Best running shoes for women in 2023
Finding the right running shoe is important: It's a decision that can have a butterfly effect on everything from comfort while you run to the risk of injury.
Running in the wrong shoes can hinder your performance and be hard on your feet. Wearing athletic footwear that fits comfortably has been linked to an improved running performance, so make sure to pick a pair that can keep up with you while you're on the run.
To help you find the best shoes to run in based on your preferences and running habits, we've compiled this shopping guide highlighting the best running shoes for women in 2023 and beyond.
Best women's running shoes in 2023
When it comes to women's running shoes, many shoe companies today put a lot of work into selling high-quality footwear. A lot of these shoes have specific features, such as narrow widths and shapes that conform to different foot sizes and support a lower center of gravity, so there's plenty to choose from.
- Best all-around: Brooks Ghost 14
- Best durability: Saucony Ride 14
- Best lightweight shoe: Lululemon Blissfeel 2
- Best shock absorption: Asics Gel-Kayano 28
- Best for long distance: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12
- Best breathability: Hoka Rincon 3
- Best all-terrain: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39
- Best for a neutral gait: Mizuno Wave Creation 20
- Best for high arches: Brooks Ghost 15
- Most cushioning: Hoka Clifton 8
Here is a closer look at our picks for the best of the best in women's athletic footwear:
Best all-around: Brooks Ghost 14
Comfortable and stylish, this shoe provides good support while you're on the run -- literally. It features something called BioMoGo DNA cushioning, a bit of technology that can make for smooth running experience.
The mesh exterior can also add a bit of breathability, giving you one more reason to check out this popular shoe style from Brooks.
Brooks Ghost 14, $126 (reduced from $180)
Best durability: Saucony Ride 14
When it comes to durability, this shoe style from Saucony is a solid contender with a sturdy design and strong, rubber outsole. There is also added cushioning thanks to the brand's highlighted cushioning. This can help to relieve some of the added stress on your joints during a run.
You can find a variety of color designs when shopping for this shoe style online. Prices vary between designs and based on foot size, with some marked as low as $95.
Saucony Ride 14, $75 (reduced from $130)
Best lightweight shoe: Lululemon Blissfeel 2
This shoe by Lululemon is popular among reviewers for its snug design. Advertised as designed with women in mind, this lightweight running shoe has foam cushioning that can put a spring in your step.
"This is an odd addition to the list but... users report a light feel that will support you during all of your runs," says Andrew Blakey, a personal trainer who offers training and fitness guidance at his website yourfuturefitness.com.
Best shock absorption: Asics Gel-Kayano 28
Another popular women's running shoe is this style by Asics. The Gel-Keyano 28 shoe offers gel cushioning in the midsole, which can set you up with great shock absorption while running -- and, as a result, greater comfort.
"Best Asics shoe yet," says one satisfied reviewer. "The support in the footbed and arch is even more comfortable than previous versions of this shoe. Fits true to size."
Asics Gel-Keyano 28, $90 (reduced from $160)
Best for long distance: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12
This shoe is perfect for long-distance runners. Its Fresh Foam midsole cushioning offers exceptional comfort and support, while its engineered mesh upper body provides a snug and secure fit. The sleek design can also prevent against chaffing -- a common enemy to the long-distance runner -- so you can enjoy your run without any distractions.
Amazon offers a number of styles and sizes to choose from, so if you like a nice variety, this might be the shoe for you. Prices vary from style to style.
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12, $155 (reduced from $160)
Best breathability: Hoka Rincon 3
This lightweight running shoe has a few cool features for breathability: a soft mesh upper body, seamless synthetic overlays, and breathable textile lining (the inner fabric layer) are all advertised perks for this highly reviewed shoe style.
"I work on my feet in the healthcare industry and must have good shoes," says one reviewer. "These are perfect and very light."
Other reviews echo similar remarks about the snug and supportive design for these women's running shoes. You can find different styles on Amazon, such as unique color combinations like "shell coral/peach parfait" and "butterfly summer" (pictured above).
Best all-terrain: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39
If you're just as likely to hit the trails as you are the pavement when you go for a run, you might want something that works well on different surfaces. This shoe style by Nike can be a great all-terrain option, thanks to responsive cushioning unique to the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus line of running shoes.
With its well-cushioned foam midsole, you can get plenty of support and stability to help you effortlessly meet your goals on any run.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39, $87 (reduced from $135)
Best for a neutral gait: Mizuno Wave Creation 20
This shoe style by Mizuno boasts a design that's all about balance and cushioning, according to the product page. Part of that is due to something called the "Infinity Wave," a bouncy and aerodynamic design unique to this shoe style.
"This running shoe is perfect for runners with a neutral gait," says Dr. Gregory Alvarez, a podiatrist with the Ankle and Foot Centers of America.
Best for high arches: Brooks Ghost 15
Avid runners love the Ghost, one of the most popular sneaker styles from Brooks. The latest version, the Ghost 15, offers ample cushioning for a soft, smooth ride from start to finish and features an updated midsole that reacts to your unique stride and provides smooth transitions.
The design of this shoe can be a perfect fit for anyone with high arches. Instead of risking an uncomfortable fit by using trial and error with other brands and sneaker styles, give these well-reviewed running shoes by Brooks a try first.
Women's Brooks Ghost 15, $133 (reduced from $140)
Most cushioning: Hoka Clifton 8
These nicely padded shoes are great for runners that are looking for a nice, comfy feel as they jog. "[They're] marketed as lightweight, ample cushioning, [and] good for longer runs," says Dr. Marc Matarazzo, an orthopedic surgeon with plenty of experience dealing with sports medicine and related injuries.
Hoka's Clifton 8 running shoes boast a streamlined silhouette, breathable mesh upper and foam midsole for extra cushioning while pounding the pavement. With a 4.5-star rating, it's no wonder the Clifton 8 is one of the brand's bestselling shoes. They're available in both men's and women's sizes.
What to consider before buying a new pair of running shoes
There are a few things you need to consider before buying a new pair of running shoes. Where are you running? Running on a trail or running on a treadmill might influence the kind of running shoes you buy.
How much money are you willing to spend? Are you sticking to a budget? A new pair of running shoes can be a bit of an investment, so you'll want to make sure you're buying a high-quality pair that will last. Luckily, the experts at CBS Essentials have found a variety of customer-loved running shoes on sale now.
You'll also want to consider your personal preferences when it comes to cushioning, support and the look of your shoe. Some runners like springy cushioning, and others prefer a more neutral, light cushioning.
While a trendy shoe is sure to turn heads, a classic-looking running shoe will always be in style. Whether you're into road running, trail running, long-distance running or just looking to get into shape at the gym, we've found running shoes to fit your needs.
How we chose the best women's running shoes of 2023
- Customer reviews: We looked at what everyday folks had to say about every pair of shoes to make sure we were selecting the best of the best.
- Expert recommendations: Those facts and tidbits peppered throughout our list were just a part of the conversations we had with experts on the subject of women's footwear.
- Star rating: This one goes hand-in-hand with the customer reviews we browsed when building our list. We wanted the full picture, so we made sure to stick with four-star ratings or higher.
- Variety: We considered a number of personal factors, from how certain shoes go with different widths to how personal preference comes into play (color and style are important too!) when choosing these running shoes.
- Related: Read more about how we review products
