7 Best Women's Running Shoes in 2024

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7 Best Women's Running Shoes in 2024
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Physical strength aside, having the right pair of running shoes is the key ingredient in having an amazing run. For women, there are thousands of options available, which makes the selection part a bit of a drag. 

But fret not, we curated a list that trims your options down to the best shoes from various categories. When we say we 'curated a list,' we meant we selected them by personally testing all these women’s running shoes to ensure they are worthy of choosing.

How we test running shoes

Our top picks for the best running shoes for women are NOT products of cherry-picking. First, we buy them with our own money. Second, we wear test them covering at least 30-50 miles doing intervals, tempo runs, recovery runs, basically pushing through all the paces both on the roads and trails.

We also bring the shoes to our independent shoe testing lab to run different kinds of tests and assessments, including: 

  • Cutting each shoe into pieces for us to see what’s inside.
  • Measuring the shoes' breathability, flexibility, softness, durability, etc. 
  • Comparing the data we collected to their average values so we can better interpret the results.

Best running shoes for women overall

ASICS Novablast 4
92
Superb!

What makes it the best?

After miles of pounding the pavement and hours of lab testing, we crowned the ASICS Novablast 4 as the top women’s running shoe. It’s a highly comfortable and supportive shoe that’s able to tackle any distance and other daily activities with ease. For all the versatility it offers, its $140 price tag is a pleasant surprise.

The Novablast 4 has an effortless aura to it that’s perfect for women on the go. Our scales reveal it’s only 9.1 oz (259g), right below the average running shoe despite its abundant cushioning. We found that it adapts to our movements easily, verified by our bend test when it emerged 10.8% more flexible than average.

The foam feels so gentle underfoot, and our durometer agrees with a rating of 19.1% softer than average. We also measured the stack to be a massive 39.2/30.2 mm, ensuring our feet stayed protected against ground impact.

Amazingly, we never lost balance even if the shoe is both soft and tall. For enhanced stability, NB4 offers a wide base similar to more supportive shoes. Our caliper confirms it’s a vast 122.8/94.7 mm vs. the 114.0/90.7 mm average forefoot and heel.

However, we recommend more competitive ladies find a more energetic shoe for better energy return and speed since this shoe shines best at steadier paces.

Pros

  • Enhanced outsole offering better grip and durability
  • Improved upper comfort with premium materials
  • Upgraded tongue padding
  • Exceptional value at just $140
  • More cushion than ever before
  • Accommodates a wide range of foot sizes
  • The most stable Novablast yet
  • Retains most of its fun and energetic ride

Cons

  • Not the best for hot summer runs
  • Outsole still lacks grip in wet conditions
  • Minor weight increase compared to v3
Full review of ASICS Novablast 4

Best daily training running shoes for women

Nike Pegasus 41
88
Great!

What makes it the best?

The Nike Pegasus 41 showed steady and reliable performance in our lab tests and runs, making it the top women’s choice for daily training. It brings a versatile and natural running experience that feels effortless to sustain, with an upper that’s suitable all year round.

The midsole is both grounded and comfortable—the former due to the low 22.2 mm forefoot and the latter due to the plush 15.8 HA ReactX foam. In addition, Pegasus 41 has two Air Zoom units which enhance energy return and remain the same over time. Altogether, the ride feels highly responsive and electric!

The Peg also feels agile since the midsole is easy to maneuver. Our bend test reveals it’s 32.9% more flexible than average, making it suitable for walking, gym workouts, and other errands. Its versatility is also highlighted through its upper, which scored a 4/5 in our breathability test. This rating makes it comfortable enough for all seasons.

What may be a dealbreaker to some women is its steep 11.4 mm drop that may strain the hips and knees. We recommend forefoot strikers to find shoes with a lower drop.

Pros

  • Enhanced for heel strikers
  • New ReactX foam!
  • Improved breathability
  • Plush upper
  • Good durability
  • Several stability enhancements
  • Newly designed rocker and bevel
  • Solid performance
  • Superior lockdown
  • Sustainable features

Cons

  • Not ideal for forefoot strikers
  • Price increased by $10
  • Worse than the v40 in cold temperatures
Full review of Nike Pegasus 41

Best women's shoes for tempo running

What makes it the best?

