Best women’s running shoes 2020

Whether you're new to running or have been pounding the streets for a while, you’ll know by now that a good pair of shoes is the most important kit you’ll ever own – apart from a fitted sports bra, of course. Even if social distancing worries mean you're on a treadmill in your home gym rather than outdoors, having the best women's running shoes is a must. It's a time-proven way to lose weight at home.

Although a lot of the most sought after running shoes are at the premium end of the price scale– and frequently sold out, due to the further explosion in interest in running – there are plenty of deals out there in 2020. So you’re in the perfect position to finally invest in the best running shoes for women. Don't forget to pick up one of the best sports bras to stay supported on your run, too.

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Choosing the right women’s running shoes

Hopefully you’ve already taken yourself along to a specialist running shoe shop and had your gait looked at. It’s important to find out if you are a neutral runner or you pronate. This is where you need extra support on the inside of your feet to stop them rolling inwards and putting stress through your leg joints. 

If you haven't had this checked yet, don't stress: read our guide and then go and do so to make sure your favourites work for your runs.  

Women’s running shoes are specifically designed for a woman’s foot. Therefore they’re usually lighter, softer and ergonomically designed to fit a female-shaped foot. That said, if you have bigger feet or wide toes, you might prefer to run in unisex shoes, which can offer a wider toe box to prevent hotspots and blisters. You'll find some of the best below.

With any running shoe, make sure you have at least a finger’s width of space at the top of your toes for your feet to expand when they get hot. Most runners will go up at least half a size from your normal shoe size. If you have a history of injuries, then cushioned shoes can help provide greater impact on each foot strike.

With 2020 now upon us, and with new goals in mind, we’ve set out which shoe will help with your personal needs, experience and aims, so whether the new year is shaping up to be one for speed, and 5K PBs, or you’re looking to tackle longer challenges, here are the best running shoes for women right now… what are you waiting for?

Nike leads the global R&D of running shoes, and the Pegasus Turbo 2, like its predecessor, features Nike ZoomX foam. This model has been updated with a feather-light upper, while innovative foam brings revolutionary responsiveness to your long-distance training.

You’ll find it feels lighter and more streamlined than the Pegasus Turbo. You’ll still feel the exceptional energy return and plenty of speed. As soon as you slip on this shoe you’ll feel the difference in the lightweight upper. There’s plenty of speed in this model, but it’s a versatile shoe that will transition just as well to longer training and marathons.

The Clifton 6 has shed some weight, but it remains as soft and comfortable as the Clifton 5. Women with larger feet often feel that these oversized shoes aren’t for them, but once you’ve run in HOKAs you’ll never go back. You can’t fault the EVA midsole, and even though these shoes look bulky they are deceptively lightweight.

If you want to keep running, forever, their cushioning is going to seriously help preserve your joints. As a daily trainer, the Clifton 6 provides a comfortable ride, you won’t get any hotspots and it is a great recovery run shoe. Ideal for those starting a spring marathon.

ASICS' Gel-Kayano series is synonymous with stability shoes and the newly released Gel-Kayano 27 elevates the performance of these fan-favourite shoes even higher. The Dynamic Duomax technology provides ample amount of support on the medial side and so does the external heel counter, locking the feet in position to help reduce pain and discomfort during runs.

The midsole also integrates the gender-specific Space Trusstic technology, which is the narrow part of the sole that connects the forefoot and the heel area. And despite this technology helps keep the overall weight relatively low, the Gel-Kayano 27 is not a light shoe.

This is partially due to the presence of extra stabilisation elements such as the external heel counter and the extra padding which is essential to deliver that 'Gel-Kayano feel'. Don't let this put you off, though, as this shoe will certainly help you run more injury-free.

The Reebok Floatride remains a steal as we come to the end of 2019. With its Energy Foam midsole you’re guaranteed lightweight responsive cushioning. It’s an everyday shoe, with a light mesh upper providing support and ventilation.

It’s not flashy but it has all the basics including excellent cushioning for urban outings, and a very natural feel. It’s also the perfect shoe for the gym and cross-training. As the most expensive trainer prices rise to nearly £250 per pair, these offer excellent value, especially as they look just as great in a café as in the gym.

The latest version of the GT-2000 8 is the 27th (!) iteration of the of the stability running shoes from the Japanese manufacturer Asics. Launched at the end of 2019, the GT-2000 8 carried over many of the features from its predecessors and also improved on many of them in the same time, using the latest technology from the innovation-driven company.

