The Best Running Shoes for Women
Regardless of whether you are a running expert or a new runner, it’s essential to find the perfect pair of running shoes to avoid back pain, as well as spine, knee, ankle, or foot injuries. Running shoes lower pressure on the joints, and consequentially improve the entire experience since a high-quality pair of shoes can even correct your movements while you run.
This is an investment in your health and workout results, decreasing running times and boosting your performance on any surface.
If you’re looking to upgrade your running sessions, or will start running, read on for our comparison of the best running shoes for women in Canada.
Our top picks
How to choose the best running shoes for women
According to BetterHealth, running is an exercise that helps you build strong bones and improve your cardiovascular fitness, and we take your running sessions very seriously. So, you’re going to want to consider the following to ensure a good run:
- Size: To avoid injuries you must check the size. The shoes needs to fit perfectly on your feet, being comfortable enough for long runs. Shoes should fit snugly with additional wiggle room above your big toe.
- Cushion: Recommended for runners with high arches, they are mainly building with shock dispersion features in the outsole, consequently decreasing the impact and lowering the chances of getting injuries. Moreover, the more cushioned the shoes is, the more comfortable it fits.
- Sole: Evaluating the running surface before the purchase is ideal to guarantee that the product will be used according to its purpose, ensuring performance. The trail-running shoes typically have bigger lugs for better traction, whereas road shoes tend to have flatter sole.
- Price: Prices vary according to each brand but is possible to find high-quality running shoes from $100 to $250.
- Comfort: If the shoes are too tight, it is not a good match. After the purchase, try on your running shoes to check if the weight, size, cushion and comfort are ideal for exercising.
- Training or running shoes: Running shoes are lightweight, have a larger heel, and are specially designed to absorb the impacts of different intensities. On the other hand, training shoes have a thinner outsole and are flatter, considering that the exercise intensity is much lower.
The best running shoes for roads
PUMA Women’s Softride Sophia Running Shoe
Fancy and easy to match with both regular clothes and workout outfits, this convenient PUMA has eight different colours and a bootie construction for easy slip-on, also providing an efficient ankle and arch support. With an unique synthetic cage lacing system, these shoes are robust and durable enough to serve you for months or maybe years ahead depending on the training intensity and personal care.
The soft foam provides cushioning and all-day comfort from a casual walk to a running session, being super comfy, lightweight, and offering a soft ride on the roads. Ready for 8 miles or more. Or in case you need a good pair of shoes to work, standing throughout the day, this PUMA shoe can be a good choice to help avoid leg pain.
Pros
- Comfortable for long distances.
- Good support.
- Road-ready.
Cons
- Sizes smaller than normal.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 27
Lightweight, the ASICS women’s gives runners a perfect combination of comfort, bounce, and cushioning. Durable and made of synthetic-and-mesh, it has a rearfoot and forefoot gel technology system that attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, allowing natural movements and avoiding injuries or torsions. A good option for both new and expert runners.
Besides absorbing any amount of shock, the ASICS shoes were well planned to improve the running goals. The FlyteFoam technology provides supreme bounce thanks to a unique elastomer compound – so throughout the workout, the person doesn’t overwork the legs, back, or body in general. Another differential is the Duomax, a support system that delivers a dual-density midsole system positioned to enhance support and stability to increase confidence.
Another feature is the Space Trusstic, a technology that reduces the weight of the sole unit while providing stability and retaining the structural integrity of the shoe. Ideal for those who want to invest in durable and high-quality shoes, these running shoes for roads are a good match.
Pros
- Good for roads.
- 15 colours.
- Durable.
- Good for both beginners and experienced runners.
Cons
- Too soft.
Under Armour Women’s Charged Pursuit 2 Running
Lightweight and flexible to use in everyday life or for running on roads, this Under Armour women’s shoes comes in 16 different colours and is 100% made of Polyester with a synthetic sole, which improves the product’s lifetime. Ideal for users that need flexibility, versatility, and prioritize comfort, it has a foam padding placed around the ankle collar and under the tongue, providing stability, and a smooth run.
The sockliner takes the shape of your foot with added padding in the heel for ultimate cushioning at heel-strike, helping even more the running experience for expert or new runners. Convenient and technological, the Under Armour running shoes has a super-breathable fabric that wicks sweat and regulates body temperature, so the weather (if is not something extreme) doesn’t affect the exercising routine. It’s well suited to speedwork and longer distances.
Pros
- Regulates body temperature
- Lightweight.
- Good support.
- Breathable.
Cons
- Thin.
Saucony Women’s Cohesion 13
Well priced, the Saucony Cohesion 13 is, besides a budget friendly running shoe, comfortable enough to run your first 5km or 10km. Basic and lightweight, it does the job providing users with a high support and stability from short to long workout time.
If this is your first time buying a running shoe, that is a high-quality and affordable option. But if you are an expert and already did wear a high-tech running shoe with loads of squishy cushioning, maybe this Saucony model can feel like a downgrade – although, it’s important to highlight these are worth it and can exceed your expectations considering the price range, especially if you’re a beginner.
Pros
- Affordable.
- 9 colours.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Too basic.
- Not ideal for experienced runners.
Brooks Women’s Glycerin 19
With more than 20 colours, that is a lightweight shoe for women completely used to running. Perfect for those who choose comfort in the first place, the Brooks shoes have a cushioned internal fit, which keeps runners enjoying the experience for longer without feeling innated in the feet. According to the brand, the “super-soft cushion lets you run for miles without ever thinking about your feet.” So, if a smooth ride is what you are looking for, this could be your match.
Providing neutral support while offering the maximum amount of cushioning, this running is ideal for roads, training, or cross-training on the gym, allowing any kind of movement since the plush feel of an internal stretch bootie surrounds your foot and moves and expands with your stride.
