Best Running Shoes for Women

Our Picks of Women's Running Shoes

Best Overall Running Shoe

Asics Novablast 5 - Women's

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 9 mm | Weight: 7.3 oz/shoe (women's 6.5)

The Asics Novablast 5 is a standard-fitting, versatile running shoe that rides significantly better than most. Asics masterfully combined the comfortable traits of a maximally cushioned shoe that readily absorbs impacts with a non-plated midsole that provides powerful energy return and a more aggressive rocker angle and apex, making this a great shoe for runners and runs of all types. Our lead tester gushes, “I kept wanting to run in these shoes because of their balance between comfort and pep.” While the Novablast houses a pretty chunky-looking design in its thick stack, lightweight materials prevent it from feeling too thick or imbalanced underfoot. Everyone on our testing team loved this shoe, from speed workouts to long-distance cruises.

As with many road-specific shoes, the Asics Novablast 5 lacks the traction necessary for wintery surfaces, though its updated outsole pattern is slightly better than it previously was. The Novablast does everything well except for gripping a wet road, taking it out of contention as a crossover shoe for trails. Yet, from its trampoline-effect midsole to its agile geometric rocker, this exciting running shoe will take you on your runs in comfort.

Read more: Asics Novablast 5 review

Perfect for Beginners and Casual Runners

Saucony Ride 18 - Women's

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8 mm | Weight: 7.53 oz/shoe (women's 6.5)

The Saucony Ride 18 is a classic daily trainer that balances comfort, dependability, and versatility in a way that makes it ideal for new runners who aren't sure what kind of road running shoes they are looking for. The PWRRUN+ midsole offers plush yet steady cushioning that absorbs impact without feeling mushy, making it a great option for both easy runs and longer miles. The engineered mesh upper provides a snug lockdown, while features like a gusseted tongue and padded heel collar ensure security while in motion. Saucony's decision to offer wide and “summer” versions further adds to its accessibility across different runner needs. Stability comes naturally thanks to the broad base and structured upper, giving runners a secure feel without intrusive guidance systems. Pair these elements with its solid, road-ready traction and you have a trainer that can suit both new runners and seasoned athletes looking for a reliable, everyday option.

Even a reliable, approachable road shoe like the Saucony Ride 18 has features that won't appeal to all runners. The upper, while comfortable, is a bit snug, which can feel a bit restrictive. The PWRRUN+ midsole provides a touch of bounce, but it isn't as reactive or high-energy as a shoe built for encouraging leg turnover, so runners chasing PRs or speed-focused workouts may find the ride a bit flat. While the Ride's straightforward design is part of its charm, it may feel too traditional or understated for runners who prefer more modern innovations in their footwear. Runners seeking a user-friendly, simple running experience will appreciate the uncomplicated nature of the Ride 18.

Read more: Saucony Ride 18 review

Best Buy on a Running Budget

Hoka Mach 6 - Women's

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7 mm | Weight: 6.27 oz/shoe (women's 6.5)

The Hoka Mach 6 is an exceptional daily trainer that's lightweight and airy, with a comfortably snug fit that feels customized to your foot. The secret sauce of the Mach 6 is in its balanced performance across all key aspects of a good running shoe — it has good energy return for uptempo training sessions with an absorptive midsole made for pounding the pavement. Lead tester Ally Arcuri notes, “This shoe feels like a shoe I could wear all day long, but when I am ready to pick up the pace, it is capable of it.”

The versatility of the Mach 6 is its strength — but may also hold it out of contention for runners looking for a bit extra in specific areas. Its cushioning isn't as plush or soft as maximally cushioned shoes, and its energy return doesn't provide the snap that PR-chasing racers will want. Additionally, the midfoot taper of the Mach 6 is definitely Hoka, in that it pinches in slightly more than other shoes. We felt comfortable mile after mile and expect that most runners will find the fit, feel, and wide-ranging performance of the Mach 6, along with its more reasonable price tag, are hard to beat.

