The best running shoes for women that combine comfort, support and style, tested by a marathon runner

As a two-time marathon runner and lover of running, I can confidently say there's nothing that'll put a spring in your step like a pair of the best running shoes. They'll cushion your feet on the pavement or trails and provide support to see you through the miles.

With the boom in running over the last few years, there's truly more choice than ever before from big-name brands like Hoka, New Balance, Adidas, and more, making it easier to get your hands on them - but making the choice even more challenging.

I've lost count of how many pairs of running shoes I've had on my feet over the last six years. As well as marathons, I've pulled on my workout leggings or running shorts for a handful of half-marathons and other distance events, and I run at least twice a week. These are the shoes that have stood out in my mind across all those events, updated for 2026.

The quick list

The best running shoes for women 2026

The best running shoe for women overall

The Asics Gel Nimbus 28 soared to the top of my list of best running shoes for women after the third time I went out in them. The combination of cushioning, a stable feel underfoot (despite being a neutral shoe), and a lightweight design makes them an excellent running shoe for weekly workouts and even races, if you want to take part in them.

I've worn these for a 3km easy run through to a good half-marathon distance, and I think I could wear them for longer given the opportunity. They feel comfortable yet springy for miles on end, totally avoiding that 'dead' feeling in the feet you get with some cushioned running shoes. The midsole foam and a cushioning material called PureGel, added to the heel to improve shock absorption, are to thank for this.

While these shoes aren't made for speed, I found I could pick up the pace in them fairly easily as they don't feel heavy (at 242g, they are actually a little more lightweight than other running shoes on this list). They also have a gentle rocker that encourages your foot to roll forward with every step.

The best running shoe for stability

The Hoka Bondi 9 is a stability shoe at heart with an additional 2mm in cushioning compared to the already-chunky Bondi 8. So, it's perhaps no surprise that I found this shoe really shone in easier, slower runs and even walks, despite not being designed as a walking shoe.

The sole flares out and up at the heel and down the sole, minimising heel striking and literally offering a wider surface area for your foot to land on the ground. Going up the heel, the thicker collar wraps around the ankle with more support for the Achilles, and at the front, a spacious toe box and breathable upper complete the picture.

While these shoes do add some serious height, which was a drawback for me as I'm already six feet tall, they surprised me by performing very well on alternative terrains. I wouldn't want to get too adventurous with them, but I was particularly impressed with the grip on the shifting sand and grit of trail paths recently.

Read my full review of the Hoka Bondi 9 running shoe here

The best running shoe for women with wide toe box

The New Balance 1080v15 is a great regular running shoe on its own, and after looking at my Garmin watch, I realised I've stacked up over 100km in these already over recent months, across distances from 5km to 18km very comfortably. They're best on the pavements, but these manage on light trails just as well, too.

I was a big fan of the previous 1080v14, so I've recommended them below for anyone who can find them on sale, but this newer version does offer some very noticeable upgrades. Most obvious to me was the weight. Combined with the new cushioning material (called Infinion, which is lighter, more durable, and more responsive), an extra 2mm height, and flex in the forefoot, these truly feel like you're running on bouncy clouds.

If you do have wider feet or suffer from issues like bunions, then you'll want a shoe with a wider toe box, and this one delivers. There's a Wide option (D), along with the regular sizing, which will offer more around the toes. Some reviews differ in opinion, so I'd say it's worth trying these on before buying if you can (or being prepared to send them back in exchange for the wide version), but I found that even the regular version has a fairly wide toe box, tapering at the very end.

I'm looking forward to wearing these more in the summer, too, as the perforated mesh upper makes them more breathable than some other running shoes.

The best running shoe for race day

The Adidas Adizero Evo SL were a real contender for the top spot, but their uniquely speedy feel and lightweight design make them a real winner for anyone looking to train for and enter a race. Despite being part of the Adizero range, which includes £200+ elite running shoes, these are also widely available for £130 - or less, if you can find a sale. That could almost be considered budget-friendly these days.

Stepping out for a 5km run in these shoes, I saw immediately why every other runner I see seems to be wearing them in 2026. They feel propulsive - literally pushing me along - thanks to the foam in the midsole, but also surprisingly stable and cushioned without any bulk.

Although the lightweight feel is great, the upper feels very thin, and the laces lack durability and length compared to other shoes on this list. But given the above, I wouldn't let that stop me from buying them again or recommending them to anyone. Combining the potential for real speed and comfort, it's not a shoe you find very often, let alone for this price.

