Best Running Shoes for Women in 2024

Weight: 8.1 ounces
Drop: 4mm
Type: Road racing

If I were to run a marathon wearing a shoe on this list, it would be the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3. When I slipped this carbon-fiber shoe on, it felt heavily cushioned and comfortable all around. The upper is socklike so it molds to your foot and the rocker feels bouncy, even when you're walking around. I'd size up if you're looking for more room in the toe box since I found it slightly more narrow than other New Balance styles. It's evident this shoe was designed to help you run fast and give you a boost to propel you forward.

Although it's on the heavier side due to the cushioning, I was amazed at how smooth my transitions felt running in this shoe. The rocker made running seem almost effortless and this is all thanks to the midsole that is made up of a carbon fiber plate cushioned by two layers of foam. The one area where I thought this sneaker fell short was that its shoe tongue is an extension of the upper. There's no way of adjusting it, so it may sit low for some runners. I also found the shoelaces to be on the shorter side and they became untied easily -- that's not something I'd expect from a running shoe. 

During my run I found myself re-tying my shoelaces a couple of times until I got a secure fit. This is an overall soft ride, so it will depend on the runner if they prefer a firmer option. But it's able to handle pavement just fine, so if you like running on the road, your joints will feel protected.

Pros:

• Heavily cushioned
• Shoe arc designed to improve speed
• Ideal for race day

Cons:

• Shoe tongue and laces could be better designed
• Toe box may be snug for some runners
• May be too heavy or cushioned for some runners

Weight: 9.1 ounces
Drop: 10mm
Type: Track and road running

An everyday running shoe that most people can enjoy is the Brooks Glycerin 20. This shoe is another Brooks best-seller and is good for everyday running or walking. It's intended for neutral support and offers a lightweight ride. The mesh upper helps the shoe feel breathable while also being flexible at the same time. This classic sneaker doesn't stand out aesthetically compared to some other options on the list, but it gets the job done. 

The heel-to-toe drop is high with the heel being the most cushioned part of the shoe -- a good option if you're a heel striker. It's a plush shoe, but it still feels firm. I personally like a running shoe that has more stability around the heel and ankles, which is where I think this shoe was lacking. The shoe laces also came undone a couple of times during my run, which contributed to this issue and needed to be double knotted. I still felt secure running in this shoe, however, and found that it had good traction on the road and grass. 

I'd use this type of shoe to log some miles if I was training for a race, but would prefer a more responsive shoe like the New Balance FuelCell for racing. However, if you need a functional shoe for running, walking or working on your feet, then you'll enjoy the Brooks Glycerin 20. 

Pros:

• Firm yet cushioned
• Good for heel strikers and neutral gaits
• Can be used as a walking or lifestyle shoe

Cons:

• Not the best choice for racing
• Could use more ankle and heel support
• Shoelaces could use improvement

Weight: 7.2 ounces
Drop: 10mm
Type: Road running

The On Cloudsurfer will be a favorite for those who like sneakers that are maximally cushioned. It took me a moment to get used to the feel when I put them on because in addition to the cushioning, the shoe's rocker is designed to propel you off your toes. I'm familiar with On shoes because I've tested the On Cloud 5 for walking shoes, but I'd never tried its running line. The pods on the outsole, unique to On's shoes, are designed to resemble clouds in order to give you a smooth ride. The Cloudsurfer line went through a redesign with this new version with the cloud pods blending in across the base of the shoe instead of being individual pods. 

For a running shoe, I found the toe box to be on the snug side, so if you need more room in your shoes you can size up. Even though the upper is made out of mesh and breathable, during the run it ran hot and could use some more air flow. This is something to keep in mind if you're looking to take up running in the summer. The plush outsole provides enough joint protection that I felt well supported while running on concrete and grass. However, I could feel the weight of the shoe during my run, which made me reconsider using it for long distances. It's not the heaviest shoe on the list, so perhaps the distribution of the shoe design is what made it feel heavier. 

I'd keep the Cloudsurfer in my running shoe rotation because I appreciate that the cushioning provides a soft landing every time. I would reach for this shoe if I was planning on jogging, going on easy runs or running short distances, but I wouldn't depend on it for speed training.

Pros:

• Well-cushioned sneaker
• Modern and functional design
• Smooth ride

Cons:

• Too heavy for speed
• Might be too cushioned for some runners
• Runs hot and could use a more breathable toe box

Weight: 7.5 ounces
Drop: 8mm
Type: Speed 

Under Armour isn't usually a brand I associate with running sneakers, but I was eager to try the Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite. Upon trying these shoes on I could tell they were made for speed. They're lightweight with a translucent mesh upper that is highly breathable and feels sock-like. At first glance I was conflicted about the upper -- the bright neon green can be divisive, but Under Armour also offers two other shades that are less bright than the neon green. 

This shoe has a low heel-to-toe drop, which makes it ideal to run fast. You can feel the full-length carbon fiber plate, it's designed to help propel you during your run. It feels awkward when you're standing around or walking, but the structure makes sense once you're running. I'd been keeping my runs at a slower pace during pregnancy to avoid overexerting myself, but I was surprised at how speedy these shoes made me. In fact, I looked at the data collected by my Apple Watch and I'd effortlessly shaved off a little over a minute from my current fastest time. This made me wonder how fast I could get during regular training circumstances. 

