Guardian journalism is independent. We earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more.
Over five months, I evaluated shoes from On, Nike, Adidas, Hoka and more to find out which belong on your next road or trail run
The 13 best pairs of women’s shoes for the office, vetted by style professionals
Our top running essentials for beating the heat
Sign up for the Filter US newsletter, your weekly guide to buying fewer, better things
Finding the right running shoes is overwhelming if you’re not sure what to look for. Footwear can make or break your run, and there are a sea of options – from sleek carbon-plated racers to aggressive rubber-lugged trail runners.
As a lifelong athlete whose running ranges from holiday-themed 5Ks to trail races in the mountains, I’ve learned that footwear is the most important part of a runner’s gear setup. I am constantly looking for the best pair of shoes to help each run feel enjoyable.
To help other women find their perfect footwear match, I tested 15 pairs of the most highly rated women’s running shoes on the market to see which stood out above the rest. I took notes on cushion and impact absorption, weight, fit, breathability and other qualities. After many miles (over a variety of surfaces), winners were chosen in several categories.
Whether you have worn the same pair for years and are ready for an upgrade, or you have never run at all, we are here to help you choose the best women’s running shoes in 2026.
Running shoe questions you may have (and our answers!)
Note: shoes are primarily for road running unless indicated. All specs are for women’s size 8.5.
The On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is what On calls its “super trainer,” a thickly cushioned model designed for daily training and tempo runs. This shoe was comfortable right out of the box and quickly revealed itself to be the all-around champion.
It has a secure fit (no sliding!) and excellent impact absorption – even in the forefoot, which tends to be less forgiving in other shoes. On Running attributes this to its proprietary CloudTec cushioning system: a top layer of Helion HF hyper foam that aids impact absorption and energy return, combined with a bottom foam layer designed for long-lasting durability. The design creates a responsive ride and zippy forward propulsion. This pair rocked and rolled underfoot, keeping up momentum and pushing me to go the extra mile.
Running in the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper felt energizing, fun and natural. Even on days when I should have been resting, I wanted to get out and run in these shoes. They are a great fit for anyone – whether you’re new to the sport or are looking to amp up your weekly mileage.
It’s a shame that … the price is steep compared with the average cost of running shoes; but the value is undeniable.
