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The Best Running Shoes: Expert-tested and Reviewed

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 3.14.2024

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.

Hoka Mach 6

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

10/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Hoka Mach 6 Buy Women's Hoka Mach 6

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4

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

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Rebel v4 Shop Women's Rebel v4

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

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Endorphin Speed 4 Buy Women's Endorphin Speed 4

Asics Novablast 4

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

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Asics Novablast 4 Buy Women's Asics Novablast 4

Puma Deviate Nitro 2

Puma Deviate Nitro 2

The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 is a great all-around running shoe with the only concern being a narrower fit (though we hear there may be a wide version on the horizon). The Deviate Nitro 2 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 extremely breathable and very comfortable. The Puma Grip outsole is the best rubber outsole compound currently available which leaves you 100% confident in the traction no matter the conditions. The Deviate Nitro 2 is one shoe that can do it all. Buy it with confidence because you can use it for both training and races. See the full review.

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

9.5/10
Total Score
Shop Men's Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Shop Women's Puma Deviate Nitro 2


Hoka Clifton 9

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

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Hoka Clifton 9 Buy Women's Hoka Clifton 9

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 is a comfortable, affordable, and excellently executed running shoe. The upper’s fit is super accommodating, and any foot shape will enjoy it, especially those hard-to-please wide footers and flat footers. The Fresh Foam X feels great on foot for any amount of miles or household chores. The stability is great due to the midsole’s geometry and sitting inside the midsole walls. The lockdown is solid, so even narrow footers can be confident their foot will stay in place on even the sharpest of turns or bumpiest of roads. And the style — chunktastic is in these days, so this shoe will work as well casually as it does for running. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 4mm, Price: $150

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Fresh Foam X More v4 Shop Women's Fresh Foam X More v4

Brooks Glycerin 21

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

9/10
Total Score
Shop Men's Brooks Glycerin 21 Shop Women's Brooks Glycerin 21

Asics Superblast

Asics Superblast

The Asics Superblast is a high-stack, fun, and versatile shoe useful for anything from easy miles to workouts to races. It’s so light, it feels like a race day shoe. It’s soft but stable, and even without a carbon fiber plate in the middle of all that foam, it’s got a nice pop.

While you may do a double take at the price, the shoe delivers enough value to justify the price. If you’re price sensitive, there are plenty of other shoes for you on this list. But know that you’re getting a really good shoe for the money. You’re also getting a shoe with a ride that makes you want to run more often. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $220

9/10
Total Score
Buy Asics Superblast

New Balance SC Trainer v2

New Balance SC Trainer v2

The New Balance SC Trainer v2 isn’t groundbreaking like the original but it’s an extremely well-cushioned, bouncy, and comfortable, leg-saving running machine. It’s perfect for high-mileage runners and long run days because it’ll protect your legs. The SC Trainer v2 will feel a bit heavy to some but the trade-off is worth it. Plus, it’s built on an accommodating, stable platform. The build plus all that cushion and comfort will make the SC Trainer v2 worth the price as you rack up the miles. Read the full review. 

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $180

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's SC Trainer v2 Buy Women's SC Trainer v2

New Balance 1080v13

New Balance 1080v13

The New Balance 1080v13 is a big departure from previous 1080 models with the squishiness and bounciness of Fresh Foam X midsole reaching new levels. The fit is great for most people and in true New Balance form there’s a wide version available for wide footers. It’s also a versatile and fun ride that can go fast or slow as needed. The only issue is the price point is higher than most daily trainers. But that said, the 1080v13 is easy to recommend if you’re not too price-sensitive. Read the full review. Price: $165

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's New Balance 1080v13 Buy Women's New Balance 1080v13

Best Budget Running Shoes

New Balance FuelCell Propel v4

The New Balance FuelCell Propel v4 has the best value proposition of any shoe on the market. $110 for a bouncy Fuelcell midsole and a TPU plate? That alone raises my eyebrows.

The upper isn’t spectacular but it’s comfortable. The tongue can be slippy, it’s a little on the heavy side, and the traction is solid. Durability is a big question mark because there’s not a ton of rubber on the outsole and it wears down pretty fast. But, at $110, a price serviceable daily running shoes don’t touch anymore, sacrificing some durability and comfort is expected.

The end result is a shoe that’s perfect for a wide range of runners. It’s also great for cost-conscious parents that need solid running shoes for kids running track or cross country (and growing out of the shoes way too fast). I’d recommend the Propel v4 over Nike’s current Pegasus and several other $130-150 models. Watch Kofuzi’s review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price $110

8.5/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Propel v4 Buy Women's Propel v4

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.

Asics Magic Speed 3

Asics Magic Speed 3

The Asics Magic Speed 3 is a modern-day racing flat built for speed work, track work, and shorter races like the 5k and 10k. The two layers of FF Blast+ sandwich a full-length carbon plate. You get a similar squish to the Novablast 3 but the extra pop and stability that a carbon plate brings with it.

The upper is super breathable and very similar to the uppers on the Metaspeed series. It’s not perfect, but it accommodates wide footers well and allows a ton of airflow. The outsole is also similar to the Metaspeed series and provides great traction. The Magic Speed 3 feels comfortable on foot and excels on tracks or other surfaces where you can go fast but don’t need much impact protection. Read the full review.

