Running shoes for women tested | WOMEN'S HEALTH

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Running without the right shoe is only half the fun, and the risk of injury increases when your foot isn't in the right shoe. Quite apart from that, it is a motivation that should not be underestimated to reward yourself in advance with a smart, optimally adapted running shoe for the upcoming runs.

But if you want a shoe like this, you're soon faced with the question: which one to take? We have the 10 best suggestions for you here.

Which is the right running shoe for women?

If you ask runners what makes a really good running shoe, 4 key factors are mentioned again and again:

1. Balanced cushioning: This means the sole of the shoe absorbs the impact forces when running.
2. Sufficient stability: The shoe supports the foot where it is needed.
3. Light weight: The lighter a shoe weighs, the easier it feels to run.
4. Comfortable fit: The shoe should not pinch or feel uncomfortable anywhere.

A running shoe should combine these properties in the best possible way. However, every runner has a different perception of what is optimal – because every running style and every foot is different. That's why the editors of RUNNER'S WORLD have to combine as much data and test impressions as possible in shoe descriptions.

These are the best running shoes for women of 2021

Following the test reports you will find some tips for your individual choice of running shoes.

1. Brooks Ricochet 3

Manufacturer Brooks Ricochet 3

Order here: Brooks Ricochet 3

Test impression: Brooks has carefully spiced up the ricochet. While the predecessor, which was already equipped with the reactive DNA-AMP foam, was praised for its excellent rolling properties, the upper material in particular has been optimized on the 3er: The mesh fabric is more breathable, the lacing eyelets are more stable and the lacing holds the back of the foot even more securely - which is also ideal for narrow feet. "Good fit in the heel area, no pressure, no slipping out," said one tester, who also praised the "sock-like fit around the ankle." This makes the light shoe ideal for brisk training sessions. The only criticism: when wet, the sole quickly becomes slippery.

Category: Cushioning shoe Weight: 238 g Drop: 8 mm RRP: 140 euros

2. Altra Timp 2

Manufacturer Altra Timp 2

Order here: Altra Timp 2

Test impression: If the Timp 2 were a car, it would be an SUV – only without exhaust fumes. Because it is actually designed as a trail shoe, but has very good all-round qualities. Altra attaches great importance to a wide toe box in connection with a "zero deflection": Heel and forefoot are on the same level. The Timp has a midsole that is just as voluminous as the street model Torin (29 millimeters thick under the heel) and is correspondingly comfortably cushioned. The outsole is flexible and grippy. There was praise for the look and functionality of the newly designed, very supple and seamless upper material. The women-specific fit and lacing allow for an ideal fit; Altra uses a specific women's last that takes into account, for example, the narrower heel width. A shoe that is also suitable for long distances - and for almost any terrain, whether park or forest path or trail.

Category: Neutral shoe Weight: 245 g Drop: 0 mm RRP: 160 euros

3. On Cloudflow

ManufacturerOn Cloudflow

Order here: On Cloudflow (€149.95)

Test impression: The Cloudflow is one of On's classics. The ingredients: a light construction with "Cloudtec" soles on curved "Speedboard" lasts. There were small but positively noticeable changes in the very high-quality upper material. The outstanding wearing comfort and the good foot climate have remained. This is one of the reasons why it is so popular to wear in our free time. The fit has been improved by an optimized heel cap and the revised, lightly padded tongue, which flows into the elastic bands enclosing the foot on the side. The flexible sole conveys an agile walking feeling, which is promoted in the current version by the partially used "Helion" foam. Durability has also been improved. However, the shoe is a bit slippery when wet. The Cloudflow was designed for high speed, but you can also go jogging with it.

Category: Neutral shoe Weight: 189 g Drop: 6 mm RRP: 150 euros

4. Reebok Floatride Run Fast 3.0

ManufacturerReebok Floatride Run Fast 3.0

Order here: Reebok Floatride Run Fast 3.0

Test impression: The entire Floatride family from Reebok offers the charm of simplicity and has won a few fans in the RUNNER'SWORLD test team. The women's version now weighs a very light 165 grams, which is mainly due to the new mono-mesh upper. The solid filament fabric is made in one piece, is wonderfully air-permeable and ensures a classic tight fit with the character of a competition shoe. A thin, elastic band connects the tongue to the sole and, together with the good heel counter, ensures an excellent hold on the foot. This is reminiscent of the popular original version, the Run Fast 2.0, but it was heavier and didn't sit as nicely close to the foot. The running properties are those of a classic competition shoe, without "rockers", without a thick midsole - but trimmed puristically for speed.

Category: Neutral shoe Weight: 165 g Drop: 8 mm RRP: 140 euros

5. Brooks Adrenaline GTS21

ManufacturerBrooks Adrenaline GTS 21

Order here: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21

Test impression: The Adrenaline is a real long-running hit: For the fourth time in a row, it took first place in the RUNNER'S WORLD readers' poll in the category of movement control shoes - this time with the best result it has ever achieved. With the current revision, the target group for this stable constructed training shoe has become even larger. The midsole cushions well, especially for heel walkers, but is not too soft and offers even smoother rolling comfort than the GTS 20. The "Guiderails" are something like a lane keeping assistant in a car: the more the movement deviates from the center, the stronger the rail intervenes. The upper is very soft, the strap is connected to the sole area, the drop is quite high, the forefoot is rather wide. A tip for beginners and frequent runners.

