They say good shoes can take you to good places. But finding the right shoes can be challenging. For female athletes, the right shoes can boost their ability and avoid injuries.
In 2024, running shoes are not just the staple athlete’s shoes but a fashion trend. In recent years, the fashion industry has seen sneakers, running shoes, and similar comfortable shoes in vogue.
Talking about women and shoes, female feet differ from men’s as females have narrower heels. Similarly, females’ instep height is lower than men’s feet.
Research has found that females’ feet are more likely to strike the ground toward the outside of the shoe soles.
There are various running shoes for female athletes, and all the shoes have specific designs to provide optimum comfort while running. Some shoes offer support and are made specifically for injury-prone runners.
To help you assist with your search for the perfect running shoes, we have compiled a list of the 12 best running shoes for female athletes.
Quick Overview
Let us get on the list without any further delay!
| Shoe Brand | Weight | Drop |
| 12. Puma Velocity Nitro 2 | 206g | 10mm |
| 11. Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit | 253g | 8.4 mm |
| 10. Puma Run XX Nitro | 235g | 8mm |
| 9. Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next % | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| 8. Hoka Clifton 8 | 215g | 5mm |
| 7. Adidas Solarglide 5 | 335g | 10mm |
| 6. Saucony Ride 14 | 238g | 8mm |
| 5. Hoka Bondi X | 257g | 5mm |
| 4. On Running Cloudflow | 235g | 6mm |
| 3. Lululemon Blissfeel | 251g | 9.5mm |
| 2. New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V3 | 200g | 8mm |
| 1. Adidas Ultraboost 22 for women | 289g | 10mm |
12 Best Running Shoes For Female Athletes
We have compiled our list with references from websites like RunnersWorld and WomensHealthMag.
12. Puma Velocity Nitro 2
- Best for: All-rounder
For number 12, we have Puma Velocity Nitro 2. It is a comfortable running shoe that is ideal for all types of runners and is an all-rounder.
The shoe is designed with a specific last engineered for the female foot and gait. It has a heel drop of 10mm, a narrower heel, a lower in-step, and a sculpted arch shape.
The Puma Velocity Nitro 2 is a versatile shoe and the latest addition to Puma’s Velocity Nitro Shoe collection. Similarly, it features Puma’s NITRO midsole foam which provides soft cushioning and bounce.
Furthermore, more foams have been added to the shoes’ heel, length, and width for an even softer ride. It is one of the lightweight shoes which is soft, flexible, and durable. The shoe provides good traction on pavements, tracks, and treadmill running.
11. Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit
- Best for: Injury-prone runners
The next shoe on our list is designed explicitly for injury-prone runners. The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit is one of Nike’s popular running shoes.
The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit is the revamped version of the React Infinity Run Flyknit 2. It has one of the most responsive and soft-foamed shoes that is great for injury-plagued runners.
The extra foam with the rocker shape further provides stability to the shoes. Nike did a 12-week test with the running shoes and found that the runners wearing the shoes had a 52% lower injury rate than those wearing the control shoe.
Therefore, the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit is an ideal choice for you if you are suffering from injuries or are constantly prone to injuries. It is lightweight and bouncy and makes running feel easy.
10. Puma Run XX Nitro
- Best for: Comfortable stability shoe for all runners
Our next shoe, Puma Run XX Nitro, is the perfect match if you want a comfortable and stable running shoe.
This new female-specific running shoe has been specifically engineered for the female foot and gait. Consequently, the shoe is a perfect fit for the size and offers excellent support around the Achilles.
Similarly, the Puma Run XX Nitro has a wide toe box and allows for comfortable foot-striking during running. The shoe is an ideal match for runners with frequently cramped toes.
The shoe has the firmer version of the brand’s NITRO midsole foam. It provides cushioning and stability and also adds durability.
Likewise, it also features a tight-density rim and a TPU heel piece which provides gait control for over-pronating runners.
9. Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next %
- Best for: Speed trainer runners
The Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next % is ideal for female athletes looking for speed-training running shoes. This shoe is designed to go the distance.
The shoe is designed to provide comfort and is durable. It features the visible Zoom Air unit, the round disc that gives the shoe a springy cushioning.
Similarly, the Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next % is designed with the Nike React technology in the heels. It is, therefore, very lightweight and helps the runners to keep their strides as efficient as possible.
However, the thing to remember while purchasing the Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next % is that the shoe is designed specifically for shorter tempo runs. It is not made for all-rounder running purposes.
8. Hoka Clifton 8
- Best for: Long-distance runners
On number 8, we have the Hoka Clifton 8. The shoe is specifically designed for long-distance runners.
Hoka Clifton 8 features a neutral cushion that consistently supports the runner’s feet. Similarly, the shoe also provides a stable ride during long-distance running.
The shoe has enough bounce and is incredibly comfortable. Another great thing about the Hoka Clifton 8 is that it is a great all-rounder shoe.
