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Calling all runners: We’ve hand-picked the top nine best running shoes for women. Your friends at Garage Gym Reviews are committed to finding the best running shoes for all folks regardless of gender, which is why our team has collectively tested over 50 pairs of shoes. From minimalist to ultra-cushioned, we’ve tested them all.
We’re a group of fitness professionals—including certified personal trainers, marathon runners, professional athletes, and certified nutrition coaches—dedicated to happy feet (you’ll find that abundantly clear in our best running socks roundup).
For testing and reviewing equity, our experts use a detailed testing strategy to score eight different categories, including price, versatility, constriction, and stability, on a 1 to 5-star scale. I’ll cover our testing categories in more detail at the end of this guide.
Without further ado, let’s start running toward our top picks.
NOTE: We intend the term “women” to include all women who identify as such. Additionally, many of the shoes we listed come in multiple sizes, widths, and gender identities making them suitable for a wide range of buyers.
9 Best Women’s Running Shoes
- Best Overall Running Shoes for Women: Brooks Ghost 16
- Best Long-Distance Running Shoes for Women: Nike Invincible 3
- Best Treadmill Running Shoes for Women: lululemon Blissfeel 2
- Best Road Running Shoes for Women: Saucony Guide 17
- Best Nike Running Shoes for Women: Nike Free Run
- Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Women: HOKA Clifton 9
- Best Budget Running Shoes for Women: Saucony Cohesion 13
- Best Trail Running Shoes for Women: Altra Lone Peak
- Best Barefoot Running Shoes for Women: Xero Shoes HFS II
Best Overall Running Shoes for Women: Brooks Ghost 16
Good for: Runners looking for a daily trainer with a superb midsole
Best Overall
Brooks Ghost 16
Product Highlights
- Brooks neutral road running shoe
- Features 67.3% recycled materials in the upper
- 16 colorways in women’s sizing and 14 colorways in men’s
- Features DNA LOFT v3 cushioning for soft landing and segmented crash pad for improved heel toe transitions
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Available in 4 widths: medium, wide, narrow, and extra wide
- Brooks Run Happy Guarantee: Try for 90 days and return for no cost if you are not satisfied
Cons
- Very limited colorways available in wide, extra, wide, and narrow
- Some longtime customers found the 16 less comfortable than the previous versions
- Customer reviews found the shoes less durable than previous versions
Bottom Line
Brooks Ghost 16 is the most recent of the company's neutral road running shoe. This version features 67.3% recycled materials in the upper. It is available in four different widths and fairly positively reviewed, however, some long-time customers preferred previous versions of the shoe.
The Brooks Ghost 16 is a solid choice for your daily run, walk, or bopping around town, making them our top pick for the best all-around running shoe for women. We’ve tested several iterations of the Brooks Ghost running shoes and selected previous Ghost models for our best running shoes for beginners roundup—as they’re one of the brand’s signature silhouettes—but our tester wore the Ghost 16 version for several weeks for on-road running routes.
The stand-out feature of the Ghost 16—other than a ton of colorways to choose from—is its construction and durability. Brooks is a brand known for durable sneakers and has a reputation for daily wearability. Our expert tester would certainly agree with that statement.
“There are no signs of wear and tear, but I will mention I’m really mindful to rotate my shoes depending on what activity I’m doing or how long my run is going to be,” says our expert tester. “That said, I give the Ghost 16 a 5-star rating for durability.”
In addition to solid construction, our tester notes the DNA LOFT v3 foam midsole is super light and has the ability to rebound easily for quick turnovers and comfortable landings. “The Ghost shoe is a common ‘first running shoe,’ and in my opinion, anyone opting for the Ghost 16 as their introductory sneaker is getting the best midsole the brand has put out in years,” they added.
