Best women's running shoes 2024: step into comfort and performance

We run through the best women's running shoes of all abilities and running styles

best women's running shoes: women running up steps on street in the Lululemon Blissfeel Running Shoes
(Image credit: Lululemon)

Looking for the best women's running shoes to turn your pavement pounding into a Cinderella-esque sprint? Look no further because we've got the scoop on the perfect running shoes for women that'll have you feeling like you're running in the sunshine.

These shoes aren't just your run-of-the-mill kicks; they're specially designed with women in mind. No more squeezing your feet into shrunken-down men's shoes - these babies are made to fit like a glass slipper, with lasts modelled after real women's feet. Say goodbye to blisters and hello to comfort!

In this guide, we're diving deep into the world of women's athletic footwear. And don't worry, fellas, we haven't forgotten about you - we've got another guide for the best running shoes overall, including options for men and anyone else who loves a good run. And if you're more of a trailblazer than a roadrunner, be sure to check out our roundup of the best trail running shoes.

So lace up those sneakers, channel your inner Wonder Woman, and get ready to conquer the track in style!

Best women's running shoes to buy right now

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Best overall

Detail shots of the Adidas Ultraboost 22T3 Best Buy badge

(Image credit: Jo Ebsworth)
Best women's running shoes overall

Specifications

Best for: long runs, jogging, daily trainer
Level: Beginner to intermediate runners

Reasons to buy

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Supreme comfort and cushioning
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Specifically designed for the female foot
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Snug fit gives a locked-in feel
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Great for heavier runners wanting to protect joints

Reasons to avoid

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Not suitable for speed work or racing

The new female-specific Ultraboost 22 is not a marketing ploy designed to get women to splash the cash. It is a scientifically developed shoe based on anatomical data of the female foot and gait cycle that has been designed and tested by women for women. 

The result is the best women’s running shoes around by a mile, whether you’re a total newbie to running or a seasoned marathon runner. The midsole scores extremely high on cushioning and responsiveness, while the upper is flexible, snug and supportive, so you can put in the miles in total comfort and confidence.

Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s worth paying for a shoe that’s built primarily with the female body in mind, and it’s perfect for heavy runners who want to look after their joints or for use on long mileage days. 

Read our full Adidas Ultraboost 22 review.

Best for speedwork (and racing)

Hoka One One Mach 4 reviewT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Hoka One One)
Best women's running shoes for speedwork (and racing)

Specifications

Best for: long training runs; short, fast intervals
Level: Beginner to elite

Reasons to buy

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Outrageously lightweight for the tech included
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Smooth and soft ride
+
Cheaper than many similar competitors

Reasons to avoid

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Lacks the firmness of carbon/nylon plates
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Rubberised foam outsole may not last as long

When your shoes are as versatile as the Mach 4 – click on its name above to read our full review – you can run long in them and rely on them to look after your legs. They're also able to take on tempo or harder sessions and still feel fast.

If you like max cushioning, something Hoka One One is especially famous for, you'll appreciate the stack height of the Mach 4, and better still, these ultra-light women's running shoes can help you both in terms of comfort and injury prevention too. But thanks to its springiness, the Mach 4 can also enable you to go fast, offering the best of all worlds.

Some other running shoes with carbon plates might feel too firm, so if you want some softness without a squidgy feeling, then opt for the Mach 4. At RRP, this shoe is also a little cheaper than similar models from other brands, such as the women's version of the Saucony Endorphin Speed.

There’s really not much left to add beyond a strong suggestion that you put these very near the top of your next potential shoe purchase list.

Read our full Hoka One One Mach 4 review.

Best for support

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 review

(Image credit: Lucy MIller)
Best women’s running shoes for support

Specifications

Best for: 5-10k distances, arch support, overpronation
Level: Beginner to intermediate

Reasons to buy

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Soft cushioning but still supportive for overpronators
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Smooth and light to run in despite the level of support
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Roomy for those with wider, flatter feet
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Beautiful colours
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They look good for a moderate stability shoe 

Reasons to avoid

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The light colours dirty easily
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Laces are slightly on the shorter side

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is the ideal blend of support and softness, showcasing updated cushioning technology without compromising underfoot protection.

Featuring DNA LOFT cushioning, a mix of EVA foam, rubber, and air, this model ensures unparalleled comfort and stability. The GuideRails support system guides the foot's middle and lateral areas, offering consistent comfort for long-time users.

