Best Running Shoes 2025: Expert-tested and Reviewed

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

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6

New Balance once again brings its singular approach to the max-cushion category with the plushly stacked, ultra-protective, yet surprisingly stable Fresh Foam X More v6. Made to soak up miles, it’s an approachable update with a slightly less squishy and more consistently smooth and controlled ride.

The Pros are clear: Fresh Foam X remains one of the top-performing midsole foams in the category; it’s good for new runners and longtime athletes looking for a comfortable ride; and the overall package is the gold standard for max-cushion daily trainers. The Cons are unsurprising in that this isn’t a shoe meant for anything other than easy cruising, and the New Balance aesthetic may not be for everyone. But in a market full of super foams and max-cushion behemoths, New Balance reminds everyone why it’s king of the high-stack shoes with the phenomenal Fresh Foam X More v6. It’s a great shoe for new runners needing a training partner that can help them develop both physical and mental fortitude. And veteran runners will appreciate the More v6 for its comfort and cruisy nature on those easy and long-run days when discipline needs to overcome a lack of motivation. It’s also a rare max-stack shoe in that it’s stable enough to further function as a walking shoe.

All in all, the $155 price may well be a bit of a steal, and the true-to-size, standard fit is even wide-foot friendly. There are also additional Wide and X-Wide options in both men’s and women’s sizing. For more details on the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6, read the full review.

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

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

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

Puma Velocity Nitro 4

The Puma Velocity NITRO 4 is a versatile, responsive daily trainer that provides comfort and durability that make it easily worth the $140 price.

Among its many Pros are: its versatility for all types of runs; a comfortable, peppy NITROFOAM midsole; an elite PUMAGRIP outsole; nice breathability; and an upper that conforms to the foot. The Cons are: a pointy toebox in general and a fit that isn’t wide-foot friendly (though is true-to-size in length). We’re hoping Puma adds a wide option in future so those who need more room don’t have to miss out on this stellar performer. While it doesn’t feature a super high stack by today’s standards, the Velocity NITRO 4 is in a sweet spot that can handle a voluminous and varied workload of anything from easy and recovery miles, to some speedwork, to even long runs. Its versatility not only secures its value proposition at $140, it even allows it to compete well with many shoes priced in the $150 to $160 range.

It’s not a great option for our wide-footed friends, but everyone else will be able to enjoy this cool-looking, high-performing daily running shoe. For more details on the Puma Velocity NITRO 4, read the full review.

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

adidas Boston 13

The adidas Adizero Boston 13 makes some positive changes from the Boston 12 and creates a fantastic uptempo shoe that complements the rest of adidas’ powerhouse performance running line. 

Pros abound, such as the bouncy Lightstrike Pro in the forefoot that’s great for speed work, the less stiff, but effective carbon energy rods that are tuned for long-distance training, an extremely comfortable tongue and collar for all-around comfort, and a highly stable ride for heel strikers. While the Lighttraxion outsole with Continental rubber grips extremely well, its subpar durability is the Boston 13’s main Con.

While some wide-footers may find enough room in the toebox, the midfoot might not be accommodating enough for others. We often suggest going a half size down in adidas vs other brands, and that’s our recommendation here for many. But wide-footers in particular will do best to try on the Boston 13 in-store (or order from somewhere with a good return policy) to be sure it will work for them.

The adidas Adizero Boston 13 manages to deliver super trainer and speed work performance at the same price as many daily trainers ($160), making it a great value. It’s best used for a hybrid of easy miles and speedy ones, whether training calls for intervals on the track, long-distance tempo or threshold sessions, or fartleks. The Boston 13 thrives most when leg turnover increases, and it possesses a versatility that’s accessible no matter the size, shape, or footstrike of the runner. For more details, read the full review.

Fits: Typical adidas, Drop: 6mm, Price: $160

Asics Megablast

The Asics Megablast, which I’m declaring the best “blast” of them all, is a personal favorite for good reason, providing a ridiculous amount of cushion with its FF Turbo² midsole that is so bouncy and responsive you’ll seriously wonder how Asics managed it without a plate. This shoe provides a super shoe-like helping hand for everything from a road mile to long runs, offering a fantastic experience that makes running easier and proving its versatility as a top-tier super trainer. However, the upper presents a polarizing, slim race fit, complete with a lackluster tongue and a pointy toebox that will unfortunately rule out many wide footers who won’t be able to experience its luscious bounce. Despite those minor gripes, Asics has delivered one of the most fun and high-performing shoes on the market, easily justifying the $225 price tag for runners who want a plateless, durable option for their toughest workouts and long efforts. For more details, read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $225

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

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

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. Price: $150

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

Mizuno Neo Vista 2

The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 continues to prioritize the soft and springy ride, max-stack versatility, and smooth geometry of the original. While some aspects of the shoe’s roll-through could be polarizing depending on a runner’s mechanics, the Neo Vista 2 remains a great option for those seeking a fun and bouncy super trainer that makes the ground all but disappear underfoot.

