We created our best running shoes by brand page because oftentimes, a certain brand just works for some people. Whether it’s due to fit, comfort, or something else, they got used to that brand and find it easiest to stick with that brand for the long haul. Sneakerheads might not understand that line of thinking but it’s fairly common. A lot of people don’t much care about the performance of shoes that aren’t from their preferred brand. Whether you’re brand loyal or the complete opposite and want to know the best each brand offers, you’ve come to the right place. You can also check out our overall Best Running Shoes page for a more comprehensive list.
With that said, we have to state the obvious: brand loyalty plays a huge part in our purchasing choices. If a brand has done you good in the past or sponsors your favorite runner, you’ll choose accordingly. There’s nothing wrong with that. To some degree, we all prefer familiarity.
Each brand has something unique to offer, especially with its cushioning technologies. Nike has Air, ZoomX, and React. adidas has Lightstrike and LightstrikePro. New Balance has Fresh Foam and FuelCell. There’s a myriad of cushions to choose from. You can all try them and see which you prefer most.
Sizing, however, can be trickier than choosing a cushioning technology. Different brands use different molds or lasts, as they’re called in the footwear industry, so you may have to be cautious about what size you get in which brand. The difficulty is multiplied if you have flat feet or wide feet.
If you’re looking for the best running shoes by brand, welcome to the most useful page you’ll read today. We hope this list helps you make a more informed choice to avoid regretting your purchase or needing to make a return. And if you’re loyal to one brand only, this is a good way of checking out what other brands have and seeing if you’re up for the challenge of trying something new. Here are our picks:
Last update 03.05.2025
Nike
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
Want to see more? Click here for our entire Best Nike Running Shoes list.
adidas
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
Want to see more? Click here for our entire Best Adidas Running Shoes list.
New Balance
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
Want to see more? Click here for our entire Best New Balance Running Shoes list.
Hoka
Hoka Clifton 9
The Hoka Clifton 9 is the best, most versatile Clifton to date. It’s the same great neutral cushioned shoe with added bounce and elasticity in the midsole and increased durability in the outsole. The upper is, as usual, super comfy and the fit is accommodating. There’s also a wide version for those that need it. Improved arch support will excite flat footers, but some may find it a bit distracting. It’s a great shoe for everyone from beginners to seasoned vets and can handle jogging, easy running, recovery runs, and long runs. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $145
Want to see more? Click here for our entire Best Hoka Running Shoes list.
Brooks
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
Want to see more? Click here for our entire Best Brooks Running Shoes list.
Puma
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
Want to see more? Click here for our entire Best Puma Running Shoes list.
Asics
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
Want to see more? Click here for our entire Best Asics Running Shoes list.
Saucony
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
Want to see more? Click here for our entire Best Saucony Running Shoes list.
Mizuno
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
Want to see more? Click here for our Best Mizuno Running Shoes list.
Reebok
Reebok Floatzig 1
The Reebok Floatzig 1, releasing in early April 2024, isn’t great at any one thing but features bouncy Floatride cushioning underfoot, looks awesome, and provides impressive durability. It’s a fantastic option for a wide variety of runners but is perfect for joggers, budget conscious runners, and beginners who need their running shoes to pull double duty for casual wear. It may be the ultimate running starter shoe. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $130
Want to see more? Click here for all our Reebok Running Shoes reviews.
Under Armour
UA x Speedland Infinite Mega
The UA x Speedland Infinite Mega is a daily trainer/super trainer road shoe collab between Under Armour Running and up-and-coming trail running brand, Speedland. It utilizes a double BOA Fit System and straps to allow wearers to dial in (literally and figuratively) their perfect fit. Narrow and wide-footers alike will be able to appropriately adjust this highly effective and accommodating BOA lacing system. Even mid-run adjustments are made easy as the dials are two-way, meaning they can be tightened or loosened in tiny increments without having to reset completely. The truly unique upper also has a cutout at the lateral heel, whose rough edges may require taller, slightly thicker socks to avoid irritation. But despite such a lack of structure at the heel, our testers quickly found their groove with the Fit System, and neither heel nor midfoot lockdown were an issue.
Overall, comfort abounds in the Infinite Mega thanks to the basically customizable upper and plush cushioning setup, which contains the softest, bounciest combination of carrier HOVR+ and removable footbed of supercritical foam ever before seen in an Under Armour running shoe. The squishiness of the lateral heel was almost too soft for some landings at more relaxed paces, particularly when fatigued toward the end of especially long efforts. And the extra squishiness may not be ideal for those who need a more stable ride. But our testers nevertheless went so far as to say the Infinite Mega represents the most fun they’ve ever had in an Under Armour running shoe. Its bouncy, yet controlled ride can even pick up the pace on occasion. And its plush 43mm heel and 35mm forefoot stack make it well-suited to plenty of long mileage. Outsole performance and durability further exceeded expectations in both dry and wet conditions.
The $250 price tag means the Infinite Mega is definitely for early adopters, Speedland fans, and shoe nerds in general for whom budget isn’t a concern. But if the price isn’t too expensive for you, you’ll have a bouncy good time on the roads while passersby do a double take at the unique upper construction. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $250
Want to see more? Click here for all our Under Armour Running Shoes reviews.
Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best running shoes by brand list? Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
I’ve recently taken up running to loose the unwanted pounds that I gained during the pandemic. I think I’m leaning to the Puma Velocity Nitro 2, the color looks refreshing and the features looks great for beginners like me.