Running is always in season, which means the search for the best running shoes for women is always ongoing. After all, it’s not only the months of training that carry us through the finish line – our choice of shoes play a vital part, too. Finding the perfect fit, however, is no easy feat, which is why we turned to the experts to make sure we are equipped with the proper sneakers for the treadmills, tracks, and marathons that lie ahead.
How to choose the best running shoes, according to experts
We sought out Nike Run Club Master Trainer Traci Copeland, who explained that the best running sneakers for women and men really depend on your running style and what your foot does while you run. We also tapped VP of Footwear Innovation at Lululemon, Dr. Susan Sokolowski, for design specifics to look out for when buying a running shoe.
Pick the right support for your foot shape and running style
“Some pronate or supinate,” Copeland says, explaining the difference between runners who place their weight on the inside versus the outside of their feet. “Sometimes you need more support based on this.” Determining your foot type is key, and there are several fundamental tests you can perform to do so in the comfort of your own home. The simplest being the “Wet Test”, in which you wet the sole of your foot and step onto a blank piece of paper. The damp footprint left behind will help establish whether you are a neutral runner, or whether you overpronate or underpronate while running.
Decide how cushioned you want your shoes
According to Sokolowski, any running shoe must deliver the baseline benefits – think “a supportive upper, comfortable cushioning, and a high-traction outsole, whether you’re hitting the pavement or a treadmill.” Sokolowski adds that “the shoe should feel like an extension of your foot, allowing your mind to focus and fully embrace the run.” Regardless of mileage, she stresses the need for supportive cushioning. “We’ve seen in research that women need more forefoot flexibility, and land on their heel more centrally than men,” she says – a design feature the team has incorporated into its latest innovation, the Beyondfeel, by adding an extra 2mm of foam in the forefoot of the sneaker’s model “to support the way the foot lands and increase comfort.” Environment also plays a key role in determining cushioning, as well as other specific features, such as stronger grip and traction for running on trails and mixed terrain. “A durable upper is also key to protect the shoe and your foot against the elements,” Sokolowski says.
From the cushioned, stability shoe for the everyday jog, to the high-performance sneakers fashioned for elite runners’ race days and everything in between, these are the best running shoes for every type of run.
Vogue’s favourite running shoes for women at a glance:
- Top rated running shoe: Nike Pegasus 40 Road Running Shoes, £120
- For wide feet: Asics Gel-Kayano 30 Sneakers, £180
- For flat feet: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Running Shoes, £259
- For high arches: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14 Sneakers, £140
- For light training: APL Techloom Dream Sneakers, £280
- For road runners: Nike’s InfinityRN 4 Road Running Sneakers, £185
- For long distance: On Cloudrunner Sneakers, £105
- For marathons: Nike Vaporfly 3 Road Racing Shoes, £240
- For sprints: Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers, £130
- For terrain: Lululemon Blissfeel Trail Running Shoes, £148
- For treadmills: Adidas Ultraboost Light Running Shoes, £170
Shop running shoes by category
Best road running shoes
Designed for a reactive run, On combined its CloudTec and Speedboard technologies to create the Cloudstratus 3, a trainer that makes slow running (or sprinting!) on concrete feel like running on, well, a cloud. Its lightweight nature and “superfoam” midsole are perfect for city streets, providing softer landings and maximum energy return. Alternatively, why not take a lap in Nike’s InfinityRN 4s – a style that combines the Flyknit (Copeland’s shoe family of choice), and Nike’s iconic ReactX foam. APL’s Techloom Dream, on the other hand, utilises the brand’s one-of-a-kind technology to provide maximum shock absorption and cushioning for easy runs or long distances. Meanwhile, Tracksmith’s Eliot runner – a neutral everyday running trainer – provides a similar running experience with its best-in-class materials, including a Pebax insole and engineered mesh upper. Lululemon and Veja, meanwhile, are new to the performance shoe game, delivering lightweight and durable sneakers for smooth, speedy, and swift steps that will propel you forward.
Asics
Gel-Nimbus 26 Running Shoes
Why we love it: Another Asics loyalist, senior Vogue US editor Chloe Schama says “she has been a devotee of the Gel Nimbus for more than two decades of running; my many, many pairs have served me well as trends for barefoot running have come and gone.”
