12 of the best running shoes for women
Running is booming – in March 2020, at the height of the first lockdown, downloads of the NHS-approved Couch to 5k app were up 92 per cent. A pair of running shoes is the bread and butter of your workout wardrobe – good, supportive trainers have the potential to boost your performance, whereas an ill-fitting pair put you at risk of injury. Put simply, finding the right pair for you is a worthy investment of your time and money.
So, what should you be looking for in a pair of running shoes? A cursory Google brings up hundreds of results and contradictory reviews. If you’re relatively new on the scene, the unintelligible terminology that makes up running shoe descriptions can be off-putting.
How do I choose the best running shoes?
Let’s get back to basics. The first factor to consider when shopping for running shoes is the surface you’ll be running on. Road running shoes differ from trail running shoes, which are designed to offer extra stability, ankle support and grip on uneven terrain. They will usually have a sole with deep lugs for better grip and may have a waterproof upper.
You should factor in your average distance too – long distance shoes need to offer additional impact support, whereas trainers for running fast, short distances tend to be more lightweight and offer less cushioning.
The final key consideration is your running gait. Runners who naturally pronate – ie, roll their foot inwards as they land – will need a slightly different running shoe to those with a ‘neutral’ stride, which means they land centrally. (See FAQ below for how to analyse your running gait.)
“There are three main types of running shoe: stability, neutral and minimalist/barefoot,” says Alex Parren, a personal trainer and run coach for home fitness brand Meglio. “Stability shoes provide in-built support to keep your body aligned as you run and prevent injuries. They’re also a good option if you’re a heavier runner, as they provide more cushioning and support, which will in turn protect your joints from impact.” Stability shoes are often recommended for those who pronate, while neutral running shoes are best suited to those who have a neutral gait.
Underpronation, which is also known as supination, means that your your weight rolls to the outer edge of your foot as you run. “Because it is so uncommon, there don’t tend to be many trainers that cater specifically to supination,” says Parren. “If you underpronate, it could be useful for you to wear stability running shoes, too, to minimise this movement – but ensure they have plenty of cushioning, as the outside is the weakest part of your foot.”
Ideally, you would try a variety of sizes and styles from a range of brands. Whichever running shoes you go for, ensure they feel comfortable, that your heel doesn’t slip and there’s enough room in the front of the shoe (the ‘toe box’).
So, without further ado, here is our guide to the best running shoes for women...
Best road running shoes
1. On Running Cloudswift
£135, On Running
Nearly every running shoe on the market claims to be a ‘game changer,’ but On Running’s Cloudswift model is truly worthy of such acclaim. These neutral road running shoes have a pronounced rocker shape that ‘optimises the natural rolling motion for even more propulsive power.’ In layman’s terms, this means that, as you run, the rolling motion of the shoe propels you forward that little bit faster. It makes a difference that you can genuinely feel.
A firm-feeling but lightweight foam that On Running calls ‘Helion superfoam’ offers winning support, especially on the heel and forefoot, and excellent energy return. The brand’s innovative ‘Cloud’ technology makes up the outsole, which consists of hollow pods on the outside of the shoe that offer multi-directional cushioning, resulting in a soft landing and energised take-off with every stride.
2. ASICS Gel Nimbus 23
The perfect running shoes are always going to be slightly different for different people. However, if I were to place a bet on the most reliably comfortable and supportive pair for every neutral runner, I would put my money on the ASICS Gel Nimbus 23, which has been developed over a decade of iterations of its Gel technology running shoes.
The biggest selling point is how tangibly supportive they feel: with each stride, you can feel the bouncy Gel cushioning in the heel and forefoot and the responsive ‘Flytefoam’ midsole. They offer excellent shock absorption, and the upper is constructed from a breathable mesh material that succeeds in keeping your feet cool and comfortable, even on long runs.
3. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37
The first Nike Pegasus trainers were introduced in 1983 with the slogan ‘the shoe for every runner,’ and that’s a reputation they’ve managed to maintain to this day. They’re dependable, reliably supportive neutral running shoes with a distinctive tapered heel design.
The latest iteration – the Pegasus 37 – has a transparent, ultra-light upper and double the amount of Nike Air Zoom technology than the previous model, which gives them a bouncy feel and improved energy return. They feel springy, responsive and lightweight, and weigh just 235g.
