Any runner knows that comfortable running shoes can make all the difference between a good workout and a truly great one. If you’ve been searching for the perfect pair to help crush your fitness goals, look no further than our complete guide to the best running sneakers for women, which features a range of silhouettes, all perfect for a wide variety of workouts, body types, and support needs.
We personally love sneakers that we can wear for both running and other athletic activities, like boxing, HIIT, or, honestly, just running errands. So, we found running sneakers for women that can do everything — from long road runs to trail runs, marathons, high-intensity interval workouts, and more. Best of all, for running sneakers, these shoes are surprisingly stylish, making them pairs you’ll actually be excited to wear for all of your weekly workouts. There’s a lot that goes into finding the perfect running shoe, which is why we’ve broken down exactly what to consider — and which shoes have the POPSUGAR seal of approval — below.
How to Pick the Best Running Shoe
First and foremost, when you’re shopping for running sneakers, it’s important to determine what type of running shoe you’re looking for, as different shoes are designed to address different needs. There are two main types that often get discussed: neutral and stability. Neutral running shoes generally feature less cushioned support and allow the foot to move naturally while running. Alternatively, stability running shoes are generally designed to help offset the inward rolling of the foot after it hits the ground, minimizing the potential for injury (and also making the shoe a bit heavier). Then you can tak into account things like where you’ll be running (the road, trail, or treadmill) and whether or not you want to do other workouts in these sneakers, too.
Another thing to note? The sizing of your running sneakers. Many people wear the wrong-sized running shoes without even realizing — thus causing extra discomfort (and in the worst cases, blisters or injury) when they run or engage in any high-impact activities. Professional runner Stephanie Rothstein Bruce had previously advised POPSUGAR readers on a few things to take into account when finding your perfect running shoe size, including that it’s important to allow for a “little extra room” in the shoe as “your feet will expand a tiny bit as they get warm” while you’re running. It’s also essential to check the soles of your running shoes to ensure that the arch feels natural; if your foot slides in without resistance, it’s a good indicator that they fit properly.
Even with all of this in mind, arguably the best way to find your ideal running shoe is to simply experiment with different styles and test them out firsthand on yourself. Everyone has different feet shapes, sizes, arch support needs, and even preferred running styles, so what works for one person might not be the best choice for someone else.
To give you a little shopping inspiration, we’ve also rounded up our picks for the best running shoes for women that are editor-backed and truly the best of the best. No matter if you’re just getting started with running or you’ve been in the race for years, these versatile running shoes are sure to give you what you’re looking for — plus, they all come from top fitness gear brands like Hoka, Lululemon, Puma, and more. Now, all you have to do is pick your favorite and hit the road!
— Additional reporting by India Yaffe and Haley Lyndes