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  4. 10 Best Running Shoes for Women UK 2024 | Asics, New Balance and More
  • 10 Best Running Shoes for Women UK 2024 | Asics, New Balance and More 1
  • 10 Best Running Shoes for Women UK 2024 | Asics, New Balance and More 2
  • 10 Best Running Shoes for Women UK 2024 | Asics, New Balance and More 3
  • 10 Best Running Shoes for Women UK 2024 | Asics, New Balance and More 4
  • 10 Best Running Shoes for Women UK 2024 | Asics, New Balance and More 5

10 Best Running Shoes for Women UK 2024 | Asics, New Balance and More

If you're thinking of getting into running, or maybe just upping your mileage, it's worth investing in trainers that will go the distance and that will be comfortable whilst doing so. Poor quality, ill-fitting trainers could potentially lead to a whole host of problems, be that blisters, black toes or even more serious, long-lasting damage. 


To help you avoid these, we've come up with a few hints and tips to help you choose the perfect trainer, including advice on flat, wide and narrow feet and high arches. We'll also share our top picks available on Amazon and eBay including Nike, Asics, and Adidas. Whether you're a road or trail runner going short or long distances, they'll ensure nothing stops you in your tracks!

Last updated 22/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose Running Shoes for Women in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Check How Much Cushioning And Heel Drop The Shoe Has 
  2. Think About The Structure Of The Shoe 
  3. Decide Whether You Want A Lighter Shoe For A Weightless Feeling
  4. Choose Between Trainers For The Roads And Trail Shoes 
1

Decide How Much Cushioning and Heel Drop You Want

Decide How Much Cushioning and Heel Drop You Want

Pick a Minimalist Shoe to Feel the Ground Beneath You

If you like the idea of feeling more connected with each step, then a minimalist shoe might well be for you as they have less support and cushioning, particularly around the heel. The 'HTT drop' or 'heel-to-toe drop' (how much material there is beneath your heel in relation to beneath your toe) is also low, usually under 10 mm. The theory is that this allows your foot to do the work in the way that it was intended – barefoot with no support. 


These shoes are often the faster choice as you can really use the natural spring of your stride, but having little to no support around your foot might not be suitable for everyone, especially if you have developed a running style wearing shoes with more cushioning as most of us have.  

For a Cushioned Run, Choose a Shoe With More Padding and a Higher Heel Drop of 10-12 mm

At the other end of the spectrum to the minimalist running shoe, there is what is called a maximalist shoe. These shoes often have a larger heel, more padding throughout, and a higher heel drop of 10-12 mm, with the idea that it will soften the blow and therefore put less strain on your body. The majority of popular trainers on the market belong to this category. 


One drawback of this is that too much cushioning does slightly dampen the bounce of your strides, and it can make trainers feel a little bulky and heavier, although new technology is allowing heavily cushioned shoes to not be burdened with extra weight. If you are a beginner, a shoe with more padding is the best option as they suit slower speeds. 

2

Look for Structure If You Have Dropped Arches

Look for Structure If You Have Dropped Arches

If the high point in the middle of your foot (known as the arch) tends to sink, think about going for shoes that provide support around this area. This will help prevent injuries as collapsed arches can lead to other joint problems


Some shoes will be described as neutral, meaning that they don't have this extra structure around the midsole, which is absolutely fine if arches are not a problem for you and your feet are flatter. If they are, look for trainers which specifically say that they are designed to support arches and have a higher midsole. 

3

Select a Lighter Shoe That Weighs Between 200 - 300 g for a Weightless Feeling

Select a Lighter Shoe That Weighs Between 200 - 300 g for a Weightless Feeling

This one is pretty obvious, but when you're running there is no greater sensation than feeling lighter than air. You don't want anything to add to the heavy legs you will inevitably have a few miles in, so the lighter the trainer, the better. 


There will most probably be a trade-off between support and weight, but try and find that sweet spot in the middle where you have enough cushioning but your trainers don't feel like they're weighing you down. The big brands including Adidas, Asics and Nike have a large range of lightweight trainers. Anything less than 200 g is extremely light, but shoes that weigh between 200-300g are a good figure to aim for. 