The PUMA Deviate Nitro 3 electrified our speed training with its streamlined build, energetic midsole, and unmatched traction. Slicing the best women’s running shoes into half in our lab confirmed it’s the top tempo shoe in this category. 

Testing the shoe’s layers confirmed its super trainer status for ladies. We discovered a dual-density stack in the lab with a slightly curved carbon plate nestled in between. The base cushion is a plush 18.0 HA Nitro foam that feels bouncy. The real star is the top 19.0 HA Nitro Elite layer, which offers exceptional responsiveness, filling our training with excitement.

Wearing the Deviate Nitro 3 made us feel highly swift and agile. Our caliper confirms what we felt: this trainer has a sleek build for lighter strides. The midsole measures 109.3/82.7 mm, much slimmer than the 114.0/90.7 mm average.

Underfoot, the PUMAGRIP ATR outsole ensures we won’t miss our runs during rainy days. The rubber measures a soft 72.0 HC and delivers undeniable grip during testing. However, its result in our Dremel test is concerning, making us doubt its durability. We cannot recommend this trainer to women who wear out their shoes quickly.

Pros

  • Exceptional grip on all surfaces
  • Fantastic cushioning
  • Competitively priced
  • Responsive carbon plate
  • Adapts well to all paces
  • Enhanced knit upper
  • Ideal for tempo workouts
  • Great at navigating tight turns

Cons

  • Outsole durability
  • Minor increase in weight
  • Ventilation could be better
Full review of PUMA Deviate Nitro 3

Best race running shoes for women

Nike Vaporfly 3
88
Great!

What makes it the best?

After rigorous lab tests and runs, we found the Nike Vaporfly 3 as the strongest race contender for fierce lady runners. Its solid combination of swiftness, lightness, and comfort took us to the finish line at a record-breaking pace. Its unmatched energy return took our breath away.

The Vaporfly 3 delivers otherworldly speed through its stiff and uniquely spoon-shaped carbon FlyPlate, which enables faster and smoother turnover. We’re astonished by how it doesn’t feel too harsh on foot, thanks to the plush and energetic ZoomX foam over the plate that relieves muscle strain and delivers powerful energy return. It feels easy to keep running since each landing is met with a plush 16.8 HA midsole.

Keeping its name close to heart, Vaporfly 3 made us fly so effortlessly since it never burdened us with its weight. Our scales reveal a mere 6.7 oz (190g), one of the lightest we’ve seen in the lab despite its cushioned midsole.

Amplifying its airiness is the ultra-breathable upper which scored a perfect 5/5 in our smoke test. This boosted our comfort and confidence since we didn’t have to worry about blisters no matter how long or how hot our run was. However, its focus on ventilation made it more susceptible to damage, earning a 1/5 toebox durability score. Women who prioritize long-lasting toeboxes should check alternatives.

Pros

  • Exceptionally breathable upper
  • Outstanding ZoomX cushioning
  • Superb choice from the mile to the marathon
  • Impressively low weight
  • Enhanced stability
  • Plush, cloud-like foam
  • Upgraded outsole for better grip

Cons

  • Uncomfortably large tongue
  • The heel is still too narrow
Full review of Nike Vaporfly 3

Best stability running shoes for women

What makes it the best?

Our runs with the ASICS Gel Kayano 31 verify it stays true to its core, delivering reliable support while ensuring a luxurious feel. It’s the type of shoe we can wear to run mindlessly and endlessly, with the 4D Guidance System reassuring our every stride. Even our lab confirms it’s the best stability shoe for women.

ASICS went all out in incorporating its most innovative stability elements into this shoe while maintaining a natural feel. It features midsole sidewalls, a higher arch, an expansive base, and the 4D Guidance System. Our caliper confirms it’s a wide 122.1/97.6 mm, which offsets any potential imbalances during our runs.

Comfort still dominates the Gel Kayano 31 experience with its plush 15.6 HA foam and generous 39.3/27.8 mm stack. Additionally, its PureGEL in the heel enhances even gentler landings for rear strikers. 

What enhances an effortless experience is its maneuverable midsole, bending freely with our feet. Our 90-degree test verifies its flexibility, emerging 12.9% more malleable than average.

The Gel Kayano 31’s performance is a true testament that we can’t have it all. While comfort and support dominate our runs, it lacks excitement and energy return. Women seeking a responsive ride are better off elsewhere.

