24 pairs of the best running shoes for women

Runners

Designed to support a jogger’s gait, with shock absorption to cushion your stride.

This cult fave has been reconfigured with a heel-to-toe power grid to efficiently distribute pressure. Additional foot support and a heel crash pad that extends to the mid-foot means you’ll be flying to the finish line in comfort.

Ride 7, $150, Saucony.

Runners

Made to envelop and cushion the entire sole with their foam platform, these classic kicks provide comfort right out of the box. Bonus: They’re compact and great for travel.

Skyscape Forever, $80, Reebok. 

Read more about the Skyscape in our exclusive interview with Reebok ambassador Miranda Kerr. 

Runners

Uniquely designed to provide explosive action from every step. The 16 polymer blades transfer your energy, helping to drive you forward. Get ready to shave time off your personal best.

Springblade, $200, Adidas.

Runners

Weighing in at just over seven ounces and using a single piece of foam for a plush and natural run, these colourful kicks will keep you going longer.

Fresh Foam 980, $130, New Balance.

Trail

Built for uneven terrain with a sturdy outsole and extra traction.

Ready for off-roading, this pair has been enhanced with a full-length midsole for more flexibility and a deluxe heel crash pad to support your stride.

Cascadia 9, $160, Brooks.

Trail

Rain day = run day. Take on the elements in this lightweight, super-stable runner with a one-pull quick-lacing system. Made for rugged terrain, the firm-grip tread won’t let you down when you hit a dicey patch.

Salomon Sense Pro, $129, Mec.

Trail

With an integrated upper that has a sock-like fit and strategically placed sticky rubber lugs to provide solid traction, running up and down hills during inclement weather will be a breeze. Seriously.

Nike Hyperfeel Trail, $185, Sport Chek.

Trail

These low-profile sneaks enhance your foot’s natural stride. The shoe includes an extra-cushy midsole and a firmer plate under the heel and forefoot.

Merrell Allout Rush Trail, $139, Mec.

Walking

Maximum heel support and ample cushioning to suit every pace, from casual to brisk.

This laid-back shoe’s built-in sport technology provides your heels with pillow-like cushioning, so you can motor through errands on your to-do list in style.

truWalkzero II Mesh Wingtip, $130, Rockport.

Walking

Laugh in the face of sudden summer showers: This urban shoe is weatherproof yet super-breathable, so sweat can escape without any raindrops sneaking in.

Xense, $140, Geox.

Walking

Hit the pavement and tame trails in this lightweight, plush pair. This budget-friendly shoe doesn’t skimp on extra support for the arch and ankles.

Hi-Tec Haraka, $60, Sears.

Walking

These quick-drying, port-coloured water sport shoes go from land to lake with ease, so you can go from the deck to the dock without skipping a single beat.

360 Lagoon, $140, Ecco.

Chic sneaks

Playful (but not just for play!), these shoes don’t require you to break a sweat.

Update your Chucks with a fresh coat of silver. This metallic hue provides a hint of rocker cool and pairs surprisingly well with your white denim or summer dresses.

Chuck Taylor All-Star Elevated Glam, $85, The Bay.

Chic sneaks

These hipster high-tops take you from day to night with a sleek suede exterior and plush leather on the inside. We think they’re the next best thing to the shoe bootie.

Rag and Bone Kent, $340, Holt Renfrew.

Chic sneaks

Complement any warm-weather outfit with this tropical loafer-style sneak. You’ll feel like you’re on holiday with a whimsical print that adds a splash of fun to any look.

Mara slip-on, $70, Aldo.

Chic sneaks

Nail the urban-chic look by sporting these retro-inspired lace-up trainers with a flirty feminine look. The arrow-speared-heart print is sweet without being too saccharine.

Tech Super, $164, Adidas.

Sport specific

Achieve optimum results with specialized footwear engineered for peak performance.

Whether you’re taking a corner kick or a penalty shot, when precision counts, these cleats with no-interference offset lacing are a total score. Bonus: You’ll be the envy of your soccer club.

Speciali Premio HG, $80, Umbro.

Sport specific

Snap, turn and go. A fave of triathletes on game day, this slip-on’s boa-closure lacing system eliminates fussing with laces, expedites transitionand is quick-drying.

Ultra Race 4.0, $180, Zoot Sports.

Sport specific

Ace every serve and eliminate front-end wear and tear with the forefoot-wrapped upper guard. With a non-marking sole, this running-inspired tennis shoe means you can run the whole court.

Ultra Express, $110, K Swiss.

Sport specific

Disguised as a sneaker with a revolutionary sole that has hundreds of integrated micro-spikes for superior traction and stability, plus a waterproof mesh upper, this golf shoe will help keep you closer to par.

Pure 360 Gripmore Sport, $160, Adidas Golf.

Cross-trainers

Versatile, flexible and lightweight. Best for high-intensity and strength-training workouts.

Kick and step your way through any high-energy boot camp or CrossFit session with these sneaks. They’re engineered to enhance your natural movements, so they move with you.

Mobium XT, $115, Puma.

Cross-trainers

Crush any CrossFit class in these better-than-barefoot low-profile sneaks. They’re feather­light but have enough traction and lateral support to keep you safe and secure.

Minimus x20v3, $120, New Balance.

Cross-trainers

Created just for us girls, these low-impact kicks will put you ahead in (exercise) class fast. Plus, the footbed provides maximum support, so you can sashay your way from Zumba to step aerobics.

ryka Moxie, $100, The Shoe Company.

Cross-trainers

Get as close to the ground as possible with these ultra-minimal shoes. They’re designed with the lowest offset and increased flexibility to cradle the foot and support the arch, and are perfect for high-intensity workouts.

Nike Free cross Bionic, $120, Nike.

Read more: The running shoe buyer's guide >