How do I know what size to order in running shoes?

A good rule of thumb is to go half a size up from your regular shoe size when buying running shoes. Your feet naturally swell a little during a run, so a little extra room at the toe prevents discomfort. If you're between sizes, sizing up is usually the safer bet. Always check the specific size chart on the Amazon product page before ordering.

Are these shoes good for beginners?

Yes! All five shoes on this week's list come from reputable brands known for making comfortable, approachable running shoes. If you're just starting out, don't feel like you need to go for the most expensive option — a well-rated shoe in the $55–$100 range can be a great place to begin. The most important thing is that the shoe feels comfortable when you try it on.

Can I use running shoes for walking or other workouts?

Running shoes are designed with movement in mind, and many people find them comfortable for walking, gym workouts, or everyday wear too. That said, our rankings and descriptions are focused on their use as running shoes. If you plan to use them primarily for another activity, it's worth checking whether a sport-specific shoe might serve you better.

What's the difference between a $55 shoe and a $155 shoe on this list?

Price in running shoes often reflects things like newer materials, more research and development behind the design, or additional features aimed at higher mileage runners. A more affordable shoe like the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 at $54.99 can be a fantastic everyday choice, while a pricier option like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 at $154.95 may offer features suited to runners putting in more miles. Neither is "better" — it really depends on what you need and how often you plan to run.

How are these shoes ranked?

Each shoe is given a Heat Score based on two things: how well it's selling on Amazon right now, and how many people are searching for it on Google. Shoes that score high on both signals rank higher on our list. We refresh the rankings every week, so the list always reflects what's trending at this moment.

Runners' legs and feet, blurred background. Several pairs of running shoes in focus on a grey road.

Top 5 Women's Running Shoes This Week (May 2026)

Welcome to our weekly women's running shoes roundup for the week of May 4, 2026! Whether you're lacing up for the very first time or looking for a reliable everyday trainer, we've done the research so you don't have to spend hours scrolling through endless options.

We know picking a running shoe can feel overwhelming — there are so many brands, styles, and price points out there. That's exactly why we put this list together: to show you what real shoppers are actually buying and searching for right now, not just what sounds good on paper.

This week's top five features a strong mix of trusted brands and price points, from budget-friendly picks under $60 to premium options built for serious miles. Read on to find the shoe that feels right for where you are in your running journey.

Trend Insight

This week, all five shoes on our list are holding strong based on Amazon sales momentum, with Brooks taking three of the top five spots — a clear sign that shoppers are gravitating toward that brand in a big way right now. The Brooks Ghost 17 sits comfortably at number one, while the Adrenaline GTS 25 and Revel 8 also make the cut.

None of this week's picks have specific Google Trends search data attached, so we're leaning on their Amazon sales performance to tell the story — and the numbers speak for themselves. The ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 is the exciting newcomer this week, breaking into the top five as a brand-new entry, which suggests a wave of fresh interest from shoppers discovering it for the first time.

List of Services

Methodology

Our rankings are based on a Heat Score — a simple way of measuring how popular a shoe is right now. We look at two things: how well a shoe is selling on Amazon (using its sales rank and buyer ratings) and how many people are actively searching for it on Google at this very moment.

A shoe that's flying off the virtual shelves AND showing up in trending searches earns a higher Heat Score than one that's only doing well in one area. We update these rankings every week, so you're always seeing what's genuinely hot right now — not last season's favorites.

How do I know what size to order in running shoes?
A good rule of thumb is to go half a size up from your regular shoe size when buying running shoes. Your feet naturally swell a little during a run, so a little extra room at the toe prevents discomfort. If you're between sizes, sizing up is usually the safer bet. Always check the specific size chart on the Amazon product page before ordering.
Are these shoes good for beginners?
Yes! All five shoes on this week's list come from reputable brands known for making comfortable, approachable running shoes. If you're just starting out, don't feel like you need to go for the most expensive option — a well-rated shoe in the $55–$100 range can be a great place to begin. The most important thing is that the shoe feels comfortable when you try it on.
Can I use running shoes for walking or other workouts?
Running shoes are designed with movement in mind, and many people find them comfortable for walking, gym workouts, or everyday wear too. That said, our rankings and descriptions are focused on their use as running shoes. If you plan to use them primarily for another activity, it's worth checking whether a sport-specific shoe might serve you better.
What's the difference between a $55 shoe and a $155 shoe on this list?
Price in running shoes often reflects things like newer materials, more research and development behind the design, or additional features aimed at higher mileage runners. A more affordable shoe like the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 at $54.99 can be a fantastic everyday choice, while a pricier option like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 at $154.95 may offer features suited to runners putting in more miles. Neither is "better" — it really depends on what you need and how often you plan to run.
How are these shoes ranked?
Each shoe is given a Heat Score based on two things: how well it's selling on Amazon right now, and how many people are searching for it on Google. Shoes that score high on both signals rank higher on our list. We refresh the rankings every week, so the list always reflects what's trending at this moment.

We may earn a small commission when you purchase through our links — at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep our rankings updated weekly.