Sometimes running outside just isn’t an option. Whether that’s because of bad weather conditions, time restrictions, quarantine regulations, or for any other reason, a treadmill run can be the perfect way to still get the aerobic exercise you need from the comfort of your own home. However, with improper shoes, those long-distance runs, speed runs, hill sprints, walks, and more on your treadmill can cause side effects that range from mild foot pain to shin splints.
That’s why it is integral to find shoes suited for treadmill running, ones that will allow for a smooth transition from outdoor use to indoor use. To find the type of shoe that is the perfect fit for you, keep reading! From wide to narrow feet, high to flat arches, we have you covered.
Here is the scoop on the best treadmill running shoes for women!
1. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 is a neutral shoe made to withstand hard surfaces and soft surfaces (meaning you can wear these whenever, wherever!) by providing a stable hold on your feet. While lightweight, it also is cushioned, breathable, and supportive, all of the qualities that add up to the top pick of the best treadmill running shoes for women.
This shoe also features Nike’s react fresh foam midsole in addition to an extra Zoom Air unit in the forefoot to help you push off of that treadmill with ease. Made to hug your feet in all the right places, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 is ideal for those who desire a more narrow fit.
2. New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v11
The New Balance Fresh Foam 860 v11 is a stability shoe that kicks injuries off the board. With extra fresh foam cushioning to hug your feet and soften your landing, this shoe will ensure that stability you’ve been searching for all your life (perfect for treadmill workouts!). And the goodness doesn’t stop there--if you tend to overpronate, New Balance added a firm piece of foam under the arch to reduce any excess overpronation that could be causing shin splints or even bunions.
The Ultra Heel provides a snug fit at the ankle, but the shoe itself suits wide or narrow feet.
3. Brooks Ghost 14
If you’re in dire need of cushioning, then the Brooks Ghost 14 is the right shoe for you. The DNA Loft and BioMoGo DNA foam is responsive and springy as you run, working with a Segmented Crash Pad for a supported roll from heel to toe.
The toe box was updated by Brooks designers to provide a more supportive feel that contours with your foot as you run, which is an essential quality for a good treadmill shoe.
This versatile shoe is a daily trainer and fits both wide and narrow feet.
4. Mizuno Wave Rider 25
The Mizuno Wave Rider 25 is another lightweight shoe that provides great cushioning for those who need a little extra support. The cushioning comes from Mizuno's Enerzy midsole foam, a foam that delivers next-level cushioning and stabilization (not to mention it’s constructed with sustainable materials!)
The X10 rubber sole can endure any terrain, hard or soft, deeming it the best shoe for long runs outside and inside.
5. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
The Brooks Adrenaline is back and better than ever with the GTS 22, a shoe crafted for a shifted focus from the feet to the knees--a heel strikers holy grail!
With DNA Loft cushioning that has extended soft foam from the heel to the forefoot, each fluid stride will allow your knees and hips to move more naturally in order to prevent potential injuries and ensure a smooth ride. The shoe’s fit is snug yet breathable, best for wider feet but suitable for all.
6. On Cloud X 2.0
The On Cloud X 2.0 is the perfect minimalist shoe with a sleek design that provides a springy and responsive ride suitable for any workout. The company ‘On’ padded the shoe with Helion foam, their premier foam that works with a Speedboard in the midsole to promote effortlessly bouncy flex grooves.
Though less focused on stability than the other shoes listed above, the On Cloud X 2.0 has raised sidewalls around the rubber outsole in order to provide some security while simultaneously keeping the shoe as agile and light as possible. This pair of shoes is an excellent choice for the neutral runner.
7. Saucony Endorphin Speed 2
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2, another versatile shoe, is a great choice for speed work, longer runs, workouts, race days, and--above all--treadmill work! Saucony’s Speedroll technology propels you forward as you run, helping you to shave time off of your miles without the added stress on your feet.
On top of that, the FormFit structure and padded collar hugs the foot in 3D comfort that is suitable for feet wide and narrow. There’s no confirmation like personal experiences; a reviewer who purchased the shoes wrote on Saucony’s website that the shoes lasted them through several marathons with no injury! This certainly qualifies the shoe as one of the best treadmill running shoes for women.
