The 8 best running shoes for women

Finding the best running shoes for women largely depends on personal preference. However, there are a few basic factors to consider. For one thing, it’s important to consider the type of surface you’ll be running on as well as the distances you typically cover. You’ll also want to consider comfort and stability, especially for longer runs or trail running. These greatly impact which shoe will be right for you.  

After conducting extensive research, the Hoka Mach 6 stood out to us. They’re lightweight, responsive, and suitable for a variety of training runs. We also found a few other top picks to suit different needs. Here are our favorite women’s running shoes in eight categories.  

The best women’s running shoes  

Whether you’re hitting mountain trails or sticking to paved roads, these running shoes are great options for women.   

Best overall: Hoka Mach 6  

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Why we like it: The Hoka Mach 6 is a great choice for an all-around running shoe due to its lightweight design and responsive cushioning. Hoka is known for making comfortable running shoes, and the Mach 6 offers a decent amount of cushioning without impacting weight. Reviewers praise its ability to handle a variety of running workouts, from fast-paced interval sessions to long jogs. The updated rubber outsole extends the durability of the Mach 6, while the dual gussets help keep the tongue in place.  

Keep in mind: Customers have noted that the shoe fits narrower and firmer than this model’s predecessor, the Mach 5. But the Mach 6 come in a wide version.  

Product details: Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Width: Regular, wide | Heel drop: 5mm | Sizes: 5-11  

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Best budget running shoes for women: Nike Pegasus 41  

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Why we like it: The Nike Pegasus is a classic daily trainer with a reputation for being one of the best running shoes for women. They’re reliable with plenty of cushioning and support, and they’ve gotten lighter since the last iteration. With its responsive foam midsole and breathable mesh upper, these shoes are comfortable and versatile enough to log daily miles or push through a long run.   

Keep in mind: These shoes are heavier than other daily trainers on the market. If you’re looking for a lighter shoe with more bounce, you may want to try the Mach 6.   

Product details: Materials: Mesh upper, “React” foam midsole | Width: Medium, extra wide | Heel drop: 10mm | Sizes: 5-12  

Best trail running: Altra Lone Peak 7  

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Why we like it: A fan-favorite for the trails, Altra’s Lone Peak 7 is designed for the demands of trail running. The “Maxtrac” rubber construction supports traction on the road, yet the shoe is flexible and has a wide toe box for natural toe splay. They’re a good middle ground between barefoot running and a cushioned ride. We also like the lightweight toe cap for protection against rocks and roots and the tab on the heel that lets you attach gaiters.   

Keep in mind: The Altra Lone Peak 7 is a zero-drop shoe, meaning there is no height difference between the heel and toe. Runners accustomed to a higher heel drop will need to ease into this pair to get the foot used to the different position.   

Product details:  Materials: Ripstop upper, Altra “Ego” midsole, “MaxTrac” outsole | Width: Regular, wide | Heel drop: 0mm | Sizes: 5.5-12  

Best road running shoe: Asics Novablast 4  

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Why we like it: We chose the Asics Novablast 4 as the best women’s road running shoe for lots of reasons. We love it because of its energy return and cushioning. It can handle runs of all types but really shines with faster tempo runs. The trampoline-inspired outsole and midsole are meant to give a bouncy feeling while running (it’s made with “Flytefoam Blast Plus Eco,” which comes from 20 percent recycled bio-based materials, according to the company). There’s also ample heel cushioning on the Novablast 4 for heel strikers. The lightweight mesh upper has small holes at the top of the toe box, which increases breathability on hot runs.   

Keep in mind: The Novablast 4 is heavier than other responsive shoes like the Mach 6. Some reviewers said they were disappointed with the traction.   

Product details: Materials: Woven upper, exposed foam outsole, “Flytefoam Blast Plus Eco” midsole | Width: Standard | Heel drop: 8mm | Sizes: 5-12    

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Best stability running shoes for women: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23  

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Why we like it: The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is the best running shoe for women who need stability while running. Stability shoes are great for women who tend to overpronate (when ankles roll in slightly) when they run. We love the “GuideRail” technology on both sides of the shoe, which helps reduce excess movement with overpronation. The manufacturer says the mesh upper provides extra breathability and more than 50 percent of it is made of recycled materials. The “DNA Loft v2” foam lends a plushness that makes this shoe a good option for long, easy runs.   

Keep in mind: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 has a 12mm drop—the highest heel-to-toe drop on this list. Joggers accustomed to running with a lower drop or who have a forefoot strike may not like the steepness.  

