Expert consulted: Adidas traces its history back to 1924, when founder Adi Dassler started a shoe company in Germany. Running shoes, specifically running shoes for women, are where the fledgling brand first found success: Lina Radke won a gold medal at the 1928 Olympics wearing a pair of Dassler’s shoes. Since adopting the Adidas name in 1949, the brand has expanded to produce shoes and apparel for all kinds of sports, but running is still an essential focus.
In recent years, especially, Adidas has invested heavily in designing shoes for women runners. The Ultraboost Light is the best example of this approach: The women’s version was designed using input from over a million foot scans of women’s feet. The result? A shoe that better aligns with the anatomy of women’s bodies. With that research in hand, the best Adidas running shoes for women include responsive everyday trainers, max-cushion shoes, and premium models for racing.
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Best Women's Adidas Running Shoes
- Best Overall: Ultraboost Light
- Best Value: Supernova 3
- Best for Racing: Adizero Adios Pro 3
- Best Daily Trainer: Adizero SL
- Best for Long-Distance Running: Adizero Boston 12
The Expert (Michael Charboneau): I have tested running and outdoor gear for years, both as an editor at Runner’s World and as a freelance reviewer for InsideHook, Men’s Journal, and other outlets. I’ve written more about running shoes than any other category, and I have firsthand experience running in models from a range of brands, including Adidas.
The Expert (Amanda Furrer): A lifelong runner, I have worked as a Runner's World test editor since 2018. I run, review, and comb feedback from local testers and staff to cover the latest footwear, activewear, and wearables. I've qualified and run in the Boston Marathon consecutively since 2013, won the women's division at the 2022 Atlanta Marathon, and joined the sub-3 club at the 2022 Chicago Marathon (2:56:31).
The Expert (Morgan Petruny): I’m a test editor at Runner’s World, and I grew up just a few miles from the original RW headquarters in Emmaus, PA. I’ve run thousands of miles in shoes from dozens of brands, including Adidas, and helped analyze the data collected from hundreds of runners through the RW Shoe Lab and wear-test program. Before that, I was a walk-on Division I runner obsessed with finding the perfect shoes.
Everything You Need to Know About Adidas’ Women’s Running Shoes
Adidas has an extensive running shoe lineup with models for all kinds of running, including training, trail running, and racing. Adidas shoes generally have a firm, responsive ride. Shoes like the Ultraboost Light and Boston 12 embody the brand’s bouncy, but not squishy step.
There are some exceptions, though: The ultra-plush Prime X 2 Strung offers a pillowy, well-cushioned experience for runners, which reflects the recent trend toward maximalist padding in shoes across the industry. Let’s take a closer look at the defining characteristics of Adidas’ running shoes.
Finding Shoes for Female Feet
In addition to foams and midsole tech, which are available in all of Adidas’ running shoes, there are additional other factors we think women should keep in mind when shopping for running shoes.
How We Selected the Best Adidas Running Shoes for Women
First, I studied the Adidas running shoe lineup and talked with a brand rep to learn more about its current women’s models and the technology they use. I also spoke to Furrer and Petruny to get their insights into what Adidas models and features they like best, and I analyzed feedback from RW’s network of female wear testers to see what Adidas shoes were standouts in testing.
The best Adidas running shoes for women are built with the brand’s best technology, including Boost and Lightstrike Pro cushioning foams, and are suitable for a variety of uses, from walks and casual jogs to running a marathon.
Our Full Women's Adidas Running Shoe Reviews
Adidas Ultraboost Light
Pros
- Boost Light foam
- Stable and responsive
- Versatile
Cons
- Sock-like upper caused fit issues for some testers
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.2 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
The Ultraboost is one of Adidas’s most well-known models. With its 2023 redesign, the Ultraboost Light receives a significant revamp. It’s significantly lighter than previous iterations, but still serves up the firm, responsive, and stable ride that the Ultraboost fans love. Adidas used its new Light Boost foam in the midsole to make the shoe substantially lighter and more responsive. It’s paired with an LEP plate at the bottom of the midsole that guides and supports the foot, preventing it from rolling too far inward during your stride.
Adidas used data from over a million foot scans to make the women’s version of the shoe more specifically accommodating to women’s feet: The women’s Ultraboost Light has a narrower heel than the men’s version, and more medial support in the midsole to counteract overpronation.
Although the sock-like upper caused fit issues for some RW reviewers, testers appreciated the Ultraboost Light’s lower weight and responsive, stable feel—one runner highlighted the shoe’s heel and forefoot stability as its best feature. Better yet, it’s highly versatile. Furrer recommends it for everything from daily training to longer runs, and it’s a stellar choice for women who need support and stability in their running shoes.
Pros
- Supportive midsole
- Great fit
Cons
- Too heavy for speed training and sprints
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 9mm |
The Supernova 3 is a workhorse training shoe, and an excellent value pick within the Adidas lineup. The midsole features Boost foam in the heel for a responsive ride with durable cushioning, and the full-length rubber outsole creates dependable traction on the pavement.
In RW testing, the shoe stood out for its supportive underfoot sensation. “It provides good arch support, cradling the foot and promoting an even foot strike,” said one female tester.
It also offers great fit: The upper creates a close wrap at midfoot, but there’s plenty of room in the toe box and padding around the ankle makes the shoe feel comfortable when running. Comfort, durability, and support—the Supernova has just about everything you need in a daily trainer, and the price can’t be beat.
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
Pros
- Bouncy, responsive midsole
- Stable ride
- Snug fit at midfoot and heel
Cons
- Firm cushioning
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.6 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6.5mm |
Training for a marathon? Furrer recommends grabbing a pair of Adios Pro 3s for race day. This premium racing model is ready to compete with well-cushioned marathon shoes like the Saucony Endorphin Elite and Nike Vaporfly.