Fits: True to Size, Drop: 7mm, Price $160

8/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Asics Magic Speed 3 Buy Women's Asics Magic Speed 3

Brooks Hyperion Max

The Brooks Hyperion Max is a peppy shoe that feels light on foot and is best used to pick up the pace. Do you train to go fast in 5ks or 10ks? That’s the sweet spot for this shoe. And while the cushion isn’t “max” as the name indicates, it’s bouncy and returns energy well.

The only complaint our testers had was the super slippy tongue. Brooks included a large lace loop on the tongue, but even looping most of the laces through it can’t prevent the slippage. Tongue slippage doesn’t affect performance, but people with tall feet should take note if that’s an annoyance. The engineered woven upper is very comfy, and the traction is a huge improvement from the ice skate-like outsole on the Brook Hyperion Tempo. You can rocket around corners and stick to the ground the whole way. Overall, the Brooks Hyperion Max justifies its price but not its name. See the full review.

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

8.5/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Brooks Hyperion Max Buy Women's Brooks Hyperion Max

Nike ZoomX Streakfly Featured Image

Nike ZoomX Streakfly

The Nike ZoomX Streakfly is a high-performing lightweight, speedy shoe with a few flaws that are easy to overlook if you’re a shoe technology nerd. The principal flaws are durability, a sloppy upper, and support. But the ZoomX midsole, sleek design, versatility, and minuscule weight make the Streakfly a super fun shoe for speed workouts. Read the full review.

Fits: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $160

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Nike Streakfly Buy Women's Nike Streakfly

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 Edge Paris

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

9.5/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Metaspeed Sky or Edge Buy Women's Metaspeed Sky or Edge

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

9.5/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Endorphin Elite Buy Women's Endorphin Elite

Nike Alphafly 3

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

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Nike Alphafly 3 Buy Women's Nike Alphafly 3

New Balance SC Elite v4

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

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's SC Elite v4 Shop Women's SC Elite v4

Nike Vaporfly 3

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

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Nike Vaporfly 3 Buy Women's Nike Vaporfly 3

adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3

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

9.5/10
Total Score
Buy adidas Adios Pro 3

TYR Valkyrie Elite Carbon Runner

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

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's TYR Valkyrie Elite Buy Women's TYR Valkyrie Elite

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

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

9/10
Total Score
Shop Men's Caldera 7 Shop Women's Caldera 7

Hoka Tecton X 2

Hoka Tecton X 2

The Hoka Tecton X 2 is a trail racer that sits atop Hoka’s trail line. The Tecton X 2 is at its best when moving fast through flat to intermediate terrain. It can also work on longer, slower runs and hikes because it’s plush and puts some extra pep in your step with the bouncy Profly-X midsole and parallel dual carbon plates.

The outsole is Vibram Litebase and provides trustworthy traction on anything except deep mud. The upper is new this year and securely locks down the foot with a minimal yet protective build. The Tecton X 2 is wide-foot friendly but does have a slightly narrower toebox so if your foot is widest at the toes you’ll want to opt for a try-on first. At $225, it’s an expensive shoe, but the pricing lines up with the majority of carbon-plated race day shoes.

The Tecton X 2 is targeted at serious trail runners and hikers who want a complete package for ascending and descending as fast as they possibly can.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $225

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Hoka Tecton X 2 Buy Women's Hoka Tecton X 2

Topo Ultraventure 3

Topo Ultraventure 3

You might be unfamiliar with Topo, but they’ve made trail running shoes for while. This was our first Topo experience, and now we want more. The Topo Ultraventure 3 comes with Topo’s signature foot-shaped toebox, which looks a little odd (at first) but is both super comfortable and allows us to spread our toes. The toe spread really helps make it feel like you’re naturally digging into varied terrain.

The Vibram outsole is grippy and had no issues on traditionally tough areas like slick wet rocks or leaf-covered ground. The lugs are also spaced so that the shoe doesn’t collect rocks. The outsole isn’t the most durable and shows wear quickly, so avoid using it on roads.

There’s no rock plate in the midsole, but the Zipfoam cushions rocks nicely. It’s not a super foam, but it is EVA at its best.

The fit is accommodating, and if you’ve got a narrow foot, you can cinch up tight without the upper bubbling or flexing uncomfortably. It’s a simple engineered mesh upper, but it does the job.

At $150, you are paying a small premium because it’s a smaller brand. But for those that want a wider, more comfortable toe box in a trail shoe that grips everything…the Ultraventure 3 is a great choice.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price $150

8.5/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Topo Ultraventure 3 Buy Women's Topo Ultraventure 3

Brooks Cascadia 17

Brooks Cascadia 17

The Brooks Cascadia 17 is a modern-looking take on a classic trail runner. This affordable shoe provides stability, reliability, and durability. Previous Cascadia models were fairly plain jane but the looks on the Cascadia 17 are a huge upgrade. The Cascadia 17 is a steady and dependable workhorse that will get the job done whether that’s trail running or hiking. Read the full review.

