12 of the best women’s running shoes 2019 – Runner’s World (UK)

What’s the difference between men’s and women’s feet – how are women’s running shoes different?

When it comes to the difference in men’s and women’s running shoes, first we must address the variants when it comes to foot shape. According to biomechanists’, the biggest difference between women’s and men’s feet is the relationship between the heel and the forefoot, or the “ball” of the foot. Women tend to have a narrower heel in relation to what’s known as their “ball girth”, or the circumference of the ball of their foot.

This means that a women who wears a size-9 shoe likely has a narrower heel, a wider ball and a bigger ball girth than a man who wears a size-7 men’s shoe, which is equivalent to a women’s size-9.

According to a study conducted by biomechanist Kate Bednarski, highly competitive women runners (who run 50 miles a week or more) also tend to have higher arches and narrower heels than the average female.

What should women look for when choosing running shoes?

To find the perfect shoe for your foot, test several brands in a variety of sizes. It’s also often a good idea to have your gait tested before committing to a certain shoe, to see if you need extra support in your trainer. There should be adequate room in the toe box and your heels should not slip.

Why are women’s shoes lighter and softer?

First off, women’s shoes share a few features based on characteristics that may or may not apply to you. It’s possible you might prefer a “men’s” shoe, just as some men might feel more comfortable in a “women’s” shoe. The designs of the shoes are just based on general group tendencies, such as that women have less muscle mass than men and tend to weigh less as a result. For this reason, women’s shoes often have a lighter and softer midsole to make up for the lower degree of impact put on the shoe with each stride.

How do women run differently?

Researchers have also found that because women tend to have wider hips than men, our feet are more likely to strike the ground toward the outside of our shoe soles. The inward rolling of the foot that results from this is known as pronation, which explains why more women are believed to overpronate than men. Some women’s running shoes account for this increased tendency with different materials used for support through the sole.

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What are the best women’s running shoes on the market?

Whilst some of these have been designed with women’s feet in mind, others are long-standing best-sellers:

1. Nike Pegasus 35 Women’s Running Shoe, £104.95, nike.com






Built for every level of runner, this female specific running shoe from Nike features a slightly softer Cushlon foam midsole, specially tuned for the female foot. A popular shoe that has been around for 35 generations, this modern update sees some new changes, led by feedback from some of the world’s best athletes, including Sir Mo Farah himself. Whilst the breathable mesh upper remains the same, there’s a new collar design, directed away from the Achilles for added comfort and a new shape with responsive cushioning that improves traction and flexibility.

2. Asics Gel Nimbus, £150, asics.com






For 20 years, the Gel Nimbus has been a plush, comfortable, neutral cushioning shoe, perfect for slimmer feet. Whilst it’s not specifically a women’s only shoe, the Gel Nimbus has a fiercely loyal following, meaning they must be doing something right. This newest generation has new gel cushioning and a more secure fit around the midfoot, meaning you don’t have to pull the laces really tightly. What’s more, the new 3D printed mesh upper is much better at moving with your feet as you run compared to older versions of the shoe.

3. Adidas Solarboost, £139.95, adidas.co.uk






A great shoe whether you’re training for a 5K or a marathon, the fibre reinforcement offer a sock-like fit. With the addition of the guide upper to add support to the shoe, and the heel designed to reduce pressure on the achilles, these are a comfy, reliable running shoe. Read our full review of the Adidas Solarboost here.

4. New Balance 1080v8, £87.50, newbalance.co.uk






A good beginners shoe, the latest 1080v8 from New Balance is hefty and stable for longer runs, yet nimble and lightweight enough for those who are going for speed. It’s a reliable option that’s been around for years, with a stretchy upper giving your feet space to breathe. It fits extremely well and is comfortable, making it a good choice, however many miles you plan on clocking up.

5. Hoka One One Cavu, £59.99, sportsshoes.com






If you’re new to running, and looking for a trainer you can wear in the gym and on your walks to work, this is the choice for you. Winning our Best Runners Buy award in our 2018 shoe guide, we love how brilliant value for money the Cavu is. It might look hefty, but don’t be put off by the bulk, it was actually the lightest shoe we tested – the combination of soft heel cushioning and a firmer ride under the toes helps you get a better push-off as you run. The mesh upper is extremely breathable and it manages it’s varied workload well. A great all-rounder.

