If you’re a runner, you know that proper footwear is essential for your success. And, if you’re female, you know that finding the right running shoes can be a struggle.
Running shoes are designed to be lightweight and flexible, so they don’t cause too much damage when you hit the pavement.
But, as women’s feet grow larger than men’s, manufacturers have begun creating narrower heels for women’s running shoes. This makes it difficult for heel strikers to find the right fit. That’s where our top picks come in.
We tested ten women’s running shoes and found five that fit comfortably and helped increase your speed and endurance.
So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner, read on to find the best women’s running shoes for heel strikers.
This is the ultimate buyer’s guide to the Best Women’s Running Shoes for Heel Strikers.
We recommend using Nike Women’s Free RN Flyknit 2018 Running Shoes (9.5 B(M) US) Black/White as a high-quality product.
Finding the right running shoes is essential to prevent injuries if you are a heel striker.
We have provided some of the best women’s running shoes for heel strikers to provide you with the support and cushioning you need.
Be sure to try on several pairs of shoes to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Read Next – Best Skechers Running Shoes
The Best Women’s Running Shoes for Heel Strikers
When looking for the best women’s running shoes for heel strikers, it is essential to find a shoe that will provide enough cushioning and support.
The shoes you choose should also be stable and have a good grip.
We hope our list of the best women’s running shoes for heel strikers has helped your search.
Brooks Ghost 14 Women's Neutral Running Shoe - Peacoat/Yucca/Navy - 8.5
Saucony womens Endorphin Speed 3 Running Shoe, White/Blck/Vizi, 7.5 US
$121.46 in stock
Brooks Women's Glycerin 19 Neutral Running Shoe - Black/Ombre/Metallic - 8
What is a Heel Striker?
Heel strikers prefer shoes with a higher heel to provide more stability when running. Heel strikers need shoes with sturdy, stable construction and good cushioning to protect their feet from impacts.
The best women’s running shoes for heel strikers typically have a higher heel and are designed to provide more stability.
Check out our top picks for the best heels strikers in women’s running shoes below!
Types of Heel Strikers
There are a few heel strikers, each requiring a different running shoe.
Some people need shoes with a higher heel to allow for more ankle pronation, while others prefer shoes with a lower heel because they feel more stable on the ground.
Here are our top picks for the best women’s running shoes for heel strikers:
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17
- New Balance 1600v3
- Saucony Guide 10
- Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 33
- adidas Boost Mid III
What to look for in a good heel striker shoe
When shopping for a heel striker shoe, there are a few things to remember.
The first is that the shoe should be made from materials that will not wear down quickly and cause blisters.
Second, ensure the heel striker shoe has a snug fit so your foot can move adequately and generate power.
Finally, look for a shoe with good arch support to stay on your toes during runs.
Our Top Picks for the Best Women’s Running Shoes for Heel Strikers
If you’re looking for the best shoes for heel strikers, our top picks are the Asics Gel-Nimbus 19 and Saucony Peregrine 12.
Both shoes have a responsive ride, provide plenty of cushioning, and have a low-profile design that won’t cause irritation or pain in your feet.
Both models also have stability balls to help promote better foot alignment and reduce stress on your ankles.
Brooks Ghost 14 Women's Neutral Running Shoe - Peacoat/Yucca/Navy - 8.5
Saucony womens Endorphin Speed 3 Running Shoe, White/Blck/Vizi, 7.5 US
$121.46 in stock
Brooks Women's Glycerin 19 Neutral Running Shoe - Black/Ombre/Metallic - 8
The Best Women Running Shoes for Heel Strikers
Running shoes are essential equipment you can buy for your running routine.
They provide cushioning and stability, which is essential for runners who strive to minimize heel striking.
Choosing the right women’s running shoes can be a daunting task. There are dozens of models to choose from, each with different features and specifications. Which one is right for you?
Here are our top picks for the best women’s running shoes for heel strikers:
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17 Running Shoes
These Brooks shoes were designed with heel strikers in mind.