Pros
- Comfortable.
- Soft.
- Cushioned.
Cons
- Pricey.
Nike Women’s Revolution 5
To improve running quality, comfort and results, this Nike running shoe is designed with lightweight material and a soft foam midsole. According to many users, the light knit textile that wraps the foot brings a breathable sensation, especially during hot days or long runs. Although it’s important to highlight that on a rainy days your foot may get wet quickly, which is also because of this feature.
Durable, this pair of shoes have a reinforced heel, a no-sew overlays lend support and a soft foam midsole, which delivers a smooth, stable ride, and reducing the weight feeling. Versatile and ideal for gyms, indoor exercises, or running on roads, the Nike shoes for women offers enough traction on a variety of road surfaces, increasing safety.
Pros
- Comfortable.
- Versatile.
- Flexible.
Cons
- Short laces.
Skechers Women’s Sweet Life Sneakers
For indoor exercising or road runs, this is a cushioned and comfortable option to stay in all day if you need a smooth pair of shoes. High-quality and durable, with 100% fabric and synthetic, it has a memory-foam insole that improves the running experience helps avoid injuries.
On rainy days, the only concern is that these shoes can get worn down quickly due to the soft material, but at the same time that is a great option for hot days, avoiding excessive sweat. According to many customers, these Skechers running shoes give the sensation you are running on the pillow, so for those who also need to work standing all day, that is a feature to consider.
If you are looking for a high-quality product, this model is something to consider. Skechers is an award-winning global leader in lifestyle footwear. In the past years, they improved their performance as a brand and became one of the best options for this type of product.
Pros
- Comfy for long use.
- Versatile.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Not safe enough for wet grounds.
The best shoes for trail running
Saucony Women’s Excursion Tr14
Safety and performance are the main features and qualities of these running shoes, especially because this is a unique product focused on improving the running experience on trails, which is often more unstable than roads. The rubber sole, plus the materials and details added, contributes to high quality and efficiency.
Providing stability, control, and comfort at the same time, these trail-specific shoes give supportive overlays locks to your foot into place and protects from injuries without looking bulky or heavy. Well-made to avoid weather concerns, it has rugged directional lugs to increase the balance and avoid slippage on different kind of surfaces.
Lightweight, the cushioning inside delivers a soft walk and sensation that can keep up with long days and runs in any trail. For trips, this is a versatile product that doesn’t let you down.
Pros
- Trail focused.
- Affordable (less than $100.)
- Safe for multiple surfaces.
Cons
- It feels too big.
Best running shoes for less than $100
Zoophyter Women’s Running Shoes Athletic Tennis
With more than 15 colours for different tastes, the Zoophyter running shoes are cute, soft, and thin, being light and stable for running. Considered an affordable and well-made product, if you are new to running and don’t want to spend too much money on the first pair of shoes, or if you are an expert, but want to try a good rated product at a great price – less than $50, it can be a nice try.
Moreover, it has a breathable upper, keeping the feet cool and providing enough support. These shoes are lightweight, and have a thick sole for shock absorption, increasing the comfy and smooth sensation for long or short runs/walks. Soft, the sole is made from a durable and elastic material, providing more durability and a stable run.
One curiosity about this product is that the shoes fit a bit larger, so they recommend that you purchase shoes one size smaller than usual.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Comfy.
- 17 colours.
- Durable.
Cons
- The size is bigger than normal.
New Balance Womens DynaSoft Breaza V1
If you are looking for shoes with good ankle support, the New Balance Womens DynaSoft Breaza can be an affordable option. With a rubber sole and outsole pods, comfortable and well cushioned to daily wear, these running shoes for women are safe for long runs on roads, delivering style and stability at the same time.
Well designed and lightweight, these shoes have DynaSoft midsole couples ultra-responsive performance with plush comfort, ensuring a smooth running experience. With a durable construction, this shoe is ideal for roads, outdoor or indoor activities without concerns since it has good resistance for rainy days.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Durable.
- Rubber sole.
Cons
- Short laces.
Our methodology
For this buying guide, we chose the best running shoes in Canada for women, from roads to trails. To fit multiple needs and tastes, we considered the top ranked ones based on review platforms, other buying guides, and our own experience. A multitude of features was considered, such as sole, colours, and cushion, as well as other product-specific information that could improve your decision process.
Frequent questions about running shoes
What are the best running shoes for women?
It depends on what is important for you and which kind of running shoes you need to use or prefer. If it is for running on trails, you must choose a model with grippy lugs on the outsole to improve the experience and safety in different surfaces. If the priority is comfort, you may need to find a cushioned option. All these details are described by each manufacturer.
How do choose the right running shoes for women?
The main deciding factor should be the type of surface to avoid mistakes and ensure safety during your exercise routine. Once you’ve figured this out, it gets easier to find the ideal running shoes for you.
What is the price of good running shoes?
It will depend on the brand and model, but the running shoe prices are usually from $100 to $400.
What’s the difference between running shoes for trail and for roads?
The sole. Shoes for trails or roads don’t need as much traction as shoes for trails because the surface is more stable. Trail running shoes are traditionally heavier and designed to support/protect the foot on many types of terrain.
How to buy the first pair?
First of all, analyze the surfaces you are going to run. Second: try not to spend too much money before seeing if you will keep the exercise routine, and if you actually like running. It’s 100% viable to find many great and affordable options on the market before you make a big purchase.
When must they be retired?
It depends on how you use it and the frequency. The first step is to check the rubber sole to see if they are worn down. If after a run you can feel an ache in your legs, then the shoes are not providing adequate protection.
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