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I laced up for everything from 5ks round the park to long-distance races to find the best for comfort, performance and style
Lucy is a freelance journalist, specialising in health, fitness and general wellbeing. She is also a pre and post-natal personal trainer, teaching at London studios. Previously, Lucy was the health editor across women’s titles at Future Media. She also edited Woman & Home’s lifestyle spin-off magazine Feel Good You.
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If you’re contemplating a 26.2-mile run this Sunday, a pair of the best women’s running trainers may help protect your joints and improve your time. Even if you’re more of a sprinter or a fun-runner, you’ll want the best. As a personal trainer, runner and fitness journalist, I’ve tested countless pairs and I can confidently say that the right shoes can transform your performance, helping you to reach your fitness goals.
Whether you’re after responsive cushioning for long-distance comfort, lightweight speed for sprints, or even extra stability that will support feet and joints, there’s something in this list for every runner, with brands including Hoka, Brooks and New Balance. With running shoes now costing more than ever, I’ve been sure to include some more affordable options that offer good value for money too.
This guide is regularly checked and updated so you know you’re being recommended the best.
Heel and arch support should be top priorities, as these directly affect stability and running form. They keep the foot secure and prevent it from rolling inward or outward during movement. Proper stability is especially important for maintaining balance and avoiding strain on the ankles and knees.
Look for shoes that provide adequate bounce and shock absorption. Good cushioning reduces the impact on joints and can make longer runs more comfortable. Runners who are prone to knee or hip discomfort may find this feature particularly beneficial.
Ground feel, or in other words, the ability to sense the surface underfoot, also plays a role in choosing the right shoe. Some runners prefer a more natural stride with greater feedback from the ground, while others may prioritise extra cushioning for comfort over long distances.
Lastly, consider durability. Running shoes can be a significant investment, so it’s worth choosing a pair made from quality materials that can withstand many miles without showing early signs of wear.
Testing women’s running shoes requires a lot of pavement, track and treadmill pounding. But luckily, as I spend so much of my time exercising, I could give each pair of trainers a thorough workout. I tested 20 trainers overall, narrowing the final list down to 14. You can see more about my testing procedure on our YouTube channel.
Testing for comfort was simple: I assessed how my feet felt before, during and after runs, taking into account support and whether my toes had wiggle room. The cushioning around the arch and heel was a good indicator of stability, but I also tried to check up on my foot placement and how I landed. Was my foot stable? Or was it caving in slightly? I tested the bounce of each pair of running trainers by focusing on whether my feet felt light or heavy with each stride.
Treadmills can mask the true feel of running trainers so ground feel was tested outside on tarmac. In terms of durability, some trainers do show signs of wear quickly. I checked each pair of shoes for scuffs and marks after each run and I also checked that the toe box wasn’t wearing thin.
For more information about how we test products on Telegraph Recommended, read our Who We Are page.
Best Buy Running Shoes for Women
The latest in the Nimbus line-up, these shoes are 25 grams lighter than the Gel Nimbus 27 and trump them ever so slightly in terms of cushioning.
These trainers come complete with PureGEL technology to enhance shock absorption and FF Blast Plus Eco foam. All this foam and cushion does make them look a little bulky, and the ground feel, while still strong, isn’t phenomenal.
They get top marks for comfort, though. I forgot I was even wearing them during my runs. They’re also specifically made for women’s feet, being slightly narrower than men’s running trainers and with extra cushioning around the forefoot so they fit securely. My heels, toes and midfoot felt comfortable throughout all my test runs and there was no rubbing or pinching.
The breathable, engineered knit upper is flexible and durable, with extra reinforcement around the toe. I appreciated this, as my toes have been known to push through the fabric of toe boxes. I’m a big fan of the knit tongue too, which makes the shoe easy to slip on and off.
As a neutral running shoe, these trainers don’t offer all the extra stability features you might look for. They strike a nice balance between cushion and stability with minimal rocking. Pair this with the sole’s great traction and you’ll feel comfortable running in all elements. If you’re after a trainer to carry you through speed sessions, I’d go for something a little less chunky and cushioned. However, for longer runs and easy runs, these are a great pick.
Best Value Running Shoes for Women
The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 has been built on a women-specific last, refined during the design process for an optimal fit, Puma tells me. This means that rather than just being down-sized for women from a men’s shoe, the shoe has been made to fit the workings of a woman’s foot.
I could tell as soon as I put these on that they would be comfortable. They hugged my foot without being too tight, I had wiggle room in the toe box and there was enough cushioning in the heel (although this part was a little loose). They’re also lighter than their predecessor.
