Best running shoes for women: Tried and tested shoes for beginners

Investing in the best running shoes for women is made easier by this guide, which contains reviews on all of the top picks that are worth your attention. Featuring pairs from adidas, Asics, Nike, and more, these shoes are the key to unlocking a more energized running program, thanks to the fact they are suited to an array of different terrains and distances.

When it comes to making the best running shoes for women work for you, the crucial factor to look out for is support, in order to avoid injury and promote your journey to running faster, and for longer while remaining comfortable. If you’ve started out running and have noticed pain in your shins, hips, or even back, this could be because your shoes aren’t supporting the way your feet land as you run. 

It’s also important to consider the fit and weight of each shoe. The heel-to-toe drop will also be important, as this is the difference in height between your heel and your toe, which contributes to stabilization. Whether you’re running short or long distances, these features will make a huge difference in how energized you feel as you step out in your new shoes, and how your body can cope with running. 

We tested the shoes below to give you all the information you need before you make a decision. Alternatively, head to our guide detailing the best running shoes for men.

The best running shoes for women you can buy right now

Runners who have been in the game for a while will be no stranger to the Asics Gel Nimbus series; these women’s running shoes have been around since the 90s. For years, Asics customers have loved their comfort and stability - the new Nimbus 24 continues this legacy.

Available in sizes 5-13, the Gel Nimbus 24 is 0.02lb/10g lighter than its predecessor, emphasizing a lighter configuration and a responsive ride. Features such as the FF BLAST PLUS, Rearfoot, and Forefoot GEL, and Ortholite X-55 sockliner work to ensure that your feet remain comfortable in each step on your daily run. 

In addition, Asics makes use of Trusstic System Technology and LITE rubber to reduce the overall weight of these women’s running shoes while maintaining their structural integrity. All of these features alongside the improved durability of the outsole and the recycled engineered mesh upper make these the best women’s running shoes for increased cushioning and responsiveness during long road runs.

• Read our full Asics Gel Nimbus 24 review

During testing, the Brooks Hyperion Tempo running shoes were excellent for tempo running and preparing for race day. In fact, we smashed our personal best park run and half marathon times in them.

Brooks’ Hyperion Tempo running shoes are ultralight and incredibly breathable thanks to the mesh upper. We found these shoes to be super springy thanks to the highly responsive DNA FLASH nitrogen-infused foam, which gave us efficient energy returns and high cadence (where your foot lands underneath you rather than out in front) in training. 

We loved the freedom and soft cushioning in the Tempo shoes as well as their sleek, gender-neutral design. An 8mm drop is slightly lower than average but is perfect for low deviators in need of additional ankle support. One thing we wish we could change would be to increase the outsole’s tread, which left us feeling unsteady in wet conditions.

• Read our full Brooks Hyperion Tempo review

We put the Adidas Ultraboost 22 through thorough testing to see if the shoe’s impressive track record was going to continue in the latest drop. 

One thing we loved about the Adidas Ultraboost 22 is how supportive they are; the Primeknit upper, made from 50% Parley Ocean Plastic for extra sustainability points, is really soft yet fits like a glove, and they provide your feet with great protection.

During testing, we used these shoes for a 5k, 10k, and a longer half marathon, and each run was comfortable. Adidas state that these trainers are for the everyday runs as well as the long runs, which we think is spot on. The tech in these shoes is pretty fancy; the Boost midsole (a classic Ultraboost element), offers a 4% greater energy return than the Adidas Ultraboost 21, however, we didn’t feel the ‘bounce’ as much as in previous Ultraboosts.

Needless to say, running was still light. These also have a Linear Energy Push for even greater power.

It is worth noting, however, that the shoe’s snug fit might not always be ideal for those with wider feet. Getting the Adidas Ultraboost 22 on does require a bit of work as they are tight. They’re also pretty expensive so not ideal if you’re looking for a budget objection. 

Overall, the Adidas Ultraboost 22 fared very well during our tests. They feel great during runs, offer absolute support and comfort, and they actually look gorgeous too. 

• Read our Adidas Ultraboost 22 review 

We put the Hoka Kawana women’s running shoes through their paces to discover if they live up to the hype. During our testing, we found that these running shoes are durable and offer a lot of support and versatility that will be valuable for those who frequently move from the gym to road running. 

We loved the recycled jacquard mesh upper design as well as the padded tongue. The firm CMEVA foam sole added a gentle bounce to our step but didn’t wow us with its response rate. Some runners may enjoy the reduced stack height of 30mm, which makes a refreshing change from HOKA’s signature high ones, but some may find it simply does the job. A suitable degree of cushioning, reliable laces, and firm feel make the Hoka Kawana pair an excellent choice for 5K and 10K training. 

The HOKA Kawanas helped us be confident in our training while wearing them but we found that they’re not as forgiving as they could be. If you’re looking for a firm ride and stable entry that suits a gym and track training style, the HOKA Kawana running shoes could be right for you.

• Read our full Hoka Kawana review  

For over four decades the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus range has been around. The newer 37 model has increased its perforation and cushioning to give an improved ride and springy response with every step. In addition, the Air Zoom unit is twice as large as previously and has been moved to be closer to your foot for increased responsiveness.

Flywire cables are designed to lock your feet down without being uncomfortable to keep you flying along the trail. A translucent upper has even more perforations to keep you cool and comfortable, but this is not quite as effective as it could be. 