You can run long distances or marathons without feeling any discomfort.
7. Adidas Solarglide 5
- Best for: Newer runners
If you are a new runner looking for comfortable, soft, and bouncy running shoes, Adidas Solarglide 5 checks all the boxes.
The shoe is the latest addition to the Adidas Solarglide franchise. It has been designed specifically for female runners with a silhouette that fits like a glove to the female feet.
For beginner runners, the shoe will provide a comfortable, soft, and bouncy ride. The shoe features the Bubble Boost midsole comprising hundreds of Boost capsules fused.
Similarly, the shoe also features Adidas’ LEP 2.0 torsion system. It helps to keep the foot in the correct position while running and adds stiffness and stability.
Furthermore, the shoe has a breathable circular knit upper made with recycled ocean plastic.
6. Saucony Ride 14
- Best for: All-round runners
Another shoe great for all-rounder running is the Saucony Ride 14. The shoe is lightweight and made specifically for a female foot with a heel drop of 8mm.
The Saucony Ride 14 is much lighter than the brand’s previous models. It has been designed with a durable outsole and PWRRUN cushioning. It provides springy, support, and stability for all-around training.
If you are looking for an all-around training shoe, we highly recommend the Saucony Ride 14.
5. Hoka Bondi X
- Best for: Long-distance runners
The fifth shoe on our list is another shoe by Hoka. It is the Hoka Bondi X and offers a female-specific fit.
The Hoka Bondi X is soft and features marshmallow cushioning. Consequently, the shoes are a comfortable and great choice for long-distance runners. It is also ideal for runners recovering from foot injuries.
The shoe features the new carbon-fiber plate in the midsole. It helps to provide a more aggressive toe-off. Similarly, the shoe has a thick slab of heel foam for further comfort.
If you are looking for a comfortable shoe that is ideal for long-distance running and will provide you will optimum comfort and durability.
4. On Running Cloudflow
- Best for: 10km race training runners
On number 4, we have the On Running brand’s Cloudflow as the best running shoes for female athletes. It is ideal for female runners looking for durable and comfortable running shoes for around 10 km of race training.
The On Running Cloudflow features the brand’s Helion and super foam combination. Similarly, the shoe has a curved heel that gives the runner better hold and comfort.
The shoes are lightweight and have super cushioned underneath the shoe. The ventilated mesh helps to keep the runner’s feet cool and less sweaty.
It features a new rubber traction base that offers stability even on slippery wet roads.
3. Lululemon Blissfeel
- Best for: Neutral runners
If you are a neutral runner and like moderate cushioning to your running shoe, then the Lululemon Blissfeel is highly recommended.
The Lululemon Blissfeel is designed for comfort and support. The cushion heel counter and the supportive upper feel wrap around the foot perfectly.
Similarly, the shoe has a heel counter reinforced on each side with chunky plastic overlays around the back. This provides excellent support around the heel and keeps the foot secure in the shoe.
The Lululemon Blissfeel shoe has compound foam. While the foam is plush, it is not cushiony soft, so you can get the ground feel.
For those runners who do not like the cushiony and pillowy foam, the shoe provides moderate cushioning to their liking.
2. New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V3
- Best for: Beginner distance runners
Our second pick is the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V3 Road Running Shoe. The shoe checks all the lists of cushioned, stable, and lightweight.
The shoe is designed best for beginners at a distance running. New Balance is known for its staple comfortable running shoes, and the shoe is an excellent addition to the brand.
The shoe features the Balance Fresh foam, a staple for the brand. However, with time it has been getting better and better.
Similarly, another great feature of the shoe is the support it provides. It has great support that makes it an ideal choice for long-distance running.
The foam and cushion add to the comfort and help the runners to pick up speed.
1. Adidas Ultraboost 22 for women
- Best for: Long-distance runners
Adidas is a maker of some of the finest running shoes, and the Ultraboost 22 continues the brand’s finest running shoe collection.
The Adidas Ultraboost 22 for women is our number 1 pick because it provides Achilles support. It features the bouncy boost midsole, which provides a soft and cushioned ride. It makes it ideal for long-distance running.
Similarly, the shoe also has the Primeknit+ upper, which provides a supportive and sock-like fit. Another great thing about the shoe design is its structured support from the heel counter.
The heel counter is narrower and comes with a higher Achilles tendon. The holes in the midfoot area are closed to prevent the Boost midsole from stretching in the midfoot area and provide gait control.
Conclusion
Finding the right running shoes is essential to enhancing your running ability and correct form. Similarly, it can help you to avoid injuries and provide support while running long distances.
The shoes on our list are almost made for all types of runners. However, some of the shoes are made for distance runners or beginners.
We hope that our list was helpful for female athletes in finding the perfect running shoes. Thank you for reading till the end!
