We understand how overwhelming it can be to find a quality pair of running shoes that checks all your must-have boxes. Maybe you prefer running in fresh air and need trail shoes; love a barefoot feel and want a minimalist design; or have a certain go-to brand like Nike, Adidas, or New Balance. If you’ve been running for a while, you know the difference between a supportive and neutral shoe, and you most likely have a preference. But even running newbies who have experience in regular sneakers can probably hone in on what they like.
To save you from decision fatigue, we scoured Amazon and found the very best options for all types of runners, whether you are training for a marathon or want to start running. These stylish, yet functional choices won’t hold you back while you’re on the move and will ensure you look just as good as you feel.
So whether you want a shoe that can help you log miles or are eyeing options that will complement your favorite matching workout sets and leggings, we have you covered. Keep scrolling to check out our eight favorite running shoes, and buy a pair while your size is still in stock.
Joomra Women’s Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoes ($39, originally $43)
These sneakers are the number-one bestseller in the women’s hiking sneaker category. They have rubber outsoles that offer plenty of traction and respond well to unpredictable terrain. They also have removable insoles to better support foot arches. As promised, the minimalist design mimics the feel of walking barefoot —just with way more protection.
Asics Women’s Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes ($60, originally $70)
Infused with gel technology and redesigned with new outsole lugs for better off-road traction, these durable and comfortable shoes help to reduce potential foot injuries while you’re pounding the pavement. They’re one of Amazon’s bestselling running shoes, with over 19,000 reviews and a solid 4.4 rating.
Under Armour Charged Assert 9 Running Shoes ($60, originally $70)
With plenty of shock absorption, overlays that help with stability, and a mesh upper for ventilation, this shoe is built to help with super-charged sprints but can also get you through long distances. It’s a popular Amazon pick with over 21,000 reviews and a 4.5 rating. Grab it in this simple black-and-white option or a casual 27 other color combinations.
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 22 Supportive Running Shoes ($66-$181)
As Amazon’s bestseller in the women’s road running shoes category, this pair has racked up more than 20,000 reviews and boasts a 4.5 rating. If you were a fan of the previous version, this updated shoe features a newly designed midsole that offers even more soft cushioning for smoother runs. Plus, it comes in a total of 34 color variations, so you’re bound to find your perfect match.
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Running Shoe ($75, originally $85)
These shoes have more than 16,000 five-star rating with a 4.5 rating. The foam midsole provides that walking-on-air feel, and the heel is designed to give extra support and comfort.
Adidas Ultraboost 21 Running Shoes ($92-$155)
These sneakers are so cushiony that they feel like you’re walking on a cloud. Even still, they’ll help you push faster and farther. The sock-like fit hugs your feet, which reviewers appreciate. “The upper part of the sneaker is thick and is designed to be more like a sock, which I like. It stretches to form around your foot,” one reviewer describes.
APL Techloom Phantom Sneakers ($149, originally $185)
These sneakers are beloved for a reason. They’re sleek, comfortable, and supportive. Our former editor took them on a five-mile run and was impressed by their performance. “It was a nice, neutral ride — more stability and cushion than a Nike Free, but much closer to a barefoot run than a stability shoe like Brooks Adrenaline; a supportive sweet spot, really,” she writes. Check out more details of her experience in this APL Techloom Phantom Sneakers review.
Editor Quote: “I’ve worn my TechLoom Phantom Pro APLs on several runs; my longest run was about five miles. It was a nice, neutral ride — more stability and cushion than a Nike Free, but much closer to a barefoot run than a stability shoe like Brooks Adrenaline; a supportive sweet spot, really. They were also pretty springy, light, and soft but still had a controlled and stable feel. I’d recommend them for shorter training runs if you don’t need a lot of support. I do need more support for longer distances, so I’ll probably switch to something with a slightly more cushioned outsole and a bit more arch support when I start tacking on miles for training.” — Dominique Michelle Astorino, PS contributor
On Women’s Cloudmonster Sneakers ($170)
One of our editors trained for — and ran — a half-marathon in these sneakers, crushing her personal record. Not only do they turn heads with their unique design, but that’s exactly why she’s obsessed. In her detailed On Women’s Cloudmonster Sneaker review, she raves about the stacked foam-pod design that she swears helped her pick up the pace.
Editor Quote: “Not to be dramatic, but I’m obsessed with these sneakers for training and racing. The first time I took off running in them, I couldn’t believe how they propelled me forward thanks to their ultrahigh stacked CloudTech foam pods (which measure a tall 30 millimeters, by the way). And I enjoyed them just as much during a recent half-marathon (the epically beautiful St. Croix Crossing Race, to be exact). They have a bouncy responsiveness that I’ve never experienced with any other sneaker, and for that reason, I’m convinced they’re partly due to why I shed a few minutes off my PR. After all, as the name implies, they’re born to make you feel like you’re running on clouds — and they master that sentiment in a way I didn’t know possible.” — Marisa Petrarca, contributing editor, Shopping
Angela Elias (she/her) is a contributing editor for PS Shopping, where she reviews everything from beauty products to kitchen gadgets, curates can’t-miss sales, and creates “best of” shopping roundups. In her former roles at PS, she led the relaunch of its Latine identity and family-focused verticals, directed its Home vertical, and hosted shopping segments. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in the lifestyle space as a writer, editor, content strategist, director, on-camera talent, and publicist.