4

Consider Trainers for Roads if You Like to Run on Roads and Treadmills, or Trail Shoes if You Prefer Going off the Beaten Track

Consider Trainers for Roads if You Like to Run on Roads and Treadmills, or Trail Shoes if You Prefer Going off the Beaten Track

Selecting the right running shoe for you will also mean thinking about the terrain on which you do most of your runs. If this is normally on roads or treadmills, then look for a trainer that is designed for this sort of high impact, though fairly consistent, ground. If you prefer going off the beaten track, then trainers marketed as trail shoes will be more suitable. 


Trying to enhance your running experience? Why not check out our recommendations for the best sports bras for large busts, running tops and running shorts

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10 Best Running Shoes for Women in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Asics

Gel-Cumulus 21

Asics Gel-Cumulus 21 1

£87.22

Low Mid

Shock-Absorbing Heels To Support Your Feet

2

Brooks

Adrenaline GTS 19

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19 1

£69.95

Low Mid

Avoid the Bulk With This Supportive Shoe

3

Saucony

Omni ISO 2

Saucony Omni ISO 2 1

£116.48

High Mid

A Supportive Shoe to Keep You on Track

4

New Balance

Nitrel

New Balance Nitrel 1

£126.00

High Mid

A Trail Shoe Without the Added Weight

5

Adidas

Ultraboost 19

Adidas Ultraboost 19  1

£126.12

High Mid

A Super Flexible Shoe to Fit Your Feet

6

Nike

Air Zoom Pegasus 36

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 1

£94.99

Mid

This Shoe Lets Your Feet Breathe

7

Under Armour

Charged Bandit 5

Under Armour Charged Bandit 5 1

£64.99

Low Mid

A Cheap Trainer That Won't Slow You Down

8

Newton

Distance 10

Newton Distance 10 1

£122.98

High Mid

A Lightweight Shoe for Raceday

9

Merrell

Vapor Glove 4

Merrell Vapor Glove 4 1

£71.99

Low Mid

A Minimal Shoe That Will Take You Anywhere

10

Salomon

Speedcross 4 GTX W

Salomon Speedcross 4 GTX W 1

£120.00

High Mid

Run Off-Road With This Grippy Shoe

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

AsicsGel-Cumulus 21

Gel-Cumulus 21 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£87.22
Low Mid
Reference price
£87.22
Low Mid

Shock-Absorbing Heels To Support Your Feet

The gel technology used in the heels of these running shoes really will make you feel like you're running on clouds. It not only absorbs shock but also promotes bounce, so you'll have more energy with every step. 


The mesh top provides good ventilation, allowing your foot to breath. As a bonus, these shoes come in a wide range of sizes and half sizes, so everyone can enjoy the comfortable run these shoes offer. Gold medal! 

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

BrooksAdrenaline GTS 19

Adrenaline GTS 19 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Adrenaline GTS 19 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Adrenaline GTS 19 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£69.95
Low Mid
Reference price
£69.95
Low Mid

Avoid the Bulk With This Supportive Shoe

Brooks have started making their running shoes with a more holistic approach in an attempt to try to prevent common running injuries, particularly in the knees. They do this by designing shoes that keep extra movement to a minimum, and these trainers are no exception.


This well-supported shoe is also recommended for those with flat feet, and manages to avoid being bulky whilst still protecting your body as you run. It's easy to feel secure in these shoes at the midsole adapts to your feet, with a just-right softness underfoot. 

No.3

SauconyOmni ISO 2

Omni ISO 2 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Omni ISO 2 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Omni ISO 2 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£116.48
High Mid
Reference price
£116.48
High Mid

A Supportive Shoe to Keep You on Track

The high arch and solid structure of this shoe makes sure your foot stays on a safe and steady track when you take a step, helping you to avoid injuries. 


The cushioned sole helps to protect your joints as you strike the ground, and is ideal for those who like something nice and thick rather than too much of a barefoot feeling. On top of this, they're also a good fit for runners with wider feet, and come in a rather nice colourway. 

No.4

New BalanceNitrel

Nitrel 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£126.00
High Mid
Reference price
£126.00
High Mid

A Trail Shoe Without the Added Weight

This shoe is great in the way that it has all the grip you might want for venturing off into the unknown but it doesn't end up looking – or feeling – too heavy on your feet. The colour is exciting, although you might have a hard job keeping it that way after running through a few muddy puddles! 