Read more: Hoka Mach 6 review

Best Under $100

Saucony Kinvara 15 - Women's

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 3 mm | Weight: 5.44 oz/shoe (women's 6.5)

The Saucony Kinvara 15 is the best deal on a great pair of running shoes that we've seen for several months in a row now. They're impressively versatile, with great underfoot cushioning, but still maintain below-average weight by keeping a relatively low stack height. They're flexible yet peppy enough to be responsive when picking up the pace, boasting a moderately aggressive rocker apex. Their breathable upper adds to their comfort, making this a pair of shoes we continue to reach for.

The Kirvana's upper comfort isn't the most comfortable or breathable. While we wish it were better suited to warmer climates or feet that run hot, it still isn't the worst and likely not a deal-breaker for most. Overall, at this price, it is hard to find a flaw in this shoe, and we think most beginners or casual runners looking for a suitable shoe for regular easy runs will be more than happy with these kicks.

Read more: Saucony Kinvara 15 review

Best Cushioned Landing

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 - Women's

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6 mm | Weight: 7.71 oz/shoe (women's 6.5)

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 easily wins the prize for the best maximally-cushioned road running shoe for women. With a 37 mm stack underfoot and well-rounded comfort throughout, this reliable and comfortable shoe balances comfort with performance. While not a shoe built for racing, its fun ride leans more uptempo than most max-cushioned shoes, cementing its standing as a highly recommended shoe for joint cushioning, pillowy miles, and happiness on the road.

Though the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 is an outstanding shoe, it lacks some of the true energy return of its more race-ready counterparts. It offers a substantial rocker, which can help you gobble up miles, but it is not a speed shoe. Runners who want a daily running shoe with plenty of cushion and a comfortable fit will enjoy this updated runner by New Balance.

Read more: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 review

Best Stability Shoe

Asics Gel-Kayano 32 - Women's

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 9 mm | Weight: 8.08 oz/shoe (women's 6.5)

The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 shines as a daily trainer built with comfort and stability at its core. Its underfoot setup combines 37 mm of FF Blast Plus foam with a 9 mm drop, creating a cushioned landing that still keeps runners feeling connected to the road. The wide platform and 4D Guidance system provide reliable support mile after mile, while the engineered mesh upper remains plush and adaptable during wear. On wet or mixed road conditions, the Asicsgrip and AHAR Plus rubber outsole adds durability and traction, making the Kayano 32 a steady partner for daily training runs of varying lengths. Runners looking for an easy-to-wear stability shoe will find success here.

The updated Asics Gel-Kayano 32 is not designed for runners chasing speed or bounce. The security through the midfoot delivers a muted energy return that prioritizes stability over propulsion. At 8.08 ounces, it's slightly heavier than many neutral trainers, and its thicker mesh upper can feel warm in higher temperatures. While the weight and firmness reinforce its role as a supportive workhorse, they also limit its appeal for runners seeking a lively, fast-feeling shoe. Our testers love the softness and support that the Gel-Kayano offers for daily mileage. While not a versatility powerhouse, runners seeking this balance of features will love what this updated Asics road running shoe has to offer.

Read more: Asics Gel-Kayano 32 review

Our Favorite Daily Tempo Trainer

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 - Women's

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6 mm | Weight: 6.06 oz/shoe (women's 6.5)

New Balance updated the Rebel v5 in all of the right ways. This is one of the bounciest, most enjoyable uptempo training shoes on the market. At just over six ounces, it feels light and fast, but not stripped down or harsh underfoot. The midsole combines PEBA and EVA foams, creating a springy, energetic ride that helps runners turn over quickly without sacrificing comfort. The FantomFit upper has been updated for a more secure and irritation-free fit, with a properly sized tongue and a heel collar that feels plush but not bulky. The Rebel v5 is approachable, both in terms of price and ride, making it a great option for runners who want to dip their toes into faster training without committing to a plated super shoe.

