At WearTesters, our team of expert reviewers tests hundreds of running shoes each year. After testing, we collect the Best Running Shoes available and include them here for easy reference.
We regularly update this page to feature the highest performing, currently available running shoes. The shoes listed are in no particular order and are grouped into relevant categories such as Trail Shoes or Race Day Shoes. Check back any time you’re ready to buy new running shoes.
We’ve also reviewed many other running shoes that didn’t make this page. Every foot is different, so read the reviews carefully to find the best shoes for you. For details on our methodology, see the detailed description at the bottom of the page.
Updated 11.14.2024
Best Running Shoes Overall
These are the shoes you use day in and day out for all types of running activities. Easy days, hard days, long runs, speedier runs, these shoes are a jack of all trades and can handle anything. And as a bonus, these shoes are perfect for chasing kids around the backyard, visiting theme parks, and all the normal life stuff you do in running shoes.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Best Budget Running Shoes
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
See more of the Best Budget Running Shoes
Best Speed Day Running Shoes
These are the best running shoes for going fast whether you prefer intervals, tempo runs, or fartleks. These shoes are built to pick up the pace and give you proper bounce. They’re also built to perform just as well on the roads as on the track.
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
Best Marathon Running Shoes
Race day is when you pull out all the stops and seek out any little advantage to achieve a new PR. The weight, materials, cushion, and traction of these shoes are specially tuned for race day performance. These are the shoes you see on a brand’s sponsored athletes as they compete in the Olympics or high-level road races.
Asics Metaspeed Sky/Edge Paris
The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris and Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris are Asics’ best road racing shoes to date offering a fantastic combination of great fit, comfort, breathability, stability, improved midsole foam, and an impressively low weight.
Which one of the two shoes you’ll prefer isn’t clear, but if you can figure that out, you’ll end up with a high performing shoe that’s trustworthy for road races of any distance. Read the review.
Fits: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $250
Saucony Endorphin Elite
The Saucony Endorphin Elite is the first shoe to feature Saucony’s next PWRRUN HG foam. It’s a little firmer than the PWRRUN PB in the Endorphin Pro 3 but it’s also bouncier. The carbon plate is segmented at the toe for a little more flexibility but it and the midsole curves up sharply for added toe spring. You sit inside the midsole a bit to keep you on the footbed while the midsole also flares outward resulting in one of the more stable modern marathon shoes on the market.
The outsole has no rubber at the rear so if you’re a heel striker, you may not get great durability…but midfoot and forefoot strikers should be ok. The Endorphin Elite is also one of the most breathable shoes on the market making it a great fit for warmer races. The biggest drawback is the $275 price point…but just like the Alphafly, if you’re a shoe nerd and heavy into marathons, this shoe will deliver value to match. See full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price $275
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
New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v4
The New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v4 is a complete overhaul of the New Balance SC Elite line delivering improved cushioning and a better, easier to put on upper. It’s got plenty of pop from New Balance’s first 100% Peba midsole, a snappy geometry, and finds a nice balance between comfort and performance. The only problem with the upper is a weird floppy tongue that doesn’t always do what it should. And though the fit is accommodating for a racing shoe, a wide version is on the way just in case. To top it off, the outsole delivers on wet and wild surfaces Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 4mm, Price: $250
Nike Vaporfly 3
The Nike Vaporfly 3 is the most cushioned, comfortable, and stable Vaporfly to date thus making it also the best Vaporfly to date. It’s a great update. Stability, breathability, and comfort all improved while the Vaporfly line stayed bouncy, plush, and lightweight. Durability still needs work and the tongue is weirdly tall and wide but neither is a dealbreaker. The Vaporfly 3 is going to be many people’s racing shoe of choice. It puts Nike back in the upper echelon of marathon racing shoes for those (like us) who weren’t all that enthused with the Vaporfly 2 and Alphafly 2. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $250
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is a smooth-riding and bouncy long-distance race day shoe. The rocker is improved from previous versions with a sharper toe angle and improved carbon fiber energy rods that make the shoe feel faster and bouncier. Breathability is top-notch, the outsole grips everything, and, due to a widened base, stability is great for a race day shoe. You’ll want to wear thicker socks to avoid issues with the problematic Achilles stitching but that’s the only real issue in a shoe that’s one of the best marathon racing shoes on the market. See the full review.
Fit: Typical adidas, Drop: 6.5mm, Price: $250
TYR Valkyrie Elite Carbon Runner
The TYR Valkyrie Elite Carbon Runner is TYR’s first high end performance running shoe. It’s got an accommodating fit, top of class stability, impressive durability, and a fit that will work for most people and allows good toe splay. The beaded Peba LaunchPX midsole is bouncy with a stiff carbon plate that provides an extra flick on toe off. It’s a little heavier than other racers but the trade offs are a well-built upper and superior stability. It’s not built like other marathon racing shoes but it’s battle ready and easily one of the better race day picks for larger runners. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $250
See the full list of best marathon running shoes here
Best Trail Running Shoes
Trail running is usually much more peaceful than running on roads, but the paths are often rocky, muddy, or root-filled. You need a special shoe to handle the obstacles most trails throw your way. These shoes are built to protect you from rough terrain while still providing all the fun, speed-focused features modern running shoes include.
Brooks Caldera 7
The Brooks Caldera 7 is a stable, max cushion shoe. It’s not nimble enough for the most technical of trails, but whether you’re trail running or hiking, the Caldera 7 is built for long hauls. The more miles you put in on trails, the happier you’ll be with the DNA Loft v3 underfoot and the well-fitting, plush upper. Read full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price $150
See the full list of best trail running shoes here
Best Running Shoes – Running + Casual Wear
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
Best Running Shoes Now on Sale
Price never determines performance. Whether you get a running shoe at retail or in an outlet, the performance features don’t change. Understanding that and shopping smart can save money. With new running shoes released every week, there are always deals from previous years that perform just as well as the newest models. Here are some high-performing shoes you’ll find on sale right now:
Coming soon. Keep checking back for updates.
Best Upcoming Running Shoes
Often, our team of expert testers gets to review shoes before they release. If the shoes we test early are best running shoes material we keep them in this section. Once they go on sale to the public, they’ll move up into one of the categories above.
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
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
Best Running Shoes by Brand
Our team of expert reviewers also created several lists of the Best Running Shoes segmented by brand. These lists are perfect if you prefer running or walking in a particular brand. Click any of the lists below to read more.
Methodology
Keep in mind that all of these running shoes will accommodate any person as long as the shoe in question meets your specifications or requirements. Detailed information on each shoe is featured in its respective performance review. Performance reviews feature an in-depth look at each shoe’s pros and cons, price, weight, technology, and other performance specifics. Click on the image or link to read the full performance review for each shoe.
If a model isn’t featured, it’s either because the model has yet to be tested/reviewed or because we feel it does not belong among the current top running shoes. Please reach out via Twitter if you have any follow-up questions.
