Finding running shoes is easy – there are loads of great brands and shoes out there. Finding the right running shoes for you is much harder. They need to fit well, offering support in the areas needed by your feet and your running form. They should offer features to enhance the type of running you do, whether that’s road, trail, speed or a bit of everything. They should suit your budget, and your style. And, of course, there’s no one shoe that ticks all of those boxes for everyone.

Luckily, our expert run testers are here to help you out. We run in the latest running shoes for women every single week to find out which are the best of the best for all different running goals, foot types and terrains. Here are our picks:

• Best for everyday miles: ASICS Novablast 6
• Best all-rounder shoe: ASICS Gel Nimbus 28
• Best max cushioning shoe: New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5
• Best for beginner runners: New Balance Ellipse
• Best for comfort: Brooks Glycerin 23
• Best for long runs: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v15
• Best for race training: New Balance Supercomp Rebel v1
• Best for overpronators: Saucony Guide 19
• Best carbon plate shoe: HOKA Cielo X1 3.0
• Best non-plated speed shoe: Saucony Endorphin Azura
• Best for race-day: ASICS Superblast 3
• Best for PB: ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo
• Best for recovery runs: Saucony Paramount Max
• Best for treadmill running: Reebok Floatzig Tread
• Best low-drop shoe: Altra Experience Flow 3
• Best for road to trail: adidas ADIZERO EVO SL ATR
• Best for everyday trail running: HOKA Speedgoat 7
• Best for speedy trail running: ASICS Metafuji Trail 2

Keep reading for our in-depth reviews of each shoe, or scroll down for our Women’s Running Shoe Buying Guide.

Best for everyday miles: ASICS Novablast 6

Asics Novablast 6 technical details

• RRP: £140
• Weight: 212g
• Stack height: 41.5mm / 33.5mm
• Drop: 8mm
• Foam: FF BLAST MAX cushioning, FF TURBO SQUARED trampoline pod

Pros:

• Impeccable fit
• Slipper-like comfort
• Lovely for short runs

Cons:

• Versatile but not quite plush enough to be a longer distance shoe, or give enough energy return to be a technical shoe

What our tester said:

“While I loved the comfort and immediately went for a little 3 mile plod in them, I couldn’t feel that race day pep that was suggested by the idea of a ‘trampoline pod’. In fact, I actually feel a little quicker and more comfortable in the Novablast cousins, the Gel-Nimbus 28 – perhaps I can actually feel the difference between the BLAST PLUS cushioning in that shoe?

I liked the Novablast 6 a lot, though: it was comfortable, plush, and guided me through a number of shorter runs very happily indeed. It didn’t offer quite enough in terms of plushness to be a long-run shoe, or energy return to be a technical one. For short, non-technical everyday running, they were ace.”

Want more? Read Esther’s full Asics Gel Novablast 6 review.

Best all-rounder shoe: Asics Gel Nimbus 28

Asics Gel Nimbus 28 technical details

• RRP: £180
• Weight: 242g
• Drop: 8mm
• Stack: 34.5mm / 42.5mm
• Foam: FF BLAST™ PLUS

Pros:

• Excellent comfort
• Smooth, stable ride
• Soft, premium upper

Cons:

• Premium price tag
• A little noisy

What our testers said

“I’ve done a few 10K runs in these shoes now, and I’ve found them to be super comfortable. The cushioning absorbs impact beautifully on hard roads. The FF Blast PLUS foam adds a touch of bounce that keeps it from feeling sluggish and the Hybrid ASICSGRIP performed well on wet pavements.”

Want more? Read Laura’s full ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 review.

Best max cushioning shoe: New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 technical details

• RRP: £140
• Weight: 244g
• Sizes: UK women’s 3-8
• Drop: 4mm
• Heel stack: 43/39mm
• Foam: Fresh Foam X

Pros:

• Soft, squishy, bouncy sole
• Well priced
• Fun to run in

Cons:

• A little heavy
• Not a huge range of sizing

What our testers said:

“It’s something New Balance does very well: making soft, cushioned running shoes. This soft, squishy shoe is up there with the best cushioned shoes I’ve run in.

