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Shoes are a key component of any outfit, and that’s certainly true for your running ensemble. While personal style and fit preference play a role in selecting the perfect running shoe, there’s also a lot more to consider—like arch support, cushion, breathability, distance. In short, selecting the best running shoes for women can feel wildly overwhelming, especially if you’re newer to the sport.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Road Running Shoes: Brooks Glycerin 22, $165
- Best Long Distance Running Shoes: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v14, $165
- Best Everyday Running Shoes: On Cloudsurfer 2, $160
- Best Trail Running Shoes: Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX, $170
- Best Running Shoes for Beginners: Nike Pegasus 41, $140
- Best for Race Day: Adidas Adios Pro 3, $250
- Best for Flat Feet: Saucony Omni 22, $140
While finding the perfect fit is never an easy feat, allow me to make the task a bit easier—as an avid runner and longtime fitness journalist, I’ve tested hundreds of running shoes over the years. I also polled running coaches, Vogue editors, and other running aficionados to pull together a list of the best running shoes for women.
In This Story:
- What to look for in a running shoe
- What makes a road running shoe different from a terrain and race day shoe?
- How to figure out the support and cushioning you need
- How often should you change running shoes and why?
Best Road Running Shoes: Brooks Glycerin 22
Why We Love It: Beloved by many runners (myself included), these neutral shoes are the perfect sneaker to lace up before heading out on a road run. “They kept my knees and feet happy on my long runs thanks to their super-soft cushioning and support. And on race day, they did their job so I could focus on mine—getting across the finish line,” says Erin McGrady, a five-time marathon finisher and founder of Asheville Run Crew, a local running club that hosts free pop-up runs for the LGBTQ+BIPOC+Ally community in the Blue Ridge Mountains. What’s more, they have The American Podiatry Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which recognizes products that promote good foot health.
- Width: Medium or Wide
- Weight: 8.8oz
- Heel Drop: 10mm
- Available Colors: 14 (bright white, black, coconut, etc.)
- Cushion: Maximum
Best Long Distance Running Shoes: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v14
Why We Love It: This New Balance sneaker is a classic, beloved running shoe—and for good reason. Even with its signature Fresh Foam cushioning every step, this shoe is surprisingly lightweight. Plus, it features a barely-there mesh upper that’s super breathable yet still secures your foot. “I trained in these for the NYC Marathon this year; they were super supportive on the longer runs,” senior shopping editor Talia Abbas shares. This shoe is designed to support a smooth, easy stride—and, in our experience, it certainly delivers.
- Width: Narrow, standard, wide, extra wide
- Weight: 8.3 oz
- Heel Drop: 6mm
- Available Colors: 12 (mint, grey, black, white, etc.)
- Cushion: Extra Soft
Best Everyday Running Shoes: On Cloudsurfer 2
Why We Love It: A few significant changes went into the redesign of the second generation of On’s beloved Cloudsurfer: the mesh upper was made to be even more breathable; the outsole thicker with smaller cavities, and the midsole geometry re-engineered to improve heel-to-toe transitions. Abbas has been testing the new shoe on six-mile runs for a few weeks: “True to the brand’s design philosophy, the shoes itself are lightweight, but there’s thick padding on the soles so you definitely feel cushioned and locked in while running. It makes for a really smooth and buoyant ride,” she says. Izzy Seidel, founder of Sad Girl Track Club, previously told Vogue of the first generation: “These daily trainers are great for runners that prefer a slightly more firm yet comfortable shoe, and the fun and quirky colorways are a bonus.”
- Width: Standard
- Weight: 7.9 oz
- Heel Drop: 9mm
- Available Colors: 4 (ivory, glacier, )
- Cushion: Maximum
Best Trail Running Shoes: Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX
Why We Love It: With a nice amount of cushion (especially for a trail shoe) and extra-grippy lugs, the Hoka Speedgoat enables you to hit the trails and navigate icy winter roads with sure-footing. Plus, the Gore-Tex waterproof membrane will protect your feet from the elements. Despite its impressive cushion, these shoes will keep you feeling light and agile as you navigate rocky roads or trails lined with loose soil. These are my personal go-to trail sneakers whether I’m heading to the mountains or the trails of Joshua Tree. I also love that they have a toe cap, which protects your feet from rocks and debris.
