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Wherever you are on your fitness journey—prepping for your first race, working toward a marathon, or simply running for fun—the right running shoes can make an impact. But finding the best running shoe can feel like searching for other hard-to-find pieces, Goldilocks trial and error included. "Just like looking for the perfect pair of jeans, the right pair of running shoes will vary depending on what you want to use them for, how you want to feel, and your preferred fit," Bekah Broe, director of performance footwear at Hoka, says.
In the vast and jargon-filled world of running shoes, Broe says a few factors can usually lead you toward the best pairs. "A high-quality running shoe will often have a higher price tag ($120+) than a lower-quality counterpart," she says. And in the design, "the midsole (foam) and upper materials (what wraps around your foot to provide structure and comfort) are specifically engineered to balance weight with structure, comfort, and durability."
As for what not to look for, keep your running shoes separate from your dance cardio or Tabata sneakers. "In HIIT training, you want to make sure your shoe has a flat base—no heel, which most running shoes have," Nike trainer Lauren Schramm tells BAZAAR.com. "It's great for your running stride and not so great for your functional HIIT movements. I always advise clients to invest in a pair of training shoes for their workouts to prevent injury, like rolling their ankles in lateral movements—which can happen if you train in a running shoe."
There's little replacing the tailored advice you can get from an in-person specialist; at a running specialty store, Broe says, you can get personalized advice on running shoes suited to your gait type and running style. Premium running shoes are also a few clicks away with the help of experts and enthusiastic reviewers. So before you hit the track, treadmill, trail, or road, update your gear with the 25 best running shoes for women ahead.
