The need for the right running shoes is more important than ever before with over 3,111,800 women across England regularly running. TBH it's just as important as correct form and technique - and, yes that does include warming up and cooling down. It's a point certified strength coach and footwear expert Emma Kirk-Odunubi wish more women new about, no least because different runs demand different footwear:

'As your distance increases many people generally want to increase the cushioning level of their shoe. For half marathon or marathon runners, having a greater cushioning over a longer distance can have its benefits.'

But we get it: running shoes are an investment and the price tag can often exceed the cost of your monthly gym membership. However, they're a necessary purchase as when training for a race, you can easily spend more hours in your trainers than the hours you spend at work.

And, having the right kit can help protect you from running-related injuries, something that the shoe-boffins over at Nike have been keenly investigating - scroll on for all the deets.

Tip: Book yourself a gait analysis. Running style is unique so let the experts give your form a once-over and help you find footwear to fit.

What to look for in running shoes

With this in mind, it's time for WH edit of the best running shoes money can buy.

  • Cushioning: This helps the ground feel softer underfoot and encourages ground-contact stability.
  • Weight: Lighter shoes typically have less cushioning, giving an increased rebound off the ground. They're designed for speedy splits and powerful runs. For longer distances choose heavier shoes with more cushioning.
  • Drop: This is the difference in the cushioning level from the rear foot to the forefoot. The lower the drop, the more conducive the shoe is for a speedy running style. Speed shoes will tend to have around a 4mm drop.
    • 16 Best Running Shoes for womenBest cushioned running shoes Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit
  • Best for: Injury prone runners
  • Weight: 229g
  • Drop: 8.4 mm
  • How much? £139.95

    • We went to the top on this one to find out exactly why Nike's React Infinity Run are one of the most-talked about trainers of 2020 so far.

    'Injury plagues runners of all levels,' says Holts. 'And it can be something that stops people joining the sport or rejoining post injury,' says Brett Holts, VP of Nike Running. 'We've prioritised and maximised the amount of cushioning underfoot to really smooth the foot out and allow each runner's body to be as natural as possible through their gait and stride.'

    A study conducted by the BCSMRF showed that runners wearing the shoes had a 52% lower injury rate than those wearing the control shoe.

    If you're constantly bemoaning a sore-this or a pulled-that, it might be time to invest in kit that quite literally was made for the job.

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    On Running Cloudflow
  • Best for: 10km race training
  • Weight: 235g
  • Drop: 6mm
  • How much? £130

    • The newest ON shoe, the Cloudflow, combines their Helion™ superfoam along with a curved heel for 'better hold, durability and comfort.'

    Basically, they're going to feel light on the top of your foot, super cushioned underneath and cool thanks to the ventilated mesh. The new rubber traction base will also keep you more stable on slippery wet roads.

    SHOP NOWReebok Floatride Run 2.0
  • Best for: Distance training
  • Drop: 10mm
  • How much? £119.95

    • Reebok's latest Floatride are designed for the regular distance runner and come with all the trappings to make your ride feel more like a float: Ultraknit sock-like upper for individually-moulded comfort as well as extra Floatride Foam for comfy cushioning and a highly energy responsive run.

    SHOP NOWNike Zoom Fly 3
  • Best for: Marathon race day
  • Weight: 227g
  • Drop: 9.5mm
  • How much? £139.95

    • Designed to go the distance, Nike's Zoom Fly 3 trainers are the race-day companion for comfort and durability due to the full-length responsive cushioning and angled heel design that helps to relieve pressure on your Achilles tendon and keeps you chugging on mile after mile after mile after mile after mile. You get it.

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    HOKA Carbon X
  • Best for: Half-marathon race day
  • Weight: 204g
  • Drop: 5mm
  • How much? £160

    • A competitor to the Nike React Infinity the Hoka Carbon X also boasts lightweight and resilient foam and a keeps-you-steady wide and stable base too. Single layered mesh on the top helps your feet to breathe even when you're finding it difficult to catch breath while 'Meta-Rocker' helps to propel you forward.

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    Skechers Max Cushioning Elite
  • Best for: Runners on a budget
  • Weight: 213g
  • Drop: 6mm
  • How much? £85

    • Skechers Max Cushioning Elite shoe adds comfort and response to your run without weight you down in the process while also letting tired feet breathe as they work. Cushioned, lightweight and breathable these gems come in at under £100.

