We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
We bought the top 65 pairs of 2025 running shoes and ran thousands of miles in them to find the best from brands like Nike, Hoka, Brooks, Saucony and more.
We've tested hundreds of shoes and run thousands of miles to find out which ones are best suited to help you reach YOUR running goals.
The right shoes will feel good on your feet and help you run more confidently — boosting performance, adding comfort, and reducing the risk of injury.
Since 2011, we've rigorously tested over 570 pairs of running shoes, logging thousands of miles on roads and tracks in all conditions. Our testing emphasizes real-world use on roads, trails, and tracks, and we seek to find the best shoe for every foot shape and running goal. Our expert testing team includes USA Track & Field certified coaches, a running biomechanics expert, trained exercise specialists, and ultra-distance top-10 finalists.
After testing the top 65 shoes available in 2025, our testers were unanimous that the one shoe we loved the most is the Asics Novablast 5. Its lively foam, light weight, and springy forefoot make it a shoe suitable for any running style, and the shoe we reach for the most often during and after testing.
The best on-sale deal right now for women is the Saucony Kinvara 14, which is a versatile and well-loved shoe that performs nearly as well as the Kinvara 15 but is around 50% off. For men, the best on-sale deal under $100 right now is the Puma Velocity Nitro 3, which offers great do-it-all performance and is currently marked down in the blue colorway.
If you're after a light jog interspersed with walking, many of the shoes in our walking shoe lineup could be an excellent fit for your needs.
Editor's Note: We revised this review on April 9, 2025, to add our recommendations for the best products currently on sale.
Our testers love the Asics Novablast 5 in both the men's and the women's versions thanks to top-tier comfort and versatility –- all at a reasonable price. Both testing teams praised the Novablast as a consistent training partner throughout testing. Our lead men's tester, Nathaniel Bailey, says “If I had to choose just one shoe for all my miles, this is the one I'd pick.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Style
Daily Trainer
Sizes Available
6-15 US, regular & wide
Measured Heel Stack Height
41 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
5 mm
Plate Type
None
The standout feature of the Novablast 5 is versatility. Lead women's tester Ally Acuri reports, “I'm obsessed with how this shoe hits the sweet spot of having enough support to keep my tired legs pumping on hard runs without ever feeling restrictive or stiff underfoot. It can handle easy mileage and faster paces, while remaining comfortable.” Because of that, the Novablast 5 is the shoe we tell all our friends to buy. Beginning runners who want a comfortable and confidence-inspiring shoe to test things out? Check. Experienced marathoners who are logging big training weeks? Check. Anyone in between? Check.
Not too heavy and not too light, the Novablast strikes a great balance between being a protective powerhouse and an peppy pace pusher.
Credit: Laurel Morrow
Obviously, no shoe is going to work for every runner. But as our lead men's tester put it, “The Novablast performs for almost everyone. It has plenty of cushioning for both heel and midfoot strikers, smooth transitions that still feel snappy at higher speeds, and comfy toe box geometry that works with your feet. I'd recommend this shoe to almost any runner.”
We loved the last version of the Novablast, which also took home this award, and can still be widely purchased for prices $20-30 lower than the latest iteration. We think the updates of bouncier foam, lower weight and better traction have made the Novablast 5 even better, but not all runners will like the softer ride. For those runners, we recommend an option like the Hoka Mach 6, which offers similar versatility and comfort, but with a slightly firmer underfoot feel. Similarly, the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 is a great option that provides more stability than the Novablast, while sharing much of the versatility.
From miles on the roads to measurements in the lab, the Novablast 5 proved itself an exceptionally versatile and high-performing shoe for virtually any runner.
With a super plush 42 mm stack under the heel, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 is our top recommendation to anyone searching for a pillowy, cushioned ride. It has a smooth rocker shape that makes it feel shockingly natural to run on these soft, squishy soles. Lead women's tester Ally Arcuri gushes, "This shoe is a dream come true for easy-going paces and recovery runs."
