Whether you’re someone who enjoys using the treadmill during the colder seasons, or just prefers the machine to the ground, you probably know how different it is to running outdoors.

While using a treadmill can provide an array of health benefits, you’re going to need a different pair of shoes than if you were to just be running outside.

We have done the research to find the top treadmill running shoes on the market so you don’t have to. Lets get started!

Best Running Shoes For Treadmills

	ASICS Women's Roadhawk FF	New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Shoe	Brooks Women's Ghost 11
Uppers:	Mesh/Synthetic	Fabric	Fabric
Sole:	Synthetic	Rubber	Rubber
Colors:	11	8	15
Sizes:	3.5 - 12 W	5 - 13 W	5 - 12W

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Women’s Treadmill Running Shoes

1. ASICS Women’s Roadhawk FF
2. Saucony Women’s S10410-3
3. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 1080v6 Running Shoe
4. Brooks Women’s Ghost 11
5. New Balance Women’s Kaymin V1 Running Shoe
6. Nike Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus 35 Running Shoes
7. PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 WN’s FM Cross-Trainer Shoe

Our reviews to the top rated treadmill running shoes with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right pair for you.

Treadmill Running Shoe Reviews

#1 ASICS Women’s Roadhawk FF

The best running shoes for treadmills use has to be the ASICS Women’s Roadhawk FF: a lightweight road shoe perfect for both indoor and outdoor marathons.

Thanks to the one-piece upper construction, it’s nice and comfortable due to the lack of seams that may cut into the foot.

If you’re looking for a lightweight, versatile model then keep on reading.

Let’s expand a bit on the upper a bit. It seems to be a unanimous decision that these are the most comfortable of all top treadmill running shoes right when you put them on.

That’s not to say that the others weren’t similar or equal in terms of comfort – just that these didn’t require a real break-in period.

Despite offering a sock-like feel, the uppers stay incredibly breathable and lightweight to always keep your feet refreshed.

Right off the bat, you can tell these are made to fit your foot like a glove, though never too tight. If you have wider feet, however, you may find them a bit snug in the midfoot.

The sole isn’t thin, nor too thick – it features a kind of medium thickness along with an 8mm heel-to-toe drop.

The midsole provides a great amount of cushioning and is comprised of both Flytefoam and SpevaFoam. Both materials are lightweight, so you get the best of both worlds.

As the outsole is a high-abrasion zone, it comes strengthened with the brand’s signature High Abrasion Rubber to help prolong the lifespan of the shoe.

#2 Saucony Women’s S10410-3

If you need some extra support, whether that be due to flat feet or overpronation, then the Saucony Women’s S10410-3 may be just the ones for you.

However, if you are searching for the best women’s running shoes for treadmill use but have a neutral gate, you’ll probably find these an excellent option as well.

If you’re okay with spending just a bit more, then they’ll more than pay off.

Coming in 11 colors, you’ll find interesting shades with many of them feature a metallic theme that look futuristic.

The versatile shoe features a full-length EVERUN midsole and top sole construction which is made to provide a solid amount of support and constant cushioning while running on a treadmill or on the pavement.

In addition, you’ll find a medial TPU guidance frame which will keep you stable on any kind of surface. Thanks to the enhanced energy return, you’ll be able to have more efficient runs while experiencing less soreness afterward.

If you’re going to be running on a treadmill indoors, you may find that your feet get hot easily. The engineered stretch mesh upper helps to resolve this by offering excellent airflow along with a lightweight feel.

Along with that, we loved the ISOFIT dynamic fit system which molds to the individual shape of your foot to give you the best experience possible.

#3 New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Running Shoe

New Balance is one of the most well-respected running shoe brands on the market, and has been for decades.

They consistently produce high-quality shoes that are designed to help athletes achieve their goals by using science and cutting-edge technology.

Their Women’s Fresh Foam Running Shoes are exemplary of this, making them ideal for running on the treadmill.

Coming in 8 different colors, you get quite a few options, and to be honest we did feel the colorways looked a bit dated. However, the overall style is nice and goes well with all kinds of sportswear.

