Have you found your sole mate yet? The right running shoes can make you feel strong, fast and completely in control, whether you’re training for your first 5K or working toward your third marathon. (And if the latter applies to you, we bow down.)
The biggest reason finding a solid running shoe matters: A good pair that fits just right can help you run safely and prevent potential injuries, from blisters to fractures, that could keep you off the road for months.
We’ve put in the miles and found the best running shoes out there — even if you’re just doing that 5K for the post-run brunch. Check out our feature on the best women’s walking shoes, too.
Shop ET Style’s best running shoes for women, below.
Techloom Wave Sneaker APLRevolveTechloom Wave Sneaker APL
The APL Techloom Wave Sneaker are specifically designed to return energy and absorb the shock with each pound on the track, pavement, treadmill or in the woods.
$225 at Revolve
Women’s Tree DashersAllbirdsAllbirdsWomen’s Tree DashersAllbirds
These Allbirds Women’s Tree Dashers are one of the most highly rated women’s running shoes. They also come in 11 different colors and styles to fit everyone’s personality.
$125 at Allbirds
Cloud SwiftOnBloomingdale’sCloud SwiftOn
Truth: Some people’s feet sweat more than others. Thankfully, the mesh sock in these shoes help your feet breathe — even on super-hot outdoor runs. And with the cushiony foam soles in this running sneaker, you’ll feel like you’re running on marshmallows instead of hitting the pavement.
$129.99 at Bloomingdale’s
Women’s Joyride Run FlyknitNikeNikeWomen’s Joyride Run FlyknitNike
The Nike Women’s Joyride Run Flyknit are ranked as one of the best running shoes for women. These sneakers were developed to make running feel easier by incorporating tiny foam beads underfoot conform to help cushioning your foot.
REGULARLY $180$100.97 at Nike
Women’s Clifton 7 Running ShoesHoka One OneAmazonWomen’s Clifton 7 Running ShoesHoka One One
The Hoka One One Women’s Clifton 7 Running Shoes is perfect for the long distance run, be it a 5K or prepping for a marathon. The extended heel in Hoka One One’s Clifton 7 is designed to provide some of the smoothest impact in the marketplace.
$179.95 at Amazon
Cavu Running ShoeHoka One OneZapposCavu Running ShoeHoka One One
Countless reviewers praise this pair’s super-soft soles for the way they protect knees and hips. And we know that running isn’t all about fashion, but they come in a zillion on-trend shades for your running style. Just saying.
$119 at Zappos
Ultraboost 20 Glam Pack ShoesAdidasAdidasUltraboost 20 Glam Pack ShoesAdidas
We can’t promise that you’ll set your new PR in the Adidas Ultraboost 20 Glam Pack Shoes, which is a speed-friendly racing shoe. But with a spring embedded in the mid-sole, there’s a definite chance that you’ll look like a blur during your next sprint.
$180 at Adidas
Ghost 13BrooksZapposGhost 13Brooks
These comfortable and cushy Brooks Ghost 13 are a solid choice in running shoe.
$129.95 at Zappos
Cloud XOnZapposCloud XOn
The On Cloud X mixes training and running into a light and comfortable running shoe. These On Cloud X are lightweight training shoes which are suited best for gym sessions, workout classes, short runs, mixed-sports training and road running.
$139.99 at Zappos
Floatride Run 2 Women’s Running ShoesReebokReebokFloatride Run 2 Women’s Running ShoesReebok
Reebok’s Floatride Run 2 Women’s Running Shoes are lightweight, cushioned sneakers geared for speed. These running shoes strike the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort.
$140 at Reebok
Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running ShoeadidasAmazonWomen’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoeadidas
These adidas Originals Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoes are 30% off at Amazon, while supplies last.
REGULARLY $70$46.70 at Amazon
NOVABLAST SPS SneakerAsicsNordstromNOVABLAST SPS SneakerAsics
The Asics NOVABLAST SPS Sneakers are crafted with FlyteFoam® Blast cushioning and puts the runner-tech comfort under your feet.
$130 at Nordstrom
Fresh Foam 1080v10New BalanceShoebaccaFresh Foam 1080v10New Balance
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v10 sneaker is a full-cushioned running shoe which is light, smooth and flexible. This shoe is crafter with comfort in mind with a soft fitting knit upper and Ultra Heel in with a stylish new look then the previous New Balance 1080s.
$149.97 at Shoebacca
Swift Run X ShoesAdidasAdidasSwift Run X ShoesAdidas
Whether you’re running a marathon or running errands, the Adidas Swift Run X Sneaker provides comfort, performance and style.
REGULARLY $85$68 at Adidas
Ride 13SauconySauconyRide 13Saucony
The Saucony Ride 13 is crafted with three layers of cushioning to conform to everyone’s unique foot shape, weight and gait pattern. This technology helps facilitate a dynamic fit that works for every runner.
$130 at REI
FuelCell EchoNew BalanceShoebaccaFuelCell EchoNew Balance
The New Balance FuelCell Echo running shoe is perfect for the treadmill, though, it is great for all other running surfaces as well.
$99.99 at Shoebacca
Ikoni 2020KarhuAmazonIkoni 2020Karhu
The Karhu Ikoni 2020 are developed so that they fits comfortably for a wide range of different foot shapes, while still delivering a performance-minded comfortable run.
$130 at Amazon
GEL-Nimbus 22AsicsZapposGEL-Nimbus 22Asics
The ASICS GEL-Nimbus 22 is a classic that has been out for over two decades. ASICS used two GEL cushioning units, one in the heel and one in the forefoot to create the comfort associated with these classic running shoes.
$149.95 at Zappos
Women’s Renew Run Running ShoeNikeNikeWomen’s Renew Run Running ShoeNike
This Nike Women’s Renew Run Running Shoe is ranked our ET Syle’s pick of Best Running Shoes for Women. This Nike sneaker comes in 11 different colors and styles, as well, so there is something for everyone’s taste.
REGULARLY $90$53.97 at Nike
Air Zoom Pegasus 36NikeNikeAir Zoom Pegasus 36Nike
These Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 running shoes have more perforations, a must for increased breathability while on your feet and running.
REGULARLY $120$71.97 at Nike
Escalante 2ALTRAAmazonEscalante 2ALTRA
The ALTRA Escalante 2 prioritizes toe box comfort. Altra designed the toe box to match the real shape of your foo which is wider through out the midfoot and forefoot with a more squared-off toe.
$61.01 at Amazon
Women’s HOVR Phantom Running ShoeUnder ArmourAmazonWomen’s HOVR Phantom Running ShoeUnder Armour
These Under Armour Women’s HOVR Phantom Running Shoes provides a zero gravity feel to keep the energy return which helps to eliminate impact step after step.
REGULARLY $130$119.77 at Amazon
Mizuno Women’s Wave Sky Waveknit 3 Running ShoeMizunoAmazonMizuno Women’s Wave Sky Waveknit 3 Running ShoeMizuno
The Mizuno Women’s Wave Sky Waveknit 3 Running Shoes are breathable, lightweight, running shoes with ample support which counteracts the repetitive stress running puts on your entire body.
REGULARLY $159.95$95 at Amazon
Each product has been selected, and each product’s style has been reviewed, by our editorial team; however, we may receive affiliate commissions from some links to products on this page. Prices listed are subject to change by the retailer.