SPECIFICATIONS
Style
Max-Cushion
Sizes Available
7-16 US, regular, wide & extra wide
Measured Heel Stack Height
42 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
7 mm
Plate Type
None
The only other shoe that comes close to this level of cushioning is the Hoka Skyward X. However, the Skyward is less stable than the More v5 — and significantly higher in cost. The More v5 is well-designed for eating up many miles and tackling long runs while delivering serious comfort and a smooth ride. And at a price that's on the lower end of the running shoe market, this is a high-value shoe for folks seeking better joint protection while pounding the pavement.
The More v5 has serious cushioning, a natural shape, and great stability, making it a joy on the joints, even over long, leisurely miles.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The biggest downside to the More v5 is their exceptionally high weight. All that cushioning makes this the heaviest shoe we've tested. For running at slow speeds, this extra weight is totally acceptable. If you want to be able to pick up the pace at times, this heavy, pillowy shoe can feel like it's sucking the energy out of your stride. But if you're after a seriously comfortable shoe for logging easy miles, this ticks all the right boxes.
The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is the best deal in men's running shoes right now — as long as you're okay with the blue colorway (it's the only one on sale). We think the Velocity Nitro is one of the best value shoes out there, even before sale prices, thanks to a good balance of comfort, responsiveness and versatility. Our lead tester, Nathaniel Bailey, says, “The Velocity Nitro 3 is the kind of do-it-all daily trainer I think every runner can enjoy. It's simple, reliable, and capable.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Style
Daily Trainer
Sizes Available
7 - 14 US, regular
Measured Heel Stack Height
38 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
11 mm
Plate Type
None
The NITRO foam in the Velocity Nitro 3 is excellent, offering a smooth landing with good energy return. While it isn't a maximally cushioned shoe, there is more than enough underfoot to provide protection on long runs. Plus, the PumaGrip outsole offers some of the best and most consistent traction we've tested. One Montana-based tester notes “I log a lot of miles in the snow and ice, and the Velocity Nitro is my go-to for confident traction in slick conditions.”
When measuring toe box volume we found the Puma Velocity Nitro 3 to be about average, but on foot, it feels narrow relative to other options.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
For runners who only have one pair of running shoes, the Velocity is versatile enough to carry you through your easy mileage and your hard sessions. It's not a dedicated speed trainer — for that we recommend something like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4. But we don't hesitate to grab it for tempos or long runs. And it manages to pull all of this off without draining your bank account. If you are looking for a jack-of-all-trades shoe, this is a good choice.
Another Great Sale
The New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 is more than half off on sale right now. We think the Propel is a great choice for day-to-day mileage and easy to moderate effort runs. It pairs FuelCell foam with a TPU plate to offer solid performance at a phenomenal price.
On the other hand, the Velocity Nitro 3 doesn't excel at anything. Runners who want a super-plush easy day shoe would be better served by a dedicated option like the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5. And it doesn't have the extreme energy return and low weight of a race option. So if you're looking to build a rotation, you may not find a great spot for this shoe. Still, at this price, we think the Velocity Nitro 3 is a phenomenal buy. It offers much of the performance of the excellent Asics Novablast 5 at a much more budget-friendly cost.
The Saucony Kinvara 14 is an ultra-lightweight shoe that is versatile, flexible, and comfortable. While we also tested the newer Kinvara 15 (and loved it!), the Kinvara 14 is nearly as good and can still be easily found in a ton of colors and sizes for as much as 50% off its regular price. The Kinvara is simple yet effective. Our lead women's tester, Ally Arcuri, observes, “Running in these reminds me of the great, responsive shoes from a decade ago before everyone had access to super shoes.”
Impressively, of our test fleet, only two shoes — the Nike Vaporfly 3 and Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris — were lighter than the Kinvara, and not by much. Both of these are dedicated racing shoes that lack the outstanding versatility of the budget-friendly Kinvara, and have hefty, hefty price tags attached to them.