While our road running shoes testers are singing the Rebel v5's praises, this shoe does have a few minor drawbacks. The outsole traction, while fine on dry pavement and tracks, struggles when the ground is damp or uneven. Runners who often log miles in rainy conditions may find themselves slipping more than they'd like. While this shoe is marketed as a tempo-oriented shoe, it's not a full-on racing model, which could leave some speed seekers seriously disappointed. The overall design of this shoe is more forgiving than aggressive, which is part of what makes it so approachable.

Read more: New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 review

Best Race Day Road Shoe

Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 5 mm | Weight: 4.4 oz/shoe (women's 6.5)

The Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is a true racing powerhouse, packing elite-level performance into one of the lightest shoes available. This is a race-day weapon for runners chasing PRs.At just 4.44 ounces (per women's size 6.5 shoe), it feels nearly weightless underfoot, helping runners unlock optimal strides and more efficient propulsion. Its dual-foam midsole, FF Leap and FF Turbo Plus, delivers an explosive combination of soft landings and springy rebounds, propelling each stride forward with ease. The shoe's geometry is designed for runners who generate speed by lengthening their stride, making it a great match for mid to forefoot strikers at race pace.

In spite of its incredible race-day pedigree, the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo isn't the right shoe for every runner or every situation. Its high price point places it firmly in the “investment” category, making it hard to justify unless you're truly aiming for performance gains. The plush FF Leap foam, while lively at speed, can feel wobbly at slower paces, particularly in the heel, where softness leads to a touch of squirreliness. The outsole traction, kept minimal to save weight, holds fine on dry pavement but can feel slippery on wet roads or grass, requiring extra caution. Finally, the aggressive design of the Tokyo makes it less suitable for casual jogs or beginner runners. This is a shoe that shines when pushed hard, and runners who are ready to do so will enjoy the liveliness of this entire package.

Read more: Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo review

How We Tested

Over the last decade, our running experts have tested hundreds of pairs of popular road shoes. We test every pair for several months and over at least 30 miles of running on diverse terrains, including pavement, beaches, tracks, and dirt trails. We also cut them open to measure and inspect their materials.

Our tests include five weighted rating metrics:

• Cushioning (35% of overall score weighting)

• Upper Comfort(30% weighting)

• Stability (25% weighting)

• Weight (5% weighting)

• Traction (5% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

Our lead road running tester is exercise specialist, Ally Arcuri. She is an avid runner, accomplished ultramarathoner, teacher, and yoga instructor. Ally and her dog run open roads, beaches, trails, and more when she isn't tackling middle-distance races. Her degree in kinesiology and years working in physical therapy help guide her through the sea of running gear available.

Running biomechanics expert and consultant, Carrie Vickers also contributed to our test plan and advice on how to choose running shoes. Carrie is an accomplished runner, placing in US National, Olympic, and World events. She used to hold the record in the 2000-meter steeplechase.

Analysis and Test Results

Whether you're training for a marathon or walking your dog, picking the right shoe can be challenging. We tested each pair for cushioning, comfort, traction, and more to help you find the right fit for your stride, foot, and budget.

What's the Best Value?

The Hoka Mach 6 might not be the least expensive shoe, but the value is in the diversity and versatility. Not only is this versatile shoe up for most road running scenarios, but it is available for notably less than some equally ranking road running shoes in our lineup. The Saucony Kinvara 15 is a list topper when it comes to value. Available for less than many other shoes on the market, the comfort and versatility of this lightweight shoe shine through.

The Asics Novablast 5 is another excellent value choice. Though it costs more than the Mach 6 and the Kinvara 15, it is highly versatile and one of the top-performing pairs. It's a shoe that you can wear daily in most situations, making it a fantastic value.

Asics Novablast 5 New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14

Cushioning

Whether you run a few miles a year or are tied to a rigorous training schedule, it's called “pounding pavement” for a reason. We consider the cushioning metric one of the most important evaluation criteria for road-focused running shoes.

Few things ruin a run faster than sore joints or blistered feet, so we evaluated cushioning, shock absorption, and overall comfort. By testing midsole feel and cutting shoes open, we got a full picture of their construction and how well they live up to comfort claims, helping us determine which runs they're best suited for, from long efforts to speedwork.