Related: 10 of the best last-season running shoes for under £100

6. Brooks Ravenna 9, £75, runnersneed.com






Another one that’s been around for nearly a decade, this is one of the top sellers in the Brooks range. This updated version features a more durable outsole, fewer seams, a revamped stability feature and more modern aesthetics. It’s a super comfy, reliable shoe on everything from speed session on the treadmill, through to 20-mile runs. A good, safe choice, whatever distance you’re running.

7. Saucony Ride ISO, £120, saucony.com






The 11th Ride in Saucony’s stable brings a new ISOfit upper to a soft, comfortable sole that feels like it cradles your arches. This women’s neutral shoe gives you foam for days, with an Everun top sole that tucks three millimeters of bouncy foam under the sockliner for propulsion and energy return, plus bonus Powerfoam for a smoother stride. We also loved the new ISOFit lacing system, which lets you customise how tight you want your laces against the dorsal part of your foot. Overall, this is a great marathon-training shoe that holds up its cushion and support over long miles—and packs premium features in at a great price.

8. Asics Gel Kayano 25, £150, asics.com






The 25th iteration of the Gel-Kayano, an everyday trainer now old enough to rent a car, brings big changes, including a sleeker look, more stability for overpronators, and a fully redesigned mesh upper that forms to the foot. All this, plus a longer medial plate that extends from the midsole to the heel, comes with the intention of providing more motion control and a sturdier ride. Two types of lightweight foam at the heel (for added bounce) and toe (for forward propulsion) give the shoe plenty of cushion and support. Plus, the women’s version has an extra 3mm of midsole height to reduce strain on the Achilles.

9. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus Turbo, £159.95, nike.com






The Turbo is built for women who want to go fast, with a soft, springy ZoomX foam in the midsole borrowed from the record-setting Vaporfly Flyknit 4%. Typically, an EVA foam midsole will compress easily and then take its sweet time recovering shape. But ZoomX technology has blown us away with its quick compressibility and immediate rebound. Nike has added a thin layer of React foam to the bottom so the shoe will hold up for longer, as well as a rubber outsole grid for traction. Overall, this is a high-mileage, versatile shoe that combines the fit and feel of a workhorse Pegasus with the lightweight speed of a racing flat. Just be warned that the forefoot runs a bit larger than standard Nikes, and be prepared to size down.

10. Brooks Ghost 11, £120, runnersneed.com






A perennial favourite for new runners and marathon maniacs alike, the Ghost has always provided a quick, smooth ride that holds up over the miles. This year’s edition somehow raises an already-stellar bar with a new midsole foam that promises an even lighter, bouncier feel. Our testers thought the Ghost 11 feels like it has “an extra spring missing from previous versions.” The only potentially negative change is that the 11 fell a few points in stability, based on RW Shoe Lab data, but testers felt the neutral shoe still felt supportive enough.

11. Hoka One One Clifton 5, £114.99, sportsshoes.com



If you’ve never tried a thick, pillowy Hoka One One shoe, it’s hard to believe how light they can feel until you slide your foot into a pair. Great for recovery days or when you just need a break from harsh pounding against concrete, the Clifton 5 wraps your foot in foam and centers it over a thick slab of cushioning with a firm heel and soft forefoot. The shoe is slightly curved to help you roll through your stride. This year’s version is slightly thicker and heavier than previous versions, which makes it a better shoe for long miles than speedwork. The upper has been redesigned in an engineered mesh to fit more smoothly and securely, with just enough structure to comfortably cradle your foot.

12. Saucony Peregrine ISO, £110, saucony.com



Known for its deep lugs and stellar traction, if you’re heading for the trails, you’ll want to be in Peregrines. Mud, snow, ice, and slippery rocks are no match for the shoe’s burly outsole. This iteration of the shoe adds Saucony’s ISOFit upper, which straps down tight to the foot via wings connected to the laces. The women’s midsole strikes a nice balance between soft cushion and connection to the trail.