Best Running Shoes for Women Over 50 in 2024: Complete Reviews With Comparisons

Running has several benefits that people of all ages can enjoy.

For aging women, however, running in their golden years may come with several challenges, such as hip, knee, and back pains.

In your 50s and over, having the right pair of running shoes is vital to make the hobby safe.

Keep your mileage up in a healthy and pain-free way by wearing shoes with the right amount of support and cushioning.

Find reprieve for those aging feet by narrowing down your running shoe choices. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best running shoes for women over 50.

Comparison Chart

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Best Running Shoes for Women Over 50 Reviews

1. New Balance Women’s 1080V11

The New Balance Women’s 1080V11 Running Shoe delivers performance and innovation in the running shoe industry. It is the latest iteration in the renowned 1080 series.

These shoes are meticulously designed to cater to the diverse needs of female runners.

REVIEW

Let’s explore the features that define the 1080V11. Features that offer a blend of comfort, support, and cutting-edge technology.

• Design and Materials

Crafted with precision, the 1080V11 showcases a thoughtful design with a mesh upper. It promotes breathability and lightweight comfort. The Hypoknit construction seamlessly integrates areas of support and stretch. These adapt to the foot’s natural movement. In addition, the contemporary aesthetic adds a touch of style to the shoe’s overall appearance.

• Cushioned Comfort with Fresh Foam X

The Fresh Foam X midsole technology is at the heart of the 1080V11. It provides plush and responsive cushioning. This innovation delivers a balance between softness and support. You also enjoy a comfortable ride for both short sprints and long-distance runs. The midsole contributes to enhanced energy return, propelling each stride.

• Secure and Adaptive Fit

The Ultra Heel design ensures a secure and adaptive fit. It cradles the heel for stability without sacrificing comfort. The no-sew material application minimizes irritation. It allows for a smooth and enjoyable running experience.

• Blown Rubber Outsole for Durability

The blown rubber outsole enhances durability while maintaining a lightweight feel. The strategic placement of rubber provides reliable traction on various surfaces. As a result, you experience a confident grip during diverse running conditions.

PROS:

• Responsive Fresh Foam X.
• Supportive Hypoknit Construction.
• Secure Ultra Heel Design.
• Lightweight Mesh Comfort.
• Stylish Contemporary Aesthetic.
• Many colors to choose from

CONS:

• Slightly Narrow Fit.

2. Saucony Triumph ISO 5

Saucony’s Triumph ISO 5 boasts an ISOFIT technology that perfectly hugs your feet in the right places.

With this shoe on, every run will feel like you’re walking on clouds.

This revolutionary fit system allows for a more custom feel as it morphs according to the shape and motion of your feet.

This is made possible by a soft inner sleeve and floating support cage.

Review

With ISOFIT technology and a breathable mesh upper, this shoe is here to help you fly by the miles while conquering the hottest of runs.

This brightly designed shoe provides the user with a bounce like no other with an exceptional level of cushioning.

It also has features that decrease pain in the hips and ankles.

• Cushioning Technology

Saucony’s Triumph ISO 5 has customized impact support on both the inside and outside of the shoe.

Inside, the EVERUN technology runs in the entire midsole and helps the user preserve energy as it requires minimal effort in every step.

A lively, resilient ride throughout your run is made possible through this technology.

Outside, this shoe’s outsole can absorb impact against any pathway efficiently. The shoe catapults you forward in every stride, making running fun and enjoyable.

The Triumph ISO 5 has a cloud-like cushioning like no other. It can provide excellent impact support with its well-fitted insole.

• Shoe Weight

Because this pair has such plush cushioning and a thick outer design, it is a little heavier than other running shoes.

The Triumph ISO 5 weighs 11.5 ounces per shoe.

It is important to note, however, that the weight of the runner also plays an important role in choosing the shoe they are going to wear.

Runners who fall on the heavier side have an increased chance of injury when wearing lightweight shoes.

Each person’s build is different, so go ahead and explore what feels right for you.

• Overall Comfort

The design of the Triumph ISO 5 is not for everybody.

A lot of reviews say their usual size tends to run a little small, which may largely be because of the slim toe box.

Triumph ISO 5’s toe box might not be for people with wider feet as the skin may rub against the inner part of the shoe and cause corns or calluses.

While finding your fit may be challenging, you can opt to size up for a better match.

These shoes are understandably more cushioned, so the extra plush might have taken up more space in the shoe.

That said, it is important to note that the Triumph ISO 5 offers high arch support.

As such, it is a good option for people who suffer from under pronation/supination.

Overall, this shoe remains a great option if sized right.

Pros:

• Ultra-plush cushioning
• Breathable mesh upper
• Great for outdoor and light trails
• Good rebound for sprints

Cons:

• Slim toe box
• Slightly heavy
• Tricky sizing

3. Brooks Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe

If you support companies that keep their products earth-friendly, then the Brooks Ghost 14 is a good match for you.

The Ghost 14 is Brooks’ first carbon-neutral shoe.

Because most of the shoe’s upper materials are made with a minimum of 30% recycled content, its production has reduced carbon emissions.

Review

With an advantage in cushioning technology for a smooth glide from start to finish, the Ghost 14 is one of Brooks’ most-loved shoes.

• Cushioning Technology

Fun fact: Brooks has four categories by which they divide their footwear collection. The kicks they create can fall under Cushion, Energize, Speed, or Connect.