Width: Standard
Weight: 9.2 oz
Heel Drop: 10 mm
Available Colours: 20 colours (black, pink, grey, soothing sea, and more)
Cushion: Maximum
Brooks
Glycerin 20 Running Shoes
Why we love it: Vogue US special events manager, Sache Taylor, is loyal to Brooks’s Glycerin 20 lightweight and responsive runners, which she says “are always on her feet.”
Width: Narrow, standard, wide
Weight: 9.1 oz
Heel drop: 10 mm
Available colours: 12 colours (black, oyster, peacoat, orchid, and more)
Cushion: Maximum
APL
Why we love it: Go straight from your run to the rest of your day with a shoe that transitions between activities seamlessly.
Width: Standard
Weight: 9.4 oz
Heel drop: 8 mm
Available colours: 10 colours (white, navy, sun-kissed, ivory, and more)
Cushion: Medium
Nike
InfinityRN 4 Road Running Sneakers
Why we love it: With more energy return, these sneakers bring a bounce to every step. A supportive spring and soft upper makes it one of the comfiest pairs around.
Width: Standard, extra wide
Weight: 9.9 oz
Heel drop: 9 mm
Available colours: 17 colours (black, pink, grey, white, and more)
Cushion: Maximum
Tracksmith
Why we love it: Grounded in its New England roots, Tracksmith has crafted a neutral everyday trainer that is inspired by nature.
Width: Standard
Weight: 8 oz
Heel drop: 9 mm
Available colours: 6 colours (black, ivory, white, wine, and more)
Cushion: Medium
ON
Why we love it: Vogue US senior shopping editor Talia Abbas says she was first introduced to On via its Cloudstratus sneakers. “I’ve only tried the first two generations of the Cloudstratus, but the latest iteration is said to have all the same cushioning and support, improved for more comfort and energy return.
Width: Standard
Weight: 8.8 oz
Heel drop: 6 mm
Available colours: 1 colour (nimbus)
Cushion: Plush
Lululemon
Blissfeel 2 Running Shoes
Why we love it: Lululemon is known for its high-quality, thoughtfully-designed athletic wear for women; traits that also inform the brand’s footwear. Exhibit A: Blissfeel, a smooth runner for every day.
Width: Standard
Weight: 9.7 oz
Heel drop: 9.5 mm
Available colours: 6 colours (silverstone, white, vapour, mink berry, and more)
Cushion: Medium
Veja
Why we love it: Lightweight, dynamic, and eco-minded, Veja delivers the trifecta in this knit kick that marries performance with minimalist design.
Width: Standard
Weight: 10.2 oz
Heel drop: 6 mm
Available colours: 9 colours (navy, black, polar cream, chalk, and more)
Cushion: Medium
Best long distance running shoes for women
Anyone keen on or already training for a race should prioritise shoes that offer durability, stability, and fine-tuned cushioning. Brands like On, Adidas, New Balance, and Saucony, are great starting points. The Adidas Adizero Boston 12, Fresh Foam X 880v13, and Tempus trainers all provide the stability and support for mid to long distances, while Brooks’s Ghost 15 and Adrenaline GTS, and On’s Cloudrunner and Cloudmonster come editor approved.
ON
Why we love it: Longtime runner and Vogue US senior shopping editor, Talia Abbas, has tried various On models in the past, but is most faithful to the Cloudrunner model which she describes as “a solid, neutral road running option with ample support and cushioning, and a rocker that propels you forward.”
Width: Standard, wide
Weight: 8.8 oz
Heel drop: 9 mm
Available colours: 6 colours (frost, white, iron, eclipse, and more)
Cushion: Plush
New Balance
Fresh Foam X 880v14 Sneakers
Why we love it: New Balance gives the classic white sneaker a plush upgrade with a supportive midsole to help stabilise runs for people with high arches (and therefore prone to supination or underpronation).
Width: Narrow, standard, wide, extra wide
Weight: 7.4 oz
Heel Drop: 8 mm
Available colours: 4 colours (white, gulf red, black, grey)
Cushion: Neutral
Brooks
Why we love it: Brooks Ghost models are a tried-and-true pick for Vogue.com editor Chloe Malle, who has been running in Brooks Ghost models for the last 20 years and updates hers every 300 miles for optimal performance.
