle support
Not suitable for summer runs

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Price (RRP): $93.21

From $151.87 at Amazon

Why we chose it

Our pick for the best waterproof option for men are the Columbia Peakfreak Nomad Waterproof shoes. They have a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

These Columbia shoes are made of leather and mesh materials. They have waterproof seam-sealed construction and Omni-Tech reflective lining to keep your feet warm during winter runs. They also have aggressive traction outsoles for added grip and slip resistance. Additionally, the shoes feature Techlite midsoles for cushioning and high energy return.

Customers praised the product's sleek design, affordable price point and durability. They are lightweight and comfortable, according to reviewers. Some added that they fit true to size, even for those with broader feet. The shoes also protect feet from water splashes and debris. But because they have a reflective lining for warmth, they're not the best option for summer. The shoes are also too low to provide ample ankle support.

Salomon Trailster 2 Trail Running Shoes

Best cheap trail running shoes for men

Not yet rated

Pros

Comfortable and breathable
Good grip

Cons

Too bulky for some
Runs small

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Price (RRP): $60.61

From $137.80 at Amazon