10 Best Women’s Running Shoes Tested & Reviewed
However, with so many products out there, finding the perfect shoe can be overwhelming. Shopping for the best running shoes can be a painless experience and this is the place to start (and streamline) the process, giving you more time to get out there and conquer–whether it be on the track, treadmill, or trails.
If you're on the hunt for the best running shoes for women, check out our detailed list below!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Support
...support levels were crucial when compiling our list of best running shoe for women.
Women tend to have wider Q-Angles (hips) when running, which often leads to overpronation. So, we listened to what women had to say about the shoe’s support levels when it came to midsole control. Taking a women’s biomechanics into consideration can help alleviate unnecessary stress on the foot and help prevent injuries.
Flexibility
...running shoes must have a deeper groove that can provide greater flexibility...
In general, women tend to have 15% lower body mass than men, this means shoes must have a deeper groove that can provide greater flexibility, which, translates to a smooth and natural toe-off motion through the running patterns of the foot. Seasoned runners agree that a little less foam in the overall cushioning of a running shoe goes a long way for female runners.
Comfort
...it’s important to provide our readers with a selection that reflects the individual needs...
The arch, ball of the foot, and toes of women have different shapes and sizes when compared to male feet. In addition, men’s feet tend to be wider and longer on average. This is why it’s important to provide our readers with a selection that reflects the individual needs of a female’s natural foot shape. Responsive sole units can ensure a proper fit and a more customized overall feel.
Unlike most running blogs and jogging shoe retailers, we didn’t comprise our selection based on looks alone. While we understand that everyone likes making a personal selection when it comes to choosing what they put on their feet, we made sure that our picks come with the most cutting-edge features and shoe-tech currently on the market. Yes, these selections look fashionable and come in a wide variety of colors and styles that fit every runner’s personal sense of style, but performance is still a top priority.
Durability
...this way we could provide you with the most accurate information in regards to durability.
Every female runner deserves the best women running shoes - a pair of durable sports shoe. To determine the overall durability of a shoe we took a look at the outsole, midsole, and upper constructions. Durable running shoes for women have an outsole made of materials that will hold up to outdoor elements, rugged terrain, and are capable of withstanding hard impacts. Midsoles need to maintain a solid level of comfort, even when miles begin to pile up. The upper portion of the shoe should also be breathable AND made of strongly constructed materials. It’s crucial to us that we listen to what female runners from all walks of life had to say in regards to how much wear and tear their shoes could take after they’ve put several miles on them--this way we could provide you with the most accurate information in regards to durability.
Protection
...each shoe it best suited for will give you the best fit, response, and protection.
Safety should always come first. With that in mind, we made sure to include selections that fit any situation you may encounter. While it may be "trendy" to have a specific marathon shoe, it may not be the ideal situation to take those very shoes on a rugged trail run. Having the choice to make an educated selection based on what type of running each shoe it best suited for will give you the best fit, response, and protection. After all, the easiest way to deal with an injury is to never have it in the first place.
Top 10 Women's Running Shoes
1. ASICS Women's GEL-Venture 5
ASICS Women's GEL-Venture 5 is one of the best women's running shoes today and this is why it has earned the number one spot on our top ten list. Durable, comfortable, supportive, and affordable; these shoes are great for runners who want to protect their feet and get the most out of their runs.
Read moreSupport
The ASICS Women's GEL-Venture 5 has superior insoles and outsoles that offer a high level of support and stability for your feet and ankles as you run. Whether you are running on the road or the trails these shoes will help protect and support your feet! Making them perfect, not just for running, but for any cross-training activities you go with.
Flexibility
The V5 offers a high level of flexibility that is hard to find in many other sports shoes. With good traction and flexibility, you are sure to keep your footing even in less than perfect conditions.
Comfort
ASICS shoes are known for their superior design and high comfort levels. The ASICS Women's GEL-Venture 5 is no different. You will love the way they wrap around and hug your feet with every step you take.
Durability
The ASICS Women's GEL-Venture 5 shoes are made to last and will hold up to the wear and tear or indoor and outdoor running and are a smart investment for any runner.
Value
You will be hard pressed at finding running shoes for women better than these when it comes to durability, protection and support at a great price. So, make the smart investment today!
2. Brooks Womens Adrenaline GTS 18
Rated on Brooks as their number one runner, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 has the trifecta: Support, cushioning, and they are lightweight. These womens running shoes have been said to be a shoe based more on actual functionality than looks. However, they do come in quite an array of colors to accent the sleek design. Also, let us not forget all the added flexibility while still reigning high in stability making them one of the best womens running shoes.
