10 Best Purple Running Shoes Reviewed
By Jane McCullough
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In the old days and in more than one country, purple was the color of royalty. Some places, including ancient Rome, took measures to legally prevent commoners from wearing any form of that coveted color. Today Purple shoes are stylish and trendy which is why we made this list!
We are more fortunate. Many of the best shoe manufacturers now offer Running & sports shoes in purple, with purple accents and purple variations, to the satisfaction of purple lovers everywhere.
Brooks Ghost 9
The Brooks Ghost 9 for women embraces purple without apology in a all-around good running shoe. The foundation of the shoe is a thick layer of rubber between the foot bed and sole. The sole is segmented more than is usual in this price point and includes a mid-foot gouge that removes weight and encourages flexibility.
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Style
If you looking for brooks purple running shoes, the Brooks Ghost 9 may be your shoe. Purple is the primary color, supported by orange and black accents. The purple mesh overlaying the purple interior provides the appearance of depth. Contrasting deeper purple toe support further defines the frame of this shoe. A thick, white rubber comfort layer between the sole and foot bed emphasizes the heel support both in the sole and the upper heel.
Comfort
This well-padded, ventilated shoe is comfortable and supportive and very purple. The segmented sole enables flexibility without compromising support particularly in the heel. The heel is well-cushioned and the rubber is particularly thick where the heel strikes the surface.
Price
Average
If you looking for brooks purple running shoes, the Brooks Ghost 9 may be your shoe. Purple is the primary color, supported by orange and black accents. The purple mesh overlaying the purple interior provides the appearance of depth. Contrasting deeper purple toe support further defines the frame of this shoe. A thick, white rubber comfort layer between the sole and foot bed emphasizes the heel support both in the sole and the upper heel.
Comfort
This well-padded, ventilated shoe is comfortable and supportive and very purple. The segmented sole enables flexibility without compromising support particularly in the heel. The heel is well-cushioned and the rubber is particularly thick where the heel strikes the surface.
Price
Average
Pros
- Very purple
- Very good all-around shoe
- Brooks has maintained the price point for years without compromising quality
Cons
- Some feel the toe box is too small
- Some feel the shoe is narrower than its predecessors
Hoka One One Vanquish 2
Step aside for the purple Vanquish 2 by Hoka One One. Stable, durable, comfortable and very purple, this shoe has style and function for the long haul.
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Admittedly, the super support and pillowing of Hoka One One is not everyone’s favorite flavor, but that’s why there are so many flavors from which to select: something for everyone.
Style
Resting on the elaborate, substantial, white foundation we expect from Hoka One One, this streamlined purple shoe is covered by a wide web mesh, also purple; it may sound like too much, but it works in this design. Contrasting the purple are red laces are scattering of rhombus web details also in red, which help define the narrow waist of this very attractive shoe.
Comfort
What could be more comfortable than knowing you are wearing a shoe called “Vanquish”; the very name conveys comfort. Beyond that, the cozy heel padding, deep, shock-absorbing sole and stabilizing lace and overlay elements secure the foot in place for a long, painless run.
Price
Pricey
Style
Resting on the elaborate, substantial, white foundation we expect from Hoka One One, this streamlined purple shoe is covered by a wide web mesh, also purple; it may sound like too much, but it works in this design. Contrasting the purple are red laces are scattering of rhombus web details also in red, which help define the narrow waist of this very attractive shoe.
Comfort
What could be more comfortable than knowing you are wearing a shoe called “Vanquish”; the very name conveys comfort. Beyond that, the cozy heel padding, deep, shock-absorbing sole and stabilizing lace and overlay elements secure the foot in place for a long, painless run.
Price
Pricey
Pros
- Great comfortable shoe
- Excellent use of purple
- Lively red elements add fun
Cons
- Some users do not like this level of cushioning
Topo Athletic Ultrafly
Bright purple with black accents, this Topo shoe is well-cushioned, effectively styled and ready for road and track. Rather than positioning the supporting straps together in the mid-foot area, Topo places two at the top of the lace and the remaining two at the base, with perpendicular straps between for a comfortable, firm fit. The toe box is generous and the heel box is comfy and firm without being abrasive.
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Style
The purple/lilac color of this shoe is delightful as it plays across the shoe body in lighter and darker variations. These play off the more serious black at the toe that outlines the foot base, defines the interior and continues to the laces.
Comfort
To maximize comfort, Topo includes a very well-padded heel collar designed to gently hug the heel into the correct position in the heel bed. The shoe features a thick, flexible sole that enables a very smooth transition from heel to toe.
Price
Average
The purple/lilac color of this shoe is delightful as it plays across the shoe body in lighter and darker variations. These play off the more serious black at the toe that outlines the foot base, defines the interior and continues to the laces.
Comfort
To maximize comfort, Topo includes a very well-padded heel collar designed to gently hug the heel into the correct position in the heel bed. The shoe features a thick, flexible sole that enables a very smooth transition from heel to toe.