8. Asics Gel-Nimbus 23
The Gel-Nimbus 23 is Asics’ best running shoe for shock absorption, which is exactly what a rampant treadmill user needs. Wrap-around GEL cushioning in the heel and in the forefront removes stress from your feet and supports any kind of terrain, from a soft surface to rock-hard cement, while the stretchy midfoot panel grips the foot to ensure better flexibility.
Not to mention, the shoe is on sale from its previous price of $140 to $129.95, the best value from all the aforementioned sneakers. And, to top it all off, the shoe’s upper is constructed with recycled materials! Injury-preventative, lower priced, and environmentally sustainable? It’s the perfect shoe!
9. Brooks Glycerin 19
If you need a shoe that has good arch support, look no further. The Brooks Glycerin 19 is built for comfort, with a plush interior called DNA Loft that cups high arches and allows for smoother transitions in steps. The support in this shoe is neutral, made to instead cushion those feet to ensure a springy, responsive step.
Reviewers report that the shoe runs a little small, so keep that in mind when purchasing!
10. Asics Novablast 2
The best women's treadmill shoes need to have a good energy return. Luckily, the Asics Novablast 2 is the shoe for the job; with a heel stabilizer for extra support and FF Blast technology to provide a lightweight, responsive rebound, the Novablast will be propelling you forward so you can tackle the miles ahead at an effortlessly faster pace.
This shoe is great for long distances and short distances, but fits best for neutral runners with medium to high arches that don’t need a lot of extra support.
11. Asics Gel-Kayano 28
The Gel-Kayano is another shoe created for stability, built with FF BLAST cushioning in the midsole of the foot to improve rearfoot security and ensure a smooth and supportive feel to each step.
This support is aimed at mild-moderate overpronators, providing extra mesh material cushioning to ensure that the foot stays straight and true. The comfort of the Gel-Kayano is undeniable, and is renowned by purchasers for being durable as a trail shoe as well! What more could you ask for?
12. Hoka One One Clifton 8
Finding the right treadmill shoe means finding a shoe that’s flexible, a secure fit, light weight, supportive, and, of course, cute. Hoka’s One One Clifton 8 combines all of these features to create the perfect trainer, coming in 15% lighter than last year’s model with a choice between 4 different trendy colors!
The breathable upper part of the shoe is equipped with extra layers to provide added structure and features Hoka’s EVA foam midsole. This makes the One One Clifton 8 a good option for long and short runs combined for those with medium to high arches. With over 500 5-star reviews, you can’t go wrong with this shoe!
13. Adidas Ultra Boost 22
The Adidas Ultra Boost 22 is likely the most flexible shoe on this list, geared toward a second-skin fit that hugs your feet with just enough support to secure your strides. The shoe is also outfitted with TFP yarn that makes it breathable and comfortable to step into.
Though this shoe is not suited for continuously long distance runs, it should provide the perfect amount of springy responsiveness and flexibility to help you get your best run in on the treadmill!
14. Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
The Nike React Infinity Run is famous for preventing running injuries (especially those that result from overpronation) thanks to its React foam and rocker shape, but does it work? According to a lot of people, it does! Nike conducted a study with hundreds of volunteers and found that the shoe reduces injuries by 52%.
The React foam extra cushioning, rocker shape, and wide toe box all come together to make this injury-combative shoe that simultaneously gives runners a smooth and effortless run.
15. Brooks Levitate 5
Thanks to the knit upper of the Brooks Levitate 5, it has become one of the most well-known lightweight shoes for preventing heel slippage. The knit upper hugs the foot like a sock to ensure confident footing, and works in tandem with a plush collar that eradicates Achilles irritation so you can run for hours without blistering.
The arrow-point pattern in the outsole of the shoe ensures a smooth transition from heel to toe, but has a slimmer amount of cushioning that is meant for neutral runners who don’t need a lot of extra support.
