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Strong Women
Best running shoes for women: Team Stylist’s favourite trainers for easy runs, trail adventures, racing and more
3 months ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
6 min read
Picking the right running shoe is essential for staying on course and avoiding injury. Here are Team Stylist’s favourite shoes to give you some inspiration.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to up your training sessions or a beginner hoping to make running your ‘thing’ in 2025, you need a good pair of running shoes in order to reach your goals. The only problem? Buying running shoes can be tricky.
Making sure you’ve got the right shoes to support your feet and activity level can make a big difference to your overall experience, too. A max-cushioned easy-run shoe probably isn’t going to cut it on a rocky trail, and opting for a carbon-plated racing shoe for everyday jogs is going to increase your risk of injury.
Ultimately, you need to find out what works best for you and your running style – but getting some inspiration from fellow runners always helps.
So, to give you a taste of the running shoes we rate at Strong Women, we asked our colleagues here at Stylist to share their favourites.
How to buy running shoes
Before we dive into the shoes themselves, it’s important to make sure you know what you’re looking for. If you’re new to running, then it’s worth getting yourself a gait test so you can work out your running style and buy a shoe that supports you correctly.
From there, there are a few key things you should think about. “There are certain buzzwords, like springy and responsive, that you’ll hear thrown around. But ultimately, if that shoe is not comfortable on your foot and doesn’t hold your foot well, then you’re not going to want to keep running,” says Emma Kirk-Odunubi, running expert and self-confessed trainer geek.
Unlike a gym trainer, you want a running shoe to be cushioned and springy to absorb some shock from the high impact. “Look for a nice hold around the ankle and middle of the foot; you want it to feel like a firm handshake. You also need it to be free enough for your toes to wiggle around, but not so much so that you’re almost swimming in the shoe,” Emma adds.
How we picked our favourites
Every single pair of shoes featured in this guide has been tested and used regularly by Stylist staff, so the reviews are based on real-life experience.
Every foot is unique, so what works for us might not work for you. However, if you know what you’re looking for, then let this guide give you some insight into the shoes that we truly love.
The best running shoes to buy now, according to Team Stylist
Asics Gel-Kayano
Picked by: Sarah Jones, senior campaign producer
“My favourite running shoe is the Asics Gel-Kayano. I have been running in this style for over six years and always get them again when it’s time to upgrade my shoes. They are a classic and provide great support for my ankles when running.”
Brooks Ghost
Picked by: Holly Bullock, features writer
“The moment I tried a pair of Brooks Ghost on, they just felt right. The cushioning makes them really comfortable (I’m convinced they’re responsible for curbing my knee pain) but they still feel bouncy, rather than like you’re sinking into foam.
“I wear my pair for absolutely everything – whether it’s short intervals around my local park or a Sunday long run.”
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro
Picked by: Jessica Lockett, art director
“I recently bought these New Balance shoes after doing some research into trail trainers to tackle my weekly muddy parkruns. They have a really good grip on grass and muddy woodland terrain, and I just love the bright neon green colour.”
Asics Gel-Nimbus
Picked by: Felicity Thistlethwaite, digital content director
“When I was post-partum in 2022, I tried to get back into running as a mindfulness tool more than anything. The one thing that helped me feel a) like a proper runner again b) like I had my shit together and c) confident enough to be seen out in public was my new trainers.
“The Gel-Nimbus running shoes are like wearing clouds on my feet. The gel sole is full of cushiony joy that stops me from getting persistent cramp in my toes – something I’d previously suffered with – and the staff at the Asics store helped me to lace up my new runners with a special technique to take the pressure off my high arches and allow my foot to move.”
Saucony Endorphin Speed
Picked by: Steven Cowan, sub-editor
“I picked up the first version of this line back in 2020 in the hope it might encourage me to switch up my runs a bit and embrace an interval here and there, and I’ve bought and loved each new iteration since.
“It’s nicely cushioned but not too mushy and a nylon (not carbon) plate adds a pleasing spring to the step.”
Lululemon Blissfeel Women's Running Shoe
Picked by: Amy Beecham, senior writer
“As a newbie runner, the thought of finding the right pair of high-tech running shoes was intimidating to say the least. I don’t need anything fancy at this point in my training, but as I keep racking up the kms around the local park, the Lululemon Blissfeel 2 trainers have been a perfect partner.
“They’re comfy and cushioning but don’t feel restrictive on my feet. An all-round dream for any beginner.”
Asics Metaspeed Edge+
Picked by: Miranda Larbi, Strong Women editor
“The Asics Metaspeed Edge+ is my go-to for races. Last year, I ran a marathon, two half marathons and two 10K races in them, and they’re still going strong. They’re incredibly light and nippy and my pair are obnoxiously bright, so I love wearing them for speed sessions and seeing that flash of colour as I stride up hills.
“The only problem is that they’re too comfortable – you get so used to that super-light touch that it can make running in your regular easy/long-run trainers feel a lot more difficult. I’ve had to force myself not to wear them for regular runs so that when race day does come round, I can put them on and feel that instant boost.”
Nike Women’s React Wildhorse
Picked by: George Ellison, art editor
“My current pair of running shoes are Nike Trail Wildhorse trainers. I bought them a few years ago with a romantic notion of getting into trail running – something I still say I’ll do but haven’t quite got around to yet.
“Nevertheless, they have served me well running through parks, as well as doubling up for summer and hot weather hikes. They have a nice wide fit and provide lots of grip but are still fairly lightweight.”
Shop Nike Women’s React Wildhorse 8 at SportsShoes.com, £119.99
Mizuno Wave Inspire 20
Picked by: Lauren Geall, Strong Women senior writer
“My first ever pair of running shoes were Mizunos, and while I’ve tried a wide selection of running shoes since then, I’m still a big fan of the Wave Inspire’s design.
“They’re ideal for anyone who needs that little extra stability, with cushioning designed to absorb shock and propel you forward.”
Images: courtesy of brands
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