Best Neutral Running Shoes

adidas Evo SL

Between its high-but-not-max stack height and its unbelievably reasonable $150 price tag, adidas is set to rewrite the super trainer playbook with the Evo SL. Rather than proving its performance chops via a jacked up midsole and a jacked up price to match, the Evo SL takes the best from models like the Adios Pro Evo 1 and the Adios Pro 3 to make one of the most exciting, versatile, and value-packed trainers to date.

The Evo SL features a high-performing and durable Continental Rubber outsole, a simple, but very effective engineered mesh upper (whose only flaw was a slippy tongue), a small midfoot shank, and a lively, full-length Lightstrike Pro midsole. Much of the setup mirrors that of the Adios Pro 3 (minus that shoe’s carbon rods). But the Evo SL adopts its rocker geometry from the exceptional Pro Evo 1, placing the rocker point farther back. The result is a shoe that’s bouncy yet stable, great at daily running, and also makes going fast feel easy. Despite its lack of a stiffening element like a plate or rods, the Evo SL has an elite toe-off that competes with shoes well above its price point, making it a perfectly viable (and affordable) option for those looking to go carbonless on race day.

We’d recommend going with your typical adidas size with regard to length (often a half size down from your size in other brands), and the forefoot room makes the Evo SL one of the more wide foot friendly adidas models. However, those who need more space at the rearfoot may need to try it on, as the Evo SL narrows at the heel. See the full review.

Fits: Typical adidas, Drop: 6.5mm, Price: $150

Puma MagMax Nitro

The Puma MagMax Nitro is a fantastic running shoe and is ready to compete with all the other super trainers on the market. For us, it’s one of, if not our favorite long run shoe. It’s also getting worn when our legs need to be babied the day after a hard workout. It’s protective with plenty of cushion but also makes our stride feel fairly effortless with a nice bounce on toe off. The Puma MagMax Nitro is a powerhouse running shoe. Read the full review. 

Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price $180

Mizuno Neo Zen

The Mizuno Neo Zen keeps the exquisite, Smooth Speed Assist rocker geometry and the nitrogen-infused, ENERZY NXT midsole of last year’s well-liked Neo Vista. But the Neo Zen ditches the plate and brings down both the price and the stack to more accessible levels ($150 and a “mere” 40mm in the heel and 34 mm in the forefoot). The X10 rubber outsole bears the same, effective outsole pattern and should provide durability in-line with typical daily running shoes.

The breathable, fully knit upper has a bit more volume in the forefoot than may be necessary, and the lacing in that area isn’t the most effective. However, lockdown is achievable via the rest of the lacing; it may just take a few runs to dial it in completely. But the overall fit nicely accommodates a variety of foot shapes, including our wide-footed friends.

The Mizuno Neo Zen has an incredibly lively and smooth ride that offers an impressive amount of versatility for anything from recovery runs, to track work, to tempo runs, to long runs. The $150 price point and high performance echoes the adidas Evo SL, and we feel the Mizuno Neo Zen likewise provides plenty of value with a fun, bouncy feel. See the full review.

Fits: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $150

Hoka Bondi 9

Hoka has given the Bondi 9 a supercritical EVA midsole (with an additional 2mm of stack) that has considerably more life in it than previous versions. The upper, which Hoka describes as an engineered mesh, feels like a higher-end knit material, and the shoe has a plush and premium feel overall.

While you’re not going to be able to pick up the pace in it, the Bondi 9 is super comfortable for easy runs, recovery runs, some long runs, walking, and/or standing all day. The MetaRocker and upgraded foam allow this max-cushion, hulk-of-a-shoe to somewhat belie its bulk, making for a surprisingly smooth and stable ride.

We ultimately felt this foam and overall setup outperforms that of the recently-debuted Hoka Skyflow. Testers were split on whether the Bondi 9 truly earns its slightly higher, $170 price point compared to other strong performers in its category in the $160-$165 range. But one thing is certain: the Bondi 9 is easily the best-running Bondi that Hoka has made. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $170

Nike Vomero 18

The Nike Vomero 18 is the first entry in Nike’s new Maximum Cushioning pillar. In fact, its 46mm heel/36mm forefoot gives it the highest stack ever in a Vomero. The combination of a thin ZoomX layer on top and a beefy hunk of ReactX foam underneath make for a ride that feels more like a hybrid of the Vomero 17 and the InfinityRN 4 rather than a true Vomero (minus the InfinityRN’s polarizingly prominent arch); the Vomero 18 loses some of the uptempo versatility of Vomeros of yore as a side effect. While all that extra cushion also means a significant weight increase that won’t escape notice, performance doesn’t actually suffer. The Vomero 18 successfully resists feeling at all clompy or bulky thanks to the improved rocker geometry and smooth ride. The result is a shoe that may be less inclined toward pacy stuff but that’s highly capable of keeping you turning over in comfort through even your longest of marathon training runs.

