The State of the Art in Women’s Running Shoes 

Shopping for women’s running shoes in NZ? Women’s running and trail shoe styles are improving every day. Learn about the new trends and what’s next for shoe brands. 

Whether you go to a store in person or shop online, choosing running shoes for women can be a challenge. Women have slightly different requirements than men due to their unique foot shape and body type. 

Difference Between Men’s and Women’s Running Shoes 

Women’s feet tend to be narrower at the heel, and the best running shoes for women reflect this.

Women also have wider hips than men. This hip placement can lead to a higher incidence of overpronation - or the feet turning inward. Overpronation, in turn, can put pressure on certain parts of the foot when you’re running. Women’s running shoes add extra support in these areas to help protect them. Asics women’s shoes and Brooks running shoes for women, among most other major brands, both consider these differences. 

Trends in Women’s Running Shoes

Companies that make women’s running shoes and women’s trail shoes are always on the lookout for new and improved materials and styles. Lately, the trend has been toward a more eco-conscious running shoe that also performs to high standards. 

Green Accountability 

Between the impact of mass production and transportation, shoe manufacturing can generate a shocking 30 pounds of carbon dioxide per pair. Over the years, shoe companies have been asked to step up to address this issue, and many have answered the call, using more sustainable materials and responsible production.

Lighter Shoes 

Shoe companies have ramped up their efforts to make running shoes in general - and women’s running shoes in particular - more light and streamlined. They go to great lengths using different types of materials and designs to create a feather-light shoe that’s easy to run in but also supportive for the runner’s foot.

Carbon Plating 

This new high-tech feature in running shoes aims to provide more energy on the “toe-off,” aka the forward push from the toe when moving forwards. The carbon plating is usually in the shoe sole and is an extremely light material. The benefits of carbon plating are mainly used by high performance runners in both sprinting and long distance running shoes. 

Top Reviewed Women’s Running Shoes

Below is a list of some of the best running shoes for women in 2022.

On: Top Models in 2022

On Cloud, Cloud Stratus, Cloud Flyer, Cloud Swift, and Cloud Venture are very popular top-selling women’s running shoes. These models offer ultralight construction that feel great and allow the foot to breathe. 

Asics: Top Models in 2022

Asics have continued to wow customers with their top-rated women running shoes of 2022. Their FlyteFoam material is airy and eco-friendly, and their shoes offer amazing stability and support. Check out the Kayano 28, GT-2000 10, Nimbus 24, Pursue 7, Meta Speed Sky, and Trabuco 10.

Brooks: Top Models in 2022

Brooks running shoes are among the top brands of women’s running shoes in NZ. Their Adrenaline 22 model offers Guide Rails technology that keeps the foot stable and helps the runner avoid excessive pronation. Other amazing choices from this company include Addiction 15, Ghost 14, Glycerin 19, Defyance 12, and Cascadia 16.

Mizuno: Top Models in 2022

Some of the best women’s running shoes offer the stability that lasts through even the most arduous workout. For example, the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is equipped with a great combination of strength and softness to help support the foot, ankle, and knee. Also from Mizuno: Sky 5, Wave Daichi 6, and Wave Rider 25.

New Balance: Top Models in 2022

New Balance, a leading brand in women’s running shoes, put some of their best engineering into the Fresh Foam Hierro v6 trail shoe. This rugged outdoor running shoe provides enhanced protection from uneven terrain and debris with its Vibram outsole and reinforced upper. Other top models from New Balance include the 880 12, 860 12, and 1080 11, plus New Balance are renowned for their width fitting options in most of their running shoes.

Hoka One One: Top Models in 2022

Hoka is another brand that offers an impressive selection of women’s running shoes. Their Speedgoat 5 is designed for long-distance trail running and features a stiffer construction and ultra-gripping traction. Hoka’s other high-rated models include the  Bondi 7, Clifton 8, and  Challenger ATR 6.

Final Thoughts

These are just some of the latest popular women’s running shoes models and trends that have garnered rave reviews from both new and experienced runners. The best way to decide which running shoe is best for you is to get a professional fitting. Nothing can replace the experience of how a shoe feels on your foot. Happy running!