Best women’s running shoes according to experts

For its first foray into the footwear industry, Lululemon analyzed foot scans of more than a million women. The result: a neutral sneaker with a wider forefoot to accommodate the female geometry and more cushioning around and under the heel for comfort. “The Blissfeel is a great choice for women looking for a cushioned, lightweight shoe for their daily runs,” says Maria Restrepo, a NASM-certified personal trainer and runner.

The Ultraboost has been a maxed-out staple for male and female runners going the distance since its debut in 2015. In redesigning the latest iteration, designers have focused entirely on gender specificity, using data from over a million foot scans to create men’s and women’s lasts around which the new shoe is built. “The Ultraboost 22 has a narrow, S-shaped heel and low instep,” says Rami Hashish, Ph.D., physical therapy physician and physical performance and injury expert. Plus, he adds, there’s extra support on the inside of the outsole to help prevent the feet from rolling in, which is more common in women.

Puma incorporated insights from athletes like Olympian Molly Seidel as well as general consumers when creating their women-specific running shoe. “The XX Nitro is made for women who prefer a smooth and well-cushioned ride,” says Restrepo. “It’s great for people who overpronate and those looking for extra comfort due to its responsive foam sole and supportive upper.”

The Nike Invincible is packed with 37 millimeters of the brand’s lightest, softest and most responsive foam (the same one you’ll find in the brand’s highly hyped racing shoes). “The Invincible can be great for any runner who wants to simulate running on a softer surface on their light days – and the responsive bounce can make you feel like you’re running faster,” says running coach Amie Dworecki. “These shoes offer a high level of support to help those who overpronate and they have a decent tread so you have a good grip when parts of your run take you down a dirt trail.”

Under Armor also turned to 3D scanning, custom lab testing, and fit and wear testing in the development of its new women’s-specific shoe, focusing on women’s heels, arches and midfoot heights. “The Under Armor Synchronicity is great for runners who need extra arch support,” says orthopedic surgeon Kellie K. Middleton. “This shoe features unique arch stabilization technology that helps provide a secure fit and improved cushioning.” It’s also super lightweight and has less cushioning, making it ideal for faster workouts.

Brooks is the largest brand of women’s performance running shoes and the Ghost is their best-selling women’s running shoe. While this shoe isn’t specifically designed for the female anatomy, it tends to accommodate wider forefoot. And it combines the brand’s softest cushioning in the midsole with a crash pad on the heel to better absorb impact.

“With a 12mm heel-to-toe heel, this is a nice neutral, cushioned shoe for someone with a high arch,” says podiatrist Nelya Lobkova.

The GEL nimbus has been around forever, but it was one of ASICS’ heavier, almost chunky styles. Not anymore: Just this year, the brand introduced a complete redesign of this classic shoe: “The Nimbus 25 is great for runners who prefer the comfort and cushioning of a neutral or lightly structured shoe for long or easy runs,” says Lalitha McSorley . a physical therapist at Brentwood Physiotherapy Calgary. “Runners who need a little extra stability and protection, such as Those with flat feet or high arches will benefit from the cushioning and support of this neutral shoe.”

Hoka’s Bondi line has the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of approval and “is known for its soft, cushioned ride and unique shape,” says podiatrist Jamila A. Butcher. “It’s a great option for runners who need a lot of cushioning and support.” The latest update uses softer, lighter foams and an all-new extended heel geometry that – combined with the wider base – helps guide feet seamlessly through the gait cycle without wasting energy. It’s not a fast shoe, but one that can go really far.

One of New Balance’s top women’s shoes, the Fresh Foam X 1080v12 isn’t gender specific but delivers exactly where runners need it. “These shoes are super light and comfortable and are a perfect fit especially for beginners,” says Olesia Stefanko, a Miami-based trainer and fitness program developer for HitFit. “A thick, stable platform protects the joints from negative running shocks – without the feeling of lying on a pillow/mattress.”

Updating the Ride 15, Bell calls it a Goldilocks shoe because “they’re not too soft, but they’re not too firm; not too cushioned, but not too flat,” Saucony used a new midsole foam that lends itself to a smoother running experience. It’s slightly firmer than previous iterations, allowing runners to pick up the pace but still go the distance. The wider base provides a very stable ride, while a slightly wider forefoot gives the toes room to splay and a semi-rigid, cushioned heel counter keeps the foot in place. There’s also a lot more foam underfoot for plush, responsive cushioning.