Best running shoes for women 2024, tested by a triathlete
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test.
A pair of the best running shoes is the single most important piece of kit a runner owns. Stat. A good pair of running shoes can turn a truly terrible workout into a great one. Whether you've just started Couch-To-5K or you’re training for your fifteenth half marathon, choosing the best running shoes for you – that feel comfortable, supportive and lightweight – is beyond important.
Get it right and your runs will be transformed – as well as your mid-foot supported and injury prevented – but get it wrong and you'll end with horrifyingly painful blisters, black toenails… or worse.
Selecting the right running shoes for you does not mean just buying the same shoes your best friend wears or whatever's available in your shoe size. You need to consider whether you pronate, what kind of arch support you need (and if you have high arches or flat arches) plus a dozen other things. Think: shoe responsiveness, the energy return, laces and whether they have a mesh upper. Yep, it’s an overwhelming task, especially with so many brands, styles and technical buzzwords to stress you out.
After extensive research, conversations with the best in the business and plenty of road testing on longer runs, we've whittled things down to an edit of the best running shoes for women on the market right now. Your most comfortable shoe purchase ever awaits.
SKIP TO: How we tested the best running shoes | What's the difference between men's and women's running shoes? | How to choose the best running shoes for you | Which brand of running trainer is best? | Full reviews.
The best running shoes for women 2024 – our top picks:
- Best Overall: On Running Cloudmonster, £160
- Best New Launch: Veja Condor 3, £170
- Most Popular Running Shoes: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40, £109.95
- Best Under £100: New Balance Fresh Foam X, £160 NOW £89.99
- Best For Long Runs: Brooks Glycerin 20, from £77.90
- Best For Speed Training: Saucony Endorphin Speed 3, £114.99
- Best Cushioned Running Shoes: Asics Gel-Nimbus 25, £175
- Best Hybrid Running Shoe: Hoka Challenger 7, £130
- Best Trail Running Shoe: Saucony Peregrine 12, £69.99
- Best Shoes For Race Day: Nike Zoomx Vaporfly Next% 2, £209.95
How we test women's best running shoes:
Providing you with trustworthy and honest reviews is of upmost importance to us, so, a team of avid runners spent months trialling the running shoes in this guide. Leading the charge? Alice Barraclough – an avid runner, fitness editor and writer who running shoes for a living. “Over the past eight years, I've been testing the latest running trainer launches from some of the best sports brands out there. Think: Nike, Hoka, New Balance and Adidas. I've tested their speed in tempo and interval sessions, their comfort and durability on those ‘Sunday long runs’, their cushioning both outside facing the elements and inside on the treadmill and their protection and grip on both muddy trails and pavements alike.”
Elsewhere, Sophie Cockett – GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor – has been pounding the pavements in new releases like Veja X Condor's running trainers, Lululemon shoes and Hoka running trainers. She tests on shorter road runs of up to 10km and marks against the same criteria.
Meet the experts:
- SportsShoes.com ambassador and running expert, Ben Mounsey.
What's the difference between men's and women's running shoes?
It’s really important to remember that men and women both run differently, and have different shaped feet – so opt for a pair of running trainers that have been specifically made with women in mind.
The biggest difference in foot shape is the relationship between the heel and the ball of the foot. Women often have a narrower heel in comparison to the circumference of the ball of their foot. This means that if a woman wears a size nine running shoe, she will likely have a wider ball, wider ball girth and narrower heel than a man with the same sized foot. We told you it was all a bit technical.
In terms of how we run, women tend to have wider hips, so our feet are more likely to strike the ground toward the outside of our soles. Women’s running shoes also tend to be lighter and softer than male offerings, because women tend to have less muscle mass.
“Think of it as the opposite of being hard on yourself.”
How to choose the best running shoes for women
GAIT ANALYSIS: If running is your main aim, make sure to get a running gait analysis before you buy. A gait analysis is a test that determines what kind of shoe will work best for your feet. Even if you're a seasoned runner, you should get a new gait analysis before buying a new pair of trainers, because there's a good chance things will have changed since your last result.
The gait analysis shows how your foot moves when it hits the ground and establishes if you are an overpronator, an underpronator or a neutral runner. This is really important, as wearing the wrong shoe could potentially cause injuries. Your gait test will also show you where you need extra support in your trainer – there should be adequate room in the toe box and your heels shouldn’t slip around. It’s important to find out what kind of runner you are, says SportsShoes.com ambassador and running expert, Ben Mounsey. “Do you overpronate or underpronate? This will inform what type of shoe you need, for example, will you require extra support, or can you wear a neutral shoe? Once you understand how you run, you can find the shoe that is most suited to your running style.”
Most sportswear shops are back up and running and offer gait analysis as a free service, but you can also do some tests at home or find expert via virtual running-shoe appointments, where running stores will ship a selection of shoes to you.