Pros

  • Excellent stability
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Good breathability
  • Comfortable and roomy upper
  • Great for easy paces
  • Maximalist cushioning
  • A bit lighter than v30
  • Plush FF Blast+ foam

Cons

  • Big and clunky
  • Not versatile at all
  • Outsole needs improvements
Full review of ASICS Gel Kayano 31

Women's running shoes with best plush cushioning

What makes it the best?

We wear-tested and sliced the best women’s running shoes in the lab and found the ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 to have top-tier plush cushioning. It delivers much-needed TLC for any distance and shines best on days we need to recover. Plus, the outsole can last countless miles!

Having the Gel Nimbus 26 underfoot completely erases ground feel since there’s so much foam in between our feet and the ground. To be more accurate, our caliper measurements show a 40.4/32.0 mm stack—the forefoot being much higher than many other shoes’ heels.

Its luxurious and gentle touch can be attributed to the full-length FF Blast+ ECO foam with a softness rating of 18.5 HA, 11.5% below average. Every landing is pure bliss, notably in the heel where the PureGEL is positioned, which is meant to further soften the impact. We felt like we could keep running forever in this pair!

Even the outsole can support endless miles. Our Dremel tool only managed to dent the rubber by 0.6 mm, which is highly impressive given the 1.0 mm lab average. This result erased any doubts of premature wear.

Unfortunately, the Gel Nimbus 26 doesn’t deliver the natural ride that some women are seeking. We rated it a high torsional rigidity of 5/5, which feels similar to carbon-plated shoes, albeit without the same energy return.

Pros

  • Premium all-around comfort
  • Enhanced toebox design
  • Exceptional durability
  • Best-in-series outsole
  • Ideal for long distances
  • Superb knit upper
  • Surprisingly stable
  • A dream for heel strikers

Cons

  • Increased weight
  • Limited energy return
  • Tongue lacks padding
Full review of ASICS Gel Nimbus 26

Best trail running shoes for women

Nike Zegama 2
82
Good!

What makes it the best?

Thorough analysis in the lab and outdoors led us to the ultimate trail running shoe for ladies: the Nike Zegama 2. It features the highly trusted Vibram Megagrip outsole and a well-balanced upper that we found protective yet unrestrictive. Long hours on foot didn’t feel like a burden thanks to the ZoomX midsole’s gentle touch and spirited ride.

Zegama 2 delivers the grip and shield women need to tackle various terrains fearlessly. Our caliper shows the Traction Lugs are 4.0 mm deep, which feels perfectly balanced and effectively secure underfoot. The outsole delivers traction while excelling in durability, as verified by its solid performance in our abrasion test.

Even from the top, the upper hits the sweet spot between breathability and durability, scoring an impressive 4/5 in both tests. We didn’t have to worry about ripping the shoe as we passed through protruding plants and our feet remained fresh throughout long hours on the trail.

The ZoomX midsole delivers responsiveness for a more adventurous ride, further enhanced by the rocker creating smooth transitions. With every stride, we land on its cloudlike cushioning that’s 35.8% softer than average.

Unfortunately, Zegama 2 isn’t the most agile option. Girls who prefer lightweight shoes will find its 10.7 oz (302g) weight too heavy.

Pros

  • More ZoomX bouncy foam!
  • Vibram Megagrip outsole
  • Spacious upper
  • Exceptional durability
  • Superb wet condition traction
  • Ideal for midfoot and forefoot strikers
  • Ready for long-distance running
  • Suitable for hiking too

Cons

  • Could be lighter
  • Not ideal for heel strikers
  • Limited toebox vertical space
Full review of Nike Zegama 2

What makes women’s shoes different from men’s?

Some brands make running shoes for women and for men to accommodate the anatomical differences between their feet. However, even though it’s said that women’s feet are more triangular (with narrower heels) and men’s are more rectangular, in many cases, women’s and men’s shoes are not that different. 

In most cases, it’s the upper that’s given more volume or made tighter to create the feeling of a narrower/wider fit while the cast of the shoe remains the same. 

