Best Running Shoes For Women of 2024 – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

Fit&Me is supported by its readers. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own.

We all know that running is an excellent form of exercise that has a whole lot of benefits for both your mind and body. However, the problem is that you can’t just run with any old shoes, especially not those morning slippers you are wearing right now. To keep your feet comfortable and pain free while running you need a good pair of running shoes and you need to pick a pair that will keep you happy for ages to come. We are here to help you do that, yet not just to help you find any old pair of running shoes, but the best running shoes for women.

If you are a woman and you like to run but have never been able to find a pair of shoes that suits your running needs, you may want to give this a little read through because we are going to cover important information such as the most important features that comprise a good running shoe. We do of course also have a list of the top 7 running shoes for women that are available on the market today, all of which make for some pretty good choices.

Summary: The Best Running Shoes For Women

What Makes A Good Pair Of Running Shoes?

Even though they are just a combination of fairly average materials that you strap onto your feet, running shoes can actually end up being fairly pricey. If you aren’t careful you could end up spending several hundreds of dollars on a pair of running shoes that will do nothing but hurt your feet. If you want to make sure that you buy the right pair of running shoes the first time around, there are a few different factors to keep in mind, so here they are.

Weight & Air Flow

Something that is very important to keep in mind before you buy any pair of running shoes is how heavy they are. Generally speaking, you are going to be running for long distances, so you don’t want a shoe that is going to weigh you down the whole way. A lightweight shoe is always ideal for running.

Furthermore, you want a running shoe that is breathable and lets air get to your feet because running with hot and sweaty feet is uncomfortable, it can cause blisters, and it will cause some stinky smells too. A shoe that has a mesh upper is something that you should definitely look out for. Keep in mind that just because the upper is made of mesh does not mean that the shoe is not durable. There are many different kinds of mesh, some of which can be reinforced for increased durability.

Support

Perhaps the most important thing to pay attention to before making a purchase is how much support the shoe offers for your feet. As you know, feet have a certain shape, a shape that needs to be supported. All parts of your feet including the heels, balls, and especially the arches need adequate support while running. If the running shoes you get do not have the adequate support with an ergonomically designed footbed, your feet will start to hurt really fast.

Your arches need proper support so they don’t sag from prolonged running and the impact from it. Not enough support means that your arches will bend more and more as you run, and that can end up being very painful. The running shoes you get need to have good arch support which hugs the shape of the soles of your feet like a glove on a hand.

It is also important for the sides and tops of the shoes to be supportive to create a snug and stable fit. The more supportive your shoes are, the less your feet will move around inside of them, and that is something you definitely want to pay close attention to.

Heel Stability

The next thing that any good running shoe should be able to provide you with is the cupping of and the stability of your heel. The running shoes you get should ideally cup around your heels and have somewhat of an indent for the back of your feet.

Having a stable heel is necessary so that your feet don’t move around too much within the shoes as you run, something that can be painful and comfortable. This is also so your feet don’t tilt to either side when running, which can end up causing severe pain and problems with your ankles.

On a little side note, it also helps when the heel is slightly higher than the front of the shoe. This is because it helps to enforce a natural stride that is healthy to maintain for the duration of your run.

Look

This may be irrelevant to some people, but if you want to be able to use your running shoes for going out in public, you will want to get a pair that is both good for running and looks decent too. On a side note, this is a good time to choose whether you want Velcro shoes or ones with laces.

Cushioning & Impact Absorption

The final thing that you want to keep in mind before purchasing any specific pair of running shoes is how much impact they can absorb. Every step you take, especially when running at high speeds, sends a shockwave through your feet and up your body. This can end up being very painful for your legs, ankles, and of course for your feet, especially the soles of your feet. In order to stop this pain from occurring you need a shoe that has a lot of cushioning.

