We earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. How we earn.
Best women's running shoes to buy right now
Start with a cushioned daily trainer: it covers easy runs, long runs and most races for anyone not chasing a podium. Women's versions are built on a women's last, so they fit a narrower heel better than a small men's size does.
-
Best for most people
1. Brooks Ghost 17
DNA Loft v3 · Stable, for long distances · Breathable engineered mesh
The default daily trainer: soft DNA Loft v3 foam, smooth transitions and a stable sole for long distances. It is the strongest seller among the premium women's shoes here and suits most runners from a first 10k to a marathon. The listing names no waterproofing or trail grip, so it is a road and park shoe.
-
Best cushioning
2. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
Lightweight breathable synthetic · Durable rubber · GEL
The plushest choice here, with GEL cushioning for shock absorption and a light, breathable upper. It suits long, slow runs and anyone who wants maximum softness underfoot. It costs more than the Ghost, and the listing gives few details beyond the cushioning.
-
Best budget
3. Under Armour Charged Surge 4
Mesh with synthetic overlays · Charged Cushioning · Deluxe Comfort System
A cheap, comfortable starter shoe that outsells everything else in this list. Charged Cushioning and a sockliner that moulds to your foot make it fine for short runs, gym sessions and walking. The listing pitches it on all-day comfort rather than distance, so step up to the Ghost once your runs pass 10k.
-
Best all-rounder
4. Nike Pegasus 41
Breathable · Lightweight
Nike's long-running everyday trainer, light and breathable, for runners who want one shoe for most of their week. The Amazon listing gives almost no technical detail, so check Nike's own product page for the foam before you buy.
-
Best mid-price
5. ASICS Novablast 5
Breathable mesh · Advanced cushioning · Durable rubber
A cushioned big-brand trainer for runners who do not want to pay top price. It is the previous Novablast, one generation behind the 6, so compare the two prices before you buy. The listing names no stability features, so it is not the one if you need support.
-
Best for wide feet
6. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14
Wide · Gusseted · Fresh Foam X
New Balance calls this its most cushioned Fresh Foam shoe, and this listing is the wide fitting, which no other shoe here offers. A gusseted tongue keeps grit out. It is the dearest shoe in this list, so it makes most sense if standard widths pinch.
-
Best for beginners
7. adidas Response Runner 2
Regular · Textile · OrthoLite
A simple, low-cost starter shoe with an OrthoLite sockliner and a textile upper, fine for short runs and a couch-to-5k plan. It is listed as unisex rather than built on a women's last, so it may feel roomier at the heel than the shoes above.
Nothing matches those filters. Try fewer filters, or search for a brand like "MSI" or "Crucial".
How we rank
Ordered by how well each sells in its Amazon UK category, what the listing confirms (fit, materials, sizes, features), and price. We have not handled these products: the write-ups rest on what each listing states. Prices and stock are checked daily.
Prices are Amazon UK and eBay UK at the time we last checked; they move daily, so confirm on the retailer's page. We earn a small commission if you buy through our links, at no cost to you. It never changes the order. More about how we work.