    SHOP NOWBest 'smart' running shoeUA HOVR™ Machina
  • Best for: Neutral runners who like to track their stats
  • Weight: 247g
  • Drop: 8mm
  • How much? £140

    • Under Armour's most recent runner, the HOVR™ Machina, comes with a personal running coach that when connected to MapMyRun™ tracks your stride length, cadence and pace and coaching you in real time.

    As for the shoes, zero-gravity feel helps keep your stride light, compression mesh holds your foot securely, reflective details keep you seen and the solid rubber outsoles help protect high-impact zones to keep you running for longer.

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    Best lightweight running shoesAdidas SL20

    Best for: 10k training

    Weight: 230g

    Drop: 10mm

    How much? £99.95

    Adidas' latest drop - and spoiler, it hasn't dropped yet - the SL20, is a lightweight shoe with a snappy propulsive feel. It's also breathable, supportive and comfortable, meaning you can get out and train without worrying about whether your kit will slow you down. A half-step below from their pro-shoes, the SL20 crosses the line between committed daily runners and race runners: Meaning, if you've got a goal in mind, these are the shoes to get you there.

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    APL Techloom Breeze Mesh
  • Best for: Running a 5k
  • Weight: 193g
  • Drop: 8mm
  • How much? £180

    • APL's newest TechLoom Breeze trainers are the lightest running shoes they've ever created; featuring a seamless, high elastic stretch rebound material to keep you feeling free while running. Durable, lightweight and supportive.

    SHOP NOWNew Balance 880v9
  • Best for: Lightweight support
  • Drop: 10mm
  • How much? £120Created as a bread-and-butter daily runner, New Balance's new babies are made for the no-nonsense daily runner who loves a cool, light, free-feeling ride and shoes that'll support you the whole way round.
    • SHOP NOWBest road running shoesBrooks Transcend 7
  • Best for: Road runners with flat or medium arches
  • Weight: 269g
  • Drop: 10mm
  • How much? £140

    • Top-draw when it comes to running shoes, Brooks are a powerhouse in the running world for good reason: So, how have they levelled up their latest drop?

    Brooks reconfigured the base of their latest shoe for 'extreme plushness' (aka cushioned comfort) while the full-length rubber improves traction and decreases weight. Basically, they're more comfortable, more sturdy and somehow lighter too? Wicked.

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    Best cheap running shoesPuma Jaro
  • Best for: The casual/occasional runner
  • How much? £50

    • At £50 these running shoes are basically a steal, especially as their creds way surpass their affordable price tag. Lightweight EVA ground-contact foam keeps you comfortable as you rack up the miles while Puma's classic look means you won't look out of place grabbing your shopping from the supermarket afterwards. Winning.

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    Best supportive running shoesSaucony Muenchen 4
  • Best for: Added stability for neutral runners
  • Drop: 8mm
  • How much? £125

    • So you heel-strike when you run, do you? The Saucony Muenchen 4's might be just the ticket for you, then. Reliable, comfortable, with a 'butter smooth' feel from heel to toe, you'll be supported your whole run long.

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    Best sustainable running shoesAdidas x Stella McCartney Ultraboost 20s
  • Best for: All rounder - training and racing
  • How much? £199.95

    • Part of the just-dropped Adidas x Stella McCartney collection, the re-imagined Ultraboost 20s are crafted from performance fabric known as Primeblue - a material made with Parley Ocean Plastic: plastic bottles that are intercepted from beaches and coastal communities before they have a chance to reach the ocean.

    They're built on the durable Boost foundation with responsive cushioning which makes these running shoes as sustainable as they are performance focused - the perfect all-rounder.

    SHOP NOW Giesswein Merino Wool Runners

    Best for: Cross training

    How much? £199

    Austrian brand Giesswein create 100% merino wool trainers that thermoregulate and are naturally odor resistant - whether you choose to wear socks or not! Their running trainers are hyper lightweight, comfortable and flexible which means they work for different workouts: perhaps running one day, power walking the next?

    SHOP NOWBest trail running shoesAdidas Terrex Agravic Trail Running Shoes
  • Best for: Durability
  • How much? £99.95

    • The Adidas Terrex Agravic: a trail shoe to help you move swiftly between rocky and rough ground as well as keep pace on the smooth bits. Crafted to be wide-fitting and abrasion-resistant, you're looking at a durable shoe that can handle hikes with faster paced intervals.

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