They have a high-quality cushioned footbed and a flexible outsole that provides excellent flexibility and durability. This makes them perfect for medium to long distances.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 19 Running Shoes
Asics has been manufacturing top-quality running shoes since 1949, and they know what works best for heel strikers.
The Gel Nimbus 19 features an innovative Flexion Zone system that helps reduce pressure on the Achilles tendon while running, providing greater comfort and support throughout your run.
Saucony ProGrid Guide 6 Running Shoes
The Saucony ProGrid Guide 6 was explicitly designed with heel strikers in mind, offering superior cushioning and stability with every step you take.
The flexible outsole also offers a good grip when you need it most, making these shoes great for medium-distance runs and those that involve a lot of elevation change.
Nike Air Max 97 Women’s Running Shoes
If you’re looking for a versatile running shoe that can handle a variety of distances and terrains, the Nike Air Max 97 is a perfect choice.
They’re lightweight and provide excellent cushioning, which makes them ideal for long runs or high-intensity workouts.
Asics GT2000 5 Running Shoes
If you’re looking for a highly durable running shoe that offers excellent support and cushioning, the Asics GT2000 5 is the model for you.
They’re built with a synthetic mesh upper that’s breathable and resistant to moisture, ensuring your feet stay comfortable even during intense workouts.
Conclusion
Finding the best women’s running shoes can be challenging if you’re a heel striker.
Thankfully, our experts at Runner’s World have put together this list of the best heels strikers’ shoes to help you find the perfect pair.
From neutral runners to cushioned trainers, we’ve got you covered.
Brooks Ghost 14 Women's Neutral Running Shoe - Peacoat/Yucca/Navy - 8.5
Features
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: Runners looking for a smooth ride that won’t distract from the fun of the run. The Ghost 14 offers a simplified midsole construction which creates more seamless transitions. This Brooks Ghost 14 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. We recommend ordering Brooks running shoes 1/2 to one size larger than your dress shoe.
- SUPPORT AND CUSHION: The Ghost 14 offers neutral support while providing high energizing cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Ghost 13
- BALANCED, SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning work together to provide a just-right softness underfoot without losing responsiveness and durability - yet it feels lighter than ever. DNA LOFT now makes up the entire midsole, for a softer, smoother, ride.
- SMOOTH, STABLE RIDE: No matter how your foot lands, our Segmented Crash Pad - an integrated system of shock absorbers - will cushion every step and stride for smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
- SOFT, SECURE, FIT: More strategic use of the 3D Fit Print upper technology provides structure that moves with the foot.
Saucony womens Endorphin Speed 3 Running Shoe, White/Blck/Vizi, 7.5 US
$121.46 in stock
Features
- A reimagined S-curve winged nylon plate centers and supports your foot better for daily training.
- Updated geometry gives you as moother ride and more pop and spring for serious speed.
- A fully redesigned upper delivers a comfortable fit from heel to toe.
GANNOU Women's Air Athletic Running Shoes Fashion Sport Gym Jogging Tennis Fitness Sneaker Peachblack 8.5 B(M) US
$41.97 in stock
Features
- 【AIR CUSHION DESIGN】Running shoes for women use air cushion design to provide cushioning and support for the feet. The soft and comfortable touch can effectively relieve your fatigue and discomfort during travel and sports, and protect your ankles.
- 【ERGONOMICS SOLE】GANNOU walking shoes for women have lightweight cushioning sole. Geometric, athlete-informed outsole pattern helps evenly disperse impact to provide a smooth transition and soft feel. Excellent non-slip performance, soft but wear-resistant!
- 【BRATHABLE FABRIC & SOFT INTERIOR】Tennis construction provides lightweight flexibility and breathability. The insole and interior of GANNOU shoes use soft materials to enhance comfort and protection.
- 【INJECTION EYELET DESIGN】Alternating formation of lace eye row created for better fit. Women running shoes with a top eyelet provide enhanced lock down. It is strong and durable.
- 【Size】it fits just right. Sport shoes for women also has great arch support and super soft. Overall great shoe. Good fit, solid amount of cushion and hip look.