Price
Average
Pros
- Quality, mid-priced running shoe
- Comfortable
- Multi-textured surface is attractive
Cons
- Some reviewers found this shoe runs small
Skechers GoRun 4
It hasn’t been that long since Skechers put the “s” in action and were dismissed as a fun fashion shoe rather than a runner’s shoe. Time and effort have transformed this manufacturer into a real player in the elite running gear market and the GoRun 4 is a fine example of their art.
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This is a well-reviewed general purpose running shoe. It includes a quick-fit feature which is a distinctive pull-on loop at the heel for easy dressing, which some users like but none object to as it does not promote blisters or skin irritation.
Style
This is one cute shoe featuring a distinctive digitized-looking combination of pink, blue and purple, with blue and purple sole styling. Though the purple is a secondary color, its placement and vibrancy adds that royal touch essential to this list.
Comfort
Definitely comfortable with a padded foot bed, flexible but not mushy sole and integrated lacing for a stable fit.
Value
A good price for a good shoe.
Style
This is one cute shoe featuring a distinctive digitized-looking combination of pink, blue and purple, with blue and purple sole styling. Though the purple is a secondary color, its placement and vibrancy adds that royal touch essential to this list.
Comfort
Definitely comfortable with a padded foot bed, flexible but not mushy sole and integrated lacing for a stable fit.
Value
A good price for a good shoe.
Pros
- Attractive purple/blue/neon green styling
- Well-padded and flexible
Cons
- Some report the sole is a little stiff
Brooks Transcend 3
This revised shoe is getting positive reviews from runners and reviewers alike, and happily, Brooks has seen fit to offer it in purple so it claims a space on our list.
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Considered a road shoe, the Transcend 3 offers excellent support but is light and svelte.
Style
This purple/blue combination supported by silver highlights makes for one pretty shoe. The purple laces, interior frame and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane – a flexible plastic often used for running shoe stability) sections bring life to this design.
Comfort
The comfort is provided partly by the interior cushioning the design that fits your foot almost like a sock with padding that extends up the sides of the shoe for stability and coziness. Breathability is provided by a firm, purple under frame covered by a contrasting blue mesh.
Price
Average
Style
This purple/blue combination supported by silver highlights makes for one pretty shoe. The purple laces, interior frame and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane – a flexible plastic often used for running shoe stability) sections bring life to this design.
Comfort
The comfort is provided partly by the interior cushioning the design that fits your foot almost like a sock with padding that extends up the sides of the shoe for stability and coziness. Breathability is provided by a firm, purple under frame covered by a contrasting blue mesh.
Price
Average
Pros
- Very good running shoe
- Fun interplay of purple and sky blue
- Comfortable and supportive
Cons
- Pricy
- Purple is the accent color
Saucony Peregrine 6
If you are a man and looking for mens purple running shoes, then here is your best bet! Too many manufacturers do not offer men purple options in quality shoes, so when they do, we grab them for this list. The Saucony Peregrine 6 is a great example of a quality purple sports & running shoe that man can embrace.
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This trail shoe features copious amounts of interior padding supported by flexible diagonal support bands so that the padding does not compromise stability.
Interestingly, the shoes include compass coordinates that indicate the location in Kutztown, Pa. where the company was founded; this is a fun detail for Saucony to add to their premier trail shoe.
Style
This shoe is a beauty, employing mature, dark purple as the primary color ably supported by contrasting red lacing and stitching. The sole is a lighter purple hue, creating an overall serious but interesting look. Silver touches outlining the lacing and the Saucony logo wave prevent the impression that you stepped in purple dye.
Comfort
Saucony has achieved a balance between comfort and support in this shoe by adding interior padding, creating a powerful trail sole while padding your feet from feeling the impact or placement of each lug as you run. The tongue includes a tab for easy on.
Value
Average
Interestingly, the shoes include compass coordinates that indicate the location in Kutztown, Pa. where the company was founded; this is a fun detail for Saucony to add to their premier trail shoe.
Style
This shoe is a beauty, employing mature, dark purple as the primary color ably supported by contrasting red lacing and stitching. The sole is a lighter purple hue, creating an overall serious but interesting look. Silver touches outlining the lacing and the Saucony logo wave prevent the impression that you stepped in purple dye.
Comfort
Saucony has achieved a balance between comfort and support in this shoe by adding interior padding, creating a powerful trail sole while padding your feet from feeling the impact or placement of each lug as you run. The tongue includes a tab for easy on.
Value
Average
Pros
- Ample interior padding
- Offered in purple for men
Cons
- Some feel the toe box is a bit tight
Asics Gel Kayano 21
Comfort, fit, support, purple – this shoe checks all the boxes on our checklist. With modern styling and an interesting color design using purple, neon green and black, your feet will thank you when you don these attractive kicks.
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Style
Though not the most generously-used color in the design, the purple in this shoe dominates. The interior, tongue, sole and “fluidride” are all purple, ably supported by neon green and a dusky gray with silver
accents.
Comfort
In addition to the well-padded foot bed, the Kayano 21Y features gel cushioning at the heel and toe positions. An additional comfort layer called a “fluidride” further supports and eases the miles as you run.
