Nike SB Dunk High QS sneakers | 7 Best Running Shoes For Women in 2023

The Asics Novablast 3 smashed in all fields, taking the tiara of best women’s running shoe overall. It’s comfy yet bouncy, seamlessly melding with the feet to deliver a nimble ride that excels in every aspect. This shoe truly does it all!

We sure cherish data, but it was our feet that ultimately made the decision crystal clear. We were mesmerized by the FFBlast+ foam's ability to go fast while motherly babying our legs. We pushed our durometer against the midsole and confirmed its gentle soul: it’s a whopping 51.6% softer than the average running shoe.

We were amazed at how we felt the Novablast 3 vanishing, keeping our feet fresh and joyful. It's unbelievably lightweight - weighing just 228 grams (8.0 oz), it even outshines some racing shoes. Also, we pumped smoke into the shoe to assess its breathability; the results were no surprise. The smoke easily and quickly passed through the porous upper all throughout its length, meaning it’s as airy as it gets!

While the Novablast 3 won’t certainly drag you down, it’s not as responsive and explosive as other shoes on the market. Women looking to shatter PBs on race day might want to explore other options.

One of Brooks’ most revered and popular stability shoes gets a well-needed modern update for 2022. This daily runner is loved by many because it’s seen as the Jack of all trades running shoe thanks to a bi-directional correction for different over-pronation. With fresher looks, it’s now an even more attractive option.

Make way for the Hoka Mach 5, our top pick for speedwork. It carries momentum like no other while remaining forgiving and comfortable during those intense workouts.

This speed demon shone through numerous lab tests, but it truly came alive during our ultimate challenge: a track session. The Mach 5 experience overflows energy and buttery smooth transitions, constantly urging us to push our limits. Weighing in at a mere 212 grams (7.5 oz), this lightweight marvel kept us feeling nimble and lively mile after mile.

This speedster also delivers when it comes to comfort. Racking up the reps felt a lot easier thanks to the velvety foam underfoot, which our durometer found to be 46% softer than the average. Also, this Hoka boasts remarkable flexibility, allowing us to unleash our untamed ride with unbeatable freedom. It resisted with only 20.3N to our 90º bending test, turning out to be 34% more flexible than your typical running shoe.

However, we noticed how the Mach 5 just couldn’t maintain its grip on wet pavement, making it a less ideal choice for women used to running in wintery weather.

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is our ultimate pick to shatter personal bests. With its sparky core and featherlight build, this shoe leaves its competitors eating dust on race day.

This speedster stands out from the crowd with its lively spirit. It energetically propelled our every stride while maintaining smooth and natural toe-off transitions. Back in our lab, we locked the tip of the shoe and bent it 90 degrees. With a mere 23.5N resistance, it proved to be a lovable 26.1% more flexible than the average shoe. Sweet numbers for a plated shoe, making it one of the most dulcet options for racing. 

Out on the road, the Speed 3 merged with our feet to create a fresh and liberating experience. We sure relished how the porous upper remained unfazed by the heat, but it was the weight (or the lack of it) that truly amazed us. At just 212 grams (7.5 oz), it’s remarkably 22.1% lighter than the average running shoe.

However, we do not recommend the Endorphin Speed 3 for women seeking a raw and explosive racing shoe, as it falls behind some carbon-plated options in that matter.

For women in search of a plated kick, the PUMA Deviate Nitro 2 is a must-try. This snappy and comfortable kick outshines its competitors, offering exceptional value that’s hard to beat.

We sure felt the robust full-length plate igniting our every stride. However, what truly sets this shoe apart from other plated options is its superbly smooth and buttery ride, pampering our legs even for those long runs. In our lab, our durometer confirmed our sensations - the underfoot foam is a plush 35% softer than the average.

Another standout feature of the Deviate Nitro 2 is its durability. Yet to find any sign of wear in the outsole, we pushed our durometer against it to attest to the quality of the rubber. It emerged as only 3.5% softer than the average running shoe, quite tough numbers for a plated shoe. And all of this at just $160, this one is an absolute steal.

However, women looking for a featherlight speedster for faster efforts might need to explore other options. Weighing in at 260 grams (9.2 oz), the Deviate Nitro 2 is slightly on the heavier side for a plated shoe.

As one of the longest-running trail series, it’s safe to say the Peregrine is among the first shoes runners think about when going offroad. It can handle nearly anything you throw at it thanks to its tried-and-true comfort, agility, and traction. But what truly puts the v13 above its predecessors is its thicker slab of midsole foam—making it even more capable for easy days, long slow miles, and the occasional race through punishing terrains.

The Pegasus 40 reigns supreme as the ultimate workhorse for daily runs. It conquered our streets with brute force without taking a hit, all while ensuring a refreshing and comfy ride.

Whether on light trails or crude asphalt, the Pegasus 40 boasted superb reliability, gripping the ground life few do. Harder rubbers last longer, and we pushed our durometer against the outsole. Scoring an impressive 86.0, this rubber is 7.8% harder than the one on the average road shoe.

This kick is not only the beast but the beauty as well. In our 90º bend test, it effortlessly ranked among the top 6% of the most flexible shoes we've ever encountered, allowing us to unleash our true wild stride. The underfoot foam felt pure and gentle, striking the perfect balance between energy return and plushness. With a durometer score of 17.6, it's a velvety 29.6% softer than the average.

However, women looking for a more explosive and lively ride might need to consider other options, as the Peg40 isn’t one to deliver the adrenaline rush desired for high-speed lovers.