Pros include: one-shoe-to-do-it-all versatility; the king (and queen) of bounce; and a unique aesthetic guaranteed to turn heads. Cons to consider: its high stack may not be for all runners; true wide-footers may be challenged by the fit; and…is there such a thing as too much bounce/plushness…? The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 is true-to-size in length but narrows sharply at the back of the midfoot and heel to help the effective knit upper achieve a secure and supportive fit. So if you need lots of room at the back of the foot, you may need to pass. But many wide-footers will find sufficient room up front for toe splay. The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 is a versatile super trainer built to soak up the miles and blunt the impact forces that typically make the body feel drained. It can do long runs and the tempo sections your coach throws into them as your target race gets close. It also excels at easy-paced recovery runs where taking care of the body is key.

The Mizuno Neo Vista 2’s impressive midsole, support, and really the total package all allow it to hold its own at the common super trainer price of $200. You’re not getting hidden value, but you’re getting something fun and functional enough to make you feel good about spending that much while you cruise through the miles. For more details, read the full review.

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

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

Brooks Hyperion Max 3

The Brooks Hyperion Max 3 is a long-run ready super trainer with an all-new cushioning setup that takes the shoe to the next level of underfoot comfort and response. A plush but bouncy DNA GOLD (PEBA)/SpeedVault plate/DNA FLASH v2 combo in the midsole, the RapidRoll Rocker geometry’s smooth transitions, and a breathable and comfortable sock-like upper with nice heel and tongue padding all combine for Pros aplenty. Whereas outsole durability issues, an increase in weight (in accordance with the massive increase in stack height), and tightness through the midfoot account for the Hyperion Max 3’s Cons.

As a result of the upper design, we’re not sure this is the most wide-foot friendly option from Brooks and definitely suggest wide-footers – especially those who need extra room anywhere throughout the midfoot – try on the Hyperion Max 3 in-store or purchase it from somewhere with a good return policy. But the Hyperion Max 3’s long-distance versatility, its bouncy, high-end foam, and its comfort justify the $200 price point, and it now competes well with shoes like the same-priced Asics Superblast 2 (which seems to always have much more limited availability).

This high stack of foam isn’t necessarily suitable for those with ankle stability issues or traversing sketchy, uneven roads. But for long runs where extra plushness and bounce make a big difference for either uptempo work or simply for protecting the body from taking a pounding, the Hyperion Max 3 is a very reliable and fun companion. For more details, read the full review.

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

Reebok Floatzig 2

The Reebok FloatZig 2 gets a new midsole foam and ascends to a new level even as the price drops from $130 to $120. Pros are as follows: it’s a top-of-the-line budget trainer; the SuperFloat+ midsole foam is a big upgrade; it has a smooth ride for easy runs; and it sports an awesome, vintage 90s Reebok aesthetic. Cons include: trick-or-treat traction and not being ideal for speedy or long-distance runs. The Reebok FloatZig 2 fits true-to-size and has a very accommodating but secure fit that should work for narrow, average, and even wide-footers. It’s a shoe that’s best used for daily miles at an easy or recovery pace, jogging, or general use. Our reviewers would like to further point out that it’s also useful for looking good. So. The Reebok FloatZig 2 ultimately packs a better midsole, improved upper/fit, and weighs less than its predecessor—and it does all of that for $10 less. In the budget market for quality running shoes, the FloatZig 2 is the only $120 option that truly maximizes value. For more details, read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $120

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

Puma Fast-R 3

The Puma Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 is a leap forward for Puma’s marathon racing shoes, and an independent study shows it provides an astonishing 3.15% improvement in running economy. Those legitimate study results that back up its marketing claims, a midsole with a smooth rocker and elite bounce, a minimal but comfortable upper, and the potential to work well for various footstrikes (despite its midsole cutouts) are among the Fast-R 3’s impressive and numerous Pros.

