The right pair of running shoes can make the difference between looking forward to your next run and dreading it. Whether you're building weekly mileage, gearing up for race day, or just looking for a well-rounded shoe that can handle everything you throw at it, the best running shoes are the ones that match your goals and running style. Still, with so many shoes on the market, it's easy to get overwhelmed. That's why knowing what matters most to you, whether it's cushioning, stability, or a responsive ride, can help narrow the options.
We've tested over 175 models; below are our top recommendations for the best running shoes for women, for a range of uses and preferences. If you're looking for a shoe geared toward longer distances, check out our recommendations for the best long-distance running shoes. If you want a shoe specifically for marathon racing, check out our recommendations for the best marathon running shoes.
We buy and test running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
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Best Running Shoes for Women
Marathon Racing7.95K/10K Racing6.2Energy Return8.3Cushioning9.4Lateral Stability6.9Weight:229.9 g (8.11 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:8.7 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe best running shoes for women we've tested are the ASICS MEGABLAST. They're a rare all-around option: in a running shoe world that's often split into single-purpose trainers, the MEGABLAST can handle everything from relaxed runs to quicker uptempo work with surprisingly few trade-offs. The cushioning feels exceptional, keeping landings well protected and comfortable even as the miles add up, and it continues to absorb impact effectively when you're pushing into longer efforts like marathon training.
What makes this shoe even more versatile is the lively, energetic midsole, which helps each step feel more efficient when you decide to pick up the pace for tempos, strides, or short intervals. It can even double as a race-day shoe when needed, especially for runners who want bounce without giving up comfort. Moreover, even with all that protection underfoot, the ride never feels sluggish thanks to the impressively light and well-balanced build.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Running Shoes for Women
Marathon Racing7.45K/10K Racing6.1Energy Return7.4Cushioning8.7Lateral Stability7.1Weight:247.5 g (8.73 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:9.1 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 is the best upper mid-range running shoe because it's a highly versatile option that works for just about any type of run, but it really shines on longer efforts thanks to its steady, protective ride. Compared with the ASICS MEGABLAST, it feels firmer and less bouncy, but its stiffer rocker keeps your stride rolling forward smoothly, relying more on geometry than pure foam rebound to maintain momentum. It’s a dependable choice for building endurance, offering impressive long-distance protection, and it still delivers plenty of impact absorption for heavier heel strikers.
If your priority is faster workouts and you naturally land on your forefoot, the HOKA Mach X 3 is a strong alternative. Its soft midsole and embedded nylon plate provide comfort while still allowing for a snappy, responsive feel that holds up well during tempo runs or longer sessions.
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Best Mid-Range Running Shoes for Women
Marathon Racing7.25K/10K Racing6.6Energy Return5.7Cushioning9.1Lateral Stability6.9Weight:263.4 g (9.29 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:9.8 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:PlasticThe Mizuno Neo Vista 2 is the best mid-range running shoe we've tested, thanks to its exceptionally protective cushioning. The clear tradeoff versus our top picks is that it's heavier and less responsive, prioritizing recovery-friendly protection over outright efficiency. That said, it still feels smooth and comfortable for everyday mileage, with a well-cushioned platform that takes the edge off impact and stays supportive as the distance builds. Its rocker-forward geometry helps keep transitions consistent at easy to moderate paces, making it a solid choice for runners who want a dependable trainer for relaxed runs, long runs, and general endurance-building. If you want a livelier, more responsive feel for faster workouts, you'll likely prefer a lighter, more responsive option like the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 or the ASICS MEGABLAST.
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Best Lower Mid-Range Running Shoes for Women
Marathon Racing7.75K/10K Racing7.4Energy Return8.3Cushioning8.1Lateral Stability7.2Weight:220.0 g (7.76 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:6.7 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:Plastic ShankIf you want one shoe that can cover most of your training without costing as much as the premium picks, the adidas Adizero Evo SL is a standout option. It doesn't feel quite as protective as the shoes above, but it balances cushioning, energy return, weight, and stability in a way that's remarkable for the price, helped by premium features like its Lightstrike Pro midsole. This makes for a shoe that can confidently handle just about any type of run, but it shines during uptempo efforts, intervals, and even races thanks to its lightweight build and lively foam. The Evo SL could be used as a daily trainer, but since the cushioning isn't as effective at slower paces, it won't be as plush as the ASICS MEGABLAST or the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 for your easy daily runs.
