Choosing the best women’s running shoes can mean the difference between optimal health and injury. Whether you are racing as a professional, running on a treadmill, or jogging around the neighborhood, investing in comfortable shoes will make a massive difference in your performance and comfort. However, with the endless numbers of shoes out there, combing through hundreds of shoes to pick the best pair for your feet can be a herculean task. That’s why we have compiled a list that presents you with the best running shoes for women on a single page.
We don’t just base our selection on random picks; each of our best women’s running shoes was subject to detailed assessment, comprehensive research and input from our testers to ensure we bring you the best of the best. With the list below, you can rest assured that you will find the most comfortable running shoes that are perfect for your everyday needs.
Our top picks for best women’s running shoes are all available in multiple colors and sizes and can be purchased online at the lowest prices with free shipping through our recommended suppliers.
HOKA ONE Bondi 7
Other impressive features of this pair include its plush and bouncy foam, breathable material, and beveled heels. Podiatrists confirm these give a smooth transition while running. Overall, the HOKA is a well-rounded shoe that is a choice pick for many women.
Brooks Ghost 13
Additionally, this pair offers good shock absorption through its extra cushioning and foam-filled midsole, making for a long smooth run. The shoe’s upper air mesh also ensures you have dry feet no matter the miles you run. It comes in varieties of colors with different sizes and widths, including narrow, wide, and medium.
On Cloud X
On Cloud X also has high ratings for its light weight. Moreover, its multi-directional function makes it suitable for many activities, including running, HIIT workouts, and gym. Whether you are new to running or want new shoes for your next running session, On Cloud X will make an outstanding choice.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37
The shoes look as breathable as they feel and no matter how many hours you run in them, you can expect your feet to remain dry and cool. Its bouncy and durable quality makes it perfect for short, fast, and long runs. It has a feather-like upper with a glove-like design that holds your feet tightly, while its plush cushioning protects your knees and joints. Its rubber outsole absorbs impact, and its ultralight Nike Zoom X midsole delivers premium running energy.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 will hold your foot securely without causing any discomfort and overheating. Its beveled heel also makes it easy for runners to push off, and the engineered heel collar offers comfort around the Achilles tendon. Nike Air Zoom is available in 10 pretty colors and sizes ranging from 5 to 12.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 23
That’s not all; ASICS Gel-Nimbus 23 is powered by Trusstic technology that delivers strategic arch support. This technology makes it perfect for women with bad knees or a history of injury. “These shoes are so comfortable and supportive. I had been having pain in my knee. Within two days of putting these shoes on, my pain was completely reduced,” an elated customer reviewed.
It also has a soft engineered mesh that makes it roomy and cool in the toe box. Our testers confirmed that the extra space it packs makes it perfect for long-distance running and a wide variety of foot shapes. The fit is available in over 7 colors, and its premium features make it ideal for the gym, short training, workouts, and runs.
What to Look For When Choosing the Best Running Shoes for Women
Choosing comfortable running shoes protects you from injuries, improves your performance, and ensures you get overall support. Here are some features you should consider when hunting for the best women’s running shoes.
Cushioning
Running shoes need extra cushioning for a smooth ride and stable balance. Cushioning also offers shock absorption to reduce the impact on the joints and knees. Podiatrists have discovered that an average woman runs differently than the average man since women possess wider hips. Women tend to pronate more when they run, which causes an uneven wearing of the heels of their shoes. To help correct this, shoe manufacturers include a higher density foam at the midsole to reduce the impact of overpronation. Therefore, you should go for shoes with increased cushioning and softer midsoles; from experience, they make the best running shoes for women.
Fit
A shoe won’t be comfortable if it doesn’t fit you. When the shoe is all laced up, ensure you have enough space, especially in the toe area. A good way to determine a perfect fit is to see how many fingers you can fit into the space between the top pair of eyelets after you lace up. Two fingers mean the shoe is okay, while one finger means it’s too tight, and three too loose.
Also, pay attention to how your foot feels in the midsole; if it’s too tight, you need a bigger width, and too loose means you should go for a narrow width.
Toe Area
Your feet need some extra room in the toe area. This allows you to move them freely while running. A wide toe box prevents injuries, blisters, and discomfort around the toe area while running. The right pair should have enough room to keep a thumb’s width of space between the end of the toes and the tip of your shoes.
Breathable Material
The best running shoes have engineered air mesh to keep your feet ventilated. Thus, when buying running shoes, go for those with a mesh or breathable material to avoid overheating and discomfort while running.
Injury History
Women with foot or knee issues need to pay extra attention when picking the best running shoes for women. You want a shoe that supports your legs without compounding your injuries. According to Podiatrists, shoes with extra cushioning and standard shock absorption will be perfect for you.
Style
Last but not least, go for a shoe with a design or color you like. If you love your shoes, there is a high chance you will feel good running in them. However, don’t choose style over comfort.
All the shoes that made the list of the best women’s running shoes have high scores in cushioning, comfort fit, and even style. Our testing process for women’s running shoes is rigorous and spares no room for lapses. Also, our testers ensure every shoe that makes the list fits the comfortable category. Rest assured that we are fanatically picky with our list of most comfortable women’s running shoes. Our primary goal is to help you make an informed decision while eliminating stress in your quest to choose new running shoes that offer the best value for money.
Disclosure: At Most Comfortable Shoes our reviews are independent. We do not receive free shoe samples or paid sponsorship in any form. Our comfortable shoe reviews are independent and based on our own thorough testing and research. Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.