Its Cons include an annoying, paper-thin, foldy tongue that is difficult to set in place (though it then stays put on the run), questionable outsole durability that’s uncharacteristic of typical Puma shoes (though the incredible grip remains), and a high price point. Length is true-to-size, but we’d caution that wide-footers should definitely try on the Fast-R 3 in-store (or purchase from somewhere with a good return policy) due to the definitively snug fit throughout.

The efficiency the Fast-R 3 offers is undeniable, and it’s best used for road races from the 5K to the marathon along with the workouts – like intervals, tempo, and threshold runs – that come with training for those races. It may not be the road racing shoe for everyone, but the Fast-R 3 sits firmly in the top tier of racing shoes and should be in the consideration set of any runner who’s looking for every little edge to climb the mountain to their next PR. For more details, read the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price $300

Asics Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo

The Asics Metaspeed Sky and Edge Tokyo, which continue Asics’ pattern of obfuscating the true nature of their top-tier road racers, delivers what is easily the brand’s best racing shoe yet by perfectly balancing soft, bouncy, and stable cushioning.

The Edge is aimed squarely at the cadence runners, or midfoot/heel strikers, with the FF Leap and FF Turbo+ foams distributed to provide maximum plushness up front and maximum stability in the rear. The Sky is aimed at forefoot strikers with the cushion and plate changed around to optimize for that movement pattern.

While the featherweight Motion Wrap 3.0 upper is extremely breathable and offers great lockdown for quick cornering, Asics annoyingly brought back the same subpar, foldy synthetic suede tongue that saves weight but fails to relieve lace pressure. Ultimately, despite that vexing tongue, the Metaspeed Sky and Edge Tokyo are go-to race day options, providing excellent stability and traction with ASICSGRIP, and offering proper value at the $270 price point for any road race distance from the mile up to the marathon.

Read the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo review

Read the Metaspeed Edge Tokyo review

Fits: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $270

Brooks Hyperion Elite 5

The Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 is the best Brooks race shoe to date and competes well with all other top-tier marathon racing shoes, finally showing runners that Brooks cares just as much about race day as the everyday.

It boasts an impressive list of Pros: elite bounce from the (100% PEBA) DNA GOLD midsole; plush impact protection on landings; a highly breathable TPU pressed upper; a lightweight, barely-there feel; and a grippy, durable outsole. The Cons were not universally experienced but should be noted: some testers found the low-profile heel can cause lockdown issues requiring a runner’s knot; and the shoe is not wide-foot friendly due to its slim fit through the forefoot and heel. It’s worth mentioning, however, that the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 is a unisex, D-width shoe—meaning those who usually wear B-width shoes (the standard in women’s sizing) may not experience the fit in quite the same way. It will be best to try it on to determine if the fit is accommodating enough for your needs (especially for contending with the foot swell common in long-distance racing). The length is true-to-size.

While the Hyperion Elite 5’s $275 price hurts our soul, that is the way pricing is trending (and higher) for flagship marathon racing models. And the shoe does deliver as one of the best of the best. The Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 is best used for long-distance road racing from the 5K to marathon distances and all the interval, tempo, and long-run workouts needed along the way to prepare to perform your best at all those distances. It’s a total package where the upper, traction, and cushion all work together to help you feel fast. For more details, read the full review.

Fits: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $275

Hoka Cielo X1 2.0

The Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is Hoka’s premier road racing super shoe with a dual-layer, PEBA midsole bisected by a snappy carbon plate. Whether racing anything from a 5K to a marathon, running a tempo or interval session, or doing any other workouts that require picking up speed, the Cielo X1 2.0 is a reliable (and fun) companion. While there are great road racing shoes priced below $275, the Cielo X1 2.0 does deliver on top-tier performance.

Our testers agreed on very clear Pros, namely its protective, incredibly bouncy midsole and efficient rocker, solid stability for a race day shoe, lightweight, breathable, and comfortable upper with excellent lockdown, and its ability to make fast running feel easier. Neither tester found the Cielo X1 2.0’s Cons to be dealbreakers, noting the outsole shows signs of wear quickly, and the upper isn’t particularly stretchy (making it extra important that the fit works for you).

