These are the best running shoes for women

One of the beauties of running is that you don’t need a lot of gear to get started. All you really need is the motivation to throw on an old pair of sneakers and get yourself out the door. If you find yourself racking up the miles, though, a pair of shoes specifically designed for running will drastically improve your experience. The right shoes will accommodate your gait and help you maintain proper form to avoid common running ailments like bruised toes and blisters. These three shoes from well-respected manufacturers will help you stay on the roads and off the couch.

If you’re looking to get out in nature and run on trails the ASICS Gel Venture 6 is a great place to start. The outsole (essentially the bottom of the shoe) has reversed lugs that provide extra traction when you’re not running on pavement. High impact areas of the sole are covered in ASICS High Abrasion Rubber to decrease wear and tear and increase durability, a real plus when you’re trail running. Don’t be turned off by the idea of running on squishy gel; the “Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System” is a firm yet supportive gel that alleviates impact when your heel is striking the ground. The Venture 6 also has a removable sockliner that you can replace with the orthotic of your choice. These shoes are so comfortable that many reviewers say they have helped cure their plantar fasciitis and tendonitis, common injuries that can sideline a runner.

Highly recommended by long distance runners, the Brooks Glycerin 17 has their signature “DNA Loft” – which provides comfort and cushioning without compromising durability. The mesh upper is 3D-printed and the interior liner stretches and adapts to your foot. Brooks makes three levels of their cushioning system, and the Glycerin is rated 3 of 3, providing a very soft and protective run, ideal for beginners who want to avoid injury. These shoes aren’t designed for trail running, but are best for long distances, treadmill, and road running. Some reviewers complain that the toe box is a little snug and recommend ordering up half a size to ensure a good fit.

It’s hard to find a good running shoe that also looks cute when you’re running errands. Luckily for us, the Nike FlyKnit shoes fill that niche. The knit upper is not only fashionable, but it provides superior ventilation and is extremely lightweight – so lightweight that users say it doesn’t even feel like you are wearing shoes. Nike’s “Flywire” cables run through the laces to hug the foot and give a supportive fit and, like the ASICS Gel Venture, the FlyKnit has a removable insole that you can replace with a custom orthotic. With a neutral support system, these flexible shoes are made for the road, not trail running, but they look so cute you won’t want to waste them on the woods anyway.