Comparing Running Shoes for Women
Specs and Ratings Below | Compare to Other products
Awards | ![]() Best Overall | ![]() Top Pick for Serious Cushion | |||
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Price | Check Price at Amazon | $140.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $165.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $155.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $225.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Ultra-padded, breathable, soft upper and lace bed | Versatile, balanced propulsion and comfort, perfect for more running occasions, well updated | Great underfoot cushion, well-tractioned, perfect for mellow mileage, ultra-stable | Fantastic underfoot cushion, maintains a mild responsiveness, mid-range price, comfortable | Great stability for a high stack shoe, recovery day ready, comfortable, surprisingly responsive |
Cons | Spongy underfoot feel, heavy, lacks responsiveness, less stable | Still not the best traction, not lightweight | Heavy, lacks versatility | Very heavy, lacks versatility | Expensive, high stack won't appeal to all runners, heavy |
Bottom Line | While these heavily cushioned shoes provide comfort during extended runs, they fall short in terms of versatility | This shoe stands out across the board and is perfect for nearly all road running occasions | A great recovery day shoe, this stable and cushion-stuffed shoe is a dream come true for mellow mileage | With luxurious underfoot cushioning and well-rounded comfort, this shoe is perfect for recovery runs | This uniquely designed shoe, with a high stack and rigid PEBA foam, offers ample cushioning and comfort for runners who want a supportive yet non-super shoe feel |
Rating Categories | Asics Gel-Nimbus 26... | Asics Novablast 5 -... | Asics Gel-Kayano 31... | New Balance Fresh F... | Hoka Skyward X - Wo... |
Landing Comfort (30%) ![]() |
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Responsiveness (20%) | |||||
Stability (15%) | |||||
Upper Comfort (15%) | |||||
Weight (15%) | |||||
Traction (5%) | |||||
Specifications | Asics Gel-Nimbus 26... | Asics Novablast 5 -... | Asics Gel-Kayano 31... | New Balance Fresh F... | Hoka Skyward X - Wo... |
Sizes Available | 5 - 13 US, regular | 5 - 12 US regular, wide |
5 - 13 US, regular |
5 - 13 US, regular, wide, & extra-wide | 6 - 11 US, regular |
Style | Daily Trainer | Daily trainer | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | Max-Cushion |
Measured Heel Stack Height | 41 mm | 40 mm | 38 mm | 37 mm | 43 mm |
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 10 mm | 9 mm | 13 mm | 5 mm | 6 mm |
Plate Type | None | None | None | None | Two-piece carbon |
Rocker Angle | 21.5 deg | 26.5 deg | 23.0 deg | 28.0 deg | 21.0 deg |
Rocker Apex Location | 70.6% | 61.9% | 72.7% | 55.3% | 67.6% |
Measured Weight | 8.67 oz | 7.30 oz | 8.43 oz | 8.58 oz | 8.70 oz |
Upper | Engineered knit mesh | Jacquard mesh | Engineered mesh | Engineered mesh | Flat Knit Upper |
Midsole | FF BLAST PLUS ECO | FF BLAST MAX | FF BLAST PLUS ECO | Fresh Foam X | PEBA Foam |
Outsole | Asics Grip rubber | AHAR LO | Hybrid AsicsGrip | Rubber | High-Abrasion Rubber |
Heel Tab Type | Finger loop | Finger loop | Finger loop | None | Extended pull tab |
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