Best Running Shoes For Women - Comprehensive Review

With so many options available, finding the best running shoes for women can be overwhelming. Some sneakers are created for women based on podiatrist-recommended lasts while others take the 'pink it and shrink it' approach to designing footwear that is meant to fit female feet. To help you find the best shoes for your feet, here are our top picks vetted by podiatrists and runners alike.

Brooks Glycerin 20

The Brooks Glycerin 20 continues the tradition of a shoe designed for lots of miles and ultimate comfort. Its plush cushion and breathable upper make it great for long road sessions, daily training, or easy recovery runs.

The shoe’s cushioning is enhanced by a molded 'bumpy' sidewall profile and a transition groove that creates a wider midsole base under the heel and forefoot. This adds stability and prevents the foot from sliding too far forward during the gait cycle, enhancing overall performance.

This version of the Glycerin uses a full-length DNA Loft v3 midsole. Brooks describes this as their softest foam, but I didn't find it very bouncy. This paired with the shoe's 10.1 oz weight makes it best for easy mileage and recovery runs at slow to moderate paces.

The Glycerin’s midsole also has a posterior heel flare and small bevel. The heel bevel helps with stability, but it also contributes to early heel striking and a clunky feel for the back of the heel during the gait cycle.

ASICS Gel Kayano 29

The Gel Kayano 29 is the newest iteration of ASICS’s best stability running shoe. It uses the same 3-D space construction (which is when they press small, specific shapes of foam) as the 28th edition to create a soft and lightweight feel underfoot. The addition of FF Blast Plus midsole cushioning helps increase the shoe’s responsiveness to each step.

These updates make this a great shoe for both neutral runners who need extra cushioning on longer runs and those who overpronate. Overpronation is when your foot naturally rolls inward with each stride, which can lead to knee pain and other issues down the line. It is important to see a doctor before you start running in stability shoes to ensure there are no muscle imbalances or weaknesses that could be the cause of your overpronation.

The new engineered knit upper, available with Sorel Coupon, is also more breathable, and the shoe’s LiteTruss stability technology helps improve medial support for better foot alignment. The FF Blast Plus midsole cushioning is lightweight, offering an energized rebound with each step. The shoe is available in a wide range of widths to suit each runner’s needs, including D – regular (reviewed), 2E – wide, and 4E – extra-wide. Explore the Sorel with the added benefit of Sorel Coupons for exclusive savings.

New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4

New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 is a maximally cushioned shoe that offers a plush underfoot feeling and decent stability. Its firm Fresh Foam midsole shod with a full-length outsole gives the shoe good durability for long and easy runs. The shoe also has a secure-fitting and protective upper made of breathable mesh with functional elements such as a heel pull tab and molded toe bumper.

The shoe has a high-stack rockered geometry. The platform’s inherent stiffness is achieved through sole flaring which creates a trusted amount of surface area underfoot and by tall sidewall integration. This helps the shoe run fairly stable and keeps the foot centered through the gait cycle.

This is a versatile trainer that works well on both road and mild trails. Its lugged rubber outsole provides traction that is durable enough for high-wear surfaces. The Arishi v4 is also equipped with a simple and flexible single-density Fresh Foam midsole that gives the shoe a smooth and moderately cushioned ride. The shoe also has a minimally protected upper made of breathable and lightweight mesh with no-sew overlays. This makes the shoe a very suitable option for runners who prefer a more minimalist running style and don’t need the extra protection of a rock plate or a molded toe bumper.

Hoka Clifton 9

The Clifton 9 is the latest iteration of Hoka’s cult favorite. A neutral everyday training shoe that can carry most runners through regular training or even a full marathon. With the latest edition, HOKA re-worked the engineered mesh upper to reduce overlays and add 3 mm of plush foam to the midsole for a revitalized cushioning experience. Durability and traction were also improved with the use of an all-new, more durable rubber outsole design.