Overall, we love the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 model’s durable and grippy outsole as well as the cushioned ride. If you prefer having a responsive forefoot, sleeved midfoot, and high outsole traction, these could be the best women’s running shoes for you.

Yes, these shoes look a little different, but it’s a difference that translates into a performance boost as the women’s Cloudflow shoes are packed full of tech. Those truncated tube-like structures that make up the sole are the ‘clouds’ from which the shoe gets its name. Each one acts like a finely tuned spring, offering a combination of shock absorption and speed-boosting rebound. A stiffer ‘Speedboard’ through the length of the sole ties their performance together so they work together to support the foot through the stride from heel-strike to push-off. To boost durability and grip in wet conditions, the outer sole has sturdy abrasion pads that resist wear so you can keep on running when the weather gets rough. 

Understanding running shoes

The best running shoes for women consist of seven carefully designed and tested parts that support and improve your training while keeping your feet safe. These seven parts all have specific functions and can be broken down once you know what to look for.

Upper 

The upper, or the portion that encloses the foot and is held together by laces, provides your feet with protection from the elements and stability during longer runs. 

Tongue

The tongue is the padded cushion under the laces to protect your foot from lace pressure and friction. 

Midsole

The midsole, typically made of rubber or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, is located between the underside of your foot and the grip of the outsole. Midsoles are designed to provide cushioning and shock absorption.

Outsole

A shoe’s outsole is the textured layer of rubber at the bottom that provides traction and flexibility. Some are made of carbon, which is durable and stiff, while others are made from flexible blown rubber.

Heel counter

On the back of the shoe lies the heel counter, or the exoskeleton of inflexible material around the heel. This part reduces Achilles tendon irritation, while increasing cushioning and rotation control. 

Toe box

The toe box is the inner front of the shoe where your toes sit. When wearing any women’s running shoes, you should be able to wiggle your toes and fit the width of your thumb between your big toe and the front. 

Last

Finally, the last is the foot model that the shoe is constructed over. Lasts can be curved, semi-curved, or straight to suit different gaits and step styles. They work to provide pronation control and comfort during your runs.

One final key component to remember when looking for women’s running shoes is the drop. The heel-to-toe drop is the difference in height between your heel and your toe. The standard drop for most running shoes is 0.39 inches/10 mm but it can vary between 0 to 0.4 inches/11+ mm. Drops influence your kinetic and kinematic patterns as you run, but this is mostly a concern for long-distance runners. Everyone prefers a different drop but we recommend starting with a standard 0.39 inches/10 mm.

The best running shoes harness and engineer these various parts to provide maximum comfort, flexibility, and control for your feet. With the proper foot support, you could see yourself smashing your best times and going the distance for months to come. 

How to choose the best running shoes for women

There are several things to consider when finding the best running shoe for you; your budget, your level of experience, whether or not you’ve had leg, ankle or foot injuries, and most importantly of all, your running gait. 

Specialist running shops offer gait analysis, and they will work out whether you are a neutral runner or whether you pronate. Pronation is where your foot either rolls inwards as your weight moves over it and your arches flatten out (overpronation) or outwards (underpronation). 

If you're prone to overpronation, you’ll benefit from extra support in the instep to help counteract this, whilst underpronation - also called supination - will require neutral or cushioned shoes.

Women’s shoes are usually lighter and ergonomically designed to fit the female foot, which is typically narrower and smaller than the average male foot. That said, women who have wide feet or take larger sizes may find unisex shoes offer more comfort. 

To get the right fit, ensure you have a finger’s width of space at the top of your toes which gives your foot room to expand which they’ll do when hot from running. Feel for any tight areas which might rub and cause blisters, such as around the ball of your foot, over the little toe, or around the ankle.

One final note - if you’re heading off-road, a trail shoe might be more suitable. These feature a deep tread to give greater traction on the rocks, grass, and dirt you’ll encounter on your run. Head to our best trail running shoes guide for more on this.

Why are good running shoes so important?

Whether you're just starting a Couch to 5K journey, or you're looking to replace your old marathon-worn favorites, getting a good-quality running shoe is crucial. For starters, you need to be protecting your ankles, knees and hips from the repeated impact as your feet hit the road hundreds and maybe thousands of time over the shoe's life cycle. 

Research published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine way back in 2005 showed "the hardness and geometry of shoe-soles can be modified to reduce impact forces and pronation" as your foot strikes the pavement. Running shoe technology has come a long way since then, with even more advanced ways to protect and safeguard your joints. No matter what kind of runner you are, your body deserves the best protection – after all, if you're not going to look after your body, what an earth are you putting in the miles for? 

In addition, running shoes can also increase speed, helping you to hit a new PB. Nike's Air Zoom technology, for example, helps position your foot in such a way that as you spring from the previous step, it offers an additional lift, and the other shoes listed here all have their own versions of this technology. 

The compression and release of the midsole can act like a spring, propelling you to greater speeds and giving you the edge in races. Ever-lighter uppers also reduce the weight of the shoe, preventing you from being slowed down by a chunky piece of plastic and nylon. 

Finally, this last one is a little vulgar, but the addition of a new set of wheels to your workout routine might encourage you to get back on the horse. Research from Exercise Bike polled over 1,000 gymgoers and found spending money on new workout gear kept them engaged in their workouts. It's always a pleasure having the right tools for the job, and if your regular running schedule is starting to slack, changing things up might be just the kick you need to make your runs fun again.