This goes for the back of the shoe, the midsole, and the front of the shoe too. However, it is especially important for the heels of your running shoes to be well padded because that is usually where you land after taking every step. Even better is a pair of running shoes that has the ability to take the energy from every impact and turn it into energy that fuels your next step. This is something that gives you that little spring and makes you run faster and better.

Running Shoes For Women Reviews

Our Rating

This is without a doubt one of the best running shoes that you could go with. This is an extremely comfortable and supportive shoe that will keep your feet stable and pain free for the duration of your run. They may not be the cheapest shoes on the market, but they are definitely well worth the money.


Design

One of the best parts about this particular running shoe is that it is excellent at absorbing shock and impact. It features both rear and forefoot gel cushioning that makes it feel as though you are running on a cushion, which is of course very important when running long distances. This cushioning system also allows you to keep a wide range of motion while it works to absorb as much impact as possible.

Something else that helps keep you comfortable while running is the heel clutch system that is in place. This heel clutching system makes the shoe snugly fit around your heels so they don’t move around too much in the shoe, thus keeping you stable and forcing your feet to move the way that is anatomically correct. Moreover, this also helps provide you with a whole lot of support to the back of your foot in order to remain pain free for as long as you run.

The next feature that is very impressive when it comes to this shoe is the FluidRide technology that it employs. This technology works to absorb the impact that you take with every step, thus reducing the stress on your feet and other joints. Moreover, this feature has the ability to store the energy from every impact or step taken and then transfers that into the next step when your foot leaves the ground. This puts that classic spring in your step and lets you run faster and with increased comfort.

Something else that really impresses us about this running shoe is that it also uses FluidFit technology. This technology utilizes many different points of mesh stretch reinforcement, something that makes for a very durable shoe. At the same time, the FluidFit technology ensures a light and breathable shoe thanks to the mesh. This technology makes the ASICS Women’s Gel Nimbus 18 Running Shoe fit your foot like a glove fits a hand.

These things also have rubber soles which help absorb shock even more, not to mention that they are extremely durable, and also will not mark up the ground with scuff marks. We also can’t forget that this is a very stylish shoe that anyone would be proud to show the neighborhood.

Value for money

The price does depend on the size of the shoe you are getting, but to keep consistent, a size 8 costs somewhere around 140 dollars. This is not the cheapest of all women’s running shoes, but they do offer an unparalleled amount of support and comfort. These are some really durable running shoes that will last you for a long time to come.

Build quality

The build quality of these running shoes is quite outstanding. They are made out of high-quality materials that will be able to handle anything you throw at them, not to mention that they are very lightweight and comfortable too. You really could not ask for a better running shoe. Even better is that this shoe was built with a seamless design in order to reduce irritation and discomfort.

Pros

  • Excellent impact absorption
  • Turns impact energy into takeoff energy
  • Great heel and arch support
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Ergonomically designed to fit individual feet
  • Sturdy rubber sole

Cons

  • Fits very narrow
  • Ball of the foot is not supported all that well

Our Rating

This is a very high quality running shoe that does absolutely everything you need it to do in order to get the most out of your daily run. The Saucony Women’s Guide 9 Running Show has a number of advanced features that provide for a whole lot of comfort and a pain free running experience every time.


Design

One of the things that make these shoes very ideal for running is that they feature a TRI-FLEX outsole. This means that the Saucony Women’s Guide 9 Running Shoes can flex and move around with your feet as you run, thus providing you with a shoe that is ergonomically designed to fit your feet no matter which way they move.

Another awesome feature that these shoes have is the SRC Landing Zone. This is a feature that provides you with optimal cushioning and shock absorption every time you land on your heel. This helps to keep you comfortable and it keeps your feet from becoming painful. This is a feature that makes these shoes ideal for running on hard surfaces such as a sidewalk.

Yet another great feature that these shoes come with is a dual density SSL EVA midsole. The midsole keeps your feet well supported for the duration of your run, especially your arches, which of course require adequate support in order to remain in top shape. This midsole also helps to provide you with a soft cushion to run on, one which absorbs as much impact as you can give it. The EVA material of the midsole also helps to reduce the multiplication of bacteria, it helps wick away sweat, and it helps to keep bad foot odor at bay as well.

