7 Best Long Distance Running Shoes For Women in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.6
7 Best Long Distance Running Shoes For Women in 2023
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Durability, cushioning, and stability are key to choosing the perfect running shoe for long distances for women. Whether going for a weekend solid long slow distance (LSD) session or prepping for a marathon, wearing a shoe that comes with a fine-tuned cushioning to absorb ground impact, as well as energy return and responsive technology are crucial to get that I-could-run-forever feeling.

For us, ladies, of course, we don’t just settle for less when it comes to women’s long-distance running shoes. But there is a gazillion of options available out there. So how do we know we pick the best shoe that suits our needs? This is where we come in.

We have tested over 100 shoes to find out which ones will make the cut for our top selection.

Best overall
PUMA Deviate Nitro 2 PUMA Deviate Nitro 2
$160 $120 From Amazon
Best for trail
Hoka Tecton X Hoka Tecton X
$200 $144 From Zappos
Best with wide toebox
Hoka Mach 5 Hoka Mach 5
$140 From Zappos
Best stability
ASICS Gel Kayano 28 ASICS Gel Kayano 28
$160 $86 From Amazon
Best cushioning
ASICS Novablast 3 ASICS Novablast 3
$140 $120 From Amazon
Best with plush cushioning
Brooks Ghost 14 Brooks Ghost 14
$140 $98 From Amazon
Best low drop
Altra Lone Peak 6 Altra Lone Peak 6
$140 $75 From Amazon
See all 835 women's long distance running shoes

    How we test running shoes

    Our aim at RunRepeat is to make the lives of runners easier and more fun. One thing we can achieve is by providing them with the most recent updates and honest reviews about the best running shoes available so that they can pick the perfect shoe for their training and long-distance races.

    Here is our process:

    • We buy running shoes with our own money.
    • We go outside and run. After logging in 30 miles or more, we take note of everything – our personal experience running in each pair of shoes.
    • Not only that, but we also cut the shoe open, literally, to see everything and gain more perspective.
    • Intricately, we check and measure 30+ parameters that contribute to the overall performance of the shoe
    • We curate available feedback from real runners, shoe experts, and regular users of the shoe.
    • For fast and easy comparison, we present all the gathered data in a summary format.

    Finally, each shoe we tested and dissected receives a CoreScore. You will see a number from 0 to 100 that shows how great (or not so great) a particular shoe is against all other models.

    Best women's long distance running shoes overall

    PUMA Deviate Nitro 2
    PUMA Deviate Nitro 2
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-test.JPG
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    puma-deviate-nitro-2-breathability-test
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    puma-deviate-nitro-2-cushioning-test
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    puma-deviate-nitro-2-flexibility-test2
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    Puma%20Deviate%20Nitro%202%20-%20Reflective%20elements
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    PUMA Deviate Nitro 2
    92
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    The PUMA Deviate Nitro is back with a significant update that makes an already great shoe even better. It’s really comfortable, which is not always the case for carbon-plated shoes, and it’s extremely versatile. As a result, we have a real do-it-all companion to take on the road for every run, not to mention the quality-price ratio, which basically makes it a no-brainer.

    Pros

    • Great all-rounder
    • Super-smooth and responsive ride
    • Plush cushioning
    • Comfy upper
    • Grippy outsole
    • Above average durability
    • Fairly priced

    Cons

    • Heavier than other similar shoes
    • Not many colors available
    Full review of PUMA Deviate Nitro 2

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Purple (37685511)
    Yellow (37685506)
    Azul (37680709)
    Black (37685502)
    Orange (37685504)
    Bianco (37685503)
    $120
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  

    Best women's long distance running shoes for trail

    Hoka Tecton X
    Hoka Tecton X
    Tecton X on rocky trails
    hoka-tecton-x-cut-in-half
    hoka tecton x cut in pieces
    tecton x laces
    Tongue thickness on Hoka X
    hoka-tecton-x-trail-runs
    hoka-tecton-x-torsional-flexibility
    hoka tecton x outsole
    hoka-tecton-x-lugs.JPG
    Depth of lugs on Tecton X
    hoka-tecton-x-cushioning-test
    Hoka Tecton X stack height
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    Heel base measurement on Tecton X
    Tecton X in the freezer
    hoka tecton x trail running
    Stretching in Tecton X
    hoka tecton x breathable upper
    hoka-tecton-x-carbon-plate
    Toebox with of Hoka Tecton X
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    Tecton X on trails
    Hoka Tecton X
    92
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    The Hoka Tecton X is Hoka's first carbon-plated trail running shoe. To justify the name, it just might have started a tectonic shift - that's how much it is loved by runners. It's positioned as a speed-ready, racing and training companion to the Hoka Speedgoat 5. Thanks to the dual-plated design, it shines at fast paces, especially the ultra ones. On top of this, it's a max-cushioned running shoe that keeps the feet protected without weighing them down.

