Our Experts Written by Giselle Castro-Sloboda Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement Why You Can Trust CNET 16171819202122232425+ Years of Experience 14151617181920212223 Hands-on Product Reviewers 6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000 Sq. Feet of Lab Space How we test CNETs expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.Table of Contents Our Picks Best overall running shoe for women New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12 View details $125 at Amazon View details Best women's running shoes for beginners Brooks Ghost 15 View details $87 at Amazon View details Best running shoes for race day New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3 View details $138 at Amazon View details Best everyday running shoes for women Brooks Glycerin 20 View details $90 at Amazon View details Best cushioned women's running shoes On Cloudsurfer View details $110 at On View details Best lightweight running shoes for women Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite View details $250 at Under Armour View details Best stability running shoes for women Mizuno Wave Inspire 19 View details $98 at Mizuno View details Best Nike running shoes for women Nike Pegasus 40 View details $87 at Dick's Sporting Goods View details Most stylish running shoes for women Nobull Journey View details $149 at Nobull View details Best classic running shoes for women Asics Gel Nimbus 25 View details $120 at Dick's Sporting Goods View details Why You Can Trust CNET 16171819202122232425+ Years of Experience 14151617181920212223 Hands-on Product Reviewers 6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000 Sq. Feet of Lab Space How we test CNETs expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. Table of Contents Hitting the track or taking a run on the trails can make you feel like a million bucks. Running has plenty of benefits for your physical and mental health, and it's a great way to get outdoors. If you plan to run, or even just walk, preparation for it is essential; you need great running gear, particularly running shoes. The best running shoes provide comfort with soft cushioning so your body and feet don't feel like they've been battered afterward.When I ran to the store for the first time, I learned a lot about my running stride. For one thing, I discovered I was an overpronator and needed stable shoes that would keep my feet in place so they didn't cave inwards while I was running. Thankfully, I learned about the different shoe brands that make styles compatible with my feet, and when I got my new pair, it felt like a new world had opened. This story is part of Gift Guide, our year-round collection of the best gift ideas. No matter what you like to do, it's important to get the right shoes for your needs. Getting properly fitted for running shoes isnt just for marathon runners. Whether youre on your feet all day, enjoy casual walks or jog a few times a week, having the right shoes for your needs is essential. I tested women's running shoes, focusing on foot shape, width, cushioning and responsiveness to make my runs easier and to determine which ones were the very best. Testing out running shoes while pregnant made this experience that much more interesting. Giselle Castro-Sloboda/CNETNow that I'm more than midway through my pregnancy, running looks a little different for me, but I still like to lace up and go. I tested some tried and true popular brands including Brooks, New Balance, Asics and Nike to see which held up best. I aimed to run at least 3 miles with these selections and observed the feel, comfort, weight of the shoe, unique features and more. One of my overall favorites ended up being the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12 because it's well-designed and comfortable.I also consulted with a running expert on what to look for in a running shoe before making your next purchase. Keep reading below to find out which running shoes passed the test with flying colors.Best running shoes for women in 2025