Width: Narrow, standard, wide, extra wide
Weight: 9.1 oz
Heel drop: 12 mm
Available colours: 33 colours (black, peacoat, spa blue, grey, and more)
Cushion: Medium
ON
Why we love it: Senior editor at Vogue US, Corey Seymour, told Vogue previously that he “pretty much lives in” On Running’s shoes, whether just “hanging out, on an airplane or out for a run.” His favourite pair? The Cloudmonster, which he says “are like fluffy clouds for the feet.”
Width: Standard
Weight: 8.1 oz
Heel drop: 6 mm
Available colours: 10 colours (glacier, acai, black, frost, and more)
Cushion: Maximum
Adidas
Adizero Boston 12 Running Shoes
Why we love it: Built for mid to long runs, these shoes go the distance. A propulsive feel coupled with midsole layering ensures maximum durability.
Width: Standard
Weight: 7.7 oz
Heel drop: 7 mm
Available colours: 3 colours (preloved scarlet, core black, cloud white)
Cushion: Medium
Saucony
Why we love it: Personalisation is at the core of Saucony’s designs. Instead of sitting on top of the shoe, your foot sinks in for optimal cushioning.
Width: Standard, wide
Weight: 7.9 oz
Heel drop: 8 mm
Available colours: 15 colours (alloy, fossil, mauve, black, and more)
Cushion: Structured
Brooks
Adrenaline GTS 22 Running Shoes
Why we love it: Similar to the Ghost 15 (and its previous iterations), Brooks’s GTS 22 provides medium cushioning and more stability for runners with flat feet and a tendency to overpronate.
Width: Narrow, standard, wide, extra wide
Weight: 9.1 oz
Heel drop: 12 mm
Available colours: 35 colours (alloy, purple, peacoat, black, and more)
Cushion: Medium
Nike
Vaporfly 3 Road Racing Shoes
Why we love it: Race-day speed meets long-distance durability in Nike’s versatile running shoes. Whether you’re running a marathon or hitting a few miles in training, this is the shoe that will get you through it (and quickly, too.)
Width: Standard
Weight: 5.8 oz
Heel drop: 8 mm
Available colours: 6 colours (white, grey, orange, black, and more)
Cushion: Maximum
Best women’s running shoes for light training
Whether planning a quick HIIT sprint or a 5k jog, treadmill running requires styles that are sufficient in higher energy return and shock absorption. Opting for supportive, lightweight workout shoes with breathability will help counteract the repetitive stress on your body from the belt’s machinery. Test Hoka’s Clifton 9s and On’s Cloudsurfer – my personal go-to running sneakers for women – which both promote a lighter run without compromising on ample cushioning. Both have a great rocker as well. APL’s Techloom Zipline and Nike’s Pegasus 40 styles, meanwhile, excel in responsive and long-lasting comfort, adding a springy step to an otherwise rigid ride. For a more stable and balanced stride, try Adidas’s Ultraboost family or Asics’s Gel-Kayano 30 sneakers for an extra push with each tread.
ON
Why we love it: Partially constructed from recycled materials, On’s Cloudsurfer sneakers are a neutral pick with plush cushioning, plus a seriously smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
Width: Standard
Weight: 7.2 oz
Heel drop: 10 mm
Available colours: 3 colours (flame, white, and creek)
Cushion: Plush
APL
TechLoom Zipline Mesh Sneakers
Why we love it: APL’s lifestyle sneaker is also great for those days when you just want to get out and move. The mesh upper provides breathability during your workout.
Width: Standard
Weight: 7.7 oz
Heel drop: 8 mm
Available colours: 1 colour (black)
Cushion: Maximum
Nike
Pegasus 40 Road Running Shoes
Why we love it: The universally-pleasing Pegasus is ideal for all levels of runners (and running styles). It’s as good as it gets.
Width: Standard, extra wide
Weight: 8.5 oz
Heel drop: 10 mm
Available colours: 11 colours (white, purple, neon yellow, black, and more)
Cushion: Medium
Hoka
Why we love it: Immediately identifiable in its chunky shape and high heel collar, Hoka’s Clifton 9s are are made with maximum arch support in mind. For those getting back into a groove post-injury, these might be the right running shoes for you.
