The 6 Best Running Shoes For Women - Spring 2025

The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 are the best women's running shoes for marathon racing. They're built to go the distance with a high stack of Lightstrike Pro foam and carbon ENERGYRODS that provide an energetic, efficient ride without sacrificing cushioning. The shoe feels fast yet protective, helping you stay smooth and consistent over the full 42.2 km. Its responsive midsole makes it ideal for runners who want to push the pace without their legs taking a beating late in the race.

If comfort is your top priority during the marathon, the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is a great alternative that prioritizes underfoot protection. It features one of the softest, most cushioned rides among super shoes, but still retains enough structure and pop to hold marathon pace. Compared to the adidas shoe, it's less aggressive but more forgiving, which is perfect for runners who want to feel fresh late into the race, even if it means sacrificing a bit of raw snappiness.

Both are top-tier marathon racing shoes designed for peak performance, but like most carbon-plated racers, they trade off some stability and long-term durability in favor of race-day speed.

The Nike Vaporfly 4 is ideal for races from a 5K up to a half-marathon. It's one of the lightest super shoes available, and it delivers a fast, responsive ride with a firmer forefoot and lower stack height that gives you a closer-to-the-ground feel. This setup makes it perfect for shorter races where snappy toe-offs and efficient transitions matter most. The ZoomX foam and carbon plate still offer great energy return, but in a more streamlined package that favors speed over maximum cushioning.

That lighter, firmer feel also means it's less suited for full marathons. While it excels in quick, aggressive efforts, it lacks the protection and softness needed to stay comfortable over longer distances. For that, the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 remains the better fit. But if you're racing anything up to 21K, the Nike shoe hits a sweet spot between weight and bounciness that makes it a very efficient option.

The ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 is a shoe that fits seamlessly into nearly any workout. Its dual-layer midsole blends soft cushioning and firmer foam for stability and control, and it works equally well for easy runs, steady long runs, and faster workouts. Despite having no plate, it feels surprisingly responsive, offering a well-balanced ride that suits a wide range of paces and running styles. It's one of the few shoes we confidently recommend as your one-shoe solution.

If your priority is speed and value, the adidas Adizero Evo SL is a great uptempo alternative. It features adidas' premium foam in a lightweight build that shines during a variety of sessions. It's not quite as forgiving as the ASICS shoe, especially at easier paces, but for those who want a bouncy feel and a slightly lower stack, it's a great option that can still cover a very wide range of efforts.

While neither of these unplated trainers can match the aggressiveness and snappiness of a carbon-plated super shoe like the Nike Vaporfly 4, both offer enough responsiveness and comfort to cover a wide range of training and even handle the occasional local race.

The Mizuno Neo Zen is a top choice if you're looking for maximum comfort underfoot. Its high stack of soft foam delivers a plush, protective ride that feels especially forgiving on recovery days or during easy runs when your legs need a break. Despite the softness, the ride stays stable and smooth, making it a fun option for anyone prioritizing impact reduction and long-haul comfort. The tradeoff is the upper: it uses a sock-like design that won't suit everyone. The ultra-softness also means it's not built for speed, but when cushioning matters most, it delivers exactly that.

If you want cushioning with a bit more versatility, the HOKA Mach X 2 is a great alternative. Its soft midsole and embedded nylon plate provide comfort while still allowing for a snappy, responsive feel that holds up during tempo runs or longer sessions. It doesn't feel as plush as the Mizuno shoe, but it's a better pick if you want a cushioned shoe that can still move when you need it to.

The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 is a go-to option for long training runs, offering the ideal blend of cushioning and bounce to help you settle into a rhythm. It's soft and protective enough to keep your legs feeling fresh over time, but still responsive enough to prevent the ride from feeling flat or sluggish. Whether you log your long runs on Saturday, keep it classic with a Sunday morning grind, or squeeze them in midweek (if you're a bit of a psycho), this shoe delivers a consistent, smooth feel from start to finish.

It's not as soft and deeply cushioned as the Mizuno Neo Zen, but that makes it feel more stable and controlled. Plus, the higher drop encourages a smooth, natural heel-to-toe transition. Compared to long-distance race shoes like the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, the ASICS shoe offers the durability and all-around comfort you need when it's not about speed, but about getting the distance done comfortably and consistently.

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 offers a rare mix of light weight, natural stability, and everyday versatility. Its wide platform and relatively low stack height help you feel more grounded, making it a great choice for runners who want subtle support without the bulk of a traditional stability shoe. Despite not having structured guidance features, the shoe still feels stable underfoot, even when form starts to break down late in a run, and has enough bounce to make daily miles feel smooth and efficient.

It's often tough to find stable running shoes in women's sizing that accommodate wide feet, which makes this one a standout—it comes in a women-specific wide option (D width). And if that still isn't roomy enough, you can always opt for the equivalent men's size in the 2E width for an even wider fit.

Compared to other shoes like the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 or ASICS SUPERBLAST 2, this shoe feels firmer and more stable, but not quite as soft or energetic. It's a better fit for those who prioritize control and ground feel, and don't mind trading a bit of plushness for a more secure ride. If you prefer a more traditional stability shoe with built-in support features, the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 is a solid alternative. It uses structured elements to actively guide your stride and reduce overpronation, but that extra control comes with added weight and more movement restriction. The New Balance shoe, by contrast, keeps things lighter and more bouncy while still offering a naturally stable ride.