There are 4 things that differentiate women’s running shoes from men's: 

  1. Sizes
  2. Width industry labels 
  3. Heel drop and/or stack heights
  4. Shape (width) and other shoe details
  5. Colorways 
If you’re a woman thinking of wearing running shoes in men’s sizes and want to learn all about it, please read our guide Understanding the differences in men's and women's running shoes. As a general rule, the difference between men's and women's sizes is 1.5 sizes. If you're US size 9 in women's shoes, you would need 7.5 in men's.

Women’s width options are marked as B for medium, D for wide, and 2E for extra wide. It can be somewhat confusing because D also marks men’s medium, and 2E marks men’s wide. 

hoka-mach-5-mens-heel-drop.jpg
Mach 5 men’s version with a heel stack height of 29mm. Women’s was released with 27mm at the heel 

Some brands release women’s shoes with different stack heights and heel drops from the men’s versions. This can go both ways (higher or lower stacks). For example, Hoka Mach 5 was released with 29mm at the heel for men and 27mm at the heel for women, and Kayano 29 has 24mm at the heel for women and 25mm for men (all numbers given according to the brands’ specifications, not our lab measurements). 

In some older Pegasus models, Nike customized the air chamber pressure to 15 PSI for women and 20 PSI for men. 

heel-width-measurement-womens-running-shoes.jpg
Heel width measurements 

Women’s running shoes are said to be narrower at the heel and wider at the toebox. However, we should have 2 things in our mind: 

  1. being narrower or wider is not always what we think it is. The whole cast is not always changed or made narrower/wider, but it’s the upper that plays a crucial role here. It’s given more or less volume meaning the shoe feels wider or narrower. Especially when you go from D to 2E. 
  2. It actually depends a lot on the brand and what they decide to do. Some runners feel no difference when wearing the shoe in women’s and men’s variants. Saysh, for example, a women's-shoe-only brand, says they make shoes for female feet: narrower heel and a standard forefoot. Some brands explicitly say they are creating gender-neutral shoes, which means there’s no difference. 

If you’re looking into brands and models that make women-specific running shoes, here are a few options: Saysh, Lululemon’s Blisfeel collection, and Puma’s Run XX Nitro 2. Finally, women’s options often have different colorways, which is often an incentive for runners to choose the opposite gender’s option! 

When it comes to shoe names and shoe boxes, W is the symbol to look for. Or women, or a lady symbol like the one we see on the toilet doors. 

What’s the deal with unisex running shoes? 

Some brands create unisex running shoes. They may tag them as “all gender”, “gender neutral” or “unisex”. These running shoes are a no-brainer, no need to question how they are different, if at all, because they are not. 

If you’re looking for unisex running shoes, look for both the women’s and men’s “toilet” symbol or the sizes listed in the women’s and men’s charts. 

Regarding the sizing, it's best to check the length in cm if only men's sizes are given (picture 1), or to look for women's sizing when both gender's sizes are listed (picture 2 and 3)

Here are some unisex running shoes in case you're interested: 

How to choose the best running shoe for you

It can be overwhelming to take everything into account. However, we recommend spending more time now on figuring things out, because that will enhance your chances of finding the perfect running shoe dramatically. 

1: choose the terrain 

There are 2 options: road running shoes and trail running shoes. Their names are self explanatory, so if you plan to run on concrete, asphalt, hard surfaces around the city, choose road shoes. If you plan to hit the trails, hills, mountains, or even a single track in your closest park, choose trail shoes

road-vs-trail-outsole-womens-running-shoes.jpg
Road outsole vs trail outsole in women's running shoes

There is a hybrid category: running shoes that are great for a bit of both. They excel at road-to-trail adventures. We cover them in the trail shoe section where you can choose “light terrain” filter, and definitely skip “moderate” and “technical” when looking for a hybrid shoe.

2: decide on the purpose (pace)

There are 3 big running shoe categories that depend on the pace: 

  1. Daily running shoes, which are used for (guess what) daily runs. These runs are usually easy, light, they entail jogging, recovery runs, basically everything at a slower pace. This does not mean they have to be short, we also have LSD or long slow distance, runs meant for building up the mileage. They are also done in daily trainers. 
  2. Tempo running shoes or shoes for speedwork are used for tempo runs. The are lighter and faster than daily running shoes and they often overlap with race shoes. 
  3. Race running shoes or competition running shoes which are, as the name suggests, used for races! They are often expensive and not durable, so runners keep them for the race day only and do not train in them. 
daily-tempo-race-women-shoes.jpg
Design differences between daily trainers (up), tempo shoes (middle), and race shoes (down) are obvious

