7 Best Running Shoes For Women in 2023

Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.6
7 Best Running Shoes For Women in 2023
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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, this list trims down your options down to the ten best shoes from various categories. We have personally tested all these women’s running shoes to make sure they are worthy of choosing.

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
Brooks Revel 5 Brooks Revel 5
$100 $67 From Amazon
Best stability
ASICS Gel Kayano 29 ASICS Gel Kayano 29
$160 $110 From Zappos
Best for race
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0 Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0
$220 $108 From Amazon
Best cushioning
ASICS Novablast 3 ASICS Novablast 3
$140 $120 From Amazon
Best for long distance
Brooks Ghost 14 Brooks Ghost 14
$140 $95 From Amazon
See all 1216 women's running shoes

    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 put them through paces with at least 30-50 miles of test runs.

    They also go through a series of tests in our independent RunRepeat shoe testing lab, including: 

    • Cutting each shoe into pieces to see what’s inside
    • Measure its parts in various parameters like breathability, flexibility, softness, strength, etc. 

    And to see how they rank against other running shoes, we calculate their CoreScore through thousands of expert and user reviews.

    Best running shoes overall

    puma deviate nitro 2 test
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-cut-in-half
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-cut-in-half
    puma deviate nitro 2 lab test
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-breathability-test
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-breathability-test
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-transparency-test
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-transparency-test
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-heel-stiffness
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-heel-stiffness
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-cushioning-test
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-cushioning-test
    puma deviate nitro 2 midsole test
    puma deviate nitro 2 freezer test
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-ride2
    puma deviate nitro 2 outsole
    puma deviate nitro 2 outsole thickness
    puma deviate nitro 2 heel stack height
    puma deviate nitro 2 forefoot stack height
    puma deviate nitro 2 insole thickness
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-testing
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-testing
    puma deviate nitro 2 forefoot max width
    puma deviate nitro 2 big toe2
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-flexibility-test2
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-flexibility-test2
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-flexibility-test1
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-flexibility-test1
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-road-test
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-road-test
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-stability
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-stability
    puma deviate nitro 2 midsole width heel
    Puma%20Deviate%20Nitro%202%20-%20Reflective%20elements
    Puma%20Deviate%20Nitro%202%20-%20Reflective%20elements
    puma deviate nitro 2 outsole test
    puma deviate nitro 2 from above
    puma deviate nitro 2 in pieces 2
    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 running shoes for trail

    hoka tecton x rocky terrain
    hoka-tecton-x-cut-in-half
    hoka-tecton-x-cut-in-half
    hoka tecton x cut in pieces
    hoka tecton x outdoor_012
    hoka tecton x_036
    hoka-tecton-x-trail-runs
    hoka-tecton-x-trail-runs
    hoka-tecton-x-torsional-flexibility
    hoka-tecton-x-torsional-flexibility
    hoka tecton x bottom
    hoka tecton x_013
    hoka tecton x lugs
    hoka-tecton-x-cushioning-test
    hoka-tecton-x-cushioning-test
    hoka tecton x heel stack height
    hoka-tecton-x-slow-motion
    hoka-tecton-x-slow-motion
    hoka tecton x base
    hoka tecton x freezer
    hoka tecton x trail
    hoka tecton x stretch
    hoka tecton x_019
    hoka-tecton-x-carbon-plate
    hoka-tecton-x-carbon-plate
    hoka tecton x toebox width
    hoka tecton x lugs outsole
    hoka tecton x heel
    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 running shoes with wide toebox

