Reviews You Can Rely On

Comparing Running Shoes for Women

Specs and Ratings Below | Compare to Other products
 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall
 Top Pick Award
Top Pick for Serious Cushion
 
Price Check Price at Amazon$140.00 at REI
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$165.00 at REI
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$155.00 at REI
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$225.00 at REI
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Overall Score
58
77
70
71
71
Star Rating
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Pros Ultra-padded, breathable, soft upper and lace bedVersatile, balanced propulsion and comfort, perfect for more running occasions, well updatedGreat underfoot cushion, well-tractioned, perfect for mellow mileage, ultra-stableFantastic underfoot cushion, maintains a mild responsiveness, mid-range price, comfortableGreat stability for a high stack shoe, recovery day ready, comfortable, surprisingly responsive
Cons Spongy underfoot feel, heavy, lacks responsiveness, less stableStill not the best traction, not lightweightHeavy, lacks versatilityVery heavy, lacks versatilityExpensive, 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 versatilityThis shoe stands out across the board and is perfect for nearly all road running occasionsA great recovery day shoe, this stable and cushion-stuffed shoe is a dream come true for mellow mileageWith luxurious underfoot cushioning and well-rounded comfort, this shoe is perfect for recovery runsThis 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%) Sort Icon
9.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
8.5
Responsiveness (20%)
3.0
7.0
4.0
6.0
7.5
Stability (15%)
5.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
Upper Comfort (15%)
6.5
8.0
8.0
7.5
7.0
Weight (15%)
2.9
5.6
3.3
3.1
2.8
Traction (5%)
6.0
6.5
9.5
8.0
7.5
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