Furthermore, these running shoes also come with an Everun top sole. This feature takes the impact from each step and turns it into rebound energy which helps you to run faster. It provides you with that spring you need for a faster run and a more comfortable experience in general. The underside of this shoe features a sturdy rubber sole that will be able to stand up to the rigors of running on a hard surface. The durable rubber soles also have fantastic traction to help you run with ease on a consistent basis.

Even better is that the upper of this shoe consists mostly of highly versatile mesh, mesh that is reinforced using GlexFilm technology. This makes the Saucony Women’s Running Shoe extremely durable and able to withstand a whole lot of wear and tear. Not only that, but the mesh helps to make this shoe very breathable and lightweight, both things which are necessary in order to stay comfortable while running.

Value for money

The Saucony Women’s Guide 9 Running Shoe comes in at around 80 dollars, which is a moderate price for such a great shoe. Literally, everything about this shoe screams value, and that includes the high level of support, the comfort, and the durability which this running shoe brings to the table.

Build quality

When it comes to the build quality of these running shoes, there is really nothing bad to be said. These things are built to withstand high amount of impact and are built specially for running on hard surfaces. These things are extremely durable and will definitely serve you well for however long you plan to run for.

Pros

  • TRI-FLEX outsole for versatility
  • Hard rubber sole for durability
  • Mesh upper for lightweight and breathability
  • Everun top sole for energy conversion
  • Lots of arch and heel support
  • Impact absorbing mid sole
  • Very comfortable
  • Quite affordable

Cons

  • Tongue and neck may start to rip after prolonged use
  • Mesh may form holes with undue strain

Our Rating

This is a very high quality running shoe that brings a combination of light weight, breathability, support, durability, comfort, and affordability to the table all in one neat little package. These things will be able to stand up to virtually anything that you can throw at them.


Design

This is truly a fantastic running shoe and one of the main reasons for that is due to the insane amount of impact that it can absorb. The Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 16 Running Shoe has a BioMoGo DNA midsole, something which helps to absorb a whole lot of impact from every step that you take. Even better is that this midsole intuitively adapts your needs with every single step. It is almost like a memory foam mattress that changes its shape to fit you like a glove fits a hand.

Another thing that makes this an extremely good running shoe for women is that it features a progressive diagonal rollbar. This addition helps your feet move in the way that they were anatomically meant to move, plus they guide your feet and your body back to their proper positions with each step you take.

This running shoe has a whole lot of cushioning, a large part of which is the full length segmented crash pad. This is great because it will cushion your feet and take away painful impact no matter which way you land with your feet. It can absorb impact whether you land on your heels, flat, on your balls, or toes. This addition also allows for easy and smooth heel to toe transitions, thus facilitating a natural running motion.

The Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 16 Running Shoe has been anatomically designed to give you a snug fit while also allowing for a full range of motion. The length of the sole is shaped to support your arches and heels in order to keep them in their proper position and shape. These shoes also feature a very comfortable saddle that serves to keep your heels in place and well supported.

Not only that but the materials which these shoes are made of offer multi-directional support while at the same time moving with your feet to give you a very comfortable running experience. There is also the fact that much of the upper is made out of mesh, thus contributing to a lightweight shoe that is easy to run in, one that allows air to flow through the shoe in order to keep your feet nice and cool.

Finally, these running shoes also come with a very solid outer sole that won’t mark up your floors, it has the ability to disperse impact, it gives you a whole lot of traction, and it’s extremely durable too.

Value for money

For all of the great features that these running shoes come with, spending around 90 dollars on them does not seem like much at all. The Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 16 Running Shoes have various features to keep your feet comfortable, pain free, and very stable while running. This is one of the most valuable shoes that you could choose to run in.

