Women's Running Shoes

There are so many different brands, styles and models of running shoe, it can be hard to know where to start. And the different models of shoe update all the time too. That is the worse thing I find. Sometimes you find the perfect running shoe, its so comfortable you never want to change it. When you go back to buy the same pair though, the company has updated the model and it is never the same. I still remember a pair of asics kayano I owned about ten years ago. It was the best set of running shoes I had ever owned. I wish they still made the model exactly the same as that pair, as I have never found a pair that fitted like that since.

Given the huge array of different women's running shoes, I have set this page up to summarize some of the major brands that supply quality running shoes for women.

Asics

The asics range of running shoes are famous for their gel technology. The soles of their shoes are fitted with a gel which moves within the shoe, to the areas where most cushioning is required. This maximizes the comfort of the shoe and also minimizes the impact of your foot striking the ground. A recent innovation is adding gender specific variations to their cushioning systems. This is great for us girls as it means their range of women's running shoes is optimized to the way our bodies work.

Brooks

Brooks endeavor to make a different shoe that fits all feet types and they make a pretty good go of it. Their website has an interactive function you can use to go through and work out for your feet and running style, which shoe from their range is best for you. One recent and interesting innovation that Brooks have made is the first fully biodegradable running shoe mid sole. This is great for the environment and unless you are a treadmill junkie, is something that should appeal to you. The outdoors is part of the reason we run after all.

New Balance

New Balance have a dearth of information about the various technologies they bring to running shoes, they have named most of them. It really pays to go to their website and spend a little time perusing their Tech Center. You will find some really valuable insights regarding the various things that make shoes perform. One of the things I like about New Balance though is their attention to light weight running shoes. Over distance, this can really have an impact on your performance.

Saucony

Saucony have a great philosophy with their technology (and for life really) Keep It Simple. They avoid the temptation to innovate for the sake of innovation. Basically they say that the only innovation they want to bring to their shoes, are innovations which make for a better run. Sounds like a given really, so saying this specifically makes me wonder what gimmicks we have been sold in the past.

Nike

Nike have always been one of my favorite shoes. Right from the early "air" technology they brought to the market. From my "lay-woman's" understanding, the Nike air technology works in a similar manner to the Asics gel technology. The technology provides a moving cushioning zone to minimize impact in the areas where and when your foot needs it most.

One of the things I love about Nike though is how they move beyond selling shoes and into helping you train. Go to their website and have a look at all the training widgets and programs they provide. It really is great to see.