WOMEN’S RUNNING SHOES
The running magazine Runner’s World regularly tests the current running shoe models on the market. We present the top 10 for women.
Running without the right shoe is only half the fun, and the risk of injury increases when your foot isn’t in the right shoe. Studies show the positive effect of well-designed running shoes on performance and the risk of injury. In addition, it also increases the motivation to reward yourself in advance for the upcoming runs with an intelligent, optimally adapted running shoe.
But if you want such a shoe, you are soon faced with the question: Which is the right shoe for me? We have the ten best suggestions for you here.
Which is the right running shoe for women?
If you ask runners what makes a perfect running shoe, four key factors are mentioned again and again:
- Balanced cushioning: The shoe’s sole absorbs the impact forces when running. According to studies, this affects the risk of injury.
- Sufficient stability: The shoe supports the foot where necessary – according to studies, this is also an important protective factor.
- Lightweight: The lighter a shoe weighs, the easier it feels to run.
- Comfortable fit: The shoe should not pinch or feel uncomfortable anywhere.
A running shoe should combine these properties in the best possible way. However, every runner has a different perception of what is optimal – because every running style and foot is different. That’s why the editors of RUNNER’S WORLD have to combine as much data and test impressions as possible in shoe descriptions.
These are the best running shoes for women of 2022
Following the test reports, you will find some tips for your individual choice of running shoes.
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Hoka-Kawana
Order here: Hoka Kawana (from €139.95)
Test impression: Even if the Hoka Kawana is advertised as an everyday shoe, it is above all a running shoe with a focus on comfort and cushioning. When you slip it on for the first time, you immediately notice that the shoe is not as wide as the massive look would initially suggest. “When I put it on, my foot literally melts into the shoe,” says a test runner with relatively narrow feet. But those test runners with wider feet also praised the fit. The construction of the anatomically backward-curved area around the Achilles tendon is also striking. There is no pressure on the Achilles tendon, which noticeably relieves it. At the same time, the heel is held securely by two bulges in the inner area of the rear foot.
Looking from above, you notice how expansive the shoe is all around. The Kawana offers an enormous footprint, which gives a lot of security during the rolling process. The shoe provides a lot of stability without any support elements. It is also due to the relatively firm midsole, which is a good option, especially for heavy runners. Incidentally, the midsole has a slightly curved rocker geometry, which allows the shoe to roll smoothly.
2. Adidas Ultraboost 22
Order now: Adidas Ultraboost 22 (from €189.95)
Test impression: “Cushioning, cushioning, cushioning,” summed up one tester in her report and thus appropriately described the core character of the Ultraboost 22. The successful Adidas model still guarantees maximum comfort with efficient energy return. It is ensured by the proven Boost cushioning in the midsole, which consists of tiny pressed eTPU beads. The Ultraboost is a neutral shoe for long runs and moderate paces.
3. Asics GT-2000 10
Order here: Asics GT-2000 10
Test impression: Like all previous versions, the GT 2000 series is one of the remarkably durable running shoes, which is also a sign of its stable construction. Nevertheless: In the 10th edition, the GT, like the Asics Kayano last year, has become much more dynamic. That means it’s stable but doesn’t feel like it. On the one hand, this is due to the very adaptable knit upper material, reinforced in the crucial areas, but is more spacious in the forefoot area than its predecessor. Above all, the more reactive midsole foam (Flytefoam Propel) ensures more dynamics. Nevertheless, 2000 has remained stable and guides the foot forward when rolling.
Category: Stable shoe Weight: 238 grams Drop: 8 millimeters RRP: 140 euros
4. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
Order here: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
test impression: The Adrenaline is a real long-running hit: For the fourth time in a row, it took first place in the RUNNER’S WORLD readers’ poll in the category of movement control shoes – with the best result it has ever achieved. With the current revision, the target group for this stable constructed training shoe has become even larger. The midsole cushions well, especially for heel walkers, but is not too soft and offers even smoother rolling comfort than the GTS 20. The “Guiderails” is something like a lane-keeping assistant in a car: the more the movement deviates from the center, the more the rails intervene. The upper material is very soft; the tongue is connected to the sole area, the drop is quite high, and the forefoot is rather wide. A tip for beginners and frequent runners.