These shoes provide more cushioning than your average trail shoe, which conveniently means they aren't limited to off-road running and work just as well on paved streets. 

No.5

AdidasUltraboost 19

Ultraboost 19  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Ultraboost 19  2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Ultraboost 19  3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£126.12
High Mid
Reference price
£126.12
High Mid

A Super Flexible Shoe to Fit Your Feet

This trainer also uses stretchy mesh to cover the foot, which is not only practical, but it looks really good too! Whilst the meshed areas allow for freedom, the laces will allow you to secure yourself into the mid-section enough to feel solid with every step. 


The responsive cushioning on these trainers means that you get back what you put in, so the power from your stride isn't absorbed. Having said that, this trainer is very heavily cushioned, so may not be for those who prefer a smaller heel.  

No.6

NikeAir Zoom Pegasus 36

Air Zoom Pegasus 36 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£94.99
Mid
Reference price
£94.99
Mid

This Shoe Lets Your Feet Breathe

The clever, flexible mesh that covers the majority of this shoe provides much needed ventilation and allows your feet to breathe, even around high-heat areas such as the forefoot and arch. This particular style by Nike is known for being accommodating to wide feet, too. 


Though it includes the brand's full-length Zoom Air cushioning, this design has been streamlined to make it extremely light, which does result in limited ankle support – though some people may well prefer this. 

No.7

Under ArmourCharged Bandit 5

Charged Bandit 5 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£64.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£64.99
Low Mid

A Cheap Trainer That Won't Slow You Down

Purchasing running shoes can often make a bit of a dent in your wallet, but with these trainers you get all the comfort of a more expensive choice but at a more affordable price


The heel is nicely padded but also designed so that it will mould around your foot, locking your shoe in place as you run. As well as being cheaper, these trainers are also lighter than some other models, largely because they don't have an excess of cushioning. 

No.8

NewtonDistance 10

Distance 10 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£122.98
High Mid
Reference price
£122.98
High Mid

A Lightweight Shoe for Raceday

Weighing in at under 200 g, these shoes are impressively light and will hopefully, as a result, allow you to go impressively fast. Extras have been kept to a minimum, which also helps with breathability.


Unlike other more cushioned shoes, this shoe shies away from having a solid heel and instead has a more level base, which Newton says leads to a more natural running style. 

No.9

MerrellVapor Glove 4

Reference price
£71.99
Low Mid

A Minimal Shoe That Will Take You Anywhere

This shoe definitely fits the 'less is more' philosophy. Its minimalist design allows for maximum freedom so you can feel connected to the ground beneath your feet every step of the way. The heel to toe drop is also level, adding to the barefoot experience. 


The antimicrobial agents in the shoe ensure odour is dealt with, no matter how hard or far you're running. The sole is also made from tough rubber, which make these trainers durable but also adds weight to what would otherwise be a very light shoe. 

No.10

SalomonSpeedcross 4 GTX W

Speedcross 4 GTX W 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Speedcross 4 GTX W 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Speedcross 4 GTX W 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£120.00
High Mid
Reference price
£120.00
High Mid

Run Off-Road With This Grippy Shoe

This running shoe is designed to be used on soft, muddy terrains, so it has a deep tread for extra grip. But because of the softer ground specialisation, the shoe does have less cushioning. 


Fortunately, this allows you to feel and react to the ground beneath you, vital when treading unknown paths. The water-resistant properties help to avoid water leaking through on muddy ground, although this does mean the breathability of this shoe is low so your feet may get a bit hot and sweaty. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Bad to Wear Running Shoes for Walking?

Although running shoes can be worn for walking, it is not always ideal. For example, experts have recommended that you stay away from wearing minimalist shoes for walking. That said, if you have found a pair that are comfortable and offer you the right support then it is fine to wear them for both activities!

Top 5 Running Shoes for Women

No. 1: AsicsGel-Cumulus 21

No. 2: BrooksAdrenaline GTS 19

No. 3: SauconyOmni ISO 2

No. 4: New BalanceNitrel

No. 5: AdidasUltraboost 19

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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