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Running doesn’t require a lot of equipment, but a good pair of running shoes is a must-have to prevent injury. The Brooks Ghost 9 is the ultimate workhorse of women’s running shoes with a lightweight yet cushioned feel, a breathable upper, and the durability to grind out a lot of miles.
Whether you’re just beginning your running journey, or you're an experienced runner looking for a new shoe to try out, finding a quality pair of running shoes is the first step to guaranteeing that your future running endeavors will be enjoyable. It wasn’t so long ago that not much thought was given to the difference between male and female runners and their separate needs as athletes. The go-to phrase was, “shrink ‘em and pink ‘em.”
Luckily, athletic companies have moved away from this simplistic — not to mention sexist — standard and have taken into consideration that women’s bodies are different than men’s, so they need running shoes made specifically for them. With so many women representing the running population, this is a smart move. Just last year women made up 58 percent of all the 5k races in the United States and 43 percent of all marathons.
Women's vs. men's running shoes
So what makes a woman’s model of a running shoe different than a man’s? First off, women tend to have smaller heels in relation to the forefoot, so the shape of the shoe will be slightly different. A lower body mass results in slightly less foam in the midsole of the shoe and deeper grooves make it easier to flex the midsole when toeing off. Men and women also have different Q-angles, or the angle of incidence between the quad muscle and the kneecap, as women generally have wider hips than men. This can cause pronation to occur, which requires different types of cushioning.
Overpronation vs. underpronation
If you overpronate, your foot tends to roll inward too far as you run, and your body isn’t absorbing shock as efficiently. For overpronation, you’ll want a more supportive motion-control shoe to help correct your foot motion. If you underpronate, your foot isn’t rolling in far enough, making the outside of it take the brunt of the impact after the initial heel strike. If this is the case, you’ll want a more neutral-cushioned shoe that will encourage a more natural foot motion. This is one of the most important things to consider when buying running shoes, as overpronation or underpronation can cause serious injury over time if it’s not addressed.
Different shoes for different types of running
You’ll also want to consider the type of running you’ll be doing. Are you planning on doing a lot of road racing? A lightweight shoe will likely be best. Do you tend to do your long runs on trails? Then you may want a shoe designed specifically for trail running. If you’re looking for a simple training shoe for casual running, then durability may not be a big concern. However, if you’re the type of runner who lives in their running shoes, finding a high mileage shoe will give you the best quality for your money.
It may sound overwhelming, but luckily we’ve done the research for you and chosen what we think are the 5 best women’s running shoes based on a variety of running needs. You should also check out our guide to the best GPS running watches to keep tabs on your runs.
SEE ALSO: The best GPS watches for running
The best running shoes overall
Why you'll love them: The durable Brooks Ghost 9 running shoes can fit into multiple training categories, providing enough cushion for a long run, while being light enough to push the tempo.
The Ghost line of running shoes from Brooks has long been a go-to running shoe for women because they can be used for multiple types of training. The shoes' durability makes it possible for them to stand the rigors of daily training, and they provide enough cushioning to make a long run comfortable. If you’re looking to pick up your pace and fit in some speed work, the firmer forefoot of this shoe gives it the fast feel of a lightweight road racing shoe.
The Brooks Ghost 9 can be found for less than $120, a great price tag for a premium running shoe that offers so much. Its price combined with its features have awarded it the “best buy” award from Runners World. It’s also a best seller on Amazon, receiving rave reviews from female runners who praise the cushioned yet lightweight feel.
The extra cushioning in the heel makes these the ideal running shoes for those who have suffered from Plantar Fasciitis, the inflammation of the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. After suffering from Plantar Fasciitis for 13 months this reviewer tried the Brooks Ghost and wrote, “They were a miracle for me! Nothing else worked!”
The Brooks Ghost is considered a cushioned neutral shoe, so it won’t provide the stability needed for overpronation. However, if you’re a neutral runner, or if you’re a heel-striker looking for more comfort on longer runs, the Brooks Ghost 9 is a great place to start.
The grooves in the outsole of the shoe enhance the heel to toe transition, allowing for smooth ground contact, and the outsole itself has a thick layer of rubber to absorb impact. The toe box of the Ghost 9 has been redesigned to be even wider than the Ghost 8, allowing for the toes to spread more naturally, and making longer runs even more enjoyable.
These features add to the overall comfort, making the Ghost 9 the type of running shoe that you’ll find yourself wearing out and about while running errands or grabbing a casual brunch with friends.
The women’s Ghost 9 weighs in at 9.1 ounces, which is heavier than some lightweight models on the market, but its design allows it to keep a fast feel. Running Shoes Guru put the Ghost 9 to the test and found that the shoes felt well-cushioned during a 15-mile run, but also responded quickly when it came to speed training at the track.
We think the reasonable price tag, comfortability, and adaptability when it comes to different types of training make this a scarily good running shoe — pun intended.
