The 10 Best Women’s Running Shoes
We are in a new era of running shoes, from stacked super trainers to plated racers to gravel models decked out with bike-inspired treads. The industry formerly criticized for “shrink it and pink it,” i.e., the practice of making smaller-size men’s shoes and slapping pink on them and calling them women’s shoes, has gone to great lengths crafting footwear that’s women-specific.
Brands are taking care to produce shoes that accommodate the average woman’s foot shape: wider in the midfoot area, narrower around the heel. But don’t think this list is free of pink shoes. The traditionally feminine colors have been reclaimed by brands like Nike (turns out it’s flashy and easier to spot neon pink Alphaflys). Here you’ll find trainers of every color for all types of women’s feet and women runners.
Best Women’s Running Shoes Preview
- Best Overall: Brooks Glycerin 23
- Best Value: New Balance Ellipse
- Best for Run/Walking: Hoka Clifton 11
- Best Lightweight Trainer: Adidas Adizero Evo SL
- Best Cushioned Trainer: Nike Vomero 18
Why Trust Us
Runner’s World has been around for almost 60 years, providing news, fitness tips, and, of course, gear recommendations for runners. Our product guides for essentials like running shoes and shorts come from our hardworking test team, who put the latest and greatest running gear through their paces day in and day out. These selections come from Senior Reviews Editor Cat Bowen, who blazes the trails and is an ultramarathon beast, and me, Running Reviews Editor Amanda Furrer. I have written about running gear for a decade and hold an even longer Boston Marathon streak, beginning in 2013.
How We Selected
We picked these shoes based on feedback from the runners who are part of our 300-runner-strong team of local wear-testers, and the expertise of our editors. We evaluated every shoe over the course of at least 100 miles, paying attention to overall performance, comfort, ride, longevity, and value.
To ensure our shoe recommendations are truly comprehensive and trustworthy, we grabbed a wide array of shoe types to put through our rigorous testing. This involved evaluating them across diverse terrains, including challenging trails, smooth tracks, varied road surfaces, and—of course—treadmills. Our massive wear-test team allows us to gather feedback from individuals ranging from sprinters to marathoners, runners of different weights and body types, those with different foot strikes, shoe needs, and biomechanics. By combining varied surface testing with a diverse runner pool, we learn a ton about each shoe’s performance and suitability for a wide range of users and individual experiences. Based on our extensive testing, the options below are currently the best running shoes for women.
Full Reviews
Pros
- More cushioning in the forefoot
- DNA Tuned cushioning that's responsive, supportive, and comfy
- Wide, accommodating fit
Cons
- Slightly stiff in forefoot area
- Slightly bulky
Key Specs
| Best for | Road running, everyday runs, long runs |
| Cushioning | High |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Support | Neutral |
| Weight | 8.7 oz |
In our testing, we found the Glycerin 23 excelled as a daily trainer over the Ghost 18 amongst women testers. The formerly max-cushioned Glycerin has evolved into an everyday shoe that you can take out on easy days to long runs. Our women testers preferred the Glycerin 23 over the Ghost 18 because of the shoes’ fit. Several testers reported hot spots in the Ghost 18’s bunion-prone area. The Glycerin 23, on the other hand, was praised for its broad platform, soft and plush knit upper, and ample wiggle room in the toebox.
“The shoe is cushioned in a way that makes me want to do all my long runs in them,” said tester and Senior Features Editor Pavlína Černá. “It doesn’t drag as some cushioned shoes do, but feels responsive. My go-to comparison of a cushioned shoe is the Saucony Echelon which I love for walking/hiking, but which I cannot do long miles in because the shoe drags, makes me work too hard. In comparison, the Glycerin is plushy but responds well to my moods and the corresponding pace changes.”
The shoe has Brooks’s DNA Tuned midsole foam, which was introduced in the even cushier Glycerin Max. The experience running on DNA Tuned is just like Černá described: plush, supportive, responsive, ideal for running long.
Pros
- Bouncy ride
- Plush feel
- Available in multiple widths
Cons
- Bulky and heavy
- Not intended for speedwork
| Best for | Daily runs, group runs, long runs, recovery runs |
| Cushioning | High |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Support | Neutral |
| Weight | 7.7 oz |
One of our women testers described the Ellipse v1 as “nearly perfect.”
New Balance’s intent with the shoe was to provide a high-cushioned, trampoline-like bounce experience for recreation. It’s the kind of shoe you can wear for daily training, while you lace up in it for a casual, conversationally paced group run. The Ellipse was specifically made to make runs easier.
Fresh Foam X is dialed in to produce a foamy, high-rebound ride with reliable shock absorption. It’s a ride that makes me look forward to lacing up in the Ellipse and taking it out for whatever kind of run my heart desires on the spot. The tweaked foam makes running in the soft, springy shoe feel like a treat.