- Width: Standard
- Wide Weight: 9 oz
- Heel Drop: 5mm
- Available Colors: 3 (quartz, thunder, black)
- Cushion: Medium
Best Running Shoes for Beginners: Nike Pegasus 41
Why We Love It: The Nike Pegasus is a sneaker that seems to be universally loved among runners, including Vogue editors. It’s a great neutral everyday option for all levels, but it’s particularly appealing to beginners thanks to a nice balance of support and lightness. The newest model features an updated mesh upper and new foam in the midsole, which makes the shoe even more lightweight, breathable, and bouncy than past iterations.
- Width: Standard
- Weight: 8.8oz
- Heel Drop: 10mm
- Available Colors: 10 (black, pink, multi-colored, etc.)
- Cushion: Standard
Best for the Gym: Nobull Allday Ripstop Shoe
Why We Love It: NoBull is perhaps best-known for its weight training shoes, but don’t sleep on its versatile Allday sneakers. These shoes strike the perfect balance for a gym shoe—with a flat bottom that’s great for weight lifting and just enough cushion to support your stride. I would personally recommend sticking to shorter distances with these sneakers, but they’re great for hopping from the treadmill to a strength sesh.
- Width: Standard
- Weight: 10.3 oz
- Heel Drop: 10mm
- Available Colors: 9 (white, black, grey, patterned)
- Cushion: Moderate
Best Barefoot Running Shoe: Vivobarefoot Motus Strength
Why We Love It: “In the gym runners need to develop a stronger connection with their feet to improve balance, strength, and power in their lower extremities,” says Kirsten Beverly-Waters, an ultramarathon runner and multi-sport athletic coach. With its barefoot-like design, the VivoBarefoot Motus Strength shoe can promote better proprioception (or your body’s awareness of where it is in space) by allowing the feet to feel the ground more naturally. “This heightened proprioception helps enhance neuromuscular connection as the muscles and nerves work together more efficiently to maintain balance and control. This is a great option for any runner who spends time lifting weights or wants to become a better runner all-around,” says Beverly-Waters.
- Width: Standard
- Weight: 10 oz
- Heel Drop: None
- Available Colors: 6 (grey, blue tint, white, etc.)
- Cushion: Minimal
Best for Flat Feet: Saucony Omni 22
Why We Love It: For someone with flat feet, it’s generally best to look for a shoe with a wide toe box area, a comfortable heel counter (the rigid material at the back of the shoe that wraps around the heel), and support in the midsole to keep your foot from collapsing, says Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, a multi-board-certified podiatrist who specializes in sports medicine. He often recommends stability or motion control shoes, like the Saucony Omni 22. He loves this one because it has great cushion, stability, and there’s plenty of room to slip in an insole or orthotic device.
- Width: Standard, wide
- Weight: 8.9oz
- Heel Drop: 8mm
- Available Colors: 6 (bayside, black, cloud, orchid, cobalt, jade)
- Cushion: Medium
Best for Wide Feet: Altra Torin 8
Why We Love It: Altra is all about creating shoes that allow the foot to move naturally, and the Torin 8 is no exception. It features a super roomy toebox and the brands’ signature “guide rail” technology, which supports natural foot placement, with just a bit of guidance for a more stable stride. I’m personally partial to a bit more cushion in my trainers (especially for road runs), and these Altra running shoes deliver, with a comfy midsole that’s impressively lightweight.
- Width: Standard, Wide
- Weight: 8.4 oz
- Heel Drop: 0mm
- Available Colors: 7 (blue, purple, white, navy, etc.)
- Cushion: Medium
Best for Arch Support: Mount To Coast S1
Why We Love It: “While I have run in just about every running brand on the market, Mount to Coast offered something unique: an independent tension system on the top and bottom of the shoe," says Beverly-Waters. This means that runners can customize the fit of their shoe, which is ideal for those who have had to over-tighten their shoes or compromise proper shoe size to get the fit they need, she adds. “Most runners find the ride smooth and comfortable, making it a great everyday running shoe or a go-to for longer distance ultra running.”
- Width: Standard
- Weight: 9.35 oz
- Heel Drop: 10 mm
- Available Colors: 3 (white, black, white/black)
- Cushion: Medium-Plush
Best for Race Day: Adidas Adios Pro 3
Why We Love It: I’ve personally worn these Adidas running shoes for multiple half marathons, and I’m continuously blown away by how invincible I feel when I wear them. Rather than a carbon fiber plate, these shoes feature carbon rods that are strategically placed throughout the sole. And the upper material is so sleek, it barely feels like there’s anything covering your feet. The result is a shoe that feels magically lightweight and ultra-springy (a feature often referred to as responsiveness or energy return)—I truly feel like I’m flying whenever I slip them on for a speed workout or race.
