7 Best Black Running Shoes For Women, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.5
7 Best Black Running Shoes For Women, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Be it for convenience or for style, the best black running shoes for women will serve you well, whether on the road or on the trail. Mostly flexible in construction, these black beauties come packed with features to up your sprinting game.

We've tested over 700 pairs of black running shoes to come up with this female-specific selection. Whether you fancy a spunky all-rounder, a doozy on the road or trail, or a budget-friendly pair, you've come to the right place.

Best overall
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
$170 $132 From Amazon
Best road
Under Armour HOVR Sonic 4 Under Armour HOVR Sonic 4
$110 $47 From Amazon
Best trail
Altra Lone Peak 6 Altra Lone Peak 6
$140 $80 From Amazon
Best Nike
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2 Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2
$225 From Amazon
Best ASICS
ASICS Novablast 3 ASICS Novablast 3
$140 From Zappos
Best value
Reebok Floatride Energy 3 Reebok Floatride Energy 3
$100 $59 From Amazon
Most popular
Hoka Clifton 8 Hoka Clifton 8
$130 $112 From Zappos
See all 831 women's black running shoes
Table of contents How we test running shoesBest overallBest roadBest trailBest NikeBest ASICSBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview

How we test running shoes

Sorting out the finest kicks and funneling them into an easy-to-absorb selection like this isn't as simple as the color black. Detailed below is how we do it:

  • Brands don't give us women's black running shoes for free. Instead, we buy these kicks using our own money.
  • At our lab, we put these runners through several tests using high-tech equipment (see video below).
  • We run in these black kicks both on trails and on the road for miles.
  • We include in the fold opinions from experts and experienced runners.

We get to assign a CoreScore to every reviewed women's black running shoes as a result. The runners you see in this compelling lineup are those that made the cut based on their rankings.

Best women's black running shoes overall

Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
$132
See deal  
$170
See deal  
$170
See deal  
$170
See deal  

CoreScore

93
Superb!
4.8 / 5 from 60 users
86 / 100 from 6 experts

Pros

  • Support that's not harsh
  • Impact-absorbing
  • Gives your stride a boost
  • Very comfy for recovery runs
  • Stable when cornering
  • Breathable
  • Keeps the foot in place
  • Grip that sticks

Cons

  • Long break-in period
  • Comes with a hefty tag

Verdict

The Wave Horizon 6 from Mizuno is a stability running shoe that's built ready for cruising long miles and giving your feet and legs the rest day they deserve during recovery sessions. Unlike other stability shoes, the Horizon 6 doesn't feel harsh. As a matter of fact, it's a very comfy shoe that will give you all the cushioning you crave.
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 full review

Best black road running shoes for women

Under Armour HOVR Sonic 4
Under Armour HOVR Sonic 4
$47
See deal  
$55
See deal  
$75
See deal  
No stock  

CoreScore

93
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 8,400 users
95 / 100 from 5 experts

Pros

  • Versatile daily trainer
  • Comfortable
  • Breathable
  • Durable outsole
  • Integrated tech provides coaching

Cons

  • Not for long distances
  • Clunky for speedwork
  • Lacks structure for stability
  • Too much toe room

Verdict

Under Armour HOVR Sonic 4 is a durable daily trainer for beginners who want a shoe that can transition from walking to running to the gym very easily. It is a simple, neutral running shoe that is not going to break any speed records or help you run a marathon.
Under Armour HOVR Sonic 4 full review

Best black trail running shoes for women

Altra Lone Peak 6
Altra Lone Peak 6
$80
See deal  
$84
See deal  
$85
See deal  
$100
See deal  

CoreScore

91
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 5,821 users
91 / 100 from 22 experts

Pros

  • Fits true to size
  • Excellent all-round grip
  • Highly durable
  • Great ground feel
  • Feels like it makes you run better
  • Great pull tab
  • Gaiter compatible
  • Brilliant lacing
  • Roomy toe box
  • Fully gusseted tongue