“The best word to describe the cushion is plush,” said tester Laura Parks. “It has the extreme cushion sensation of a Hoka Bondi without feeling the weight.” She described the ride as unlike any she’s had running in other Fresh Foam X models.
Pros
- Meta-Rocker geometry helps with turnover
- Soft, supportive CMEVA midsole provides high rebound
- Comfy upper with accommodating fit in the midfoot and secure fit around the heel
Cons
- Not as responsive as other trainers with supercritical foams
| Best for | Daily training, run/walking, recovery |
| Cushioning | High |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Support | Neutral |
| Weight | 8.3 oz |
We’re still in the process of testing the Clifton 11, but the team is already loving the shoe weeks into testing. Everything we love about Hoka—plush cushioning, cozy fit, responsive midsole—is usually encapsulated in each iteration of the Clifton. The 11 is no exception. It was a hard follow after the ClifTEN, but the Clifton 11 makes runs feel effortless, thanks to the compression-molded EVA midsole foam, which provides high rebound and a comfy platform that pillows your foot.
The shoe has Hoka’s Meta-Rocker geometry to promote smooth transitions. Sidewalls make the fit snug but not too narrow like the Hoka Bondi 9.
The Clifton 11 is also excellent for run/walking because of that cushioned support and rocker geometry. These elements make the Clifton reliable at any pace.
Adidas Adizero Evo SL
Pros
- Super speedy
- Great heel lock location
Cons
- Some testers wanted more support
Key Specs
| Best For | Speedwork |
| Cushioning | Mixed |
| Drop | 6.5 mm |
| Support | Neutral |
| Weight | 6.6 oz |
Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate boldly dubbed the Adizero Evo SL Shoe of the Year merely a month into 2025. That sentiment is upheld and shared; the shoe is Best Overall on our list of Best Running Shoes. For $150 (and frequently on sale), just above the cost of the New Balance Ellipse, you could also say it’s also Best Value. And because of its secret sauce, Adidas’s Lightstrike Pro midsole, which is featured in the brand’s super shoes, you could also say it’s Best for Speedwork, too.
One woman tester gamely raced in the Adizero Evo SL, and experienced excellent results. “The coolest thing about these to me was the weight and cushion,” said that tester, Caroline Lennon. “It was a perfect balance of being light and springy but still feeling well cushioned and supported. They were so comfortable at all paces and let me feel faster than I was anticipating. They felt best at a harder effort. My 5K race was surprisingly fast given that there was no carbon plate!”
Pros
- 18% softer than the Vomero 17
- 46mm of plush foam
- Bouncy, responsive ride
- Comfy, wider fit in the midfoot and toe area
Cons
- Feels heavier than the Vomero 17
- Lacing took some effort to tighten them to a snug fit
Features at a Glance
| Best for | Daily training, long runs |
| Cushioning | Maximum |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Support | Neutral |
| Weight | 9.3 oz (W8) |
Breaking: A Nike shoe with Hoka-plush cushioning. The Vomero 18 is unlike any Nike we’ve tested. It has a dual-density midsole with 46 mm of ZoomX and ReactX foam, which puts this shoe in the super trainer category. What you get is a bouncy, soft ride that makes long runs an energized quest instead of a Saturday (or Sunday) morning slog.
“I didn’t expect to love this shoe as much as I do!” said Associate Health and Fitness Editor Kristine Kearns, a self-described loyal Brooks Ghost fan. “I wasn’t sure if I would like the Vomero 18 because of how much heel cushioning there is, and how it kind of elevates me forward in that way. But it turns out the shoe provides so much stability, even on the side.”
The source of the stability Kearns is referring to: the wider platform. Nike collected input from women testers, who wanted a wider fit in the midfoot. The result is a more accommodating foot shape that provides midrun support.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
Pros
- Knit, secure upper
- Updated plate and midsole provides more stability
- Explosive bounce with TPEE foam
Cons
- Noisy
- Requires a couple runs to get used to the squishy bounce
Key Specs
| Best for | Racing |
| Cushioning | High |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Support | 39.5 mm |
| Weight | 6.5 oz (W) |
The Endorphin Elite 3 makes good with super adjustments after a strong reception with the Endorphin Elite 2. Several testers loved the previous model’s aggressive bounce, becoming inspired to race in it at their next marathon. Others, like me, had difficulty troubleshooting the squishy TPEE foam. It was volatile, pogo stick-like bounce that required mastering before you went all out on this somewhat unstable super shoe.
Saucony tamed the shoe this go-around. That pogo stick bounce is still there, but the ride is more stable with a connected heel and midfoot (not the slightly decoupled heel that made it more likely to turn your foot inward navigating sharp turns). The PwrTrac outsole also adds more support by providing grippy traction.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 Review
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
Pros
- Supportive guide rails stability for neutral runners and overpronators
- Plush, flexible upper
Cons
- Several testers wanted longer laces
Features at a Glance
| Best for | Daily training, long runs |
| Cushioning | Maximum |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Support | Stability |
| Weight | 9.5 oz (W8) |
The Adrenaline GTS 25 is pumped with even more foam for a comfier, more supportive ride. Brooks added 1mm DNA Loft v3 foam in the heel and 3 mm in the forefoot, resulting in a slightly higher stack height, lower heel drop, and more responsive ride.
