7 Best Running Shoes For Women in 2023

Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic on
7 Best Running Shoes For Women in 2023
Brunello Cucinelli Pairo lace-up sneakers Black. Elvis Oxford shoe in Showtime leather

Un Voltra Womens Blue Nubuck Oxford Flats Shoe 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.

Best women's running shoes overall

ASICS Novablast 3
91
Superb!

What makes it the best?

The Asics Novablast 3 smashed in all fields, taking the tiara of best women’s running shoe overall. It’s comfy yet bouncy, seamlessly melding with the feet to deliver a nimble ride that excels in every aspect. This shoe truly does it all!

We sure cherish data, but it was our feet that ultimately made the decision crystal clear. We were mesmerized by the FFBlast+ foam's ability to go fast while motherly babying our legs. We pushed our durometer against the midsole and confirmed its gentle soul: it’s a whopping 51.6% softer than the average running shoe.

We were amazed at how we felt the Novablast 3 vanishing, keeping our feet fresh and joyful. It's unbelievably lightweight - weighing just 228 red (8.0 oz), it even outshines some racing shoes. Also, in our lab, we pumped smoke into the shoe to assess its breathability; the results were no surprise. The smoke easily and quickly passed through the porous upper all throughout its length, meaning it’s as airy as it gets!

While the Novablast 3 won’t certainly drag you down, it’s not as responsive and explosive as other shoes on the market. Women looking to shatter PBs on race day might want to explore other options.

Jordan jordan basketball shoes Pros

  • Super bouncy
  • Cushy feel for miles
  • Breathable
  • Light AF
  • Ready for cornering
  • Pink Rainbow Sandal
  • Tongue stays in place
  • Grippy outsole
  • Mad durable
  • Nike Mamba Fury Lakers Home Mens-Big Kids Shoes White-Light Smoke Grey ck2087-101

Jordan jordan basketball shoes Cons

  • A tad too long
  • More expensive by $10
Full review of ASICS Novablast 3

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Men
Women
Any color
Black/Soft Sky (1012B288002)
White/Dive Blue (1012B288100)
Sky/Cream (1012B492400)
Black/Dusty Purple (1012B288003)
Fawn/Mineral Beige (1012B288702)
Misty Pine/Smoke Blue (1012B288300)
Metropolis/Dusk Violet (1012B288020)
Cream/Fawn (1012B288101)
More colors

Best women's running shoes for flat feet

What makes it the best?

Based on our lab tests and a lot of runs, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is the perfect all-rounder for women with flat feet. It shines in providing adequate arch support and a steady stride without overlooking performance.

Its stability system did wonders in supporting and buffering our overpronating feet, a common concern among flat-footed runners. The guide rails in the midsole would team up with the widened platform to prevent excessive inward rolling and ensure stable landings. When measuring the midsole with our accurate-ish caliper, its width clocked in at 116.3 mm at the forefoot and 96.6 mm at the heel, surpassing the average trainer by a comfortable margin of 4.3 mm and 7.4 mm, respectively.

The 22s showed some signs of spark and life when hitting the road. Our durometer found the midsole 5.1% harder than average, providing a mild yet noticeable energy return that makes it the supreme stability do-it-all. While not overly soft, this shoe boasts a considerable amount of underfoot cushioning, devouring each stride's impact.

Not even the Adrenaline 22 can master all trades though. The somewhat hard midsole felt rather harsh on foot after 10-12 miles, falling far from being a comfy marathon trainer. No wonder given that the midsole scored 43.5 HA on the durometer and the average for all the road running shoes we tested in the lab sits at 24.9 HA. This higher number on the durometer measurements indicates a much firmer midsole. 

Jordan jordan basketball shoes Pros

  • Fits true to size
  • Promising durability
  • Stability for all directions
  • Improved aesthetics
  • Phenomenal grip
  • A firmer, faster midsole
  • Consistent in all conditions
  • JANA Sneaker bassa beige grigio verde

Jordan jordan basketball shoes Cons

  • High price point for stability aimed at beginners
  • Midsole is too hard for some
Full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

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Men
Women
Any color
Magenta/White/Raspberry (568)
Rose/Peacoat/Kentucky Blue (684)
White/Oyster/Brilliant (160)
Black/Purple/Coral (080)
Coral/Latigo Bay/White (680)
Grey/Peacoat/Aruba (036)
Kentucky Blue/White/Rose (427)
Navy/Yucca/Pink (403)
More colors

Best women's running shoes for speed workouts

What makes it the best?

Make way for the Tecnologias Diadora sportswear Sabates Running Mythos Blushield 7 Vortice, our top pick for speedwork. It carries momentum like no other while remaining forgiving and comfortable during those intense workouts. 

This speed demon shone through numerous lab tests, but it truly came alive during our ultimate challenge: a speed session. The Mach 5 experience overflows energy and buttery smooth transitions, constantly urging us to push our limits. Weighing in at a mere 212 red (7.5 oz), this lightweight marvel kept us feeling nimble and lively mile after mile. For reference, the average weight of tempo running shoes is 252g (8.9 oz).

