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

As a two-time marathoner and lover of running, I know there's nothing that'll put a spring in your step like a pair of the best running shoes. Supportive, stable, and springy, they'll cushion your feet on pavement or trails, and see you through the miles.

With the boom in running over the last few years, there's truly more choice than ever before, with big-name brands like Hoka, Asics, and Adidas among the most popular. It's now easier than ever to find a good pair of trainers, but it does mean that choosing a pair has become a lot harder.

I've lost count of how many pairs of running shoes I've had on my feet over the last six years, from road trainers to trail running shoes. Along with marathons, I've done dozens of half-marathons and 10km events, and I run at least three times a week at the moment. These are the shoes that have stood out in my mind across all those events, updated for summer 2026.

The quick list

The best running shoes for women 2026

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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 sixth time I took them out for a spin. The combination of ultra-plush cushioning, stability underfoot, and a lightweight design makes them an excellent running shoe for weekly runs and longer-distance events.

These shoes are designed to be as comfortable as possible. To do this, they sacrifice some of the responsive feel you'll find in the Asics Superblast 3, for example, but it's worth it. The comfort underfoot and around the ankle is unmatched on easier and longer runs, as they combine a cushioned sockliner and improved midsole cushioning. I run at least 30km every week in these shoes at the moment, and haven't felt any niggles in my knees or hips - very rare for me at this point in my training.

This doesn't mean you can't pick up the pace in the Asics Gel Nimbus 28, though, should you want to. They aren't one for speed workouts, but I got my most recent half-marathon personal best in these shoes. At 242g, they are also among the lightest running shoes on this list and have a gentle rocker that encourages your foot to roll forwards with every step.

Read my full review of the Asics Gel Nimbus 28 running shoes here

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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. It's perhaps no surprise that I found this shoe really shone on 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 by providing a wider surface area for your foot to land on the ground. Going up the heel, the thicker collar wraps around the ankle for better ankle support. At the front, a spacious toe box and breathable upper complete the (very comfortable) picture.

While these shoes do add some serious height, which was a drawback for me as I'm already taller than average, 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 of these on shifting sand and trail path grit recently.

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

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The best running shoe for women with wide toe box

The New Balance 1080v15 is a great regular running shoe, and it was a contender for being the best shoe overall. After looking at my Garmin watch, I realised I've stacked up over 100km in these over recent months, across distances from 5km to 18km, jogging in them 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 was coming to these with a sceptical eye. This newer version has been very noticeably upgraded. 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, you'll want a shoe with a wider toe box, and this one delivers. There's a Wide option (D), along with 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 only at the very end.

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The best versatile running shoes

Under Armour is known for its workout leggings and trainers. In recent years, they've dived headfirst into the running arena, and it's been a success. The Velociti Distance is the latest shoe in the line-up, and I took them for a spin for a few weeks on my longer runs. After a 25km jog along the river, I felt I'd put them through their paces.

These are sturdy shoes, and immediately after pulling them on, I had that 'locked-in' feeling. For longer runs, this is essential. The thick collar and light but firm upper help with this, creating a feeling of stability in every step.

Fellow woman&home runner, Fiona McKim, has also worn the Under Armour Velociti Distance running shoes for a few months as an independent tester. Together, we decided these were the most versatile shoes of the bunch. "These are designed for long distances, but I've found them a bit of a revelation for regular, shorter distances, too. I'm clocking up enough KM per week to necessitate a bit of long overdue care towards my joints, and it’s good to know that if I do decide to up the length of my runs I won’t have to invest in a second pair of trainers," she says.

The Under Armour Velociti Distance have a thick wedge of plush foam that slides under the midfoot, creating a buffer between the foot and ground, like other shoes on this list. "At 40, I’m sure my long-suffering knees were grateful for the extra cushioning, and there was no denying I had a little spring in my step, right from the first run," she says.

The only downside of these shoes that I found was the weight. They are noticeably heavier than other shoes on this list with similar credentials, like the Asics Gel Nimbus 28, and I could feel this underfoot. As the miles racked up, I did feel like I was dragging these along slightly.

