Women's Running Magazine

Saucony ProGrid Mirage
Price: $100

Saucony’s ProGrid Mirage was a hands-down favorite for fit, comfort and style. Tipping the scales at only 7.9 ounces, the Mirage feels like a lightweight trainer, but is supportive enough to work as an everyday shoe. A slightly raised heel allows for a smooth transition, and runners reported that that this model helped to improve turnover during speedy workouts. Touted as a "minimalist" shoe, the Mirage bridged the gap between barefoot-loving runners and the stability-obsessed. One tester summed it up: "I love these shoes!

saucony.com

WR testers say:

• "These shoes fit perfectly and are very cute."
• "I would definitely recommend these shoes to a friend."
• "These shoes are really light and flexible, but also provided a lot of support while I was running."
• "The shoes had absolutely no hotspots and I had no blisters after wearing for the first time."

Asics Gel-DS Trainer 16
Price: $110

The testers have spoken! It’s no surprise that a running shoe that has seen over a dozen updates was one of our testers’top choices. With the release of the Gel-DS Trainer 16, Asics has continued to improve on its ever-popular model, creating a sleeker look and adding a clutching system to the heel that prevents slippage. "These shoes are exceptionally shock-absorbent," raved one tester, who noted "a very low-impact landing." An anatomically correct lacing design and a supportive mid-sole are great for runners with high arches.

8.5 ounces, asicsamerica.com

WR testers say:

• "I like the style of the shoes. Very basic and simple looking."
• "I usually wear a size 7, but these felt a little tight, so they may run a bit small."
• "When I wore these outside, I could feel the breeze in my feet. The shoes are very breathable."
• "I have extremely high arches, so the "hourglass" design of this shoe hugs the curves of my foot to give me much-appreciated support in the center of my feet. Each shoe fits like a glove."