I also love the availability of patterns and colours. Unlike most other running shoes, there's more to choose from here than black, white, and pink in the women's section. This leopard and silver set goes perfectly with my other leopard print activewear, though wearing them together might be a bit much.

The best waterproof running shoe for women

While shoes like the On Cloudrunner 2 and Hoka Clifton 9 with GORE-TEX may be better fits for running on wet pavements, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 GORE-TEX's superior grip offers a secure level of protection. It's a sure favourite for running in winter, or on trails and in the park after the rain.

Hiker and runner Susan Griffin reviewed these shoes for woman&home in their regular fit (without waterproofing). She said: "These trail shoes have a super cushy fit with 5mm lugs that offer impressive traction, which is very welcome on uneven woodland terrain. The toe bumper protected my feet from jutting roots and stones, and there was flexibility to the shoe, which helped create a smoother stride."

She also said the shoes feel "nicely cushioned", suitable for anything from a 10km to longer distance running.

Read Susan's full review of the Hoka Speedgoat 6 running shoe here

The best cushioned running shoe for women

Pulling on the Brooks Glycerin Max trainers for the first time, something felt different. Though it's easily one of the most cushioned trainers I've worn, and they are heavier than others on this list, there's real bounce to the sole. They don't have the heavy, 'dead' feeling that some cushy shoes do. The large cells in the foam across the heel shrink to smaller ones in the forefoot, which makes this possible. I feel my weight completely taken off my joints in every step, but I can still push off with gusto into my run.

These shoes combine comfort and stability with good energy return, so you can pick up the pace - though not quite to the same extent as the Adidas Adizero Evo SL running shoes. This makes them a good choice for longer, slower runs, and even city walking on days when you're expecting a high step count.

I would recommend going up by a half size if you can, as I found these come up a little small, especially if you have wider feet. Otherwise, it's truly like running on clouds in the Brooks Glycerin Max running shoes.

The best carbon plated running shoe for women

First things first, carbon shoes won't be for everyone. If you're looking for a pair of the best running shoes for women to rack up your miles and hit a couple of personal bests, you don't need these. I'd suggest my top recommendation, the Asics Gel Nimbus 28, or my speedy favourites, the Adidas Adizero Evo SL running shoes.

For those looking to pick up serious speed and go for a personal best, however, I can't fault the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 - and good job, too, since they retail for about £250. I was surprised when I got going in these - they are very comfortable and feel a lot more stable than other carbon-plated running shoes I've worn, with real support and cushioning around the heel into the midfoot while offering a heavy rocker and propulsion. Looking down at my Coros Pace 4, I'd counted down the kilometres to a half-marathon PB in these before I knew it, no sweat (well, maybe a little).

Most race-day shoes are narrower, and these do feel nicely snug across the flexible upper material, but I found plenty of room around my toes, and they stayed comfortable for miles without any rubbing.

The best trail running shoe for women

The Saucony Peregrine was the first trail shoe I ever wore, and every time I need a new pair, I simply buy the latest model. It's not a decision that's failed me yet, five years down the line.

These shoes have excellent energy return, making it easy to navigate trails and up fells (as I've done in the Lake District over the years), but they are so comfortable. There's a slight arch in the midfoot, which offers stability and support. For me, that's been the defining feature of these shoes that's kept me coming back over time. The rubber toe cap keeps water and stones away from your toes, the upper is breathable, and they come in a range of colours beyond the standard black, white, and pink of women's running shoes. You can also get them with a GORE-TEX layer, which is non-negotiable for winter trail running.

My one note is that the lugs on these (4mm) aren't as thick as some others, like the Hoka Speedgoat 7 (5mm). It's not a huge difference, but it means these are better suited for dry, rocky, and packed trails, rather than wet or slippery conditions. For summer running, they are a no-brainer. It also means you can wear them from the road to the trail, which is almost a must-have if you don't live in a very rural area.

Recently, I ran a half-marathon in the Peak District in the Peregrine 15. The Peregrine 16 is the latest release and very similar in all ways, so if you can, I'd recommend getting the 15 on sale. If not, the 16 is available at a good price, and you get more cushioning underfoot.

The best running shoe for women over long distances

Over the years, I've run distances from a 5km to a marathon in the Hoka Clifton range, and I'd recommend the 10 to anyone looking to do the same after wearing the shoe over the last few months. By design, these are made to blend support and comfort. While they won't be the speediest shoes, I've found that they've always had my back when it comes to covering ground.

