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The best running shoes for women share similar class-driving highlights with the best shoes by and large. They’re light, comfortable, padded, and offer stabilization where you need it most.
There are tons of great options for women to choose from when looking at running shoes. Though each will have its own specific and brand-specific features, they should all offer the highlights we discussed above. With all the options available, how can you choose?
Ladies, don’t worry about that buyer’s paralysis that we all feel as we try to sift through hundreds of choices. We have combed through those choices and whittled them down to just five styles of running shoes. We hope that one of these will be the one that matches your needs.
Best Women’s Running Shoe Reviews
1. ASICS Gel-Venture 7
Our first entry comes from ASICS and is a shoe crafted with man-made fabric and premium-grade rubber. It is designed with the attention to detail that ASICS is known for. The Gel-Venture 7 is one of the most comfortable and high performing running shoes for women.
Review
Crafting a good pair of running shoes comes down to two things: the material used in the construction and the features included in the design. ASICS has been perfecting their designs for years, and with the Gel-Venture 7, they have succeeded. In order to offer you such a superior performance shoe, they included the following features:
- Crafted with a high-quality, rubber sole
- Designed with a rearfoot gel cushion system
- Fitted with an ortholite sock liner
- Select sections of outsole constructed with high abrasion-resistant rubber
- Comes in multiple sizes and colors
When you find the perfect running shoe, you want to be able to use them for years. This is something ASICS understands, and that is why they chose to implement their design with the best quality materials. Once they had chosen these, they set about molding them into this top-notch running shoe.
The designers made sure that the shoe had everything a runner would want, starting with stabilization. This shoe offers amazing stabilization, which will help you have a true stride and reduce the risk of injury.
Another factor that will help with the reduction of injury is a sole that is crafted for optimal traction. This shoe has that, as well. Combine all that with the comfort of the shoe and you will see why it is on this list.
Though this shoe has a lot of great things going for it, there are a few things that could be improved. Of the two issues that we will discuss, the weight may be the biggest of the two. Many people prefer good, lightweight running shoes. If that is you, then this is not the shoe for you.
It also has some issues with sizing. The shoe tends to run small. This can be solved by simply going one size up.
Pros
- Crafted with premium materials for better durability
- Offers great stabilization and slip-protection
- Nice level of traction for cross-terrain runs
- Designed for superior comfort for longer runs
Cons
- Weight of the shoe is a bit much for some
- Some sizing issues – runs a bit small
2. Brooks Glycerin 17
Comfort is important when looking for a running shoe. The Glycerin 17 offers that and so much more. It is quite clear that the designers at Brooks aim to deliver quality and performance.
Review
Taking time to understand what is needed in the product you are creating should be the first thing any manufacturer does. The team at Brooks understands that. Thus, when crafting the Glycerin 17, they utilized this concept and produced a great running shoe. They did this by making sure the design had the following attributes:
- Built-in DNA LOFT cushioning
- Comes with an ortholite sock liner
- Designed with a flexible 3D-print mesh upper
- Comes in a nice range of colors and sizes
This shoe is full of features that enhance select aspects of this shoe. With the right combination, you get a comfortable, high performing shoe that is perfect for any terrain you are looking to run on. The material used in this shoe will be able to stand up to even the most rugged environment.
However, the greatness doesn’t stop with the outside of the shoe. When you look at the interior design, you will see why many people absolutely rave about this shoe. It offers a great heel to toe transition, which helps elevate the stabilization of the shoe.
Plus, it is made of excellent, breathable materials. This will help with airflow and keep your feet cool and drier than other options.
There are, of course, a few things that we need to make known before you make your final decision. If you are a runner that needs extra arch support, then this model may not be the right one for you. It offers good arch support for normal arches, but for those needing more, it lacks in this department.
Other than that, there have been some complaints about the vibrancy of the colors not being consistent. This doesn’t affect the performance, but for those ladies who want to match their gear, this could lead to some problems.
Pros
- Offers a nice heel to toe transition
- Designed to be flexible and supportive
- Fabric is very breathable for longer wearing
- Premium materials elevate the durability
Cons
- Some issues with colors – not as vibrant as expected
- Limited level of arch support
3. Skechers Squad SR
The next entry is a multi-functional shoe from Skechers. The design of this shoe offers the runner a lot of comfort and a few key features that help enhance its overall performance.
Review
Skechers has been a name in the athletic shoe industry for years, and they have always prided themselves on delivering quality, high-performance products. The Squad SR is just another fine example of this. Built with the following features, this shoe is perfect for running in the gym or around the neighborhood.