Here are some of the pronounced features of these 3 running shoe groups: 

Daily

Tempo

Competition

Durable

Durability varies

The least durable

Comfortable

Design often allows them to be used for races as well

Aggressive design

Very padded

Somewhat padded

Usually not padded

Neutral or stability

Most of them are neutral

Neutral only

Very stable

Quite stable

Often high and unstable

Can be very affordable

Mid-range price

The most expensive

heel-padding-womens-tempo-running-shoes.jpg
Competition shoes have soft, thin, and pliable heel counters (left) while daily trainers often feature a very padded heel, some with a stiff plastic heel counter (right) 
tongue-thickness-padding-womens-training-shoes.jpg
Tongue in speed and race shoes is usually very thin (left), while daily trainers feature comfortable thick padding that prevents the lace bite 

Competition running shoes usually feature a softer and less stable foam 

3: figure out your pronation 

Skip this section if you already know whether you’re an overpronator, supinator, or have neutral pronation. 

Pronation is a completely natural and normal movement, and it happens when running when our ankle rolls inward once we land on the ground. In most cases, the ankle rolls inward (overpronation). Other runners have a neutral pronation or supination/underpronation (their ankles roll outward). 

Knowing pronation matters because of the shoe choices: 

  • Overpronators usually wear stability shoes. Most of the stability shoes are meant for daily runs
  • Neutral pronators and supinators wear neutral running shoes. All race shoes are neutral shoes, and in the world of tempo shoes, the majority are neutral

stability-vs-race-shoe-features-womens-shoes.jpg Here, we see a (neutral) race shoe above a stability daily trainer:
1) soft sock-like heel vs a padded heel with a plastic heel counter
2) no side walls vs. GuideRails present
3) no heel flare vs. a present heel flare
4) less ground contact vs. more ground contact outsole

This is a big step when choosing running shoes and it’s important to nail it! Stability shoes feature special technologies for extra stabilization and support, while neutral shoes tend to be more flexible, lighter and cheaper. 

4: figure out your foot strike

When running, we land on the forefoot, on the midfoot, or on the heel. That’s why running shoes are usually made for forefoot/midfoot strikers and/or for heel strikers. Knowing your foot strike is important because then you can look for more cushioning in the area where you land. 

rubber-favoring-forefoot-strikers-womens-running-shoes.jpg
Outsole design that works better for forefoot strikers 
rubber-coverage-comparison-outsoles- womens-shoes.jpg
All-footstrikes outsole designs

And, looking at the outsoles, you can look for running shoes that also feature rubber outsole where you land. Some race shoes place rubber only at the forefoot or add some smaller pieces to the heel. As a complete opposite, there are running shoes with full-length rubber outsole. The majority is somewhere in the middle. 

When it comes to the foot strike, we went down the rabbit hole while writing our guide Foot Strike: The Ultimate Guide. Read it if you want to learn more! 

landing-forefoot-womens-shoes.jpg

5: focus on your priorities

Running shoes have many features and, depending on your previous experience with the shoes and your current form and maybe even injuries, you might want to prioritize different things. Here, we’ll list many of them and dig deeper into the most important ones further down. 

You might care about: 

  1. Stack heights or how high off the ground your feet are if you already know whether you want some ground feel (lower stack heights) or no ground feel and as much cushioning as possible (high stack heights). 
  2. Heel-to-toe drop if you previously experienced or are currently experiencing muscle strains or injuries. And if you never run before, in that case, best to choose a higher heel drop. 
  3. Pronation if you have flat feet or you overpronate noticeably. 
  4. Foot strike because forefoot/midfoot strikers have different shoe needs than heel strikers. 
  5. Durability of running shoes if you already have a bad experience with shoes lasting nearly not long enough or if you know which part of the shoe you’ll expose to the beating (toebox or outsole). 
  6. Breathability if you plan to run in very hot weather, if you have sweaty feet, or if you need shoes that trap the heat because you prefer running in cold weather. 
  7. Stability of running shoes if you want to be extra safe, you’re pregnant, you love cornering and running over demanding terrain, etc. 
  8. Toebox width - something that runners usually care about if they have a wider toe box.