I loved the cushioning in the midsole; it was the ideal balance between too bouncy and too hard, so my feet felt supported and I enjoyed a good ground feel.
The PWRPLATE, Puma’s carbon plate, is flexible and really makes each stride feel as though you’re moving forward. The upper of these also felt smooth and lightweight, while feeling durable and able to handle more than just a run.
Thanks to the supportive sole, I also enjoyed wearing these to the gym for HIIT-based workouts. This, combined with the sub £200 price (affordable compared to other running trainers), is why they’re my Best Value pick.
Best for 10km Runs
This is the third iteration of the Cloudmonster trainers which first launched in 2022, and shocked everyone (including me) with their excessive size; this is the first version I’ve caved and tried.
The fit of the Cloudmonster 3 shoes was fantastic; they supported my feet entirely with a good level of cushioning around the heel. Space in the toe box wasn’t generous but I didn’t feel uncomfortable.
These have been made with a triple layer of CloudTec (the name for On’s ‘pods’), which On trainers are renowned for, so I definitely noticed that my run felt springy. The pods compress as you land on the ground and then open up when you take off.
Despite the thick sole, which sits at a height of 35 millimetre at the heel, these were a lot firmer than I thought they would be, but I really liked the balance of bounce and ground feel.
There’s also an enhanced rocker shape and the propulsive ‘Speedboard’ in the midsole, which adds extra cushioning. I ended up wearing these trainers for pretty much an entire weekend, for runs and walks, and found the upper to be breathable and flexible.
I didn’t like the laces of the trainers as they felt quite rough and cheap compared to the plush feel of the rest of the shoe. But that really is the only obvious flaw of these trainers.
Best Road Running Shoes
These running trainers are incredibly lightweight, despite a slightly higher stack than previous versions, making them suitable for all types of running. They also feel breathable thanks to a light upper fabric.
There’s solid arch support in these trainers, which felt almost uncomfortable for the first few minutes of my run. But I quickly got used to the feeling and actually ended up loving the fact that my feet were so supported and stable.
I felt comfortable running for longer periods with these shoes. They’re extremely light, and there’s enough space in the shoe for my feet to move without slipping out. For those who usually size up, however, the wiggle room in the heel might make you think twice here. My usual 6.5 trainer size was a little on the large size and my actual size 6 may have been a better fit.
Rather than a carbon plate, these have a full-length semi-rigid nylon plate which runs between two layers of foam, so there’s a nice feel of propulsion in every stride. There’s a pleasant bounce in the heel, without added bulk.
The grip is also good, ensuring rainy day runs don’t turn into a slipping hazard. The short laces are a downside, though, making tying double knots a little fiddly.
Best Running Shoes for Speed
New Balance £230.00
Buy nowI’ve run many races in New Balance trainers, and I am always impressed by how comfortable they are. The FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 shoes are no different. They fit my feet snugly, with just the right amount of wiggle room in the toe box and support that feels balanced from every angle.
Despite their slightly bulky design, these trainers are incredibly light. I didn’t feel weighed down during my test runs, and their streamlined shape makes them suitable race day shoes.
When I first put these on, I noticed the distinct ‘rocking’ sensation from the New Balance FuelCell midsole which I thought might cause me to feel unbalanced during my runs. However I was proved wrong: this midsole, paired with the carbon plate, propelled me forward with every step. My runs felt smooth and, dare I say, easy.
In terms of bounce, I thought these would offer a little more, however this ultimately worked in my favour as it allowed me to stay connected to the ground and maintain a natural running rhythm. After a few runs, these trainers were unchanged, and they continued to offer me comfort and support. These might come with a steep price tag, but if you’re serious about your runs, these are worth the investment.
Best Daily Trainer
The 22nd iteration of the Brooks Glycerin trainers feel plush. The company has placed extra cushioning around the heel and arch areas, which was noticeable from the second I put the trainers on. It actually took me a while to stop noticing the cushioning around the heel as it felt quite prominent at first, but it certainly made running feel more comfortable.
The first time I ran in these, I was thoroughly impressed by the level of ground feel. Despite a fairly thick sole, I had great control during runs. I credit this to the broad platform of the shoe which Brooks says helps to promote smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
The ‘bounce’ of the shoes isn’t the best I’ve tried, but they are well balanced, and the nitrogen-infused DNA tuned cushioning still absorbs impact to protect joints. For speed sessions, I wouldn’t choose these as they’re not as responsive as others, but for longer distances, these perform well.