Running transitions also felt smooth and my joints felt supported even though this was one of the lighter shoes I tested. One thing I did notice was that my calves felt tired faster wearing these shoes, which could either be attributed to the increased pregnancy blood flow or the design of the shoe since I found myself landing on my forefoot more than usual. Still, the Velociti Elite is the ideal shoe to keep in your arsenal if you are practicing tempo or speed runs or trying to get faster for an upcoming race. If you're someone who runs recreationally, you may prefer a more classic and less expensive shoe like the Brooks. 

Pros: 

• Lightweight
• May help improve your running pace
• Ideal for those who prefer a lower heel-to-toe drop

Cons:

• Best for speed, but not running long distances
• Transparent mesh upper may not be a favorite for all runners
• Expensive for a shoe that isn't as versatile as others 

Weight: 8.6 ounces
Drop: 12mm
Type: Stability

The Mizuno Wave Inspire 19 sneakers are ideal for those who prefer a firm stability shoe. This was the first time I ran in a pair of Mizunos and it was different compared to the cushioned shoes I usually run in. It fit true to size and is wide enough in the toe box to let your feet spread out. The heel is also well-supported so I didn't feel like I was going to slip out of the shoe during my run. The heel-to-toe drop is high on this shoe, but I barely noticed it compared to other sneakers that have a similar profile.

Even though this is a firmer shoe than I'm used to, my feet felt secure and comfortable. I was worried that because it lacks cushioning that my joints would take a hit, but luckily the shoe did a good job providing protection. This is most likely due to the midsole which is made up of the Mizuno enerzy foam and the Mizuno wave plate that provides enough cushioning to handle the impact of the road. It's a durable shoe that also has good traction on the outsole and can handle different types of running surfaces. It's slightly heavier than I'd prefer, but if you're used to a firm stability shoe then it won't be a problem. I would use this as an everyday training shoe during slower paced runs, but opt for a lighter sneaker to build speed. 

Pros:

• Reliable stability sneaker
• Well-designed, durable and true to size
• Traction works well on different running surfaces, including wet roads

Cons:

• Firmness and weight may take some getting used to
• Lacks color variety
• Not the best racing shoe

Weight: 7.7 ounces
Drop: 10mm
Type: Road running 

The Pegasus may not have the racing appeal of Nike's Vaporfly line, but it is still a reliable shoe that is an affordable option. I liked that the Pegasus looks like a sporty yet lifestyle type of shoe. I'd go up half a size if you'd like extra wiggle room in the toe box, since Nike shoes tend to run narrow. 

The neutral support and cushioning throughout the shoe provides a comfortable and smooth ride whether you are a forefoot or heel striker. The heel-to-toe drop is on the higher side, but it's not as noticeable as I expected. When I was running in these shoes I liked how my arches felt supported and it added a bounce to my step without it harming my joints. It also had decent traction which is important for road running shoes. 

Even though this shoe isn't as cushioned as the New Balance or Asics styles, it's enough for a reliable daily trainer. Some things I observed during testing are that these shoes ran hot and lacked ventilation, which is something to consider if you need to keep your feet cool during the warmer months. It's also not the heaviest shoe on the list, but I wouldn't rely on it for speed training. If speed is your goal, I'd opt for the Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite shoes instead. Overall, I liked the Pegasus as a casual running sneaker that can also work for cross training activities at the gym.

Pros:

• Versatile sneaker
• Responsive on the pavement
• Can be used as a daily trainer

Cons:

• Runs hot and lacks breathability
• It's not as exciting as other Nike shoe options
• Shoe size runs narrow

Weight: 8.9 ounces
Drop: 8mm
Type: Road running

I was impressed by the Asics Gel Nimbus 25 as soon as I slipped them on. I had run in Asics before, but I was used to a firmer design. The Gel Nimbus 25 was a different experience than I expected -- in a good way. This shoe is light and maximum cushioned. I went up half a size thinking I'd need the extra toe room like I have with other Asics shoes, but in this case I could've stuck to my true size. This shoe feels like you're wearing clouds on your feet thanks to the FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning and the PureGel technology Asics in the heel, which has been improved for better shock absorption. 

I enjoyed how this shoe performed in testing: It felt comfortable while offering proper support across my feet. The outsole rubber grip feels like it can take on roads or trails, even rain or shine. The heel-to-toe drop is not as high as the New Balance 1080s or Brooks styles I tested, but this shoe is just as stable and cushioned for softer landings. 

Pregnancy brings on aches and muscle soreness you sometimes don't anticipate, so it was nice that these shoes made me feel supported while also feeling weightless on my feet. Asics' update to its Gel Nimbus shoe will suit anyone looking for a classic running shoe that's also reliable. If you're not a fan of softer shoes, then you may prefer a firmer shoe like the Mizuno Wave. I could see the Gel Nimbus performing well on race day, while walking or for easy runs. You can't go wrong with this classic style. 

Pros:

• Spacious and cushioned shoe
• Good shock absorption
• Feels light on feet 

Cons:

• Might be too soft for those who prefer a firmer ride
• Not made for speed