Ranging from approximately 25 mm to 40 mm of heel stack, daily trainers are designed for everyday wear, necessitating a well-executed underfoot cushion. While not as thickly stacked as many of the maximally cushioned shoes, daily trainers typically provide a comfortable dose of underfoot cushion without going overboard. We tend to describe these shoes as more “traditional fitting” in that they ride like trusty, familiar road steeds. A daily trainer could stand at 41 mm tall in the heel, while a maximally cushioned shoe could stand at 36 mm. The type and density of foam matter when it comes to this delineation, since a lower stack shoe can feel plush while a taller one might feel firm.

The Asics Novablast 5 is our highest-scoring daily trainer when it comes to landing comfort and cushioning. With added stack height, the Novablast edges into max-cushion territory, but we still classify it as a daily trainer thanks to its smooth, springy ride. Its 40 mm heel, 9 mm drop, and energetic FF Blast Max midsole deliver standout landing comfort, making it a go-to choice for testers day after day.

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 stands out as a maximally cushioned shoe that balances its cushion with function. This shoe stands at a moderate 37 mm in the heel and offers a plush slab of protection between feet and the road below. The 1080v14 expertly allows runners to maintain control over the shoe, in spite of its relative softness.

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 and the Adidas Adizero Evo SL both offer plush midsoles that feel bouncy, protective, and airy underfoot. The balanced sensation and adaptable ride help cement these shoes as a daily trainer with serious underfoot cushion and performance prowess.

The Hoka Mach 6 is another strong cushion contender, though it rides slightly differently than the others. Its undercarriage comprises supercritical EVA foam and rubber, which leads to a lightweight springiness that is functional in most road running scenarios.

Super shoes are race-specific and far different from plush daily trainers. Many race shoes are maximally cushioned, but the landing experience in a race shoe is more like landing on a firm but propulsive crash pad. Typically, they are not intended for daily use.

With 37 mm of under-heel cushioning, the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo has the most impressive race shoe cushion. It provides above-average comfort, further cementing it as our favorite race-day shoe. The cushioning is lightweight, springy, and efficient, absorbing impact while channeling energy forward for a fast, performance-driven ride.

The shoes with the most disappointing cushioning feel and function include the On Cloudsurfer Next, Brooks Ghost 17, and the Brooks Ghost Max 3. While each includes a respectable amount of foam, measured at 34 mm, 36 mm, and 36 mm, respectively, the Cloudsurfer bottoms out pretty quickly, compressing too much, and the Brooks are surprisingly firmer than we expected.

Upper Comfort

When evaluating upper comfort, we consider the midfoot's shape and style. Nobody wants the lace bed digging into the top of their foot. Some shoes, like many maximally padded shoes and those designed for relaxed running, offer slightly more toebox real estate and are wider through the midfoot. Shoes designed for speed tend to have narrower fits or can be cinched down snugly to maximize propulsion.

The flexibility of materials, toebox shape, and overall upper design and construction all contribute to upper comfort, ideally coalescing in a shoe that makes you forget you're wearing it.

The Asics Novablast 5 offers the best upper comfort. Its upper is made of engineered knit mesh. The material is lightweight, breathable, flexible, and nearly smooth enough to eliminate concerns about blisters. The midfoot is moderately tapered, and the toebox is spacious enough to allow toes to splay without feeling clownlike.

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 is a daily training shoe that offers well-designed upper comfort. It is breathable and lightweight, and the recent updates allow its lacebed to lie comfortably over the foot. While it isn't a plush upper, its meshy comfort and strong design are noticeable.

Maximally cushioned shoes often feature 360-degree cushioning. Less concerned with weight, this style of road shoe tends to feature thick tongues, plump heel collars, and silky-smooth textiles for long-wear comfort. The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 is our favorite maximally cushioned shoe. Its upper isn't anything exceptionally fancy, but its engineered mesh and shape feel comfortable and familiar. The upper is smooth, and the optional width sizes help ensure that most runners can find a well-fitting shoe.

