Before you scoff at the idea of “stylish” running shoes, consider this: what we wear on our feet has always said a lot about who we are. Just ask Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris—her low-top Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars drew admiration when she stepped off a plane “laced up and ready to win" last fall, and later caught up controversy on the cover of Vogue. Footwear is a benchmark for culture, and the fitness market is no different.
From minimalist barefoot-style runners to trail shoes so burly they could double as soccer cleats, the style of running shoe you wear—or don’t—has become a badge of belonging. And with the global footwear market projected to be worth $403 billion by 2025, the next pair of running shoes you invest in could have a ripple effect that touches everything from social movements to material innovation. No pressure, right?
To help make your decision a little easier, we’ve rounded up nine women’s runners that strike a balance between form and function while paying close attention to eco-conscious methods and materials.
[Don't worry fellas, we've got you covered, too.]