- Designed with a premium, synthetic sole
- Shaft measures low-top from the arches
- Crafted from lightweight materials
- Sole is designed to be flexible
- Protects against electrical hazards
- Footbed constructed with memory foam
- Offers slip resistance
As you run down the street, there is something that sticks out in regards to this shoe. The first is how lightweight and breathable it is. This is a good quality for many reasons. First, with a lightweight shoe, you will reduce the strain on your legs, which will decrease soreness.
The breathability, on the other hand, will help keep your feet cool and dry, which will allow for longer, more comfortable runs – and less odor. Another aspect where this shoe shines is traction. Though not as high-quality as other options, this shoe does offer a decent grip. All of this ends up bringing you some seriously comfortable shoes.
There are a few design features that could stand to be improved when you look at this shoe. The most obvious is the size. This shoe runs large, and that could be a safety issue.
When looking to purchase these shoes, make sure to go a half size down. Also, the laces are something that needs to be addressed. They are tough, but they do not tighten enough for some.
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable
- Laces are designed to stretch
- Good level of traction for all-terrain
- Comfortable to wear for longer time periods
Cons
- Issues with sizing – runs large
- Laces don’t tighten enough
4. Nike Air Max Torch 4
The Nike swoosh brings with it a reputation for high quality and performance-driven athletic wear. With the Air Max Torch 4, you can add comfort to that list of qualities to give you an optimized running experience.
Review
Just do it! That is the slogan from the iconic athletic wear company. This could be taken in many ways. In regards to the design of these running shoes, it seems to mean include features that optimize the comfort and performance of the shoe. The slogan is played out with this shoe by including the following features:
- Constructed with a synthetic, breathable upper
- Lace-up front design
- Designed with a padded tongue and collar
- Built-in, Air-sole heel
- Crafted with a Phylon cushion in the forefront
- Carbon rubber outsole
- Available in a wide range of colors
No matter where you are running, this shoe from Nike is a perfect choice. When looking at this shoe, everything about its design and construction screams comfort. By giving you optimal comfort, Nike has allowed you to be able to get your sweat on with very little pain (the bad kind, of course).
Designed with a firm upper and a mesh that is breathable, you will be very comfortable for those short runs. The design offers a wide toe box for even more comfort.
The comfort only extends for so long, though. This shoe is not a long-distance runner’s choice. If that is what you are looking for, make sure to check out one of our other options.
There are also some sizing issues that you should know about when picking your shoe. This model from Nike runs small and narrow. It would be best to be able to try it on, but if that is not possible, then start by going up one size.
Pros
- Very comfortable fit for most feet shapes
- Toe box is a nice size
- Upper is designed to be firm
- Can handle a wide range of terrains
Cons
- Not great for long runs
- Issues with sizing & fit – runs small and narrow
5. New Balance Arishi V2
Our last entry is from New Balance and brings with it a sleek look while still being comfortable. It is designed for endurance and not speed. Thus, if you are a runner that likes to hit the paths for an extended period of time, then this is a great choice for you.
Review
Running puts stress on your legs and feet, and that means that you want your shoes to help reduce this impact. From the shock from impact to the strain on your ankle, there are quite a few things that have to be addressed. In order to do that, the designers at New Balance have made a shoe that comes with these features:
- Designed with premium-grade, synthetic sole
- Shaft measures low-top from the arch
- Crafted with a breathable, synthetic, mesh upper
- No seam design
- Built-in Fresh Foam insert
- Comes in a wide range of colors
This shoe is perfect for those runners looking for a good pair of shoes for distance running. It is fitted with features that optimize aspects that are key to superior performance in this field.
It starts with its mesh construction, which improves the breathability of the shoe. Plus, it looks good as you run over whatever terrain that you have chosen. These features make this a great shoe to invest in.
There are a few issues that could cause some to reconsider this as a potential choice, though. The stabilization of this shoe is not as good as other options. This could lead to potential balance issues and may increase the risk of injury. It is also not a great choice for speed runners. Slow and steady wins the race is really a great motto for this shoe.
Pros
- Offers enhanced breathability
- Comfortable to wear for a long period of time
- Aesthetically stylish in its overall design
- Price versus value is outstanding
Cons
- Not great for speed running
- Lacks a good level of stabilization
Final Thoughts
Running can be a great way to get in shape and is often used as a way to relieve stress. That being said, you don’t want a pair of shoes that causes you to end up in pain. In fact, of all your gear, your shoes are the most important investment you make when you are hitting the pavement.
We have pulled together some of the best running shoes for women. This list has shoes for every type of running, so we are sure you will be able to find the perfect pair for you within this list.