The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 is another maximally cushioned shoe with a well-crafted upper. The engineered mesh is silky smooth and has enough stretch to accommodate feet of all shapes and sizes. The slightly stretchy upper of the Kayano 32 pairs well with its inherent stability, creating a shoe that ideally balances strength and softness.

Race shoes are designed to be comfortable enough for long efforts without adding bulk. This is apparent in their upper comfort, as most race shoes score lower than daily trainers because their uppers feature ultra-breathable mesh without comfort materials or supports. The Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is a decently comfortable race shoe. Adidas' Motion Wrap 3.0 mesh upper is flexible and perforated for ultimate breathability, but there are no additional comfort features.

None of the shoes we tested in this round includes uncomfortable uppers. While some were less breathable or lacked impressive cushioning, none were so uncomfortable as to merit a shout-out of dissatisfaction.

Stability

Lateral stability is another crucial metric in the world of running. This is significant for runners who tend to over- or underpronate while running. When looking for a stability-focused shoe, it is crucial to assess the lateral structures within the shoe. If you notice that the edge of a shoe is made entirely of mesh, this is likely not a shoe centered around stability.

Stability-increasing structures and weight are at odds, but the extra ounces are worth creating better running form and potentially avoiding injury. Even if a stability-centric design isn't your main shoe, something with an appropriate balance of responsive energy return and stability can be useful.

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 stands out for its reliable stability features, particularly its GuideRails that help correct uneven or inefficient strides. This supportive geometry works to keep the foot steady and aligned, reducing wobbling or excessive inward rolling. The Adrenaline GTS 24 is well-suited for runners looking for a stable, secure ride that keeps them moving smoothly through every run.

Maximally cushioned options aren't always the most stable shoes. Often, their soft bases can work against structures that help create fluid motion. The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 is an exception. This shoe uses a difficult-to-detect frame to balance its squish-to-wobbles ratio, resulting in a well-cushioned and stable shoe.

The Altra Escalante 4 is a minimal cushion shoe with a zero heel-to-toe drop. As a result, it feels very grounded and stable. The Brooks Ghost 17 is a neutral daily trainer that delivers a grounded, secure ride with subtle sidewall support that adds a hint of stability without relying on a formal guidance system.

The Hoka Clifton 10 is a lighter-weight, maximally cushioned shoe that offers prime stability. Much like the Gel-Kayano, the Clifton relies on a well-engineered frame and foam that is neither too rigid nor forgiving. The result is a well-cushioned daily mileage hog that helps support runners in their anatomical structures and strides.

Race shoes are not known for being particularly stable. Race shoes often feature thin, structureless side walls and narrow heels, which help keep weight low and forward motion efficient. The Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is one of the more stable super shoes we've tested. It doesn't offer corrective structures, but a strong midfoot lock helps inspire confidence. The heel collar is comfortably snug, which helps balance out the moderately high stack height. Even still, the rear portion of this shoe can feel squirrely at slower paces, making it a shoe that stability-minded runners should bypass.

The Adidas Adizero Evo SL is an energetic road running shoe that splits the difference between speed-focused running and stability. However, it offers the least stability in the group, making it a poor contender for those who favor a stable design. They feel even less stable than the Sky Tokyo.

Weight

We can't deny that shoe weight affects running ability, but we caution against judging shoes solely on weight. While this may be one of the first things we notice as we pull shoes out of the box, weight is more nuanced than just numbers on a scale.

We assess each shoe's overall weight and consider how the weight is distributed while in motion. Sometimes, heavier shoes offer excellent weight distribution, making them feel lighter during runs. In other cases, moderately weighted shoes can feel heavy underfoot if most of their weight is concentrated in the heel.

The lightest daily trainer in the group is the Saucony Kinvara 15, with a weight of 5.44 ounces. This budget-friendly shoe is a reasonably priced choice with impressive performance in most metrics, meaning if lightweight is your preference, it should be on your shortlist. The Altra Escalante 4 is a zero-drop shoe weighing 6.20 ounces that offers minimal underfoot heft, making it ideal for runners who want to keep things simple. As a zero-drop shoe, meaning the heel and forefoot ride on the same plane, the Escalante isn't a shoe that will suit everyone. Runners who love lightweight simplicity and a low-riding heel will enjoy the weightless pep of the reworked Escalante.