Due to the engineered mesh uppers, these shoes fit well while simultaneously experiencing great breathability.

The lightweight shoes also come with well-placed overlays to help boost the durability and structure. The inner bootie construction feels soft against the skin while also improving upon the integrity of the shoe.

As you’re probably able to guess by the name, this particular model features quite the stack of foam – Fresh Foam to be exact.

This material is precisely placed in the midsole to help protect your feet from the impact on the treadmill while also giving a bit of spring underfoot.

Combine that, with the complex tread on the rubber outsole and you have a grippy, flexible, and wonderfully responsive sneaker.

Overall, if you’re someone who puts a lot of mileage on your shoes and require superior protection and cushioning, these will be the best treadmill running shoes for you.

#4 Brooks Women’s Ghost 11

Next up are the Brooks Women’s Ghost 11s, which feature brand-new technology to give you the stretch and structure you deserve on long treadmill sessions.

As they don’t provide additional stabilization or support for overpronators, these are ideal for those with a neutral gait.

If that’s you, then don’t miss your chance on this pair of incredibly comfortable kicks.

Despite working best for neutral runners, they work well for a variety of experience levels. You may be a complete beginner or a veteran sprinter but the Ghost 11 will be enjoyable no matter what.

The most standout feature for us was the midsole, comprised of the manufacturer’s new foam that gives a lighter feel while maintaining softness and springiness.

In addition, we loved the Segmented Crash Pad, which is a built-in set of shock absorbers. Running on a treadmill can be incredibly hard on your feet and joints, and this shoe notably cushioned and made for a smoother ride.

While we appreciated the extra room in the toe box, we felt that our heels moved around ever so slightly until we changed up the lacing.

While it’s not a big deal, it’s important to mention. If you have bunions or wider feet, these may very well end up being the best women’s treadmill running shoes for you, too!

#5 New Balance Women’s Kaymin V1

We’re back yet again with another New Balance model, but this time we have a Men’s shoe: the Fresh Foam Kaymin V1.

This is actually a trail shoe traditionally speaking, but we found they translated perfectly to the treadmill! If you find yourself needing a shoe for both, we can’t recommend these more.

While you do get quite a few color options, we’ll admit that especially for New Balance, they’re all pretty drab.

That’s what we usually get with trail shoes anyway, though, and it’s nice to have something to choose among.

Textile and synthetic uppers offer some of the toughest durability we’ve come across, so if you’re looking for a pair to take in the outdoors as well, this should be your top pick.

Despite being so strong, they still offer exceptional breathability with the addition of mesh, ensuring your feet stay dry and cool, even on the hottest days.

The rubber sole also reigns when it comes to flexibility and grip, ensuring you stay confident on the treadmill, uneven trails, and even wet surfaces. Along with the all-terrain outsole, the shoe is made to resist constant abrasion and use.

This is one of the smoothest rides we’d have the luck of having, and the NB Response 2 Performance Insert along with the Fresh Foam midsole are to blame.

They provide a cushy kind of comfort that will absorb shock from the treadmill or hard pavement.

#6 Nike Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus 35 Running Shoes

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 is an interesting shoe, starting with a classic base but adding in modern updates to give a snappy and springy ride perfect for the treadmill.

You’ll get a huge array of colors to choose from. Each one is very trendy and attractive, so we’re sure you’ll be able to find the perfect one for you and your likes.

As Nike is one of the hugest running shoe manufacturers in the world, with one of the best reputations, you don’t have to worry about quality here.

The fit is made for pro-level performance, curve-lasted with a partial bootie construction which works to wrap your foot snugly, like a sock.

It’s never too tight, however, and with the removal of a lower eyelet you’ll love the extra flexibility. The entire upper is comprised of Flymesh, which will let air come freely in and out to keep your feet nice and dry.

Flexible cushioning will give you a buttery smooth transition from heel-to-toe, which fits perfectly in with treadmill use. Oftentimes when we run on a treadmill, it feels like we have weights in our shoes.