Now, we will explain all of these features, back them up with numbers, and give recommendations depending on your preferences. 

Stack height in running shoes for women

Stack height varies, the more midsole you have below your feet, the less you’ll feel the ground and the more impact protection you’ll get. The downside of very high shoes is that they can be very unstable. 

minimalist-versus-very-cushioned-womens-shoe.jpg
Minimalist vs a cushioned running shoe

We recommend a heel stack height of 25-35mm for beginners. In our lab, we measure the stack heights according to the guidelines from WorldAthletics. This means we cut the shoes in half and measure the heel and forefoot stack height at the center of the shoe, not a bit to the right or left. 

stack-heights-womens-running-shoes.jpg
Using a digital caliper to measure the forefoot stack height (left) and heel stack height (right) 

Heel stack height is measured at 12% of the inner shoe length, while the forefoot one is measured at 75% of the inner shoe length. 

If you land on your heel, it’s best to look for a lot of cushioning in that area. If you’re a forefoot/midfoot striker, prioritize cushioning at the forefoot. 

Heel-to-toe drop in women’s running shoes

Heel drop is the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot in running shoes. Like the stack heights, it’s given in millimeters. 

heel-drop-stack-height-variation-womens-running-shoes.jpg

Women who just started running often don’t bother with heel drop and a general recommendation is to go with ~10mm heel drop in that case. However, it’s important to understand the effect of heel drop on our bodies and running. 

stack-height-exact-measurements-womens-running-shoes.jpg

There are 4 categories of heel drop and choosing one should be done based on your running experience and overall leg/muscle health: 

  1. Zero-drop running shoes with a heel drop of 0 mm. These running shoes ask for the longest adaptation period because the majority of footwear is not zero-drop. We’re used to a higher drop. These shoes utilize your foot muscles the most. Experienced runners add them to their rotation to strengthen the foot muscles. 
  2. Low-drop running shoes have a heel drop of 1-4 mm. These running shoes also ask for an adaptation period if you’re coming here from a 10mm drop. They utilize the lower leg muscles the most (Achilles, calves). 
  3. Mid-drop running shoes with a heel drop of 5-8 mm. These shoes are quite frequent in trail shoes. They utilize higher leg muscles the most (thighs). 
  4. High-drop running shoes have a heel drop of 9 mm or higher. Most of the running shoes have this heel drop and most of the runners are used to it. When coming from a zero drop to a 10mm drop, you can feel your hip muscles on fire. 

We covered the topic of heel drop in the greatest detail in our Ultimate guide to heel to toe drop

low-to-the-ground-and-high-womens-running-shoes.jpg

How soft are running shoes for women? 

Most of us care about softness because we relate it to comfort. However, some women prefer running in firmer shoes because they feel more stable and supportive. Also, some foams can be too soft, meaning they allow your feet to sink in, but don’t push them back and forward. 

durometer-closeup-midsole-softness-womens-running-shoes.jpg
Using a shore A durometer to measure the softness of the foam

The only way to properly measure the softness of the midsole foam is to stick the durometer needle into it but once the shoe has been cut in half. Doing this on the outside (whole shoe) gives wrong results

Foam that is very soft to the point of being unstable for heel strikers 

Looking at the numbers on the durometer, the lower they are, the softer the foam. For example,  race shoes are 8.2% softer than daily trainers, according to our lab data. 

For context, here’s how soft the best-rated running shoes for women are: 

In case you want your ride to be as soft as possible, here are running shoes which got the lowest numbers on our durometer: 

Responsiveness in women’s running shoes

Responsivness is THE feature to look for in competition running shoes. However, in daily trainers, it’s ok to sacrifice some responsiveness for durability and/or stability. 

Premium running shoes usually feature premium foam. This foam has an insane energy return and leg-saving features but is very expensive and not durable. Standard foams, on the other hand, are usually found in daily trainers. They are much more affordable and more durable, but not as responsive. 

visuals-premium-standard-foams-no-difference.jpg 

Just by looking at running shoes, it’s almost impossible to tell the difference between standard and premium foam 

Our advice is to find your foam in the list of standard or premium foams and find out what you can expect from it! 