Running in these was dreamy – the shoe is soft but bouncy and doesn’t have that quicksand feeling that some overly soft shoes can. It would make a good running shoe for beginner runners wanting a lot of cushioning, or more experienced runners who want some serious comfort for their recovery runs.”

Want to know more? Read Laura’s full New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 review.

Best for beginner runners: New Balance Ellipse

New Balance Ellipse technical details

• RRP: £130
• Weight: 218g
• Drop: 8mm
• Foam: Fresh Foam X

Pros:

• Comfortable daily trainer
• Great price
• Beginner-friendly shoe

Cons:

• Less energetic that similar shoes
• Could be too relaxed for a more motivated runner

What our tester said:

“My first run in this shoe was a recovery run a few days after a half marathon when my legs were really tired and I plodded round the park. From the get-go it was super comfortable to wear.

I’ve been doing a lot of my marathon training miles in the 1080 v15, so the feel of the Ellipse was somewhat familiar to me, but a little different too.

The Ellipse feels smooth and relaxed on the run. The cushioning absorbs impact well, and the rocker helps keep you moving forward without needing to think about pace or form. It’s not designed for speed and there’s very little snap or urgency to the shoe, but for easy miles, it does exactly what it promises.

This is a shoe that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the run, and it would be a great option for beginners.”

Want to know more? Read Laura’s full New Balance Ellipse review.

Best for comfort: Brooks Glycerin 23

Brooks Glycerin 23 technical details

• RRP: £165
• Weight: 269g
• Drop: 8mm
• DNA Tuned cushioning

Pros:

• Soft, protective cushioning
• Balanced, stable platform
• Premium upper

Cons:

• Not responsive enough for faster sessions

What our tester said:

“It’s the kind of shoe that feels comfortable straight out of the box and remains consistent over longer distances. It has a nice thick tongue and plenty of padding around the heel collar. Under your feet, the foam delivers a soft, protective ride that absorbs impact without feeling overly squishy.

“On the run, the Glycerin 23 feels smooth and controlled. The cushioning softens landings on hard road surfaces, while the transition from heel to toe feels natural and unforced. The ride isn’t especially lively when pushing the pace. But for steady efforts and longer sessions, it delivers a consistent, reassuring feel.”

Read Laura’s full Brooks Glycerin 23 review.

Best for long runs: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v15

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v15 technical details

• Weight: 208g
• Drop: 6mm
• Stack: 39.5mm / 33.5mm
• RRP: £170

Pros:

• Comfortable, cushioned shoe
• Premium feel
• Good beginner option

Cons:

• More expensive than the previous model
• Too soft for faster sessions

What our tester said:

“New Balance’s new Infinion Foam is the star of the show in this shoe. It delivers a noticeably softer, more resilient ride than the previous 1080 v14 and gives the shoe a springy, cushioned feel that lasts through your run. For me it feels underfoot more like the v13 of the 1080, but with a more streamlined and less chunk shoe overall. I’ve really enjoyed running in it.”

Want to know more? Read Laura’s full New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v15 review.

Best for race training: New Balance Superomp Rebel v1

New Balance Supercomp Rebel v1 technical details

RRP: £180
Weight: 174g
Drop: 4mm
Stack: 40mm / 36mm
Foam: Infinion

Pros:

• Enjoyable to run in
• Suitable for every speed
• Rocker and propulsion plate provide great assistance for speed work
• Comfortable enough for easy runs

Cons:

• Runs small so may need to size up

What our tester said

Best for overpronators: Saucony Guide 19

Saucony Guide 19 technical details

RRP: £140
Weight: 252g
Drop: 6mm
Stack: 39.5mm / 31.5mm
Foam: PWRRUN cushioning

Pros:

• Supportive without feeling restrictive
• Smooth, stable shoe
• Comfortable fit and cushioning

Cons:

• Not lively enough for speed work
• Slightly bulkier feel than a neutral daily trainer

What our testers said

Best carbon plate shoe: HOKA Cielo X1 3.0

HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 technical details

• RRP: £250
• Weight: 213g
• Sizes: UK 4.5-13.5
• Drop: 7mm
• Stack: 38mm
• Carbon fibre plate

Pros:

• Super speedy
• Comfortable underfoot
• Lovely design

Cons:

• Pricey
• Not very stable

What our tester said:

“I’m so impressed that HOKA have been able to shave even more weight off it with this latest edition. As soon as I started running in them, though, I became painfully aware of my own technique – they offer very little on the way of stability, and I felt nervous about running at speed on uneven ground with them. Interestingly, HOKA claim to have updated the geometry from the previous version to create more stability, but I felt more comfortable in the HOKA Cielo X1 2.0. I’m don’t have the technical know-how to pinpoint exactly why, but I didn’t feel as supported in the newer version. This may just be the trade-off for more bounce, though, as they’re certainly more propulsive.