This is one of the only models that made us feel instantly higher performing.

#7 Puma Tazon 6 FM Cross-Trainer Shoe

While Puma is definitely well-known for their fashion and style appeal, we’ll admit that we hadn’t tried out many shoes from theirs that stood out to us.

That was, of course, before trying their Tazon 6 FM Cross-Trainers. While they’re more than appropriate for your everyday athlete, they’re also made with treadmill runners in mind, offering exceptional cushion and support.

Starting out with the sole, we have your average rubber compound which provides a good amount of grip and durability.

However, not on the level that you’d get from the Air Zoom Pegasus 35 or a dedicated trail shoe.

The outsole is made with a thermoplastic urethane which helps give more support and protection to the arches of your feet, which is crucial when running on the treadmill.

If you’re a heavy heel striker, the EVA foam located in the heel of the shoe will relieve stress on your body, as well.

The midsole features another common EVA filling but remains lightweight and bouncy which will help you better transition from heel-to-toe and make you lighter on your feet.

Finally, the uppers are comprised of mesh and leather. While this makes them very tough and resistant against abrasion, the leather unfortunately doesn’t allow for as much airflow as the others on our guide.

Treadmill Running Shoes Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Treadmill Running Shoes – Buying Guide

After having the chance to read through all of the treadmill running shoes reviews, do you know which pair is right for you and your feet?

If you’re still on-the-fence about making a decision, there’s no need to worry. We’ve decided to go ahead and write up a comprehensive buying guide to ensure that by the time you’re done reading it, there will be no doubt which shoe is the perfect one for you.

Consider Your Routine

First off, it’s important to know what you’re actually going to be doing on a treadmill! Running, jogging, and walking are all different, thus will require different features and designs.

It’s also important to remember that running on a treadmill is completely different from running outdoors. While it’s most similar to running on pavement, there’s still a higher impact absorbed by your feet on treadmills.

That means that cushioning is one of our main priorities.

Cushioning

Contrary to what may seem like common sense, more isn’t always better when it comes to cushioning in a running shoe. What you need is a material that provides protection and support and cushion while still maintaining a certain amount of strength.

Most people who are accustomed to running on a treadmill are going to strike much harder on their heels, so you need a model that will cater to this. Take for example, the Puma Tazon 6s, which specifically have added in extra EVA foam to support your gait while greatly reducing the stress that comes from the impact on the treadmill.

Midsole

This kind of ties in with our last point, but is still a bit different so here we go. The midsole will almost be made of an EVA foam in the case of the best treadmill shoes for running.

The reason why, is because EVA foam is lightweight and balances perfectly between softness and durability. The midsole is not only there to protect your feet from impact and hard surfaces, but to also support your arches.

This is where it’s important to know what kind of feet you have.

Type of Foot

If you are already experiencing any kind of foot pain or discomfort, we highly recommend talking to your podiatrist before buying a pair of running shoes as they may only aggravate your feet and even cause injury.

While this may not be the case for most, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. However, if you don’t have foot pain and discomfort, let’s discuss the types of feet out there.

Normal: This is what most of us out there have, which is why they’re called the norm. The arches are of medium height, and require very little arch support.

Flat Feet: Many of us also have flat feet, which is where we have little, if no arch at all. You won’t see a curve going from your big toe to your heel, and oftentimes you may overpronate. Overpronating is when your feet roll inwards while walking or running, and if this is your case you’ll need extra support and cushioning.

High Arches: High arches probably require the most care of the bunch, as running can cause high arches to fall over time. This means that you need extra arch support, a cushion to absorb shock, and high flexibility in the forefoot.

Weight

Many of us have trouble finding the motivation to run on the treadmill, as our feet may feel heavy. This will slow you down and make it more difficult to get in an efficient run with proper form. To help keep you light on your feet, you’ll need a lighter shoe!

Every single model we’ve reviewed above fits this description. While they will vary in the amount of padding they have and materials they’re comprised of, each one is lightweight enough that you’ll see improved results on the treadmill.

