Best Running Shoes for Women
Whether you’re just lacing up or on a mission to crush your marathon PR, finding the best running shoes for women will make or break your performance. The perfect pair of running shoes should feel great, look amazing, and run exceptionally, but finding a pair that delivers all three is no small feat. To guide your search, we’ve asked the women on our team which shoes live up to the hype so you can stop researching and start running. Let’s dig into the best running shoes for women.
Meet Your Match
Brooks Adrenaline GTS
A favorite shoe among runners for their reliable support and comfort, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS features the innovative GuideRails™ support system, making them ideal for women who need more stability without compromising cushioning.
What women love about the Brooks Adrenaline GTS:
“The shoe was very kind to my feet on long recovery runs, especially under the forefoot. Stability is the main feature of the Adrenaline, but comfort is what shined through, and that extended to the upper.”
“The fit is comfortable and accommodating. The spongy spacer mesh adds a lot of interior comfort, and key areas like the toe-box and heel secure the foot without unwanted tightness.”
Shop Brooks Adrenaline for Women
Asics GT-2000
The Asics GT-2000 is like the Swiss Army Knife of running gear—a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality, ranking it high on the list of best running shoes for women. With GEL™ cushioning and the DuoMax™ support system, The GT-2000 is a go-to for stable and responsive mid-distance running.
What women love about the Asics GT-2000:
“The relatively lighter weight and bouncier ride work well for uptempo work, making it a great option for both newer runners experimenting with different paces and experienced runners who want something on the lighter end of the stability shoe market”
“The stability is noticeable without being intrusive. I felt like in every stride, I was staying right over the platform and had no medial or lateral wiggle. The shoe has a very wide base in both the heel and the forefoot, so the transition was very smooth.”
Hoka One One Clifton
If you’re looking for a running shoe that feels more like running on clouds than pounding the pavement, the Hoka One One Clifton will deliver. With unparalleled lightweight cushioning and Hoka’s Meta-Rocker technology, the Clifton supports a runner’s natural gait cycle to enhance comfort and efficiency.
What women love about the Hoka One One Clifton:
“It’s exactly what I’ve been asking for—a super-cushioned shoe for long runs or recovery days that doesn’t feel like a lead weight.”
“They move really well when you lean into them. The speed is a bit of a mixed blessing as I’ve tended to go way faster on my ‘easy’ runs when wearing these. They’re easy to get moving in and fun too.”
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus
Runners have Nike to thank for some of the best women’s running shoes on the market, and the Air Zoom Pegasus is no exception. This pair is a versatile powerhouse loved for its durability and responsive cushioning, plus the Air Zoom unit and Nike React foam supports a smooth ride that’s suitable for all types of runners.
What women love about the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus:
“If you’re looking for a daily trainer that can handle the workload, works well in a variety of conditions/terrains and is at a great price point, then the Nike Pegasus is a solid choice.”
“The Pegasus is like a cloud supporting all the right places, springing comfortably with each stride, and VERY lightweight—they felt like they were made for my feet from day one.”
On CloudSwift
With its innovative Helion™ superfoam and CloudTec™ sole, the On Cloudswift delivers soft landings and explosive take-offs, making it one of the best running shoes for women in cities who spend more time on sidewalks than trails.
What women love about the On CloudSwift:
“There is a flexible heel counter that does a good job of holding the structure in the heel cup area without really feeling like it is even there. The upper has been pretty cozy for a running shoe. The sleek design and balanced colorways also give this shoe some bonus points for lifestyle wear.”
“Trust me when I tell you, these are amazing to help cushion and support your knees and feet. I finally have found a pair of shoes that has given me the happiness of running again.”