TESTING: Regardless of where you try your new shoes, we recommend you try them out either on a treadmill or jogging around the shop floor, so you can get a better feel for how comfortable they really are.
“Do your research and read the reviews before you make a purchase to make sure the shoe you’re considering is a good fit for your chosen preferences,” adds Mounsey. “Our feet are as individual as we are, and they come in all different shapes and sizes. Therefore, running shoes have to be equally as diverse, and with hundreds of types to choose from, it can often prove difficult to find the right pair to match our requirements.”
TERRAIN: Think about what kind of terrain you'll be running on and how often you intend to train and race, he adds. “This will ultimately dictate what kind of shoe you'll need to buy. For example, if you're a beginner runner or someone who runs infrequently, it doesn't make sense to spend a fortune on your first pair of shoes or buy the latest and most expensive carbon-plated super shoes which are designed for elite competition. Instead, choose a style that best suits both your needs and budget, for daily use, all-around performance and capable of handling a range of different surfaces.”
Which brand is best for running?
The best running shoe brand is constantly up for debate. Why? Because what you rank as ‘the best’ might be the world's most uncomfortable shoe brand for others. That said, the most searched-for running shoes in the UK last year were Nike’s Vaporfly’s – the controversial shoe almost banned from the Tokyo Olympics due to its advanced technology. Of course, the Vaporfly isn’t for everyone (not everyone is an elite athlete and needs a carbon-plated go-faster shoe). So while the ‘best’ is pretty much down to personal opinion, these are some of the most popular shoes we’ve tested – and seriously rate. You can thank us later.
Ahead, the best running shoes for women, tried and tested.
- 1/9
1. Best running shoes overall
Cloudmonster, £160, On Running
Pros: Massive cushioning, feels fast.
Cons: Expensive, too firm for recovery runs.
Sizes available: UK3-UK9.
Weight: 230g.
Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm.Tested by: Alice Barraclough.
Why we love them: On launched the Cloudmonster in March 2022 and they’ve very quickly become not just our favourite On running shoes, but our go-to running trainers overall. Offering next-level cushioning, these racers feel supportive and comfortable. But don’t let the monster CloudTec fool you into thinking they’re not geared towards a responsive ride – these shoes are engineered to help encourage forward momentum, which means they feel fast and springy, propelling you forward stride after stride. These are neutral road running shoes, made for logging daily miles – whether that’s 5k or a longer training run.
2/92. Best new release
VEJA Condor 3 Trainers, £170, Harrods
Pros: Stylish enough to wear out to brunch, versatility, supremely cushioned, roomy toe box.
Cons: Need to be careful not to tie the laces too tight.
Sizes available: EU40 to EU46.
Weight: 287g.
Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm.Tested by: Sophie Cockett.
Why we love them: Pre-lockdown, Veja – the brand loved for their Meghan Markle-approved everyday white sneakers – launched their first ever running shoe. Fast-forward to today, and the French footwear label has launched its third iteration: the Veja Condor 3. Combining technicality, research, development and bio-based materials to address runners' needs, this running shoe is the lightest of the three and better for speedwork than its previous versions.
First, the technicalities. They feature a full-length L-FOAM cushion which covers the outsole for a high shock absorption capacity. This serves maximum comfort but also protection against vibrations when you're pounding the pavements. Second, the solo is so cushioned and bouncy – proven by the exaggerated, curved shape – providing comfort during long runs and bounce during short sprints. Finally, they have engineered-mesh panels to keep your feet cool, light laces which can be easily adjusted, and a thinner-than-ever tongue to limit friction or rubbing.
“I have been testing these running shoes for the past month,” Sophie said, “and they're now my undisputed go-to. I've not ran further than 10km in them, granted, but for runs up to that distance, they're an absolute dream. I also love that they're stylish enough to wear out to brunch – or the office – once I'm done.”
3/93. Best hybrid running shoe
Pros: Great on both trails and roads.
Cons: Not particularly fast.
Sizes available: UK3.5-UK9.
Weight: 207g.
Heel-to-toe drop: 5mm.Tested by: Alice Barraclough.
Why we love them: If you live somewhere surrounded by run routes that are mainly trails and parks, then the Hoka Challenger 7 is a fab all-terrain hybrid running shoe – designed to be able to work both on pavements and trails alike. With 4mm lugs, we found these great when the paths got a little muddy, and thanks to the fact that it’s actually a relatively light shoe, they don’t feel like they drag too much on the pavements either. For slow mile-after-mile cruising, we’re seriously impressed. Sure, it’s probably not fantastic on really technical terrain, but it’s a great all-rounder (and would even work as a comfy hiking shoe).
4/94. Most popular running shoe
Pros: Snug and comfy fit.
Cons: On the narrower side.
Sizes available: UK4-UK9.
Weight: 261g.
Heel-to-toe drop: 10mm.Tested by: Alice Barraclough.