Cons

  • Stain magnet
  • Not enough cushioning for some

Verdict

Whether you’re a dedicated zero-drop runner, just dipping your toe into it for the first time, or like to spice up your rotation with something new, the Altra Lone Peak 6 is a solid workhorse of a trail running shoe. The Altra Lone Peak 6 is a genuinely excellent all-rounder.
Altra Lone Peak 6 full review

Best black Nike running shoes for women

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2
$225
See deal  
$250
See deal  
$250
See deal  
$250
See deal  

CoreScore

90
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 708 users
90 / 100 from 21 experts

Pros

  • Insanely lightweight
  • Very breathable
  • Bouncy
  • Responsive
  • FAST
  • No break-in period needed
  • Good grip on dry surfaces

Cons

  • Not ideal for wide feet
  • Unstable
  • Forefoot strikers only

Verdict

The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2 is probably one of the fastest shoes on the market, but it has some problems that the majority of runners agree with. It’s unstable, a bit too narrow still, looks ridiculous, and hits the pocketbook hard. If your job is to run fast, or you’re a sponsored athlete I think these shoes may be the tool to help you win, but for the average joe who wants to drop two minutes off their 5K time, it may be too much tech in a shoe designed for the 1% club.
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2 full review

Best black ASICS running shoes for women

ASICS Novablast 3
ASICS Novablast 3
$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  

CoreScore

92
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 1,222 users
91 / 100 from 13 experts

Pros

  • Super bouncy
  • Cushy feel for miles
  • Breathable
  • Light AF
  • Ready for cornering
  • Locks you in
  • Tongue stays in place
  • Grippy outsole
  • Mad durable
  • Sets the bar for a do-it-all shoe

Cons

  • A tad too long
  • More expensive by $10

Verdict

It's a comfy daily running shoe. It can go fast. It can go far. In the words of an expert, the Novablast 3 from ASICS "sets the standard for what a daily trainer should be." What's more, you can race in it in your next marathon too. Talk about versatility! And if you want a light shoe that won't drag you down, the ASICS Novablast 3 is the all-rounder you need.
ASICS Novablast 3 full review

Best value black running shoes for women

Reebok Floatride Energy 3
Reebok Floatride Energy 3
$59
See deal  
$73
See deal  
$100
See deal  
$110
See deal  

CoreScore

92
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 3,042 users
92 / 100 from 18 experts

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Responsive
  • Peppy ride
  • Heel tab
  • Lugged outsole
  • Durable
  • Price

Cons

  • Feels a touch long
  • Runs a bit warm

Verdict

The Floatride Energy 3 is a neutral trainer from Reebok with a lightweight design and a lightweight price tag. It’s got an aggressive full-length outsole for runs on varied terrain and is surprisingly comfortable for a budget shoe. Don’t be scared off by the price, this affordable little bundle performs well! They look pretty cool too!
Reebok Floatride Energy 3 full review

Most popular black running shoes for women

Hoka Clifton 8
Hoka Clifton 8
$112
See deal  
$112
See deal  
$112
See deal  
$112
See deal  

CoreScore

90
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 60,115 users
90 / 100 from 24 experts

Pros

  • Comfy, comfy comfy
  • Fits true to size
  • Smooth rockered ride
  • Great durability
  • Grippy outsole
  • Lightweight for a daily trainer
  • Great lockdown

Cons

  • Runs warm
  • Doesn’t love to go fast

Verdict

Whether it's a long-distance or recovery shoe you're after, the Clifton 8 comes highly recommended. It's a literal couch to the foot, keeping it cozy and stable. The ride is also buttery smooth, you will roll through seamlessly. And with all the cushion it gives, it's not at all heavy (a shocker really). Overall, the Clifton is a literal bag of treats that comes at a moderate price!
Hoka Clifton 8 full review
Author
Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic

Whether it's a vertical kilometre or an ultra, climbing in the Alps or exploring local mountains, Jovana uses every opportunity to trade walls and concrete for forests and trails. She logs at least 10h/week on trails, with no off-season, and 4x more on research on running and running shoes. With a background in physics and engineering management, she prefers her running spiced with data.

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