We all agree that cute workout apparel, a badass gym bag and stylish sports shoes make working out just more…tolerable. But some workout gear is just as much a necessity as a fashion statement. The best women’s running shoes are case in point. They help to charter the course, keep us on our feet and support us whether through long runs or a quick gym session. From Adidas running shoes for women to Asics, Under Armour and New Balance kicks, we list down why an investment on running shoes is justified and what to look out for when picking up one for yourself.
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What should women look out for when buying running shoes?
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Type of activity
One of the first things to consider is whether you want to use the shoe solely for running or for gym training too. If you’re a beginner runner or just want to pack a casual 30-minute run during your gym session, get everyday running shoes that are versatile. If you’re a serious runner looking to crush your marathon race time, gun for speed running shoes that will give you a more supportive boost.
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Support
Is your old ankle injury creeping back up or do you suffer from overpronation (hint: check out #3)? Some of the best running shoes for women provide ample support to help reduce the risk of injuries to provide a snug and secure fit while ensuring your natural gait isn’t affected.
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Cushioning
Whether you want to feel as if you’re running on fluffy clouds or prefer to be grounded down to earth, this is where cushioning comes in. A cushioned shoe is great for those looking for an ultra-soft, ‘marshmallow’ running feel. But some of the best women’s running shoes have less cushioning. These come with a firmer sole to help you ‘feel’ the ground and ready you for a springy take off.
Best women’s running shoes
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Best running shoes for gym and casual jogs
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Adidas RUNNING Edge Lux 4 Shoes
Hands up if you’re looking for running shoes that can be also used in the gym! Some of the best Adidas women’s running shoes prove to be both as good on the roads and for gym workouts. The Adidas RUNNING Edge Lux 4 (available on adidas Official Store) in a pastel mint shade is lightweight with a flexible bounce midsole cushioning that supports swift foot pivots and the consistent jogging motion when running. It also has a 10mm midsole drop (the drop refers to the difference between the midsole and between the balls of the foot). A higher drop puts less pressure on your feet and is preferred by runners who want to lay off working their ankles or Achilles tendon too much.
2. Skechers Go Run 600 Performance Shoes
You don’t have to bust your shopping budget to own some of the best women’s running shoes. The Skechers Women Go Run 600 Performance Shoes (available on Skechers Singapore Official Store) are the perfect companion for a casual day out, HIIT class or the jogging routine you may have just begun on. It boasts a breathable mesh fabric upper, padded collar and tongue for comfort that can take you from road runs to the treadmills. If you think that Skechers is solely a casual shoe brand, then the new line of Skechers women’s running shoes will leave you pleasantly surprised.
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Best running shoes for support
3. Asics Gel Phoenix 8 Running Shoes
Do you observe that your ankle rolls downward and inward while you walk or run? You may be an overpronator. Because of this movement, your big toe and second toe could be taking a lot of strain, resulting in instability in the foot. Hence it’s important to use the right running shoes to stabilise and support your feet. The Asics Gel Phoenix 8 Women Running Shoes (available on crownsportsg) is one of the best women’s running shoes for those who overpronate. Its Rearfoot GEL Cushioning on the outsole minimises shock impact to protect your feet on each stride. While the AHAR high abrasion rubber makes this Asics women’s running shoe durable so you can use it again and again without fear of it wearing out.
4. Camel Shock-Absorption Running Shoes
Turn to Camel for some of the best women’s running shoes that are not only pretty but functional too. The Camel Shock-Absorption Running Shoes (available on Camel Official Shop.sg) include a TPU heel — to stabilise the foot and prevent ankle rolls. Its anti-slip outsole is highly elastic and thick to prevent overexertion on your knees while the three-layer sponge and mesh cloth insole pad keeps you cool on long runs in our humid weather.
Best running shoes for speed
5. Adidas RUNNING SL20 Primeblue Shoes
This streamlined beauty boasts a blend of elements found in the super popular Adidas Ultraboost and Adizero Pro range. True to its name, the adidas RUNNING SL20 Primeblue Shoes (available on adidas Official Store) super light (SL) comes paired with light strike cushioning to give you that explosive push when you need it on track. Despite being a shoe for speed, this is also one of the best Adidas women’s running shoes for all abilities — whether you’re a novice or already a pro. We also love that it’s made from recycled waste collected from coastal communities and beaches, making it another reason to get this pair.
6. New Balance 1500v6 Shoes
How gorgeous is this bubblegum pink women’s running shoe? If you’re one for style then the New Balance 1500v6 (available on New Balance SG Official Store) should definitely be at the top of your list. Its low profile shoe comes enhanced with the REVlite midsole and low drop (6mm) for a close to the ground feeling, thus helping runners with fast transitions and stick to a more natural gait when running. This is also one of the best women’s running shoes to gain that speed you’re looking for especially in long-distance running. Whether you’re aiming to beat your timing for a marathon or amp up speed on the treadmill, this New Balance women’s running shoe guarantees speed with a rebound for long-haul runs.
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Best smart running shoes
7. Under Armour HOVR Infinite 2 Shoes
We all have heard of smartwatches but have you heard of smart shoes? The Under Armour Women’s HOVR Infinite 2 Running Shoes (available on Under Armour Official Store) harnesses the power of technology to deliver a shoe that can track and analyse your runs. You heard us right! All you have to do is slip these on, run and track your metrics on the UA MAPMYRUN app.
Apart from the smart features of this pair of Under Armour women’s shoes, it’s also one of the best all-round women’s running shoes on the market. It has an engineered mesh upper, which makes it breathable. It has a good mix of cushion, bounce, durability and efficiency and an EVA (a rubber-like plastic, known for its cushioning properties) sockliner for solid underfoot support.
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Best running shoes for cushioning
8. Adidas RUNNING Supernova Shoes
The adidas RUNNING Supernova Shoes Women White (available on adidas Official Store) buffers your stride whether you’re running on the trail or pavement. This running shoe boasts the Hybrid Bounce and Boost midsole — the proprietary Adidas shoe technology that returns the energy with every stride you take. Combined with the design, this is also one of the best Adidas women’s running shoes for beginners who’re prioritising an easy and comfortable running experience. It doesn’t also hurt that this Adidas women’s running shoe is made from Primegreen — a series of high-performance recycled materials.
9. Hoka Clifton 7 Shoes
The Hoka Women Clifton 7 Road Running Shoes (available on Running Lab Flagship Store) features a full compression midsole design for marshmallow-like softness while being shock absorbent and comfortable for your ride. It also boasts an early-stage meta-rocker, a design that complements the natural gait of your run while reducing height differences between the heel and toe. Aside from these features, this pair of Hoka women’s running shoes has a breathable mesh construction, a vertical pull tab for easy wear and of course, the gorgeous blush colour that it comes in. What’s not to love?
Conquer those strides with the best women’s running shoes
From the striking New Balance 1500v6 to the best Adidas women’s running shoes, we hope this list has brought you closer to finding your companion on those gym nights or trail days planned ahead. Be sure to pair these shoes with some gorgeous but affordable activewear brands or check out this 2021 fitness guide for other workout essentials you may need! We have rounded up the best men’s running shoes too — if you’re looking to get your partner hooked to this adrenaline-pumping sport.
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This article was updated on 23 February 2021. Additional research done by Fatimah Tasmeem
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