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Whether you're looking to run your first 10k or secure a new PB at your next marathon, finding the right women's running shoes can make a huge difference when it comes to your ability to train – and race – at your best and stay injury free in the process.
Research has found that women tend to run slightly differently to men, not to mention there are anatomical differences between men's and women's feet. With this in mind, our female editors and contributors have tested and rated the following running shoes based on their fit, feel, comfort and performance. Shop them below, at a glance, or keep scrolling for the full reviews.
What’s the difference between men’s and women’s feet?
The biggest difference between women’s and men’s feet is the relationship between the heel and forefoot, or the ‘ball’ of the foot. Women tend to have a narrower heel in relation to what’s known as their ‘ball girth’, or the circumference of the ball of their foot.
This means that a women who wears a size 8 shoe probably has a narrower heel, a wider ball and a bigger ball girth than a man who wears a size 6 men’s shoe, which is equivalent to a women’s size 8.
When the design team at Adidas analysed 1.2 million foot scans to inform the creation of the female-specific Ultraboost for women, which launched in 2021, they also found that, in addition to a woman's heel being narrower, a woman's instep height also tends to be lower.
How do women run differently?
Researchers have found that, because women tend to have wider hips than men, their feet are also more likely to strike the ground toward the outside of their shoe soles. The inward rolling of the foot that results from this is known as pronation, which explains why more women are believed to overpronate than men. Some women’s running shoes account for this increased tendency with different materials used for support through the sole.
‘When we look at the hip of the average woman versus the average man, a woman’s hips are obviously wider,’ explains senior product manager for Adidas Nora Wilimzig, who was involved in the creation of the Ultraboost for women. ‘This makes the Q-angle stronger (the angle between the quadriceps and the patella tendon) which can lead into knock knees, and that can lead into overpronation.’
What's the difference between women's running shoes and men's running shoes?
Some men's and women's running shoes are made on different lasts – that is, models which mimic the foot. That's why women-specific shoes are narrower at the heel and wider at the forefoot. They also tend to have a lighter and softer midsole and that's because women, on average, have less muscle mass than men, and also tend to be lighter, meaning less impact is put on the shoe as they hit the ground.
However, not all women's running shoes are built on a female last, with many brands still producing men's and women's versions of shoes based on a unisex last. It's the reason Lululemon decided to enter the footwear market with a female-first running shoe in 2022. 'Most performance shoes are designed primarily for men, and often for elite male athletes, and then adapted for women,' explains Lululemon product designer Mark Oleson. With brands like Adidas and Lululemon leading the charge, a new 'female-first' category of running shoes is beginning to emerge.
What should women look for when choosing running shoes?
To find the perfect shoe for your foot, test several brands in a variety of sizes. It’s also often a good idea to have your gait tested before committing to a certain shoe, to see if you need extra support in your trainer. There should be adequate room in the toebox and your heels should not slip. Check out our guide on how to fit a running shoe before heading to the shops.
The best women's running shoes for 2024
Nike Invincible 3
Nike Invincible 3
Nike Invincible 3
Pros
- zapatillas de running Nike constitución media talla 31.5
- mou leather glitter boots
- leather ankle zip boots
Cons
- Nike mens air max tripple black leather excee shoes running shoes db2839 001
| Weight | 258g |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 9mm |
| Type | Road/neutral/max-cushioned |
> Read our full Nike Invincible 3 review <
If you’re looking for a shoe that delivers a plush, easy ride, this is it. The Nike Invincible 3 was described as ‘fun’ by our testers and it’s easy to see why: the enormous amount of cushioning meant their feet felt wrapped securely, which meant they didn’t have to worry about how to land, where to place their feet or, indeed, think about anything – they could just run.
Compared with other highly cushioned shoes, which can feel very soft and comfy but lack energy return, there is an abundance of responsiveness that offers runners a feeling of 'pop' when running in the shoe. Nike says they’re a good marathon training shoe and we agree – if your aim is to finish rather than race for the line with your heart jumping out of your chest.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14
Pros
- Fairly versatile
- Lightweight Lea Sneaker Stripes FM0FM04016 Black BDS
- Running Is Not Cancelled
Cons
- Lacks some 'pop' or liveliness
| Weight | 209g |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
| Type | Neutral/road |
In the age of maximalist shoes, rocker geometries and carbon fibre plates, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 very much remains a traditional, mid-cushioned trainer. Now on its 14th iteration, it’s clear why it’s stood the test of time.
It’s a fairly versatile shoe, in line with the likes of the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 and Saucony Ride 17; responsive enough for some tempo work – albeit perhaps not for the most advanced – yet comfortable for long runs.
It packs in enough Fresh Foam X in the midsole that it feels soft and protective underfoot, but not so much that it veers into the softness of its cousin, the 1080. The latest version also features a new fine mesh upper, which is more form fitting than the v13 and allows for good breathability. And despite being a neutral shoe, it’s got a good amount of arch support.
Overall, a great shoe for beginners looking for a daily workhorse, or high mileage runners seeking a consistent performance with a moderate amount of cushioning.