The Kinvara's slightly soft foam provides peppy energy return with a bit of outsole flexibility, giving it an organic-feeling ride. Our lead tester noted, “I love that this shoe is bouncy enough to provide some energy return and feedback without feeling like I'm prancing on marshmallowy clouds.” The minimalistic design offers comfort where you need it without any extra fluff or technology. During our runs, we found it to be one of the most comfortable and unintrusive-feeling kicks in our lineup.
The Kinvara is a versatile road shoe that can make runners' feet and wallets happy.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Kinvara 14 is an ideal choice for runners seeking a lightweight shoe that is made for uptempo daily runs. It's a compelling option for budget-conscious runners who still want high performance on the road. As one women's tester reports, “This is one of my favorite shoes for uptempo running when I still want to engage with the ground beneath my feet.” The Kinvara sits lower to the ground than most shoes today, providing better ground feel — but a little less cushioning.
The minimalistic structure of both the latest versions of the Kinvara lack the support that some distance runners may prefer. If this detracts from its appeal for you, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is a significantly more supportive shoe that scores slightly higher across the board. For runners who want a little more cushioning and support in a budget shoe, the Puma Velocity Nitro 3 can be found for under $100 in women's sizes right now. We've only tested the men's version so far, but it scored very well in our lineup.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is a perfect fit for runners trying to push their envelop or training for their next PR. Thanks to great energy return paired with smooth and understated propulsion, the Endorphin Speed 4 stood out during the hardest sessions in our testing. Our lead tester reports, “I've had no issues taking the Endorphin Speed out for longer slogs — but it thrives when I start to get after it during faster workouts.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Style
Daily Trainer
Sizes Available
7-15 US, regular
Measured Heel Stack Height
38 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
11 mm
Plate Type
Nylon
The best part of the Endorphin Speed 4 is its balance between performance and comfort. No other shoe in our lineup scored as evenly in both areas. That balance is essential to its versatility, and while it isn't a super shoe, it's still pretty quick. It could work as a race shoe for many runners, especially those looking for a more stable and approachable ride. If you want to level up for your racing shoe, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is a similar shoe with a carbon plate (rather than the nylon plate of the Endorphin Speed) and extra pep — but also costs a good chunk more.
The Endorphin Speed is no ordinary workout shoe — our testers have found it plenty comfortable for races as well as 90+ minute efforts on the road. It's best suited to those who are chasing a PR with regular tempos, workouts, or strides — runners who only rarely push the pace will probably be best served by a shoe more optimized for comfort.
The Endorphin Speed 4 thrives on faster runs, but also has plenty of cushioning for long, easy efforts.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
One tester notes, “These work really well for everything from daily runs to chasing PRs. I'd recommend them to anyone who wants a faster daily trainer.” Additionally, this shoe has proven itself to be quite durable. Nathaniel logged over 500 miles on his test pair before retiring them.
Our biggest issue with the shoe is the price — it's pricey for a daily trainer. That said, no other shoe outperforms the Endorphin Speed 4 when it comes to speed and responsiveness without costing even more.
If you want a little more comfort in your next daily trainer and are willing to sacrifice a small amount of speed, we strongly recommend the impressively speedy, non-plated New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4. Truly, if you're after the best balance of speed and comfort we've found in a daily trainer, there's no shoe we recommend more than the Endorphin Speed 4.
The Brooks Hyperion Max 2 offers a smooth and cushioned ride, even on long runs. Thanks to the addition of resilient foam and a full-length plastic plate, the Hyperion Max 2 offers solid responsiveness in a comfort-oriented package. When asked about them, Ally Arcuri, our lead tester responded, “Honestly? I think these shoes are probably the best thing that Brooks has going on right now.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Style
Max-Cushion
Sizes Available
5 - 12 US,
regular
Measured Heel Stack Height
35 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
8 mm
Plate Type
Full length plastic
For a shoe with a lot of foam, the Hyperion Max 2 can feel firm, especially compared to it's competitors. On the other hand, the firmness aids in creating a responsive ride. If quick turnover is your focus, we think you'll appreciate this blend of speed and comfort that also offers surprising stability — which is rarely a feature of faster shoes. One tester notes, “Amazingly, this is one speed-oriented shoe that I don't feel tippy in when I run!”