As for stability, the Ghost 16 earns 4.5 out of 5 stars. The Ghost 16 is a quintessential neutral runner, according to our tester. “My stride feels unhindered in them and I don’t feel as if I’m striking or pushing off at an awkward angle,” they said.
| Heel-to-toe drop | 12 mm |
| Weight per shoe | 8.5 oz (women); 9.5 oz (men) |
| Size range | 5-13 (women); 7-15 (men) |
| Materials | Rubber outsole, recycled materials and mesh upper; EVA foam cushioning |
Best Long-Distance Running Shoes for Women: Nike Invincible 3
Good for: Runners looking for neutral stability and excellent responsiveness
Best Long-Distance
Nike Invincible 3
Product Highlights
- Nike everyday running shoe with maximum cushioning
- Larger midsole than previous iterations for more cushion
- Features ZoomX foam, waffle outsole, and extra cushioning around heel and tongue
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Custom colorways available (for additional charge)
- Available in regular and extra wide
- Large number of colorways available
- Customer reviews found the shoes comfortable
Cons
- More expensive than competitors
- Heavier than competitors
- Customers reviews complained shoe is not durable
- Less colorways in extra wide version
- Customer reviews suggested size up ½ size
Bottom Line
The Nike Invincible 3 is a heavily cushioned everyday running shoe. Customer reviews found the shoe very comfortable and “bouncy.” However, they did note that the toe box is snug and suggested sizing up ½ size. Multiple customers also had issues with durability, reporting the sole starts to separate from the shoe.
If you’re an endurance runner looking for a shoe that won’t compress with long distances, the Nike Invincible 3 is an excellent choice. The Invincible 3 shoes feature a wider and taller midsole–-made from Nike ZoomX foam—than previous iterations, but our tester found that it didn’t compress on long runs.
Our expert tester, a running shoe connoisseur, notes that previous Invincible shoes were almost too spongy for performance and endurance running. However, the Nike Invincible 3 earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating for stability.
Our GGR expert tester appreciated the firmness of the midsole and the neutral stability saying, “There are no stabilizing features that would make this ideal for overpronators, but I could see anyone with minimal pronation enjoying the shoe overall.”
The ZoomX foam not only offers a firm base for long runs, but it’s also resilient and rebounds quickly, earning the Invincible 3 a 4.5 out of 5-star rating in our durability and construction category.
Our GGR expert tester notes they appreciated the construction because it helped maintain a consistent underfoot feel from one long run to the next. “Because I’ve worn the Invincible 2, I can also say that the upper mesh feels more durable. You could wear these for a while without picking up unwanted scuffs, scrapes, or rips,” explains our expert.
RELATED: Tips for Long Distance Running
| Heel-to-toe drop | 9 mm |
| Weight per shoe | 9.1 oz (women); 6-15 (men) |
| Size range | 5-12 (women); 10.9 oz (men) |
| Materials | Rubber outsole, ZoomX foam cushioning, Flyknit upper |
Best Treadmill Running Shoes for Women: lululemon Blissfeel 2
Good for: Runners looking for a firm treadmill running shoe suitable for cross-training
Best Treadmill Shoes
Lululemon Blissfeel 2 Running Shoe
Product Highlights
- Everyday neutral running shoe designed specifically for women
- Based on 4 years of research and 1 million foot scans
- 10 colorways for Blissfeel and 5 for Blissfeel Trail
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Also available as a trail running shoe
- 30-day trial: Return if you are not satisfied after 30 days of use
- Appearance of the shoe positively reviewed
Cons
- No wide shoes available—Lululemon recommends sizing up ½ for people with wider feet
- Very mixed customer reviews—either the best or worst shoe they’ve worn
- Heavier than competitors
Bottom Line
The Blissfeel 2 is a neutral running shoe designed by Lululemon specifically for women. It has very mixed reviews. Customer reviews either loved the shoe and found them extremely comfortable or thought they were some of the worst shoes they have tried. Some customers also had issues with durability. Complaining that the fabric around the heel began tearing with light use.
I personally tested the lululemon Blissfeel 2 running shoes and can honestly say they’re one of the best treadmill running shoes and general indoor training. I think they’re ideal for treadmill running because of the firmness of the forefoot and midsole. While many folks may want extra cushioning, that same firmness will allow you to hop off the treadmill and have a stable base for squats and lunges.
For reference, as a certified personal trainer (CPT), I would not recommend squatting in HOKA trainers or a similar rocker-style running shoe. Because of this, the Blissfeel shoes earn a 4-out-of-5-star rating when it comes to versatility.
The Blissfeel 2’s also offer solid construction and durability that will likely hold up to wear and tear around the gym. I rated this category 4 out of 5 stars, knowing lululemon is a brand with high-quality apparel; however, I docked a point because the lululemon website doesn’t disclose the materials of the upper or midsole like many other running shoe brands typically do.