    Pros

    • 2 carbon plates: very propulsive ride
    • Insanely stable
    • Looks fast and runs fast
    • Lightweight
    • Very cushioned & responsive
    • Worth the investment
    • Room for feet swelling
    • Grippy
    • No break-in
    • Vegan materials used

    Cons

    • Not for technical terrains
    • Might accumulate mud
    • Expensive
    Full review of Hoka Tecton X

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Blue (SBDP)
    Camellia - Blue Coral (1123162CBCRL)
    Deep Teal/Water Garden (DTWGR)
    $144
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  
    $165
    See deal  
    $200
    See deal  

    Best women's long distance running shoes with wide toebox

    Hoka Mach 5
    Hoka Mach 5
    Hoka-Mach-5-review
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    Hoka-Mach-5-light-transparency-test
    Hoka-Mach-5-foam-softness
    Hoka-Mach-5-foam-freezer-test
    Hoka-Mach-5-heel-stack
    Hoka-Mach-5-forefoot-stack
    Hoka-Mach-5-stability
    Hoka-Mach-5-sole-width
    Hoka-Mach-5-toebox
    Hoka-Mach-5-forefoot-width
    Hoka-Mach-5-heel-stiffness
    Hoka-Mach-5-heel-hold
    Hoka-Mach-5-gusseted-tongue
    Hoka-Mach-5-tongue-thickness
    Hoka-Mach-5-reflective-elements
    Hoka-Mach-5-flex-measurement
    Hoka-Mach-5-flex
    Hoka-Mach-5-upper
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    Hoka-Mach-5-lightweight
    Hoka-Mach-5-price
    Hoka-Mach-5-lab-measurements
    Hoka Mach 5
    90
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    The Mach 5 from Hoka is a performance trainer that can do a bit of everything. If you want to train with speed, it can be your trusty tempo running shoe. And if you want an easy-day or long-distance trainer, the Mach 5's cushy yet stable ride will serve you just right. Even better, it'll give you all the snappiness and energy return you need.

    Pros

    • Super fun and energetic ride
    • Velvety smooth strides
    • Runs and feels light
    • Comfy for easy days
    • Cushioned for long runs
    • Absorbs impact
    • Awesome fit
    • Welcomes wide feet
    • Reflective
    • Worth the money

    Cons

    • Slips on wet pavement
    • Gets easily dirty
    Full review of Hoka Mach 5

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Camellia/Peach Parfait (CPPF)
    Black/Castlerock (BCSTL)
    Impala/Cyclamen (ICYC)
    White/Flame (WFM)
    White/Copper (WCPP)
    Evening Primrose/Scuba Blue (EPSB)
    Ceramic/Evening Primrose (1127894CEPR)
    White/Scuba Blue (WSBB)
    Lavender/Summer (BLSSN)
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  

    Best stability long distance running shoes for women

    Asics Gel Kayano 28
    Asics Gel Kayano 28
    Pieces of the ASICS Gel Kayano 28
    asics-gel-kayano-28-intro
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    ASICS Gel Kayano 28 profile photo
    Lacing on ASICS Gel Kayano 28
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    asics-gel-kayano-28-heel-slipping
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    Midsole on ASICS Gel Kayano 28
    asics-gel-kayano-28-love-kayano
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    Half of the ASICS Gel Kayano 28
    Heel padding in ASICS Gel Kayano 28
    asics-gel-kayano-28-vs-27
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    Outsole on ASICS Gel Kayano 28
    asics-gel-kayano-28-cutting-the-upper
    Upper on ASICS Gel Kayano 28
    Length of ASICS Gel Kayano 28
    ASICS Gel Kayano 28
    90
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    Still staying true to its Kayano roots, the Kayano 28 retains its hallmark of stability and support while seeing some updates to amp up comfort and flexibility. And with better flex, the shoe was just overall fun! Although designed as a daily trainer, runners also find it fitting as a standalone shoe that you can take out of the closet during race day and on long, slow miles.

    Pros

    • Familiar Kayano fit
    • Roomier toebox
    • No lace bite
    • Added pep
    • No medial post
    • Lost weight
    • Kayano durability

    Cons

    • Heel slipping
    • Overly plush
    • Runs warm
    Full review of ASICS Gel Kayano 28

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    White (1012B047100)
    French Blue/Thunder Blue (1012B047401)
    Black/White (1012B047003)
    Barely Rose/White (1012B047702)
    Piedmont Grey/Deep Plum (1012B047021)
    Mako Blue/Barely Rose (1012B047402)
    Piedmont Grey/Soft Lavender (1012B047020)
    Blazing Coral/Mist (1012B047700)
    More colors
    $86
    See deal  
    $112
    See deal  
    $112
    See deal  
    $115
    See deal  
    $120
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  