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The best running shoe for race day

Got a running race on the calendar this year? The Adidas Adizero Evo SL are very lightweight, springy, incredibly responsive, and come in enough colours that you're bound to find a pair to match your running shorts.

Stepping out for a 10km 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. Yet, they also feel supportive around the ankle over shorter distances. When I increased my kilometres and started running upwards of 10km, I really appreciated the extra push under my feet. But at this distance, the supportive feel did fall away slightly. So, I'd recommend them up to a half-marathon distance - and only on roads.

Combining the potential for real speed and comfort, it's not a shoe you find very often, let alone for this price. The Adidas Adizero Evo Sl is part of the Adizero range. This is a collection that includes £200+ elite running shoes. These are widely available for £130 - or even under £100, if you can find a sale. That could almost be considered budget-friendly these days.

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.

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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.

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The best running shoe for long distances

The Asics Superblast 3 combine the comfort of the Asics Gel Nimbus 28 (my top choice overall) with a lighter, springier, and more responsive design. Over the miles, these come together to create a supportive shoe that's ideal for longer distances or even marathon training.

The longest I've run in these shoes is 35km, just 10km away from a marathon, and my feet were the least of my problems at the end. This shoe blends two types of foam in the midsole, a design previously reserved for the brand's line of racing shoes, which explains why it felt so comfortable yet so springy underfoot as I went through the miles. The upper is light and thin. As I was testing this shoe through the summer months, this was a gift for breathability. Combined with the padded heel cuff, this offered a real locked-in feeling that had me feeling confident when I wanted to pick up the pace.

This shoe could be a contender for the 'best wide-fit' position as it naturally has a wider toe box, but for those with average feet like myself, they don't feel like they are rolling around in there.

Whether you're going for a half-marathon personal best or hoping to just get through your first marathon, I'd recommend the Asics Superblast 3. Regardless of your pace, they are supportive, plush, and very comfortable.

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The best trail running shoe for women

Julia Clarke is a trail runner and our resident trail shoe reviewer at woman&home. She's tested them from the highlands to Chamonix, which is where the Brooks Cascadia 19 found its feet as our top choice for trail runners.

"Since my first hilly 10km in the Brooks Cascadia 19, I've loved these shoes. They felt great then and have continued to be so for every run I've done over the last six months, regardless of conditions. They are snug around the midfoot, translating to a really secure fit for navigating tough terrain and avoiding toe-bashing on the downhill. There's zero slippage of my foot inside the shoe, even on steeper descents, and my toes have plenty of room to move and flex," she says.

"The second thing I noticed about these shoes was the bouncy sensation," she says. "These shoes might not have the stack of some trail shoes, but they feel springy even on soft, grassy trails."

Read Julia's full review of the Brooks Cascadia 19 here

The best waterproof running shoe for women

The Hoka Clifton 9 is a stable, reliable shoe, regardless of the weather. I was a fan of the Hoka Clifton 10 model, so imagine my delight when I saw the Hoka Clifton 9 came in a waterproof version. There's nothing worse than getting wet feet in a summer downpour. In the winter, I'll be wearing these a lot more as well.

This shoe has a thick foam platform, much like others on this list, which makes running more comfortable on the hips, knees, and ankle joints. A slight rocker in the sole I found is more than enough to take this shoe on longer runs, as the slight tilt helped propel me along after 10km. The thick cuff was comfortable around my ankle as well, and offered additional support.

You can certainly pick up the pace in these shoes, however. They aren't as stability-minded as the Hoka Bondi 9. I can feel the ground in these shoes, and they feel springy and responsive.

Normally, there's a ventilated upper on these shoes, but the Hoka Clifton 9 GORE-TEX swapped this out for a handy waterproof membrane. Back in May, I took these out running for several wet miles, and my feet returned dry. The only downside was the laces, which are not waterproof. These were soaking.

These shoes would be on my list anyway, but finding a good shoe for road running that's also almost completely waterproof is a rarity. Laces aside, these have clinched the top spot in this category without a doubt.

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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.

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."