The lululemon Blissfeel is a neutral running shoe, which I thought was comfortable for my feet. It’s not an ideal option for flat feet or folks who protonate, but if you have a moderate arch and stable ankles, the Blissfeel is an excellent choice. I scored the Blissfeel 2’s a 4 out of 5 stars for stability.
Check out our full lululemon Blissfeel 2 review for more details.
| Heel-to-toe drop | 9.5 mm |
| Weight per shoe | 9.7 oz (women) |
| Size range | 5-12 (women) |
| Materials | Rubber outsole, seamless mesh upper |
Best Road Running Shoes for Women: Saucony Guide 17
Good for: Road runners who want cushioning and stability to protect against pronation
Best on the Road
Saucony Guide 17
Product Highlights
- Vegan everyday running shoe with maximum cushioning
- Features Saucony’s PWRRUN technology to increasing cushion without increasing weight
- CenterPath Technology: To improve stability
- 8 women’s sizing colorways and 3 in men’s sizing
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Available regular and wide
- Uses recycled materials
- Positively reviewed by customers who struggled to find comfy wide shoes
Cons
- Limited colorways compared to competitors- especially men’s sizing
- Customers found they ran large
- Mixed reviews on the aesthetics
Bottom Line
The Saucony Guide 17 is a supportive everyday running shoe. It features Saucony’s PWRRUN technology that increases cushioning and softness without increasing weight. This shoe was very positively reviewed by multiple customers that had foot issues and struggled to find comfortable shoes. Multiple customers also noted the shoes run a bit large. The reviews were also mixed on the aesthetics of the shoe, complaining they are too “chunky”.
The Saucony Guide 17 is our top pick for road runners because of its stability features. While not all road runners need a stability shoe, this is an excellent option if you tend to overpronate or have flat feet.
GGR expert product tester and senior editor Amanda Dvorak scored stability 4 out of 5 stars. The Saucony Guide 17 features “CenterPath” technology and is the brand’s solution to blending comfort and stability. The shoe has a broader platform outsole and higher sidewalls to stabilize your feet and help brace your gait.
The locked-in stability of the Saucony Guide 17 doesn’t mean you’ll lack cushioning. The Guide 17 features the brand’s signature PWRRUN midsole, which Amanda found not too squishy or springy. “The amount of cushioning felt a little weird at first, but I got used to it quickly. I haven’t experienced any foot pain at all since running in these,” she says.
Amanda also appreciates the roomy toe box on the Guide 17’s. “It’s probably the widest of any running or training shoe I’ve ever worn,” says Amanda. “I have an average width foot and thought it was too wide at first, but now I like having the room for my toes to spread out.”
As for durability, Amanda wore these trainers for about a month before giving her full review. She scored durability and construction 4 out of 5 stars. “These still look brand new. I haven’t seen any wear or tear,” she reports. “But I’ve only worn them on the road. I think they would see a lot more wear from trail running.”
RELATED: How Long Do Running Shoes Last?
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6 mm |
| Weight per shoe | 8.1 oz (women) 9.4 oz (men) |
| Size range | 5-12 (women) 7-16 (men) |
| Materials | Rubber outsole, foam cushioning |
Best Nike Running Shoes for Women: Nike Free Run
Good for: Anyone looking for a light, neutral shoe ideal for racing and training
Best Nike
Nike Free Run
Product Highlights
- Minimalist-style running shoe
- Neutral stability
- 8 mm heel-to-toe drop
- Men's and women's sizing
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Minimalist design
- Suitable for cross-training
- Affordable price tag
Cons
- No stability features
- Narrow toe box
- May wear out with long miles
Bottom Line
Nike Free Run shoes have seen several iterations over the years but our testers still enjoy wearing them for daily runs and cross-training. These are ideal for people seeking trainers with neutral support and a low-to-the-ground feeling.
Nike Free Runs are a classic style from the Nike running shoe market, and for good reason. They’re a lightweight, neutral shoe, making them ideal for pushing the pace on your next run.
GGR Senior Director of Content Kate Meier is an avid runner and weightlifter. And she’s admittedly obsessed with Nike Free Runs, wearing most iterations of the shoe since it was released in 2005. “I’ve worn them for full marathons, half marathons, 10K races, 5K races, casual jogging, and cross-training. They are my go-to racing shoes and training shoes,” says Kate.