    Brooks-Revel-5-Features-2
    Brooks-Revel-5-Features-2
    Brooks Revel 5 Parts
    Brooks-Revel-5-Showoff
    Brooks-Revel-5-Showoff
    Brooks-Revel-5-Saw
    Brooks-Revel-5-Saw
    Brooks-Revel-5-Reveal
    Brooks-Revel-5-Reveal
    Brooks-Revel-5-Cut-Apart
    Brooks-Revel-5-Cut-Apart
    Brooks-Revel-5-360
    Brooks-Revel-5-360
    Brooks Revel 5
    Brooks Revel 5 Side Logo
    Brooks-Revel-5-Running-Side
    Brooks-Revel-5-Running-Side
    Brooks Revel 5 Heel Stack
    Brooks Revel 5 Weight
    Brooks Revel 5 Outsole Thickness
    Brooks Revel 5 Outsole
    Brooks-Revel-5-Running-Angled
    Brooks-Revel-5-Running-Angled
    Brooks Revel 5 Upper
    Brooks-Revel-5-Fog
    Brooks-Revel-5-Fog
    Brooks Revel 5 Laces
    Brooks-Revel-5-Heel-Loop
    Brooks-Revel-5-Heel-Loop
    Brooks Revel 5 Heel Tab
    Brooks Revel 5 Freezer
    Brooks-Revel-5-Flex-Test
    Brooks-Revel-5-Flex-Test
    Brooks Revel 5
    90
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    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!

    Pros

    • 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
    Full review of Brooks Revel 5

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    567/Cheetah Purple/Cactus/Black (567)
    White/Navy/Pink (193)
    Black/Thistle/Cadet (073)
    Grey/White/Baton Rouge (033)
    White/Black (121)
    White/Black/Bluebird (103)
    Black Metallic White (036)
    Black Blue Pink (067)
    More colors
    $67
    See deal  
    $70
    See deal  
    $70
    See deal  
    $80
    See deal  

    Best stability running shoes for women

    Asics Gel Kayano 29 lab review
    Asics-Gel-Kayano-29-saw-cutting
    Asics-Gel-Kayano-29-saw-cutting
    Asics Gel Kayano 29 review
    Asics Gel Kayano 29 heel stack
    Asics-Gel-Kayano-29-stable-ride
    Asics-Gel-Kayano-29-stable-ride
    Asics Gel Kayano 29 foam softness durometer
    Asics Gel Kayano 29 freezer test
    Asics-Gel-Kayano-29-stability
    Asics-Gel-Kayano-29-stability
    Asics-Gel-Kayano-29-breathability-test
    Asics-Gel-Kayano-29-breathability-test
    Asics-Gel-Kayano-29-light
    Asics-Gel-Kayano-29-light
    Asics Gel Kayano 29 tongue padding
    Asics Gel Kayano 29 insole
    Asics-Gel-Kayano-29-cushioning
    Asics-Gel-Kayano-29-cushioning
    Asics Gel Kayano 29 rocker
    Asics-Gel-Kayano-29-landing-and-push-off
    Asics-Gel-Kayano-29-landing-and-push-off
    Asics Gel Kayano 29 weight
    Asics-Gel-Kayano-29-measure-flexibility
    Asics-Gel-Kayano-29-measure-flexibility
    Asics-Gel-Kayano-29-flex
    Asics-Gel-Kayano-29-flex
    Asics Gel Kayano 29 fit
    Asics-Gel-Kayano-29-heel-stiffness
    Asics-Gel-Kayano-29-heel-stiffness
    Asics Gel Kayano 29 heel hold
    Asics Gel Kayano 29 tongue
    Asics Gel Kayano 29 toebox fit
    Asics Gel Kayano 29 outsole thickness
    Asics Gel Kayano 29 lab measurements
    ASICS Gel Kayano 29
    86
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    The Kayano 29 from ASICS is a stability running shoe that goes from brick-like to foot-friendly. Now on its twenty-ninth iteration, the ASICS Gel Kayano offers support that mixes in more comfort. And if you're looking to clock up the miles for your next road run, its impact-eating midsole and tank of an outsole will help you reach new distances.