The double jacquard knit upper is also quite tough, so after a few runs there was no obvious wear. The upper is also breathable and I found the shoe to be truly comfortable with enough support, while still allowing space to wiggle my toes. I also love the fact that these women’s running trainers also come in a vast array of colours.
Best Running Trainers for Short Distances
Nike is usually a safe bet when it comes to running gear, but first impressions were a little disappointing, here. The heel of the trainers felt a little loose, and I had to pull the laces extra tight to get a secure fit. Once I started running, though, I soon forgot about this and, as time went on, I liked these trainers more and more.
The cushioning is what truly stands out, particularly around the heel and mid foot. The upper is lightweight and breathable, and the design looks great. I tested the bright pink pair, which were loud enough to stop traffic and turn plenty of heads.
The sole delivers just the right amount of bounce for my casual runs. The midsole uses Nike’s new ReactX foam, which the company says boosts energy return by 13 per cent. Two Air Zoom units, one in the forefoot and one in the heel, combine with the foam for a comfortable, responsive run.
All the cushioning and foam make these a great option for easy runs as well as quicker interval runs. Basically, they’re a good all-rounder if you only have space for one set of running shoes.
In terms of durability, these are noticeably better than previous Nike trainers I’ve worn, especially around the toe box which, in the past, has always worn thin. This time, the thick upper and sole on these Nike Pegasus 41 shoes look like new, even after running in the elements.
Best Running Shoes for Reducing Joint Impact
This shoe by R.A.D (Rally Against Destruction) definitely looks like something out of this world thanks to the large foam sole. These feel like a pair of comfortable slippers. I felt supported from all corners, thanks to soft cushioning and a spacious toe box. The sole also flares out around the sides, so I was stable despite the high 42mm heel stack.
These did feel like platforms, which during my runs, meant I didn’t have much ground feel. On the plus side however, I loved the rocking motion of the shoe, and I noticed a forward propulsion with each step.
If you’re someone who suffers from joint pain, these are a great option as they’re so heavily cushioned that they absorb a lot of the impact when running. I felt as though I was running on clouds for the entirety of my run.
The sculpted heel bevel also played a part here. This meant the trainer hit the ground more smoothly. Despite the positives of the bouncy sole, it was squeaky. I couldn’t actually believe how noisy these shoes were. Even when I was running, they were making a racket.
Overall though, these are a good pair of trainers for everyday runs. I probably wouldn’t use them for speed work but for five to 10 kilometre runs, these will be one of my go-to pairs of trainers.
Best Running Shoes for Cushioning
New Balance £170.00
Buy nowThe 1080 v15 running shoes look chunkier out of the box but they ended up looking slim on my feet. My usual size 6.5 still allowed for plenty of room in the toe box.
The cushioning is a stand-out feature. Around the heel in particular, it felt as though my feet were wrapped in cotton wool. The trainers felt so soft and I didn’t experience any rubbing or soreness during my run.
The bounce through the heel is also great. In fact, the cushioning runs along the entire sole of the shoe; it felt as though my feet were on a memory foam mattress. This did mean the ground feel was compromised, but that’s to be expected in a shoe built for comfort.
I did notice that the shoes have a lot of flex in their breathable upper which meant they moved well with my feet and they didn’t feel constrained. However if it’s speed you’re after or a racing shoe, you may find the generous cushioning doesn’t give you that nippy energy return you’re after.
Likewise, if you want a little more stability or a firmer pair of trainers, then the softness might feel too much. Either way, you’ll always be seen. The neon green colour was a good choice for my evening run – it felt as though traffic could see me a mile off.
Best Trail Running Shoes
These might be designed for road running but they also adapt well for dry trails, thanks to the phenomenal grip on the soles of the shoes. Plus, there is just enough cushioning around the heel and decent bounce in the sole. Though, being picky, they could do with a bit more cushioning for longer runs.
These were comfortable as soon as I put them on, fitting snugly around the feet. The wider, rounded toe box allowed me to spread my toes a little more too, which I think helped with grip and ground connection.
According to Altra, its outsole technology maps the bones and tendons of feet to encourage natural movement underfoot. The effect is a feel that’s not a million miles away from barefoot running, which obviously won’t be to everyone’s tastes.
When running in the Altra Torin 8 trainers, I didn’t feel any pinching or rubbing and the zero-to-low drop kept my feet in a secure position. For trail runners who may be dealing with a variety of different bumps on the ground, this is necessary to maintain stability and avoid twisted ankles.
Subjective as it is, the main issue I have with these shoes is how unattractive I find them. I do not like the rounded toe box at all, but for comfort and support, the results speak for themselves.
