Whether you’re new to running or a seasoned pro, your choice of running shoes makes a tremendous difference in your comfort, performance, and injury risk. With so many running shoes to choose from, it can be tough to figure out what’s best for your running style, foot type, and injury history.
To help you decide which shoes are best for you, we’ve sorted through the many options. These top picks for women’s running shoes are from trusted, high-quality brands and have innovative features that will help you run in comfort and style.
Best Overall: Brooks Glycerin 20 Running Shoes
Brooks’ Glycerin 20 shoe is an excellent pick for women looking for an all-in-one, high-performance running shoe. They’re lightweight enough for shorter runs, but also provide the comfort and support you need when running high mileage. When running in this shoe, the shoe’s plush cushioning adapts to each step, helping to protect your knees and preventing fatigue. Additionally, the shoe’s transition zone assists with shock absorption and evenly disperses impact. The stretchy mesh upper is flexible and breathable, keeping feet dry and comfortable. Those durable, versatile shoes are available in a variety of colors, widths, and in women’s sizes 5 to 12. Buy on Amazon
Best Cushioned: Hoka Bondi 8 Running Shoes
Hoka running shoes are known for their exceptional cushioning, and their Bondi 8 certainly doesn’t disappoint in that area. From the moment you put them on, you feel the cloud-like comfort. The EVA foam cushioning is spread evenly through the entire shoe, allowing for balanced landings and stellar shock absorption. Despite the plush feel, the foam is ultralight and responsive, keeping each step soft but bouncy. We also like the shoe’s pillowed tongue and memory foam collar, which adds to the comfy, secure fit.
Plus, the Bondi 8 has earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which recognizes products that have been found beneficial to foot health. Whether you need a reliable training shoe or spend long days on your feet, you’ll love the Bondi for its thick bed of cushioning designed to provide soft comfort and support. The shoes come in a variety of color combinations and in sizes 5 through 12 with medium to wide widths. Buy on Amazon
Best for Flat Feet: Asics Gel-Kayano 30 Running Shoes
The lightweight Asics Gel-Kayano 30 running shoe provides the support, stability, and shock absorption that women with flat feet need. Their 4D Guidance System that, which is based on biomedical research, helps stabilize the foot with a medial foam unit and controls overpronation that’s common with flat-footed runners. The breathable engineered mesh upper adds to the comfy, supportive fit, while also keeping your feet fresh and comfortable.
The midsole’s foam cushioning provides an energetic ride, while the gel cushioning in the rearfoot absorbs impact. This version also has a wider base for more stability, plus a beveled heel for improved ground impact. Available in women’s sizes 5 to 13 and widths medium and wide, the durable Kayano is a solid choice for female runners. Buy on Amazon
Best for Overpronation: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Running Shoes
Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 23 is a great option for those who have flexible ankles or overpronate and need a bit of extra stability. It used Brooks’ innovative GuideRails support system, which encourages a natural running gait while keeping excess movement in check.
The shoe’s mesh upper with plenty of stretch and structure to avoid rubbing or blisters. The roomy fit and forefoot construction is spacious enough to accommodate orthotics and insoles as well, making it a great option for flat or wide feet. If you need a running shoe with extra support and stability for flat feet or flexible arches, it’s a smart choice. Buy on Amazon
Best Budget: Saucony Cohesion 15 Running Shoes
A trusted and popular running shoe brand, Saucony offers some affordable running shoes that rival more expensive options. Their Cohesion 15 is a great option for beginners, marathoners, and anyone who needs a dependable, comfortable shoe for everyday wear.
With a durable, grippy rubber outsole, this shoe can handle road running for many miles and won’t weigh you down. A roomy toebox offers plenty of room for a wide toe splay, which will improve your balance and power transfer. Meanwhile, the light, breathable upper mesh keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Buy on Amazon
Best for Narrow Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12 Running Shoes
New Balance’s 1080 v12 Fresh Foam X running shoe offers the ideal blend of support and cushioning. They come in a range of widths, including narrow, regular, and wide, so you can get a more accurate fit. The shoe feels well-cushioned but lightweight, thanks to the full-length Fresh Foam X midsole that packs in a lot of protective cushioning without the bulk. The shoe’s performance knit upper hugs the foot, allowing for a snug, comfortable fit. The shoe is energetic and responsive, with a rubber outsole that provides good traction and additional shock absorption. Available in women’s sizes 5 to 13 and a variety of fun and neutral colors, these shoes are a comfy choice for runners and walkers. Buy on Amazon
Best for Neutral Runners: Mizuno Wave Rider 27 Running Shoes
A tried-and-true favorite among neutral runners, the Mizuno Wave Rider 27 is a durable, dependable shoe that’s versatile for both short and long runs. The shoe’s full-length cushioning feels plush on landing, but provides excellent rebound for a bouncy, energetic feel. Made with recycled materials, the engineered mesh upper hugs the foot for a comfortable, supportive fit. Meanwhile, Mizuno’s Wave Plate technology helps to disperse the impact of landing and allows for smooth transitions from heel to toe. They’re available in women’s sizes 6 to 12 and medium or wide widths. Buy on Amazon
Frequently-Asked Questions About Women’s Running Shoes
How should running shoes fit?
For the best fit, runners should go up at least a half-size from their street shoe size. To avoid cramped toes and issues such as black toenails and blisters, check for a thumb’s width of space from the end of your toes to the front of the running shoes. The shoe should feel snug but comfortable in the midfoot and rearfoot, to avoid slipping and sliding in the shoe. Keep in mind that different brands can be sized differently, so it’s a good idea to try shoes on in person to get the right fit.
When should I replace my running shoes?
Running shoes should be replaced every 350 to 400 miles, but it also depends on a variety of factors, including your weight, pace, and typical running surfaces. Lighter runners can usually get away with the higher end of that range, while heavier runners may wear down their shoes faster. If you usually run on the treadmill, your shoes will last longer than if you were to do a lot of outdoor running.
How should I clean my running shoes?
To get the best results and increase the longevity of your running shoes, wash them by hand. First, remove the insoles and wipe any dirt or debris off the outside with a dry scrub brush or towel. Fill up a bowl with warm water and about a tablespoon of laundry detergent. Dip a soft scrub brush into the soapy water and scrub the shoes. Next, wipe them down with a wet towel or sponge.
Clean the insoles in the same manner with a scrub brush and then wipe them off with a sponge. Let the shoes and insoles air dry. High heat can damage the shoes, so never place them in front of a heater or in the dryer.
Why Trust Us
Running coach, avid runner, and fitness writer Christine Luff is an RRCA-certified running coach and ACE-certified personal trainer. Founder of the website Run for Good and author of the book Run for Good: How to Create a Lifelong Running Habit, she coaches runners, from beginners to advanced, who are training for races, from 5Ks to marathons.
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