The Hyperion isn't the least expensive shoe around, but its performance features help make it a great value.
Credit: Prudence Amsden
Runners who want to go for all kinds of runs, from slow recovery jogs to competitive race days, with a single pair of shoes should consider the Hyperion Max. During our tests, this shoe offered enough comfort for daily runs but delivered a powerful pop for track workouts, racing, and uptempo runs. It delivers a nice balance of speed, comfort, and durability. If comfort is queen and speed is on your list of priorities, the Hyperion is one of our top recommendations.
When it's time to race, both our men's and women's testing teams agree the unisex Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris is the best option around. We think it's not only one of the fastest super shoes on the market, but it's also one of the most versatile and comfortable. As our lead women's tester put it, "the Metaspeed Sky Paris feels more natural than it's competitors, explosively fast, and still comfortable for the long haul."
SPECIFICATIONS
Style
Race Shoe
Sizes Available
3.5-13 US, regular
Measured Heel Stack Height
39 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop
6 mm
Plate Type
Carbon
We've run in a lot of super shoes in our hunt for the best running shoes. None have been faster than these. In fact, our testers have set PRs on the roads in these shoes, with our lead men's tester reporting, “I have a lot of options available for race day — but I keep coming back to these. They just work so well.”
Part of that speed is due to an extremely low weight (the lowest of any shoe we've tested). Part of it is due to the extremely high-energy return foam in the midsole. And part of it is due to a carbon plate and shoe geometry that feel far more natural than most other options. Additionally, even with the exposed midsole, we've been impressed by the durability of this race shoe — one of our training partners has a pair still going strong with over 300 miles on it.
The powerful propulsion, breathability, and comfort of the Metaspeed Sky Paris make it our female testers' favorite race-ready road shoe.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
While each runner responds differently to shoes, we found that the overall design of this shoe makes it easier to take advantage of a wider variety of foot morphology and strike patterns. This is in contrast to other racing shoes we've tested, like the Nike Alphafly 3, which we found requires some time to learn how to best take advantage of (and still doesn't work for every runner).
For runners who don't want to drop the cash for a dedicated racer but still want a faster shoe, we strongly recommend the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, which offers a more flexible nylon plate and smooth, fast ride in a daily trainer. But if you're looking for the best all-around racing shoe, we think it's this one. Our lead women's tester even remarked, “It might not be a magic bullet to Olympic-level speed, and its fit can't Sisterhood-of-the-Traveling-Pants its way into working for all feet, but this shoe is as close to a universal racing shoe as I've seen.”
The Metaspeed Sky is both very fast to run in and one of the most approachable racing shoes we've put on our feet.
Credit: The GearLab Team
How We Tested
Our primary focus in testing running shoes is to run in them… a lot. Our male and female testers log many dozens of miles in each pair of shoes and choose various terrain types to include in their routes. Collectively, our expert running shoe test team members have logged thousands of miles in close to 500 pairs of running shoes and counting. When testing, we pay close attention to underfoot and upper comfort, stability, cushion, traction, and weight. In addition to running miles and miles in each shoe, we also buy a second pair of each shoe to perform a series of tests in our lab. These lab tests include cutting each shoe in half so we can precisely measure stack heights and heel-to-toe drop, rocker angle, weight, and more. Rather than trusting the manufacturer's measurements, we make all of our own measurements, so every specification we share is collected in a careful apples-to-apples manner. Our lab testing is then combined with our primary focus on running in each shoe to create a complete 360 analysis of each shoe.