Fits: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $140

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Brooks Cascadia 17 Buy Women's Brooks Cascadia 17

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

8.5/10
Total Score
Buy Men's & Women's at Tracksmith

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:

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is a near-perfect everyday running shoe. It’s versatile enough to handle easy running, track work, tempo runs, and even races. The fit is excellent with impressive lockdown and stealthy but solid midfoot/arch support. The PWRRUN PB in the midsole is both plush and bouncy. It’s a well-cushioned, long-lasting ride ideal for long distances. The only small issue is some slippage in wet conditions. But that can be easily overlooked because the Endorphin Speed 3 is comfortable top-to-bottom and a true do-everything running shoe. Read the full review.

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

9.5/10
Total Score
Shop Men's Endorphin Speed 3 Shop Women's Endorphin Speed 3

New Balance FuelCell SC Elite V3

New Balance FuelCell SC Elite V3

The New Balance FuelCell SC Elite V3 features squishy protective FuelCell foam, a nice pop from the exposed Energy Arc carbon plate, and a great ride. It’ll make your stride feel smooth while feeling lightweight. It’s a shoe that gets out of the way as you run fast paces on race day or amble over long distances on your local roads or greenway.

The SC Elite V3’s knit upper is really hard to put on and could be better but it does the job and is the best road racing shoe New Balance has built to date. Getting all of that at a $230 price point is a nice value for a carbon-plated race-centric shoe. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 4mm, Price: $230

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's NB FuelCell SC Elite V3 Buy Women's NB FuelCell SC Elite V3

Saucony Endorphin Pro 3

Saucony Endorphin Pro 3

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 is the latest evolution of Saucony’s flagship marathon racing shoe. And it’s a winner. The midsole is slightly softer than in years past, still stable, and the upper is lighter and more breathable.

The Saucony Speedroll rocker is still hella smooth and makes each footfall feel effortless. The fit is a little strange at first — the heel is narrow, and your arch will feel like it’s hanging over the edge of the shoe (similar to the OG Nike Alphafly), but that’s mainly noticeable while walking around. Get up to running speed, and the Endorphin Pro 3 becomes a bouncy, peppy shoe that feels like it’s returning loads of energy.

For us, this is the Saucony racing shoe that finally surpassed the Nike Vaporfly and is one of the best marathon racing shoes available.

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

9.25/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 Buy Women's Saucony Endorphin Pro 3

Brooks Glycerin 20

Brooks Glycerin 20

The Brooks Glycerin 20 is a comfortable, breathable, and versatile daily running shoe. The DNA Loft v3 midsole is plush and can easily handle long runs. The ride is very smooth and easy on the legs. The traction is durable and doesn’t slip in any conditions. Just don’t get the StealthFit version because the upper on the regular version is much better fitting and more comfortable. Read the full review.

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

9.5/10
Total Score
Shop Men's Brooks Glycerin Shop Women's Brooks Glycerin

Asics Gel-Nimbus 25

Asics Gel-Nimbus 25

The Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 isn’t a snappy shoe, but there’s plenty of soft FF Blast+ cushion underfoot. That, alongside an absolutely luxuriously comfortable upper, means the Gel-Nimbus 25 is ready for a ton of road miles. We don’t recommend using it for any of your speed work, but you can churn out miles in the Gel-Nimbus 25 while saving your legs from harsh asphalt and roads.

As an added bonus, the foam flares out from the foot, creating an incredibly stable platform. Oh, and it’s built to accommodate tons of foot types. Wide-footers, flat-footers, and beginners (who are likely still figuring out what their feet are) will all find a shoe that works for them. And for wide-footers that need even more room, Asics sells an extra wide version that may be perfect for you. See the full review.

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

8/10
Total Score
Shop Men's Nimbus 25 Shop Women's Nimbus 25

Best Hoka Running Shoes

Hoka Rincon 3

The Hoka Rincon 3 is really really light. But that doesn’t affect its cushioning. You still get plenty of cushy Hoka EVA underfoot. The lightweight build works with Hoka’s meta rocker to really make the shoe glide. When you want to pick up the pace for a fast workout, the Rincon 3 can do it. You sacrifice some of the upper thickness present in other top Hoka models, but the trade-off is worth it. This shoe is meant to go fast on flat roads. On top of that, it’s one of the most stable speed day shoes currently available. Read the full review. 

Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $125

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Hoka Rincon 3 Buy Women's Hoka Rincon 3

Brooks Caldera 6 Featured

Brooks Caldera 6

The Brooks Caldera 6 is a unicorn trail shoe. Well-cushioned, super stable, and grips everything. As long as you buy the right size (you’ll need to go half down from your normal Brooks shoe size), you get an amazing shoe. Whether you’re trail running or hiking, you won’t find a better trail shoe. Plus, if you spend a lot of time on the trails, your body will thank you for the bouncy, protective cushioning the DNA Loft v3 midsole offers. Read full review.

Fit: Go half a size down, Drop: 6mm, Price: $150

9.5/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Brooks Caldera 6 Buy Women's Brooks Caldera 6

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.


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.

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