Price
Average
Though not the most generously-used color in the design, the purple in this shoe dominates. The interior, tongue, sole and “fluidride” are all purple, ably supported by neon green and a dusky gray with silver
accents.
Comfort
In addition to the well-padded foot bed, the Kayano 21Y features gel cushioning at the heel and toe positions. An additional comfort layer called a “fluidride” further supports and eases the miles as you run.
Price
Average
Pros
- Great gel cushioning at heel and toe
- Additional rubber comfort layer between foot and sole
Cons
- Some feel the toe box is a bit smaller than standard
- Some users report insufficient comfort in the sides of the heel box
Saucony Xodus Iso
On the road or off, the Xodus Iso is a great, attractive shoe. Saucony includes three bands with substantial double stitching for stability and a deep-set lugs in the sole to grab the street or the dirt with equal poise.
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Style
The purple on this shoe tends toward the raspberry end of the scale and is effectively offset by the black supporting elements and the neon green sole.
Comfort
With the Xodus Iso Trail Runner, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for grip. The soft foot bed is supported by a comfortable, firm layer between you and the lugs – this shoe laughs at mud and slippery surfaces while keeping your feet cozy.
Price
Average
The purple on this shoe tends toward the raspberry end of the scale and is effectively offset by the black supporting elements and the neon green sole.
Comfort
With the Xodus Iso Trail Runner, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for grip. The soft foot bed is supported by a comfortable, firm layer between you and the lugs – this shoe laughs at mud and slippery surfaces while keeping your feet cozy.
Price
Average
Pros
- Very good comfort and grip
- Interesting, uncommon purple hue
Cons
- Runs small
- Some feel the toe box is too shallow
Asics Gel-Exalt 3
Log many comfortable miles with this purple athletic shoe! The cushioning system is top notch and the gel heel bed helps prevent strike fatigue. This durable shoe includes a smooth, high tech design with an interesting exoskeleton for support.
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Style
Purple is the uniting theme of the Asics Gel-exalt 3 as it sweeps through the interior foot bed, tops the tongue, zig-zags in the laces and comprises the mid-section of the heel. With touches of navy and teal, this is an attractive, stylish design.
Comfort
The cushioning of the foot bed is supported by the midsole support, visible in the shoe profile. Padded tongue, heel and ankle provide buffering to the upper foot while the firm but flexible sole encourages proper gait and protect the foot from the irregularities and strain of road running.
Value
A good price for a good shoe.
Purple is the uniting theme of the Asics Gel-exalt 3 as it sweeps through the interior foot bed, tops the tongue, zig-zags in the laces and comprises the mid-section of the heel. With touches of navy and teal, this is an attractive, stylish design.
Comfort
The cushioning of the foot bed is supported by the midsole support, visible in the shoe profile. Padded tongue, heel and ankle provide buffering to the upper foot while the firm but flexible sole encourages proper gait and protect the foot from the irregularities and strain of road running.
Value
A good price for a good shoe.
Pros
- Well-cushioned but firm
- Flexible
Cons
- Some feel they run small
- May require some break in time
Mizuno Wave Catalyst
When it comes to womens purple running shoes, you have to consider the Mizuno Wave Catalyst. Overall it's a great shoe for running and offers extensive use of the color purple. Mizuno uses its stylized running bird to add stabilizing support to the mid-section of the shoe and its well-recognized wave sole pattern to grip the road and prevent slippage.
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Style
The purple is everywhere in this shoe pattern, defining the appearance. The purple mesh overlays the orange on the shoe exterior. The shoe includes super purple shoe laces with an orange interior and orange details through stitching and outlines on the exterior. This shoe gets the royal treatment indeed!
Comfort
The shoe sits low and is very lightweight. Mizuno sculpted the sole wave to lighten the load and uses an attractive, nested pattern of the runbird logo over an open web of support straps to convey stability and elongate the appearance of the shoe. Mizuno includes further comfort with a white, low rubber sole.
Value
Solid shoe, good price.
The purple is everywhere in this shoe pattern, defining the appearance. The purple mesh overlays the orange on the shoe exterior. The shoe includes super purple shoe laces with an orange interior and orange details through stitching and outlines on the exterior. This shoe gets the royal treatment indeed!
Comfort
The shoe sits low and is very lightweight. Mizuno sculpted the sole wave to lighten the load and uses an attractive, nested pattern of the runbird logo over an open web of support straps to convey stability and elongate the appearance of the shoe. Mizuno includes further comfort with a white, low rubber sole.
Value
Solid shoe, good price.
Pros
- Hugs the road
- Lightweight
- Very good use of purple
Cons
- Some feel they run small
- Some report the support is less than anticipated
However, it took more than a color to achieve a place on this list. The shoes had to be offered in purple and be of sufficient quality to merit a position as one of the ten best purple running shoes. This list progresses from least to most purple and all of the featured shoes are of high quality, well-reviewed by users as well as experts and also feature purple.
If you have a passion for purple, you don’t need to sacrifice quality for style. Purple abounds in many of the most respected brands on the market in degrees sufficient to please purple fans everywhere.
Sadly for male fans of this royal hue, purple is not as commonly used to adorn male footwear, but we have hope for the future.
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