In our list of the best running shoes for women, the Brooks Ghost 16 came out on top as our favorite pick for beginners due to its grippy outsole, cushiony midsole and stylish design. While it’s chunkier than similar shoes on the market, its overall stability gives feet enough room to thrive on those longer runs.

Named the top cushioning shoe in our roundup of the best women’s walking shoes, the Hoka Clifton 9 has an extra-supportive, yet lightweight feel. According to our tester, they’re also a great choice for those with wide feet.

If you’re in need of a lightweight option great for all-day wear, we love the On Cloud 5. Despite its lighter weight, our tester found it worked well for traversing both short and long distances, plus it offers plenty of stability for a variety of terrain.

For those looking for an option that can withstand a wide range of workouts, we recommend the Nike Metcon 9—our cross-training shoe pick for women in our best workout shoe story. The dual-density foam base coupled with the rubber outsole provides ample support; however, we don’t recommend this pair for long-distance runs as it’s a heavier shoe.

Ok so this shoe is technically more of a lifestyle and walking shoe than running shoe. With its chic, retro-meets-modern silhouette, this suede shoe is as stylish as it is functional, featuring a soft nylon upper and secure enclosure for a comfy fit. The oversized “N” on its side is a notable throwback to the shoe’s predecessors.

If your feet are on the more sensitive side, the Asics Gel-Quantum 180 VII provides extra support via its foam cushioning. As you wear this shoe during workouts, its patented technology increases shock absorption underfoot for easier movements.

If you struggle with overpronation or are looking for an option that promotes ample stability, we recommend the Hoka Arahi 7, our top stability recommendation in our guide to the best men’s running shoes. Standout features include additional support on the inner side of the shoe, a firm heel and a wider platform, all of which make for a more stable stride.

While you may not want to run long distances in this pair, the Nike Metcon 9 is a favorite for its dual-density foam and grippy outsole, both of which make it a breeze to traverse across a variety of different surfaces. Its versatility alone, in fact, is why we named it our top shoe for crossfit in the best workout shoes for men. The durability of this pair can withstand just about any workout.

Featuring the brand’s signature shock-absorbing tech, these Asics sneakers are built to withstand the outdoors. The mesh upper cools your feet while you run, while the grippy outsole ensures plenty of traction.

If you’re looking for an affordable running shoe that’s highly rated for everyday runs, this bestseller is available for up to 60% off in select colorways. Users report the shoes are lightweight, comfortable and fit true to size.

New Balance Fresh Foam models are popular for being extremely lightweight with a plush, springy feel. This shoe comes in standard, wide and extra wide widths, but only certain colorways are currently on sale so you may have to be flexible. 

Few running shoes are more beloved than the Brooks Ghost 16, and they’re now available at a steep discount in several popular colorways. This is a great neutral shoe—it offers plush cushioning, arch support and a flexible, breathable upper.

This shoe earned the top spot as the best neutral running shoe in our guide on best running shoes for men. It features the brand’s PureGel technology for lightweight cushioning and shock absorption. Overall, this is a comfortable choice for casual runners.