“You get out what you put in with the Cielo, and so they felt comfortable and not too stiff at slower speeds with a bit more snap the more I picked up the pace. I didn’t feel fast enough to take them to their full potential, but if you’re a speedy runner looking for comfort and lower-impact landings, they could be a gamechanger.”

Want more info? Check our Holly’s full HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 review.

Best non-plated speed shoe: Saucony Endorphin Azura

Saucony Endorphin Azura technical details

• RRP: £140
• Weight: 212g
• Drop: 8mm
• Stack: 40mm / 32mm
• Foam: PWRRUN PB

Pros:

• Propulsive and speedy
• Very lightweight
• Excellent value for a speed shoe

Cons:

• Not as fast as Saucony’s carbon options

What our tester said:

“The Azura has slotted into my running shoe rotation with ease – I’d been looking for something to replace my old Mizuno Neo Vista 2 shoes that I’ve run into the ground, and the Endorphin Azura fits the bill perfectly.

I love the snappy, responsive feel and they’ve definitely given a sense of drive and urgency to my tempo runs, but they don’t feel nearly as difficult to run in as carbon shoes. There’s enough support that I don’t feel unstable in them, and they’re really comfortable for long miles. I wasn’t expecting to reach for them on my long runs, but have found myself wanting to trial them for race day. I’ve got a half marathon PB attempt coming up, and they’re going to be perfect for maintaining a steady pace over a longer time period.”

Want more? Check out Holly’s full Saucony Endorphin Azura review.

Best for race-day: ASICS Superblast 3

ASICS Superblast 3 technical details

• RRP: £200
• Weight: 239g
• Drop: 8mm
• Stack: 45mm / 37mm
• Foam: FF Leap + FF BLAST PLUS

Pros:

• Responsive cushioning
• Great comfort
• Stable ride, especially downhill

Cons:

• Big pricetag
• ‘Unisex’ sizing can make it difficult to get the right fit

What our tester said:

“On the run, the Superblast 3 feels lively and adaptable. At easy paces, the foam is comfortable with just enough softness to absorb impact, making relaxed miles feel effortless. When you pick up the pace, the midsole becomes noticeably more energetic.

For my first run in the shoe, I headed out on my usual 10K route of hard paths and the miles ticked by nice and comfortably.

One design feature that stands out is the large heel extension. The sole flares out behind the heel, which makes downhill running feel particularly stable and comfortable. This design will especially appeal to heel strikers, as it provides extra cushioning and a smooth transition when landing further back on the shoe.”

Need more info? Check out Laura’s full ASICS Superblast 3 review.

Best for PBs: ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo

ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo technical details

• RRP: £240
• Weight: 170g
• Drop: 5mm
• Stack: 39.5mm / 34.5mm
• Foam: FF Leap + FF Turbo Plus Cushioning

Pros:

• Very lightweight
• Great grip
• Fast and responsive

Cons:

• Some instability when cornering
• Less comfortable at slower paces

What our tester said:

“I wore these shoes to a local evening 5K race. It was a sticky summer evening with some light drizzle before the race started, so the pavements were just a little damp. But what impressed me about the shoe is how they gripped well in these conditions.

“There were a lot of tight turns on my race and I did feel the softness of the heel and the high stack made me a little more cautious coming into those bends, but he shoe responded well when I was running at 5K pace.”

Need more info? Check out Laura’s full ASICS Metaspeed Sky Toyko review.