While lacing and the mesh upper are different from the Vomero 17, the added heel tab is the only significant upgrade regarding the upper. As for the outsole, there’s thick durable, waffle-patterned rubber where it counts and a less dense, boxy pattern in less high-wear areas to save a bit of weight. The waffle pattern gripped well on multiple surfaces, and, while durability may not be at the quite same (extremely high) level of the Vomero 17’s outsole, it should be in the typical 300-500 mile range. The fit is true-to-size in length; however, we’d suggest most wide footers opt for the wide version, as the standard Vomero 18 isn’t particularly accommodating. Ultimately, the Vomero 18 may sacrifice some speed in favor of cushion, but it’s a reliable, easy day and long-distance cruiser with a smooth, efficient ride – and it comes in at a surprisingly competitive price. See the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $150

Asics Novablast 5

The Asics Novablast 5 has (to many) been the epitome of a daily trainer for a few years running now. While we at WearTesters enjoyed the added support and durability that the Novablast 4 brought, we felt it lacked the pop of the Novablast 3. We were thrilled to find that the Novablast 5 seems to marry the best parts of each to create a highly successful, do-it-all daily trainer that’s sure to be a hit with fans of the Novablast line – and it does so with a new midsole compound, FF BLAST MAX.

We first saw this new foam in the top layer of the Asics GlideRide Max, and it’s a squishier, softer foam than the FF BLAST PLUS ECO of last year’s Novablast 4. Luckily, its implementation here in the Novablast 5 gave us all the sink-in comfort we could want without blunting the hoped-for response when we took it through faster paces. While it may not be quite as speedy as the Novablast 3, it unequivocally feels faster and more versatile than the Novablast 4. It also offers great comfort, stability, and durability (thanks to the deeper pattern of the AHAR LO outsole rubber). The comfy tongue is even gusseted now, which should put an end to the slippery tongue issues of previous Novablasts. Asics has swapped the engineered woven upper for an engineered jacquard mesh that poofs a bit at the forefoot, which is perhaps our only cause for disappointment. But, seeing as that sacrifices aesthetics more than performance – and seeing as the upper swap may be in part responsible for keeping the price at an extremely competitive $140 – we can’t argue with the result. Its accommodating, true-to-size fit (plus availability of a wide version), excellent price, protective comfort, and incredible versatility make the Novablast 5 an easy shoe to point to for those looking for “one affordable shoe to rule them all.” Full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $140

Brooks Glycerin Max

The Brooks Glycerin Max is the company’s first entry into the truly max-cushioned, super trainer category, and it’s one heck of a debut. The nitrogen-infused, brand-new DNA Tuned midsole setup, with its softer central portion of cushioning surrounded by a denser outer cage, makes for plenty of comfort directly under the foot without sacrificing stability around corners. Brooks also uses dual-cell technology, which means there are larger cells of foam in the heel and smaller cells in the forefoot. That tech combines with the GlideRoll Rocker geometry to create ultra forgiving heel landings that quickly transition into satisfyingly bouncy toe-offs.

Grip and durability were impressive, though the outsole does have a tendency to pick up tiny, pebbly interlopers. And while the upper performs solidly and is wide-foot friendly, it doesn’t quite live up to Brooks’ own lofty standards. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the Glycerin Max for anything from recovery runs, to long runs, to long tempo sessions, making it an extremely worthy choice at the $200 price point. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price $200

Asics Superblast 2

The Asics Superblast 2 is an all around improvement from last year’s cult classic. It’s versatile enough to handle anything a runner needs to do including easy runs, tempo runs, speed work, and race days. It’s wide foot friendly with an accommodating engineered woven mesh upper that molds to your feet. The traction, stability, durability, and breathability are all top notch. And the great upper sits on top of a soft yet bouncy FF Turbo+/FF Blast Plus Eco midsole that delivers a fantastic ride. The Superblast 2 doesn’t have any glaring negatives (a rare occurrence in the shoe reviewing business). It’s one of the best shoes on the market. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $200

Hoka Mach 6

The Hoka Mach 6 is the best the Hoka Mach series has ever been. The Mach 6 and its bouncy super critical EVA midsole can do daily miles, speed sessions, and long runs while providing very good durability and fantastic impact protection.