- Width: Standard
- Weight: 6.5 ounces
- Heel Drop: 6 mm
- Available Colors: 2 (crystal white, cobalt blue)
- Cushion: Maximum
Best for Tempo Runs Sprints: Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3
Why We Love It: Heading out for a track workout or a tempo run? Reach for this speedy shoe that features a carbon plate (which maximizes the efficiency of your stride) and super lightweight foam that won’t weigh you down. “I love this shoe for race day or a long tempo workout,” says Erin Bailey, avid runner and brand founder. “It’s super light, springy, fits snug, and doesn t have that ‘clunky’ feel many plated shoes can. You can t hear me coming with this shoe!” She notes that she really loves a lot of what Puma is doing right now in the running category, “and it s clearly working with getting two of the three U.S. Women’s Olympic Marathon spots.”
- Width: Standard
- Weight: 6.8
- Heel Drop: 8mm
- Available Colors: 1 (nitro blue)
- Cushion: Maximum
Best Stylish Running Shoe: Lululemon Beyondfeel Running Shoe
Why We Love It: "When I was training for my first-ever half marathon earlier this year, I knew I’d need a solid pair of sneakers to support me on some of the longest runs I’d ever done. Fortunately, I was gifted a pair of the Beyondfeel sneakers from Lululemon, and I truly think they made a massive impact on how successful my training was; they’re incredibly comfortable, lightweight, and easily molded to my feet upon the first wear,” says Vogue associate production manager Kylee McGuigan. “As I start to train for my second half marathon (quarter life crisis, anyone?) I know these sneakers will (literally) carry the distance for me."
- Width: Standard
- Weight: 9.5oz
- Heel Drop: 10mm
- Available Colors: 4 (harvest yellow, mojave tan, green freeze, juicy peach)
- Cushion: Maximum
Best for Cushion: Hoka Bondi 9
Why We Love It: Maximum cushion lovers, this is the shoe for you. I personally love some plushness in my daily trainers, and when I took the latest Bondi model out for a spin, they did not disappoint. It felt pillowy underfoot, yet not too clunky—with just enough bounce to keep me feeling extra light on my feet. In the latest iteration of this popular Hoka shoe, the brand has upgraded the cushioning, added extra stack height, and added a knit upper for more breathability and a better fit.
- Width: Standard, Wide
- Weight: 9.3 oz
- Heel Drop: 5.0mm
- Available Colors: 10 (white, black, vanilla, purple, teal, etc.)
- Cushion: Maximum
Most Versatile Running Shoe: Reebok FloatZig 1
Why We Love It: When I first slipped these sneakers on my feet, I was immediately impressed by how lightweight they felt. I’m also pleased with how well I could style them with different outfits—which is honestly really hard to come by with a running shoe. They paired well with skirts, jeans, dresses, and shorts, in addition to activewear. I’m a carry-on only traveler, and shoes can take up a lot of real estate in my luggage—but since these shoes doubled as cute-enough white sneakers and running shoes, it helped me pare down my packing list. I wouldn’t personally wear these for more than a few miles at a time (remember, I’m a fan of more cushion), but I find they’re perfect for logging 5Ks during my travels.
- Width: Standard
- Weight: 9.8 oz
- Heel Drop: 6mm
- Available Colors: 8 (black, white, teal, orange, etc.)
- Cushion: Medium
Best Studio Shoe: Alo Runner
Why We Love It: That’s right, Alo makes running shoes now. I cannot even begin to tell you how many compliments I received on these sneakers when I wore them to my Pilates class recently—everyone was obsessed with the gorgeous colorway and design of these chic sneakers. As a runner, sometimes I like to jog home from my local studio classes, and I’ve found myself reaching for this pair whenever I’m planning a Pilates-to-running day. Not only do they look great, with a super sleek and streamlined silhouette, but they’re also incredibly lightweight and made from 70% recycled materials. These feature an extra-firm foam, so they’re ideal for anyone who prefers a more rigid feeling underfoot. Based on my personal preference, since they have a bit less support and cushion than other shoes on this list, I’d recommend sticking to shorter distances with the Alo Runners.
- Width: Standard
- Weight: 9.3 oz
- Heel Drop: 11 mm
- Available Colors: 4 (white, black, espresso, pink)
- Cushion: Minimal
How to Choose The Best Running Shoes, According to Experts
First and foremost, it’s important to acknowledge that the perfect running shoe is different for everyone. What’s ideal for one runner might not be the right fit for another, and vice versa.
