Whether you’re tackling a half-marathon or just a normal run, finding a good pair of running shoes for women is essential before your feet hit the pavement.
A study from Tulane University School of Medicine found that 60% of female runners stumble upon some sort of running injury because of old, worn, or improper running shoes.
Now that you’re researching the best running shoes for women, what else will you need? According to running coach and blogger at Lazy Girl Running, Laura Fountain, you won’t need much more than a comfortable t-shirt and leggings to get started.
We’ve spent hours testing and researching hundreds of the best womens running shoes. The ones we found are the absolute best. We considered their comfort, breathability, fit, price, and style.
Now, on to our list.
#1 Best Womens Running Shoe Overall
ASICS GEL-Nimbus 17 Lightweight Womens Running Shoe
- Gel cushioning makes them super comfortable for ladies’ feet
- Supportive yet flexible and lightweight
- Quality
Pros
Perfect distance shoe for neutral runners who want a lightweight shoe. Unbeatable cushioning. 10 vibrant colors so you can customize your ladies look.
Product Ratings
Comfort
9.8/10
The FluidRide Midsole provides the ultimate combination of bounce back and cushioning to reduce weight and provide exceptional durability. Additionally, the Rearfoot and Forefoot gel cushioning system absorb shock during heel impact and toe-off phases, which allows for movement in multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle. Finally, the use of seamless materials reduces the potential for irritation and friction caused by stitches and seems found in many brands of running shoes, which is what propels the Nimbus 18 to the top of the list when it comes to comfort.
Breathability
9.2/10
Designed with a mesh body and a rubber sole, the Nimbus 18 does offer some breathability. However, the new gradient material used in the more recently updated Nimbus 20 offers much more breathable coverage if that’s super important to you.
Fit
9.6/10
FluidFit upper technology combines multi-directional stretch mesh with stretch reinforcements that adapt to the athlete’s foot, creating a truly customized glove-like fit. Additionally, the exoskeletal heel counter provides exception heel fit for added support.
Value
9.4/10
Depending on the color and size you select, these shoes will run you anywhere from $60 to $160. If you can snag these for $60, do it. But even at the $160 price point these shoes are on par with others on the market of similar quality and durability.
Overall Editor Score
9.5/10
#2 Best Lightweight Womens Running Shoe
Nike Free 4.0 Flyknit Running Shoe
- Snug fit
- Extremely lightweight
- Sporty, stylish look
Pros
Supportive and comfortable without the extra bulk.
Product Ratings
Comfort
9.5/10
A molded sockliner mimics your foots shape for added support and comfort. Reviewers mention, “They’re like walking on clouds.”
Breathability
9.5/10
The mesh material that these shoes are made of is soft and breathable which allows air to continuously flow through the shoe. This is a good thing because hot, sweaty feet can cause unwanted blisters.
Fit
9.5/10
The fit feels like you’re wearing a sock with a sole, literally. If you don’t like a lot of bulk weighing you down, you’ll definitely love these shoes.
Value
9.0/10
Ouch. These Nikes are a bit pricey but not too much more than the average. They’re not cheap, but if you’re willing to spend the extra dollars, you’ll have endless color options and sexy looking feet.
Overall Editor Score
9.4/10
#3 Best Cheap Women’s Running Shoe
Saucony Women’s Cohesion 10 Running Shoe
- Extra room for added comfort
- Great for flat feet or overpronation
- 100% mesh body and collar tongue for optimum breathability
Pros
While there’s a lot to love about the Women’s Cohesion Running shoe from Saucony, comfort and breathability are at the top of the list. With more room in the toe box than your typical running shoe, mesh body for increased breathability, and an extra shoelace hole for a no-slip fit, you really cannot go wrong with this running shoe.
Product Ratings
Comfort
9.3/10
Heel grid system offers stable cushioning, while the wide toe box is roomier than most so feet feel relaxed and not squished. No break in period on these bad boys, Saucony’s got you covered on that from day 1!
Breathability
9.0/10
Designed with 100% mesh for increased breathability and airflow, Saucony definitely created the Women’s Cohesion Running show with comfort in mind.
Fit
9.0/10
Extremely light, but also provides substantial support for overpronation both in terms of arch and side design. Another little added feature reviewers love is the added hole for your shoe string, if you so desire, which results in a no-slip feeling fit.