16. Hoka One One Mach 4
If your treadmill goal is to log long miles, then the Mach 4 is a good choice for you! Hoka’s fourth edition Mach supports feet with soft and bouncy lightweight foam on top and rubberized foam beneath.
There also is a built-in meta-rocker that allows your foot to easily transition from step to step, along with a rubberized EVA outsole for a better grip on the ground that will ensure the right balance needed for a long, effortless run. The shoe is best for wide feet and neutral arches.
17. New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v11
Much like the New Balance shoe mentioned earlier, the 880 v11 includes key features such as the Fresh Foam midsole to provide a lightweight underfoot ride, a breathable engineered mesh upper to allow air to move freely around the shoe, and multiple width options to accommodate every foot type.
The shoe is best for treadmill runners who are looking to complete longer mileage as opposed to quick sprints.
18. Asics GT-2000 10
The Asics GT-2000 10, though good for a variety of pronation types, is one of the best treadmill running shoes for users with flat feet.
Foam in the shoe provides an even distribution of weight every time you take a step (which puts less stress on your legs and keeps you comfortable during your run) but is soft enough to maintain the light weight of the optimal treadmill shoe. Plus, it comes in a variety of trendy colors to satisfy every aesthetic!
19. Brooks Addiction 14
The Brooks Addiction 14 is another good running shoe for those seeking a more supportive option. The support saddle inside the shoe molds to your feet, along with a diagonal bar that rolls with you to control pronation; with this extra security, say goodbye to running injuries!
The rubber sole of the shoe has flexible and grippy traction that is ideal for treadmill running. However, reviewers report that the shoes tend to run about a half size too small, so be sure to keep that in mind when purchasing.
20. Brooks Launch 8
Another great shoe by Brooks is the Launch 8, a more affordable option to the other Brooks shoes mentioned on this list. With a springy midsole built in to preserve energy and promote bounce, this neutral shoe will ensure that you have an effortlessly breezy run.
The breathable mesh upper is perfect for those hot, sweaty summer days, and works in tandem with subtle cushioning that softens the landing of your feet on the treadmill. This shoe is versatile and works both in and out of the gym, but isn’t recommended for longer mileage. Keep in mind that the arch is also higher than most and is best for narrower feet.
21. Saucony Kinvara 12
When you’re racing through those fast miles on the treadmill, the last thing you want to worry about is a heavy shoe that will only slow you down. Luckily, the Saucony Kinvara 12 is built for speed.
The PWRRUN cushioning is significant but light, allowing for a bouncy responsiveness from each step, and cups the foot while providing a small amount of rebound (thanks to the EVA+ material!). This shoe is ideal for those with narrow to normal feet.
22. New Balance 990v5
If you just can’t find a shoe that fits your wide feet, then look no further! The New Balance 990v5 is the right choice for you. The 990v5 has multiple width options that will cover even the widest of feet, equipped with multiple shoe features such as the blow rubber outsole to ensure durability and extended wear and the dual-density collar foam around the ankle to reduce irritation.
An uncommon quality of the 990v5 is that it also comes with flat strings, a feature that prevents them from coming untied mid-run. With all of this in mind, the shoe is not as responsive and flexible as similar shoes on this list, but still would hold up perfectly well on a treadmill.
23. Adidas Women's Pureboost DPR Running Shoes
The Adidas Pureboost DPR is a slightly less expensive version of its aforementioned counterpart, the Adidas Ultra Boost. The Pureboost has a flexible outsole to promote speed, Boost cushioning to absorb shock and return energy to your stride, and a breathable upper to combat those sweaty toes.
It also provides great arch support and therefore is suitable for people with moderate to high arches. Also, the weight of the shoe is pretty light so they are not heavy. On top of that, the shoe comes in eight different colors! It’s almost a little bit too good to be true!
24. Nike Tanjun Running Shoes
By far the best value choice out of any shoe on this list, the Nike Tanjun Running Shoe lives up to its name: ‘Tanjun’, which means ‘simplicity’ in Japanese. With a simple and sleek design, the Tanjun is attractive and comfortable, giving your feet the support they need to stride through miles on your treadmill.