Best for recovery runs: Saucony Paramount Max

Saucony Paramount Max technical details

• RRP: £200
• Weight: 250g
• Drop: 6mm
• Stack: 43mm / 37mm
• Foam: IncrediRUN

Pros:

• Really comfortable and stable due to wide base and chunky sole
• Looks great
• Shock-absorbing sole would suit runners who have had impact issues

Cons:

• Feel a bit clunkier than other shoes in this category
• Not ideal for warmer days

What our tester said:

“I was truly blown away by how comfortable these felt as soon as I put them on. Heavier runners, those with a higher ground contact time or runners struggling impact issues could really benefit from this shoe, as it’s so absorbent and squishy, with just enough bounce to deliver decent energy return. I was also a big fan of the design, which could be quite polarising – it certainly makes a statement, but it was one I was happy to wear proudly!”

Want to know more? Read Holly’s full Saucony Paramount Max review.

Release date: 1st September 2026

Best for treadmill running: Reebok Floatzig Tread

Reebok Floatzig Tread technical details

• RRP: £123
• Weight: 227g
• Drop: 8mm
• Foam: SuperFloat

Pros:

• Good budget shoe
• Excellent grip
• Comfortable for treadmill running

Cons:

• Not as versatile as a regular shoe
• Low profile not for everyone

What our tester said:

“Like many runners, I already have shoes that naturally become my ‘treadmill shoes’, but that’s usually because I don’t wear super muddy shoes inside rather than because they actually perform better. The FloatZig Tread is the first shoe I’ve used that’s been developed with indoor running in mind.

Underfoot, the FloatZig cushioning remains comfortable and responsive, creating a smooth ride that’s well suited to steady runs, tempo sessions and longer treadmill workouts. It may be a niche concept, but for runners who spend a lot of time indoors, it does make sense. If you’re heading to the gym to do treadmill run combined with strength work, it will work for both.”

Want to know more? Read Laura’s full Reebok Floatzig Tread review.

Best low-drop shoe: Altra Experience Flow 3

Altra Experience Flow 3 technical details

• RRP: £130
• Weight: 208g
• Drop: 4mm
• Foam: Altra EGO™ P35 midsole foam

Pros:

• Amazing comfort
• ‘Natural fit’ suited our tester’s feet well
• Look fantastic

Cons:

• Those with very wide feet may need a different style

What our tester said:

“These shoes from Altra are a lovely balance of everything I’m looking for.

I’m a big fan of the wider toebox. They allow for footsplay, but I didn’t feel like my feet were slopping around in all that extra space. There’s a lot of discussion out there about how much ‘natural fit’ shoes do help (or hinder!) your running form. I think it’s ultimately down to personal experience and preference. For me, I feel as though I do run a lot more naturally in these shoes, which makes it feel easier to run and change pace.

And if all of this wasn’t enough, they look absolutely gorgeous. While testing, other runners have stopped to admire them and ask where they’re from, which is always a good thing!”

Want to know more? Read Kate’s full Altra Experience Flow review.

Best for road to trail: adidas ADIZERO EVO SL ATR

adidas ADIZERO EVO SL ATR technical details

• RRP: £140
• Drop: 6mm
• Lugs: 1.5mm
• Foam: LIGHTSTRIKE PRO

What our tester said

“I feel like Adidas made these shoes just for me. I loved the original Evo SL and wore them regularly over the summer. But my pair are white, so for the past few months they’ve had fewer outings. Enter this new ATR version.

They’re not a massively different shoe to the original, which I’m happy about. On your feet they feel largely similar. The most noticeable differences are than the tongue takes a little more adjusting and that your feet stay dry.

I’ve mainly been using these on runs I’ve done with my dog where we mostly run on grass and in the woods. Wet grass usually soaks my socks through in regular trainers, but the water repellant nature of the Evo SL ATR keeps my toes dry. They’re not going to completely waterproof, but they will keep out most of the winter rain.

The small lugs offer some grip, but not enough for properly muddy paths. But the advantage of that is that they perform more like a road shoe on wet pavements and don’t leave you slipping as an aggressive, technical trail shoe might.”

Want to read more? Check out Laura’s full adidas Adizero Evo SL ATR review.

