Women's trail shoes at Black Friday
The Black Friday brings together women's trail shoes designed on female shapes: La Sportiva Mutant, Helios, Jackal and Cyklon, Hoka Speedgoat and Mafate, adidas Terrex Agravic, Brooks Catamount, Merrell Agility Peak, Dynafit Ultra, and the wide fits from Altra and Topo Athletic. Pairs for short and quick outings as well as for mountain ultras.
Run the trails at a discounted price.
A feminine shape: narrower heel, volume adjusted
A women's trail shoe isn't just a smaller version: it is based on a distinct shape, featuring a narrower heel and a reduced volume at the instep, to prevent the foot from floating on uneven terrain. The cushioning is often tailored for a lighter build so that the shock absorption really works instead of staying firm. The Brooks Catamount, lively and lightweight, and the Merrell Agility Peak, more protective with its heavily lugged sole, demonstrate two approaches to versatility. The adidas Terrex Agravic Speed focuses on lightness for short runs, while the Dynafit Ultra, as its name suggests, is aimed at long distances.
The rest of women's running
Women's running during Black Friday also comes in various forms:
All women's running items are gathered on the women's page.
Wide foot: the fit of Altra and Topo Athletic
For a wide foot or cramped toes, two brands have made a spacious forefoot their trademark. Altra, launched in 2011 in the back room of a running store, combines its FootShape design with a zero drop: the heel and forefoot are at the same height, which requires a gradual transition. Topo Athletic, founded in 2013 by Tony Post, former head of Vibram in the USA, maintains a wide toe box with varying drops depending on the models. The Pursuit, heavily cushioned, supports long runs. On descents, when the foot expands, the toes naturally splay without hitting the upper, reducing black toenails and blisters.
Boa lacing: adjust it with a turn of the dial
The Boa system replaces laces with a thin cable, tightened by a dial that you turn to tighten and pull to release. The Altra Timp Boa and the La Sportiva Cyklon Cross Gore-Tex are equipped with it. The tightening distributes evenly across the top of the foot, without pressure points, and can be adjusted while running, with a click, when the foot swells at the end of a run or when securing the heel before a long descent. No knot comes undone in brambles or gets caked in mud. When paired with a waterproof membrane, like on the Cyklon Cross, it makes for a shoe designed for winter and snow.
Ultra or mountain: choose according to the target distance
The choice is then made based on the terrain and distance. For an ultra, the Hoka Mafate and the Speedgoat, which have plenty of cushioning, or the La Sportiva Jackal, designed for long hours of running, protect legs and joints. In the mountains, the La Sportiva Mutant, with aggressive lugs and a snug fit, and the Helios, very lightweight and close to the ground, prioritise precision on rocks and narrow trails. A trail runner who runs all year round often complements their main pair with a Gore-Tex version, like the adidas Terrex Agravic, reserved for rainy and snowy days.
Frequently asked questions
Can a female trail runner wear a men's model?
Yes, if the foot is wide or bulky, a men's model may be more suitable. Convert the size using the brand's size guide, as the difference between men's and women's sizes varies, and check that the heel is securely fitted.
How many pairs of trail shoes should I have?
One versatile pair is enough to start. Regular trail runners often switch between two models, one cushioned for long outings and another with better grip for muddy conditions, which also allows the foam to regain its shape between runs.
What shoe size should I choose for women's trail shoes?
Take a half size up from your usual street size and try the shoes on in the late afternoon, with your running socks. When going downhill, your big toe should never touch the front: keep about a centimetre of space.
How can I avoid blisters while trail running?
Run with a broken-in shoe over several sessions before a race, and wear seamless technical socks that fit well. Lacing that locks the heel limits friction, and an anti-chafing cream protects sensitive areas over long distances.
How do I dry wet trail shoes?
Remove the insoles and stuff the shoes with newspaper, changing it every two hours. Let them dry at room temperature, away from a radiator or tumble dryer, as heat damages the adhesives and foams.
