When you’re trying to keep an active lifestyle and perform the best at whatever sport you set your mind to, having the right pair of women’s athletic shoes is like your trusted partner. Women’s athletic shoes can add the perfect combination of style, elegance, and improved athletic performance.
You need to be comfortable as you’re working out, and that all starts with your feet. Shoes that don’t fit properly can lead to blisters, injuries, and overall discomfort. The wrong pair of shoes can hinder your progress and make you not even want to exercise. The right pair can improve the support you need for high-impact activities.
If you’ve been looking for a pair of women’s athletic shoes and aren’t sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, you’ll learn all about finding the perfect athletic shoes regardless of your activity level. We’ll cover the different types of athletic shoes, how to find the perfect fit, features to consider, and some of the popular shoe brands and models to consider.
Understanding Women's Feet and Athletic Shoe Needs
Your feet are a different size and shape than the woman next to you. Women typically have narrower feet than men. You may have a higher arch, a flat arch, or somewhere in between both of them.
Proper arch support: Finding a shoe with adequate arch support and cushioning will help distribute the impact your foot feels evenly throughout the rest of your foot. If you have a high arch, the wrong shoe can lead to a lot of pain in the arch region. On the flip side, if you have a flat arch, you’ll want to focus on shoes with more arch support to maintain the correct alignment and reduce overpronation.
Shoe features: There are many different types of athletic activities out there, and each one puts different demands on your feet and legs. If you’re a runner, you need shoes that minimize impact on your joints because of the repetitive motions. Suppose your activities require a lot of movement in different directions. In that case, a pair of cross-training shoes will be suitable because of their stability and flexibility.
If you’re an avid walker, you’ll benefit from lightweight shoes that have a lot of cushioning and support. Women’s basketball athletic shoes or tennis shoes are also built differently than the ones mentioned above. These shoes provide a lot of lateral support to prevent any ankle sprains when moving from side to side. Let’s take a closer look at some of the different types of women’s athletic shoes.
Types of Athletic Shoes for Women
Now that you know that each sport requires a unique pair of athletic shoes, let’s look at the features of each.
Running Shoes
Running shoes are designed with several features that are focused on making this activity as comfortable as possible. The most important thing they’re equipped with is a cushioning system that absorbs shock and impact that comes with every stride you take.
A good cushioning system will lower the stress on your joints and muscles, leading to injury prevention. Good cushioning also ensures your feet stay aligned as you’re running.
Running shoes also have a breathable upper mesh that contributes to more airflow to keep your feet cool and dry while running. On the outside of running shoes, they’re manufactured with durable and flexible rubber that gives you traction and boosts your range of motion.
Recommendations: If you’re a woman who has just started running, you’ll want women’s running athletic shoes with a good combination of cushioning and support. Focus on neutral running shoes that cater to many different types of feet.
If you’re a long-distance runner, you should focus more on cushioning than anything else. Look into shoes with responsive foam or gel technology to keep your feet comfortable for those long runs.
Here are some women’s running athletic shoes to consider:
Cross-Training Shoes
Cross-training shoes are aimed at many different types of athletic activities. They’re not manufactured for any specific sport and are perfect for handling a wide range of movements. If you’re a gym-goer that lifts weights and does interval training, you’ll find that cross-training shoes are a wise choice to consider.
Cross-training shoes are built to offer support for strength training and cardiovascular exercises. They feature sturdy construction with lateral support to keep your ankles stabilized during side-to-side movements. They also offer a lot of traction and grip when moving around.
Recommendations: Cross-training shoes will keep your feet feeling secure during intense exercises. If you’re a weightlifter, choose a shoe with a flat but firm sole to ensure stability. If you’re into HIIT workouts, get a stable midsole and supportive upper shoe to keep your feet secure.
Here are some recommendations for popular cross-training shoes:
- Tubes Comfort 200 Training Shoes
- Fresh Foam X EVOZ V3 Training Shoes
- Defy Mid Varsity Slip On Training Shoes
Walking Shoes
When walking for leisure or as part of your fitness routine, a comfortable pair of shoes can make a huge difference. As you walk, your feet endure constant impact from the ground. If you don’t have a supportive pair of shoes, this can start causing discomfort after a while. The right pair of walking shoes will reduce strain on your feet, ankles, and knees so that you won’t become discouraged from this exercise.
If you’re in the market for walking shoes, try to focus on shoes that provide a good amount of cushioning, especially in the forefoot and heel areas. With good shock absorption, your joints won’t become sore.
