10 Best Black Running Shoes For Women in 2022

Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.4
10 Best Black Running Shoes For Women in 2022

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
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
£140 £80 From Amazon
Best road
Saucony Endorphin Speed Saucony Endorphin Speed
£170 £117 From Amazon
Best trail
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 Nike Pegasus Trail 3
£140 £81 From SportsShoes
Best Nike
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
£130 £77 From SportsShoes
Best value
Nike Quest 4 Nike Quest 4
£80 £52 From Amazon
See all 838 women's black running shoes

Overview of this guide

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 black running shoes overall for women

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
£80
See deal  
£120
See deal  
£162
See deal  
No stock  
Top pick

Corescore

92
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 66,593 users
91 / 100 from 18 experts

Pros

  • fits true to size
  • secure fit
  • great stability
  • gusseted tongue
  • soft but not mushy
  • superb durability
  • no lace bite

Cons

  • not for speedy runs
  • could be lighter

Verdict

Thanks for making our daily runs nice and stable, Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21! The upper hugged our feet well, and the midsole is balanced - it's neither mushy nor too rigid. It just kept our motions in check, preventing any excessive movements. It's certainly not a light shoe, but having tested its precursors, we can say that Brooks is heading in the right direction! Apart from support, what stood out to us also is its tank-like durability.
See our full review and facts
Brooks Ghost 14
Brooks Ghost 14
£89
See deal  
£130
See deal  
£138
See deal  
No stock  
Also great

Corescore

93
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 34,349 users
91 / 100 from 15 experts

Pros

  • All about comfort!
  • True to size
  • Lots of padding
  • Smooth ride
  • Really stable, even on light trails
  • Breathable
  • 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

Verdict

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!
See our full review and facts

Best black road running shoes for women

Saucony Endorphin Speed
Saucony Endorphin Speed
£117
See deal  
£120
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  
Top pick

Corescore

93
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 3,552 users
92 / 100 from 29 experts

Pros

  • Fast & responsive
  • Cushioned especially for the long runs
  • Spring, trampoline effect
  • Excellent durability 
  • Featherweight like a race shoe
  • Breathable
  • True to size
  • Perfect foot lock
  • Incredible value

Cons

  • Needs adaptation period 
  • Questionable grip on wet surfaces

Verdict

Among all the shoes we've tested, nothing comes close to how the Saucony Endorphin Speed fits the bill as a speedster that can certainly go the distance! Whether it's a 10K, half marathon, or marathon, you can set PBs in this baby! If you're looking for an all-rounder that can both go fast and slow, this is NOT it. It's made for speed, and it sticks to that!
See our full review and facts
Brooks Ghost 13
Brooks Ghost 13
£82
See deal  
£120
See deal  
£120
See deal  
No stock  
Also great

Corescore

91
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 95,954 users
88 / 100 from 35 experts

Pros

  • Superb comfort
  • Stable ride
  • Very breathable even on summer days
  • Good grip both on wet and dry surfaces
  • Smooth transitions 
  • Flexible 
  • Wide toe box
  • Great for slow and long runs

Cons

  • Can't go fast
  • Outsole lacks durability

Verdict

If you want a shoe that screams comfort, we couldn't recommend the Brooks Ghost 13 enough! It's a neutral daily trainer that's padded so generously all throughout, it felt like a couch to our feet. It didn't make us run fast, but it made our feet stable and protected from all the pounding on the pavement - easily, this is our champion on long, easy-paced runs!
See our full review and facts

Best black trail running shoes for women

Nike Pegasus Trail 3
Nike Pegasus Trail 3
£81
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£88
See deal  
£92
See deal  
£104
See deal  
Top pick

Corescore

89
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 168 users
87 / 100 from 13 experts

Pros

  • Soft, bouncy ride
  • Very comfortable
  • True to size
  • Wide for a Nike
  • Wide loop on heel
  • Built to last
  • Reflective swoosh
  • Killer grip on dry trails

Cons

  • Not grippy in wet
  • Runs warm

Verdict

The Pegasus road series just holds a special place in our feet, we just had to see it in trail action. And voila! 50 miles later, the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 won us over with its uber plush landings! Unlike other trail shoes, it's NOT dense nor dull, it's stable and comfy and will make your run cloud-like. When faced with slick surfaces, however, it shows its limitations.
See our full review and facts
Altra Lone Peak 5.0
Altra Lone Peak 5.0
£105
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  
£76
See deal  
Also great

Corescore

92
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 5,179 users
89 / 100 from 19 experts

Pros

  • Great for wide feet
  • Superb grip (rocks, mud, ice, snow) 
  • Stiff and durable 
  • Sheds mud easily
  • Great water drainage
  • Balanced and stable ride
  • Removable Ortholite insole
  • Great for road-to-trail transitions
  • Extremely breathable
  • Rock plate for technical terrain
  • Gaiter-friendly
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • No ground feel
  • Too cold for winter days