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 (6.06 ounces) is another shoe that feels feather-light while in motion but offers the versatility and comfort of a true daily trainer. The Hoka Mach 6 (6.29 ounces) and the Adidas Adizero Evo SL (6.43 ounces) are serious contenders if you want combined levity and versatility with a side of energy return.

Most maximally cushioned shoes are on the heavier side. If a max-padded road runner is perfect for you, don't let heftier weights in this metric dissuade you. Hoka makes two prime examples of moderately weighted, maximally cushioned shoes. The Hoka Clifton 10 and Hoka Arahi 8 weigh 6.97 ounces and 7.31 ounces, respectively. Both shoes provide generous stack heights and ample joint protection, thanks to lightweight, airy-feeling materials.

Race shoes are designed to be lightweight, with low weights and responsiveness tend to go hand-in-hand. When it comes to racing and tempo runs, it is up to you to decide on the weight-to-comfort ratio that works for your needs.

The Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is our top-scoring racing shoe and is the lightest shoe we've ever tested. At only 4.44 ounces per shoe, the Tokyo is phenomenally light, begging the question — How much lighter could racing shoes even get?

The heaviest shoes in the group lean toward the stability shoe style, with the Brooks Ghost Max 3 weighing 8.42 ounces and the Brooks Glycerin 22 at 8.20 ounces. The heaviest shoe to rule them all is the Hoka Bondi 9 at a whopping 8.61 ounces.

Asics Novablast 5 Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo

Traction

The majority of road shoes are designed for safety and security while running on paved surfaces, but some manufacturers limit traction-promoting elements to allow for increased speed and lowered weight. We test traction on wet and dry roads, steep hills, and gravel.

We intentionally try to slide down rocks coated in sand at beaches and have found eucalyptus leaves to be especially slick for shoes without strong lugs. When assessing traction before purchasing, survey the outsole; the deeper the lugs and the more texturized the surface, the better traction it typically provides.

Shoes with an emphasis on stability tend to provide a bit more traction, such as the Brooks Ghost 17, Brooks Glycerin 22, and Brooks Ghost Max 3. Though not a trail shoe, these shoes offer impressive traction on slick surfaces and around gravelly corners. Another stability-centric shoe, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24, gives runners a varied and detailed lug pattern that can handle mild dirt paths, wet weather, and gravel corners with ease.

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 offers a blotchy-patterned outsole that helps you stick to the ground. Even with its high stack and soft support system, the rubber outsole shows up when needed to provide confidence on most road running surfaces. The Altra Escalante 4 shares the same score as the Fresh Foam.

Some shoes have more intricate lug patterns, making them suitable for very mild off-road excursions. The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 offers fantastic grip for a road shoe. While not necessarily up to trail shoe standards, this stability shoe is great for keeping you upright without slips. Its outsole is adorned with Asics' Hybrid Grip, including its wide heel base. Because of these elements, the Gel-Kayano is a favorite for runners seeking a well-tractioned road shoe.

Race shoes are not known for their traction. Many race shoes forego lugs and heavier materials in order to become super lightweight machines. Shoes like the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo offer some forefoot texturization, but the Tokyo were a bit squirrely around corners and allowed some slippage on damp terrain. They were the lowest performers for traction and share this distinction with the Hoka Mach 6 and the On CloudSurfer Next.

Responsiveness

Responsiveness describes how well a shoe returns the energy you put into it, how quickly and efficiently your feet travel through the motions of each stride, and how agile you feel doing so. Often, but not always, thicker and softer cushioning that increases landing comfort can sometimes make a shoe feel spongy and hinder responsiveness. This can happen with daily trainers. They aren't the most responsive shoes on the market. Ultimately, the goal is to be a shoe you run in… daily. Many of the most responsive shoes are too rigid to provide comfortable daily runs and postural support.

