Best women’s running shoes for 2022: Asics, Brooks and more – CNET [CNET]

This story is part of Holiday Gift Guide 2021, our list of ideas, by topic, by recipient and by price, to help you discover the perfect gift.

Running shoes have come a long way over the years. Now there are a variety of different styles that can be purchased for specific types of runs: track, trail, road, the beach, short or long distances.

Beyond the type of running, there are other things to consider before you purchase a pair of running shoes: foot issues, any recurring pain in your leg or foot during runs and whether the shoes are intended for training or racing. Answering these questions will help you narrow down the most compatible, functional styles. 

If you’re shopping for yourself and haven’t the slightest idea where to begin, there are experts who can help assess what types of running shoes work best for you. If you don’t have a podiatrist, you can always rely on your local running shoe specialist for an assessment. They’ll look at your running gait, your pronation (which determines the way your foot rolls inward as it strikes the floor) and much more. I’ve been recorded running on a treadmill for this assessment; in another portion, I had to stand on a platform that reminded me of a mood ring to register an imprint of my foot’s pronation type.

Whether you’re shopping for someone else or yourself and want a guide to the best options available, we’ve gathered a list of the best running sneakers for women here, using customer reviews, forums and running blogs to choose the best models currently on the market. Keep reading to find the best running shoes to fit your needs this year.

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What to look for when shopping for running shoes

We talked to running coach Holly Roser to gather all of the basic information you should know before shopping for the right shoe.

Special support or injuries: It’s important to consider the level of support your feet will need when you’re picking out a pair of running shoes. If you’ve ever been injured or have a collapsed arch, your needs will be different from those of other runners. You may need a stability shoe, since you’ll want a shoe that can support your ankles and joints more. “Stability shoes will help give your ankle the most support possible. This will help reduce some of the stress on your joints caused by running, and allow you to run longer in the correct foot position,” Roser says. 

Lightweight or neutral shoes: “If you are injury-free and are free of arch issues, I suggest a lightweight running shoe, referred to as a ‘neutral’ shoe. These feel great on your feet, very light with medium support. These are excellent for sprints or any asphalt or concrete run,” Roser says.

Outdoor and trail running: Where you run will determine how much traction you’ll want your shoes to have. “If you primarily run on dirt trails, invest in a pair of running shoes meant for dirt or gravel. These are referred to as ‘trail-running shoes,’ [and] will help your traction as you run to avoid slipping and falling,” Roser says. 

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