The Ghost 14 belongs to the Cushion category, which means having a pair will give you maximum cushioning.

This support level offers massive impact absorption, which is why it is sure to please people of all ages, especially the older ones.

Brooks has two technologies that work seamlessly together: BioMoGo DNA and DNA Loft.

The BioMoGo DNA provides dynamic cushioning to help in a runner’s personal stride, speed, and weight due to its adaptive EVA foam midsole.

The DNA LOFT cushioning gives you a softness and flexibility you won’t find anywhere else.

This results in a good bounce and lightweight absorption during your entire run.

• Shoe Weight

At nine ounces per shoe, the Ghost 14 is considered a lightweight running shoe.

It is interesting to know how this shoe can provide maximum cushioning while maintaining a sturdy tread.

• Overall Comfort

A spacious toe box made of mesh is most certainly welcome in anybody’s shoe collection, as it allows for a more accommodating interior.

That said, this kind of shoe will fit those with wider feet and sufferers of bunions the best.

The Ghost 14’s outsole has a unique grooved pattern that is entirely theirs. This pattern paves the way for more flexible control over every step.

Pros:

• Padded heel
• Breathable mesh upper
• Lightweight
• Spacious toe box

Cons:

• Not affordable

4. Asics Gel-Venture 8

What better way to enjoy the great outdoors than with running shoes designed for it?

Asics’ Gel-Venture 8 is a wise choice for several terrains. They are quite versatile and can be worn on trail runs, light hiking, and city explorations, among others.

Review

With its updated forefoot fit, the Asics Gel-Venture 8 reduces the amount of overlays around the foot without compromising durability.

The shoe also has a strengthened outsole due to re-engineered lugs beneath the heel.

• Cushioning Technology

If your primary concern resides on the heels of your foot, worry no further.  The Asics Gel-Venture 8 has a cushioned structure that aims to alleviate heel strains.

If your steps usually fall heavy on the back of your foot, this shoe is the right match for you.

These kicks provide medium cushioning with its lightweight power combination of gel and EVA foam midsole. Plus, the heel counter helps in impact absorption.

EVA foam is a great alternative to traditional midsole and outsole materials, such as leather and rubber.

That’s because it provides excellent shock absorption during walks and runs. It is also more comfortable.

• Shoe Weight

The Asics Gel-Venture 8 does not run too heavy. In fact, it still ranks as a durable, lightweight shoe at around eight to 8.9 ounces per shoe.

• Overall Comfort

If you have long, slim, and elongated feet, this is the right Asics pair for you.

The Gel-Venture 8 has a slightly narrower toe box compared to its earlier versions, such as the Venture 5 or 6 series.

As such, those with wider feet might need to get a size bigger to enjoy these shoes’ superb features.

It is perfect for runners with heavy heel strikes or under pronation who put more weight on the outer edge of their foot.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Made of tough materials
• Offers excellent heel protection
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Narrow toe box

5. Asics Gel-Excite 8

Asics’ Gel-Excite 8 is sure to catch anyone’s eye with its vibrant colorway inspired by the positive influences of sports athletes.

So, not only can you stay active but also showcase your unique self during your runs.

Whether you want to do at-home workouts or traverse a light trail, you can rely on this pair to give you maximum comfort for various activities.

Review

The Asics Gel-Excite 8 has an improved heel design for a more accommodating and inclusive fit.

This technology also has a positive impact on stability and keeps you on the right track every time, regardless of where you land.

• Cushioning Technology

Asics defines cushioning perfectly with its GEL technology and AMPLIFOAM midsole.

The GEL technology offers an effective impact absorption at the heel, resulting in a spring-like motion that helps users to transition towards a push-off smoothly.

The AMPLIFOAM technology, which runs in the entire midsole, is engineered to maintain lightweight flexibility and control.

This breakthrough is designed to work with all 33 joints in the foot.

While running, both of these technologies keep the user’s feet sore-free and cushioned. A cradled heel-to-toe transition is therefore achieved, regardless of the terrain.

• Shoe Weight

The best running shoes for women over 50 should be not only comfortable but also lightweight.

Despite its cushioning, the Gel-Excite 8 shoe only weighs about 9.9 ounces per shoe. With this on your feet, you will feel more at ease with your run, and you can focus on every stride.

• Overall Comfort

Many runners claim that this shoe is comfortable for them even though it is not highly specialized to cater to high or low arches.

This might be because of the superior cushioning and comfort that comes with the pair.

The mesh upper is designed without overlays and unnecessary seams, so your foot can breathe freely with little to no restriction.

If you have custom inserts for additional support, this kick’s toe box has enough space to cater to them.

More importantly, the design of these shoes is great for people with wider feet and bunion sufferers. Even with these conditions, you can live an active lifestyle with the right pair of shoes.

Pros:

• Gel cushioning for heel strikes
• Wide toe box
• Breathable mesh upper
• Affordable
• Lightweight

Cons:

• No specialized arch support

Which Pair Is Ideal for Runners Over 50?

Everyone’s feet vary in shape and size, and especially for older women over 50, one shoe model does not fit all.

As a runner in your 50s and beyond, the battle with hip, knee, and back pain can be a growing concern.

Therefore, you need to find the right combination of features to support your active lifestyle.

For our personal choice, the best running shoes for older women are the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V11.

This pair boasts the perfect combination of what aging feet require: cushioning, weight, and comfort.