RELATED: Half Marathon Training Plan
When it comes to stability, the Nike Free Run is a neutral shoe with minimal cushioning. It’s not nothing—there is still an eight-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, but you won’t find a high-stacking platform on these shoes. Kate scores the stability category 2 out of 5 stars, saying, “If you need cushioning and stability for your running style, these aren’t for you.”
While there may not be much for stability and cushioning, Kate gave the Free Run shoes a 5-out-of-5-star rating for durability, noting she’s never had any issues with the construction of the shoe. “I used to log a ton of miles while training for a marathon and would wear them out in under a year,” says Kate. “However, if you’re not marathon training and are good about rotating your running shoes, you can make these last much longer than that,” says Kate.
Not only does Kate like wearing the Nike Free Run for running and training, but she also likes the way they look for everyday wear. “I’ve had many different colors and own an all-white pair I think are ideal for the ‘athleisure’ look and running around town,” adds Kate.
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm |
| Weight per shoe | 7 oz (women); 8.4 oz (men) |
| Size range | 5-12 (women); 6-15 (men) |
| Materials | Knit and spandex upper, rubber outsole |
Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Women: HOKA Clifton 9
Good for: An every day running shoe featuring neutral stability and balanced cushioning
Best Cushioned
Hoka Clifton 9
Product Highlights
- Hoka’s neutral shoe for walking and everyday running
- 4 grams lighter than the Clifton 8
- Increased stack height 3 mm
- Made with vegan and recycled materials
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Available in both regular and wide
- American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance
- Available with GORE-TEX for weather resistance in GTX and GTX TS models
- Love it or return it: 30-day guarantee
- Generally positive reviews
Cons
- Less colorways available in women’s sizes
- Limited colorways in wide
- Some longtime Clifton users dislike the updates
Bottom Line
The Hoka Clifton 9 is the newest model of Hoka’s neutral shoe for walking and running. This model is 4 grams lighter and has added 3 millimeters of stack height. The shoe is vegan and utilizes a variety of recycled materials. Most of the reviews were positive and found the shoe comfortable, however, some longtime Clifton users disliked the changes and preferred previous models.
The HOKA Clifton 9 is our top pick for best cushioned running shoes because they’re not too plush or too responsive; they’re just right. The midsole features an EVA foam for reducing impact, but the forefoot offers a bit of stiffness for performance and speed.
Erin Chancer, a certified personal trainer and GGR senior editor, tested the HOKA Clifton 9 running shoes and enjoyed the overall experience. Although the HOKA is designed as a neutral running shoe, Erin felt super stable running in the Clifton 9 sneakers and scored the stability a 4.5 out of 5 stars. “I have pretty narrow feet and anticipated my feet swimming in these, but I felt like they were molded to me,” says Erin.
She even notes that she didn’t need any break-in time with the Cliftons and they felt like the right shoes from the start. “I’m happy to report no blisters or sore feet,” she says.
Erin notes that some reviews she read mention that customers with wider feet didn’t like the way the Clifton 9 fit, but Erin noticed HOKA offers both regular and wide options in the Clifton. They also come in whole and half sizes through a wide range of U.S. shoe sizes, potentially making the Clifton 9 a good fit for a lot of runners.
Additionally, Erin scored the construction and overall durability of the Cliftons at 4.5 out of 5 stars. “This is a really well-made shoe with durable materials,” says Erin.
“These are my first pair of HOKAs, and I can see why they’re so popular. The EVA foam midsole is both comfortable and springy. Plus, the rocker-style profile helped me maintain proper running form,” she says.
RELATED: Best Running Apps
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5 mm |
| Weight per shoe | 7.3 oz (women); 8.7 oz (men) |
| Size range | 5-12 (women); 7 -16 (men) |
| Materials | Rubber outsole, EVA foam midsole, polyester mesh upper |
Best Budget Running Shoes for Women: Saucony Cohesion 13
Good for: Runners looking for an affordable shoe from a reliable brand
Best Budget
Saucony Women’s Cohesion 13
Product Highlights
- Technical yet breathable upper provides a secure hold
- Segmented rubber outsole with flexibility in forefoot
- Neutral running shoe with VersaFoam cushioning designed to absorb impact and reduce pressure
- Heel-to-toe drop/offset measure 12 mm
- Best suited for walking and an occasional jog
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Multiple color options
- Comfortable
- Relatively affordable
- Breathable
Cons
- May run small
- Narrow toe box
Bottom Line
Saucony’s Cohesion 13 is an affordable, neutral running shoe available in a wide variety of colors.