Product details: Materials: Engineered mesh upper, “DNA Loft v2” midsole | Width: Medium, narrow, wide, extra wide | Heel drop: 12mm | Sizes: 5-13  

Best for flat feet: Hoka Gaviota 5  

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Why we like it: Flat feet are often caused by a collapsed arch, which can also lead to overpronation. The Gaviota 5 is built with “H-Frame” technology that loops around the heel of the shoe. According to the manufacturer, this guides the foot through its natural gait cycle to help reduce overpronation. This pair also makes for a plush ride, a crucial component for runners who need arch support to stabilize the foot, according to Lori Grant, a podiatrist at Orland Health. We also like the maker’s “MetaRocker” feature, which mimics the movement of a rocking chair, helping to reduce the energy required for each heel-to-toe transition.     

Keep in mind: This shoe’s heavier weight may not appeal to all runners. Some noted that the Gaviota 5 runs large.  

Product details: Materials: Mesh upper, EVA midsole, Durabrasion rubber outsole | Width: Regular, wide | Heel drop: 6mm | Sizes: 5-12  

Best for arch support: Brooks Glycerin 21  

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Why we like it: The Brooks Glycerin 21 stands out for its top-notch arch support and gel-like cushion, making it our best choice for runners needing extra support. The nitrogen-infused “DNA Loft” cushioning feels soft and luxurious underfoot without feeling heavy overall. Although the midsole foam is exposed, it’s durable enough to tackle serious mileage. Bonus: the manufacturer says the breathable mesh upper is made of more than 50 percent recycled material. We think this shoe is best for long, slow runs and easy recovery runs.  

Keep in mind: The high level of cushioning might feel too soft for runners who prefer a firmer ride. Some reviewers said the tongue stitching feels bulky and irritated the top of their foot.   

Product details: Materials: Mesh upper, “DNA Loft” midsole, rubber outsole | Width: Medium, wide | Heel drop: 10mm | Sizes: 5-12  

Best for cushioning: On Cloudeclipse  

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Why we like it: We think the On Cloudeclipse has some of the best cushioning in women’s running shoes. It’s made with “Helion superfoam” for responsive cushioning, plus it’s lightweight with an engineered mesh upper that make these a really comfortable pair of running shoes.   

Keep in mind: The soles lack adequate grip in rain. The price tag is higher than most maximum cushion trainers in its class.  

Product details:  Materials: Engineered mesh upper, “Helion superfoam” midsole, rubber outsole | Width: Standard | Heel drop: 6mm | Sizes: 5-11  

How we chose the best running shoes for women  

In determining the best running shoes for women, we cross-referenced multiple sources along with our own personal testing. These are some of the sources we used:   

• Third-party reviews: We looked at existing reviews from reputable sources and considered the experiences of actual customers. This includes online running forums and reviews from verified buyers on various running shoe sites.     
• Expert opinions: We consulted podiatrists and running experts to ensure the shoes we researched help foot health and enhance performance.  
• Personal testing: We tested many of the shoes ourselves to ensure they meet our standards for comfort, support, and durability.  

Tips for buying women’s walking shoes  

Arch support  

Arch support can be an important factor for many runners. Those who suffer from issues such as tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints may experience more comfortable runs with shoes that offer good arch support.  

Cushioning   

When choosing a good pair of women’s running shoes, it’s helpful to think about the type of cushioning you want. Some runners prefer less cushioning so they can feel the ground. Others appreciate the shock absorption that comes with a ton of cushioning. Many runners find that lighter, less-cushioned shoes can help them run faster, while a plusher shoe helps them go for longer, slow runs.  

Stability

If you suffer from overpronation or have flat feet, shoes that have stabilizers can help reduce pain. Some stores that specialize in running shoes can test your gait for overpronation or underpronation.   

Fit

Proper fit is key to finding the right pair of running shoes. Stores that specialize in running shoes can be a great starting point. If you’re trying shoes on at home, make sure you can wriggle your toes when the shoes are laced up and that your heels don’t slip out from the back, says Grant.   

Material

The materials used to construct a pair of running shoes can impact everything from support to breathability. Other important factors include where you’re running (paved roads, dirt trails, etc.) and the weather. If you’re planning to run in wetter climates, you may want to look for running shoes with good grip to tackle slippery surfaces. If it’s blazing hot out during your runs, look for shoes made with breathable mesh and a light upper to help regulate temperature.  

Frequently asked questions  

What brand is best for running shoes?  

Several top brands are known for producing top quality running shoes. They include Hoka, Nike, Asics, Brooks, and Altra. The best brand for you depends on your needs and preferences, as well as distance and terrain.  

Are running shoes good for walking?  

Yes, running shoes can be used for walking, especially pairs that offer a large amount of cushioning.   

What are the best women’s running shoes for concrete?  

Shoes with good cushioning and support, such as the Hoka Mach 6 or Asics Novablast 4, are best suited for running on concrete because they help absorb impact and may reduce strain on your joints.