The mesh upper and ultra lightweight cushioning allows for air and flexibility, the perfect combination; however, this shoe is more suitable for a softer surface, so keep in mind that rougher terrain outside the gym may decrease its durability.
25. Adidas Sensebounce+ Running Shoes
If you’re looking to do interval training (a great way to increase that heartbeat!) and are searching high and low for a budget-friendly shoe, then the Adidas Sensebounce are the perfect fitness shoes for you.
The shoe is flexible, light, and breathable (practically like wearing a second skin!), but lacks the durability that would be necessary for longer-distance runs. The flat bottom and sole to the Sensebounce render it best for neutral arches and narrow feet. Reviewers also recommend sizing up.
26. Nike Women's Epic React Flyknit 2
An important thing to take away from this article is that treadmill shoes should, above all, be comfortable. Don’t settle for a stiff, blister-provoking shoe that doesn’t support your feet like it advertises. Luckily, with the Nike Women’s Epic React Flyknit 2, you don’t have to worry about sacrificing quality.
These shoes are cost effective, stylish, durable, lightweight, and cushiony, thanks to Nike’s famous Epic React foam. The foam molds around your foot to create the perfect responsiveness that returns energy to your stride, which makes for an effortless treadmill run. This shoe is best for purchasers with narrow to average-sized feet.
27. Women's Under Armour Charged Assert 8
Looking for a durable shoe? You’ve found it--Under Armour’s Charged Assert 8 is a shoe that will last for a long, long time, built to be durable with a leather overlay covering the typically-fragile mesh upper.
Not only is it long-lasting, but it also is comfortable beyond comprehension. This is thanks to the EVA sockliner and compression foam midsole that work together to ensure your foot’s ultimate comfort. However, beware that this shoe does not provide arch support for high arches.
28. Asics Gel-Venture 7
Though meant to be a trail shoe, the Asics Gel-Venture 7 is a trainer that is perfect for all beginner runners looking to cover harder terrain. Built with a lightweight design and EVA midsole, the Gel-Venture ensures a great energy return and effortless speed.
It also provides terrific arch support and prevents injuries for those of us who tend to overpronate thanks to its High Abrasion Rubber Outsole! Worry not, heel-strikers, because these shoes have got you covered too--an added layer of gel in the Venture’s heel promises a soft landing as you power through those last few miles.
29. Karhu Ikoni 2021
With some women’s shoes, comfort is a long-abandoned fantasy; luckily, the Karhu Ikoni 2021 is a shoe that promises the sacred comfort and support we all have been anxiously awaiting. Karhu’s AeroFoam and Ortix footbed work together to provide lightweight cushioning that contours to your foot as you stride, while the Fulcrum rocker in the midfoot allows you to roll into those strides smoothly and efficiently.
This shoe has been meticulously crafted to ensure that every foot type is supported thanks to millions of 3D scans and volunteer testing conducted at Fleet Feet.
30. Altra Rivera
When deciding between the best treadmill running shoes for women, it’s a good idea to narrow down the specifics of your foot type and how that factors into choosing a shoe. However, the Altra Rivera, with its FootShape toe box that was built to mimic the human foot, your specifics regarding foot width and comfort can be tossed out the nearest window.
Altra constructed this shoe in the hopes that every consumer (wide and narrow feet combined) would benefit from their purchase; however, reviewers wrote that the shoe is sometimes not suited well for those who overpronate, so research carefully!
All in all, choosing a good treadmill shoe can be more difficult than it sounds. But if you are sure to factor in your foot width, your arch support needs, and your pronation tendencies in tandem with the shoe’s flexibility, cushioning, and weight, you can’t go wrong. Make sure to do your research, pick the shoe that’s right for you, and, above all, have fun! Running on the treadmill can be torturous, but if you have the right shoes then it can make the grueling miles seem effortless.
Finding the best options for the best running shoes can be difficult, but we are here to help! We hope you enjoyed the best treadmill running shoes for women! For the scoop on more women's fitness shoes, check out these articles:
- 42 Best Walking Shoes for Overweight Women
- 24 Best Nike Running Shoes for Women
- 25 Best Shoes For Nursing School [2022]
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