The 17 Best Running Shoes for Women, According to Runners of All Levels

“I’m a noted On fan, and the Cloudstratus is by far my favorite model for long-distance runs,” says senior commerce editor Talia Abbas, who runs six to seven miles on her daily runs. The signature cloudlike sole combined with a strong heel hold and flexible upper make them a great year-round shoe. “I’ve run in these in the desert heat, snowstorms, and torrential downpours—they hold up.” 

Thanks to gel cushioning at the rearfoot and forefoot, these shock-absorbing running shoes are some of the most supportive on the market. Just ask sports journalist Larra Overton, who has worn Asics exclusively since 2006: “They’re durable and supportive without being bulky or cumbersome, and are versatile enough that I can train and race in them effectively,” she says. “I’ve run a dozen half-marathons and numerous other road races without injury.”

APL’s seamless kicks boast well-ventilated mesh uppers and traction-packed rubber outsoles—but these running shoes are most notable for the way they feel. “They’re the comfiest sneakers I’ve ever had,” raves commerce director Shanna Shipin. “The laces don’t dig into my feet, the material is breathable and perfect for summer, and the upper body is so dang soft—without compromising stability or structure. I actually walk around my house in them because they’re comfier than my slippers!” Buh-bye, blisters.

Ultrarunner Jill Kuhn prefers neutral shoes for road running, and one of her pairs of choice is the Brooks Levitate. This option includes a springy midsole that delivers powerful energy return with each step, which works well on roads and could even translate into a new personal record. And like nearly all Brooks running shoes, this pair is just as cute as it is durable.

These trail-specific shoes feature extra-grippy outsoles and won’t pinch wide feet with their roomy design—and according to Arizona-based ultrarunner Jacky Hunt-Broersma, they’re even responsive to the things you’ll feel underfoot: “It offers me the right amount of grip and just the right amount of cushioning, as I can still feel the ground, which gives me more control when I’m moving fast over rocks and roots,” she says. “And I love that these trail shoes have a wide toe box. My toes don’t feel squashed as they sometimes do with other brands.”

These training shoes “changed the game” for public relations executive Abby Draper, who says they transition fluidly from the road to the gym: “They are lightweight, super comfortable, and very stylish. They also last forever, even when you run every day,” she says. “You can wash and dry them in the washing machine at home so they always look fresh. Highly recommend.” Plus, their foam midsoles and supreme breathability ensure that you’ll stay comfy through just about any workout.

“Nike Vomero is great for neutral runners,” Indianapolis-based personal trainer Laura Minor explains. “It’s got tons of cushioning and is very light. I have trained for and run many marathons in them!” Other highlights include a breathable sock liner, strong arch support, and a wear-everywhere look—they’re the complete package.

“I love these because they keep my feet cool when it’s hot out. (I find that my feet get less sweaty in them. TMI?) But the best about them is that my ankles feel super-supported in them,” explains certified personal trainer Sareena Rama, who deals with slight pronation. (This means that the insides of her feet tend to roll inward.) “These shoes help to correct my overpronation when running, which will ultimately protect the rest of my body from injury.” Not too bad for a humble pair of running shoes.

Comfortable shoes make the best daily running sneakers, and this pair gives all the best women’s running shoes a run for their money, according to contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai. “I’ve had issues with my feet since chemo—neuropathy bites!—and they cramp up if they feel constricted in any way,” she says. “That’s why I’m devoted to Nike’s Free Run line, which is known for its flexible soles and sock-like knit uppers; I’ve tried other brands, but nothing else compares. The 5.0 versions have just enough foam to keep me from feeling every pebble and sidewalk crack, but they still feel light on my feet and allow for easy movement.”

It seems like everyone is wearing Hoka One One shoes these days, and the reason is simple: They offer best-in-class shock absorption. “The Cliftons are not as light [as my other shoes], but they offer great cushion for these slower days,” says running blogger Sharon Hanks. If you’re going to be running long distances, you might prefer less cushioning—but recovery runs are even better with such breathable, supportive shoes.

The Cloudmonster is one of On’s newest models—it’s a hybrid lifestyle and workout shoe—that delivers all-day comfort for walking and running. “If you love the Cloudstratus like I do, you’ll probably dig these too,” says Abbas. Thanks to a serious rocker and incredible cushioning, they’re great for energizing any kind of run. “It took me a while to get used to them, but now that they’ve molded to my feet, I find myself running faster and smoother up those grinding Prospect Park hills.” 

If you’re planning to use your new shoes for more than just walking, Hanks recommends going with this pair of Altra trail runners, which she also uses to hike and walk. “They are a maximum-cushion shoe. I have wide feet, and I love that their shoes are foot-shaped so there is more room in the toe box.” The brand also makes these shoes specifically for women’s feet; they aren’t sized-down versions of men’s shoes. In other words, you can trust that they’ll fit like a dream, even right out of the box.

Publicist and avid runner Traci Coulter Mulligan calls these Newton kicks the best running shoes for women because “they helped me stop heel striking, and I trust them at any distance.” They’re stability shoes through and through, designed with a shock-absorbing rearfoot and cushioned midsoles to promote proper form. They’re lightweight shoes, too, meaning you’ll be able to go the extra mile without feeling it.

Lululemon’s beloved Blissfeel running shoe—its first foray into footwear—has become an instant favorite among athletes of all stripes. It’s a neutral option designed specifically for women’s feet, and features like a moisture-wicking liner, a flexible outsole, and a stabilizing midfoot frame ensure you’ll feel supported and comfortable with each stride. “I was so skeptical that these shoes would make a difference,” one reviewer writes. “As someone with bad arches and weak ankles, I can honestly say these are some of the best workout shoes I’ve had. Worn them for days and on a run with no pain or after pain.”

“Allbirds are the cushiest way to feel like a good person,” says staff writer Jenny Singer, since these sneaks are made from sustainable and recycled materials. “They’re just like slippers, but they’re durable and make people in snobby coffee shops respect you. I love the wool loungers—unlike other slip-ons, you can run them through the washing machine so they don’t get disgusting, and the color selection is all gorgeous neutrals, designed so they don’t look like slippers.”