Runner's World Picks Top 11 Women's Running Shoes

Runner's World has released its list of the top 11 running shoes for women, selected by its editors and a 300-runner wear-test team. The publication states the industry has moved beyond the old "shrink it and pink it" approach to create footwear designed for the average woman's foot shape, which is typically wider in the midfoot and narrower at the heel.

Senior Reviews Editor Cat Bowen and Running Reviews Editor Amanda Furrer led the selection process. Every shoe was evaluated over at least 100 miles of running on trails, tracks, roads, and treadmills. The team assessed performance, comfort, ride, longevity, and value.

Quick Guide: Best Shoes by Category

The editors provide a quick-reference guide matching runner profiles to specific shoe models.

Detailed Shoe Reviews

In testing, women testers preferred the Brooks Glycerin 23 over the Ghost 18 for daily training. They cited the Glycerin's broad platform, plush knit upper, and ample toe box room. Several testers reported hot spots in the bunion-prone area of the Ghost 18. Senior Features Editor Pavlína Černá said, "The shoe is cushioned in a way that makes me want to do all my long runs in them."

The shoe uses Brooks's DNA Tuned midsole foam, which testers found plush, supportive, and responsive for long runs.

One tester called the New Balance Ellipse v1 "nearly perfect." Designed for recreational running, it uses Fresh Foam X to provide a foamy, high-rebound ride. Tester Laura Parks described the cushion as "plush." She said it has "the extreme cushion sensation of a Hoka Bondi without feeling the weight."

The Hoka Clifton 11 is still undergoing testing, but the team already praises it. They note its plush cushioning, cozy fit, and responsive midsole from a compression-molded EVA foam. The shoe's Meta-Rocker geometry promotes smooth transitions, making it reliable at any pace and excellent for run/walk routines.

Standout Performers

The Hoka Bondi 9 is noted as a plush daily trainer, now with 10 mm added to the midsole. Testers found it provided high energy return and soft support, ideal for recovery runs and run/walking. Tester Tiffany Volpe said, "The Bondi 9 delivers great protection with an amazingly smooth roll. I felt like I was sitting down in the midsole."

Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate dubbed the Adidas Adizero Evo SL the Shoe of the Year for 2025. Priced at $150, it also earns Best Value and Best for Speedwork honors. Its Lightstrike Pro midsole, also used in Adidas's super shoes, provides a light, springy feel. One woman tester, Caroline Lennon, raced a 5K in them, noting, "They were so comfortable at all paces and let me feel faster than I was anticipating."

The Nike Vomero 18 features a dual-density midsole with 46 mm of ZoomX and ReactX foam, placing it in the super trainer category. Associate Health and Fitness Editor Kristine Kearns, a loyal Brooks Ghost fan, was surprised. "I didn't expect to love this shoe as much as I do!" she said. The result is a bouncy, soft ride for long runs.

The Altra Experience Wild 3 is selected as the Best for Technical Trails shoe. The editors describe it as a versatile "gentle monster" suitable for both groomed paths and gnarly mountain runs. The Altra Torin 9 is recommended for runners suffering from bunions.

The list also includes the Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 for marathon racing, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 for overpronators, and the lululemon Wildfeel for running on rail trails.