Hoka’s patented meta-rocker platform is the reason why so many runners love Clifton’s feel. Positioned in the midsole, this platform rolls you from one stride to the next, propelling you through your run. The Clifton 9 is a great everyday trainer for runners who want a lightweight, plush, cushioned feel.

The newest version is lighter and more durable than the Clifton 8. Despite these improvements, Hoka still uses compression-molded EVA foam for their shoes. While some runners are looking for shoes with innovative materials that offer more energy return, this type of foam is still a very effective material and allows them to fit a lot of foam in their shoe without making it too cumbersome. The Clifton 9 feels very comfortable on the feet and is a great choice for runners with wider feet.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is back for 2022 with a redesigned nylon plate and a bit more bounce, but not enough to take away from the natural feel that made the shoe so popular. Runners love the fact that this shoe can do anything from workouts to long runs and even races, without ever feeling like it’s trying too hard.

The shoe has a unique dual-layer midsole, with different stacks of soft foam that are sandwiched by a full nylon plate. This is what gives the shoes their snappy toe-off and a bouncy ride that many describe as feeling “snappy” even at lower running speeds. The new nylon plate has a curved shape, similar to the one in the previous model, but it’s much more manageable and not nearly as hard on the feet.

It’s a bit heavier than some of the other options on this list, but still, a lightweight performance trainer is available with the Sorel Coupon that’s perfect for everyday training, uptempo, fast runs, and recovery days. For runners who need a little more support, the shoe isn’t quite as stable as other options in the line, like the Tempus. But it can handle a fair amount of guidance and still feels fast-feeling at slower paces. Explore this lightweight performance trainer and other running shoe options at Sorel with the added benefit of the Shoes Discount Code for exclusive savings.

On Women’s Cloudrunner Wide

The On Cloudrunner is a cushioned running shoe that provides support and a unique comfort sensation. It gives runners the confidence to go further. It features a super soft landing thanks to the CloudTec cushioning in ultralight Zero-Gravity foam. The wider bottom unit and the cradle-shaped construction also support you at (literally) every step. So, there is nothing that can hold you back from running further.

The upper is made of partially recycled, breathable, and comfortable engineered mesh. It is a little more structured than other On shoes, so this is a good option for those who want a bit of stability, and even mild overpronators will find it helps to lock the foot down.

The sole is On’s largest Helion super foam, and the whole package feels springy and responsive, without being too firm like a traditional stability shoe. A rubber midfoot band and the cradle-shaped construction help to provide some stability for those who need it, but overall this is a neutral running shoe with some extra cushioning for long runs. It’s heavier than some of their other models, at 305g in a men’s UK size 8, so it won’t be your go-to for speedwork.

Nike Air Zoom Structure

An updated version of the Structure 23, this shoe has improved cushioning and a more stable midsole, making it a great choice for runners who want to step up their training miles but still need a supportive daily trainer. An engineered mesh upper encases your foot in soft, comfortable comfort, and the breathable material will keep you cool even on long runs. A softer section of Cushlon foam in the heel and forefoot helps you to avoid painful Achilles tendon irritation, while the reasonable 8mm drop and Duralon blown rubber sole create a sturdy base that will give you confidence on any terrain.

Nike’s rebranding of the Structure into their new ‘supportive neutral’ template has paid off. Unlike most of their competitors, which are moving away from medial posts to a less-structured ‘flexi-grip’ design, Structure 23 retains its traditional stability methods.

The firmer, durable build and mild stability make this shoe ideal for your easy mileage and recovery runs while the slightly wider fit will see you through faster tempo sessions and longer races. This is also a versatile shoe for strength workouts, with the flat soles working well under heavy weights. While the shoes have a bit of a stiff feel to them, runner reviews say they get more responsive with wear and are a good choice for overpronators.

Conclusion

Finding the best running shoes for women can be a daunting task. However, with our comprehensive review, you can make an informed decision. Whether you need shoes for trail running, road running, or a mix of both, we've got you covered. Consider factors such as fit, support, durability, and style to find the perfect pair for your needs. Happy running!