Build quality

The build quality of these shoes does not at all speak to their low price. If we didn’t know any better we would say that these shoes cost much more, and that is based on their very high quality. These things are extremely durable, provide a lot of traction, absorb impact like nothing else, keep all of the vital parts of your feet well supported, and much more. Quality is definitely not an issue when it comes to these running shoes.

Pros

  • Very supportive in all sense
  • Multi-directional supportive upper
  • Addition of mesh for light weight and breathability
  • Very comfortable and well padded
  • Good outer sole for durability and traction
  • Advanced memory foam-like crash board

Cons

  • May stretch out excessively
  • Some discrepancies in sizing

Our Rating

These are moderately priced running shoes that will serve your needs to the utmost degree. They are very comfortable to wear, they are durable, they are lightweight, and will help you run better without a doubt.


Design

One of the things that we really like about these shoes is that they are extremely versatile. They feature a very flexible footbed as well as a flexible upper. This helps to provide you with a whole lot of comfort, it makes the shoes fit your feet snugly and move with them instead of against them, and it helps to reduce the occurrence of blisters and irritation.

Something else that makes these shoes ideal for running long distances is that they feature a lightweight design. The Nike Women’s Free 5.0+ Running Shoes are very light and aren’t going to weigh you down as you try to get through your running routine. These shoes are also made of a very breathable material that allows air to flow through them. This is great because it helps to keep your feet cool and comfortable in order to reduce sweating, blisters, and general overheating.

These shoes have also been ergonomically designed to fit the shape of your foot. This means that they provide adequate arch and heel support so that your feet don’t start to hurt after just a few minutes of running. Moreover, these shoes also have a very soft inner sole, something that helps increase your comfort level just that much more.

The specially designed inner sole has the ability to dissipate impact that your feet would otherwise have to deal with. Even better is that the inner sole can harness that energy of each impact and turn it into propulsion energy. With these shoes, you will definitely feel the spring, something that helps you run faster and with increased ease. Finally, these things also have an extremely durable outer sole that can absorb impact and withstand the rigors of any running routine.

Value for money

For around 90 dollars you really can’t go wrong with these Nike Women’s Free 5.0+ Running Shoes. They have a whole lot of value for the price they come at and that is thanks to various factors such as their shock absorption capabilities, their ergonomic design, and their extremely durable build.

Build quality

We have no complaints when it comes to the build quality of these particular running shoes. They are made with very high-quality materials that are designed to last through even the hardest routines. They help keep your feet cool and comfortable, they support your arches, and they keep you stable the whole time. Those benefits are all complemented by a superior outer sole.

Pros

  • Very flexible design
  • Built to move with your feet
  • Ergonomic build
  • Ability to absorb a lot of impact
  • Provide optimal support
  • Very stylish
  • Durable materials

Cons

  • Fit slightly small
  • Colors may vary

Our Rating

When looking for a good running shoe, the Mizuno Women’s Wave Inspire 12 Running Shoes are a choice you need to consider without a doubt. They are not the most advanced or most expensive shoes around, but they definitely have everything it takes to meet and exceed your needs without question.


Design

Something that we definitely cannot ignore when it comes to these running shoes is that they come in a variety of very attractive colors and styles. If you need a good looking running shoe, then you are definitely looking at the right one.

Another thing that makes the Mizuno Women’s Wave Inspire 12 Shoes an ideal choice for all is that they have a very breathable upper. The upper is made of mesh and a combination of other materials. The mesh is very lightweight to provide you with a firm but light running shoe, one which lets air flow freely throughout it. This means that your feet will be cool and composed while you try to get through your next grueling running challenge.

Not only does the upper let your feet breathe but it is also structurally designed to support your feet from all angles, something that provides for a snug fit and offers the support you need to run for long distances without complications.

