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The Best Women’s Running Shoe

Last updated on March 15, 2024

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Good support is essential if you spend significant time running each week. You’ll need a shoe that flexes with your foot, supporting your body whether your heel or forefoot is touching the ground. That means shopping for a running shoe will be a completely different experience than choosing a shoe for walking or everyday wear.

Kristin Forte/Simplemost Media

Certified personal trainer and Step It Up With Steph founder Stephanie Mansour says you’ll want to make sure your new running shoes can support you on a wide array of terrains.

“Similar to a walking shoe, you should look for comfort in a running shoe,” she says. “However, instead of simply trying on the shoe and walking around, I’d recommend actually running in the shoe and, if possible, trying to walk uphill or on an incline and then also downhill to see how the shoe bends and supports your feet!”

Kristin Forte/Simplemost Media

According to Mansour, the best way to ensure a comfortable fit is to have a thumb’s-width distance between the tip of your big toe and the edge of the shoe.

“Also, in the middle of your foot and arch, do you feel like your foot is being held by the shoe?” Mansour says. “You want to feel like someone is holding their hand around the middle of your foot and it feels secure and safe. Finally, make sure there’s no slipping at the back of the shoe at the heel.”

Kristin Forte/Simplemost Media

In addition to comfort and support, you should also consider breathability when searching for the right running shoe. You’ll be shifting your weight from your heel to your arch to the ball of your foot, so it’s important to find a shoe that provides support at each point. This support will help not only your feet but also your body’s joints.

Breathability is also important in a running shoe. Runners are especially vulnerable to athlete’s foot, a condition that can be uncomfortable and difficult to treat. Prevention is the best option, and for runners, that means wearing non-cotton socks and shoes that are built for breathability. For daily runners, it could help to have two pairs of running shoes on hand at all times to let one pair dry out for 48 hours before wearing it again.

Lastly, there’s the issue of aesthetics. You’ll want a pair of running shoes that looks good, even if you only wear them for your daily run. Some shoes come in a wide range of colors and patterns to help you customize your look. Shop around until you find a pair that fits your personal preferences in every area.

Our Picks For The Top Women's Running Shoes

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

UMYOGO Rubber Soled Mesh Women’s Running Shoe

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

UMYOGO

Rubber Soled Mesh Women’s Running Shoe

Whether you're taking a Zumba class, practicing for a triathlon or working out at the gym, this women's running shoe has you covered. It features a lightweight and breathable mesh upper with a durable rubber bottom. The sneakers are also available in a variety of fun colors, including purple, orange, yellow and red.

Overall Take

Affordably PricedYou won't have any trouble sticking to your clothing budget with this economical women's running shoe.

 Runner Up

STQ Lightweight Flexible Women’s Running Shoe

STQ

Lightweight Flexible Women’s Running Shoe

Comfort is king with this women's running shoe. It's made with air-cushioning, so you feel like you're walking on a cloud with every step. Of course, the shoe's flexibility, durable rubber sole and pull-on strap are also nice features that make this shoe an excellent buy.

Overall Take

Accommodates OrthoticsThe sockliner within this women's running shoe is removable to accommodate individuals who wear orthotics.

 We Also Like

adidas Cloudfoam Athletic Women’s Running Shoe

adidas

Cloudfoam Athletic Women's Running Shoe

A memory foam sock liner and stretchy upper make this women's running shoe more comfortable than other running shoes. This shoe is more ideal for light runners, as it isn't built to support the foot on long daily runs for weeks at a time. You will, however, get plenty of color options making this great for the casual runner who also wants to wear t...

Overall Take

Comfortable and PracticalThis women's running shoe is best suited for light runners who want a shoe they can also wear for daily activities.

 Strong Contender

Brooks Revel 4 Cushioned Women’s Running Shoe

Brooks

Revel 4 Cushioned Women's Running Shoe

This women's running shoe does an excellent job of combining style and functionality. The BioMoGo DNA cushioning does an excellent job of deflecting impact, while also keeping the shoe comfortable. Runners will also love the flat-knit upper and midsole, which works well for a variety of activities.

Overall Take

Multiple Color OptionsWith 20 different colors to choose from, you're sure to find this women's running shoe in a style that suits your tastes.

Our Expert Consultant

Stephanie Mansour   
Certified Personal Trainer, Health and Wellness Expert

Stephanie Mansour, host of “Step It Up with Steph” on public broadcasting, has been coaching women for over a decade on how to lose weight and make it last. She has a Bachelor of Arts in communications with an emphasis on women’s studies and psychology from the University of Michigan. She holds certifications in life coaching, personal training, yoga and Pilates.

What to Look For

  • When your running shoes are comfortable, it gives you one more reason to keep going, even when you feel as though you’re out of energy. The Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe uses a memory foam sock liner and a stretchy mesh upper to support your foot while also keeping it comfortable the entire time you’re wearing it. T
  • Look for an outsole that absorbs shock to minimize the impact to your feet as you run. A padded heel collar around the ankle is also a plus, as it keeps the shoe from rubbing against your skin.
  • Consider a gel cushioning system that keeps your foot comfortable throughout the transition from heel to toe, while also providing relief to your joints, including your knees.
  • Sizing plays an important role in your shoe of choice, but fit can vary dramatically from one person to another. The Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe has been reported as too wide by some with narrow feet, while the toe box in other brands been reported as too narrow by runners.
  • Support may be even more important than comfort, especially if you put a lot of running miles on your shoes. Look for a pair that is built to support runners, combining an ultra-lightweight midsole that both cushions and stabilizes the foot while you run. The Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe, on the other hand, is ideal for light runners, rather than for someone who pounds the pavement for hours each week.
  • Moisture buildup can become a problem with athletic footwear, particularly if your feet tend to sweat. The Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe is built with breathability in mind. This will keep moisture at a minimum and help your feet dry out more quickly if you do sweat.
  • If you’re concerned about occasionally needing to clean your shoes, the Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe is easy to clean.
  • Appearance is also important, particularly if you wear your running shoes while running errands or hanging out with friends on weekends. The Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe offers two dozen color options.

More to Explore

If you want to extend your life, running may be a good hobby for you. Running at least 15 miles a week can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s by about 40 percent, in addition to keeping your mind sharper and heart healthier. You’ll also burn calories ­— not just while you’re running but for a period of time after you’ve come to a stop. Studies have connected running to a reduced risk of cancer and an overall increased life expectancy, especially if you exercise five days or more each week. But perhaps one of the most attractive health benefits of running is its impact on the brain. Studies have found that even a short 30-minute run on a treadmill can lift the mood of someone suffering a major depressive disorder.

More to explore