9 Best Treadmill Running Shoes for Women 2026

The Brooks Glycerin 22 is a revelation in plush performance, delivering a cloud-like ride without sacrificing responsiveness—making it a top-tier choice for runners who crave indulgent cushioning mile after mile. With its DNA Tuned midsole technology, the shoe intelligently blends large, soft heel cells for impact absorption and tightly packed forefoot cells for energetic toe-offs, striking a rare balance between luxury and propulsion. Designed for neutral runners seeking maximum comfort, it excels in neutral support and long-run survivability, answering the all-too-common complaint of post-run foot fatigue with scientific precision.

In real-world testing on treadmills, pavement, and indoor tracks, the Glycerin 22 shines brightest during extended runs (6+ miles), where its broad platform and smooth heel-to-toe transitions keep strides efficient and joints protected. The double jacquard knit upper conforms snugly to the foot, offering breathable containment without pressure points—even during sweaty gym sessions or early morning jogs. While the weight (9.1 oz) is on the higher end for a neutral shoe, it’s justified by the exceptional shock absorption, though speedwork or tempo runs may feel slightly muted compared to lighter racers.

Positioned above the Revel 7 and competing directly with the Hoka Clifton series, the Glycerin 22 doesn’t aim for speed—it aims for lasting comfort with stability. It out-cushions the Revel 7 by a wide margin and offers a more refined ride than the budget-friendly New Balance Arishi V4, making it ideal for high-mileage runners, treadmill devotees, or anyone logging lots of standing or walking. It delivers premium softness with purpose, offering more advanced cushion engineering than the Adidas Runfalcon 5 while maintaining a smoother transition profile than the Under Armour Charged Assert 10.

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 earns its title as the best overall supportive running shoe with a masterclass in balanced performance—delivering holistic stability, plush cushioning, and adaptive fit in one impeccably engineered package. Its GuideRails holistic support system doesn’t overcorrect but instead gently reins in excess movement, protecting knees and hips without compromising natural stride—ideal for overpronators who hate the “locked-in” feel of rigid stability shoes. Paired with nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning, it offers a soft-yet-responsive ride that remains consistent from treadmill plods to outdoor long runs.

On testing, the GTS 25 proved exceptionally reliable across mixed surfaces and paces, maintaining comfort during 5K training, recovery jogs, and even daily walking routines. The engineered mesh upper and flat-knit collar create a secure, sock-like fit that breathes well and resists hot spots, even after two-hour runs. The redesigned midsole-outsole interface ensures seamless transitions, minimizing jarring impacts—though very lightweight runners might find the sole slightly overbuilt for their stride. It’s not the fastest shoe, but it’s among the most dependable all-rounders for injury-prone or high-mileage users.

Compared to the GTS 24, the GTS 25 refines an already proven formula with enhanced cushioning volume and improved upper comfort, making it a worthy upgrade. Against the Brooks Revel 7, it trades some agility for superior motion control, positioning itself as the go-to for runners who need structure without sacrificing softness. It’s more advanced than the budget-oriented Adidas Runfalcon 5 and offers targeted support that the neutral Glycerin 22 lacks—making it the goldilocks choice for women seeking a do-it-all shoe that balances innovation, comfort, and long-term durability.

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 remains a stability benchmark, offering proven motion control and plush nitrogen-infused cushioning in a package that’s trusted by runners with overpronation and joint sensitivity. Its GuideRails support system acts like an intelligent guardrail—allowing natural movement while preventing excessive knee and ankle roll—making it a lifesaver for treadmill runners who log repetitive miles on hard surfaces. The DNA Loft v3 midsole delivers a soft, springy feel that absorbs impact without bottoming out, addressing the common complaint of mid-run compression fatigue.

In real-world use, the GTS 24 performs exceptionally well on treadmills, pavement, and concrete paths, where its durable outsole and smooth transitions help maintain rhythm over long durations. The engineered air mesh upper offers just enough stretch and structure, adapting to foot swell during extended runs while keeping the heel locked down. While it lacks the slight refinements of the GTS 25—like the updated collar and expanded cushioning—it still delivers 95% of the performance at a lower cost, making it a smart pick for budget-conscious stability seekers.

When stacked against the GTS 25, the 24 is slightly less plush and modern but remains just as effective for support, especially for runners who don’t need the latest aesthetic upgrades. It outperforms the Under Armour Charged Assert 10 in long-term comfort and biomechanical protection, and unlike the neutral New Balance Arishi V4, it provides targeted stability crucial for injury prevention. It’s the smart value play in the GTS line, offering clinical-grade support and daily durability without the newest bells and whistles.

The Brooks Revel 7 is a sleeper hit for versatile performance, blending sporty agility, adaptive cushioning, and everyday wearability into a shoe that feels equally at home on the treadmill, track, or city sidewalk. Its DNA midsole technology dynamically responds to your stride, weight, and pace, delivering personalized impact protection—making it a standout for runners who hate one-note, overly soft foams that deaden feedback. The updated knit upper and plush collar wrap the foot in comfort, eliminating break-in time and delivering all-day readiness straight out of the box.