The shoe features a thick midsole with two layers of Lightstrike Pro foam and supportive Energyrods. The layers of foam dampen impact forces to keep your feet comfortable during long races. At toe-off, the Energyrods and bouncy foam work in tandem to create a snappy, propulsive feel that helps you maintain a fast pace. One female tester described the midsole as “soft enough to feel comfortable, but not too soft that I feel like I squish into it.”
Female wear testers also praised the Adios Pro 3’s accommodating fit and stability: It has a slightly wider sole than other brands’ elite racers, which gives the shoe a planted, confidence-inducing ride. While it certainly isn’t cheap, the Adios Pro 3 will help you perform your best out on the race course.
Adidas Adizero SL
Pros
- Lightweight and responsive
- Great shock absorption after break-in period
Cons
- No Energyrods
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.4 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8.5mm |
To make the Adizero SL, Adidas took some of its top-tier racing tech and adapted it for everyday training. The midsole, made with both Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro foams, is the main highlight: The combination of soft and bouncy Lightstrike Pro under the forefoot and standard Lightstrike all around helps the shoe absorb shocks while generating strong energy return. It also reduces the shoe’s overall weight, so you get a peppy feel underfoot. (One note: Reviewers on Reddit say the shoe’s cushioning takes some time to break in.)
The Adizero SL features a relatively wide forefoot shape—a good match for wider feet—and its padded tongue helps the shoe wrap comfortably around the foot. Overall, the Adizero SL makes an excellent and affordable trainer.
Adidas Adizero Boston 12
Adidas Adizero Boston 12
Pros
- Responsive
- Ample cushioning, especially in the heel
Cons
- Testers reported issues with heel slippage
Key Specs
| Weight | 8 oz |
|---|
Adidas designed the Adizero Boston 12 specifically for mid-to-long-distance running. It brings a propulsive, cushioned feel that’ll help you cruise through high-mileage days. It features a dual-layer midsole, with a full-length layer of Lightstrike Pro placed on top of a layer of Lightstrike foam. It also has glass fiber Energyrods embedded inside, which are slightly more flexible than carbon fiber but still generate a stiff, snappy sensation. The dual foams soften your footfalls, and along with the Energyrods, create lots of bounce at toe-off. Although the thick midsole gives the impression of a pillowy ride, testers found the Boston to be relatively firm and very responsive.
“There is definitely some extra pop and responsiveness that makes this a fast-feeling shoe,” said one female tester.
The Boston’s rubber outsole also performed well in RW testing, serving up dependable traction in both wet and dry conditions. With its premium midsole cushioning, grippy outsole, and responsive feel, the Boston is a top option for long-distance runs and marathon training.
Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung
Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung
Pros
- Exceptionally soft cushioning
- Lots of energy return
Cons
- Tall sole feels unstable
Key Specs
| Weight | 10 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6.5mm |
The Adizero Prime X 2 Strung was “designed without the constraints of world race regulations,” which means Adidas ignored the World Athletics rules limiting a shoe’s stack height, or the sole’s thickness, to 40mm at the heel. The shoe is massive: The Prime X 2 Strung has a staggering 50mm stack height at the heel and 43.5mm at the forefoot.
Adidas used three layers of soft, bouncy Lightstrike Pro cushioning foam and, unsurprisingly, the design creates a supremely cushioned ride. But it isn’t all marshmallowy softness: The foam offers runners plenty of energy return, too.
“The thick layer of foam cushioned every step I took,” said one tester. “Despite its softness however, it performed very well during tempos and I never felt like I was sacrificing speed for comfort.”
There is a downside to all that foam, though. Even with its relatively wide forefoot design, the Prime X 2 Strung’s towering sole can feel wobbly, especially on uneven ground. But if you love a plush, pillowy step, this ultra-cushioned model is definitely worth a try.
Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2
Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2
Pros
- Responsive cushioning
- Excellent traction, even in wet conditions
Cons
- Sizing runs large
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.9 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
The Terrex Agravic Flow 2 is a versatile all-terrain trail shoe for off-pavement running. It features a Lightstrike midsole that absorbs impact forces and creates a responsive base for propulsive toe-offs. While it doesn’t have an especially plush feel, testers appreciated its excellent energy return, and said it provided enough cushioning to keep their feet comfortable, even during short jaunts on the pavement.
Like any good trail shoe, the Agravic Flow 2 has excellent traction: Its full-length rubber outsole is studded with 4mm lugs (cleat-like protrusions) that bite into dirt and soft terrain for confident footing.
“The grip is just top notch,” said one female tester. “I ran over wet logs, slick rocks, muddy and grassy trails, and these shoes never slipped an inch.”
Adidas Ultraboost Light GTX
Adidas Ultraboost Light GTX
Pros
- Waterproof upper
- Grippy outsole
- Stable and responsive
Cons
- Heavy
Key Specs
| Weight | 12.1 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
Rain in the forecast? This all-weather riff of the Ultraboost Light, my top pick, comes souped up with a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane in the upper that blocks out rain and splashes, while venting hot air so your feet stay dry. On the bottom, the shoe has a full-length rubber outsole with chevron-shaped lugs for improved traction in wet, unstable conditions.
Just like the standard Ultraboost Light, the GTX version features a Light Boost midsole that provides a responsive, stable feel with reduced weight. With these shoes in your closet, you won’t have to plod on the treadmill when it rains. Just make sure to grab a jacket on the way out.
Q+A With Running Shoe Expert Michael Charboneau
Michael is a freelance writer with years of experience covering gear and the outdoors for Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives.
Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.
