Top 12 Absolute Best Overall Women’s Running Shoes

The amount of foot pronation refers to the degree the foot naturally roll inwards upon landing. A person with a neutral foot rolls in a little upon landing their weight on the balls of your feet before pushing off the big toe. If your foot rolls in excessively then over-pronated feet can cause extra strain and stress on your foot. People who have supinate or under-pronated feet land with their weight on the outer part of the foot and push off from the outer toes.

If your foot mechanism over-pronates or under-pronates then it can cause extra strain and stress on other parts of your foot. So it’s important that you understand what shoe features you are buying so you can match it up with your foot type.

Our experienced Podiatrists have developed unique shoe review criteria to assess and rank the best shoes for preventing common foot pain problems caused by ill-fitting shoes. Read further to learn the top 12 absolute best overall women’s running shoes. 

1. ASICS GEL NIMBUS

Asics Gel Nimbus is a running shoe that is great for a mildly pronated or supinated foot. Because it has a neutral outersole it works well with a prescription orthotic.

The shoe is ideal for feet with neutral pronation.

2. ASICS GEL KAYANO

Asics Gel Kayano shoe is for mild to moderate pronated feet. It has built in support through the midfoot to support the arch.

This shoe a long-time favorite among runner who tend to overpronate and for its support and stability. The Kayano uses specialist materials to control torsion and provide stability. Asics uses Duomax technology in the mid-sole and ASIC GEL in forefoot and rearfoot to provide the feeling of high cushioning.

Excellent for people with flat feet or low arches.

3. ASICS GEL VENTURE

Asics Gel Venture is designed to take on rugged terrain, this model comes complete with a trail-specific outsole and high-abrasion rubber for confidence-inspiring traction. Rearfoot GEL cushioning absorbs shock to keep you comfortable as you pound along the path, while the removable sockliner lets you insert custom orthotics for an even more personalized fit.

4. ASICS GEL CUMULUS

Asics Gel Cumulus is designed to cushion and support your feet over long distances, this shoe boasts FLYTEFOAM Propel technology for excellent bounce and energy. And now you can pick up this performance running shoe in a vibrant new design, created to inspire you to unleash your inner runner and let her shine.

5. ASICS GEL GT 1000

Asics Gel GT 1000 is a lightweight running shoe for overpronators.

6. ASICS GT 2000

Asics GT 2000 has good cushioning for rear, mid and forefoot with good shock absorption at the heel.

7. MIZUNO WAVE RIDER

Mizuno Wave Rider is a neutral favorite and works best for slight underpronation all the way to very slight overpronation. For moderate overpronation the Wave Horizon 3 or Wave Inspire 15 would be best. This shoe is best for feet that are narrow to regular width.

8. MIZUNO WAVE INSPIRE

Mizuno Wave Inspire is a light weight neutral running shoe for feet that are narrow to regular width.

9. NEW BALANCE 430V1

New Balance 430V1 running shoe is for the mild rearfoot pronator.

10. BROOKS GHOST

Brooks Ghost is a neutral runners looking for a lightweight shoe and a smooth ride without sacrificing cushioning. Whether you’re a Ghost loyalist or are lacing one up for the first time, you’ll find plenty to like.

11. BROOKS ADRENALINE GTS

Brooks Adrenaline GTS is ideal for runners with all arches looking for support.

12. ADIDAS ADIZERO ADIOS

Adidas Adizero Adios is a neutral lightweight running shoe for narrow feet with less support than some of the other shoes. Great for gym or road running under 5km. The shoe is purposely designed using a lighter and softer material thus it is also less supportive than some of the other shoes on our list.

Best Shoe Review Criteria & Rankings

We have listed the top 12 absolute best overall women’s running shoes to help guide you in your next athletic or running shoe purchase. Remember everyone has a different foot shape so it’s important to understand your own foot and know what to look for when buying shoes to prevent common foot pain problems caused by shoes.

Learn more about how our Podiatrists have scored and ranked the best overall women’s running shoes to prevent plantar fasciitis foot pain and other foot ailments.

*Arch Support criteria based on level of reinforcement built into the outersole.