A peek inside our running shoe test lab.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Why Trust GearLab
Our main testers for this review include a collection of devoted runners with expertise in the sport, and most have spent years running and testing footwear for the GearLab team. Ally Arcuri is an avid runner and exercise specialist with a Cal State Fullerton kinesiology degree that helps her evaluate women's trail and road shoes from a biomechanical perspective. Nathaniel Bailey is the lead tester for our men's road shoe review. He competed in track and cross country from middle school through college and now continues to race on the roads and coach high school and recreational runners. Matthew Richardson is our current men's trail shoe expert, exploring as many trails in SW Colorado as he can. Specializing in computer mapping, he also does the testing for our GPS watch review, which helps create and explore new trail runs as he tests shoes. World-class runner Carrie Vickers has an impressive resume of Olympic trial rankings, World Championship qualifications, and for a time held the record in the 2000 meter steeplechase. She is now a professional running biomechanics consultant who has helped to inform our testing plans and adds advice to those trying to find the right shoes for their bodies and goals in a sea of shoes. In addition, our laboratory team of engineers cuts open every pair to take actual measurements, according to the World Athletics guidelines, which are standardized in a way that manufacturer claims just aren't.
Not only do we put each shoe through rugged field testing, but we closely examine every pair to confirm manufacturer claims and to get a better idea of how construction translates into performance.
We're always running - but never running out of ways to test these shoes.
We've logged thousands of miles and measured the inner workings of hundreds of pairs of shoes to help you find the best pair for your running goals.
How to Pick the Best Shoes for You
In this section, our expert shoe testers will walk you through a process to help you find the best shoe for your needs, whether you're a brand-new runner who wants to start on the right foot or a long-time runner looking for a new pair. We'll start by explaining how to assess a shoe's fit. Then, we'll consider how you plan to use the shoe. Finally, we'll delve into the different features you may want to consider.
Once you determine the type of running you'll be doing, you can narrow down your search to include only shoes that will help you accomplish your goals.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
When to Replace Your Running Shoes
The general recommendation is to replace your running shoes every 300-500 miles. Telltale signs from your body that you need new shoes include getting hotspots or blisters you didn't have before and feeling more achy after your long runs. You can also check out the wear on the shoes themselves. The shoe is probably ready to retire if it shows signs of excessive wear where there used to be tread.
The Importance of Fit
Fit is the most important factor to consider when buying a new pair of shoes. At the end of the day, the shoe that feels the most comfortable is the right shoe for you. If a shoe doesn't feel good, move on. There is even science-backed evidence that wearing more comfortable shoes is associated with better running economy.
Components of Comfort and Fit
Stack Height
Midsole Material
Overall Fit
Overall Comfort
Asics Novablast 5 (men's)
41 mm
FF Blast Max
True to size
1
2
3
4
5
Asics Novablast 5 (women's)
40 mm
FF Blast Max
Slightly narrow
1
2
3
4
5
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 (men's)
42 mm
Fresh Foam X
Slightly wide, slightly short
1
2
3
4
5
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 (women's)
37 mm
Fresh Foam X
True to size
1
2
3
4
5
Puma Velocity Nitro 3
38 mm
NITRO Profoam
Slightly narrow
1
2
3
4
5
New Balance FuelCell Propel v5
38 mm
FuelCell
Slightly narrow
1
2
3
4
5
Saucony Kinvara 14
30 mm
PWRRUN
Slightly narrow
1
2
3
4
5
Saucony Kinvara 15
27 mm
PWRRUN
Slightly narrow
1
2
3
4
5
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
38 mm
PWRRUN PB
True to size
1
2
3
4
5
Brooks Hyperion Max 2
35 mm
DNA Flash v2
True to size
1
2
3
4
5
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris (men's)
39 mm
FF Turbo Plus
Runs quite narrow
1
2
3
4
5
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris (women's)
38 mm
FF Turbo Plus
True to size
1
2
3
4
5
You will find that sizing isn't always consistent across brands. Some run large, and some run small. Some brands, like Puma and Hoka, are known for having narrow-fitting shoes, while others, like Altra and Topo Athletic, tend to have wide and roomy toe boxes. Because each model has a slightly different profile, we recommend purchasing shoes from a location where you can try them on first or going through a website with a good return policy. Several running shoe brands offer 30-90-day trials of their shoes with free returns as well.
