Best running shoes for women in 2025 reviewed

We all know that running shoes are a personal choice; everyone’s feet are different. That being said, if you’re a female runner and after some guidance when it comes to choosing a supportive, comfortable, and tried and tested women’s running shoe, then you’ve come to the right place. 

The best running shoes are made to feel like a second skin, allowing you to run in comfort and security, without compromising on speed and effort. In this test, we’ve covered some of our female testers’ favourite running shoes for pavement pounding, trail running, and easy training miles. 

Head further down the page to find out how we tested and the key features to look out for in your next pair of running shoes. 

What’s the difference between women’s and men’s running shoes? 

Before we get into it, you’re probably wondering what the difference is between men’s and women’s running shoes. Is it really worth it to buy a female-specific pair of run shoes? 

Granted, there are some unisex running shoes out there, but it’s important to understand how women’s running shoes are optimised to female anatomies so that you can consider whether this is important for your feet and gait.

Primarily, women’s feet tend to be narrower at the heel and wider at the forefoot than men’s. Run shoes with wider toe boxes can accommodate this.

Women’s shoes may have additional structure and a higher drop due to a tendency for women to have higher arches and shorter Achilles tendons. As women are on average lighter than men, women’s run shoes may feature a softer midsole foam to avoid shoes feeling overly stiff and uncomfortable while running.

Take this with a pinch of salt, though. It’s worth noting that these biomechanical differences between men and women are very general. What matters most when selecting your next pair of running shoes are individual preferences, running style, and fit.

• Can running shoes make you faster?

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Best women’s running shoes at a glance

• Best overall women’s running shoe: Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 | Buy now from Saucony
• Best women’s road running shoe: Brooks Ghost 2 Max | Buy now from Brooks Running
• Best affordable women’s running shoe: Inov-8 Roadfly | Buy now from Inov-8
• Best women’s trail running shoe: Hoka Speedgoat 5 | Buy now from Sportsshoes
• Best women’s training shoe: Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 | Buy now from Asics

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Best women’s running shoes in 2025 

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

Best overall women’s running shoe

• £180 / $170

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 combines the perfect blend of comfort and speed.

 With a 36mm heel stack and 28mm midfoot stack, the Speed 4 delivers ample cushioning, while a winged nylon plate adds responsiveness and a race-like snap back while running. 

This design makes the Speed 4 versatile for both training and triathlon racing, offering comfort without sacrificing speed. 

Coming in at 207g (UK 5.5), it’s lightweight and aids efficient running while keeping the legs fresh. 

The PWRRUN PB midsole foam provides excellent bounce and the snug fit keeps feet secure. 

While the majority of the outsole grip is focused on the toe area, the Speed 4 still feels like a great all-round performer for various distances. JP

Read our full review of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 here. 

Brooks Ghost 2 Max

Best women’s road running shoe

• £145 / £149.95

The Brooks Ghost 2 Max is a reliable, everyday training shoe, ideal for long, easy runs. 

It features the GlideRoll Rocker, which promotes smooth transitions from landing to toe-off, requiring minimal effort while running.

The snug mesh upper provides a secure fit without feeling too tight, with the drawback being that the feet felt warm even on cold days.

 At 266g (UK 5.5), it’s one of the heaviest shoe tested for women, which may cause fatigue over longer distances. 

However, the Ghost 2’s 39mm heel stack and nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole chunk deliver abundant cushioning for road running, without feeling overly clunky. 

The shoe offers excellent grip on wet and dry surfaces and incorporates recycled materials, adding eco-friendly appeal. JP 

Read our full review of the Brooks Ghost 2 Max here. 

Inov-8 Roadfly 

Best affordable women’s running shoe 

• £100 / $135

Inov-8’s Roadfly is a refreshing take on road shoes from the brand, offering a natural fit with a roomy toe box that promotes a natural foot strike and run feel.

Unlike many high-cushioned road models, it features a low stack (27mm) and a responsive connection with the ground. 

There’s still good stability and ample cushioning for long runs thanks to the Powerflow Pro midsole and Boomerang Footbed. 

The lightweight mesh upper keeps feet cool, while its flexibility encourages smooth transitions. 

Weighing in at 229g (UK 5.5), the Roadfly feels agile and nimble. The 2mm lug depth provides excellent traction on both dry and wet roads, making it versatile for gym or trail use. JP

Read our full review of the Inov-8 Roadfly here.

• The best budget road and trail running shoes
• Best sustainable running shoes
• Best Asics running shoes

Hoka Speedgoat 5

Best women’s trail running shoe

• £139.99 / $155

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is a popular all-rounder trail running shoe that’s been around for a short while. When we asked professional trail runners, the Speedgoat was the overwhelming favourite. 

It’s lighter than its predecessor, with fewer overlays, and more flexible materials, enhancing comfort and fit. 

The shoe feels soft yet supportive, with a snug fit suitable for trails, balancing responsiveness and plush cushioning. 

Its Vibram Megagrip sole offers excellent traction on loose dirt and stones, though it’s less grippy on smooth concrete or metal. 

Recycled materials and two width options are another reason why it’s the preferred shoe of many, especially for long runs with potential foot swell. 