Dense guide rails on the lateral and medial sides of the shoe act as bumpers to help with ankle and knee alignment while running. The support aids overpronators and late-onset overpronators alike.
“One of the shoe’s best features is the sense of security it provides,” said tester Kylie Rodriguez. “The Adrenaline series is known for its stability, and this model is no exception. I felt confident and secure on every surface, from slick sidewalks to uneven dirt paths.
“This blend of comfort, stability, and a lightweight feel makes the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 a fantastic and reliable choice for any runner looking for a do-it-all shoe. It’s a solid, dependable performer that won’t let you down. Another solid key component to the shoe was the cupping support the heel gave my strong heel striking steps even more confidence and support.”
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Review
Pros
- Wide toebox
- Soft, comfy upper
- Grippy Vibram outsole
Cons
- Not as responsive as trainers with supercritical foam
- Midfoot area billows
| Best for | Everyday training, walking, gravel |
| Cushioning | Moderate |
| Drop | 0 |
| Support | Neutral |
| Weight | 8.1 oz |
We’re still getting in Torin 9 feedback but it’s safe to say early on that the shoe is a worthy follow-up to the Torin 8. When Altra was founded in 2009, its core values were balanced zero-drop cushioning, an accommodating toebox for toe-splaying, and a women-specific fit. The brand has evolved with a 4mm drop shoe line but its values haven’t changed.
The Torin, basically the Ghost version of a zero-drop shoe, is a terrific cushioned entry into running a no-drop shoe. Dual-density foam provides a moderate but supportive bed of cushioning to help you transition into zero-drop running. Runners with wide feet and bunions will also appreciate Altra’s wide toebox, which allows your toes to not only wiggle but also helps with your biomechanics (squeezed toes help you run faster, said no one ever).
The updated outsole is Vibram XS Dura, which is grippier than the rubber on the Torin 8. I like how the shoe can dabble off road and not have to worry about falling face first when I traverse onto a trail—which is rare.
Pros
- Supportive cushioning over trail
- TPU overlays for protection
- High abrasion rubber for good traction
Cons
- Less breathable due to protective structure
Features at a Glance
| Best for | Trail |
| Cushioning | Medium, mixed |
| Heel Drop | 6 mm |
| Support | Neutral |
| Weight | 10 oz (W8) |
The Lululemon shoe team made it their mission to produce women-specific trainers since the release of the brand’s first running shoe, the Blissfeel, in 2022. Their latest model, the Wildfeel, provides the same comfy, secure fit with a responsive, high-rebound ride off-road.
The shoe has men’s and women’s editions, which are tweaked to support each sex’s anatomical differences and distinct biomechanics. For instance, the forefoot of the women’s shoe is slightly more flexible than the men’s to complement the shorter toes, longer arch, and shorter instep typical of women’s feet.
Our testers appreciated the Wildfeel’s flexibility and overall comfort. It’s a good choice for runners new to the trail who want more of a hybrid option that can take on some technical track.
“I loved the flexibility of the Wildfeels!” said tester Jenny Stump. “I am primarily a road runner. These felt comfortable enough that I could do some easy miles on the road as well as tackle some trails with uneven surfaces. All the trail runners I have previously tried felt more stiff and had such a thick sole that I wouldn’t even want to warm up on the road with them.”
Pros
- Great traction over wet, loose surfaces
- Roomy midfoot and toebox
- More secure upper than previous version
Cons
- Outsole not as grippy as Vibram Megagrip
- Laces could be improved; kept bunching up
| Best for | Trail |
| Cushioning | Medium |
| Drop | 4 mm |
| Support | Neutral |
| Weight | 9.1 oz |
What I love most about the Experience Wild 3 is that it’s a trail shoe that feels like a road shoe. The fit is accommodating in the midfoot and toe area—Altra is known for its spacious toeboxes that allow your toes to splay—and the collar and tongue are padded and cushioned.
The Altra Ego P35 foam is responsive on the trail and provides a nice balance of support and ground feel. Another win for me, the mostly road runner: the shoe is incredibly flexible. No stiffness or hot spots that cause my feet a world of hurt the first couple of runs before they’re broken-in.
The shoes have gaiter attachments to provide even more protection and a toe sweep. The drop is a low 4 mm, which isn’t as intimidating as going full zero (though if you’re game, the Lone Peak 9 is a good place to start).
The shoe is also available as the Experience Wild 3+, which has a Vibram Megagrip outsole. It’s a little more expensive at $165. If you want tackier grip, go for it. But the 3.5mm lugs on the MaxTrac outsole suit me and fellow testers just fine on slush, mud, and icy snow.
Altra Experience Wild 3 Review
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Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.