Try to look for a pair of shoes with a flexible sole that lets your foot roll naturally from your heel to your toe during each stride you take. This will make sure your gait is smooth and you won’t deal with discomfort during the longer walks.
Lastly, you need to get a pair of shoes with the right level of arch support. A shoe with adequate arch support ensures your feet will be aligned and will prevent overpronation or underpronation.
Recommendations: If you’re a power walker, you’ll want a lightweight shoe with responsive cushioning. If you’re a woman who likes a casual stroll occasionally, choose a walking shoe that offers a perfect combination of support and comfort.
Here are some recommendations for walking shoes:
Other Specialty Athletic Shoes
Other sports require different features to keep your feet feeling comfortable during activity. Let’s look at some of the other specialty shoes for other activities.
Trail running shoes: Trail running shoes are geared toward off-road running and have aggressive outsoles and a lot of traction to help you tackle uneven terrain.
Basketball shoes: With basketball shoes, you’ll find a lot of ankle support and cushioning to help your feet stay comfortable during fast direction changes, jumps, and other impacts related to the sport.
Tennis shoes: Tennis shoes are also focused on preventing ankle injuries due to fast side-to-side movements and frequent stops and starts. They have durable outsoles and good traction.
Golf shoes: Golf shoes provide stability and comfort for the different movements involved in the sport. You’ll also notice soft spikes or nubs on the outsole to increase slippage on the grass.
How to Find the Perfect Fit
Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly can have painful consequences and affect your performance in whatever activity you’re doing. If your shoes are too tight, you might develop blisters, corns, and experience a lot of discomfort. If your shoes are too loose, your feet won’t feel stable, and you might end up spraining or straining your ankles.
To find the right pair of athletic shoes for your feet, you must measure your foot size correctly.
Here are a few tips to help you get the right measurements:
Measure both feet: Sometimes, people mistakenly only measure one foot. It’s important always to measure both feet as they may differ in size. If your feet vary in size, choose the larger foot measurement as your reference for new shoes.
Measure while standing: You should measure your feet while standing up because they can expand and change in shape when the rest of your body weight is on them.
Brannock device: The best way to measure your feet is to use a Brannock Device. They’re commonly found in shoe stores. If you want to measure your feet at home and don’t have a Brannock Device, use a tape measure or ruler. Make sure also to measure the width of your feet and not just the length.
Trying on Shoes
After you’re done measuring your feet, you’ll want to try different types of shoes.
Here are some other tips to keep in mind as you’re doing that:
Socks: Make sure to wear the socks you normally wear during athletic activities. Doing so will help you gauge a better fit because different thicknesses of socks can affect how shoes feel.
Try on both shoes: Always try on both shoes and walk around to see how they feel. There may be the odd occasion when one foot may feel different than the other. As you walk around, pay attention to any discomfort you might be experiencing.
Flexibility: When you have the pair of shoes on, flex your feet and see how they feel. You should be able to wiggle your toes without experiencing any extra pressure.
Orthotics: If you use a pair of orthotic inserts in your shoes, bring them along and see if they fit comfortably in the shoes.
Online Shopping Tips
Shopping online for shoes adds a whole new world of convenience and versatility, but it can also make finding the right fit a little more complicated. That’s because you can’t try the shoes on in person when you’re online shopping. Let’s look at some tips to help you pick the right size when shoe shopping online.
Use size charts: When you’re looking at shoes online, there should be a size chart for the specific shoes you’re interested in. Compare your measurements to the size chart to find the right match.
Customer reviews: Pay attention to customer reviews for each shoe you’re considering. Sometimes customers will mention how the shoe feels on their foot or if they’re true to the size advertised.
Fit descriptions: Another thing to look out for is the fit description. Sometimes online shoe retailers will list a fit description that can give customers a better idea of how shoes feel on their feet.
Return policy: Before you click the checkout button, familiarize yourself with the online shoe store’s return policy. See if they offer free returns or exchanges and how long you have until you have to return the shoes. Also, check to see if there are restocking fees when you do end up returning shoes. A flexible return policy will give you more peace of mind if the shoes don’t fit.
Multiple sizes: If you’re weary about the shoe size, order a few different sizes to see which one will fit the best. After you try them both on, you can simply return the one that doesn’t fit properly. If you do this, make sure to keep the shoes in mint condition while following the return policy.
Features to Consider in Women's Athletic Shoes
There are three main features to consider when deciding on women’s athletic shoes.
Cushioning and Support
You should always focus on cushioning before anything else. The right amount of cushioning will help absorb shock during your activities. With reduced shock, your joints and muscles will feel much more comfortable as you’re exercising.
