The most comfortable women's running shoes for 2025

Yahoo

23-06-2025

Whether you're pounding pavement or the treadmill, you need a running shoe that cushions and supports your feet. That means grabbing a quality pair of running sneakers to help you with your training, so you can enjoy your daily jogs, sprint faster or hit your marathon goals. "Running shoes have more cushion to absorb the higher impact of activity," says New York-based podiatrist and foot surgeon Dr. Hillary Brenner. The best women's running shoes are not only comfortable and supportive enough to last miles, but they should also be incredibly lightweight to help you enhance your performance and increase your speed.To find out which women's running shoes will help you make strides, we consulted a mix of podiatrists, fitness experts, marathoners, running coaches and our own running-obsessed shopping editors to find out what they look for when picking the right running shoes and which options are their favorites. From cushioned running shoes to lightweight trainers and supportive kicks, these are the most comfortable running shoes for women.
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How we chose the most comfortable women's running shoes
Factors to consider when choosing comfortable women's running shoes
FAQs
Meet our experts
Update, Jun. 23, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for best comfortable running shoes for women remains unchanged.
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To figure out which women's running shoes were the best of the best, we consulted a mix of podiatrists, fitness experts, marathoners, running coaches and our own running-obsessed shopping editors. They weighed in on what to look for when picking the right running shoes for different needs. We also polled this crew to find out which options are their favorites — because there's nothing like a firsthand recommendation! After reviewing hundreds of contenders, we came down to 11 final candidates.
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Comfort: Like any shoe, comfort is key. You'll want to find a pair with ample cushioning and support to prevent injuries and ensure your feet won't hurt after wearing them, especially if you plan on wearing them for miles.
Traction: "Depending on where you plan to run (trail vs. road), the shoe's traction should provide stability and grip suitable for the terrain", NASM-certified personal trainer, Andrew White tells us. Stephanie Holbrook, Level 1 USA triathlon coach, agrees telling us you want to choose running shoes with a sole that provides a good grip on various surfaces. "Look for shoes with a patterned sole or rubber outsole for optimal traction," she tells us.
Support: According to Dr. Matt Tanneberg, a Chiropractor and Certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) supportive sneakers are necessary to alleviate some of the pressure being put on their feet from the constant impact of running, especially if you have flatter feet. Supportive shoes "will also help to take some of the pressure off of the surrounding joints of the leg, as well: the ankles, knees and hips," he says.
Cushioning: "Comfort and shock absorption depends on a good cushioned and molded insole," Gregory Alvarez, DPM, FACFAS, and Podiatrist at the Ankle & Foot Centers of America tells us. The correct amount of cushioning provides shock absorption from the repetitive pounding that your feet will undergo as you run.
Weight: If you're trying to hit a new personal goal or trying to increase your speed a lightweight sneaker is key. "Lighter-weight models may contribute to better performance, especially when it comes to racing; however, lightweight shoes should not come at the expense of stability," Dr. Alvarez tells us. So when choosing a lightweight running shoe, you also want to make sure the sneaker is durable and structured enough to keep your foot stable and supported.
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While you may think any old running shoe will work for everything from light jogs to long marathons, think again. There are actually a variety of types of running shoes to choose from depending on the activity level. White tells us if you're hitting trails with uneven terrains, you should opt for a pair of trail runners as they "Feature rugged soles for better grip and stability on off-road terrains."
If you're just getting into running or looking for a pair to go on short everyday runs, you should invest in a pair of everyday trainers as they are "versatile and durable enough for regular training sessions as well as long-distance runs," says Dr. Alvarez. He also suggests investing in racing flats if you're tackling a marathon or long-distance run because they are "built to maximize speed by minimizing weight and padding."
Marathoner and running trainer, Carleth Keys recommends opting for either a half-size or a full-size larger, depending on the brand. "This is because your feet tend to swell after running for extended periods," she tells us. Kim Clark, marathoner and running coach agrees telling us, "You need to have space in the front so your toes aren't getting banged up against the shoe and allow your foot to flex while running, and to allow for swelling when you run! I size up a full size from my casual shoes!"
According to New York-based podiatrist and foot surgeon, Dr. Hillary Brenner "Running shoes have more cushion to absorb the higher impact of activity." Plus they are usually designed to be lightweight for speed, whereas walking shoes are heavier to provide more stability. "Walking shoes are more flexible at the forefoot whereas running shoes have flexibility throughout the shoe to accommodate for the variety of running patterns," she adds.
There are a few simple ways you can keep your running shoes in tip-top shape. Holbrook recommends wiping your sneakers with a clean cloth to remove any dirt, sweat or debris after every workout. "If your shoes are particularly dirty, you can use a soft-bristled brush and mild soap to clean them. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as they can damage the material of your shoes," she adds.
Airing out your shoes is also helpful as it can prevent the buildup of bacteria and odor. "Remove the insoles and let them dry separately. You can also stuff your shoes with newspaper to help absorb moisture and speed up the drying process," says Holbrook. And be sure to store them in a cool, dry place when they aren't in use. "Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or in a damp environment, as this can damage the material and cause odor. You can also use shoe trees or inserts to help maintain their shape," she added.
Another helpful tip is to check the manufacturer label as some gym shoes are now machine-washable, which would make keeping them clean even easier.
Clark says the key to judging when a running shoe needs to be replaced is based on mileage and not the lifespan of the shoe. "Most running shoes will get about 200-300 miles before they aren't absorbing shock well anymore, and some shoes with more cushioning will get more like 400-500."
Her biggest tip for extending the life of your running shoes is to wear them only for running and don't wear them for other types of workouts or running errands. White also suggests rotating between two pairs of running shoes if you run frequently. "This extends the life of each pair and helps reduce the risk of injury by varying the load and stress on your legs and feet. Different shoes can slightly alter how you run, which can benefit your muscles and joints," he tells us.
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Julie Lohre, women's fitness expert, IFBB fitness pro athlete and certified personal trainer
Stephanie Holbrook, Level 1 USA triathlon coach, Level 2 USA cycling coach, Pose Method running technique specialist
Andrew White, NASM-certified personal trainer
Gregory Alvarez, DPM, FACFAS, and Podiatrist at the Ankle & Foot Centers of America
Carleth Keys, Marathoner and running trainer
Kim Clark, Marathoner and running coach
Dr. Matt Tanneberg, Chiropractor and Certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) in Scottsdale, AZ
Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS
Dr. Hillary Brenner, New York-based podiatrist and foot surgeon
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