Verdict

The Altra Lone Peak 5.0 is a trail shoe that will make run with confidence! It's sturdy underfoot, supportive, and it's got the right blend of comfort and responsiveness. Throw in any terrain, and this show will bite its way through them!
See our full review and facts

Best black Nike running shoes for women

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
£77
See deal  
£80
See deal  
£81
See deal  
£89
See deal  
Top pick

Corescore

86
Great!
4.3 / 5 from 2,515 users
88 / 100 from 21 experts

Pros

  • Wider than Pegasus 37
  • Very stable ride
  • Peppy toe-off
  • Hugs your feet 
  • Padded upper
  • Very durable (400-500miles)
  • Grippy even on dirt roads
  • Legit workhorse
  • Doubles as a gym shoe
  • A joy to run in

Cons

  • Runs warm
  • Above-average weight

Verdict

If there's one thing we can't take away from the Pegasus 38, it's that it's the GOAT of all workhorse shoes in our arsenal! It oozes with plushness, stability, and pop, doing it all from slow days, tempo sessions, and gym workouts even. If you want to run with fun, take the Pegasus any day!
See our full review and facts
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
£92
See deal  
£154
See deal  
£154
See deal  
No stock  
Also great

Corescore

86
Great!
4.3 / 5 from 1,704 users
89 / 100 from 19 experts

Pros

  • Exceptional flywire lacing
  • Soft & cushioned ride
  • Great for heavier runners
  • Incredible grip (road)
  • Very breathable
  • Padded heel collar
  • No heel slipping
  • True to size
  • Durable 

Cons

  • Tongue rips apart
  • Lacks pop for tempo runs
  • Slippery on snow and ice

Verdict

In the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2, our feet just felt locked in place! And even after rough wear testing, this daily trainer proved itself a durable shoe. It's loaded with lots of cushion that's not too soft nor too rigid, making it supportive and ideal for heavy runners. As a daily running shoe, it sticks to what it's designed to do - it's not going to make you run fast, but it does offer a smooth, easy ride.
See our full review and facts

Best value black running shoes for women

Nike Quest 4
Nike Quest 4
£52
See deal  
£60
See deal  
£61
See deal  
£63
See deal  
Top pick

Corescore

75
Decent!
4.2 / 5 from 203 users
N/A

Pros

  • True to size
  • Wider than other Nikes
  • Breathable
  • Durable
  • Very affordable 
  • Grippy thanks to mini lugs
  • Sleek modern looks
  • Great, secure fit
  • Outstanding weight

Cons

  • Not a springy ride
  • Short runs only

Verdict

At the entry level, there’s usually not a ton to review or write about, but the Nike Quest 4 fills a niche with a trendy-looking shoe at a bargain price. If you desire that Nike swoosh and have less than $80 in your pocket there aren’t many options, but surprisingly this stylish trainer fits the bill and isn’t all that bad!
See our full review and facts
Asics Gel Kayano 27
Asics Gel Kayano 27
£103
See deal  
£108
See deal  
£157
See deal  
£164
See deal  
Also great

Corescore

91
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 56,775 users
90 / 100 from 21 experts

Pros

  • Excellent stability
  • Superb lock-in feel
  • Plush 
  • Comfortable
  • Luxurious feel 
  • Smooth ride 
  • Good for walking
  • Amazing grip
  • Extremely durable

Cons

  • Not for speed runs

Verdict

Now on its 27th iteration, the Kayano is everything we expect from a premium stability shoe. It's sturdy, supportive, has got an incredibly plush comfort (surprising for a stability shoe)! If there's a hang-up to it, it's the shoe's hefty weight, which for us, is not something that should be penalized, given its top-tier performance.
See our full review and facts

What are the most popular women's black running shoes in 2022?

  1. Brooks Ghost 14
  2. Nike Pegasus Trail 3
  3. Nike Downshifter 11
  4. Asics Novablast 2
  5. Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX
  6. Adidas Ultraboost 22
  7. Adidas Supernova+
  8. Asics Gel Kayano 28
  9. Saucony Endorphin Speed 2
  10. Adidas Galaxy 5
  11. Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2
  12. Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next%
  13. Nike ZoomX Invincible Run
  14. Nike Wildhorse 7
  15. Asics Gel Venture 8

See all women's black running shoes sorted by popularity

What are the cheapest women's black running shoes in 2022?

  1. Adidas Nova Flow - from £30
  2. Reebok Energen Plus - from £30
  3. Asics Jolt 3 - from £30
  4. Adidas Runfalcon 2.0 - from £23
  5. Asics Patriot 12 - from £33
  6. Reebok Lite Plus 3 - from £28
  7. Adidas Duramo 10 - from £25
  8. Nike Revolution 6 - from £22
  9. Asics Gel Excite Trail - from £38
  10. Adidas Galaxy 5 - from £32
  11. Adidas Supernova - from £36
  12. Nike Juniper Trail - from £40
  13. Adidas Runfalcon 2.0 TR - from £35
  14. Nike Run Swift 2 - from £41
  15. Adidas Questar Flow NXT - from £24

See all women's black running shoes sorted by lowest price

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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