The 12mm drop suits those prone to calf or Achilles issues, while the 3D Fit Print mesh upper ensures a secure and irritation-free fit. Brooks DNA Loft enhances cushioning for a plush yet responsive ride, complemented by a durable blown rubber outsole with flex grooves for added flexibility.

True to size, the Adrenaline GTS 23 delivers comfort straight out of the box, making it a top choice for various activities, including those on their feet for a long time, such as nurses. With nearly 60% recycled materials in the uppers, versatile widths, and fit options, it's a reliable choice for stability and support, earning rave reviews from runners and professionals alike.

Read our full Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 review.

Also consider: ASICS' Gel-Kayano 29 is well-cushioned underfoot and offers a high level of support and stability, and the stretch-knit material looks and feels good. Featuring the FF BLAST PLUS foam cushioning, these trainers give serious bounce and support to the foot, making long runs feel a lot smoother, easier and more energised. Read our full ASICS Gel-Kayano 29 review.

Best for arch support

UA Flow Synchronicity on carpeted floor

(Image credit: Bethan Girdler- Maslen/T3)

4. UA Flow Synchronicity

Best women’s running shoes for arch support and overpronation

Specifications

Best for: 5-10k distances, arch support, overpronation
Level: Beginner to intermediate

Reasons to buy

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Comfortable and lightweight
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Supportive on the ankles and inner part of the foot
+
Breathable

Reasons to avoid

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Sits low on the foot so makes those who like tight shoes feel a little unsupported

Created for women by women, the Under Armour Flow Synchronicity trainers are specifically designed for women runners and athletes. It takes into account women's heel, arch and foot height, and the trainers have a stylish netting-like design and material in a feminine light pink colour.

When initially trying them on, they sat nice and tightly to the foot despite the height of the shoe sitting quite low on the ankle, which can put off people who like their shoes to feel super secure. Despite this, the UA Flow Synchronicity trainers are incredibly supportive, especially for those who overpronate.

The shoe's insole corrects overpronation and focuses on the back of the foot towards the ankle and heel. It takes a little getting used to when you first start wearing them, but they quickly become comfortable and are suitable for 5-10K distances.

The UA Flow Synchronicity trainers are cushioning, and as they sit tightly to the heel and ankle, they're more open around the toes and feel very light on the feet. When tested during a UK heatwave, they were relatively breathable and didn't absorb too much heat when running.

Overall, they're a comfortable cushioning pair of trainers that are great for training over short distances and supporting those who overpronate or have difficult arches.

Best cushioned

Saucony Ride 15 review: Detail shot of the shoesT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Jo Ebsworth)
Best women's running shoes for cushioning

Specifications

Best for: Mid-to-long-distance training, cushioning
Level: Beginner to intermediate runners

Reasons to buy

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Increased cushioning in a lightweight package
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Solid, stable and supportive underfoot
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Delivers a softer yet firm, responsive ride

Reasons to avoid

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Runs narrow on the forefoot
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Won’t help you beat a PB

The Saucony Ride 15 is a durable, stable and highly supportive neutral trainer that will help you run in comfort mile after mile. Redesigned with more foam for better cushioning, it’s also super lightweight, so it will never weigh you down on long runs.

The Ride 15 does have a narrow forefoot, but once you get the right width, you’ll love the secure combination of the midsole and upper, which work together to provide a locked-in feel from top to bottom. Overall, Saucony’s decision to completely overhaul the Ride 15 has definitely paid off on this occasion. This new iteration might just become one of your favourites and trusted go-to daily trainers.

Read our full Saucony Ride 15 review.

Best for comfort

Brooks Glycerin 19 women's running shoes in a gardenT3 Award

(Image credit: Sophie Higgs)
Best women's running shoes comfort

Specifications

Best for: long training runs
Level: Beginner to elite

Reasons to buy

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Extra cushioning provides extra soft sensation
+
Very lightweight
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Snug, padded fit in the upper
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Durable outsole

Reasons to avoid

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Narrow toe box
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Narrow fit for some

These shoes are for those long miles when you want to prevent fatigue as long as possible and ensure a comfortable run. From the first miles, they adapt to your feet and provide premium comfort, with the soft feeling of the upper being sustained however long you run. With both superior cushioning and a soft, padded upper for comfort, you won't notice you are wearing them. 

While this isn't a fast shoe, we suspect if you are a fan of Brooks as a brand and are looking for a training shoe for your weekend long runs, you are going to think these are pretty special. These are an excellent choice for long runs and recovery days and offer a superior cushioned run.