“I think the best place to start is asking yourself: What are my running goals for this shoe? Do you want to start joining your local run club s community runs? Or are you training for a PR in a road marathon?” says Nike Run Coach Jess Woods. “If you know what types of runs you ll be going on and what your goals are, this will drastically help narrow down what type of running shoe would be best for you. Just like every run has a purpose, every shoe has a purpose.”
With that in mind, there are several factors to consider, in order to choose a pair that suits your needs and preferences. Here’s what you should keep in mind, according to Beverly-Waters and Bec Wilcock, running coach and founder of Her Sports:
- Size and fit: Make sure to get the right size and fit for your feet. Leave about a thumbnail s width of space at the end of the shoe to accommodate swelling during runs. The shoe should fit snugly around the heel and midfoot, while allowing enough room in the toe box for comfort.
- Comfort: Your running shoes should fit well and feel comfortable on your feet, especially during long runs.
- Purpose: Consider the type of running you do and choose shoes with the appropriate outsole grip and durability for optimal performance. For example, if you run on trails, running shoes with more traction (i.e. grippy soles) are better suited to navigating uneven terrain.
- Pronation: Understand your pronation type (neutral, overpronation, or underpronation) and get shoes that provide the right support for your pronation type. For instance, stability shoes are ideal for overpronation. (A gait analysis test at a local run shop visit, gym (if offered), or medical professional, can help you understand how your foot lands.)
- Arch support: Choose shoes with the right arch support for your foot structure. This can help prevent injuries and provide better stability while running. Insoles can also be useful to get the proper support. Heel drop: A lower drop is suited for midfoot or forefoot strikers, while a higher drop is better for heel strikers.
- Durability: Look for running shoes made of high-quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of regular running. Consider the durability of the outsole, midsole, and upper materials.
- Breathability: Opt for shoes with good breathability to keep your feet cool and dry during runs. Look for mesh or breathable materials in the shoe s upper.
- Cushioning: Consider the level of cushioning you need. Some runners prefer more cushioning for shock absorption, while others prefer a firmer feel for a more responsive ride.
- Weight: Consider the weight of the shoes. Lighter shoes may be more suitable for speed and racing, while heavier shoes may offer more stability and support.
- Style and aesthetics: While not as crucial as comfort and performance, the style and aesthetics of the running shoes can also be a factor in your decision-making process.
What makes a road running shoe different from a terrain and race day shoe?
As noted, various running shoes serve varying purposes—and that goes for road, trail, and race day. “Each shoe is specifically designed to enhance performance and comfort for its intended running environment,” says Wilcock.
Road running shoes, for instance, “are designed for running on paved surfaces and typically offer cushioning and support to absorb impact. They have a smooth outsole for even traction on roads,” says Beverly-Waters.
“Trail running shoes are built for off-road conditions like dirt paths, rocks, and uneven terrain. They have rugged outsoles with deep lugs for better traction and stability,” says Wilcock. “These shoes offer extra protection and durability, often featuring reinforced toe caps and water-resistant materials to withstand rough environments.”
Racing shoes are designed for speed and performance. That means they’re generally”ultra-lightweight, often with minimal cushioning to reduce weight and boost responsiveness,” says Wilcock. These types of shoes often feature some additional technology to help improve energy return and achieve a faster pace (think: a carbon fiber plate).
How to figure out the support and cushioning you need
“To determine what kind of support and cushion you need in a running shoe, it is important to consider factors such as your running style, foot arch type, and any existing foot conditions,” says Beverly-Waters.
If you have a neutral running style and normal arches, you may benefit from a running shoe with moderate cushioning and support. On the other hand, if you overpronate (when your foot rolls inward) or have flat feet, stability or motion control shoes with added support features may be more suitable.
Wilcock and Beverly-Waters suggest doing a gait analysis at your local running store, examine the wear patterns on your current shoes, and observe how your foot strikes the ground when running.
How often should you change running shoes and why?
As a general rule of thumb, you should replace running shoes every 300 to 500 miles. “For regular runners, this typically means getting new shoes every 6 to 12 months, depending on the frequency and intensity of use,” says Beverly-Waters. That said, it’s important to note any wear and tear that occurs before that 300 mile mark, she adds.
That’s because, “over time, the cushioning and support in the shoes break down, leading to reduced shock absorption and stability,” says Wilcock.
Why does that matter? “If you continue running in a shoe well past its expiration date, this will inevitably lead to decreased performance or worse yet, potential injury,” says Woods. “You wouldn t continue driving your car on balding tires with low tire pressure and expect the same performance.”
So pay attention to how your body feels, and note any signs of discomfort or lack of support in the shoe—all of that means it’s time to invest in a new pair.
