24 best running shoes for women 2022: training shoes for every runner
Running is always in season, which means the search for the best running shoes for women is always on. After all, it’s not just our stamina and months of training that carry us across the finish lines, but the shoes that push us forward with every pounding of the pavement. And while finding the perfect fit is never an easy task, I turned to the experts to make sure we’re all equipped with the right sneakers for the treadmills, trails and marathons ahead of us.
Throughout my own journey to rediscover the joys of running during the height of the pandemic last year, I sought out Nike Run Club head coach Traci Copeland, who explained that the best running shoes for women and men really depends on what your foot does while you run. “Some are pronated or supinated,” says Copeland, explaining the difference between runners who place their weight inside and outside of their feet. “Sometimes you need more support depending on that.” Determining your foot type is essential, and there are several fundamental tests you can perform to do so from the comfort of your own home. The simplest is the wet test, in which you wet the sole of your foot and step on a blank sheet of paper. The wet footprint left behind will help you determine whether you are a neutral runner or an overpronator or underpronator. As a neutral runner, I found the various Adidas Ultraboost prototypes to best meet my daily running needs. The supportive heel and midsole design provides just the right amount of cushioning to protect my fragile ankles from the daily pressures of urban running.
vogue Fashion wizard and avid runner Kathleen Thomas, meanwhile, found her perfect pair after asking her aunt, a longtime marathon runner, for advice. “About five years ago, my aunt suggested the Hoka brand to me and told me that their running shoes would change my running,” says Thomas. “I started with the Arahi 5s from Hoka and have since moved on to the Bondi 7s for running and the Clifton styles for walking and everyday use.” Needless to say, her aunt wasn’t wrong, as Thomas’ beloved Hokas are currently preparing her for the 2022 New York City Marathon.
From lightweight, supportive shoes for daily jogs to high-performance sneakers designed for elite runners and everything in between, try these 24 best running shoes to incorporate into your routine below.
concrete crusader
Built for the road, On’s Cloudswift sneakers’ CloudTec technology makes running on concrete feel like running on a cloud. Their lightweight, modern silhouettes create sleek designs without compromising the styles’ energy return and premium cushioning, making them perfect for the streets of New York. Or take a spin in APL’s Streamlines and test out the style designed to push you forward and faster.
Going for the long haul
Durability, stability, and snug cushioning are key to finding the perfect long-distance running shoe. Whether you’re running a 5k or preparing for a marathon, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 28’s gel cushioning technology is designed to enhance shock absorption, while the Adidas Ultraboost 21 combines energy return and responsive technology to mimic that I-could-run-forever feeling.
walk lightly
For most of us, New York’s cold snap has us swapping the sidewalk for the treadmill. Opting for shoes that are breathable and lightweight with enough support will help counter repetitive stress on your body and get the most efficiency out of your next run. Take Nike’s Epic Reacts, for example, equipped with high-performance capabilities – no wonder it’s Copeland’s running shoe of choice.
In the woods
Trail running is a different beast unto itself, with unpredictable terrain with every kick. Much like long-distance running, durable sneakers with stability technology are essential when finding the perfect fit. Be sure to consider outsoles with grip to improve your ground connection and motion control and keep you on your toes for uneven surfaces just up the hill. Allbirds latest version, the Trail Runner SWT, will certainly do the trick, with trail traction inspired by the bulbous treads found on mountain bikes.
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