If you’re on a budget and want a pair of shoes to lace up from a reputable brand, we think the Saucony Cohesion 13 is a solid choice. It’s an older model from Saucony that’s still available on third-party retailers like Amazon. The best part is that most colorways are priced under $60 a pair.
Amanda Capritto, former GGR expert tester and avid runner, scored the price and overall value 4.5 out of 5 stars. “The Cohesion shoes are an excellent budget option for new runners who don’t want to spend a lot before knowing if they’re going to stick with running,” says Amanda.
The Saucony Cohesion offers neutral stability, which is an excellent option for beginners as well to understand their natural gait. Amanda notes the Cohesion sneakers are firm and offer decent stability even for neutral shoes.
She scored the budget-friendly shoes 4 out of 5 stars in the category. “These are firm but roll well with my stride when walking. They don’t propel you forward as much as some other running shoes,” she says.
In terms of durability, Amanda gave the Cohesion shoes a 3-out-of-5-star rating. “These don’t seem like the most durable sneakers I’ve worn, but for the cost, it’s not surprising,” says Amanda.
It’s worth noting colorways and sizing may be limited on Amazon because the Saucony Cohesion 13 was released in 2019. The newest styles of the brand’s most popular running shoes (including Endorphin, Triumph, and Ride) are available on the Saucony website.
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| Heel-to-toe drop | 12 mm |
| Weight per shoe | 7.3 oz (women); 8.9 oz (men) |
| Size range | 5-11 (women); 7-13 (men) |
| Materials | Rubber outsole, foam midsole, mesh upper |
Best Trail Running Shoes for Women: Altra Lone Peak
Good for: Trail runners interested in a zero drop, yet cushioned shoe
Best on the Trail
Altra Lone Peak
Product Highlights
- Balanced cushioning platform, 0-mm drop, and Altra’s signature FootShape with a roomy toe box.
- Designed to handle any terrain with its MaxTrac outsole and TrailClaw canted lugs
- Lacing closure system feels secure
- American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance
- Lightweight
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight
- Grippy outsole for solid traction
- Canted lugs
- Flexible
- Moderate cushioning
Cons
- Some reports of issues with the upper wearing down quickly
- If you prefer more cushioning, this may leave you wanting
Bottom Line
Providing a solid amount of traction, grip, and responsiveness, the Altra Men’s Lone Peak 6 is a balanced trail running shoe with a lot of flexibility.
Trail runners looking for minimalist style shoes (with a wide toe box) will enjoy the Altra Lone Peak shoes. Former GGR tester and runner Amanda Capritto tested the Altra Lone Peak 6, and it quickly became her go-to trail runner.
Since then, Altra has come out with two more iterations of the Lone Peak trainer runner with all of the same signature features Amanda appreciated. The “FootShape” wide toe box initially grabbed Amanda’s attention during her first try-on.
“There is much more room in the toe box than in traditional running shoes,” says Amanda. She scored adjustments and comfort 5 out of 5 stars. “These feel insanely comfortable in all ways.”
She scored stability 4.5 out of 5 stars, saying, “While there aren’t traditional stability features for pronation, these shoes hug your foot and give you space to splay your toes for natural stability.”
You may also like the Lone Peak runners that feature a zero-drop design with a 25-millimeter stack height, but no delta between the toes and heel. While the Lone Peaks are quite minimal, there’s still foam cushioning through the midsole, plus a “Stoneguard” insert for additional protection underfoot.
Construction also scores high on the Altra Lone Peak shoes at 4.5 out of 5 stars. The upper material is made from ripstop mesh that’s not just durable to rips and tears; it’s water resistant. The rubber outsole also features a deep lug pattern designed for outdoor trails and uneven terrain.