The Clifton 10 has a plush, wider sole around the heel and 3mm more cushioning than previous versions. The smooth rocker does offer some lift under the toes to help you push off, though, which comes in especially useful as miles climb and you get tired, without losing the support around the midfoot or ankle. I don't have this problem, but the 8mm will mean they are a particularly good choice for heel strikers, too.

When I wore the Hoka Clifton 10 and Bondi 9 (my pick for stability) close together, I did notice some similarities between them. They are both very cushioned shoes that support your joints over distance with good stability. However, the Clifton 10 doesn't prioritise stability quite as much, which means there's better energy return underfoot and you can still build up some speed. In my view, this blend of features finds a good middle ground that makes them a great marathon shoe.

Read my full review of the Hoka Clifton 10 running shoe here

Testing the best running shoes for women

How I tested

• Comfort: I would never wear a pair of running shoes if they weren't comfortable, regardless of the reported benefits. Each pair of shoes in this guide was tested for immediate comfort and comfort during runs from 5km to marathons, depending on the shoe. I varied the runs across my interval training, easy runs, long runs, and speed training.
• Support and stability: Equally, a shoe needs to support the joints that make running possible. While it wasn't so much of a problem for regular running shoes, I paid close attention to speed shoes (like the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 and Adidas Adizero Evo SL) for these features.
• Terrain: I tested each shoe on the terrain they were made for, which is mostly pavements and light trails. For the trail shoes in this guide, I took them off-road and into the wet, gravel, and more woodland environments of the Lake District, New Forest, and the Peak District. Every other shoe was tested on London pavements.
• Distance and time: Each shoe was tested for a minimum of a half-marathon, so I could confirm that the shoes were comfortable over a good distance and could handle the changes that happen to the feet with time on the legs.
• Price: There's no doubt that running shoes are expensive, and given how often you should replace them, I prefer to recommend shoes in a reasonable price range. That being said, each shoe has been recommended first for its features, and there is a range of options in the guide for every budget.

How to choose the best running shoes for you

• Do a gait analysis: A gait analysis test analyses how your foot falls (pronation), your stride, and other running mechanics to reveal what type of shoe is best for you. Overpronators, for example, will be better off in a stability shoe.
• Prioritise comfort: Almost as soon as you slip your running shoes on, they should be comfortable. "It's a common myth that a shoe needs to be worn in," says Ben Parker, head running coach and co-founder of Runna. "I find any good pair of running shoes that suit me feel great right away. Try them on in the shop, or out of the box and you'll quickly know if they're not good for you."
• Make sure they're fit for purpose: "Make sure you're buying shoes in line with what you plan to use them for," says Ben. "A generalist trainer with plenty of cushioning and some grip is a great place to start, but if you're planning on trail running, then you'll want a trail shoe rather than a road shoe.
• Prioritise durability: Get a pair of running shoes that are built to last, otherwise, you'll be spending a lot more money over the next couple of years. "The top-of-the-range fastest race shoes might be light and loaded with a springy carbon plate but they last a fraction of the time of a normal running shoe while they cost two-to-three times more. These are clearly not the best choice for someone starting out," says the coach.
• Combine practicality and a design you love: As noted, having a pair of shoes that looks great and performs well is a winning combination for getting your running confidence up. "Make sure you like how they look and you'll be proud to wear them around your local neighborhood. Have a think about the seasons too, if you're going into winter, don't go for a white option as they won't stay white for long," he advises.

How often should you replace running shoes?

If you're running multiple times a week, you can expect your shoes to last between six and nine months, says Ben. It's not as long as you might hope! "This is around the 500 to 800km mark. However, it does depend shoe to shoe as to how durable they are and also the type of terrain you're running on," he explains.

Aches and pains, and worn tread on the soles of your running shoes are signs they need replacing, says Steve Brace, Run 4 Wales Race Director and double Olympic marathoner. "If you're developing blisters or your shoes start rubbing, it can be down to wear and tear," he says.

"Look a the bottom of your shoes. If the tread is worn down, it's likely that the rest of the shoe is, too. Make note of where it's impacted the most as this will also indicate what type of runner you are, helping you ensure you get the right shoe for your gait next time."

To make sure your running shoes last longer, never put them in the washing machine "or dry them on the radiator as this can damage the materials and the adhesives holding them together", he says. "Instead, keep your shoes clean by gently washing any mud and dirt away with a sponge and soapy water and dry them by putting scrunched up newspaper inside."