10 Best Women Running Shoes 2026 in the United States

The Brooks Women’s Glycerin 22 is designed for runners seeking a neutral shoe with a strong emphasis on cushioning and comfort. It features Brooks’ latest DNA Tuned midsole technology, which offers plush softness in the heel and a responsive feel when pushing off with the toes. This makes it a great choice for road running, gym workouts, or cross training.

The fit is flexible and accommodating thanks to a new knit upper that also helps keep feet well-ventilated, so breathability is good for longer runs. The shoe’s broad platform and tuned heel contribute to smooth and stable heel-to-toe transitions, reducing the chance of discomfort or instability. It also carries the APMA Seal of Acceptance and is certified for diabetic-friendly use, highlighting its comfort and supportive design.

While the shoe prioritizes cushioning and smooth movement, it doesn’t offer extra arch support, so it’s better suited for runners with a neutral gait rather than those who need strong stability features. The Glycerin 22 is well-suited for runners looking for soft cushioning, breathability, and a smooth ride without extra corrective support.

The Brooks Women’s Ghost 17 is a great choice for women looking for a comfortable, everyday running shoe that works well for running, walking, and cross-training. It offers a neutral fit with a medium width (9 Medium) and pays attention to arch support, making it suitable for various foot shapes. The cushioning uses Brooks’ DNA Loft v3 technology, which is soft, lightweight, and provides a smooth feel, especially with extra cushioning added in the heel and forefoot—this helps reduce impact and keeps your feet comfortable on longer runs.

The heel-to-toe drop is designed to encourage natural foot movement and smooth transitions, which can help maintain a steady pace without strain. Breathability is handled well by the engineered mesh upper, which allows good airflow to keep feet cool and dry, while the shoe adapts comfortably to your foot’s shape. Durability is boosted by a rubber outsole made with recycled materials, offering solid grip and responsiveness on different surfaces without adding much weight. One standout feature is the shoe’s certification for diabetic use and acceptance by a podiatry association, which shows extra attention to foot health and comfort.

The shoe’s cushioning might feel too soft for runners who prefer a firmer or more performance-focused ride, and the medium width might not suit those with very narrow or wide feet. Heavier runners might also want more robust support. This shoe is well suited for women seeking a reliable, cushioned, and breathable option for daily running and general fitness activities.

The Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 24 is a solid choice for female runners seeking a supportive shoe with a comfortable, adaptive fit. It features the GuideRails holistic support system, which helps keep your stride stable by controlling excess movement—ideal if you need extra arch support or have mild pronation. The shoe’s cushioning uses nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam, offering a soft yet responsive feel that adapts well to your foot, making longer runs more comfortable without feeling heavy. Its engineered air mesh upper strikes a good balance between breathability and structure, so feet stay cool without sacrificing support. At about 1.5 pounds, it’s reasonably lightweight for a stability shoe, helping reduce fatigue.

The smooth transitions from a newly designed outsole and midsole suggest a well-thought-out gait cycle. The shoe is also recognized with the APMA Seal of Acceptance and is suitable for diabetic feet, which speaks to its comfort and health benefits. However, if you have very specific needs for ultra-lightweight shoes or minimal drop, this might not be the best fit. Also, as it’s a wide fit (8.5 wide shown), those with narrow feet might find it less snug. Durability should be good thanks to the quality rubber sole, but heavier runners might want to monitor wear over time.

The Adrenaline GTS 24 serves as a dependable, supportive running shoe suited for runners looking for comfort, stability, and breathability in their daily training.