Heather Anderson
Gear Analyst

National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Heather is the first woman to complete the Appalachian, Pacific Crest and Continental Divide National Scenic Trails each three times. This includes
her historic Calendar Year Triple Crown hike in 2018 when she hiked all three of those trails in one March-November season, making her the first female to do so.

She holds self-supported Fastest Known Times (FKT) on the Pacific Crest Trail (2013) and Appalachian Trail (2015). She has logged over 50,000 foot-miles since 2003 including over 16 thru-hikes. She is also an avid mountaineer and trail runner.

As a professional speaker, Heather gives talks regularly about her adventures and the lessons learned on trail. She is the author of Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home (2019) chronicling her Pacific Crest Trail record and Mud, Rocks, Blazes: Letting Go on the Appalachian Trail (2021) about her 2015 AT record. She also co-authored a guide to long-distance hiking preparation with Katie Gerber called Adventure Ready: A Hiker’s Guide to Training, Planning, and Resiliency (2022).

Articles by Heather Anderson

Women’s Brooks Catamount 4 Review
Brooks Women's Catamount 4 close up on trail

Women’s Brooks Catamount 4 Review

Author
Built for speed with plenty of cushion and just enough traction to grip a wide variety of terrain without compromising weight, these shoes will propel you up and down the trail.
Women’s New Balance Fresh Foam X Trail More v3 Review
New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X Trail More V 3 close up on trail

Women’s New Balance Fresh Foam X Trail More v3 Review

Author
Taking cushioning to new heights, these shoes are designed to not just protect your feet from trail debris, but raise them above it while still maintaining a minimal 4 mm drop.
Women’s Nike Zegama 2 Review
Nike Women's Zegama 2 on a hiker

Women’s Nike Zegama 2 Review

Author
With extra cushion, ZoomX foam in the midsole, and a Vibram Megagrip outsole these shoes are ideal for long days on trail, fast trots through the woods, and daily training miles.
Women’s Topo Terraventure 4 Waterproof Review
Topo Women's Terraventure 4 Waterproof close up

Women’s Topo Terraventure 4 Waterproof Review

Author
Wet feet are a thing of the past thanks to the incorporation of eVent waterproof fabric into this already rockstar shoe that offers excellent traction and a sturdy build.
Women’s New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro X 8 Review
New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X Hierro 8 close up on trail

Women’s New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro X 8 Review

Author
With extra thick cushion from the Fresh Foam X in the midsole, and an extra sticky Vibram outsole these shoes will have you bounding down the trails.
Women’s Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Review
Nike Women's Pegasus 5 close up

Women’s Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Review

Author
Fast, responsive, and perfectly cushioned, this trail runner is going to make you feel light on your feet as you zoom down the trail.
Women’s La Sportiva Bushido III Review
La Sportiva Women's Bushido III close up on trail

Women’s La Sportiva Bushido III Review

Author
If tackling technical trails in the mountains is on your agenda, these rugged shoes, available in two widths, will stick to rocks and roots as well as dig into mud and dirt.
Women’s Brooks Cascadia 18 Review
Brooks Women's Cascadia 18 shoes close up on trail

Women’s Brooks Cascadia 18 Review

Author
Made for eating technical trails for breakfast, these moderately cushioned trail runners will provide you with solid ground feel, excellent traction, and plenty of room in the toes.
Women’s Saucony Peregrine 14 Review
Saucony Women's Peregrine 14 close up on trail

Women’s Saucony Peregrine 14 Review

Author
This non-fussy, light, fast, and breathable shoe will provide maximum performance for a wide array of runners and hikers on a variety of trails.
Best Trail Running Shoes for Women of 2025
A trail runner resting on a boulder in an airy grassy hills setting in the HOKA Speedgoat 5 shoes

Best Trail Running Shoes for Women of 2025

Author
We hit the ground running to find the best trail runners for every type of terrain. From mountain ridges to forest paths, we’ll help you find the right shoe for you.