Women's running shoes

Best Women's Running Shoes to Buy

Finding the best running shoes for women depends on various factors, such as your running style, foot type, and the surface you'll be running on. Here are the top 5 women’s running shoes currently available:

Nike Revolution 7
Brooks Ghost 15
Asics Gel-Kayano 30
Adidas Duramo SL
Asics Jolt 4

These models offer an excellent combination of comfort, durability, and performance, suitable for different types of runners.

How to Choose the Right Women’s Running Shoes?

Selecting the ideal women’s running shoes requires attention to several aspects that affect your comfort and performance. Fit is the first and perhaps most important criterion; the shoe should wrap around your feet without pinching, and there should be enough room for your toes to move freely. Cushioning is crucial depending on the surface you run on—harder surfaces require more cushioning to absorb shock. The shoe’s width is also important, especially if you have narrow or wide feet, to ensure a perfect fit. Pronation type plays a significant role in your choice of shoes; depending on whether you have neutral feet or overpronate, you’ll need specific support. By considering these factors, you can select the right running shoes that meet your specific needs.

Different Types of Women’s Running Shoes

There are various types of running shoes available, each designed for specific running needs and environments.

All-round running shoes: These are versatile and suitable for various types of training and surfaces.
Trail running shoes: Ideal for off-road running, offering extra grip and protection on rough terrains.
Racing shoes: Lightweight and responsive, designed for speed and performance during competitions.
Spikes: Specifically for track events, these shoes offer maximum grip with minimal weight.

The Right Women’s Running Shoes for Different Surfaces

The surface you run on plays a major role in choosing your shoes. For paved roads, running shoes with good cushioning and smooth rolling motion are ideal. Trail runners, on the other hand, need shoes with a sturdy profile and extra protection against rocks and roots. Running shoes for unpaved surfaces offer less cushioning than those for paved roads. If you’re running on a hard surface, you'll need shoes with plenty of cushioning to absorb the impact on your joints. For running on unpaved trails, opt for trail running shoes, which provide more grip but are less suitable for regular roads.

Different Foot Types for Different Women’s Running Shoes

Running shoes can be classified as neutral or supportive. To determine which shoes you need, you must first know your foot type. A simple way to find out is by stepping on a piece of paper with wet feet and examining your footprint. There are four different types of footprints:

Normal foot: This footprint shows the heel, arch, and ball of your foot. Neutral running shoes are best for this foot type, reducing the risk of injury and providing the most comfort.
Flat foot: If you see a wide footprint on the paper, you have flat feet, also known as collapsed arches. Neutral running shoes are also the best option for this foot type. However, you'll need shoes with extra support, so choose neutral running shoes that offer plenty of it. You can check the product descriptions to see how much support the shoes offer.
High arch: If you only see the ball and heel of your foot, you have a high arch. The arch of your foot is not visible in the footprint. Neutral running shoes are also suitable for this foot type but should have a lot of cushioning. The product descriptions will indicate whether the shoes provide enough cushioning.
Overpronation: This type of foot is similar to the normal foot but lacks part of the arch in the footprint. The foot rolls inward during running. If you have this type of foot and wear neutral running shoes, too much pressure will be placed on your shins and knees, leading to overpronation. The best option for overpronated feet is to wear anti-pronation running shoes. These shoes help correct the inward roll, helping you maintain proper alignment and reducing the risk of injury.

You can also check your old running shoes to determine what type you need. If the shoes are evenly worn down, you have neutral feet. If they are worn on the inside of the forefoot and the outside of the heel, you likely have overpronated feet.