Tested over 100km on varied terrain, the Speedgoat 5 impressed with durability and comfort. A strong choice for triathlete who love training on trails. HW

Read our full review of the Hoka Speedgoat 5 here.

Asics Gel-Nimbus 26

Best women’s training shoe

• £180 / $160 

The Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 offers a cushioned, comfortable ride with its generous drop from the 41mm/33mm midsole, featuring PureGEL and FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam for softness and shock absorption. 

Best suited for everyday training, it provides smooth footfall with its rocker shape, though we found it lacks the bounce of more dynamic shoes. 

The Nimbus’ wide base ensures stability, but at 256g (UK 5.5), it’s on the heavier side. 

The sock-like upper, padded heel, and roomy toe box enhance comfort, and the engineered knit is breathable and eco-friendly. 

Reflective details and a reliable Hybrid ASICS GRIP outsole make it a solid option for training over varied distances and conditions. JP

Read our full review of the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 here.

Kiprun KS900.2

• £119.99 / $120

Decathlon’s Kiprun KS900.2 is designed for long-distance runners seeking stability and comfort. 

With 39mm of heel cushioning and a 6mm drop, it offers a plush, maximalist run feel.

The dimpled MFoam exterior and padded tongue ensure comfort, but we found this can lead to overly warm feet. 

While true to size, the narrow fit may cause bulging and reduced stability, especially downhill. The ride also feels soft but lacks propulsion, making transitions sluggish. 

At 243g (UK 5.5), it’s average weight for women’s shoes. 

While cushioned and comfortable, the KS900.2 prioritizes stability over excitement, and improvements to fit and foot roll could enhance its appeal. JP

Read our full review of the Kiprun KS900.2 here. 

La Sportiva Cyklon 

• £140 / $185

The La Sportiva Cyklon is a top choice for triathletes who like to take to the trails, being designed with skyrunners in mind. 

Featuring a secure BOA fit system and Dynamic Cage construction, it offers a snug, responsive fit that’s perfect for fast descents and challenging terrain. 

The Cyklon’s s deep 7mm lugs provide excellent traction on rocky or muddy ground, while EVA foam and TPU inserts offer underfoot protection. 

Though slightly heavier than the norm at 256g (UK5.5), the Cyklon delivers exceptional stability without feeling cumbersome. 

The ankle cuff keeps debris out, while the flexible forefoot enhances agility. 

Ideal for technical runs, the Cyklon is a must-have for triathletes who are also mountain enthusiasts. JP

Read our full review of the La Sportiva Cyklon here

How we tested

Every running shoe we evaluate undergoes consistent testing, involving multiple runs of different lengths over several weeks. This covers long, steady runs as well as quicker tempo or interval workouts. We assess each shoe based on various factors, such as comfort, breathability, support, stability, ride quality, propulsion, and overall value.

For this women’s running shoe test, our female testing team includes 220’s editor Helen Webster who’s a keen runner and open water swimming coach. Along with expert gear tester, long-distance runner and coach, Jude Palmer. 

Ratings of 90% and over represent some of the best women’s running shoes that money can buy. Anything over 80% also comes very highly recommended, while a score of 70-80% means the shoes have a lot of pros, but also a few cons.

If a shoe scores below 70%, it still may be worth purchasing based on your needs and budget, but caution is advised to make sure it’s right for you.

What to look for in the best women’s shoes for running

Fit and feel

As we mentioned above, women’s running shoes will typically be a hint narrower around the heel, widening out at the toes. While men’s feet have a more uniform width, with their shoes built with a straighter last.

This set-up should provide a good fit and improved comfort. Consider also whether the laces and upper of a shoe hold your foot securely and the overall feel of the shoes as you run. 

Comfort and cushioning

Level of cushioning in running shoes is largely personal preference and the more you run in a more plush shoe, the more your feet will get used to it.

If you are leaning towards more cushioning, just be aware that with more cushion comes a weightier shoe, which can accelerate fatigue over longer distances. Midsole foam in female running shoes shouldn’t be as dense and stiff as that in men’s shoes, since women tend to be lighter in weight.  

Stability and structure

Women’s shoes benefit from more structure than male-specific ones. This is because females tend to have higher arches and shorter Achilles tendons which require more arch support and a higher drop to reduce tendon strain. If this is something that resonates with you, look for shoes with a heel-to-toe drop that’s at least neutral (3mm-5mm) or high (5-10mm). 

Grip and traction

Grip isn’t a gender-specific feature, but an important aspect of any running shoe. Ensure that your shoes have adequate grip for the conditions you’ll be running in.

Look for ridging and extra stickiness to the outsole of road running shoes that may be used in wet or slippy conditions, and look for grippy lugs in a pair of trail running shoes. The longer the lug, the better it can cope with thick and slushy off-road conditions.  

Optimised features for you

The above isn’t an exhaustive list, be sure to also consider the features that will be useful for the kind of running you’ll be doing. For instance, if you tend to train in a hot climate, then look for lightweight and thin shoes with good breathability such as within the mesh upper.

If you run 50:50 on road and trail, consider a good all-rounder shoe like the Speedgoat 5 above, that can cope with various surfaces. While, if you want a shoe that’s super optimised for competition, then you’ll want to take a look at our best running shoes for triathlon racing.  

Looking for more? Check out our roundup of the best winter running shoes.