    Women's long distance running shoes with best cushioning

    ASICS Novablast 3
    ASICS Novablast 3
    Asics-Novablast-3-review
    Asics-Novablast-3-saw-cutting
    Asics-Novablast-3-lab-measurements
    Asics-Novablast-3-heel-stack
    Asics-Novablast-3-forefoot-stack
    Asics-Novablast-3-cushioning
    Asics-Novablast-3-foam-durometer-softness
    Asics-Novablast-3-freezer-test
    Asics-Novablast-3-smoke-breathability-test
    Asics-Novablast-3-light-transparency-test
    Asics-Novablast-3-lightweight
    Asics-Novablast-3-springly-ride
    Asics-Novablast-3-flex-measurement
    Asics-Novablast-3-flex
    Asics-Novablast-3-stable-sole
    Asics-Novablast-3-stable-ride
    Asics-Novablast-3-all-arounder
    Asics-Novablast-3-tongue
    Asics-Novablast-3-tongue-thickness
    Asics-Novablast-3-gusseted-tongue
    Asics-Novablast-3-forefoot
    Asics-Novablast-3-length
    Asics-Novablast-3-heel-stiffness
    Asics-Novablast-3-traction
    Asics-Novablast-3-landing
    Asics-Novablast-3-price
    Asics-Novablast-3-lab-tests
    ASICS Novablast 3
    91
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    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.

    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
    Full review of ASICS Novablast 3

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Metropolis/Dusk Violet (1012B288020)
    PAPAYA/DUSTY PURPLE (1012B288701)
    Cream/Fawn (1012B288101)
    Black/Soft Sky (1012B288002)
    Fawn/Mineral Beige (1012B288702)
    White/Dive Blue (1012B288100)
    White/Piedmont Grey (1012B288102)
    Safety Yellow/White (1012B288750)
    More colors
    $120
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  

    Best women's long distance running shoes with plush cushioning

    Brooks Ghost 14
    Brooks Ghost 14
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Parts.jpg
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Features
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Running-Angled
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Saw
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    Brooks-Ghost-14-Showoff
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Thickness-Outsole.jpg
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Outsole-Forefoot.jpg
    Brooks-Ghost-14.jpg
    Brooks-Ghost-14-360
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Upper-Forefoot.jpg
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Fog
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Lace-Slip
    Brooks-Ghost-14-vs-13.jpg
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Reflective-Back.jpg
    Brooks-Ghost-14-No-Reflective-Side.jpg
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Freezer.jpg
    Brooks Ghost 14
    91
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    The Ghost 14 from Brooks really fits the bill as the shoe for all runners. It's a workhorse that's comfy enough for easy days, responsive for tempo sessions, and is heavy-duty to handle light trails. Overall, a no-fuss daily trainer that will work for all your runs!

    Pros

    • All about comfort!
    • True to size
    • Lots of padding
    • Smooth ride
    • Really stable, even on light trails
    • Great out of the box
    • Built for longevity (500 miles, easily)
    • Great grip

    Cons

    • Lacks breathability for hot summer days
    • Not the best for long distances
    Full review of Brooks Ghost 14

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Peacoat/Yucca/Navy (446)
    Grey (089)
    Black/Pink/Yucca (013)
    Black/Pearl/Peach (026)
    Oyster/Yucca/Pink (024)
    Purple Impression Dutch Lime (544)
    Lilac/Purple/Lime (566)
    White (192)
    More colors
    $98
    See deal  
    $100
    See deal  
    $100
    See deal  
    $100
    See deal  
    $100
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  

    Best long distance low drop running shoes for women

    Altra Lone Peak 6
    Altra Lone Peak 6
    Merrell-Nova-2- 25.jpg
    Altra-Lone-Peak-6-Cut-2
    Altra Lone Peak stack height
    Altra Lone Peak 6 Durometer Midsole
    Altra-Lone-Peak-6-Run
    Altra Lone Peak 6 Footstrike
    Altra-Lone-Peak-6-Cush
    Altra Lone Peak 6 Grip Forefoot
    Merrell-Nova-2- 917.jpg
    Altra Lone peak 6 Grip Rear
    Altra Lone Peak 6 On foot
    Altra Lone peak 6 Weight
    Altra Lone Peak outsole
    Altra-Lone-Peak-6-360
    Merrell-Nova-2- 913.jpg
    Merrell-Nova-2- 912.jpg
    Merrell-Nova-2- 918.jpg
    Altra Lone Peak 6
    90
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    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.

    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
    Full review of Altra Lone Peak 6

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Red (AL0A548E620)
    Blue (AL0A548J446)
    Dusty Olive (AL0A548E315)
    White/Green (AL0A548E130)
    Coral (AL0A548E662)
    Dusty Teal (AL0A548E305)
    Black/Green (AL0A548E043)
    $75
    See deal  
    $91
    See deal  
    $105
    See deal  
    $105
    See deal  
    $112
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  

    Comparison of the 7 best long distance running shoes for women

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    Author
    Jens Jakob Andersen
    Jens Jakob Andersen

    Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.

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