Best for everyday trail running: HOKA Speedgoat 7

HOKA Speedgoat 7 technical details

• RRP: £145
• Weight: 275g
• Drop: 6mm
• Lugs: 5mm
• Foam: Supercritical EVA

Pros:

• Great for lots of different terrains and speeds
• Lovely fit around heel and ankle
• Comfortable, natural fit
• Good in rain and mud without being clunky

Cons:

• Not the most cushioned – some runners may prefer more foam

What our testers said

“I’m obsessed with running in these shoes. In my experience, trail shoes often require some compromise and you have to decide what’s more important for the type of run you’re doing. Not with these Speedgoats.They’re great for mud and rain (handy, as it’s rained every day I’ve been testing them) due to incredible Vibram traction lugs.

That being said, they’re not as heavy and bulky as some of my other high-traction shoes.I’ve been able to take them on speedier runs thanks to a decent amount of bounce from that new ‘supercritical’ EVA foam, without compromising on comfort or stability. And whereas other road-to-trail shoes I’ve tried are lacking in some responsiveness, these have handled all terrains with ease.”

Want to know more? Read Kate’s full HOKA Speedgoat 7 review.

Best for speedy trail running: ASICS Metafuji Trail 2

ASICS Metafuji Trail 2 technical details

• RRP: £220
• Drop: 5mm
• Stack Height: 41.5mm / 36.5mm
• Foam: FF LEAP & FF BLAST PLUS

Pros:

• Comfortable shoe
• Great grip
• Lovely boost from the carbon plate

Cons:

• Expensive
• Lugs may not be enough for very muddy runs

What our testers said

“The grip on these been particularly impressive. I’ve been running on very dry and dusty trails durig the drought in the UK, as well as short sections of path, and the ASICSGRIP outsole has held really well. I’ve also worn these while running with my dog, who can pull pretty hard when he’s on the lead. That’s given the grip an extra test and I’ve felt reassuringly planted when he’s suddenly pulled me in another direction because he wants to sniff a bush.

The new X-shaped carbon plate is designed to help with propulsion on climbs while still allowing control on descents. There’s plenty of bounce from the foam too, which makes it a comfortable, lively trail shoe that feels good when you pick up the pace.

The improved stability is probably the biggest difference for me. The previous shoe could feel a little precarious when the trail became more technical, whereas I feel more confident in this version when the ground isn’t completely even.”

Want to know more? Read Laura’s full ASICS Metafuji Trail 2 review. 

Women’s Running Shoe Buying Guide

How do I find the right fit?

This is probably the hardest part of buying a new pair of running shoes. It’s important that you get the right fit to avoid blisters, discomfort and even injury. If you’re new to running, a good place to start is with our guide to choosing the right running shoes. It covers all the technical info you need to know to feel confident in buying your first pair of running shoes. It’s also a great reminder for those of us who haven’t purchased in a while.

Knowing how you run is also key for finding the right running shoe. We all have a slightly different running style, and that can change how our feet hit the floor. You might have heard the terms ‘neutral’ and ‘pronation’, which are common differences in running form. Going to a running shop for a gait analysis can help to identify how you run. Once you know, you can find shoes suited to support your specific running form.

Remember that fit can also vary quite significantly from brand to brand. We always include details in our reviews if we found that a shoe was more suited to a certain foot type.

How do I know which type of running shoe to buy?

There are lots of different sub-categories of women’s running shoes. Some will be clear from the name of the shoe, while others become apparent due to the features of the shoe. We always say what kind of runner the shoe is for in our reviews. Here are the most common categories:

• Everyday running shoes
  These are going to be really comfortable, supportive shoes that can cover a lot of mileage. They usually have fewer fancy features, but will happily get you through your everyday runs. They are also usually more adaptable to different terrains.
• Road running shoes
  Many of the running shoes you see on the market are designed to run on roads or pavements. They usually offer impact protection as they’re made for running on hard surfaces. They’re not as suited to hills or trails.
• Trail running shoes
  These shoes are designed specifically for off-road running. They offer a selection of special features including grip, support and waterproofing to make it safer and more comfortable to run through woods, fields and mountains.
• Fast or race running shoes
  If you’re going for a PB or have a big race coming up, these are the shoes to invest in. They’re often lighter than other running shoes, and offer features such as carbon plates to give good energy return, making your running more efficient. They’re less suitable for beginners, and usually offer less support.
• Support shoes
  These are designed to help with things like over-pronation with lots of cushioning in all the right places. They can also be a great choice for recovery runs, as your form may suffer when your legs are tired.