The best running shoes for women 2025

Finding running shoes is easy – there are loads of great brands and shoes out there. Finding the right running shoes for you is much harder. They need to fit well, offering support in the areas needed by your feet and your running form. They should offer features to enhance the type of running you do, whether that’s road, trail, speed or a bit of everything. They should suit your budget, and your style. And, of course, there’s no one shoe that ticks all of those boxes for everyone.

Luckily, our expert run testers are here to help you out. We run in the latest running shoes for women every single week to find out which are the best of the best for all different running goals, foot types and terrains. Here are our picks:

Keep reading for our in-depth reviews of each shoe, or scroll down for our Women’s Running Shoe Buying Guide.

The best running shoes for women 2024

Best for everyday miles: ASICS Novablast 5

Asics Novablast 4 technical details

• RRP: £135
• Weight: 225g
• Stack height: 30.5mm/32.5mm
• Drop: 8mm
• Sizes: UK women’s 3-10

What our tester said:

“I’ve done three runs in the Novablast 5 now and it’s a really good shoe that will work for a lot of different runners. If you’re a beginner just getting into running and only need one pair of running shoes, this could be it. Or if you’re someone who doesn’t have time or space for an elaborate running shoe rotation, then the Novablast 5 will be a great allrounder that you can use for a range of runs.

The foam was soft but not overly squishy which means that, while it’s comfortable to run in at easy paces, it’s also responsive when you pick up the pace. To me it definitely felt softer than the Novablast 4 and I’m a fan of the upgrade to the FF BLAST MAX cushioning. The stack measure in at 32.5mm, which is bigger than the Asics Gel Nimbus but it doesn’t feel overly high like some max cushioned shoes can. It felt light on my feet.”

Want more? Read Laura’s full Asics Gel Novablast 5 review.

Best all-rounder shoe: Asics Gel Nimbus 27

Asics Gel Nimbus 26 technical details

• RRP: £180
• Weight: 262g
• Sizes: UK women’s 3-11
• Drop: 8mm

What our testers said

“The Gel Nimbus range uses Asics’ rearfoot PureGEL™ technology to provide softer landings. When I first put the shoes on the felt a lot softer than the previous models when walking around and I did worry that they might have been too soft for me. But once actually out on the run, they felt a bit firmer.

I’ve taken this shoe out on a few runs now ranging from short, easy runs to longer runs and a club interval session. I’m used to people commenting on my shoes when I turn up to club runs, however two separate people during the session commented on how noisy my shoes sounded and asked if I was running in tap shoes. While the noise was a little annoying, it was no reflection of how the shoes felt – they felt soft and a little squishy, most definitely not like tap shoes.”

Need more info? Read Laura’s full Asics Gel Nimbus 27 review.

Best max cushioning shoe: New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 technical details

• RRP: £140
• Weight: 244g
• Sizes: UK women’s 3-8
• Drop: 4mm
• Heel stack: 43/39mm
• Special features: Fresh Foam X
• Eco-credentials: Foam made from 3% bio-based content

What our testers said:

“It’s something New Balance does very well: making soft, cushioned running shoes. This soft, squishy shoe is up there with the best cushioned shoes I’ve run in.

Running in these was dreamy – the shoe is soft but bouncy and doesn’t have that quicksand feeling that some overly soft shoes can. It would make a good running shoe for beginner runners wanting a lot of cushioning, or more experienced runners who want some serious comfort for their recovery runs.”

Want to know more? Read Laura’s full New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 review.

Best for beginner runners on a budget: Kalenji Jogflow 500.1

Kalenji Jogflow 500.1 technical details

• Weight: 203g
• Sizes: 3-8
• Drop: 4mm
• RRP: £39.99

What our tester said:

“These shoes are the result of a long-term research project studying running mechanics and what helps us runners to get into that ‘flow’ state. I was worried that their low cost might mean that they compromised on fit, but they hugged my foot in all the right places. They are well-cushioned but also felt responsive. They’re designed to encourage a more midfoot strike, which I noticed right away. As a result I felt faster and more in-control. I did also notice that this helped me to look up and enjoy my run more, rather than looking at my feet or thinking about whether they were hitting the ground in the right place. They’re perfect for shorter runs and distances to 10K, and for £40, you really can’t go wrong.”

Want to know more? Read Kate’s full Kalenji Jogflow 500.1 review.

Best comfortable running shoe: Brooks Ghost Max 2

Brooks Ghost Max 2 technical details

• Weight: 275g
• Sizes: UK women’s 3-10 (wide and extra wide fit options available)
• Drop: 6mm
• RRP: £145

What our tester said:

“These have been a firm favourite on my recovery runs recently, which is where they shine. They’re not a speed shoe, but they don’t feel like they’re holding me back, either. Often max cushioned shoes can feel like you’re running through treacle, but these have a fantastic balanced feel that makes those easy runs actually feel easy.”