Pros and cons of premium foams

Brand Foam Top feature Major drawback
Nike ZoomX (Pebax) Energy return Durability
ASICS FF Turbo (Nylon) Durability Weight
ASICS FF Turbo+ (PEBA) Performance Stability
Adidas Lightstrike Pro (TPEE) Super-durable all-rounder Break-in needed
Saucony PWRRUN PB (Pebax) Comfort Energy return
Saucony PWRRUN HG (Pebax) Performance Maybe too firm for some
Puma Nitro Elite (PEBA + EVA / A-TPU) Durability Energy return
Hoka Unnamed (PEBA) Responsive Impact protection
Decathlon VFOAM (Pebax) / VFOAM PLUS (Pebax + EVA) Affordable Performance
Mizuno Enerzy Lite+ (PEBA) Bounce Stability
Reebok Floatride (Pebax) Low price Energy return
Li-Ning BOOM (Pebax) Bounce Hard to find
On Helion HF (Pebax) Energy return Durability
New Balance FuelCell (Pebax) Softness Weight

Pros and cons of standard foams

Brand Foam Top Feature Major drawback
New Balance FuelCell (TPU / EVA)  Cloud-like feel Stability
Skechers HyperBurst (EVA) Lightweight Energy return
Skechers HyperBurst Pro (TPU) Responsive Heavy
Nike React / ReactX (TPE + EVA) Versatile Dull
Nike Phylon / Cushlon (EVA) All-rounder Energy Return
Adidas Boost (TPU) Comfortable Heavy
Adidas Light Boost (TPU) Weight Boring
Adidas Lightstrike (EVA / TPU) Stability Too firm
Adidas Dreamstrike+ (Bio-based PEBA) Versatile Weight
ASICS FF Blast / FF Blast+ (EVA + OBC) Bounce Durability
ASICS FlyteFoam (EVA) Lightweight Energy return
Brooks DNA Loft (EVA) / DNA Flash (EVA) Lightweight Dull
Brooks DNA Amp (TPU) Energy return Heavy
Brooks BioMoGo DNA (EVA) Comfort Energy return
New Balance Fresh Foam / Fresh Foam X (EVA / EVA + PEBA) Softness Mushy
Merrell Super Rebound Compound (EVA) Durable Energy return
Saucony PWRRUN (EVA + TPU) Versatile Boring
Saucony PWRRUN+ (TPU) Energy return Weight
Hoka ProFly (EVA) Comfortable Energy return
Hoka ProFly+ (EVA) Responsive Durability
On Helion (EVA + OBC) Unique Firm
Altra Ego (EVA) Fun Energy return
Altra Ego Pro (TPE) Bouncy Cushion
Puma Nitro (TPEE / PEBA) Responsive Durability
Puma Profoam / Profoam Lite (EVA) Durability Cushion
Under Armour HOVR (EVA + OBC) Stability Firm
Mizuno Enerzy (TPE) All-rounder Bounce
Mizuno Enerzy Core (TPE) Softness Durability
Mizuno Enerzy Lite (Nylon) Lightweight Cushion
Mizuno Enerzy NXT (EVA) Soft Stability
Salomon EnergyFoam (EVA + OBC) Stability Boring
Salomon EnergyCell / EnergyCell+ (EVA) Durability Firm
Reebok FloatRide Energy (TPU) Price Heavy
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Inov-8 Powerflow Pro (EVA) Comfort Bounce

Durability of women’s running shoes

Women who care about the durability of running shoes are usually the ones who already had bad experiences. Or maybe you just want to know what you’re investing in! 

In our lab, we use a dremel to test the durability of 3 areas: toebox, heel padding, and outsole. 

 

Testing the durability of the toe box in RunRepeat lab 

When we damage the toebox and the heel padding, we look at the damage and assign it a durability score on a 1-5 scale, 1 being the least durable and 5 being the most durable. 

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Non-durable uppers (up) vs durable uppers (down)

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Non-durable heel padding (left) vs. a very durable heel padding (right)

However, when we perform the same test on the outsole, given the nature of the material, we’re able to precisely measure the depth of the dent. So, we don’t need to assess anything. 

Testing the durability of the outsole in RunRepeat lab 

We actually use a tire tread gauge to measure the damage. It accurately measures the depth of the dent, so the deeper the dent, the less durable the outsole. 

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Exposed midsole is not durable at all, which is why the dents on it are the deepest 

When it comes to the outsole durability, what also plays a part is the thickness, the more outsole you have, the more you can damage it, obviously. 

