The 5 Best Women's Running Shoes of 2023

Whether you enjoy daily jogs around the neighbourhood, clocking in miles on the road or trails, are training for a 5K or a marathon, or cross-training at the gym, wearing the right pair of running shoes makes all the difference when it comes to comfort and performance. For female runners especially, having comfortable running shoes is as important as selecting the right sports bra.

Running shoes, as opposed to sneakers, have specialised technology to help you run more efficiently and prevent injury. From everyday training to off-road adventures, choosing the best running shoe depends on the kind of running you want to do and the type of terrain you will be on. When trail running, you need trail-specific shoes designed with pronounced lugs in the outsole for better grip and durability in rougher conditions (such as rocky, dirty, or muddy trails). Learn more about the specific features of trail shoes and what to look for in our article How to Choose a Trail Running Shoe. For road running, versatile everyday trainers provide cushioned support and responsiveness, while lightweight racing shoes help with increased energy return for a more propulsive ride. Running shoes also come in neutral or stability options. Stability shoes are designed to correct overpronation in runners where the ankle rolls excessively inward. Lastly, having the right size and fit are crucial components in finding the best shoe that works for you. The shoe should wrap comfortably around your foot and accommodate your specific foot shape (narrow, wide, or standard). Discover how to accurately measure your foot size and find your width in our article How to Find Your Running Shoe Size and Fit.

Here at Running Warehouse, we researched and tested tons of running shoes to discover the latest and greatest options available with a women's-specific fit. Whether you're looking for plush comfort for daily mileage, durable traction for the trail, or carbon-plated speed for race day, our guide will help you find the best shoes for your next run. Check out our list of the top 5 best women's running shoes of 2023:

A soft yet light daily trainer, the HOKA Clifton 9 is a highly cushioned, neutral running shoe that performs at any distance. With a comfortable upper and a well-cushioned midsole, the Clifton is a perfect everyday option for runners of all levels. From novices to elite athletes, it's no wonder this classic has a reputation for reliability and remains a favorite for its ultra-smooth ride. The latest iteration features an additional 3 mm foam in the stack height while weighing less for a better underfoot experience. For pillowy soft cushioning that is inviting on every run, the HOKA Clifton 9 continues to deliver on both performance and ultimate comfort, which is why it gets our vote as the best-cushioned running shoe of the year.

For a low-profile stability shoe that is versatile, supportive, and stylish, the Brooks Adrenaline 23 delivers on all counts. With its sleek design, comfortable cushioning, and reliable support, it's no surprise that the Adrenaline has been the go-to shoe for so many runners over the years. Utilizing the brand's GuideRail technology, the Adrenaline GTS 23 offers a natural feeling of support that guides the foot straight through the gait cycle, while the lighter and softer cushioning in the midsole ensures a comfortable run. With enough comfort and durability for both long runs and daily training, the Adrenaline GTS 23 earns our vote for the best stability running shoe around.

Building upon the learnings of the previous models, the Endorphin Speed 3 has been refined to offer more support and increased versatility. The shape of the nylon plate in the Speed 3 has been updated to center your foot on landings and increase the energy return during the gait cycle. The same bouncy PWRRUN PB midsole foam is re-shaped to smooth out transitions and improve the spring felt underfoot. The upper of the Speed 3 has undergone changes, with a comfortable fit ready to tackle daily runs to races and everything in-between. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is a fast and versatile running shoe packed with everything you need to pick up the pace in comfort.

For comfortable cushioning on long trail runs, the HOKA Speedgoat 5 is our top trail running shoe that can really do it all. The Speedgoat features durable lugs for amazing traction on all types of terrain, along with a new upper for an improved fit that you can enjoy for mile after mile. The latest model offers more traction and less weight, thanks to an upgraded Vibram Megagrip outsole and a lighter CMEVA midsole compound for a springier ride. Whether you want a reliable daily trail shoe or a highly cushioned workhorse for your next race, the HOKA Speedgoat 5 has you covered in style.

Get ready because the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro is here to make its grand entrance into the elite-level marathon racing shoe party. Featuring one of the most eye-catching designs ever seen in a running shoe, with top-of-the-line technology to boot, this shoe may just be the belle of the ball. The midsole consists of two layers of Mizuno's best foams that work harmoniously together to deliver a resilient ride for any distance, from the 5k all the way up to the marathon. The bottom layer consists of a large slab of the lightweight and soft MIZUNO ENERZY LITE foam, while the top layer features an even plusher and bouncier foam, MIZUNO ENERZY LITE PLUS. These two foams are stabilised by Mizuno's first-ever reinforced carbon wave plate. This plate adds to the propulsive running experience of the Wave Rebellion Pro by providing a springy ride and energetic toe-off.

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FAQ

• Do I need women's-specific running shoes?

Women's-specific running shoes are designed to address the physiological and biomechanical differences between men's and women's feet (such as a wider forefoot and narrower heel in females). To accommodate the anatomical gender differences for enhanced support and performance, women's-specific running shoes are made from women's-specific lasts as opposed to unisex molds. Ultimately, it comes down to personal choice and selecting the shoe that feels the most comfortable for your unique foot shape and size.

• How often should I replace my running shoes?

There are several telltale signs indicating whether it's time to replace your current running shoes. How many miles have you racked up on them? How do they feel during your runs? Are there visible markings of wear and tear in the outsole or midsole? Are you experiencing any aches or pains in your body? It's important to replace worn-out shoes to avoid injuries.

• How much should I spend on running shoes?

The amount you spend on running shoes is dependent upon several factors such as what your budget is, how often you run, and whether you have injury concerns. The shoes that made the list in our article range anywhere from $250 to $370.

• How many pairs of running shoes should I have?

From injury prevention and durability to training at different speeds and on versatile terrains, there are several benefits to owning multiple pairs of shoes (even just for the fun factor of added variety). If you're typically running most days of the week, have multiple races on the calendar, or just love to add some variety to your routine, then it sounds like a running rotation is right for you!