    Pros

    • Stable but not harsh
    • Cushy for long miles
    • Awesome impact protection
    • Supportive fit
    • Glides you forward
    • Lighter than it seems
    • Built to last

    Cons

    • An oven for the feet
    • Expensive
    Full review of ASICS Gel Kayano 29

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Black/White (1011B470002)
    Frosted Rose/Deep Mars (1012B272700)
    White/Velvet Pine (1012B272100)
    Piedmont Grey/Orchid (1012B2721012)
    Black/Red Alert (1012B272003)
    Dive Blue Soft Sky (1012B272400)
    Soothing Sea/Misty Pine (1012B272401)
    Sheet Rock/Pure Silver (1012B272021)
    More colors
    $110
    See deal  
    $110
    See deal  
    $110
    See deal  
    $110
    See deal  
    $112
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  

    Best women's running shoes for race

    Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 360
    Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 360
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Pieces
    Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 Saw
    Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 Saw
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Reveal
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Reveal
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20360
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20360
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Cutaway
    Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 Flex
    Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 Flex
    Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 Flex Test
    Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 Flex Test
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Freezer
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Width
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Side
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Weight
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Outsole
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Outsole%20Heel
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Upper%20Toe
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Upper%20Side
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Lacing
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Reflective
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Front%20Angle
    Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0
    92
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    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.

    Pros

    • Breathable
    • Responsive
    • Carbon rods
    • Soft midsole
    • Laces stay tight
    • Price

    Cons

    • Runs narrow
    • Unstable at slow speeds
    Full review of Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0

    Today's best price

    Unisex
    Any color
    Legacy Indigo/Turbo/Sky Rush (GX3117)
    Pulse Lime/Real Teal/Flash Orange (GX3124)
    Sonic Ink Screaming Green Ftwr White (FY4082)
    $108
    See deal  
    $165
    See deal  
    $220
    See deal  
    No stock  

    Women's running shoes with best cushioning

    Asics Novablast 3 review
    Asics-Novablast-3-saw-cutting
    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-cushioning
    Asics Novablast 3 foam durometer softness
    Asics Novablast 3 freezer test
    Asics-Novablast-3-smoke-breathability-test
    Asics-Novablast-3-smoke-breathability-test
    Asics-Novablast-3-light-transparency-test
    Asics-Novablast-3-light-transparency-test
    Asics-Novablast-3-lightweight
    Asics-Novablast-3-lightweight
    Asics-Novablast-3-springly-ride
    Asics-Novablast-3-springly-ride
    Asics-Novablast-3-flex-measurement
    Asics-Novablast-3-flex-measurement
    Asics-Novablast-3-flex
    Asics-Novablast-3-flex
    Asics-Novablast-3-stable-sole
    Asics-Novablast-3-stable-sole
    Asics-Novablast-3-stable-ride
    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-heel-stiffness
    Asics Novablast 3 traction
    Asics-Novablast-3-landing
    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 running shoes for long distance

    Brooks-Ghost-14-Features
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Features
    Brooks Ghost 14 Parts
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Running-Angled
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Running-Angled
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Saw
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Saw
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Reveal
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Reveal
    Brooks Ghost 14 Ankle Collar
    Brooks Ghost 14 Thickness Tongue
    Brooks Ghost 14 Lacing Pattern
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Running-Side
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Running-Side
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Flex-Test
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Flex-Test
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Cutting-Apart
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Cutting-Apart
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Compression
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Compression
    Brooks Ghost 14 Width Forefoot
    Brooks Ghost 14 Weight
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Showoff
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Showoff
    Brooks Ghost 14 Thickness Outsole
    Brooks Ghost 14 Outsole Forefoot
    Brooks Ghost 14
    Brooks-Ghost-14-360
    Brooks-Ghost-14-360
    Brooks Ghost 14 Upper Forefoot
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Fog
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Fog
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Lace-Slip
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Lace-Slip
    Brooks Ghost 14 vs 13
    Brooks Ghost 14 Reflective Back
    Brooks Ghost 14 No Reflective Side
    Brooks Ghost 14 Freezer
    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)
    White (192)
    Oyster/Yucca/Pink (024)
    Black/Pink/Yucca (013)
    Black/Pearl/Peach (026)
    Purple Impression Dutch Lime (544)
    Lilac/Purple/Lime (566)
    White/Black/Blue Light (141)
    More colors
    $95
    See deal  
    $100
    See deal  
    $100
    See deal  
    $100
    See deal  
    $100
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  

    Comparison of the 7 best running shoes for women

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    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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