It's worth mentioning that this model has a lot of fans, not just among runners, with many healthcare workers and those in similar professions who spend long shifts on their feet, giving them a five-star rating.

Read our full Brooks Glycerin 19 review. (P.S.: ever wondered what's the difference between the Brooks Glycerin 19 vs Brooks Launch 8? We'll tell you.)

Best for style

Lululemon Blissfeel women's running shoes in a gardenT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Sophie Higgs)
Best women's running shoes for style

Specifications

Best for: Daily training, jogging
Level: Beginner runners

Reasons to buy

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Stylish
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Supports the arch and the ankle 
+
Bouncy midsole

Reasons to avoid

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Very tight toebox 
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Upper could be more breathable
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Be careful with sizing

Lululemon entered previously uncharted territories with its new Blissfeel running trainers. The Blissfeel is... a good start. You can feel that the last was designed for women as the shoes fit well. Lululemon also made sure the Blisfeel feels stylish and comes in a few exciting colourways, so you can pick one that matches your style the best.

However, the running experience is far from perfect. The toe box is narrow and shallow and feels restrictive, even for runners with relatively narrow feet. To add insult to injury, the upper is not too breathable either, so there are some overheating issues in the shoes, even after shorter runs.

On the bright side, the lack of ventilation makes the Blissfeel ideal for cold-weather runs when your feet just can't warm up, no matter how many layers of socks you put on. The outsole is flexible and bends well; chalk another one up for the Blissfeel.

We'd recommend the shoes for those who aren't looking for performance running shoes and like stylish shoes for running/walking. Keep an eye out for sizing, though, and go a size up if you prefer your shoes less snug.

Read our full Lululemon Blissfeel review.

Best budget

Reebok Floatride on white backgroundT3 Award

(Image credit: Reebok)

8. Reebok Floatride

Best budget women's running shoe

Specifications

Level: Good entry level shoe, yet versatile enough for competitive runners
Best for: Speed work, interval training, track, gym, activewear

Reasons to buy

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Lightweight
+
Excellent value for a performance shoe
+
Encourages a natural stride

Reasons to avoid

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May feel narrow in the toe box and heel

The Reebok Floatride is our top pick if you're looking for the best cheap ladies' running shoes. They're not flashy, but they have all the basics you need from a great everyday running shoe, including excellent cushioning for urban outings and a very natural feel.

The energy foam midsole delivers lightweight, responsive cushioning, while a light mesh upper provides support and ventilation. It’s also the perfect shoe for the gym and cross-training. Dedicated runners will want to invest in something more advanced, but these offer excellent value for a basic running shoe, especially as they look just as great in a café as in the gym.

Check out our Reebok discount codes to bag a great price. 

How to choose the best women's running shoes for you

The best women’s running shoes are specifically designed for a woman’s foot. Therefore they’re usually lighter, softer and ergonomically designed to fit a narrower, smaller 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 end of your toes to allow room for your feet to expand as they get hot. Most runners will go up at least half a size from their normal shoe size. If you have a history of injuries, cushioned shoes can help provide a greater impact on each foot strike.

About at-home gait analysis

In simpler times, we’d recommend you take yourself to a specialist running shoe shop to have your gait looked at before purchasing a new pair of running shoes.  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 from rolling inwards and putting stress through your leg joints. 

If you haven't had this checked yet, don't stress: there’s an at-home test you can do in the meantime, and then this guide will help you choose the best women’s running shoes for you.  We’d still recommend you get your gait professionally checked when you could. 

For now, simply dip your foot in water and then stand on a piece of dry paper. If the imprint of your foot has some spacing around the arch of your foot, this is ‘normal’; however, if you have no indentation, this suggests overpronation, and a large indentation suggests supination (or under-pronation). Whichever of these is you, look out for the best women’s running shoes recommended for these foot types. 

FAQ

Who make the most comfortable running shoes?

Regarding comfort, two women's running shoe brands spring to mind: Brooks and ASICS, most notably the Glycerin and Gel-Nimbus series. Brook's Glycerin has long been touted as the 'most comfortable running shoe', but we would argue that ASICS' Gel-Nimbus is no less cushioned and springy.

Tina Chantrey

Tina is fitness editor for Women’s Running magazine and published two books in 2020, The Little Book of Zen and Reflexology: Your Personal Guide. She is a UKA running coach, England Athletics Mental Health Champion and has her own running group, #runTLC. Follow her on Instagram @runtlc.uk

With contributions from