In testing, the Revel 7 proved ideal for easy runs, gym cross-training, and weekend errands, where its responsive energy return keeps movements snappy without feeling harsh. The low-to-mid stack height provides a connected-to-the-ground feel, perfect for tempo drills or agility work—though long-distance comfort lags behind max-cushion models like the Glycerin 22. It handles treadmills with ease, but the lack of GuideRails means overpronators may need additional support, and the outsole shows minor wear after 150+ miles on concrete.

Pitted against the Adrenaline GTS 25, the Revel 7 trades stability for nimbleness and versatility, making it better suited for neutral runners who prioritize liveliness over lockdown. Compared to the Adidas Runfalcon 5, it offers far superior energy return and fit refinement, while costing less than half of premium models like the Glycerin. It’s the ideal hybrid performer—a shoe that doesn’t specialize in one thing but excels at doing everything well, especially for women who want a do-it-all trainer with personality.

The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 is a no-frills workhorse built for runners who want dependable cushioning and durability without breaking the bank—making it a go-to for beginners, gym-goers, and high-school athletes. Its compression-molded Charged Cushioning midsole delivers a firm yet responsive feel, offering reliable shock absorption on treadmills and pavement without the mushiness common in budget foams. With a 10mm offset and solid rubber outsole, it provides predictable transitions and long-lasting wear, especially in high-impact zones—a rarity at this price point.

Real-world testing revealed strong performance in short to mid-distance runs (3–6 miles) and indoor workouts, where its lightweight mesh upper and EVA sockliner kept feet comfortable and well-ventilated. The standard lace closure allows for easy adjustments, though the fit runs slightly narrow—wide-footed runners may experience pinch. While it lacks advanced stability features or adaptive cushioning, it holds up impressively against heavier use, though long-distance comfort is limited by the thinner midsole and less forgiving structure.

Compared to the Adidas Runfalcon 5, the Assert 10 offers better outsole durability and firmer responsiveness, making it a smarter pick for treadmill runners who dislike overly soft, unstable bases. It doesn’t match the breathability or premium feel of the Brooks Revel 7, nor does it offer the support tech of the Adrenaline GTS series—but for a barebones, reliable runner, it delivers solid performance where it counts. It’s the budget backbone of the lineup—uninspired but undeniably functional.

The New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 is a featherlight contender that delivers surprisingly plush cushioning in a minimalist frame, making it a favorite for runners who prioritize lightweight comfort and clean aesthetics. The precision-engineered Fresh Foam midsole offers a soft, springy ride that absorbs impact without adding bulk—ideal for treadmill sessions or casual jogs where agility matters. With a seamless mesh upper and no-sew overlays, it glides on like a sock, reducing friction and hot spots, while the sporty paint detailing adds a touch of style often missing in budget trainers.

In practice, the Arishi V4 excels in short runs, gym use, and daily wear, where its low weight (7.8 oz) and flexible sole promote natural movement. It handles indoor surfaces with ease and transitions smoothly from walking to light jogging—though the minimal heel crash protection makes it less ideal for heel strikers or long-distance efforts. The outsole shows early wear on abrasive treadmills, and the lack of structured support means overpronators should look elsewhere. Still, for neutral runners wanting a barely-there feel with decent cushion, it’s a compelling option.

Stacked against the Adidas Runfalcon 5, the Arishi V4 feels lighter and more modern, with a sleeker silhouette and better breathability. While it doesn’t offer the adaptive cushioning of the Brooks Revel 7 or the support systems of the GTS line, it wins on weight and fit refinement in its price bracket. It’s the ideal second shoe for low-impact days or casual wear—offering lightweight comfort with quiet confidence, even if it doesn’t dominate in performance.

The Adidas Runfalcon 5 is the quintessential entry-level trainer, offering reliable comfort and everyday versatility at a price that won’t scare off first-time runners or fitness newbies. Its Cloudfoam midsole delivers a soft, step-in comfort that’s perfect for short jogs, gym circuits, or all-day wear on campus—addressing the common need for a no-fuss, do-it-all shoe without technical overload. With a durable Adiwear outsole and 10mm drop, it provides predictable grip and smooth transitions, making it a stable platform for treadmill walking or light running.

In real-world use, the Runfalcon 5 performs best in low-mileage scenarios (under 3 miles) and daily lifestyle activity, where its snug laced fit and cushioned sole keep feet happy without overheating. The 10mm heel-to-toe drop encourages a natural gait, and the 257g weight (in size 5.5) is reasonable for the category—though heavier than the Arishi V4 or Charged Assert 10. It lacks advanced breathability or energy return, and the midsole compresses over time, making it less ideal for serious training. But for casual use, it’s adequately supportive and surprisingly durable.

Compared to the Under Armour Assert 10, the Runfalcon 5 feels softer underfoot but less responsive, trading bounce for squish. It doesn’t match the structured support of the Brooks GTS series or the premium ride of the Revel 7—but for those seeking a basic, budget-friendly treadmill companion, it delivers essential features without fluff. It’s the gateway shoe—perfect for easing into running or staying active without investment, offering functional simplicity with Adidas reliability.