The Cielo X1 2.0 is offered in unisex sizing, so be sure to pay close attention to Hoka’s size conversions if you typically wear women’s sizing. This could be an advantage if you are a small-footer who wears women’s sizing but who also needs extra room in the forefoot. Those who typically wear men’s (or women’s wide) sizing might note a snugger, slightly short racing fit. So while true-to-size will still likely work for most, trying it on will be worthwhile for those on the margins of their typical size. For more details, read the full review.

Fit: True-to-size but slightly short, Drop: 7mm, Price $275

adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

The adidas Adios Pro 4 is the most comfortable and lightest Adios Pro model to date. It won’t have enough impact protection for all runners and isn’t a good shoe for wide footers, but it ratchets up the squish and snappiness of the Adios Pro line to a new level.

Pro athletes wearing adidas shoes like the Adios Pro 3 and Evo 1 are already setting records. I suspect that will continue with the Adios Pro 4. The adidas product team created a shoe that feels fast as soon as you hold it in hand and feels even faster once it’s on foot. It delivers the majority of the Evo 1’s innovations to the table at half the price. Because of that, we’re going to see a lot of runners running very fast in the adidas Adios Pro 4. Read the full review.

Fit: Typical adidas, Drop: 6mm, Price $250

Nike Alphafly 3

The Nike Alphafly 3 is the best Alphafly to date and its super bouncy nature makes it easy to maintain marathon pace. It’s more accommodating and comfortable than previous models and includes a less pronounced arch (but it’s still ever-present). It’s still not a very stable shoe around corners and a lot of the heel material is cut away so hard heel strikers will have better options. The price is high, but if you miss the original Alphafly magic, you’ll get most of it back by wearing the Alphafly 3. Read the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $285

Tracksmith Eliot Racer

The Tracksmith Eliot Racer is a top-tier road racing shoe that’s different from any racing shoe you’ve used before. The drop-in midsole setup works well and is unique in road running (though drop-in midsoles are familiar to our WearTesters audience due to their occasional presence in basketball performance footwear). The carrier foam is Pebax, and the removable ATPU drop-in sits atop a scooped carbon fiber plate. The result is a bouncy, responsive, and protective race day shoe in which the lack of glue (thanks to the drop-in setup) really allows the energy return to shine for runners of all sizes. The Eliot Racer feels smoother and better the higher the effort.

The outsole has more rubber than expected, which indicates Tracksmith may be prioritizing durability. As for grip, the traction was a mixed bag that resembled most racing shoes: good but not the best in awful weather. But thanks to the drop-in midsole’s sidewalls, the broad forefoot, a tightly gusseted tongue, and the Tracksmith sash that locks down the midfoot, the Eliot Racer is on the upper end of the spectrum in terms of racing shoe stability. The upper’s mesh doesn’t retain water, and the microsuede tongue and liner add comfort. Heel lockdown might need some fine-tuning via either simple tightening of the top laces or a runner’s knot, but it is achievable. The Eliot Racer’s wider-than-usual-forefoot, straighter last, and taller toebox allow for more wiggle room and toe splay compared to many race-day options, making it possible for wide-footers to enjoy what it has to offer.

That said, the price is certainly at the higher end of the price continuum of distance race models. So if you’re price conscious, the Tracksmith Eliot Racer might not be the right road racing shoe for you. But if you can swing it and want bounce, support, understated and high-end looks, plus Tracksmith’s reputation for durability, the Eliot Racer will be worth the money. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 7.5mm, Price: $280

Nike Vaporfly 4

The Nike Vaporfly 4 is not the Vaporfly you’re used to, but it’s just as ready to race. It offers plenty of super shoe Pros, such as it being the lightest Vaporfly yet, a bouncy and poppy ZoomX midsole, a more streamlined on-foot feel, and a highly breathable and comfortable upper.

While the Vaporfly 4 is a solid value for the price, its Cons include a lack of support, a low-volume and not super accommodating race fit that isn’t wide-foot friendly, and an underfoot feel that may cap out at the half marathon for some runners.

The Nike Vaporfly 4 is best used for road races from the 5K to the marathon (though, again, some may need more support for the full marathon distance) as well as track work, long pace workouts, intervals, or anything else that requires driving those knees forward. For a more detailed rundown of the Nike Vaporfly 4, read the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $260

North Face VECTIV Enduris 4

The North Face VECTIV Enduris 4 impressed our testers with its forward-thinking tech, resultant versatility, and its highly competitive price. It’s a great trail all-arounder for beating up on all-day outings, for everyday miles, and even for racing. The combination of its comfortable DREAM midsole made of nitrogen-injected TPU, a rockered design, and a full-length, winged VECTIV 3.0 TPU plate offers a nice balance of plenty of stability and some added bounce and propulsion when you call upon it.