Why we love them: Known as Nike’s running ‘workhorse’ – the Pegasus is hands-down Nike’s most popular running shoe, first launched back in 1983. The 40th version of the Nike Pegasus really is a bit of an all-rounder – durable and stable, it's ideal for slow, long, and faster efforts.
It's also a great choice for new runners, aiming to complete either their first 5K or marathon. In fact, this was the shoe we ran our very first half marathon in all those years ago. In comparison to the Pegasus 38 and 39, the 40 is lighter, more responsive and gives you that ‘locked in’ feeling.
- 5/9
5. Best running trainers that double up as gym shoes
Beyondfeel Women's Running Shoe, £148, Lululemon
Pros: designed specifically for the female foot.
Cons: the sizing can be a bit all over the place.
Sizes available: US5-US12.
Weight: 276g.
Heel-to-toe drop: 9.5mm.Tested by: Alice Barraclough & Sophie Cockett.
Why we love them: Launched in March last year, this running shoe is the second iteration of Lululemon’s first foray into the world of running trainers. The previous model – the ‘Blissfeel’ – had mixed reviews, with some testers complaining about the sizing and lack of energy return. The good news is that the Blissfeel 2 are definitely better, and good enough for easy runs. Designed for women’s feet, the updated shoe looks pretty similar to the first Blissfeel, but comes with a swanky new upper featuring a seamless frame that runs around the foot and feels way less restrictive. It’s still a rather firm ride – don’t expect any seriously bouncy cushioning here. The sizing in the updated shoe is more accurate – but they do still come up with a snug fit, so it’s worth sizing up (and they might not be the best for wide feet). Of course, it’s Lululemon, so they look pretty cool – these are the type of everyday easy-mile running trainers you could very easily double up wearing to the gym or to brunch without looking too ‘fitness’.
- 6/9
6. Best cushioned running shoes
Pros: Light for a maximal shoe, plush and cushy daily trainer.
Cons: Not for wider feet.
Sizes available: UK3-UK11.
Weight: 255g.
Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm.Tested by: Alice Barraclough.
Why we love them: With a stretchy knit tongue, as soon as you slip your feet into Asics’ Gel-Nimbus 25 you feel held in and snug. This is an incredibly comfy cushioned shoe – perfect for heavier runners who want to look after their joints. Featuring 20% more foam compared to previous iterations – it looks more like a Hoka or Adidas ultraboost than the Gel-Nimbus 24, thanks in part to its new PureGel technology. If you’re looking for comfort and cloud-like cushioning for daily runs, then this is an excellent place to start.
- 7/9
7. Best running shoes for marathon training
Fresh Foam X 1080v12, £160, New Balance
Pros: Lots of cushioning, ideal for long distances.
Cons: Not a fast shoe for tempo sessions.
Sizes available: UK3.5-UK8.
Weight: 234g.
Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm.Tested by: Alice Barraclough.
Why we love them: If you’re looking for a pair of supportive, durable and highly cushioned stability shoes that are ideal for covering long distances (hello, marathon season), then New Balance’s 1080’s are the shoes you need. We lived in these when training for the London marathon because we knew we could throw them on for easy or moderate training runs and they’d not let us down. These do feel quite wide, so if you have super narrow feet, it’s perhaps best to try something else. They’re also not ‘fast’ in comparison to other, lighter, models. But we liked the cushioning, the achilles support and the shock absorption.
- 8/9
8. Best trail running shoe
SAUCONY PEREGRINE 12 Women's Trail Running Shoes, £69.99, Runners Need
Pros: Excellent grip.
Cons: Not waterproof.
Sizes available: UK3-UK11.
Weight: 275g.
Heel-to-toe drop: 4mm.Tested by: Alice Barraclough.
Why we love them: There’s a lot to like about the Saucony Peregrine 12 trail running shoe. Featuring an excellent outsole, minimalist upper and reliable midsole, it’s basically a bit of a one-hit-wonder. Agile enough to work for off-road marathon and ultramarathon distances (it features additional protection for pushing uphill and driving downhill), it’s grippy, breathable and hugs the foot really well. So if you’re looking for a durable trail shoe, this has a lot to offer.
- 9/9
9. Best racing shoe
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3, £219.95, Excell
Pros: super comfortable race day shoe.
Cons: expensive.
Sizes available: UK3-11.
Weight: 179g.
Heel-to-toe drop: 4mm.Tested by: Alice Barraclough.
Why we love them: As an alternative race-day shoe to the Nike Vaporfly’s, these are, unfortunately, just as expensive, but offer a very different feel and ride. With a stretchy synthetic knit upper, the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3 do feature a go-faster carbon plate, but they don’t feel nearly as aggressive as some of the other super shoes on the market. Instead, the carbon plate feels much more forgiving. So if you’re new to the world of speed shoes, and you’re really striving for that PB on race day, these are the carbon shoes we’d recommend. Super comfy, they’re almost guaranteed to give you that extra turbo energy – whether you’re running 10K or a marathon.