The next thing that makes these shoes great for women who run is that they feature a strobel board throughout the whole sole. This sole provides you with a whole lot of underfoot comfort because its soft yet firm nature means that it cushions your feet from the bottom extremely well, while at the same time absorbing a whole lot of impact.

You don’t want to be running with very hard shoes and you don’t want impact constantly affecting your feet because that will make things very painful. These shoes solve all of those problems to great effect by increasing ground contact, providing a soft touchdown, and dispersing the energy of each step you take.

Yet another thing that makes these shoes ideal for running is that they provide an adequate amount of arch support. Your arches always need support, especially so when running on hard surfaces. These shoes help to keep your feet in their desired shape in order to help reduce pain and discomfort.

The Mizuno Women’s Wave Inspire 12 Running Shoes also have a fantastic outer sole that is made out of some of the most durable rubber that can be found. The sole is not going to flake or disintegrate very fast, it helps absorb impact, and it won’t leave marks on the ground either. Even better is that the front of the outer sole, under the ball of your foot, has increased blown rubber. This is a very soft and durable material that increases the shock absorption capabilities of these shoes even more, not to mention that it helps to provide you with a fair amount of traction too.

Value for money

You definitely get a whole lot of value for the 70 and some odd dollars that you are spending on these shoes. They are great running shoes with a high level of support, a good number of features to provide comfort, and they are also lightweight and breathable too. The Mizuno Women’s Wave Inspire 12 Running Shoes are very cheap when you consider all of the beneficial features they have.

Build quality

The Mizuno Women’s Wave Inspire 12 Running Shoes have a great build quality. Things like the durable rubber sole, the ergonomic design, the impact absorption capabilities, and the high amount of cushioning that these shoes have all serve to make this a high quality running shoe.

Pros

  • Optimal arch and heel support
  • Soft under sole for comfort
  • Ability to absorb a lot of impact
  • Flexible and supportive upper
  • High-quality outer sole
  • Lots of traction
  • Lightweight and very breathable
  • Durable build

Cons

  • May cause blisters on the heels
  • May be too narrow for some

Our Rating

If you need a good pair of affordable running shoes, you should definitely consider the Under Armour Women's Micro G Assert 6 Running Shoes. These are some very comfortable shoes with a ton of great features that make them perfect women’s running shoes.


Design

One of the things that you will really like about these particular running shoes is that they are very comfortable to wear, which is in large part thanks to the full length EVA sock liner. The liner helps to provide a very snug fit and also adds some cushioning to keep you as comfortable as possible. This liner also helps to wick away sweat, keep bacteria from growing and keep the shoes from smelling profusely.

Something else that is very comfortable about these shoes is that they have an upper made out of soft and supportive foam that is covered by a layer of mesh. The foam gives your feet some soft support and it isn’t too thick thanks to the mesh. The mesh helps to keep the shoe lightweight and breathable so your feet don’t get too hot while running, not to mention that having too much weight on your feet when running is not ideal either.

These shoes also have a durable leather overlay that helps lengthen the lifespan of these shoes so you can throw a whole lot of exercise at them. Moreover, the overlay also helps to provide for a snug fit that keeps your midfoot in place and stops it from moving around too much, something that is necessary when running in order to avoid pain and accidents.

Another thing that we really like about the Under Armour Women's Micro G Assert 6 Running Shoes is that the sole is lined with Micro-G Foam. This foam helps to provide you with a soft and cushioned landing that absorbs a lot of impact with every step, something that helps keep your feet pain free. At the same time, this foam also stores the energy from every step in order to release it when you touch off. This helps give you some explosive power with each step you take, which helps increase efficiency when running.

The final thing that makes these shoes ideal for running is that they have strategically placed rubber traction points that cover high impact areas. This is helpful because it serves to increase the durability of these shoes while keeping them lightweight at the same time. Even better is the lightweight rubber outsole that serves to absorb as much impact as possible, plus it is also scuff free so it won’t leave marks on the ground, not to mention that it gives you a lot of traction as well. This whole shoe is extremely durable, comfortable, and supportive too.