Want more info? Check out Holly’s full Brooks Ghost Max 2 review.

Best running shoes designed for women: Lululemon Beyondfeel

Lululemon Beyondfeel technical details

• Weight: 270g
• Sizes: 3.5-10.5
• Drop: 10mm
• RRP: £148

What our tester said:

“I have to give top marks for comfort here. I’ve worn the Beyondfeel on several midweek 5K runs and my feet never feel sore afterwards. It’s also been a particularly hot summer and, I can confirm, the mesh ventilation on the upper did its job very well!I was a little disappointed by the bounce, though – I didn’t find them particularly springy, so I won’t be wearing them for my tempo runs. I’d say they’re best saved for your long slow runs or recovery runs. I found them a bit sluggish on my toe-offs, almost like I was tipping forwards somehow rather than bouncing off.”

Want to know more? Read Holly’s full Lululemon Beyondfeel review.

Best eco-friendly option: Saucony Triumph RFG

Saucony Triumph RFG technical details

• RRP: £175
• Weight: 275g
• Drop: 10mm
• Sizes: UK women’s 3-10
• Eco credentials: PWRRUN BIO+ cushioning is 55% corn based

What our tester said:

“I took the shoe straight out the box and out for a 7-mile run. Not something I’d do with every shoe but having tried it on, I felt confident it would be comfortable enough for an hour or so of easy-paced running. The PWRRUN BIO+ cushioning felt soft but supportive as I ran and felt as though it was softer under the heel. Although this shoe weighs in slightly heavier than the Triumph 21, it doesn’t feel at all heavy.

“I ran on various surfaces including road, pavement and light trail and the runner outsole coped well with all of them. At the end of my 7-mile run my feet still felt comfortable and weren’t sweaty (something that might have been a concern with the cotton upper). I would happily have carried on for a few more miles in them if the training plan allowed.

“Overall they’re a great daily trainer for easy, medium and long runs. Hopefully where the RFG leads in the sustainability stakes, other shoes will follow.”

Want more? Check out Laura’s full Saucony Triumph RFG review.

Best for narrow or wide feet: Brooks Ghost 16

Brooks Ghost 16 technical details

• RRP: £135
• Weight: 241g
• Drop: 12mm
• Sizes: UK women’s 3-11, narrow and wide fit options
• Special features: Certified carbon neutral

What our tester said:

“I took these out for a gentle 4-mile run, one of my first recovery runs after a half marathon training block. It was supposed to be lovely and slow, but these shoes spurred me on to run more quickly then I’d intended and it didn’t quite turn out to be the recovery planned! Make of that what you will – it certainly demonstrates the responsiveness of the shoe, albeit alongside my lack of discipline and impatience!

“I had no trouble underfoot, and found the cushioned sole supremely comfortable. As I mentioned, I would have preferred a little more room all round, but I’ll know to opt for the wide fit next time.

“The only thing I couldn’t get on board with was that plush upper. This is purely down to preference, as I know lots of runners love a bit of extra support and sturdiness, but I found it just irritated my feet. Even though they promise good ventilation in the new enhanced mesh upper, I found myself wishing for less: less material, less snugness.”

Want to know more? Read Holly’s full Brooks Ghost 16 review.

Best for overpronators: Saucony Guide 18

Saucony Guide 18 technical details

RRP: £130
Weight: 245g
Sizes: 4-8
Drop: 6mm

Best for beginner runners: HOKA Clifton 10

HOKA Clifton 10 technical details

• RRP: £140
• Weight: 227g
• Sizes: UK 2-10, wide fit option available
• Drop: 8mm

What our tester said:

“I’ve been running in the Clifton 10 for just under a month now, and I’m really happy with how they’ve performed on roads. I’d been running in the Saucony Guide 18 for most of my marathon training because I needed a bit extra stability for long distances, and shifting to the Clifton 10 post-marathon has been perfect for my recovery. That being said, they’re great over long miles too, and if you’re used to wearing a neutral shoe then you’ll get on with them famously.

“The sole is super cushioned, with particular attention to the heel, which is perfect for long road runs. They’re also a really comfortable walking shoe, too, so a great option for beginners who don’t want to fork out for multiple pairs!”

Want to know more? Here’s Holly’s full HOKA Clifton 10 review.

Best for marathon training: Brooks Glycerin 22

Brooks Glycerin 21 technical details

• Weight: 258g
• Sizes: UK women’s 3-10
• DNA Tuned cushioning
• Drop: 10mm
• RRP: £165

What our testers said

“I first ran in these on a shorter, easy mid-week run, and then took them from there straight to a half marathon. Tell you what, I was extremely thankful for that extra chunk of nitrogen-infused foam on the 13-miler!

“No, they’re not built for speed sessions, but then neither am I. If your weekly training is a mix of long and shorter runs, and you tend to conveniently forget those track sessions and the hill sprints (ahem), then this is a shoe you could comfortably wear for a good couple of years without bothering with things like “shoe rotations” or any of that malarkey. Yes, you speedsters can get in on the action too – this is a superb shoe for your easy runs. For all of us plodders out there, though, this is it: you’ve found your shoe.”

Want to know more? Read Holly’s full Brooks Glycerin 22 review.

Best for comfort vs speed: On Cloudstratus 3

On Cloudstratus 3 technical details

• Weight: 250g
• Drop: 6mm
• Sizes: UK women’s 3-9
• Special features: Propulsive Speedboard®
• RRP: £170

What our testers said

These are for fast bunnies or long-distance hares. I’ve tried them on both types of runs; rather reluctantly, because they’re beautiful, and I wanted to keep them for best! They worked really well for tempo training as they’re so responsive, but they’re cushioned enough that I also ran a half marathon in them quite comfortably.

They’re comfy, but in a friendly punch on the shoulder way instead of a big hug kind of way. Now, they’re a lot of cash – £170. But what you get is a reliable workhorse that will see you through your technical sessions and your long runs – no need for a training partner shoe here.

Want more? Check out Esther’s full Cloudstratus 3 review.

Best for runners starting speed training: Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 technical details

• RRP: £180
• Weight: 206g
• Sizes: UK women’s 3-10
• Drop: 8mm (36/28mm forefoot)
• Special technology: Winged nylon plate

What our testers said

My first run in this shoe was after having 10 days off running with a virus, so I was both excited to try the shoe and finally get out for a run at all. It was a rainy day and the pavements were damp, but the shoe gripped the paths well thanks to a generous amount of lattice outsole grip in the forefoot.

The thing I noticed about the shoe first off was that it felt noticeably wider in the heel than other shoes when I was landing. This wasn’t a bad thing and I soon got used to it – in fact I found it gave the shoe some added stability on the run.

I ran four miles and the shoe was easy to run in straight out of the box. The SPEEDROLL Technology of the shoe really helped my legs turnover and offered a nice, smooth heel-to-toe motion. The shoe has an engineered nylon plate designed to give an extra spring in your step, and while it’s certainly a good tempo shoe, it didn’t give me quite as much pep in my stride as I’d hoped. That said, my splits were a bit quicker than I was expecting them to be.

Overall this is a comfortable shoe that can do a lot of things – it’s equally happy on an easy or steady run as it is when you pick up the pace and the comfort and durability will make it a good long run option too.

Want to know more? Read Laura’s full Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 review.

Best for runners looking for a PB: HOKA Cielo X1 2.0

HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 technical details

• RRP: £250
• Weight: 228g
• Sizes: 4.5-13.5
• Drop: 7mm
• Winged carbon fibre plate

What our tester said:

” I was doing some pretty tough 8-minute bursts in these, but they absolutely transformed the run. I managed to shave several seconds off my usual threshold pace in them, which really impressed me. I love the shape of this shoe – it’s designed to for snappy take-offs, but feels super stable underfoot so you can focus on running your hardest and not worry about your balance.

“I’ll be saving these for shorter speed runs myself, as I prefer a wider fit for long distances and these definitely run a little narrow. But they have absolutely changed the game for my tempo running and I can’t wait to take them out for another spin.

“Despite the eye-watering price, I’d say these are worth having in your arsenal if you’re trying to conquer faster paces. I really tried to find fault in them, but they ticked all the boxes for me.”

Want more info? Check our Holly’s full HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 review.

Best for recovery runs: HOKA Bondi 9

HOKA Bondi 8 technical details

• RRP: £160
• Weight: 263g
• Drop: 5mm
• Sizes: 3.5-9.5, wide fit option available

What our tester said:

“As I mentioned, I was particularly keen to try these out on my easy runs, as that’s where I’d enjoyed the Bondi 8 the most. I set off for a gentle 45-minute plod in them and was impressed by the comfort from the word go – the plush upper didn’t rub at all and the shoe felt bouncy and light underfoot. I was aiming for a gentle pace and found the Bondi worked hard to keep me steady. At no point did I feel they were slowing me down, but they helped me fall into a comfortable stride that didn’t feel sluggish. I’ll definitely be wearing them for easy runs and recovery runs going forwards.”

Want to know more? Read Holly’s full HOKA Bondi 9 review.

Best for road to trail: Brooks Divide 4

Brooks Divide 4 technical details

• Weight: 263g
• Drop: 8 mm
• Lugs: 3 mm
• Sizes: UK women’s 3-10
• RRP: £110

What our tester said

“The Divide 4 is billed as a ‘road-to-trail’ shoe which means it performs equally as comfortably on the road as on the trail. Most of us (and particularly trail newbies) are likely to run a combination of both. It’s designed for light trail and is for neutral runners.

“My first run in these shoes was a four-mile trail run that took in woods, a loose path and a more gravelly stretch along a river. There was a few hundred meters of road thrown in too – all idea testing ground for a road-to-trail shoe. It was a drizzly day so the ground underfoot was damp. I was really impressed with how the shoe gripped on the wet road. The shoe felt light on my feet and never cumbersome. It dealt well with the varied, light trail that I took it over and I felt protected from sharp stones and the occasional tree branch.”

Read Laura’s full Brooks Divide 4 review.

Best for everyday trail running: Adidas Terrex Soulstride Flow GTX

Adidas Terrex Soulstride Flow GTX technical details

• Weight: 250g
• Drop: 5mm
• Sizes: UK women’s 3.5-9.5
• RRP: £140

What our testers said

“They’re gorgeous, aren’t they? I loved the look from the off (mine were a pale green). The fit is a touch on the large side – which with a trail shoe can be a bit of a blessing if you’re out all day, as feet do tend to swell, and the extra room in the toe box will come in handy. The underfoot feel and roominess of these shoes means they’re ideal for adventurous runners seeking all-day security and comfort. The decent lugs and great traction make them perfect for wet and cold conditions. This is a brilliant shoe!”

If you want to know more, read Esther’s full Adidas Terrex Soulstride Flow GTX review.

Best for speedy trail running: New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail technical details

• Sizes: UK 4 – 8
• RRP: £200
• Weight: 214g
• Stack Height: 36.5mm heel/26.5mm forefoot
• Drop: 10mm

What our testers said

“The upper of the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail is super comfortable and offers a good amount of support and comfort. It’s the sole however that’s the star and the cushioning and bounce provided by the FuelCell midsole foam is dreamy to run on. I first took them out for 4.5 miles of woodland paths and gritty trails. The grip from the Vibram Megagrip held well on all surfaces. They felt light and springy – quite unlike a lot of trail shoes. The shoe was light and nimble for picking my way through the trees without tripping. There was also a couple of nice flat sections and that’s where you can really feel the benefit of that carbon fibre plate. This shoe will give you an edge for any trail races you have on the horizon.”

Want to know more? Read Laura’s full New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail review.

Women’s Running Shoe Buying Guide

How do I find the right fit?

This is probably the hardest part of buying a new pair of running shoes. It’s important that you get the right fit to avoid blisters, discomfort and even injury. If you’re new to running, a good place to start is with our guide to choosing the right running shoes. It covers all the technical info you need to know to feel confident in buying your first pair of running shoes. It’s also a great reminder for those of us who haven’t purchased in a while.

Knowing how you run is also key for finding the right running shoe. We all have a slightly different running style, and that can change how our feet hit the floor. You might have heard the terms ‘neutral’ and ‘pronation’, which are common differences in running form. Going to a running shop for a gait analysis can help to identify how you run. Once you know, you can find shoes suited to support your specific running form.

Remember that fit can also vary quite significantly from brand to brand. We always include details in our reviews if we found that a shoe was more suited to a certain foot type.

How do I know which type of running shoe to buy?

There are lots of different sub-categories of women’s running shoes. Some will be clear from the name of the shoe, while others become apparent due to the features of the shoe. We always say what kind of runner the shoe is for in our reviews. Here are the most common categories:

• Everyday running shoes
  These are going to be really comfortable, supportive shoes that can cover a lot of mileage. They usually have fewer fancy features, but will happily get you through your everyday runs. They are also usually more adaptable to different terrains.
• Road running shoes
  Many of the running shoes you see on the market are designed to run on roads or pavements. They usually offer impact protection as they’re made for running on hard surfaces. They’re not as suited to hills or trails.
• Trail running shoes
  These shoes are designed specifically for off-road running. They offer a selection of special features including grip, support and waterproofing to make it safer and more comfortable to run through woods, fields and mountains.
• Fast or race running shoes
  If you’re going for a PB or have a big race coming up, these are the shoes to invest in. They’re often lighter than other running shoes, and offer features such as carbon plates to give good energy return, making your running more efficient. They’re less suitable for beginners, and usually offer less support.
• Support shoes
  These are designed to help with things like over-pronation with lots of cushioning in all the right places. They can also be a great choice for recovery runs, as your form may suffer when your legs are tired.