Pros: Well-cushioned while still having a light feel, smooth heel to toe transition, breathable upper with a wide toe box, reasonably priced
Cons: On the heavier side, doesn’t provide enough support for overpronation
The best running shoes for support
Why you'll love them: The New Balance 860 v7 shoes offer a smooth, comfortable ride from heel to toe while providing stability for those who overpronate and need more midfoot support.
If you’re looking for a running shoe that provides a good balance between support and comfort, the New Balance 860 v7 may be for you. The 860 line of shoes are a solid choice when it comes to providing stability.
I currently run in the New Balance 860 v6 — and I can confidently say as a female runner who overpronates that my next pair of running shoes will be the 860 v7. Unlike many stability shoes, the 860 manages to find the balance between providing the right amount of support without feeling too heavy. After all, no one wants to feel like they’re wearing two bricks for shoes just because their running gait requires a little more stability.
The 860 v7 was released in the fall of 2016 and comes with some great updates that allow it to hold its own in the stability shoe realm. There was a slight decrease in the offset of the shoe, so your heel will now sit 10mm higher than your forefoot, instead of the previous 12mm. It may seem slight, but this change allows for a more natural-feeling ride while still giving you the support you need.
The newest version of the 860 also incorporates what New Balance calls TRUFUSE technology, combining two different types of cushioning foam to give you a balance between soft and firm. Some runners do feel that this change makes the insole feel a little too firm, but reviewers at Outdoor Gear Lab who tested the shoe felt that the lower offset provided a more natural and responsive feel that balanced out that firmness.
Engineered mesh is used in this model, allowing for more flexibility and a better fit. The ability of the mesh to flex and adapt to the foot makes this a great shoe for those with wide feet and narrow feet alike. The flexible, roomy upper present in both the 860 v6 and the 860 v7 adds to this comfortability, especially as your feet tend to swell as you run.
Having wide feet myself, I can attest to the comfort that the 860 line provides. I’ve never had an issue with uncomfortable toe rubbing, and I’ve ended every single one of my runs blister free. With fewer sewn-on overlays and less seams used in its construction, this shoe further reduces the chance of blisters while still providing durability.
It’s a shoe that is built to last, and with the comfortability, you’ll experience right out of the box as this reviewer claimed, you’ll want them to last as long as possible. According to Runners World, the 860 line of running shoes does run a little short, so you may want to size up. I personally went up half a size to find my perfect fit. A shift in shoe size is completely worth it to finally find a pair of running shoes that hits the sweet spot between stability and comfort like the New Balance 860 v7 does.
Pros: Great stability and support for overpronation, cushioning provides a comfortable ride, lower offset provides a more natural heel to toe motion, construction reduces the risk for blisters
Cons: On the heavier side, limited color options, new foam material used in the insole has received mixed reviews (some runners feel it’s too firm)
The best running shoes for trails
Why you'll love them: The Hoka One One Challenger ATR 3 shoes are designed to handle rough terrain on the trails with maximum cushioning, but the lightweight feel lets you transition from the trail to the road anytime you want.
While some trail shoes tend to be on the heavy side, the Hoka One One (pronounced o-nay o-nay) Challenger ATR 3 shoes manage to provide maximum cushioning while still being lightweight.
The women’s shoe weighs in at a surprising 7.9 ounces. All you have to do is look at the Challenger ATR 3 shoes to see that they fall into the maximal cushioning running shoe category. While they may not be the prettiest running shoes on the market, all of that cushioning offers less stress and impact to the body. This combined with a rugged outsole make the Challenger ATR 3 the perfect shoe for tackling long trail runs.
If you begin or end your runs on the road, the traction and grip performance of this shoe works just as well on muddy trails as it does on the pavement, and its lightweight feel will provide you with a seamless transition.
Running Shoes Guru gave the Challenger ATR 3 high marks, stating that it can be worn for “a fast-paced half marathon on the roads, and then handle 50 miles on burly terrain the next day.” Its rugged durability makes this shoe a favorite for casual trail runners as well as the racing shoe of choice for ultra-marathoners.
This runner tested the Challenger ATR 3 for their first 50k marathon. The trails that made up the race offered everything from mud, creek crossing, loose soil, and gravel — and the Challenger conquered it all with ease.
It should be noted that despite all the cushioning, the Challenger ATR 3 is considered a neutral running shoe, so it won’t offer much in terms of support for overpronators. The toe box has a narrower design as well. While some runners found this helpful to prevent the foot from slipping and sliding during steep uphills and downhills, others with wider feet would have liked more room. To remedy this, this reviewer sized up to find their perfect fit.
Overall, most reviewers on Amazon liked the cushioned, yet lightweight feel of the Challenger ATR 3 as well as their substantial tread. If you’re looking for a comfortable trail shoe that won’t weigh you down, this is a great shoe to try out whether you want a more cushioned ride for casual trail runs, or you’re a modern-day Wonder Woman tackling your next ultra-marathon.
Pros: Fantastic cushioning to weight ratio, rugged outsole with 4mm lugs provides good traction on both trails and roads
Cons: Snug fit especially in the toe box — a size up may be needed for a perfect fit, not suited for overpronators
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