7 Best Road Running Shoes For Women, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
Ladies, we don’t want you to settle for less even in your pair of road running shoes. We’ve personally tried and tested the ten best road runners on the market.
These shoes have gone through the wringer, and aced every test we’ve conducted. Safe to say, they are the cream of the crop.
Table of contents How we test road running shoesBest overallBest neutralBest stabilityBest wideBest mediumBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
How we test road running shoes
Each model of road running shoes for women we test is bought with our own money. And we assess them down to the littlest details in our own shoe testing lab.
To stay objective, we also:
- Run in each shoe for at least 30 to 50 miles to test its performance and durability
- Slice them open to see their materials
- Measure their parts in 30 different parameters
- Generate their CoreScore using thousands of expert and user reviews
Best women's road running shoes overall
PUMA Deviate Nitro 2
Amazon
Free shipping
$120
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$125
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$160
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$160
CoreScore
- Top 1% in road running shoes
- Top 2% in PUMA running shoes
- Top 5% most popular running shoes
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
Verdict
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.
Best neutral road running shoes for women
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$114
Marathon Sports
Free shipping
$165
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$220
Zappos
CoreScore
- Top 1% in road running shoes
- Top 2% in Adidas running shoes
Pros
- Breathable
- Responsive
- Carbon rods
- Soft midsole
- Laces stay tight
- Price
Cons
- Runs narrow
- Unstable at slow speeds
Verdict
Top-tier race shoe from Adidas gets an update. In 2020 V1 won a ton of praise and world records with its carbon rod (and plate) design and Lightstrike Pro midsole. The super shoe category was once owned but just one brand but in 2021 there’s some serious contenders for best in show.
Best stability road running shoes for women
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Amazon
Free shipping
$98
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$140
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$140
Designer Shoe Warehouse
Free shipping
$140
CoreScore
- Top 6% in road running shoes
- Top 12% in Brooks running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Promising durability
- Stability for all directions
- Improved aesthetics
- Phenomenal grip
- A firmer, faster midsole
- Consistent in all conditions
- Reliable daily runner
Cons
- Very heavy
- High price point for stability aimed at beginners
- Midsole is too hard for some
Verdict
One of Brooks’ most revered and popular stability shoes gets a well-needed modern update for 2022. This daily runner is loved by many because it’s seen as the Jack of all trades running shoe thanks to a bi-directional correction for different over-pronation. With fresher looks, it’s now an even more attractive option.
Best road wide toebox running shoes for women
Brooks Revel 5
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$66
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$70
Backcountry
Free shipping
$70
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$70
CoreScore
- Top 7% in road running shoes
- Top 19% in Brooks running shoes
- Top 2% most popular running shoes
Pros
- True to size
- Fits like a dream
- Accommodating stretchy upper
- Efficient transitions
- Surprisingly peppy
- Laces stay tied tightly
- Low to the ground
- Durable construction
- Great deal
- Do-it-all shoe
- Impressive weight
- Breathable
Cons
- Not for long runs
- No reflective details
Verdict
An affordable trainer that's got the makings of advanced running shoes? Hello, Brooks Revel 5! It's a smooth and lively jack-of-all-trades that will keep your feet comfy and bouncing. It can push the pace, eat up half-marathon distances, and breeze through your daily runs!
Best road medium toebox running shoes for women
ASICS Novablast 3
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$140
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$140
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$140
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$140
CoreScore
- Top 2% in road running shoes
- Top 2% in ASICS running shoes
- Top 2% most popular running shoes
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.
Best value road running shoes for women
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$108
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$170
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$170
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$170
CoreScore
- Top 1% in road running shoes
- Top 3% in Mizuno running shoes
- Top 16% most popular running shoes
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.
Most popular road running shoes for women
Hoka Clifton 8
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$112
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$112
Hoka
Free shipping & returns
$112
REI
Free shipping
$113
CoreScore
- Top 9% in road running shoes
- Top 9% in Hoka running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
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!