The improvements starts on the top: the engineered mesh upper helps the shoes better follow the shape of the foot while the dyed yarn mesh on the sockliner eliminates the need of dying it during manufacturing.

The patented Trussic system uses a reinforced section in the outsole to prevent the shoes from twisting, helping your feet to land more evenly in each stride. the more natural – yest supported – gait cycle is further enhanced using the Impact Guidance System that encourages natural foot motion. Even the Ortholite collar around the ankle has been designed to reduce friction and to improve comfort on longer runs.

The Asics GT-2000 8 uses a midsole system called FlyteFoam, which features the signature Asics GEL cushioning in the rearfoot and forefoot area. The GEL technology has long been one of the benchmark levels when it comes to cushioning in running shoes and it is often as comparison to put other cushioning systems in comparison.

Although the Asics GT-2000 8 offers a lot of support for overpronators – people who land on the inner part of their soles – for the same reason, it is rather firm and focuses on keeping the foot in a certain as opposed to letting it roll freely. People who will benefit the most will be the aforementioned overpronators and neutral runners who appreciate a firmer ride.

Another great value shoe that is exceptionally comfortable, flexible and versatile. They are undeniably as stylish as they are a performance shoe. The HypoSkin upper provides a dynamic, engineered fit that’s stretchy and is designed to mould to the natural bendiness of your foot.

The integral tongue allows a seamless interior to the upper in the front of the shoe. The data-inspired midsole design and the Fresh Foam technology offers plenty of comfort for high-impact activity. The hexagonal shaping of the outsole also provides impressive traction. They’re surprisingly light for a well cushioned shoe. This shoe looks both speedy and attractive and has been a favourite in 2019 for its secure, comfortable fit.

The built-in tech the Infinite offers (a sensor embedded into your insole) means you will connect instantly to your phone, without the faff of having to wait for your GPS watch to find a satellite. This has been a successful shoe since its launch in early 2019 as it offers plentiful cushioning to reduce impact from the ground, and the compression-mesh Energy Web gives great bounce with each stride.

The thick layer of HOVR foam have made this a great marathon shoe. The EVA sockliner contours specifically to your foot, giving 100 percent support. High impact zones on the outsole are effective, with carbon-rubber traction pods under the heel to enhance confidence. Another great spring marathon shoe that will go the distance.

A great value and lightweight shoe, coming in at only 8oz, the Brooks Launch has been one of the most popular light neutral running shoes of 2019. They are so light you don’t feel them, and with the BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning and rebounding rubber you get a springy ride.

They are ideal for runners with high arches due to extra support, with a midfoot transition zone shaped to go from heel to toe quickly. The one-piece mesh upper and internal bootie allow your feet to breathe. Available in grey, purple and a fun green with shamrock/clover pattern they are also great to look at. Overall, you will love the light, easy wear of these, which makes them a speedy shoe.

The 19s are Ultraboost reinvented, to give you an energy fuelled run. They also fit your feet like a glove. They have been successful this year due to the high level of comfort, plus the energy return given by an extra 20 per cent Boost in the midsole. You’ll feel like you are flying.

The combination of the all new 360 PrimeKnit, which feels very supportive, with the 3D printed heel counter provides much more stability. The outsole is about as strong as you will get for a road shoe, with Continental Rubber ensuring superior traction, even in rain. You get a snug and highly breathable all over fit, that’s flexible but also supportive.

This is the shoe for you if you are focusing on shorter distances next year, with a lot of technology at a decent pricepoint. The EVERUN topsole plus EVA+ midsole gives maximum energy return and a cushioned ride. The engineered mesh upper locks your foot in place, making it a delight to run in.

There’s just a 4mm offset from heel-to-toe, so you get a natural feel with every stride, rather than relying on the shoe’s cushioning. Expect smooth landings and to feel in touch with the road beneath you. Definitely for those runners who are thinking of speedier runs!

Yes, they are slightly more expensive, but well worth the investment. With just a 1mm heel-to-toe offset you will feel your feet flying on the road or track. These go-fast shoes don’t have the signature HOKA cushioning, but the flat carbon plate, shaped like a tuning fork, that sits 8mm above the rubberised foam outsole gives a firm yet cushioned racer.

The plate is designed for flexibility under the metatarsals, so expect your feet to be supported. These are a firm ride due to the plate and only 1mm drop, so may not suit all runners if you prefer a well-cushioned ride. The amazing colour combination is another reason to snap these up!