Value
9.3/10
Depending on the color and size you select, this shoe will likely cost you between $50 and $80—which is an excellent value and by far at the low end for a quality running shoe.
Overall Editor Score
9.2/10
#4 Best Running Shoe for Speed
Brooks Ghost 11 Women’s Running Shoe
- Softer, smoother, and lighter than previous models
- Responsive and springy to add extra lift to your stride
- Recommended for long distance and cross training, both outdoors or on the treadmill
Pros
With a lightweight construction and increased cushion for a smooth ride from heel to toe, the Brooks Ghost will help you take your performance to the next level with every run.
Product Ratings
Comfort
9.1/10
The BioMoGo DNA and DNA cushioning work together for provide the perfect balance of softness and durability, feels lighter and more comfortable than ever.
No matter how your foot lands, the integrated system of shock absorbers will cushion every steep for a smooth, stable ride.
Breathability
9.1/10
The mesh body is so lightweight and breathable that you’ll barely feel like you’re wearing anything at all. Oooh la la!
Fit
9.1/10
Neutral support, medium to high arch, and DNA LOFT heel crash pad for softer landings. Additionally, by placing stretch and structure where you need it most, the newly engineered Ghost 11 will practically disappear on your foot.
Value
9.1/10
Depending on the size and color you choose, these tennies will run you anywhere between $85 and $200. At the lower end, this shoe is an excellent value. Anything over $120-$150 and the value definitely starts to decrease.
Overall Editor Score
9.1/10
#5 Best Women’s Running Shoes with Excellent Cushion
adidas Performance Women’s Supernova Glide
- Extra cushion; great for long runs
- Roomy toe box for added comfort
- Chosen as the everyday shoe for committed runners
Pros
The Adidas Boost provides the perfect balance of support, breathability, and energy return.
Product Ratings
Comfort
9.2/10
The rubber outsole will help you to grip both wet and dry surfaces for a comfortable wear. Additionally, extra added cushion will make these shoes your go to for even the longest of runs.
Breathability
9.2/10
The textile and synthetic blend of materials is actually far more breathable than you would expect, this is actually one of the categories reviewers were most impressed with when it comes to the Adidas Boost.
Fit
8.8/10
The molded synthetic midfoot and heel overlays for stability and support. Additionally, Torsion System provides added midfoot integrity you don’t typically see in a running shoe. Additionally, the built in energy-returning properties of the Adidas Boost (yes, it’s a thing) will keep every step charged with an endless supply of light and fast energy.
Value
8.8/10
Depending upon the size and color you select, this running shoe will run you right around $129. While that doesn’t make this the most expensive option on our list, it definitely is the best value.
Overall Editor Score
9.0/10
#6 Best Women’s Trail Running Shoes
Altra Women’s Olympus 2 Trail Running Shoe
- Impressive 36 mm stack runs even from front to back for added stability
- Zero drop relieves pressure in the knees; eva top layer reduces the sting of rugged terrain
- Ideal for trail running, hiking, fastpacking, and trail racing
Pros
The Altra Women’s Olympus 2 wasn’t selected as the bes t trail running shoe for nothing, the increased traction, zero drop, and eva top layer all work together to optimize comfort on any uneven, rugged terrain.
Product Ratings
Comfort
9/10
The completely revamped Vibram outsole with a softer, more flexible upper dramatically enhances the traction you’ll be able to get for a comfortable wear both uphill and downhill.
Breathability
8.6/10
The 100% fabric and leather combination does not make these the most breathable running shoe.
Fit
9.2/10
The lace up Altra Women’s Olumpus Trail Running shoe features a FootShape toe box, padded collar, and 36-mm stack height which make these a great option for trail running (surprise, surprise). Additionally, traction and durability improvements have also lead to a reduction in weight for a faster, more aerodynamic ride. Finally, an a-bound bottom layer will put a spring in your step, with the eva top later taking the bite out of rugged terrain.
Value
8.8/10
At right around $150 (slightly more or slightly less depending on the size/color you choose) these shoes are great if you’re really in search of a good option for trailing running, but most definitely one of the pricier options on our list.
Overall Editor Score
8.9/10