Value for money

You definitely get your money’s worth when you buy these Under Armour running shoes. A size 8 costs around 70 dollars, which makes them reasonably priced running shoes that provide you with a whole lot of comfort and stability. For such a fair price you really couldn’t ask for anything more.

Build quality

When it comes to the build quality of these running shoes for women we really can’t see any problems. The durable leather overlay makes them extremely rugged and ideal for various running conditions, the rubber outer sole is tough and provides traction, and there are several comfort features too, all of which serve to make this a quality shoe.

Pros

  • Mesh upper for lightweight breathability
  • Rubber mark free outer sole for traction and impact absorption
  • Micro-G foam technology for shock absorption and explosive steps
  • Quite affordable
  • Snug fit with the EVA sock liner
  • Easy to clean
  • Prevent bacteria build up and odor

Cons

  • Not much arch support
  • Stitching may come loose after prolonged use

Our Rating

This is a very affordable running shoe that any woman would be happy to wear. Even though they are very affordable, they have managed not to sacrifice any comfort or durability.


Design

One of the things that make this an excellent running shoe is that it is very lightweight. You don’t want to be running around with bricks strapped to your feet, and these shoes certainly are no bricks. Furthermore, these shoes are also very breathable. The upper and other sections of the ASICS Gel Content 3 Running Shoe feature mesh materials that are both light and allow air to flow freely. This allows your feet to stay cool for the duration of your run.

Something else that makes these shoes ideal for running is that they have a gel lined inner sole. This special gel technology provides a soft yet stable running surface. When running in these shoes it feels as though you have a cushion from your bed under your feet, something that is excellent for absorbing the shock and impact of every step you take. This is a necessary feature of any good running shoe.

Another feature that makes these shoes fantastic for running is the optimal amount of support that they provide. These shoes have a whole lot of arch and heel support. This is another necessary part of any good running shoe because without proper arch support your feet will end up hurting pretty quickly. The heel support is also crucial for keeping your feet in place within the shoes, providing stability, and for keeping your feet moving the way that is anatomically correct.

Finally, these running shoes also have a very durable rubber outer sole. The outer sole is designed to absorb a lot of impact, not to mention that it is very solid so you know that it will last for a long time to come. There is also the fact that the sole is scuff free so you won’t leave marks everywhere you go. These are some very reasonably priced shoes that will have you running in comfort, plus they also look fantastic to boot!

Value for money

You definitely get a whole lot of value for the money that you are spending on the ASICS Women's Gel Contend 3. This pair costs around 50 dollars, which is not very much at all, especially when you consider that they provide you with a lot of support, they are very comfortable, and lightweight too. For the money that you are spending, this is a prime choice without a doubt.

Build quality

The build quality of the ASICS Women's Gel Contend 3 Running Shoe is absolutely phenomenal, especially for the very low price that they come at. The shoes are built with rugged rubber soles and tough materials all throughout. The quality of these running shoes is more than good enough to take you for a daily run without fear of having them fall apart midway through your routine.

Pros

  • Mesh upper for light weight and breathability
  • Rugged rubber soles
  • Scuff free
  • Lots of arch and heel support
  • Fairly stable
  • Durable build
  • Very stylish
  • Extremely affordable

Cons

  • Left and right shoes may differ slightly
  • Tend to fit a little narrow

Conclusion

As you can see, choosing the best running shoes for women can be hard, not because there aren’t any good options out there, but because there are so many to choose from. There are many good options out there, but only some of those are going to suit you perfectly and those are the ones that you want. A good pair of running shoes will support your feet, cushion them, and keep them nice and cool for as long as you run. Of course, we would recommend any of the prime choices we have listed above, but as long as you keep in mind the factors that make up a good running shoe, you can always go looking for a different pair.

If you have any comments or questions about anything we have said, please feel free to let us know and we will address your concerns at the first possible opportunity!