Read moreFeatures
Brooks updated the upper bigtime in the GTS 18, enhancing fit and breathability. The new design has proven to be more flexible while hugging the foot precise without constriction. Flexibility was also upgraded with the BioMoGo DNA midsole. This foam is soft, durable and allows the foot more natural mobility when in action. Every update has truly added more stability while still enhancing flexibility. Brooks added a roll bar, making this shoe a dream for those with overpronation. Taking away the pain, the roll bar gives a more secure heel-to-toe transition, also making for a more efficient run. New grooved treads added some much-needed grip while also adding some more responsiveness and durability to the shoe.
Value
These are the full package and you don't have to worry about being late on rent. They are lower than the average cost for a shoe of their caliber when it comes to best shoes for running women models and will carry you through some serious miles.
3. Salomon Women's XR Mission
The Salomon XR Mission is a prime example of a quality shoe with style and a well thought out design and lands on n. 3 on our best ladies running shoes list. Not only are they great looking, but they are also easy to wear, durable, and supportive - everything you want and need from a pair of quality running shoes for women. These womens running shoes are popular among runners of all skill levels and rank high in many reviews as well as here on our top ten list.
Read moreSupport
The Salomon Women's XR Mission is made to engage your feet with every step that you take. The soles are designed to be supportive and reduce shock for a better running experience!
Flexibility
The Women's XR Mission's may not be as flexible as other shoes on our list but they make up for it in support and durability. They are more designed for maintaining balance and traction while running.
Comfort
The Salomon Women's XR Mission was designed with comfort and stability in mind. Extra cushioning placed throughout the bed of the shoe makes for a softer and more controlled ride, making these a go to no matter how long your workouts last.
Durability
As a runner, you want a pair of shoes that can take what you put into them without a speedy breakdown. These were definately made to last and handle whatever your running style throws their way.
Protection
With a great value and great benefits, the Salomon XR Mission running shoes for women offer the superior protection you want and need in a pair of high-quality shoes.
4. Under Armour Speedform Fortis GR
These comfortable running shoes for women are super cozy due to 4D foam layering which conforms to the shape of the runner's foot. Comfort equals more distance without foot fatigue.
Read moreFeatures
4D Foam is used for comfort, as well as a more natural running experience. The charged cushioning absorbs shock so you can run longer and farther. These UnderArmor shoes have an overall lightweight construction. They are made with thicker rubber in high-wear zones increases the shoe's durability and longevity of use. The build of the Under Armour Speedform Fortis GR's upper is durable, stretchable, lightweight, and breathable.
Value
The quality of these shoes makes them very much worth the price and there extremely high durability mean that they will last a long time before they need to be replaced. They truly are one of the best sports shoes for women.
5. Saucony Ride 10
With these running shoes for women called Ride 10, Saucony delivers an excellent product. These shoes are durable, comfortable, and breathable--and reasonable priced. Perfect for short to mid-range runs, these shoes will not slow you down and offer you a high level of comfort during your runs.
Read moreFeatures
The ride 10 offers additional cushioning and features a midsole foam for additional comfort--without having to sacrifice its lightweight features or flexibility.
The mesh incorporated in the upper portion of the shoe provides additional breathability and will keep your feet cool and dry for your entire run.
These shoes provide great shock absorption and are best for short to mid-range runs.
Value
As mentioned above the quality of the shoe being provided evens out to the Ride 10 being reasonably priced.
6. Adidas Women's Cloudfoam QT
If you want good running shoes for women that are from a brand you know and can trust then you should consider the Adidas Women's Cloudfoam QT running shoes. They are stylish, easy to wear, durable, and supportive- everything you want and need to form a pair of quality shoes!
Read moreSupport
The Adidas Women's Cloudfoam QT is made for optimal support and cushioning of your feet as you run. The interior soles are soft and supportive while the outside of the shoe is designed for shock absorption.
Flexibility
These shoes offer a decent range of flexibility, though not as much as some of the other shoes on our list. They do let you move easily which helps with maintaining balance and traction while running.
Comfort
Adidas is brand runners have trusted for years and the Cloudfoam QT running shoes for women are no different and keep your feet comfortable, even on the longest runs and help fight pain and fatigue.
Durability
Runners put their shoes through a lot day in and day out, so it is important to find running shoes that are made to last. These shoes are built tough and can handle anything you throw at them!
Protection
You will find it difficult to find running shoes better than the Adidas Women's Cloudfoam QT if you are looking for quality and excellence at a fairly affordable price. So get yours today to see the difference a great shoe can make.
7. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 are fast, light shoes and deserve a place on our top rated womens running shoes list. Redesigned from the 34, it has a softer ride with a stretch back heel to help alleviate unwanted Achilles pressure. The sole grooves are also smaller in the front, which actually gives the shoe more of a lift on each stride.
Read moreFeatures
Designed for speed and versatility, the Pegasus 35 look sleek and vibrant on the foot. The new upper knit fabric allows for air to swoosh through and gives a kind of fresh street look. The snappy toe grooves add a lot to the lift-off and with the added toe bevel, you'll look as fast as you feel. The responsiveness is also extra; they packed a lot of bounce in this shoe, which makes it great for gym use as well. The increased padding lets you get more distance, leaving your feet feeling great. Nike did take out the tongue, side and heel padding, but this makes the shoe more idea for fast movement. Making up for that support is the Flywire cables built into the interior of the shoe. These can be felt lined within the midsection of the shoe and is ideal great for trackwork.
Value
Decently priced - below average for its design- the Nike Pegasus 35 is everything we hoped it would be compared to the beast that is the Pegasus 34. If racing is your thing and you still like the distance factor, you have that versatility packed into a light, well priced running shoe.
8. Altra Intuition 4.5
Altra is known for its Foot Pod design, mapping out the foot and balancing weight and pressure on tendons and bones. This technology married with the comfort and responsiveness of the Altra Intuition 4.5 is what sets it a notch above the rest. The Intuition 4.5 has a 0mm drop, allowing for your body to align properly while feeling the road under your feet. It's a great shoe for a long run, the kind that clear your head.
Read moreFeatures
As mentioned, Altra's Footpod Innerflex grid is mapped out on the shoe, which identifies by color where the shoe enhances the foot and adds more flexibility. This rubber is attached across the bottom of the whole shoe also heightening durability. The EVA midsole offers an incredible shock absorbency and response while keeping the foot cushioned with a soft landing. The cherry on top is the weight. These shoes are lighter than the 4s’ and seem to allow for a faster feel on the pavement. Due to the Innerlex grid design, we would not suggest running any technical terrain. The upper 3D printed mesh is thick and supportive. It breathes very well and cradles the foot all the way into the heel cup.
Value
Winning a Top comfort Award and winning with us in versatility, the Altra Intuition 4.5's womens running shoes are a steal. Although they are made for the road they will impress those who are looking for a well-ventilated trainer. These are a low budget shoe with a high budget feel.
9. New Balance 890v6
It's been a few years in the waiting, but the New Balance 890v6 is a whole lot of upgrade in one jump of a shoe. Less aggravation and more comfort is offered in the 890v6. It is plushed up with a new midsole design and has new added durability to the outer sole. The mesh was reworked to be less abrasive. Honestly, we are glad to see the comeback because New Balance has something to prove.
Read moreFeatures
The mesh update is dreamy and has been upgraded to anew no-sew design, which eliminates seams. It is softer and breathes extremely well, keeping your feet cool and dry. These wrap around your foot like an extra layer of skin and give a very natural feel to your running movement. New Balance added the RevLite midsole cushioning to the full length of the shoe, enhancing the cushioning and support. They also delivered in the outer sole with grippy and strategically placed rubber. This adds durability and responsiveness to the shoe without adding any weight. An extra bonus is the small curvature that replicates the shape of the foot. It makes the 890v6 that much more comfortable.
Value
These are a mid-ranged price running shoe with a top dollar feel. When New balance decided to relaunch the New Balance 890, you can tell they put a lot of thought into the design and listened to their reviewers. It took them a while, but these have shown to be well worth the wait at a price range you cannot ignore.
10. Hoka One One Bondi 5
The Hoka One One Bondi 5 are shoes that have proven to be one of the best long-distance shoes currently available for women. The fact that they are number 10 on our women's running shoes reviews list, doesn't mean they are not good enough like the rest. While they still look a bit bulky or awkward, don't let that fool you. These shoes deliver exceptional heel to toe cushioning--providing you with comfort and protection you need when logging in those long-distance run miles.
Read moreFeatures
They are made for long distance runs, especially marathons. They are made with a synthetic mesh that makes them both breathable and lightweight.
Their Speed Frame construction increases shock absorption and comfort, while also reducing irritation in your forefoot
These shoes also come equipped with a wide fit--perfect for those longer runs!
Value
If you are shopping on a budget then the Bondi 5 is probably not a great pick for you but the quality shoes that Hoka One One provide means that this shoe is worth your consideration even if it costs a bit more.
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