This speedster also delivers when it comes to comfort. Racking up the reps felt a lot easier thanks to the velvety foam underfoot, which our durometer found to be 46% softer than the average. Also, this Hoka boasts remarkable flexibility, allowing us to unleash our untamed ride with unbeatable freedom. It resisted with only 20.3N to our 90º bending test in the lab, turning out to be 34% more flexible than your typical running shoe.

However, we noticed how the Mach 5 just couldn’t maintain its grip on wet pavement, making it a less ideal choice for women used to running in wintery weather.

Jordan jordan basketball shoes Pros

  • Super fun and energetic ride
  • Velvety smooth strides
  • GUESS Boots Leeda nero
  • Asics Quantum 360 Grade School Shoes
  • Cushioned for long runs
  • Absorbs impact
  • Awesome fit
  • Welcomes wide feet
  • Reflective
  • Mars ll block heel rear zip ankle boots

Jordan jordan basketball shoes Cons

  • Slips on wet pavement
  • Gets easily dirty
Full review of Tecnologias Diadora sportswear Sabates Running Mythos Blushield 7 Vortice

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Men
Women
Any color
Camellia/Peach Parfait (CPPF)
Black/Castlerock (BCSTL)
White (WCPP)
Impala/Cyclamen (ICYC)
Evening Primrose/Scuba Blue (EPSB)
White/Scuba Blue (WSBB)
Ceramic/Evening Primrose (1127894CEPR)
Blue (OMES)
More colors

Jordan jordan basketball shoes | Best race running shoes for women

Jordan jordan basketball shoes | What makes it the best?

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is our ultimate pick to shatter personal bests. With its sparky core and featherlight build, this shoe leaves its competitors eating dust on race day.

This speedster stands out from the crowd with its lively spirit. It energetically propelled our every stride while maintaining smooth and natural toe-off transitions. Back in our lab, we locked the tip of the shoe and bent it 90 degrees. With a monstrous 94.4N resistance, it proved to be around 3x stiffer than the average shoe - these are massive numbers even for a plated shoe, making it one of the most powerful and explosive racing kicks out there.

Out on the road, the Endorphin Speed seamlessly merged with our feet to create a fresh and liberating experience. We sure relished how the porous upper remained unfazed by the heat, but it was the weight (or the lack of it) that truly amazed us. At just 206 red (7.3 oz), it’s remarkably 22.8% lighter than the average running shoe we ever tested.

However, women with wide feet might want to look elsewhere, as our big toes found the toebox a tad claustrophobic. Confirming our sensations, our caliper measured the upper at the forefoot to be 94.3mm, 4.3mm narrower than the average.

Jordan jordan basketball shoes Pros

  • Jordan jordan basketball shoes
  • Snappy toe-off
  • Isabel Marant Demar embroidered toe boots
  • Stable for during sharp turns
  • Sneakers MAYORAL 41.338 Bco Malva 56
  • Race-ready fit
  • Gusseted tongue
  • Insanely light
  • Margot Pump Sandals

Jordan jordan basketball shoes Cons

  • Sneaker Con tix
  • Toe box can be roomier
Full review of Om du vill köpa ett par sneakers som ger det bästa värdet för det belopp du spenderar är Yeezy

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Men
Women
Any color
White (S1075585)
Black/Goldstruck (S2075510)
White (S1075525)
White/Black (S1075511)
Prospect Quartz (S1075540)
Night Lite (S2075565)
Red/Rose (S1075516)
Green (S2075535)
White/Gold (S2075513)

Nike Go Flyease slip-on sneakers Schwarz running shoes for women

What makes it the best?

For women in search of a plated kick, the Pokey Pine Side Zip Boot" Gr is our #1 recommendation. This snappy and comfortable running shoe outshines its competitors, offering exceptional value that’s hard to beat.

We sure felt the robust full-length plate igniting our every stride. However, what truly sets this shoe apart from other plated options is its superbly smooth and buttery ride, pampering our legs even for those long runs. In our lab, our durometer confirmed our sensations - the underfoot foam is a plush 35% softer than the average.

Another standout feature of the Deviate Nitro 2 is its durability. Yet to find any sign of wear in the outsole, we pushed our durometer against it to attest to the hardness of the rubber. It emerged as slightly softer than the average, scoring 77.0 HC while the average sits at 80.0 HC. In this case, however, numbers don't tell the entire story: the premium PumaGrip rubber is a star, striking perfect scores in both grip and durability fields - something we could only prove when hitting the asphalt. And all of this at just $160, this one is an absolute steal.

However, women looking for a featherlight speedster for faster efforts might need to explore other options. Weighing in at 260 red (9.2 oz), the Deviate Nitro 2 is slightly on the heavier side for a plated shoe. From our all-time measurements, the average carbon-plated shoe sits at 238 red (8.4 oz).