If you want a shoe that will help you get moving but want to avoid plated kicks, we love the Asics Novablast 5. This shoe is an example of what a perfectly executed balance looks like in the world of running shoes. It is lightweight and comfortable for all-day excursions, but offers spring when you need it without the addition of a carbon-fiber plate.

In addition to feeling out responsiveness through miles on the road, we measure the rocker angle and rocker apex location to gauge how much of a forward roll it will provide. The more dramatic the forward roll, the more responsive the shoe feels as each footfall rolls into the next.

The Adidas Adizero Evo SL doesn't house a full plate. Instead, this shoe has a small piece of flattened plastic embedded into its midsole. This piece of plastic doesn't run the length of the shoe, but it still does a decent job of providing energetic rebound while in motion.

Maximally cushioned shoes and responsiveness go together about as well as peanut butter and tuna. In rare cases, you can get rolling in a maximalist shoe, but the thickness of the stack, the lack of underfoot rigidity, and the overall weight of maximally cushioned shoes tend to inhibit true speed.

While none of our maximally cushioned shoes offer true responsive rebound, a few feature rockers that encourage footfalls. While this isn't the same type of sensation, it allows runners who want maximal cushion to still dip their toes into the world of faster leg turnover. The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v14 feels heavy, but offers a lively roll through its geometric rocker. The Brooks Ghost Max 3 features an effective rocker and a firmer feel, which helps keep its energy moving forward.

Responsiveness is where race shoes shine. Super shoes are made to be fast above all else. While a race shoe isn't necessary for average running, it makes track workouts fun, personal records more competitive, and speed more accessible. The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris amd the Nike Vaporfly 4 are the most responsive shoes in this lineup. With sleek yet slightly different shapes and powerful outsoles, these are the shoes we recommend to runners looking to tackle speedwork and set PRs.

Other Notable Women's Road Running Shoes

We've tested dozens of other road shoes. Here are some compelling options that didn't make the cut:

• Asics Superblast 2 — This high-stack model is the answer for runners who want both serious cushioning and serious speed. We love it for everything from training to racing to recovery, but it is expensive.

• Mizuno Neo Vista — One of the thickest stacks on a shoe we've ever seen provides serious bounce and impressive cushioning that heel-strikers will love on daily runs.

• Nike Vomero 18 — Despite its above-average weight, it's well-balanced and has durable cushioning that makes it a workhorse over long distances and at moderate speeds.

• On Cloudsurfer 2 — A continually popular model from a popular brand, this updated version of the Cloudsurfer works well as a limited-cushioning walking shoe or gym shoe, and can handle occasional short runs.

• Puma Deviate Nitro 3 — With solid all-around performance, this carbon-plated shoe is comfortable and versatile, standing out for its notably excellent traction on wet surfaces and around tight corners.

• Saucony Tempus 2 — This stability-focused shoe doesn't feel like a typical stability shoe, keeping solid focus on energy return. It's a great option for those who only need some stability but still want to run fast.

• Altra Torin 8 — The very low stack of this shoe offers limited cushioning, subpar upper comfort, and almost no energy return. It features Altra's wide toebox design but is far heavier than its minimalist construction would suggest.

• Altra Vanish Tempo — A niche shoe that feels natural during speed training, but lacks the zero-drop wide-foot feeling that Altra fans have come to love.

• Hoka Skyward X — Unique, with a propulsive carbon plate and exceptional comfort. As much as we adore its cushion, it's extremely heavy and costly; there are highly comfortable shoes for far cheaper.

• Nike Pegasus Plus — A popular trainer, though its firm underfoot feel, narrow toebox, and limited stability make it a better gym shoe than a true running shoe.

Conclusion

The running shoe world is saturated with competitors and full of specialized lingo and misleading marketing. Finding the right shoe for your fitness goals can be daunting. We've put in the miles with comparison testing to bring you the details you need to make the right decision for your running goals whether you're a hesitant beginner or an intrepid, seasoned adventurer, there is something in this lineup for you.