Category: Stable shoe Weight: 258 grams Drop: 12 millimeters RRP: 140 euros
5. Saucony Guide 14
Test impression: The Guide 14 has undergone an upgrade, which – similar to the models from Brooks and Asics – has become significantly more comfortable in the new version. This is due to an additional cushioning layer with the so-called PWRRUN material, a very soft and responsive foam. As a result, there is now at least 32.5 millimeters of cushioning under the rear foot. Due to the very stable guide frame made of TPU, the rolling process is still characterized by stability.
Runners who want to counteract the inward bending of the foot will find a robust solution here. In addition, the well-padded but nevertheless extremely stable heel cap prevents the foot from breaking out to the side. Since the strap is connected to the side of the midsole via elastic straps, it also ensures a good fit in the midfoot.
6. Asics Gel-Nimbus 24
Test impression: The Gel-Nimbus has always been a feel-good shoe with a focus on comfort – and that will not change in the 24th edition of the Asics classic. The very well-padded heel cup and the thin, cuddly tongue ensure a good fit. The Gel-Nimbus is based on a rather straight last and is a “comfortable, all-round soft shoe,” according to one tester. The fit of the shoe is also suitable for narrower feet. The instep and heel are held well in the shoe. Everyone who likes to be very comfortable should feel comfortable in the new Gel-Nimbus – and heavier runners are also safe in the neutral shoe.
7. Brooks Ricochet 3
Test impression: Brooks has carefully spiced up the ricochet. While the predecessor, which was already equipped with the reactive DNA-AMP foam, was praised for its excellent rolling properties, the upper material, in particular, has been optimized on the 3er: The mesh fabric is more breathable, the lacing eyelets are more stable, and the lacing holds the back of the foot even more securely – which is also ideal for narrow feet. “Good fit in the heel area, no pressure, no slipping out,” said one tester, who also praised the “sock-like fit around the ankle.” This makes the light shoe ideal for brisk training sessions. The only criticism: when wet, the sole quickly becomes slippery.
8. TrueMotion Nevos Next Gen
Test impression: The Nevos was the first model with the U-Tech technology: The horseshoe-shaped construction of the brand’s own U-Foam under the rear and forefoot reacts individually to stress and centers the ground reaction forces. The approximately 30% additional cushioning foam in the revised model “is clearly noticeable,” according to a test runner, “, especially in the forefoot area.” A test runner from northern Germany recommends that “the horseshoe-shaped cushioning under the heel is a dream,” but more suitable for light heel runners, and as a heavy runner, he has “a spongy feeling from behind.” The Aion model is more recommendable.
9. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11
Test impression: The best news right away: The toe box in version 11 has become more spacious compared to the previous model, so one of the few points of criticism has been eliminated. However, the tight fit in the midfoot area, which was criticized by test runners with wide feet, has not improved. Here, an elastic band connects the tongue to the midsole, which ensures a good fit for narrow feet, but is too tight for wider ones. Otherwise, the chassis has remained the same as the previous model, and the testers praised it exuberantly for the ride comfort. Still one of the best soft cushioned training shoes available.
10. Mizuno Wave Skyrise 2
Test impression: “Wow, is it comfortable” a runner begins her test report. With the Wave Skyrise 2, Mizuno has created an extremely comfortable work of art. The upper consists of two layers: on the one hand, an inner light padding. On the other hand, an outer layer that is firmer directly above the sole and in the metatarsal and lacing area and more airy and elastic above the toes. The combination follows all movements and nestles gently against the foot.
The tongue, the heel area, and the shoe collar are comfortably padded. The stable heel cap and toe protection fit seamlessly into the shaft. The lacing has a classic design and “can be adjusted exceptionally well,” according to one tester. The “Foam Wave” gives the shoe dynamics “ideal for a long-distance run,” according to a tester. “But I can also imagine a half marathon or marathon with the Skyrise 2.”
How does RUNNER’S WORLD test running shoes?
A lot of time, science, sweat, and miles go into every test. In the practical test, the running shoes are tested in real use. This is about the subjective running impression of experienced test runners. In the laboratory test, the shoes are objectively tested according to standardized criteria. Both test results are included in the evaluation of our running shoe test.
Practical test: More than 400 runners took part in this test. They run at least 150 kilometers with each shoe and then fill out test forms. For the test, RUNNER’S WORLD selected models provided by the manufacturers.
Laboratory test: The RUNNER’S WORLD shoe laboratory carried out six standard mechanical tests. So all running shoes are comparable to each other. The editors summarize the results of the wear and laboratory test.
Have your shoes already worn out, or do you need a new pair of running shoes to increase your motivation? With these 10 featured running shoes, you are guaranteed to make the right choice.
