Best Running Shoes For Women : Review And Buying Guide
Brandon Forder Apr 24, 2024 3:12 AM
Women's running shoes that rank among the best in the category have all the same great qualities as the finest shoes in general: they're not too heavy, have plenty of cushioning where you need it most, and offer just the right amount of support where it's needed. This area of support, however, is where men's and women's running shoes diverge the most. Have a look at our top picks down below, then keep reading for in-depth analyses of the footwear that scored highest with our female reviewers. In addition, you can find professional recommendations for your next pair of shoes.
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Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
How you run
Finding the perfect pair of running shoes is a bit like trying on bras; some will feel more comfortable than others, so it's best to visit a local running store and try on a wide variety of models. It's also helpful to know if you tend to overpronate when running, as this will assist you determine if you require stability shoes.
Your plan
You'll want something quicker, lighter, and more nimble if you want to set a personal best on race day. If you're just attempting to complete your first 5K, you don't need anything fancy—just something that will keep your feet happy and won't irritate or cause blisters.
Surfaces
You're basically running on. Road shoes can handle jogging on wet pavement, treadmills, and short trails, but if you want to run on more challenging surfaces, you should certainly invest in a pair of trail running shoes because they have a deeper, grippier tread.
Foot Shape
Women's feet are not simply scaled-down versions of men's feet; there are structural distinctions between the sexes' feet that must be taken into account when buying footwear. On average, women have narrower heels and wider forefoots than men. As a result of these differences in frequency, manufacturers of women's running shoes account for them while creating new models. A shoe company, for instance, might produce the same style for both men and women, but with distinctly varied heels depending on the season.
The Hip Factor
Researchers have also discovered that women's feet tend to strike the ground more at the outer side of their shoe bottoms than men's feet do. Overpronation is thought to affect more women than males because of this inward rolling of the foot, or pronation. Some women's running shoes employ soles made of a more supportive substance to accommodate this growing trend.
Cushioning
This makes the floor more comfortable to stand on and promotes a stable base of support close to the ground.
Weight
In general, reduced cushioning in lighter shoes means a quicker response when striking the ground. These shoes are made for powerful sprints and long distances. To cover more distances comfortably, runners should wear heavier, more cushioned footwear.
Drop
This is the elevation change between the heel and the forefoot. For faster running, a shoe with a smaller drop is preferable. There is typically a 4mm drop in a pair of speed shoes.
Fit
In either case, a trail runner or road runner should have an upper that fits snugly. There shouldn't be any squeezing, pinching, or hot places that could lead to blisters anywhere in the shoes. Keep a thumb's breadth of space between your toes and the front of your shoe, as recommended by Fleet Feet. And Altra founder Golden Harper goes even farther, saying that you can go up a half or full size from your typical shoe size as long as the runner's top is locked in place.
What's the difference between women's running shoes and men's running shoes?
The "lasts" (the models used to create the shoes) that are used to make running shoes for men and women can vary. This is why women's shoes often have a shallower heel cup and a larger forefoot. Women often have less muscle mass and are lighter than males, thus less force is applied to the shoe when they land. This is why women's shoes typically feature a lighter and softer midsole.
But many firms still make both men's and women's versions of shoes based on a unisex last, so it's important to be sure the running shoes you buy are made on the right last for your foot. That's why Lululemon debuted its first women's running shoe this year. According to Lululemon's head of product design Mark Oleson, "most performance shoes are designed primarily for men, and often for elite male athletes, and then adapted for women." Brands like Adidas and Lululemon are pioneering a new, "female-first," subset of running shoes.
How do women run differently than men?
A number of different scientific analyses have established that women, on average, have broader hips than men. Therefore, the bottoms of women's running shoes tend to wear unevenly because they tend to overpronate slightly more than men's. Shoemakers solve this by strategically placing areas of higher density foam in the midsole.
How often should I replace my running shoes?
Midsole compression determines how long a pair of running shoes will last; when the foam loses its bounce-back properties, it's time to acquire a new pair. This is about equivalent to three or four months of training for a marathon, as stated by REI, or between 400 and 500 miles of running. Runners that weigh more will be at the lower end of that range, and shoes with less midsole foam will wear out more quickly for heavier runners.
Are running shoes good for walking?
Both trail shoes and road runners can be used for walking and hiking; in fact, Altra is one of the most popular brands among AT thru-hikers. In any case, remember that regular walking, like regular running, might reduce the life of your shoes.
The way our bodies respond in men's and women's running shoes is only one example of the many ways in which these shoes are different. When looking for running shoes, it's important to find a pair that fits your foot type, running style, and running surface.
As women's running shoes, we highly suggest these. What kinds of shoes do you usually run in? If so, please share your thoughts below.
