Reviews You Can Rely On

How We Tested Running Shoes for Women

By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor
Wednesday June 12, 2024

A successful road run begins with running shoes that fit your running style and budget. Because we specifically test the shoes in this review on pavement, we have the distinct pleasure of testing wherever there are roads. Our testing has taken us through neighborhoods and down bike paths in South Lake Tahoe, CA; Reno, NV; Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; and San Luis Obispo, CA. In these locations, we have sought out all manner of terrain — some days we went out on tracks, while other days were all about the secluded bike paths. No matter where we are testing, we ensure that we give each shoe its time in the spotlight to provide you with the best, most current information.

running shoes womens - we have been lucky enough to test road running shoes on some of the...
We have been lucky enough to test road running shoes on some of the most beautiful roads on earth.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

During our testing runs, we bring our phones and dictate our impressions and thoughts regarding each pair of shoes. We scour the internet in search of other reviews by which to gauge our own opinions. Only after all of our perspectives have been included and accounted for do we survey the price of each shoe.

Cushioning and Landing Comfort


This might be the metric that many people are the most captivated by. Underfoot cushion is huge when it comes to finding comfort in a shoe. Some people need more than others, and we keep this in mind as we assess each model. We measure the stack height of each contender at the heel and forefoot after cutting each shoe in half in our testing facility in Lake Tahoe. This gives us the heel-to-toe differential, a major player in how a shoe will ride and what kind of runner it's best for.

running shoes womens - one of the many in-hosue measurements we take is the forefoot stack...
One of the many in-hosue measurements we take is the forefoot stack height. In combination with heel stack height, this allows us to calculate the heel-toe drop for each model.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Much like responsiveness, this metric is gauged largely by feel. The preferences towards underfoot cushioning are subjective, but the literal amount that each shoe houses is not. We test each shoe's landing comfort by pounding the pavement and noting how each footfall feels. On longer runs, we take copious notes about how our joints feel after each distance effort to help us assess.

Though equally comfortable, this pair of road running shoes has a...
Though equally comfortable, this pair of road running shoes has a more traditional shape to its epic cushioning.
Here is an example of a highly-stacked, ultra-plush running shoe.
Here is an example of a highly-stacked, ultra-plush running shoe.

Responsiveness


Responsiveness is a key component of a running shoe that many runners looking to amp up their speed care about. Responsiveness essentially describes the amount of energy return each shoe has. In recent years, the trend has been to pack the midsole with a ton of tech so that runners feel propelled from one footfall into the next. Another aspect of responsiveness is the rocker angle and location. These specs are measured and recorded in our testing facility in Tahoe, and we use the hard data to back up our more subjective evaluation of the underfoot feel of each shoe.

running shoes womens - our road shoe testing focuses on being out in the field and on the...
Our road shoe testing focuses on being out in the field and on the run.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

We take into consideration what each shoe is made for. Some are specifically designed to be speedy, while others are better suited for dampening the impact on your joints. We test responsiveness by running at top speed in each pair of shoes. Of course, we do consider the technology included in each pair as we do this, but testing responsiveness is all about the run. Some shoes feel like bricks on your feet, while others feel more like rollers. The more a shoe feels weightless and like it is allowing you to effortlessly roll from one step to the next, the better its responsiveness.

running shoes womens - some shoes offer a more propulsive kick than others.
Some shoes offer a more propulsive kick than others.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Stability


Some runners need stability in their running shoes, especially for longer runs and training blocks. Other runners feel better in lighter shoes with less overall structure. A quick way to find out what running shoes are best for you (minimal, neutral, stable, maximal, etc.) is to assess your gait patterns at your local running shop. They will be able to tell you whether or not you overpronate and be able to make shoe suggestions based on this and your goals. Becoming intimately acquainted with your gait patterns will help you sift through the dozens of shoes on the market.

running shoes womens - some shoes have built-in structures for lateral support while others...
Some shoes have built-in structures for lateral support while others don't.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Some running shoes are built to be stable and have lateral structures in place to help runners' gaits stay organized, even as they fatigue. Other shoes rely only on their engineered mesh, and still others offer even less support. We test for stability on the road by intentionally trying to overpronate as we run and documenting the results. Sometimes, we can feel a shoe's stability, or lack thereof, towards the end of long runs when our tired legs want to get sloppy. Other times, we can feel a lack of structure immediately. Our in-house team takes measurements of the shoes, including width, length, and foam density, to provide a more objective assessment of stability features. Ultimately, you must decide what type of shoe will best serve you and begin your hunt from there. We love a shoe that offers some stability but not so much that it becomes obnoxious.

We cut each shoe model in half and take precise measurements to add...
We cut each shoe model in half and take precise measurements to add a quantitative edge to our testing process.
The width of the sole is one aspect that impacts the stability...
The width of the sole is one aspect that impacts the stability offered by a shoe.

Upper Comfort


We test this component by surveying what materials are used in the upper construction of each shoe. We take note of the tongue and lace bed style, knowing that shoes made for sprinting are less likely to have super comfortable uppers. We run a lot of miles in each pair of shoes, and we get to know which ones we prefer for long distances and which ones are best worn in short spurts. The shoes that score the highest in this metric tend to have plush tongues with lace beds that don't dig in. We love an articulated heel collar that offers enough cushion to stay snug and avoid creating heel blisters. Finding the right shoes comes down to personal preference regarding upper comfort. Consider the shape of your toes and what style of toe box will fit you best — some toe boxes aren't quite right for some runners, which is okay! Once you determine your shoe needs, you can decide how much emphasis you want to place on upper comfort.

running shoes womens - some running shoes have soft, spacious uppers. this is in direct...
Some running shoes have soft, spacious uppers. This is in direct contrast to others that run a bit narrow and lack cushion. When it comes to choosing a running shoe, be award of what you like and what style of shoe will best help you reach your goals.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Weight


We test weight in the most obvious way — by weighing each pair on a high-quality digital scale at our facility. We weigh everything right out of the box for consistency and determine scores from there based on a formula. We are also careful to note how evenly the weight feels distributed in each pair while running so we can offer a more personalized experience of how weightless (or bricklike) a shoe feels.

running shoes womens - we love running - especially when it means we get to take notes and...
We love running - especially when it means we get to take notes and help you decide how to best tackle your mileage and race goals.
Credit: Ally Arcuri