The upper is durable yet lightweight, breathable, and locks the foot down securely. The SURFACE CTRL rubber outsole and its 4mm lugs performed well on dirt, rocks, leaves, and even snow. It doesn’t necessarily blow the competition out of the water, but it’s rugged and sticky; and it also maintains enough flexibility to pair well with the rest of the more propulsive elements of the shoe.

The forefoot of the upper is wide-foot friendly with regard to fit, but some may find the additional support from the wings of the TPU plate to cause pain points at the medial and lateral sides of the ball of the foot. The only other con our testers found was that the Enduris 4 doesn’t drain water very well.

Overall, the North Face VECTIV Enduris 4 points to the future of versatile trail shoes with its innovative design. It offers a great balance of comfort, stability, and propulsive bounce, giving it a wide range of use cases for just about any training or racing modality on the trails. Read the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $160

Brooks Caldera 8

The Brooks Caldera 8 makes some upper improvements but keeps the comfortable midsole and dependable outsole from the Caldera 7, making it perfect for those who want not only comfort, but also support and security for their long, slow miles running or hiking the trails. 

Pros include: a bouncy, plush, and protective DNA LOFT v3 midsole, an accommodating (wide-foot friendly) fit and comfortable but breathable upper, an impressive amount of support for such a high-stack shoe, and a dependable and durable TrailTack outsole. Potential Cons are that the Caldera 8 isn’t the most nimble on technical terrain, with a focus on comfort rather than speed, and it rides a bit stiffer than the previous version.

The Caldera 8 justifies the $150 price point with its combination of cushioned comfort, support, and durability. For more details, read the full review.

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

Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide

The Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide is an ultra-distance, mixed-terrain, non-plated super shoe with a dual-foam setup.

Its greatest Pros include: a bouncy energyFOAM+ (PEBA) core that makes it perfect for long distances, an EVA chassis for top-tier protection and side-to-side support, a neoprene-like tongue and ¾-bootie that are well-padded and protective, with a comfortable upper that’s stretchy in all the right places. Cons involve: inconsistent traction on technical terrain from eye-catching but risky relieveSPHERE outsole, the bottom of the tongue that bunches and folds together, it’s one of the heavier high-end trail shoes, and it will be hit-and-miss for wide-footers with regard to fit.

As long as your planned use of the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide aligns with its strengths – primarily comfort and plenty of leg-saving pep over long hours on well-groomed trails (whether for long training miles or race days) – it could warrant the $250 price point. But you’ll likely need to avoid taking it to super technical environments. For more details, read the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price $250

Tracksmith Eliot Runner

The Tracksmith Eliot Runner is easily the best-looking running shoe on the market. It’s got a casual aesthetic that only running shoes from the 80s and 90s can truly match. The great colorways and spectacular craftsmanship make it that much better. And the engineered mesh upper is extremely comfortable.

But it’s also imminently runnable. Putting the Eliot Runner on foot you get soft step-in feedback from the overly thick supercritical Pebax insole. And while the Pebax midsole is firmer, it delivers a consistent ride. It’s easy to pick up speed in the Eliot Runner but you won’t get energy return like a carbon-plated shoe. The Eliot Runner is a throwback that efficient runners will love.

It’s also the perfect shoe for walking around all day. The type of shoe you take on vacation because it’ll look and feel great for all-day sightseeing while also allowing you to log your miles in the mornings or evenings.

The price and experience are premium. This isn’t a shoe for everyone but it sure is fun to wear. See the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 9mm, Price $198

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

Mizuno Neo Vista

Perhaps one of the best under the radar shoes on the market, the Mizuno Neo Vista, sports a radical geometry (called Smooth Speed Assist) that pay dividends on long runs. The geometry makes you feel like you’re falling forward with every step and keeps your stride smooth as the miles drag on. The Mizuno Enerzy NXT foam and plant-based Wave Plate also provide good bounce. And though we were initially skeptical of the knit upper, it adapts well to most if not all foot shapes and can be considered wide foot friendly. The collar may hit too high on the ankle for some but it’s nothing a pair of crew socks can’t solve. The $180 price point feels high at first glance but you get everything you pay for with this ultra smooth, versatile, and fun shoe.

Fits: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $180