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The best running shoes for women, recommended by runners
“It’s like running on clouds!”
Whether you’re returning from a running hiatus, getting started with Couch to 5k or training for a race, investing in the best running shoes is key. And no, those dusty old runners lurking in the back of your wardrobe won't cut it – worn-out, ill-fitting shoes are a recipe for injury.
But how do you choose the right pair for your fitness journey? With techy terminology and endless new launches to keep track of, it can feel overwhelming. Plus, there’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach – there are a host of factors to consider including goals, terrain, foot shape, speed and stride.
To cut through the noise, we asked our team of Good Housekeeping runners, who are a mix of ages and abilities but all regularly clock up the kilometres, to tell us which trainers they turn to again and again, buying on repeat. To help you find your sole-mate, we also spoke to Tana von Zitewitz trainer at Barry's Bootcamp for her expert buying tips – you can find these below.
Head to our expert guide for the best running clothes for women, including the best sports bras, best running socks and best hydration vests. We've also tested the best electrolyte drinks and the best energy gels, bars and chews to fuel your training.
Our editors' favourite women's running shoes
“Thanks to their dual-cell technology and nitrogen-infused foam (for an airy landing) and a GlideRoll rocker (for toe spring), these Brooks trainers offer an effortlessly smooth, responsive and bouncy ride – honestly, it’s like running on clouds!
Due to the high level of cushioning, I thought they’d be best for my easy, recovery runs, but they’re surprisingly speedy; I even ran one of my fastest 10ks in ages while I was testing them out. If you’re after ultimate comfort and trampoline-like energy return, these are a great buy.” Priyankaa Joshi, GHI sleep & wellness editor
| Type | Neutral/road running |
|---|
“Last year, I laced up my running shoes after a long hiatus, assuming that training for a 5k charity run would be a breeze. My titanium-filled ankle had other ideas, swiftly derailing my idiotic confidence. My local Runner’s Need store came to the rescue – after trying what felt like every pair of running shoes in the store, I landed on my New Balance 1080s.
The thick foam sole spared me the joy of metal-on-road vibrations while going up two sizes (hello, men’s section) gave my feet room to stretch and flex as I ran. Happily, they've improved my game. Runs are smoother, bouncier and the 5k was a breeze. And I’m still running (ok, slow jogging), all thanks to one carefully researched pair of shoes.” Melanie Rickey, style director
| Type | Neutral/road running |
|---|
“I wear Veja trainers because they’re the chicest running shoes on the market and I refuse to sacrifice style just because I’m getting sweaty. Call me shallow (it's fine, I am), but the only thing that gets me out the door is a cute running outfit.
These are my second pair of Vejas (I wear the Condor 2 model, which has now been upgraded to the Condor 3), and they deliver on the performance and comfort front; they have a nice bouncy sole and a choice of colourways. I run about 15k a week – one 5k and one 10k run – and these haven’t let me down yet. They’re a good pick for the everyday runner or someone who's just getting started and needs a little incentive!” Alison Lynch, GHI head of content
| Type | Neutral/road running |
|---|
“I've been wearing my trusty Asics Gel Nimbus since I was 17 years old when I properly got into running. My partner used to work in the shoe department of a sports shop and introduced me to these trainers and their excellent cushioning, breathability and durability.
"I have arched feet and I find they provide extra support where I need them. I run twice a week (distances between five and 10 kilometres) and also use them in the gym for Hyrox training and other HIIT-style workouts, so they’re extremely versatile.” Melanie Giandzi, senior food and drink writer
| Type | Neutral/ road running |
|---|
“I've never had a pair of running trainers with so much cushion – I felt like I was flying along on my weekend run. I've been looking for the perfect pair for a number of years now – after having some properly fitted for my half marathon (way more years ago than I'd care to admit), I haven't quite found a happy replacement.
These are the first trainers I've slipped on that feel lightweight and actually enhance my performance. I love the sock-like design as it means they don't rub on my ankles as I move, and they're super squishy and feel supportive when pounding the pavements. I hadn't heard much about this brand prior to testing these, but consider my interest piqued..." Florence Reeves-White, GHI senior beauty writer
| Type | Neutral/ road running |
|---|
"As well as looking good (I don’t like my running trainers to look like the ones I was forced to wear for PE growing up!), I like the Ultraboost’s sock-style upper as it gives my feet room to expand when I’m running over longer distances.
The neutral trainer is still very supportive and lightweight, and I’ve been using the style in its different iterations for approaching 10 years now – including when training for and running two marathons. I’ve tried other models over the years but always come back to these." Hannah Mendelsohn, former GHI homes editor
| Type | Neutral/ road running |
|---|
“For those needing support in a running shoe, the ASICS Gel-Kayano is a solid contender. It features a 4D Guidance System to keep your ankle stable and reduce the effects of overpronation (where your foot rolls in as you move), while the foam sole and shock absorption technology ensure top-tier comfort.
At the moment, I use these for my long training runs – they’re not the fastest shoe around but I still wouldn’t shy away from them for a race day. You can’t run fast if your feet aren’t comfortable in the first place!” Megan Geall, GHI senior homes & lifestyle writer
| Type | Stability/ road running |
|---|
“These plush shoes provide plenty of cushioning and almost make you feel as though you’re floating during long runs. The upper has lots of perforations for breathability and airflow, preventing sweaty feet as you clock up the kilometres.
"The interior feels soft against your skin, the toe box is roomy, and they don’t cause rubbing or blisters. If you’re after a comfy shoe for easy long runs or tempo training, these are a reliable pick.” Maddie Evans, GHI lifestyle writer
| Type | Road running |
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“I loved New Balance's SuperComp Elite v3 for racing, and the latest iteration of the brand’s flagship shoe is even lighter and more responsive. It features a thin, full-length carbon plate and a responsive PEBA midsole to provide an exceptionally smooth, bouncy ride that feels like you’re flying. It’s also stable and supportive enough to see you through a marathon distance.
Whether you’re a beginner or an elite runner looking to slice seconds off your personal best, this super shoe is seriously worth considering.” Priyankaa Joshi, GHI sleep & wellness editor
| Type | Neutral/ performance shoe |
|---|
"I loved the Hoka Arahi 5 so much that I went back for more, and I wasn’t disappointed. This is a great, stable shoe (good for those who overpronate) with a balance between cushioning and responsiveness.
They really helped me up my weekly mileage when training for my marathon, but I found the toe box slightly too narrow for my feet – a recipe for bruised toenails over long distances! Even so, they’re still a fantastic trainer for everyday training and half-marathon distances.” Megan Geall, GHI senior homes and lifestyle writer
| Type | Stability/roading running |
|---|
“I’ve used Asics for the last 10 years and my new favourite model is the GT 2000. They’ve got a restrained chunk of airy padding on the sole, enough to give you support and a bit of bounce, but not so big that you’re completely separate from the surface of the road or trail.
They offer great grip on slippery ground. I’ve started a lot of outside functional training recently and they’re holding up well against weighted work on wet astro. As an added bonus, they’re good for cross training – I hate carrying multiple pairs of sports shoes, so I use them for tennis and, once again, the stellar grip and slightly bouncy, wide sole are ideal for indoor and outdoor courts.” Callum Black, GHI deputy testing manger
| Type | Stability/road running |
|---|
“I was always a Hoka girl, but after a couple of injuries, I wanted to try something new. I went with these running shoes from True Motion because of their U-shaped cushioning, which absorbs impact and reduces the risk of strain.
The horseshoe shape under the heel makes my flat feet and weak ankles feel centred and supported – they’re ideal for long-distance road running.” Abby Allen, sub editor
| Type | Neutral/road running |
|---|
How do I know which running shoes to buy?
According to von Zitzewitz, there are a few key things to consider. “Firstly, identify the terrain you'll be training on, as road, trail and racing footwear have different mechanisms,” she says. Here, she breaks down the difference.
Road running shoes: The most common type of running shoe, these tend to be lightweight, cushioned and responsive to absorb the impact of hard surfaces including pavements and tracks.
Trail running shoes: Designed to cope with rocky, uneven terrain and muddy surfaces, trail shoes are typically grippier and more supportive, with less cushioning and stiffer midsoles.
Racing shoes: Lighter than a standard running shoe, these tend to be ultra lightweight, responsive and energy-absorbing for speedwork. They often feature a carbon plate in the midsole to provide as much energy return as possible.
Next, consider your foot shape. If you’re new to running, von Zitzewitz recommends visiting a specialist running shop, such as Up & Running and Runners Need, for a gait analysis. “This looks at your running technique and helps determine whether your feet are neutral, overpronated or supinated,” she says.
Once you know your foot type, you can choose a shoe with the right level of cushioning and support for your training.
The final thing to consider is comfort – you don’t want to end up with blisters or bruised toenails and run the risk of injury. “I recommend trying on trainers with socks when your feet are naturally more swollen in the afternoon or evening,” advises von Zitzewitz. “This will allow you to see how your feet feel after the natural inflammation that occurs when running.”
How should running shoes fit?
The right fit is crucial when it comes to running shoes, and it’s not just a matter of going for your regular shoe size. “Running trainers should be fairly snug to your feet, but your toes should have enough wiggle room,” von Zitzewitz explains. As a general guide, aim for about a thumb’s width of space at the end of the shoe, and check they’re not pressing in at the sides.
“Your heels, midfoot and arches should be fully supported for stability and the foot should not be able to slide forward or backwards,” she says. “You do want flexibility at the forefoot, though.”
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
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