The best women’s running shoes for pounding the pavement
Whether you’re training for a 10k, gearing up for your first marathon or simply looking to get into a regular running routine, the right shoes will make a big difference to how you perform. Weve looked at the best womens running shoes on the market right now, and rounded up our favourites, for whatever kind of training youre undertaking.
Best all-rounder
Adidas Performance Supernova Running Shoes, $180 at The Iconic
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Womens Running Shoes, $179.99 at Rebel
ULTRABOOST 21 SHOES, from $189 at Adidas
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 Womens Running Shoes, $239.99 at Rebel Sport
GEL-KAYANO 27, $208 at Asics
Womens UA Flow Velociti Wind Running Shoes, $220 at Under Armour
Best fashion
Pacer Future Lux Black-Rose Go Sneaker, $120 at Myer
Puma, Enzo 2 Uncaged Running Shoes, $110 at The Iconic
Best for long-distance running
Womens Tree Dashers, $225 at Allbirds
Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% Womens Running Shoes, $269.99 at Rebel Sport
On Running, Cloud X $229 at The Iconic
Womens UA Charged Bandit 6 HS Running Shoes, $100 at Under Armour
Best heavy-duty trainers
Metaspeed Edge, $330 at Asics
Womens Wool Dasher Mizzles
ULTRABOOST CLIMA SHOES, $260 at Adidas
Best all-rounder
If youre a regular pavement-pounder and looking for a new pair of trainers to take you from the gym to the park and beyond, these are our picks for great, everyday running shoes.
Adidas Performance Supernova Running Shoes, $180 at The Iconic
Image: The Iconic
Source:BodyAndSoul
These shoes are a great, budget-friendly option if you’re after a trainer for everyday running. It has high-power cushioning material under the heel with a layer of firm EVA foam for durability. It doesn’t have some of the fancy features of a more expensive model, but it’ll do a great job for runs around the park or the block.
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Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Womens Running Shoes, $179.99 at Rebel
Image: Rebel
Source:BodyAndSoul
Nike Air has been around for 38 years – yep, that’s a long time – and this tried and true shoe gets an update whenever there’s a new technology, but otherwise they’ve remained pretty much the same. Why mess with perfection? This update gives you a breathable mesh for a more comfortable and flexi fit. “Overall a dope running shoe that is lightweight, durable, and padded in all the right spots for running.”
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ULTRABOOST 21 SHOES, from $189 at Adidas
Image: Adidas
Source:BodyAndSoul
These shoes always make the top five in any list of running shoes and have plenty of fans. There are some devotees of these cult sneakers who claim the Adidas UltraBOOST actually helps you run faster… We cant guarantee that, but we are pretty sure youll love the cushioned, bouncy sole and the comfy, sock-like upper. Or you could take the words this reviewer: “By far the best sneakers on the market! I wear a lot of sneakers and these are certainly my most treasured pair.”
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Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 Womens Running Shoes, $239.99 at Rebel Sport
Image: Rebel sport
Source:BodyAndSoul
With over 1500 reviews on Rebel Sport, these shoes from Brooks have a lot of fans who love that while they’re made for running, they’re just great all-purpose shoes. “I’m not a runner but these shoes have made a huge difference in my foot comfort. I spend many hours on cement floors. I usually go home and put my feet up because of pain, but since I started wearing these shoes I come home and finish my day as usual. I hoped they would help but never dreamed they would make such a difference.”
They have GuideRails to stabilise your feet and help maintain a neutral position, along with DNA loft cushioning and crash pads to absorb shock and impact as you run.
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GEL-KAYANO 27, $208 at Asics
Image: Asics
Source:BodyAndSoul
If you want trainers that will make you feel like you’re “floating on air” as one reviewer described it, these are the shoes for you. There’s a mesh upper which helps to keep feet cool while exercising and a flexible sole to support a natural movement. Perfect for distance running, they’re also a great option for everyday use. “I use these for work,” says one reviewer, adding, “I’m a nurse and they are the best work shoes I have ever had. I swear by them.”
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Womens UA Flow Velociti Wind Running Shoes, $220 at Under Armour
Image: Under Armour
Source:BodyAndSoul
Shoes that claim to “give you speed to feel like you have the wind at your back”, these are a trainer that have eliminated the rubber outsole to make them especially lightweight and breathable while still super cushioned and comfortable. They also connect to the UA Map My Run app to track and analyse your workout.
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Best fashion sneaker
Fitness, but make it fashion, amirite?
Pacer Future Lux Black-Rose Go Sneaker, $120 at Myer
Image: Myer
Source:BodyAndSoul
These sleek and sexy runners are a great fashionable option if you want trainers that you can take from the track to the bar. It has a comfortable knitted bootie construction, a SoftFoam sockliner with amazing cushioning and are incredibly comfortable for everyday running.