RELATED: Best Trail Running Shoes
| Heel-to-toe drop | 0 mm (25 mm stack height) |
| Weight per shoe | 9.2 oz (women); 10.7 oz (men) |
| Size range | 5.5-12 (women); 7-16 (men) |
| Materials | Rubber outsole, EGO foam midsole, ripstop mesh upper |
Best Barefoot Running Shoes for Women: Xero Shoes HFS II
Good for: Runners looking to see what all the barefoot hubbub is about
Best Barefoot-Style
Xero Shoes HFS II
Product Highlights
- Minimalist road running shoe
- Lightweight at 8.3 oz in mens size 9
- Tire tread-inspired outsole the stay secure off the road
- Thin Barefoam layer of protection added to sole
- 0 mm heel-toe drop
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Durable tread and outsole
- Lightweight
- Wide toe box
- Break in easily
Cons
- Can heat up quickly
- Fairly pricey
Bottom Line
The HFS II from Xero Shoes is a lightweight minimalist shoe designed for road running, although it can be taken off-road as well. These shoes have a durable rubber sole, rated for 5,000 miles, and a thin Barefoam layer added to the shoe for extra protection. If you prefer minimal shoes for barefoot running, this is a solid choice.
If you’re on the hunt for a barefoot-style shoe that won’t break the bank, the Xero Shoes HFS II are our top recommendation. Barefoot shoes don’t offer much stability and cushioning, but our tester thought this pair wasn’t void of these elements.
GGR expert tester, Erin Chancer wore the Xero HFS II for several weeks before giving her insights. She says the HFS II doesn’t require a break-in period, making them ideal for barefoot beginners.
Traditionally, our testers are looking for stability features in running shoes, but barefoot shoes don’t offer added arch support, heel cupping, guide rails, or sidewalls. Regardless, Erin found her feet to be stable in the Xero Shoes and scored stability 4 out of 5 stars.
“I have narrow feet and expected to be swimming in the wide toe box, but these formed to my feet quite well. I felt super stable,” says Erin.
For added stability, you’ll have tread-inspired sole for traction while running on pavement or trails. And although the soles of Xero shoes are thin— about one millimeter—the brand has a 5,000-mile sole warranty. For construction and durability, Erin scored the HFS II at 4 out of 5 stars.
“These Xero Shoes are super lightweight and flexible. I wear them for running and various activities, including working out and running errands,” says Erin. “I haven’t experienced any signs of wear and tear.”
Erin also notes the price—about $120 on the Xero Shoes website—offers a decent value compared to other barefoot shoes on the market, which are typically priced between $150 and $200 per pair and don’t offer a 5,000-mile sole warranty.
Check out our Xero HFS II review for more details on Erin’s experience.
| Heel-to-toe drop | 0 mm |
| Weight per shoe | 6.7 oz (women); 8.3 oz (men) |
| Size range | 5-12 (women); 6.5-15 (men) |
| Materials | Tread-style rubber outsole, “BareFoam” thin removable midsole, breathable mesh upper |
Other Running Shoes We Tested
- On Cloudgo Running Shoes: These are a solid option for neutral stability, but ultimately both of the Nike sneakers we tested scored higher.
- NOBULL Runners: While our testers like these running shoes, they’re really designed for the casual runner. They look pretty cool with their minimalist design, but we’ve tested shoes with a better locked-in feeling that avid runners need.
- Asics Gel Nimbus: I personally tested these sneakers with a rocker-style, ultra-cushioned sole. Although these will work for some folks, wearing these sends me to my toes and changes my gait more than I’d like.
- New Balance Fresh Foam: These are a popular running shoe for both women and men, but our team hasn’t tested the newest iteration of the Fresh Foams.
How We Picked and Tested
As mentioned at the beginning of this roundup, our expert testers are tasked with scoring and reviewing running shoes based on in-depth fitness equipment testing methodologies developed by our editorial team of experts. We score for running shoes on the following categories:
- Overall appearance: We know running shoes are designed for function, not fashion. However, our testers gave high scores based on sleek designs, multiple colorway options, and whether they’d wear them outside of their workouts.
- Construction and durability: High scores are given to shoes with durable materials and a design intended for running with proper cushioning, outsole material, and breathable uppers.
- Stability and performance: Testers consider if their running shoes are made to improve stability or create neutral stability (like a minimalist-style shoe). Either way, high scores are reserved for running shoes that remain connected to the foot while running.
