The Best Running Shoes For Women, Tested By A Long-Distance Runner
The best running shoes for women combine style, comfort and performance to enhance each step you take. Built to meet various needs, from daily runs to rigorous training and marathons, these shoes provide exceptional support, cushioning and stability. After evaluating over a dozen women’s running shoes, I determined that the Saucony Ride 17 stands out as the best overall, while the Brooks Ghost 16 excels as the top choice for beginners. Additionally, I selected five other standout shoes based on their overall value, comfort and performance.
Hit the streets or the trails in the best running shoes for women.
The following is a list of all the winners from my testing process:
Realistically, feet are very different from one pair to the next, but that’s why I spent time in 16 different pairs to identify different styles that meet the needs of different women. As with any running shoe, test it in-person if you can and if a shoe doesn’t offer the comfort or support or springiness you need, don’t force yourself to wear it. With hundreds of running shoe styles on the market today, there’s likely something better out there for you. For more recommendations on running shoes from specific brands, check out our guides to the best Hoka running shoes and best Nike running shoes.
The Saucony Ride 17 is comparable in many ways to our top pick for a daily trainer, the Mizuno Wave Rider 28: It’s a durable workhorse shoe that’s comfortable on the road through daily wear. While it’s roughly the same weight as the Wave Rider, the Ride 17 has a much lower heel-to-toe drop: 8mm compared to 12mm. This drop is in line with a typical trainer. Although I generally save the Saucony Ride 17 for my slower recovery runs—its breathable upper, wider toe box and cushioning allow my feet to relax a bit—I found myself reaching for them for longer runs with greater frequency. I was pleasantly surprised with how my body responded to wearing the cushier-than-normal-for-me shoes for 10-mile runs.
That nice balance of comfort and responsiveness comes from the brand’s PWRRUN+ foam, which is significantly lighter than other versions of this material. The upper mesh is also breathable, but it provides some additional protection from the elements, unlike many lightweight trainers and racing shoes.
The Brooks Ghost 16 is the best running shoe for new runners thanks to its support, cushion and ability to comfortably hold a shoe insert. And people who wear inserts, or just want a more cushioned ride, may prefer this shoe too. (Its predecessor, the Ghost 15, was also named best walking shoe for women). That said, the Ghost isn’t as sleek as the other picks on this list. Keep in mind that it’s a chunkier, heavier shoe with a bigger heel and a steeper heel-to-toe drop. You won’t be wearing it out for your next race.
Instead, the Ghost is best for those who want a durable trainer and are transitioning into the sport. It’s not as plush as I’d anticipated but it gave my feet ample space to spread out. (Some experts point out that Brooks tends to provide a more narrow fit, but I didn’t feel that in this shoe. It also comes in wide and medium width sizes). Overall, the Ghost 16 is a worthwhile investment for newer runners who want a shoe that will support their miles and last for a long time.
The Mizuno Wave Rider 28 checks off all the boxes for a daily trainer: It’s not too heavy, it has a thick heel (to withstand higher mileage) and moderate cushion. It’s the most versatile option for a women’s running shoe compared to others I tested. And its reputation precedes it. Every big-name running shoe brand has a tried-and-true shoe that withstands the test of time. Think: Nike Pegasus, Saucony Ride and Brooks Ghost. When I took it on the road, the Wave Rider proved itself as a winning option.
This shoe has a softer feel and a wider toe box compared to some others I tested, which makes it best for daily training. I was surprised that this iteration was as soft as it was; Mizuno is known for being a firmer shoe. Although I was hoping for something a little firmer, which is my personal preference, my feet settled in comfortably once I got moving. I noticed that the front of my feet slid around a bit in the toe box, but it wasn’t prohibitive, and it did allow my toes to spread out.
What sets this trainer apart from some of the competition is its versatility. It’s light and firm enough that, while I wouldn’t recommend it for speed work, you can pick up the pace for a tempo run or hill workout. If you’re looking for one shoe to cover your bases, the Mizuno Wave Rider 28 is it. I should note that this shoe runs small. I’m a women’s size 8 in street shoes and typically an 8.5 in running shoes, and I had to size up to a 9 for the Wave Rider 28.
Runners who are looking for more stability and support will find both, plus exceptional comfort, in the Asics GT-2000 12. Stability shoes are designed to correct overpronation—a common term in the running industry that describes a foot that collapses inward when it hits the ground. Stability shoes, like the Asics GT-2000 12, provide extra support under the arch to keep the foot from rolling inward. The 3D Guidance System from the brand is specially designed to provide a smooth transition from foot strike to toe-off.
I am a neutral runner, which means I don’t require a stability shoe, but I really liked the fit of the Asics GT-2000 12, save for a little bit of chafing along the bunion in my right foot. I felt secure and supported, and thanks to Asics’ PureGel technology, the shoe is lightweight and super comfortable.
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 has an almost cult-like following in the trail-running world. It’s incredibly light and agile for a trail shoe, and thanks to its 5mm Vibram traction lugs, you’re not slipping anywhere. I first wore these shoes when I was seven months pregnant on the trails of Moab, Utah, as part of a press junket to try the new release. While that may have raised eyebrows for some, I felt incredibly secure in the shoe, thanks to those no-slip lugs. And my feet felt both supported and cushioned over the rocks, dirt and debris that’s common on trails across the country.
The subtle rocker profile helps propel you forward—a plus for trail races when you’ll want all the help you can get. The shoe’s protective toe rand helps shelter your toes on unruly terrain. The mesh upper is airy and flexible, which makes it breathable and super comfortable.
Long-term testing notes: Recently, Hoka announced the launch of the Speedgoat 6, a shoe we haven’t tested yet but have read all about. From what we understand thus far, the Speedgoat 6 is still a great shoe, but we’ve reached a point in the running world where options abound, and as a result, other shoes have caught up to Hoka’s beloved trail running GOAT. With this in mind, we still recommend the Speedgoat 5 for now, but after we’ve had the chance to test the 6 against the competition, our recommendation may change.
The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2 are pro-level shoes, and the brand has signed top runners like Molly Seidel, the third American woman to medal at the Olympic marathon. But these running shoes don’t need a pro endorsement; they speak for themselves.
The moment I slipped these shoes on, I was struck by their lightweight design and firm footbed. I knew they’d rival my favorite carbon-plated Saucony Endorphin Pro+ (launched in 2021 and significantly reworked). Even though they’re svelte, these shoes have ample room in the toe box. I was a little worried heading into my first run because my right baby toe rubbed up against the upper—I have a bunion on my right foot so I prefer shoes that allow my toes to splay out (something our experts recommend, bunion or not). That feeling quickly subsided, and nearly 100 miles later, it hasn’t been an issue.
The propulsive benefits of the Deviate Nitro Elite 2 add a little boost to every step.
The Deviate Nitro Elite 2 shoes boast a few features that make them great for racing. What I liked most about this carbon-plated racing shoe is its ability to add some propulsion without feeling like my feet are on rocking chairs; my feet feel secure yet snappy. Underfoot, this shoe performs well on pavement, the track (for longer tempo-style workouts) and a gravel towpath. I raced a 5K in this shoe and I felt r