Breathability of women’s running shoes

We use a smoke machine and a microscope to assess the breathability of running shoes. 

Assessing the breathability of a running shoe on a 1-5 scale, 5 being the most breathable 

Most women prefer very breathable shoes, which makes sense given that no one enjoys having sweaty feet. However, choosing those that don’t breathe (well) is a great decision for running in cold weather. When equipped with a waterproof membrane, it’s also great for wet weather! 

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Looking at the upper under the microscope allows us to understand better why a shoe does (not) breathe. Very breathable running shoes have large ventilation holes, a 1-layer upper, loose structure. Non-breathable uppers have tightly packed threads, no ventilation holes, and often 2 layers. 

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Very breathable uppers (up) under the microscope vs non-breathable uppers (down)

How to assess stability of women’s running shoes?

As mentioned in the stack height section above, higher shoes are great because they are easier on the legs with no ground feel and more foam to welcome your feet during the landing. However, high shoes can also be unstable. 

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High and narrow platforms (up) vs high and wide midsoles (down)

So, when we talk about the stability, we measure the platform with. The wider the midsole, the more planted the landing and toeoffs! 

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Measuring the with of the midsole at the forefoot and at the heel 

Wide toebox in women’s running shoes

While women’s shoes are, on average, narrower than men's, it does not mean some of us don’t need a wide toebox! For this reason, we measure the width of the toebox in 2 places. 

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Measuring the width of the toebox at the big toe (left) and where it's the widest (right) 

These 2 measurements allow us to understand not just how wide the toebox overall is, but also how pointy it is, or how much it tapers. 

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Narrow and pointy toebox (left) vs. a wide toebox that's foot-shaped

Women have differently-shaped toes, and that’s normal. So, one shoe shape can’t properly fit us all. 

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If you have pointy feet, look for pointy toebox. If you have a wide forefoot, look for that! We list all our lab data points in our reviews so you can easily look for the shoes within the same range or wider. 

We also recommend reading our guide on Best running shoes with a wide toebox for more details, lab data, and advice! 

Pregnancy and running shoes: recommendations 

When pregnant, women gain weight and their feet can swell. Here are features we recommend you look for in running shoes if you plan to use them as the pregnancy advances, maybe more as walking shoes than running shoes: 

  1. Stability. Look for running shoes with a wider platform. Wobbling is a no in running not to mention when you’re carrying a child. 
  2. Midsoles that feel stable and are not too soft. Firmer midsoles can be more stable and you should not feel like the shoes are tiring your feet (making them work extra).
  3. Perfect lockdown. This is a must for all runners but their feet might not swell as much. So, you need a shoe that will allow your feet to swell and yet fit perfectly, not too tight or too loose. Feet sliding to the sides and heel slipping are a no. Knit uppers are softer and have more give than the mesh uppers, but are also less breathable

Trail running shoes for women

As mentioned above, the main difference between the road and trail shoes is the outsole. Trail running shoes have lugs. They also have more protection on the upper, the most noticeable being the toe bumper, and they feature (on average) a lower heel drop. 

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Measuring the thickness of the lugs in trail running shoes 

Basically it’s all about the lugs when it comes to trail shoes. Very shallow lugs (less than 3mm) are mostly used for light hiking and such lugs are found in hybrid shoes - those that we use both on roads and trails. Lugs that are 3-4mm deep are mostly used on moderate terrain. And, finally, lugs deeper than 4mm are used for technical terrain. 

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3.0mm lugs (left) and 4.6mm lugs (right)

However, it’s not just about the depth. Their shape, orientation, and distance matter a lot. 

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Lugs that are deep and spaced further apart are great for muddy trails; deep lugs are usually used on technical terrain, and multidirectional, differently-shaped lugs excel on moderate, varying terrain

In the lab, we also measure the hardness of the outsole rubber. We do this because softer rubber is usually stickier so it can tell us more about the grip. On the other hand, harder rubber is more durable and protective. 

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Measuring the hardness of the outsole rubber using a shore C durometer 

At the end, the design of the shoe can tell us a lot about the shoe’s purpose. Just because lugs are deep does not immediately qualify the shoe for mud or technical terrain. If it’s too unstable or too chunky, it won’t perform well on such surfaces. 

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.