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Puma, Enzo 2 Uncaged Running Shoes, $110 at The Iconic
Image: The Iconic
Source:BodyAndSoul
Another stylish option from Puma, these are somes seriously fashion-forward running shoes with performance cred. They have zoned rubber traction pods on the outsole to support high-impact activity and webbing loops will keep your laces safe and secure.
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Best for long-distance or marathon training
If youre working your way up to a marathon or just regularly undertaking long-distance running, you need a pair of shoes that will keep up. Here are some great tried-and-tested options.
Womens Tree Dashers, $225 at Allbirds
Image: Allbirds
Source:BodyAndSoul
If you’re after a trainer that will make you feel good about your environmental impact, these are a great option. These trainers are made from all-natural materials created from trees and sugarcane and are breathable and durable, as well as being super-supportive in all terrains. Tested over thousands of miles by both amateur and professional athletes over a year-long testing period, the midsole has been crafted using the world’s first carbon negative green EVA. “This was my first time purchasing Allbirds and I am definitely a fan now- these are so comfy, hold up really well on long runs and intense workouts and look so stylish…Best of all, Im really impressed by the companys dedication to environmental responsibility.”
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Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% Womens Running Shoes, $269.99 at Rebel Sport
Image: Rebel Sport
Source:BodyAndSoul
These shoes are built for when you’re looking to boost your overall performance and add speed to your daily training routine. The knit and synthetic construction combines flexibility with stability and will keep your feet stable and cushioned for the long run. There is Zoom X foam in the footbed which actually returns your energy with every step you take and the foam in the heel is shock absorbing and cushioning. “Very good training for longer distance races up to the half marathon and marathon. Feels very responsive when pushing the pace a little faster and forces you.”
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On Running, Cloud X $229 at The Iconic
Image: The Iconic
Source:BodyAndSoul
These shoes are an investment but they’re made for long-distance running. They have a breathable knit-weave upper and a CloudTec sole which is designed to support explosive movement and keep you comfy all throughout your run.
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Womens UA Charged Bandit 6 HS Running Shoes, $100 at Under Armour
Image: Under Armour
Source:BodyAndSoul
These shoes are light and aerodynamic and built for distance running. They have a mesh upper construction for ventilation and a cushy collar and tongue to give you extra comfort while you pound the pavement.
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Best heavy-duty trainer
If youre a competitive runner or you regularly train in wet, wild, or rocky conditions, you need a trainer that will handle the toughest terrain.
Metaspeed Edge, $330 at Asics
Image: Asics
Source:BodyAndSoul
Made for competitive runners, this shoe from Asics is a serious training shoe, running best at full pace. It has a FlyteFoam Turbo midsole which converts impact to a spring to propel you forward as you run, and has a bouncy foam interior to keep you cushioned and supported.
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Womens Wool Dasher Mizzles
Image: Allbirds
Source:BodyAndSoul
These shoes are made for running in the storm, wind and rain. Made from natural, renewable materials and constructed with a merino wool outer and a built-in puddle guard, they also have a no-slip rubber grip so theyre safe and sturdy no matter the weather. Better yet, theyre machine washable which means even if you do come home soaked, you can chuck them in the wash and youre good to go.
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ULTRABOOST CLIMA SHOES, $260 at Adidas
Image: Adidas
Source:BodyAndSoul
These shoes are built for running and training in all climates, with an upper made from moisture-wicking yarn offering warmth, comfort and ventilation in hot or cold weather. Reviewers call these shoes “perfect”. These are a unisex model, women are encouraged to size down when buying.
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What should I be looking or in a pair of running shoes?
No matter what kind of running youre doing – sprint training, every day exercise, rough terrain or long-distance – you want a pair of shoes that cushion and support the foot and fit you well. Running shoes generally shouldnt need any “wearing in” – they should feel comfortable the minute you put them on. Fit-wise, you want 1 to 1.5cm space at the end of the shoe, and remember that youll likely always be wearing them with socks, so going slightly bigger is usually better than smaller if youre between sizes.
Is there a difference between men and women’s feet?
The biggest difference between men and women’s feet is to do with the ball of the foot. Women usually have a narrower heel in relation to the circumference of the ball of their foot than men, so while unisex shoes can be fine in most circumstances, if you’re going to be running and putting extra pressure on your feet as you pound the pavement, it helps to get shoes that will support your particular kind of foot.
Do women run differently than men?
Generally speaking, women have wider hips than men which means their feet tend to hit the ground toward the outside of their soles. Again, generally, women are lighter than men and have less muscle mass, so women’s shoes are often lighter and softer as they have to manage less impact than men’s do. Generally speaking, you should try and avoid unisex shoes when it comes to running, as when youre going to be putting a lot of pressure and impact on your feet, its better to buy a pair of shoes specifically designed for a male or female foot.
While your here, why not check out our guide to everything you need to build your home gym and the 10 best shops to buy matching tracksuits.