If you’re a wide footer you’ll need to choose the wide version but otherwise the upper and its gully gusseted tongue is comfortable. The Durabrasion rubber outsole is both great in all conditions and durable. The Mach 6 is a shoe that does everything well and is well worth it’s $140 price. tag. Read the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $140

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is New Balance’s most versatile and useful daily running shoe despite not featuring a higher end stack height. The Peba/EVA blend of FuelCell is bouncy and makes it easy to pick the pace (maybe too easy). The upper is accommodating and breathable. The Rebel v4 is also lightweight and stable with durable traction. It’s more shoe than previous Rebels but that makes it accessible to more foot types, and ultimately, more people. It’s one of 2024’s best all around running shoes. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $140

Brooks Glycerin 22

The Brooks Glycerin 22 swaps out last year’s nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 for Brooks’ new DNA Tuned midsole compound. DNA Tuned (which is also nitrogen-infused) first debuted in 2024’s Brooks Glycerin Max, and we thoroughly enjoyed the dual-cell technology’s plush-feeling heel and bouncier forefoot. That successfully carries over to the Glycerin 22, making it once again a bit more speed-capable than many companies’ premium daily trainers in the $160-$170 range. Along with the new foam, Brooks has resculpted the midsole to update the Glycerin’s aesthetic.

The upper material is now double jacquard knit rather than warp knit, but the feel is similar in practice – which is to say, nice and plush. The reworked heel collar and elasticized pull tab give us strong Asics Gel-Nimbus 25, 26, and 27 vibes, and the comfort around the ankle is indeed next-level (as is the case with the Asics models from which inspiration seems to have been drawn…).

The fit is TTS and consistent with previous Glycerins, though the mild structure in the eyelet chain may result in a feeling of less volume for some. There’s a good amount of room in the forefoot that will be enough for many slightly-wide-footers, and those needing more space will find additional widths available. The outsole rubber has shifted to a looping pattern and has a touch more coverage at the midfoot. The result is a ride with less flexibility than the Glycerin 21’s layout gave us, but the change could easily go unnoticed by many runners. While outsole performance was solid, we did notice less durability and not quite the top-tier performance that we experienced in the Glycerin 21 and Glycerin 20. There’s still enough rubber to last, but topping 400 miles may not be in the cards for this year’s model.

Overall, the Brooks Glycerin 22 is another strong entry in the Glycerin line and is worth its price point when positioned against its competitors. But even though the 22 has an improved midsole, we’d still recommend getting the Glycerin 21 at its now-discounted price – so long as you don’t mind waiting a few more months for the Glycerin 22’s extra forefoot bounce. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price $165

Puma Deviate Nitro 3

The Puma Deviate Nitro 3 is a great all-around running shoe, with the only concern being a narrower fit (though there is a wide version on the Puma website). The Deviate Nitro 3 doesn’t feel great in terms of the initial step-in squish but feels amazing the more you run, and the faster you run. It’s a smooth ride with a cushion/plate combo that feels great during workouts and helps the legs recover quicker.

The upper is breathable and very comfortable. The outsole uses Pumagrip, the best rubber outsole compound currently available, so you’ll get 100% confidence in the traction no matter the conditions. The Deviate Nitro 3 is one shoe that can do it all and delivers value at the $160 price point because it can soak up daily miles and go uptempo with great results whenever needed.

Fits: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $160

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 continues to be the best shoe in Saucony’s line despite a full aesthetic overhaul. There’s something about the way the TPU plate, Saucony’s Speedroll rocker, and the PWRRUN PB work together. It’s magic on speed days and really earns the Speed name. Despite a more narrow toebox, the Endorphin Speed 4 is one of the most versatile shoes on the market. And, if you don’t like carbon-plated shoes, the Speed 4 is a great option for race day. Read the full review. 

Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price $170

Puma Velocity Nitro 3

The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is the best Velocity Nitro yet. The upper is improved and much more locked in than version 2 but still not wide footer friendly. The bounce from the Puma Nitro midsole feels great underfoot and can handle a lot of miles. The PumaGrip outsole is, as always, elite. The Velocity Nitro 3 provides great value and is a great shoe to recommend to friends and family that come to you for running shoe advice.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 10mm, Price $135