Support usually goes hand-in-hand with cushioning. Find a shoe with great arch support so that your feet stay aligned in the shoe.
Breathability and Moisture-Wicking Features
Next, focus on shoes that keep your feet cool and dry during workouts or warm climates. Mesh uppers or perforations in a shoe’s design will allow air circulation and prevent heat buildup. Shoes with moisture-wicking characteristics are also important because they keep sweat away from the skin.
Traction and Outsole Design
Traction is important for stability while you’re engaging in athletic activity. Think about the outsole design and the type of tread pattern on the shoe. Multidirectional tread patterns offer grip on many different surfaces.
Stability and Pronation Control
No one wants to get injured while performing their favorite activity. Look for shoes with heel counters and sturdy midsoles to keep your feet protected. If you have overpronation or underpronation issues, focus on shoes with specialized technology to address these concerns. Shoes with this technology will keep your feet in a neutral position and keep you moving with a better gait.
Durability and Quality Materials
Durability and the materials of your shoe are other considerations to keep in mind. Find a pair of shoes that are manufactured from high-quality materials, like durable rubber outsoles, triple stitching, and reinforced toe boxes.
Shoes that are built out of quality materials will not only last longer but help you perform better.
Style and Design Options
Women’s athletic shoes are available in various colors, patterns, and designs that will suit many different preferences. You’ll want to look for women’s athletic shoes for sports that offer a good combination of both so that you’ll have the motivation and excitement while working out and enjoying physical activity.
Maintaining and Caring for Women's Athletic Shoes
Maintaining your shoes will ensure they’ll last longer and keep them in great condition while using them.
Here are some maintenance tips to keep in mind:
Cleaning and Odor Prevention
Regular cleaning: Wipe off dirt with a soft brush or damp cloth after using your shoes. Before you do this, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to prevent damage.
Machine washing: Some shoes on the market are machine washable. If you find a pair that are, take the laces and insoles out of the shoe and put them in a mesh laundry bag. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent to clean them.
Odor control: After you’re done using your shoes, allow them to air out. If you want your shoes to smell extra fresh, consider picking up a shoe deodorizer.
Proper Storage and Maintenance
Store your shoes in a cool and dry place when you're not using them. Never leave them sitting out in a hot and humid environment because it can lead to mold.
Loosen the laces: Before you put your shoes away, loosen up the laces a bit to prevent stress on the eyelets.
Rotation: If you enjoy many athletic activities, try to rotate between different pairs of shoes. This will help you keep them dry between use.
Knowing When to Replace
Shoes have a limited lifespan no matter how much you like them, and all shoes will need to be replaced at some point.
Look out for these signs:
Worn soles: Take a look at the outsoles and see how worn out they are. If the treads are worn and uneven, it’s time for a replacement.
Lack of support: If your shoes aren’t as supportive as they once were, that’s a good indicator they’ve reached the end of their life.
Pain: If you experience pain while wearing the shoes during your activities, they no longer give you the support you need.
Popular Women's Athletic Shoe Brands and Models
A variety of shoe brands have earned a positive reputation for their performance, quality, and comfort. You should also consider brands that professional athletes trust.
New Balance: New Balance is recognized for its consistent comfort and fit. They offer many different types of shoes with varying width options. New Balance is a brand to consider if you have a unique foot shape.
Nike: If you’ve ever seen the famous shoe checkmark before, you know who Nike is. These shoes are well-known for their stylish designs, technology, and a huge selection of shoes for nearly every type of sport.
ASICS: This brand is known for offering great running and cross-training shoes. They have a strong focus on cushioning, support, and stability.
Adidas: Adidas is another popular brand that combines performance and fashion. They offer a great deal of cushioning and support to improve comfort.
Women’s shoes come in a variety of price ranges. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly page of shoes, you can find them between $30 and 70. They may be ideal for light workouts like walking.
Your mid-range shoes will cost between $70 and $150 and will have improved support and durability over budget-friendly ones.
The premium range shoes cost between $150 and $250+ and are geared toward serious athletes who are focused on top performance.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, finding the perfect athletic shoes for women is important for foot health, comfort, and performance. At Shoebacca, we encourage readers to take their time, research thoroughly, and invest in quality athletic shoes that suit their activity needs and foot dynamics.
We offer a vast assortment of footwear from some of the top brands in the industry. We offer five-star customer service, free shipping, and a no-risk shopping experience. Invest in yourself and your fitness journey with Shoebacca, your trusted partner in finding the perfect fit.