Width: Standard, wide
Weight: 7.3 oz
Heel drop: 5 mm
Available colours: 19 colours (rust, cerise, black, citrus glow, and more)
Cushion: Balanced
Adidas
Ultraboost Light Running Trainers
Why we love it: “Like many people, I find trainers super tricky to buy,” says British Vogue’s commerce editor, Joy Montgomery. “I want something that will work for both 5k runs and HIIT classes, but also – let’s be honest – looks good, too. Adidas’s Ultraboost trainers fulfil all the criteria, thanks to their super-supportive design and feel-good colourways. A real all-rounder, in my opinion.”
Width: Standard
Weight: 9.2 oz
Heel drop: 10 mm
Available colours: 10 colours (cloud white, core black, crystal jade, putty mauve, and more)
Cushion: Medium
Asics
Why we love it: Whatever distance you desire (a mile or a marathon), stay stable and supported with Asics’s Gel Kayanos, which are beloved for their versatility and wide toe box, making them ideal for runners with wide feet.
Width: Standard
Weight: 9.3 oz
Heel drop: 10 mm
Available colours: 22 colours (rose dust, white, gris blue, black, and more)
Cushion: Maximum
Best trail running shoes for women
Trail running is a different beast of its own, with unpredictable terrain challenging the durability of sneakers. Outsoles with grip will enhance your ground connection and motion control, and keep you on your toes on any uneven surface. Lululemon’s Blissfeel Trail runners (based on measurements of women’s feet), will certainly live up to the challenge of terrain running, with traction inspired by the bulbous treads found on mountain bikes. The stability found on Salomon’s XA Pro 3D V9 Gore-Tex sneakers, meanwhile, is designed for the great outdoors, with a waterproof membrane and sturdy toe-box. Dare to tackle the rain or shine of cross country running? Hoka’s Challenger 7 GTX, Nike’s Zegama, and Merrell’s Agility Peak 5 Gore-Tex trainers have waterproof functionalities and increased stack heights for a plusher feel.
Lululemon
Blissfeel Trail Running Shoes
Why we love it: Made for women, by women, Lululemon’s trail shoes have a protective film and directional traction that enhance movement.
Width: Standard
Weight: 9.9 oz
Heel drop: 9.5 mm
Available colours: 2 colours (pale linen and graphite grey)
Cushion: Medium
Nike
Why we love it: Advanced gripping and stability was key in the making of these shoes. Oh, and the ankle gaiter keeps your ankles clean(ish) from mud.
Width: Standard
Weight: 9.4 oz
Heel drop: 4 mm
Available colours: 5 colours (purple, black, blue, grey, and more)
Cushion: Medium
Arc’teryx
Why we love it: Arc’ Teryx – a purveyor of high performance outdoor wear – has designed a pair of running shoes that can handle the elements. These comfortable Gore-Tex shoes get the job done.
Width: Standard
Weight: 9 oz
Heel drop: 6mm
Available colours: 4 colours (storm glow, kingfisher, smoke bluff, and blue tetra)
Cushion: Medium
Salomon
Why we love it: Thanks to a waterproof membrane and grippy lug sole, no terrain is too wet or wobbly for these Salomons.
Width: Standard
Weight: 11.1 oz
Heel drop: 11 mm
Available colours: Multiple
Cushion: Medium
Hoka
Challenger 7 GTX Sneakers
Why we love it: British Vogue’s audience growth manager, Ellie Davies, has been a Hoka devotee since 2018, when she was converted during her London marathon training. “Six years and multiple pairs later, various models have served me well through many miles of running and walking.”
Width: Standard
Weight: 7 oz
Heel drop: 5 mm
Available colours: 3 colours (black, real teal, and cerise)
Cushion: Plush
Merrell
Agility Peak 5 Gore-Tex Sneakers
Why we love it: With ample foam and grippy soles, these sneakers will make that next trail run easy (ish).
Width: Standard
Weight: 8.3 oz
Heel drop: 6 mm
Available colours: 2 colours (oyster and marron)
Cushion: Medium
