The Best Running Shoes For Women, Tested And Reviewed By A Personal Trainer

After testing a variety of running shoes, the On Cloudeclipse emerged as the overall winner. This shoe stands out for its innovative design and unparalleled comfort, making it a top choice for runners of all levels. While many other shoes I tested excelled in specific areas–like wide toe box or stability–the Cloudeclipse delivers the perfect balance of performance, support, and style. From the moment I slipped them on I knew this was something special.

The first thing I noticed was the soft and supportive upper material. Once I hit the pavement, the CloudTec cushioning system truly came to life, providing a gentle but energizing bounce with every stride. It’s the kind of cushioning that absorbs shock, helps propel you forward, and keeps your momentum strong. During my runs, The shoe strikes the perfect balance between softness and ground connection, offering stability without feeling bulky. While I typically gravitate toward shoes with a lower heel stack, the Cloudeclipse won me over with its comfortable yet responsive design that worked equally well for short jogs and longer runs.

That said, one small consideration is the fit of the toe box. While it’s perfectly fine for most runners, those with wider feet (like me) might find it slightly snug, especially on longer runs when feet tend to swell. It’s something to consider when making your selection, but it depends on your foot shape. Accardi also has wide feet, but finds the toe box spacious Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a beginner, this shoe delivers the perfect combination of support, cushioning, and energy return, making it the ultimate all-around running shoe.

Read more: Best Long-Distance Running Shoes

The lululemon Beyondfeel running shoes truly live up to their name. From the moment I put them on, I was struck by how comfortable they felt on my heels. I especially love how the heel stack provides just the right amount of cushioning—it absorbs impact while still feeling responsive, especially during long runs.

The heel-to-toe drop is also a game changer—it really makes a difference for runners who heel-strike (like me). Instead of feeling the usual jarring sensation from heel-striking, I feel smooth transitions from each step. The bounce in the heel also makes it easier to maintain a steady stride without losing momentum, which is a huge benefit for runners who naturally land on their heels. Plus, the cushioning around the ankle makes me feel secure in every step.

Read more: Lululemon Beyondfeel Running Shoe Review

What truly sets the New Balance Fresh Foam x 1080v14 apart from other shoes on this list is the spacious toe box. If you have wide feet, you’re in luck—these offer wide and extra-wide sizing. I love the extra comfort the space provides. Plus, it helps prevent irritation and rubbing on the sides of my feet during runs. Accardi, who struggles with bunion pain, agrees. “I’ve worn countless running shoes that cause my bunion to throb, but these are so roomy I can wear them for hours pain-free,” she says.

The foam midsole offers a subtle buoyant, responsive feel that keeps your runs feeling light and smooth, even over long distances. Unlike firmer foams, this provides a cushioned yet supportive feel with every stride. Despite its high heel stack height, the shoe still feels stable and comfortable rather than bulky, making it a great cushioned option without sacrificing performance.

Read more: Best New Balance Shoes

The Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 is one of my favorite shoes for its comfort and support that can tackle the demands of marathon training and other long-distance goals. The heel stack and heel-to-toe drop stand out for helping me settle into a rhythm early on during runs—the bouncy cushioning makes hitting and maintaining my stride much easier while sparing my knees from impact. The padding around the heels also feels like an extra layer of support and reduces any chance of blisters (ouch).

Similar to New Balance Fresh Foam x 1080v14, the wide toe box provides more room for toes to spread naturally, which makes a huge difference in comfort as I run. Whether I land on my toes or heels, the shoe feels supportive and adaptable. Plus, this shoe proudly carries the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, a prestigious designation that highlightings products designed to support foot health.

The On Cloudmonster 2 is best for runners who overpronate and need extra support to maintain proper alignment given its dense foam that supports flat and low arches. Pronation is the foot’s natural inward roll as it lands to absorb shock, but in overpronation, the foot rolls too far inward, placing extra strain on the arch and ankle. This movement can lead to imbalances and stress in the body increasing the risk for injuries. An easy way to tell you overpronate is by looking at the inside sole—if there’s more wear and tear that’s where your foot is applying the most pressure.

It has firm cushioning, which can help aid in proper alignment during movement. Honestly, it surprises me at just how firm the sole is— there is extra cushioning where the arches of the feet go. In my opinion, this is a well-constructed and thought-out design. I absolutely love the look of these shoes and find them to be really comfortable. Personally, I like to have a little more movement in the shoe, which is why the On Cloudeclipse outranked these, but Accardi says they still have a wide enough toe box to accommodate wide feet.

I’m a total On stan, but Hoka does it right when it comes to durability—specifically the Clifton 9. I’ve been wearing the Cloudeclipse and Cloudmonster 2 religiously for half marathon training and racing, but the sole is already getting discolored *sigh.* I tend to save the Clifton 9 for shorter runs and walking all over New York City, but I still accumulated well over 100 miles in them. The sole literally still looks like it did out of the box. Plus, they have great tread and a thick outsole that can withstand rough surfaces like pavement and wet terrain.

These offer maximum cushioning with a stack height of just over one inch that feels plush, but I find they don’t propel me forward or deliver that springy sensation I get with other shoes, such as the Cloudeclipse. Plus, the neutral heel-to-toe drop of 5mm keeps stress off my knees, hips, and ankles. While supremely comfy, these are not a great option for women who overpronate. I’m usually not one to overpronate, but during runs, they cause blisters on my inner forefoot, which tells me it’s not doing a great job at keeping my feet aligned during fast movement. As for fit, the toe box does run narrow, but luckily wide sizing is available (I made the mistake of not choosing that option.)