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 50 models; below are our top recommendations for the best running shoes for women, for a range of uses and preferences.
We've recently started buying and testing 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 Women's Running Shoe For Long-Distance Racing
Marathon Racing8.75K/10K Racing8.6Energy Return8.8Cushioning8.0Lateral Stability7.4Weight:197.5 g (6.97 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:7.0 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:Carbon Fiber RodsThe 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.
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Best Women's Running Shoe For Short-Distance Racing
Marathon Racing7.45K/10K Racing9.0Energy Return8.4Cushioning6.3Lateral Stability7.1Weight:160.5 g (5.66 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:8.8 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:Carbon FiberThe 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.
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Most Versatile Women's Running Shoe
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 ShankThe adidas Adizero Evo SL is a shoe that can confidently handle just about any workout. It features adidas' premium foam in a light weight build, delivering a dynamic and lively ride. The Evo SL could be used as a daily trainer, as it performs well across a wide range of paces, but it really shines during uptempo efforts, including intervals or even races. The cushioning is not as effective at slower paces, however, so it may not be the best choice for recovery runs.
If you prioritize plush comfort, the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 is another versatile alternative that covers a similarly broad range of run types. Its more protective cushioning makes it more suitable for easy miles than the Evo SL. The soft, energetic bounce of the ASICS shoe makes it great for longer runs and even tempo intervals, but the deeper cushioning does make it noticeably heavier.
While neither of these unplated trainers can match the aggressiveness and snappiness of a carbon-plated super shoe like the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 or Nike Vaporfly 4, both offer enough responsiveness and comfort to cover a wide range of training and even handle the occasional local race.
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Most Cushioned Women's Running Shoe
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 literally towers above the rest, with an impressively high stack of cushioning that provides marshmallow soft landings and a protective ride on easy runs. The cushy combination of two different foams in the midsole delivers a plush feel that is especially gentle on the legs, making it a great option for recovery runs or days where you just want to lighten the impact on your joints. The ultra-softness also means it's not built for speed, but when cushioning matters most, it delivers exactly that. The Neo Vista 2 runs long and has a fairly loose upper, so consider sizing down.
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 more comfortably pick up the pace if you want it to.
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Best Women's Running Shoe For Long Runs
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 a deeply cushioned trainer built for long-distance comfort. The dual-layer midsole, featuring a softer top layer of foam with a firmer foam beneath, ensures that the ride is comfortable without the cushioning becoming mushy. A wide platform helps to compensate for the taller stack height, making the shoe more stable than many others in the max-cushioned category. Overall, this offering from ASICS strikes a balance of comfort, stability, and energy return that makes it a great shoe for long runs.
The SUPERBLAST 2 is not as soft and deeply cushioned as the Mizuno Neo Vista 2, but that makes the ASICS 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 the goal is not pure speed, but rather covering the distance comfortably and consistently.
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Best Women's Running Shoe For Stability
Marathon Racing5.35K/10K Racing7.2Energy Return5.9Cushioning5.9Lateral Stability8.7Weight:214.7 g (7.57 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:7.3 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe 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 it has enough bounce to make daily miles feel smooth and efficient.
It can be 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 32 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 restrictions on movement. The New Balance shoe, by contrast, keeps things lighter and more bouncy while still offering a naturally stable ride.
Notable Mentions
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PUMA Deviate NITRO Elite 3:
The PUMA Deviate NITRO Elite 3 is the latest offering in PUMA's line of versatile super shoes made famous by Olympic medalist Molly Seidel. They're a strong alternative to softer options like the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 or adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, especially for runners who prefer a firmer, snappier toe-off instead of a deeply cushioned ride. The midsole is still energetic but offers more structure, especially at lower impact forces, making it a stable and responsive platform for smaller runners.
See our review -
Brooks Glycerin Max:
The Brooks Glycerin Max 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 18:
The Nike Vomero 18 is a durable, traditional daily trainer for runners who just want a reliable shoe that can deliver a consistent, supportive ride. If you prioritize cushioning and protection over flash or speed, the Vomero 18 deserves serious consideration. It's ideal for runners who want step-in comfort, smooth transitions, and stability. That said, it feels heavier and firmer than more modern options like the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2.
See our review -
On Cloudboom Zone:
The On Cloudboom Zone is a snappy, fast-feeling trainer built for speed sessions and intervals. With no plate, it still feels quick thanks to a firm toe-off and naturally responsive ride. It's a good choice if you want structure-free speed, but its midsole isn't as cushioned or lively as the adidas Adizero Evo SL, which handles a wider range of paces more comfortably.
See our review
Recent Updates
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 running shoes for women 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.
If you'd rather 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.