4. New Balance Fresh Foam 860v11
Engineered for optimum stability (well suited to runners who pronate), these beginner-friendly running shoes will keep you on the straight and narrow. They’re firm-feeling but supportive, with a wide, stable forefoot and a snug heel design that offers plenty of ankle support, which is ideal for over-pronating runners who want stability with plenty of impact absorption.
Narrow-footed runners, beware – the roomy toe box might be too wide, even on the standard sizing (wide and extra-wide sizes are available too).
5. Adidas Ultraboost 21
If you like a snug, sock-like fit, adidas’s Ultraboost trainers could be for you. They’re incredibly comfortable, thanks to the knitted upper, arch support and bouncy cushioning. Their distinctive ‘Boost’ technology (you’ll recognise it as it looks like polystyrene) is chunkier and bouncier than ever before in the Ultraboost 21 model, which launched in February. The shoe contains 6 per cent more Boost capsules than previous models and a new, curved heel. They also offer superb grip, even in wet weather.
6. Brooks Ghost 13
Look no further for a plush, versatile running shoe that offers comfort, support and everyday performance. With super-soft foam that Brooks calls ‘DNA Loft’ cushioning running all the way down the sole from heel to forefoot, these offer a relaxed fit that’s like marshmallow on your feet. They excel in comfort, so they’re a good choice for beginners or those heading out on long, slower runs (if you’re looking for something very snappy and responsive, they won’t be for you). The rubber outsole offers excellent grip, even on wet surfaces.
7. Veja Condor 2
If style and sustainability are your priorities, it’s worth taking a look at the Veja Condor. As the world’s first ‘post-petroleum’ running shoe, it’s made from 57 per cent natural and recycled materials – and it helps that it looks pretty good, too. Weighing 301g, they’re definitely not lightweight running shoes. The midsole feels distinctly firm and supportive and the rubber outsole offers excellent grip. This means that, although they’re marketed as a neutral shoe, they may well suit someone who’s looking for extra stability and support as well.
8. On Running Cloudflow
On Running deserves a second mention. These are lightweight (198g), flat running shoes that are geared more towards speed than cushioning. However, with 18 ‘Cloud’ pods on the outsole and a similar ‘Helion’ foam midsole as other On Running models, they still offer ample support for everyday training sessions and road runs over a variety of distances. They’re definitely on the firmer side so if you prefer a soft, smooth ride you should look elsewhere. But for everyday performance, they can’t be beaten.
9. Saucony Guide 14
These are a great choice if you're looking for a very smooth, supportive stability running shoe – they have ample cushioning that makes them ideal for those who over-pronate or who require extra impact support for long runs. The latest iteration features a new, more streamlined design and lighter cushioning. While they’re definitely not the best choice if speed is your priority, this means that they offer a bit of everything – stability, support and responsiveness for everyday training.
Best trail running shoes
10. Hoka One One SpeedGoat 4
£125, Hoka One One
These deliver on everything you need from a reliable trail running shoe – durable soles with excellent traction, a wide forefoot silhouette for stability and enough support around the ankle. The Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole has deep 5mm lugs and offers incredible grip whatever the weather. They also have the plush, pillowy cushioning that Hoka One One is famous for – but, thanks to a new lightweight foam midsole, they don’t feel heavy or cumbersome.
11. Salomon Wildcross GTX
Look no further for a trail running shoe that can keep pace in all weather conditions. The Wildcross GTX has a Gore-Tex waterproof upper and a deep lugged ‘Contagrip’ sole that can take on muddy trails with ease. They also have smart laces that can be easily adjusted with a pull tab for a secure, personalised fit, and a wide forefoot to increase stability on tricky terrain.
12. Merrell MTL Long Sky
Durability is the name of the game for these trail shoes, which have a tear-resistant mesh upper and supremely grippy 5mm Vibram rubber lugs on the sole. Ultrarunner Anna Frost was a co-designer, and you can tell they’ve been designed with long-distance trail and mountain runs in mind – theyre sturdy, offer excellent traction on wet and dry surfaces and have an internal '‘bootie’ for a snug, protective fit.