Best Lifestyle Running Trainers
Harvey Nichols £93.00
Buy nowThe Rep 247 Arc-1 Runner is Represent’s first foray into fitness footwear, with the brand previously focused predominantly on clothing. Because of this, I was sceptical about these trainers, however I was pleasantly surprised as I took them for a five kilometre spin on the pavement and treadmill.
The mesh upper is nicely breathable and secure, plus I had enough room in the toe box without my feet feeling squashed. The shoes themselves have plenty of cushioning and I could happily wear these all day.
I love the anti-microbial in-sock too which also helps to keep both the shoes and your socks fresh, plus they generally look fashion-forward and attractive. The heel was a little loose, so these do require extra tight laces, however.
The Rep 247 Arc 1 Runner running trainers are designed predominantly for 5-10km runs, and I can see why. Although they are incredibly comfortable, the sole lacks the bounce which I would expect from a pair of long distance running shoes, so I would reserve these solely for shorter, easier runs.
Running on a treadmill is nice and comfortable with these, but treadmills tend to have a lot more bounce than tarmac. The sole is also pretty thick, verging on platform-esque. You might assume this would mean less stability on the ground, however I felt stable the entire time I had these on. After several runs, this sole looked untouched and the trainers remained box fresh.
Best Long Distance Running Shoes
With a £140 (RRP) price tag, the Hoka Clifton 10 are slightly more affordable than many other women’s running shoes, yet these still offer a smooth, stable run. These have been especially made for easy runs and long miles: the 42mm heel stack offered great support for my joints during my easy 10km run and Hoka’s Meta Rocker design, with its gently curved sole, meant that there was a slight rolling motion with each step which helped propel me forward.
The toe box is slightly snug so I probably wouldn’t take Hoka’s advice to size down by half, however the pressure of the toe box did ease off as I was running. I love the double-lace lock, which prevented the tongue from slipping and the breathable jacquard upper stopped my feet from feeling too warm; a big plus on longer runs.
I wasn’t blown away by the energy return of these trainers, however, and I found that a sprint session just didn’t feel as good in these as it would in other pairs. This does make the Hoka Clifton 10 a little less versatile overall.
In terms of durability, the Hoka Clifton 10 will last you a while. Despite going out on a few runs, these looked relatively unscathed, making them a robust, reliable pair of running trainers that will support your stride on easy runs, walks and as you go about daily errands.
Best Light Running Trainers
You don’t often find a pair of carbon-plated women’s running trainers for less than £150 but Decathlon has proved that you can find a decent pair of high-performing runners without breaking the bank.
Designed with women’s feet in mind, these trainers have a narrow midfoot that comfortably hugged my feet, and I found the toe box had plenty of wiggle room too. The heel was a little loose and I had to make use of the top eyelet to create a heel lock. Once I’d mastered this. however, all was well.
The bounce isn’t exceptional, but there’s enough of Decathlon’s VFoam cushioning to offer a spring in your stride and I liked the fact I still had a good connection to the ground when I was running. These work for all runs, from short, quick runs to longer distances. The lack of a thick, bouncy sole also means that these trainers avoid the bulky look that often comes with heavily-cushioned trainers. Grip was impressive too, and I had no trouble running over soggy, slippy leaves.
For the price, these are truly impressive. Yes, can get more if you pay extra, but these are comfortable, great for nippy runs and they look good too, proving that you can have quality kit without the premium price tag.
Best Durable Running Shoes
Mizuno isn’t a brand I’d normally turn to for running trainers, but I was pleasantly surprised by these. The sock-like design was a bit of a struggle to get on at first, however Mizuno has thoughtfully added a large finger loop at the back to make things a lot easier.
The shoe fitted fantastically around the midfoot and also in the toe area as my feet felt secure despite having plenty of wiggle room. There was no rubbing or chafing at any point during my runs and the upper was flexible and breathable too.
Annoyingly, I did notice a slight gap around the heel while running, which meant I didn’t get quite the level of security I usually like. I would have liked more cushioning around the heel, too, as it did feel slightly loose.
The bounce in the sole just about makes up for the slightly questionable heel fit, though. The shoe’s nitrogen-infused Mizuno Enerzy NXT midsole offers great shock absorption and energy return, even though they’re slightly heavier than some of the other women’s running trainers I tried.
My speedy five kilometre run around Battersea felt smooth and springy and this spring-like feeling continued throughout my testing, which was a credit to the trainer’s durability. The carbon rubber outsole makes these a solid choice for any runner looking for a pair of trainers that will last.
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