The 5 Best Women's Running Shoes of 2024

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 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, our team of female testers has researched and tested all the latest running shoes to discover the best options available for women-specific running needs. 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 best women's running shoes of 2024 below:

The Best Women's Running Shoes of 2024

• Best Cushioned Running Shoe – HOKA Clifton
• Best Stability Running Shoe – Brooks Adrenaline GTS
• Best All-Around Running Shoe – Saucony Endorphin Speed
• Best Trail Running Shoe – HOKA Challenger
• Best Racing Shoe – New Balance Fuelcell SuperComp Elite v4

Why our experts like it: A bestseller and staff favourite, the HOKA Clifton 9 is a highly cushioned, neutral running shoe that performs at any distance. We love the comfortable upper and well-cushioned midsole that is soft yet lightweight, making the Clifton 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 fan favourite for its ultra-smooth ride. The latest iteration features an additional 3 mm of 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 comfort, which is why it gets our vote as the best-cushioned running shoe of the year.

Pros: Plush cushioning, comfortable ride, fun colour ways

Cons: Lacking responsiveness for more versatile workouts

Why our experts like it: For a low-profile stability shoe that is versatile, supportive, and stylish, we believe the Brooks Adrenaline 24 delivers on all counts. With its sleek design, comfortable cushioning, and reliable support for mild to moderate overpronators, it's no surprise that the Adrenaline has been the go-to shoe for so many runners for over 20 years. Utilising the brand's GuideRail technology, the Adrenaline GTS 24 offers a natural feeling of support that guides the foot straight through the gait cycle. The 24th iteration features new supercritical nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam, ensuring soft, smooth cushioning that adapts to your stride. With enough comfort and durability for both long runs and daily training, the Adrenaline GTS 24 earns our vote for the best stability running shoe around.

Pros: Stable, protective, versatile comfort and support, clean style

Cons: Not for severe overpronators who need maximum support

Why our experts like it: Bouncier and lighter with a comfortable fit, this highly efficient performance trainer is one of the most versatile shoes on the market and a Running Warehouse staff favourite. With the combination of the redesigned Nylon Winged Plate and PWRRUN PB foam, the latest iteration of the Saucony Endorphin Speed has the same smooth and bouncy ride but in a more sustainable package. The Zonal Mesh upper offers ventilation and durability with its soft, premium feel and adaptable, breathable fit. We appreciate how the Speed delivers a cushioned and responsive ride while providing lots of underfoot protection without weighing or slowing you down. Combining a race-day feel with everyday comfort and durability, the Speed 4 is our top choice for the best all-around shoe for the runner looking to amplify her performance.

Why our experts like it: Delivering comfortable cushioning and protection on fun off-roading adventures, the HOKA Challenger is our top trail running shoe that can really do it all. As HOKA's hybrid road-to-trail shoe, the Challenger has been revamped from top to bottom for a softer, plusher underfoot experience that we can enjoy mile after mile. With an updated mesh upper for an improved fit and a redesigned lug pattern, the Challenger delivers amazing traction on all types of terrain. Whether you want a reliable daily trail shoe or a cushioned workhorse for racking up mileage during long easy runs on cruise control, the HOKA Challenger rises to the challenge.

Pros: Durable trail workhorse, highly protective, comfortable, breathable, and versatile

Cons: Not optimal for speedy trails

Why our experts like it: For us ladies with a need for speed, the New Balance SC Elite is a highly cushioned, carbon fibre-plated racing shoe designed to shatter marathon records and PRs at any pace. The Elite integrates cutting-edge technology for increased efficiency and maximises energy return for top performance. Featuring New Balance's Fuelcell foam and a full-length carbon fibre plate the SC Elite v4 delivers ultimate propulsion while providing an unreal level of cushioning. Fast and lightweight, the SuperComp Elite v4 will take your racing to the next level.

Pros: Fast and efficient for peak performance, sensational underfoot experience, amazing weight-to-cushioning ratio

Cons: Expensive

FAQ

• Do I need women-specific running shoes?

Women-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 differences for enhanced support and performance, women-specific running shoes are made from women-specific lasts as opposed to unisex moulds. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference 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. For more detailed information on what to look for, check out our article, When to Replace Your Running Shoes.

• 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 $360.

• 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!