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Best Budget Running Shoes for Women
Marathon Racing7.35K/10K Racing6.6Energy Return7.8Cushioning7.9Lateral Stability8.0Weight:264.8 g (9.34 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:9.6 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe best budget running shoes we've tested are the Saucony Triumph 23. If you want a straightforward trainer with enough comfort and stability to handle consistent, everyday runs, it gets the job done. The design isn't as refined as more premium options, and there are a few drawbacks, like an overly padded upper that restricts airflow and can feel uncomfortable on warmer days. It's also easy to dial in the fit since it's available in wide sizing specifically for women and in a GORE-TEX version for wet conditions.
Still, it's impressively light for how much cushioning it provides, and heel strikers will especially benefit from the strong impact absorption in the rear. Just keep in mind that the plush step-in feel doesn't hold up as well over longer distances as the ASICS MEGABLAST or the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2, since the midsole starts to feel harsher and bottoms out more noticeably once you push past about 20 km.
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Best Cheap Running Shoes For Women
Marathon Racing6.85K/10K Racing6.9Energy Return6.3Cushioning7.3Lateral Stability8.1Weight:227.3 g (8.02 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:7.0 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe best budget running shoes for women we've tested are the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5. It's a lightweight, cushioned daily trainer that feels pleasantly soft, and it's also available in wide sizing for women if you need extra room. The main compromise at this price point is efficiency: the midsole doesn't offer a truly energetic, propulsive feel, and the cushioning can fade as the distance builds, so it doesn't stay as consistent deep into a long run as more premium options above, including the Saucony Triumph 23.
If you want an alternative that leans even more into protection and you don't mind extra weight, the HOKA Clifton 10 is a great pick. That said, its EVA midsole fully prioritizes cushioning over energy return, feeling even less bouncy than the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5. On the flip side, it's available in wide (D) and even extra wide (2E) for women, which is a big plus since it can be hard to find shoes in women's sizing that truly accommodate wide feet, making this one a standout.
Notable Mentions
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Altra Experience Flow 2:
The Altra Experience Flow 2 stands out with women-specific Fit4Her shaping, designed to better match women’s feet. The shoe delivers very stable, lightweight ride with a roomy toe box and a low-drop. Unfortunately, what you gain in design you give up in performance, since it's not sufficiently cushioned and its midsole isn’t bouncy compared to higher-stacked shoes like the New Balance FuellCell Rebel v5.
See our review -
Brooks Glycerin Max 2:
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 offers a plush, easy ride, making it an attractive option for recovery runs. It doesn't try anything fancy; it just delivers comfort you can count on when your legs need a break. The soft cushioning and high stack make it feel smooth and forgiving, though it doesn't match the softness or bounce of the Mizuno Neo Vista 2.
See our review -
Nike Vomero Premium:
The Nike Vomero Premium leans hard into extremes, pairing an ultra-tall, ultra-cushioned platform with equally notable downsides in weight and cost. It’s far too bulky to feel efficient, but it delivers a fun, bouncy ride and a futuristic look that stands out in any rotation. It also packs even more cushioning than the ASICS MEGABLAST, though it feels less stable and less energetic, so it’s not quite as versatile.
See our review
Recent Updates
Feb 04, 2026:
We've revamped the article structure and updated our picks and Notable Mentions to include shoes that we tested in 2025 and early 2026.
Aug 20, 2025:
We changed our 'Most Versatile Shoe' from the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 to the adidas Adizero Evo SL, given its wider range of usages. The SUPERBLAST 2 has replaced the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 as the 'Best Shoe For Long Runs.' We updated our pick for the 'Most Cushioned Shoe' from the Mizuno Neo Zen to the Mizuno Neo Vista 2, the newer, more cushioned shoe from Mizuno.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best women's running shoes across a range of training needs and preferences. We take into account factors like performance, comfort, price (a more affordable option wins out if it performs just as well), and availability; we don't recommend shoes that are hard to find or nearly sold out.
We're also always refining our test methodology to make your buying decisions easier, so if there's anything you'd like us to measure next, including more women-specific testing, drop a comment below.
If you want to explore for yourself, you can check out our full list of running shoe reviews. There's no one-size-fits-all pick; your physiology, training goals, and running style will always be the biggest factors in finding the right shoe for you.