- Versatility: If a shoe can easily be worn for nearly any gym activity, it earned a high score in this category.
- Adjustments and comfort: This category considers sizing options, width options, and additional adjustments like internal straps and Velcro loops.
- Price and value: High scores are reserved for running shoes that either bring a lot of value to those who want to buy them or are competitively priced.
- Customer service and reviews: Our testers not only take their own experience into account, they consider customer reviews and what the overall customer experience was like.
Benefits of Running Shoes for Women
A high-quality pair of running shoes may turn a decent run into a “hell yeah” kind of run. And we’re not the only ones who think so. A March 2020 review published in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine1 states:
- A stiffer forefoot may improve running performance.
- Soft, thick, and cushioned midsoles can reduce impact and absorb shock.
- Minimalist-style shoes may improve running economy and increase strength in the Achilles tendon.
Experts Who Contributed To This Article
What To Look for in Running Shoes for Women
When considering a running shoe, there are a number of factors to consider. Here are our top three things to asses:
Heel-to-Toe Drop
The heel-to-toe drop measurement helps you gauge the difference between your heel and forefoot, usually measured in millimeters. Higher numbers indicate more height between your heel and toe. Higher heel-to-toe drops are favorable for runners to land heel first. Lower drops are best for front or midfoot runners.
Cushioning and Stability
A cushioned shoe helps absorb impact from your foot strike. Cushioning also makes for a more comfortable feel, but cloud-like cushioning can impact the shoe’s stability. Cushioning is great for comfort, but if your main goal is speed, you’ll want shoes with less cushion.
If you need a stable running shoe, be sure to read through the product details, as most running shoe brands assign either “neutral” or “stability” to their running shoes.
Stability shoes are typically a bit stiffer and offer more arch support to compensate for flat feet and overpronation, whereas neutral shoes have more flexibility and less arch support. Stability shoes may even feature guide rails, the elevated part of the sole that propels you forward (think rocker-style shoes).
Toe Box and Width
If you have wide feet, bunions, or other foot-related concerns, consider sizing up or double-checking if the brand you’re interested in has different width options. If there are no width options, be sure to read the product description for indications of a toe box roomy enough for all the toes to spread out naturally.
Best Running Shoes for Women: FAQs
Which brand is best for running shoes for women?
At Garage Gym Reviews, our expert testers have overwhelming positive things to say about Nike, Brooks, Saucony, HOKA, adidas, and Altra to name a few.
How do I know what running shoes are best for my foot?
While our expert testers use in-depth testing methodologies to review and score each pair of shoes we test, our hands-on experience doesn’t replace a healthcare professional or podiatrist. If you have chronic foot pain, we recommend meeting with a podiatrist for your best bet on finding shoes that don’t make the pain worse.
You may also want to consider shopping and trying shoes in your local running store to see how certain shoes fit before committing to a brand or style.
What running shoes are recommended by podiatrists?
The best pair of running shoes depends on your needs. Do you have plantar fasciitis? Our testers recommend Brooks Adrenaline GTS or Saucony Cohesion 13 while many podiatrists recommend HOKA Bondi 8 (we like that one, too!).
Do you have hammer toes or bunions? What about high arches or flat feet? Depending on your needs, a podiatrist may recommend different shoes. We have tested and reviewed even more sneakers for our best walking shoes for flat feet and best running shoes for high arches roundups.
References
- Sun, X., Lam, W. K., Zhang, X., Wang, J., & Fu, W. (2020). Systematic Review of the Role of Footwear Constructions in Running Biomechanics: Implications for Running-Related Injury and Performance. Journal of sports science & medicine, 19(1), 20–37.
Further reading
You might be in limbo debating the lat pulldown vs pull-up. A certified personal trainer explains the similarities and differences, and which one is for you. Read more
Can’t stand green drinks? Here are 11 ideas for how to make greens powder taste better. Read more
Are you looking to vary your workouts and improve your balance? These Bosu ball exercises are sure to do the trick! Check out our expert guide right here! Read more
Titan Fitness has taken another step into the fitness community by releasing their new Competition Style Kettlebells. With already offering a cast iron kettlebell for a home gym or local box, Titan Fitness has released another piece of equipment that is sure to be one of the best kettlebells for those looking into a more accurate and uniform sized bell. Read more