Brooks Women's Glycerin 19 Neutral Running Shoe - Black/Ombre/Metallic - 8
Features
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: The Glycerin 19 is perfect for runners who think there is no such thing as too much cushioning. The plush internal fit and soft transitions keep runners surrounded by softness. This Brooks Women's Glycerin 19 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
- NEUTRAL SUPPORT: Provides neutral support while offering the maximum amount of cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Glycerin 18. Look for the Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 for the same style with added Support.
- SUPER-SOFT CUSHIONING: The ultimate in softness and supreme comfort, designed for runners who want pillowy soft cushioning. The Glycerin 19 with DNA LOFT offers our most plush underfoot experience yet — so runners enjoy comfort that goes the distance.
- PLUSH FIT: The plush feel of an internal stretch bootie surrounds your foot and moves and expands with your stride. The engineered mesh upper enhances the fit.
- SMOOTH TRANSITIONS: The plush transition zone makes every move from heel to toe feel incredibly soft and smooth.
ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 7 Running Shoes, 8.5, Peacoat/HOT Pink
Features
- Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system: Attenuates shock during impact phase and allows for a smooth transition to midstance.
- Ortholite X-40 Sockliner: This premium sockliner features higher rebound properties while providing excellent moisture management and a high-level of breathability (Ortholite is a registered trademark of O2 Partners LLC.)
- Removable Sockliner: A sockliner which can be removed to accommodate a medical orthotic.
- Ortholite Sockliner: Moisture management (Ortholite is a registered trademark of O2 Partners LLC).
- Trail Specific Outsole: Reversed lugs provide uphill and downhill traction on all types of terrain.
adidas Women's Cloud foam Pure Running Shoe, white/white/black, 8 Medium US
Features
- Stretchy, mesh running shoes with extra cushioning for all-day comfort
- Stretchable mesh upper for breathability
- Combined Cloudfoam midsole and outsole for step-in comfort and superior cushioning
- Cloudfoam memory sockliner molds to the foot for superior step-in comfort
- Sock-like construction hugs the foot
ASICS Women's Gel-Excite 6 Running Shoes, 10, Violet Blush/Dive Blue
Features
- AmpliFoam Midsole - Engineered to maintain durability at softer densities, providing better flexibility, comfort, and platform adaptability ideal for natural running
- Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system - Attenuates shock during impact phase and allows for a smooth transition to midstance
- Ortholite Sockliner - Moisture management (Ortholite is a registered trademark of ATP Manufacturing LLC)
- Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system - Attenuates shock during impact phase and allows for a smooth transition to midstance
Mizuno Women's Wave Inspire 17 Running Shoe, India Ink-Lilac, 8
$119.87 in stock
Features
- WAVEKNIT
- Enerzy Foam: Mizuno Enerzy Foam is more responsive and has more springy qualities compared to former Running EVA technologies - U4ic and U4icX.
- U4ic Midsole: Delivers optimal shock reduction, durability, and a superior ride. Innovatively light, well cushioned, responsive, and resilient.
- X10 Outsole: Durable carbon rubber that allows for longer wear.
- Fan Wave Plate
ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 23 Running Shoes, 9, Grand Shark/Digital Aqua
Features
- Engineered Mesh Upper: Multi-directional mesh material improves ventilation and stability.
- Engineered mesh upper improves breathability:
- GEL Technology: Cushioning provides excellent shock absorption
- GEL technology cushioning: Provides excellent shock absorption
- Trusstic System technology: Reduces the weight of the sole unit while retaining the structural integrity of the shoe.
Nike Women's Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Running Shoes, Hyper Pink/Half Blue/Black, 10
Features
- 46 Pegasus has more perforations and engineered mesh in the upper for targeted breathability across high-heat areas.
- A slimmer heel collar and tongue reduce bulk without compromising comfort, while exposed Flywire cables give you a snug fit at higher speeds.
- Full-length Zoom Air unit provides a smooth, responsive ride.
- High resiliency sockliner adapts to the contour of your foot for support while waffle pistons on outsole help absorb impact and provide multi-surface traction