Puma Velocity Nitro 3
Pros
- Arran 009 lace-up boots
- Bonnie panelled low-top sneakers
- Blue Black knitted mesh upper on right shoe
Cons
- Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Print Canvas Shoes Sneakers M3494602
> The best Puma running shoes <
Since it first launched, the Velocity Nitro has been a rejected and comfortable daily training shoe that's great value for money.
As with the previous iteration, the new Nitro 3 has a dual-density midsole – at the top, you've got a layer of Puma's soft nitrogen-infused Nitro foam with its firmer and denser ProFoam Lite EVA beneath. The result is a mid-cushioned shoe that feels plush underfoot but doesn't have the trampoline-like bounciness typical of max-cushioned daily runners, such as the Asics Novablast 4. It does, however, feel light on the foot (239g in a women’s size 6) and the relatively low stack (36mm at the heel and 26mm at the forefoot) will suit those looking for a more natural feeling ride.
The structured upper brings a pleasing lockdown, and we loved the well-padded heel which helped create a really close hold at the heel. There's also the added bonus of the upper being reflective to improve visibility on night/zapatillas de running Saucony mujer maratón placa de carbono talla 44.
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Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
Pros
- Firmer and more responsive than previous version
- Nicely cushioned underfoot
- Ea7 Emporio Armani logo-print chunky boots
Cons
- parent company of the Soft Comfort and Secret Celebrity shoe brands
| Weight | 262g |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
| Type | Max-cushioned/neutral |
> Read our full Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 review <
The long-running Gel-Nimbus is one of Asics’ bestselling and best-loved shoes. Last year, the brand went for a full-scale reinvention with the v25: the midsole used 20% more foam and was upgraded to new lightweight, energetic FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning, while there was also new Pure Gel Technology cleverly embedded between the upper and midsole for added shock absorption. Up top, the shoe received a new, stretchy knit tongue and collar construction for a more adaptive fit, which testers reported feels ‘snug, secure and almost sock-like’.
With the latest v26, Asics has opted for a more paired back update. However, the FF Blast Plus cushioning is the brand's new Eco formula (made from 20% bio-based content), which has altered the ride slightly. We've gone from a soft-feeling, plush shoe to a slighter firmer one, which has injected a lot more versatility into the ride. Don't get us wrong, it's not on par with the likes of the Asics Novablast 4 – the Novablast is still lighter, a lot more versatile overall and has a slight rocker to it to aid transitions. But the Gel-Nimbus 26 now feels like something you could wear for a long run with some tempo effort mixed in, if you wanted to.
Overall? An ideal shoe for comfortable everyday miles and a great choice for high-mileage runners.
Asics MetaSpeed Sky+
Pros
- Spesifikasjoner Vibram fivefingers V-Run Sko Trail Running
- Good lockdown
- zapatillas de running ASICS hombre constitución media apoyo talón talla 44 verdes
Cons
- Lacking the structure some runners need
| Weight | 205g |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5mm |
| Type | Neutral/performance |
> Best Asics running shoes <
If you're looking for a really fast carbon shoe to smash your next 5km, 10km, half or marathon, the Asics MetaSpeed Sky+ is pretty hard to beat. In fact, Eilish McColgan broke the British 5km record wearing these shoes – as well as the 10snakeskin-print ankle boots. It's designed for runners who extend their stride when running fast.
In the midsole, you've got a full-length carbon plate sandwiched between a very bouncy midsole foam called FF Blast Turbo – Asics' lightest and bounciest foam to date – and this combination creates the sensation of running on clouds, or rather, mini trampolines! At just 205g, the shoes themselves are incredibly light and the upper is paper thin. Although this shoe is a unisex model, we found it fit true to size and provided a good forefoot hold, with the thin tongue and woven laces helping to provide a really secure fit. All these elements combined create a quick, snappy ride and make running at pace feel easier.
They do have very little structure to them, though, so won't suit runners who need help controlling their gait, or who are prone to lower limb injuries. Oh, and at £225, they won't suit all budgets, either!
Hoka Clifton 9
Pros
- Easygoing and comfortable ride
- Interesting Sneaker Photos We Found on Instagram Today Vol
- Versatile enough to pick up the space
Cons
- Runs slightly narrow
| Weight | 205g |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5mm |
| Stack height | 29mm (heel), 24mm (forefoot) |
| Type | Road/neutral |
> Read our full Hoka Clifton 9 review <
The Clifton is one of Hoka’s most popular running shoes and the latest iteration doesn’t disappoint. Designed for everyday miles, it’s a max-cushioned running shoe offering a supremely comfortable and easy-going ride. Not to mention, all of the brand's women's shoes are specifically built on a women's last.
In the Clifton 9, there’s a new midsole foam (compression moulded EVA) designed to be lighter and more responsive underfoot than previous versions. It’s this that makes the Clifton suitable for reducing fatigue during longer runs, while its rocker profile gently encourages you forward, oruga on easier days.
The upper of the Clifton 9 has also been tweaked and updated to provide a more secure and comfortable fit. The engineered mesh material is soft and flexible, and, with the help of the swoop-back heel counter, it wraps around the foot to provide a snug fit without any hot spots or points of irritation.