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 sports not only one of the biggest names you’ll find on the market these days, but also one of the biggest, plushest hunks of midsole $150 can buy. It improves upon an already beloved previous version (the More v4) with a more dialed-in fit, better outsole durability, updated aesthetic, and all the cushy, fun underfoot protection you could want without the risk of immediately rolling an ankle. If you already have a speed shoe in your rotation, the More v5 will take care of the rest of your daily, recovery, and long runs in seemingly bottomless amounts of comfort – and you’ll have fun covering those miles in the process. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 4mm, Price: $155

adidas Adizero SL2

The adidas Adizero SL2 is the second iteration of adidas’ versatile daily running shoe. It provides great value and a smooth ride. The outsole rubber is plentiful and hardly showed any wear during our testing. The midsole is Lightstrike with a full length Lightstrike Pro insert. That setup offers just enough plushness to feel good for 8-10 miles and enough bounce to go uptempo when needed. The midsole geometry and the upper mimic adidas’ race day Adios Pro 3 thus allowing the Adizero SL2 to be a great everyday complement to what you’re wearing on race day.

The upper is comfy and well padded with super comfy Achilles pillows, though the tongue is not gusseted and slippy. The fit is more accommodating than adidas’ other Adizero shoes but the toebox is pointy and won’t be suitable for those with the widest feet. For $130, the Adizero SL2 packs a solid value proposition for a shoe that can handle daily runs, some speed work, or all day on your feet.

Fits: Up a half size from typical adidas, Drop: 9.5mm, Price: $130

Puma Magnify Nitro 2

The Puma Magnify Nitro 2 is one of our favorite daily runners. At $140, it’s priced right for a high-end cushioned running shoe and has the most cushion of any Puma shoe. The super comfortable knit upper provides an accommodating fit and molds to your foot over time. You also get lots of Puma Grip on the bottom that will provide top-tier traction. Your knees and feet will thank you for putting these shoes on for a run. Read the full review. 

Fit: True to size, Drop: 10mm, Price $140

361 Eleos

While 361 is familiar to basketball shoe consumers, it’s not as well known for running shoes. But the 361 Eleos is a dependable daily running shoe that can pick up the tempo when needed. This neutral cushioned shoe has a fairly standard but comfortable engineered mesh upper that accommodates wider feet. The 36mm stack of supercritical Primo Foam (30mm in the forefoot) underfoot is bouncy and protective. The wide base also adds solid side to side stability to this fun package. And at $145, it’s value priced compared to lots of other shoes on the market.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $145

Asics Novablast 4

The Asics Novablast 4 improves almost everything from the awesome Novablast 3 (now on sale) but pulls back a bit on the fun factor in order to give the shoe more mass appeal. It’s more comfortable with improved stability and better traction. It still picks up speed nicely but isn’t as energetic as the original. At $140, it’s a high value do-everything shoe. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $140

Brooks Glycerin 21

The Brooks Glycerin 21 is a clear upgrade from the Glycerin 20 with signature Brooks comfort and fit. The DNA Loft v3 midsole is bouncy and the upper is plush all around. The ride and the traction also get high marks for this versatile trainer. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price $160

Brooks Ghost Max

The Brooks Ghost Max has soft, fluffy cushion, a smooth feel, good stability, and a super comfortable upper that’s also very wide and flat foot ready. Even with lower-than-average durability thanks to a soft outsole, it packs a lot of value. And it’s the only current Brooks road shoe with a drop lower than 8mm. It’s a different feel than what Brooks fans are used to but that’s not a bad thing. The Ghost Max is ready to protect your feet and legs as you pound the pavement. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price $150

Hoka Clifton 10

Despite the shift from a 5mm drop to an 8mm drop and SEVERAL millimeters of added stack height to bring it more in-line with modern midsole offerings, the Clifton 10 still remains pretty much as Clifton-y as its predecessors. It’s the sort of shoe that doesn’t pack much in the way of flash or excitement, but it delivers on Hoka’s promise of being “a trusted trainer for daily maintenance miles”.

The shift in heel-to-toe drop was detectable but not overly dramatic to our testers, as the CMEVA midsole foam compresses fairly easily so as to even out some of the extra heel cushioning. The Durabrasion outsole has a good amount of rubber that seems to provide average durability and performance. But the exposed foam at the midfoot may take a significant beating, depending on your high-wear areas.

The upper is nothing special, but it’s solidly comfortable and does the job, even without a gusseted tongue. While the upper’s material closely resembles that of the Clifton 9, the Clifton 10 appears to be built on a different last. Wide-footers will want to opt for one of the additional widths Hoka will have available.

All-in-all, the Clifton 10 is a solid option for those looking for a trusty daily trainer with some long-run range, and the $150 price point seems mostly appropriate for how this latest Clifton now stacks up to its competition. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $150, Releasing April 15, 2025