Category: stable shoe/cushioning shoe Weight: 258 g Drop: 12 mm RRP: 140 euros

6. Asics GT-2000 9

ManufacturerAsics GT-2000 9

Order here: Asics GT-2000 9

Test impression: The stable GT-2000 fills the gap between the Brooks Adrenaline, which is quite a bit heavier and has a higher drop, and the Saucony Guide, which has a slightly lower drop but still more support than the Asics. In the new version, the GT has become noticeably more dynamic: the forefoot area is more flexible, and the cushioning is given a dash of dynamism thanks to the reactive Flytefoam material. The new seamless mesh upper material, reinforced in important areas, offers even more support for the running movement. A tester: "A stable shoe in which I feel very comfortable on smooth runs and roll safely without being constrained." The GT-2000 9 is available in a wider fit and is also recommended for heavier runners. It remains true to its tradition as a reliable training shoe in all situations.

Category: Stable shoe Weight: 221 g Drop: 10 mm RRP: 140 euros

7. Adidas Ultraboost 21

ManufacturerAdidas Ultraboost 21

Order now: Adidas Ultraboost 21

Test impression: You have to take a closer look at the Ultraboost: The technical data for the midsole have remained unchanged. The back and forefoot are just as high as on the predecessor and the last and therefore the fit have remained the same. For this, Adidas has packed six percent more Boost material into the sole, which causes the weight increase. Our test runners didn't even notice that, they were too impressed by the new rolling sensation: "The predecessor didn't offer enough dynamics in the forefoot area, but the Ultraboost 21 is suddenly a really agile shoe," says one test runner. The new LEP is responsible -Torsion system in the midsole that gives more camber to the forefoot area. The midfoot saddle provides more support, but the construction was criticized by test runners with narrower feet. On top of that, the new upper made the shoe feel a little smaller than expected for some testers.

Category: neutral shoe/cushioning shoe Weight: 325 g Drop: 10 mm RRP: 180 euros

8. Saucony Guide 14

Manufacturer Saucony Guide 14

Order here: Saucony Guide 14

Test impression: The Guide 14 has undergone an upgrade, which – similar to the models from Brooks and Asics – has become significantly more comfortable in the new version. This is due to an additional cushioning layer with the so-called PWRRUN material, a very soft and responsive foam. As a result, there is now at least 32.5 millimeters of cushioning under the rear foot. Due to the very stable guide frame made of TPU, the rolling process is still characterized by stability.

Runners who want to counteract the inward bending of the foot will find a robust solution here. In addition, the well-padded, but nevertheless extremely stable heel cap prevents the foot from breaking out to the side. Since the tongue is connected to the side of the midsole via elastic straps, it also ensures a good fit in the midfoot.

Category: Stable shoe Weight: 266 g Drop: 8mm RRP: 140 euros

9. Asics Gel-Nimbus 23

ManufacturerAsics Gel Nimbus 23

Order here: Asics Gel-Nimbus 23

Test impression: A leaflet would be needed to list all the technologies that Asics has packed into the new Nimbus. From the eyelets to the upper to the midsole, everything has been overhauled. However, the running impression remains the same: the Nimbus belongs to the top group of the comfort class.

The judgment of a tester is representative: "Asics has taken it to the extreme in terms of soft rolling behavior, the desire for speed is secondary." If you want to run fast, you should rather use other (Asics) models, the Nimbus offers that gentle pampering program for runners' feet. The fit and sole construction of the women's version have been revised. The heel is now higher, the forefoot is more flexible. "A feel-good shoe for long and leisurely runs as well as chatting," sums up one test runner.

Category: neutral shoe/cushioning shoe Weight: 250 g Drop: 10/13 mm RRP: 180 euros

10. Mizuno Wave Skyrise 2

ManufacturerMizuno Women's Wave Skyrise

Order here: Mizuno Wave Skyrise

Test impression: "Wow, is it comfortable", a runner begins her test report. With the Wave Skyrise 2, Mizuno has created an extremely comfortable work of art. The upper consists of two layers: on the one hand an inner light padding, on the other hand an outer layer that is firmer directly above the sole and in the metatarsal and lacing area, and more airy and elastic above the toes. The combination follows all movements and nestles gently against the foot.

The tongue, the heel area and the shoe collar are also comfortably padded. The stable heel cap and toe protection fit seamlessly into the shaft. The lacing has a classic design and "can be adjusted exceptionally well," according to one tester. The "Foam Wave" gives the shoe dynamics, "ideal for a long-distance run," according to one tester. "But I can also imagine a half marathon or marathon with the Skyrise 2."

Category: stable cushioning shoe Weight: 240 g Drop: 10 mm RRP: 140 euros

How does RUNNER'S WORLD test running shoes?

A lot of time, science, sweat and miles go into every test. In the practical test, the running shoes are tested in real use, this is about the subjective running impression of experienced test runners. In the laboratory test, the shoes are objectively tested according to standardized criteria. Both test results are included in the evaluation in our running shoe test.

Practical test: More than 400 runners took part in this test. They run at least 150 kilometers with each shoe and then fill out test forms. For the test, RUNNER'S WORLD selected models provided by the manufacturers.

Laboratory test: The RUNNER'S WORLD shoe laboratory carried out 6 standard mechanical tests. So all running shoes are comparable to each other. The editors summarize the results of the wear and laboratory test. The test was published here in April 2021.

This article may contain links to vendors from whom Women's Health receives a commission. These links are marked with the following icon:04/16/2021RUNNER'S WORLD To the start page