Adidas Solarglide 6
Pros
- zapatillas de running ASICS competición trail pronador talla 46
- Adidas Originals Pride Pack Stan Smith sneakers
- Prada logo plaque ankle boots
Cons
- Temple Veau Velour Sneakers
- Sneakers FLY LONDON Dilefly P601450011 Cool
| Weight | 273g |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10mm |
| Type | Neutral/road |
The Adidas Solarglide 6 has been designed with female runners in mind, with the silhouette tailored specifically to the female foot. It provides a beautifully soft and bouncy ride, which beginner runners will love, and that's due to the Bubble Boostmidsole, which is made of up hundreds of Boost capsules that have been fused together and, once compressed, give energy back to the runner. In the midsole, you've also got Adidas' LEP 2.0 torsion system, which helps to keep the foot in the correct position when you run and adds a nice bit of stiffness and stability.
Up top, you've got a breathable circular knit upper, made in part with recycled ocean plastic. It's not the lightest of shoes, so we wouldn't choose this for racing or up-tempo sessions, but it is comfy and would make a great steed for anyone looking for a well-cushioned and responsive daily trainer.
Hoka Kawana
Hoka Kawana
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Hoka Kawana
Pros
- Slight rocker to aid toe off
- Altra Torin 5 Leather Shoes
- Good amount of responsiveness
Cons
- Toebox is a little narrow
| Weight | 236g |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5mm |
| Type | Road/neutral |
The new Kawanas deliver Hoka's signature abundant cushioning but are firmer and more stable than its other offerings, making them suitable for other activities, too, such as gym work. An early-stage rocker sole helps to deliver a smooth ride, and the split heel absorbs shock and makes lighter heel strikes feel fluid.
The compression-moulded EVA doesn't seem terribly exciting in the carbon-plated world of 2023, but it is still responsive, giving you a nice amount of 'pop'. Our only bugbear with this is that the toebox is a little too narrow, but that can easily be resolved by opting for a pair half a size bigger.
Saucony Guide 17
Saucony Guide 17
Saucony Guide 17
Pros
- Cobain chunky-sole leather boots
- Durable
- Sneakers GEOX D Jaysen C D251BC 08521 C0563 White Fuchsia
Cons
- Not built for speed
| Weight | 232g |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
| Type | Road/stability |
> Best Saucony running shoes <
Saucony's women's shoes aren't built on a female-specific last. However, we've included these due to their ability to provide excellent gait control to over-pronating women runners – and because of their excellent fit.
The ride is plushy and more cushioned than ever, thanks to the new PWRRUN+ midsole cushioning and sockliner. But there's plenty of structure alongside the plushy interior, too. In fact, the v17 has had an overhaul when it comes to how it provides stability, moving away from medial-based stability methods into new Centre Path Technology. This includes significant sidewalls, a wider base, a rockered design and internal geometry to guide the foot ward.
This isn’t a shoe for speedier running sessions, but the Saucony Guide 17 is a good choice for heavier runners or those looking for a durable and comfortable long-mileage shoe.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
Pros
- Moon Boot Kids Icon snow boots
- Breathable upper provides fantastic foot hold
- Sneakers Saddle Sid Pro Rosso
Cons
| Weight | 185g |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
| Type | Performance/neutral |
A fantastic alternative to the market-dominating Nike carbon plate shoes, the Pro 4 are super light and impressively bouncy thanks to the speedroll technology that propels you forward. Saucony have tinkered with the midsole mix in the latest Pro, adding a layer of PWRRUN HG (the same foam found in the Endorphin Elite) to PWRRUN PB (which the Pro 3 used exclusively). The result is rather wonderful. The v4 feels super-soft on step in – almost too soft for a racer – but once you get moving the foam blend combines with the plate and Speedroll midsole (shaped to help heel/toe transition) to launch you forward.
It’s a dream ride, delivering those super shoe snappy, bouncy, fast transitions, but softened and smoothed to feel comfortable and stable over longer runs and at slower paces.
Be aware that the hugging fit means they come up relatively small so you may need to go up a full size rather than just half. Ideal for pushing the pace in tempo sessions and smashing parkrun or race PBs.
Lululemon Beyondfeel
Pros
- Accommodates wider feet
- Extremely comfortable
- Tire Desert-Boots mit Schnürung
Cons
- Feels fairly heavy
- Lacks propulsion
| Weight | 270g (UK size 6) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 9mm |
The debut of the women-specific Blissfeel in 2022 was good enough to establish Lululemon as a serious running brand alongside its yoga and cross-training heritage. Now, its latest shoe, the Beyondfeel, has launched in both men’s and women’s models for runners who want a supportive daily trainer with firmer cushioning. But don’t worry, the women’s shoe has soruga key differences from the men's, including slightly more flexibility in the outsole, a totally different last and a 1mm lower drop. Fit wise, our tester found they accommodated their wide feet, and while the shoe required a little bit of effort to get going, they were soon cruising. It’s not propulsive, nor built for speedwork, but it serves as an ideal shoe for building back fitness or as a daily jogger.