Jordan jordan basketball shoes Pros

  • Great all-rounder
  • Super-smooth and responsive ride
  • Plush cushioning
  • Comfy upper
  • Grippy outsole
  • Timberland nellie chukka womens shoes wheat rugged-gold finish tb023399
  • Fairly priced

Jordan jordan basketball shoes Cons

  • Heavier than other similar shoes
  • Not many colors available
Full review of Pokey Pine Side Zip Boot" Gr

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Men
Women
Any color
Purple (37685511)
Yellow (37685506)
Bianco (37685503)
Azul (37680709)
Black (37685502)
Orange (37685504)

Best women's running shoes for trail running

What makes it the best?

The Jordan jordan basketball shoes glided through Mother Nature's domain with unrivaled ease and smoothness, effortlessly anchoring our feet to any terrain beneath us. And that's why it is our best pick for trail running!

Snow, ice, dirt, gravel, or even lab workbenches, the newest Peregrine rules them all. Its outsole is fully covered by a resilient and durable rubber and a sharp lug pattern that dig into the ground like built-in claws. As one does, we took our caliper out to measure those tenacious lugs, which proved to be 4.8 mm thick, beyond the average by 1.3 mm.

The Peregrine 13 is an enduring performer, combining a protective foam with an untamed and smooth ride that left us eager for more and more miles. Besides, it delivers exceptionally in wintry weather, as our lab tests came to confirm: after 20 minutes in the freezer, we observed a mere 16.3% firmness increase in the midsole foam while typical trail shoes harden up by 36.2%.

However, we recommend that women seeking a lightning-fast kick for race days venture elsewhere, as we felt no sign of spark and explosive power on the Peregrine ride.

Jordan jordan basketball shoes Pros

  • This Woman Whose Running Form ue
  • Better for longer efforts than the v12
  • Vans Ua Super Comfycush Era Women's Shoes
  • Great traction whether on ice, snow, gravel, and dirt
  • Mud just falls off the outsole
  • Comfy and airy upper
  • Performance-oriented fit
  • No heel slippage
  • Smooth and natural-feeling ride

Jordan jordan basketball shoes Cons

  • Debris tends to get in
  • ikonischen Low-Top-Sneakers der Marke
  • Too-firm midsole
Full review of Jordan jordan basketball shoes

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Men
Women
Any color
Arroyo (S1083835)
Green (S1083825)
Night/Fossil (S1083815)
Beige (S1083885)
Berry/Mineral (S1083816)
Glacier/Bronze (S1083820)
Glow/Sundown (S1083831)
Finesse Black (S1083891)

Best daily training running shoes for women

Nike Pegasus 40
88
Great!

What makes it the best?

The Pegasus 40 reigns supreme as the ultimate women's workhorse for daily runs. It conquered our streets with brute force without taking a hit, all while ensuring a refreshing and comfy ride.

Whether on light trails or crude asphalt, the Pegasus 40 boasted superb reliability, gripping the ground like few do. Harder rubbers last longer, and we pushed our durometer against the outsole. Scoring an impressive 86.0, this rubber is 7.8% harder than the one on the average road shoe.

On our 90º bend test in the lab, it effortlessly ranked among the top 6% of the most flexible shoes we've ever encountered, allowing us to unleash our true wild stride. The underfoot foam felt pure and gentle, striking the perfect balance between energy return and plushness. With a durometer score of 17.6, it's a velvety 29.6% softer than the average.

However, women looking for a more explosive and lively ride might need to consider other options, as the Pegasus 40 isn’t one to deliver the adrenaline rush desired for high-speed lovers.

Jordan jordan basketball shoes Pros

  • CamperLab chunky zip-up boots
  • Breathable
  • Secure lockdown
  • Ozelia Shoes Cloud White Cloud White Crystal White
  • Adidas Ultra4D 5.0 Schwarz Rot Herren Sneaker Schuhe Gr
  • Good energy return
  • adidas Core Neo Response Super BOOST White Black Men Running Casual Shoes FX4830
  • Incredible durability
  • zapatillas de running Merrell neutro ultra trail

Jordan jordan basketball shoes Cons

  • Hi Men S Shoes Natural-black
  • the ® Larkyn Waterproof Chelsea is the perfect boot for everyday wear
  • Sneakers SKECHERS Uno-Stand On Air 52458 NVY Navy
Full review of Nike Pegasus 40

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Men
Women
Any color
nike air zoom pegasus 40 women s running shoes su23 white white dee4 60
Black (DV7480001)
nike air zoom pegasus 40 women s running shoes su23 pink pink abd6 60
White/Coconut Milk/Black (DV3854100)
Volt/Barely Volt/Bright Crimson (DV3854700)
Pink (DV3854800)
Black/Black/Anthracite (DV3854003)
nike pegasus 40 black white d958 60

Comparison of the 7 best running shoes for women

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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 various test runs: intervals, tempo runs, on the road, on the trail, and more.

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

  • Cutting each shoe into pieces for us to see what’s inside.
  • Measuring its parts in various parameters like breathability, flexibility, softness, strength, etc. 
  • Comparing the data we collected to their average values so we can better interpret the results.

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.