Uppers

A huge factor in the weight of the shoe is the upper. Let’s go ahead and take a look at the most common materials you’ll find in the top treadmill running shoes.

Mesh

This is our favorite choice due to how lightweight and breathable it is. Keep in mind that mesh does vary. You’ll want it to be soft and smooth against the skin – ideally with a bootie inside to keep it fitting like a sock.

If it’s just one piece, that’s even better, as you won’t have to worry about potentially painful seams cutting into your feet.

Leather

Leather is definitely going to be more expensive than any other material, though also longer lasting. Oftentimes you’ll see leather overlays on a mesh upper to add a bit of structure and strength.

The downside to leather is that it’s relatively heavy and allows little to no airflow.

Comfort

Even if you have the most expensive shoes in the world with the most cutting-edge technology, if they’re not comfortable, you’re not going to wear them and they’re not going to do you any good.

You need to feel 100% comfortable in your kicks. Finding the motivation to exercise is hard enough on its own – you don’t need extra hurdles.

Flexibility

Your shoes should naturally flex along with your feet. If they’re not flexible, you can easily and quickly experience pain and issues such as shin splints. A good pair of running shoes for treadmill use shouldn’t bend in the arch, but rather at the ball of the foot. If you twist them, they should also move with ease.

FAQs About Best Treadmill Running Shoes

Q: Can I use trail running shoes on a treadmill?

A: A: Yes, you can. In fact, you can wear your trail running shoes just about anywhere, but we highly recommend using dedicated shoes designed for use on pavement and treadmills if you’re going to be doing this regularly. There are a couple on our guide, like the NB Kaymin Fresh Running that do work well for trails and treadmills.

Q: Should I run barefoot on my treadmill?

A: While you can run barefoot on your treadmill, we don’t really recommend it. After a short period of time, you’re going to notice your feet start to hurt. Treadmills do not have very soft surfaces, so you need a pair of shoes with proper cushioning. In addition, treadmills can generate heat that cause your feet to sweat, which may put you at risk for slipping, aside from being uncomfortable.

Q: Should you wear sneakers on a treadmill?

A: You should always wear appropriate running shoes, ideally those for a treadmill or running on pavement. Just casual sneakers that are made more for fashion than function are also not going to offer you the appropriate amount of flex and cushioning.

Tips For Choosing Treadmill Running Shoes

#1: Remember to replace your shoes based on mileage, not how they look.

This is a common mistake, so don’t feel bad if you didn’t know. After you run between 300 to 500 miles, it’s necessary to replace your shoes. At this point, they’re not going to offer you the same kind of support and protection that they would before due to the materials getting compressed and breaking down.

#2: If you’ve been using barefoot shoes or literally been running barefoot, make sure to slowly transition to a shoe on our guide.

If you overpronate, then you’ll definitely want more supportive shoes. However, if you’re making a transition from them from barefoot shoes, do so slowly. Start by wearing them around the house for a week or so. After that, you can start out walking with them on the treadmill for a week and then start out running as usual.

#3: Try using your natural gait, like running outdoors.

Many who run on a treadmill end up overstepping, which can end up with excess heel-striking, leading to extra stress and pain. If your form feels off in any way, start slower until you feel like you’re using proper form.

Summary

Now that you’re practically an expert in how to choose good treadmill running shoes, which pair is the one for you and your running ventures? No matter which model you select, know that you’re getting one of the top shoes on the market today.

However, what’s most important is that you select the perfect pair for your individual needs and feet. We hope that our guide has helped you do exactly that. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you again soon!

How We Researched

To come up with the top treadmill running shoes, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as REI, Walmart, Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods along with our own personal experience.

The authors consulted sources such as online magazines for research and reviews unbiased information.

By using Fakespot.com we tried to eliminate fake reviews and use only genuine ones.

With so many options available, the authors narrowed down the selections by using products they felt were the best value for the money.

The staff authors have a wide and varied background as fitness trainers, yoga instructors and runners. The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

In order to narrow down the options, we used personal experiences plus recommendations from other trainers and instructors.

Sources