We take measurements of width, length, and toebox volume to help you determine the best fit for your foot type.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Try on shoes at the time of day you would normally run, and wear your favorite running socks. Take them for a quick spin, and always try on both shoes (most people's feet are not the same size). Over time, you will likely dial in your preferences for everything from width to lacing patterns.
Gender-Specific Shoes
Manufacturers often make specific versions of their shoes for men and women, and you may wonder how different they can be. Is it worth seeking out a male or female-specific shoe? The answer is maybe. Shoes designed for women are not always just a smaller version of their men's counterparts. There are a few important design differences made to accommodate the varying foot shapes, biomechanics, and support needs of men and women.
To start, the average woman is smaller and lighter than the average male, and women's shoes may have a softer midsole with a lighter wearer in mind. On average, men's shoes are wider than women's. However, women's shoes differ in the proportional width, generally featuring a narrower heel cup to help secure the back of the foot and a roomier forefoot to allow toes to splay naturally.
So, yes, there are differences, but you should never feel restricted to purchasing shoes only within your gender category. At the end of the day, the best shoe is the one that is most comfortable for you.
Some shoe models have slight variations between the men's and women's versions.
Credit: GearLab Staff
Men's Shoes
Our lead tester for men's running shoes put each model through its paces in long runs, recovery runs, fast workouts, and hill sprints. Below are the scores outlined for our men's road running shoes review with some of the best, most promising, and most popular options available today.
Key Metric Scores of Men's Road Running Shoes
Product
Landing Comfort
Responsiveness
Upper Comfort
Weight
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris
8.8
9.7
5
10
Nike Alphafly 3
8.8
9.4
6.5
8.4
Nike Vaporfly 3
8.6
9.5
5
9.4
Mizuno Neo Vista
8.75
7.5
9.5
5.4
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
8.5
7.5
6
8.4
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
8
8
7.5
6.8
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
7.8
9
5.5
7.9
Asics Superblast 2
8.5
7.7
7.8
6.2
Asics Novablast 5
8.7
6.9
8
6.3
On Cloudsurfer
8.1
6.5
8.5
6.7
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4
8.1
8.7
6
6.2
Saucony Kinvara 15
5
7
6.5
9.4
Saucony Tempus 2
7.4
7.2
6
6.8
Puma Velocity Nitro 3
8
7
7
5.3
Adidas Adizero SL2
8
7.4
5.5
6.4
Brooks Hyperion Max 2
7
7
7
6
Hoka Mach 6
7
7.4
4.5
7.3
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
6
6.5
7
5.5
Hoka Skyward X
10
4.5
8
2.5
Altra Vanish Tempo
6.5
7.25
5
6.2
New Balance FuelCell Propel v5
7.5
6
6.5
4.7
Puma Deviate Nitro 3
7.3
7.2
5
5
Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
9
3
9
3.4
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5
9.2
4.5
8
2.5
Adidas Adizero Boston 12
8
7.7
3
5.5
Saucony Triumph 22
9.1
3
8.7
3.1
Hoka Clifton 9
7
5
5.5
5.5
Altra Torin 7
6
5.5
5.3
6
Asics Gel-Kayano 31
7.4
4.5
7.5
3
Asics Gel-Contend 9
5
5
5.5
5.3
Brooks Ghost 16
5
3.5
7.25
5
Brooks Trace 3
4
5
5.5
5.7
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4
4
4.5
2
5.6
Our full men's road shoe lineup and each pair's performance across four of our six test metrics.
Women's Shoes
Similarly, our lead women's tester put each shoe through the wringer, totaling a minimum of 30 miles in each pair and testing them out in various workouts and environments. All models from our women's road running shoes review are ranked below, showing our four most heavily weighted test metrics and each pair's score.
Key Metric Scores of Women's Road Running Shoes
Product
Landing Comfort
Responsiveness
Upper Comfort
Weight
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris
8
9
6.5
9.8
Nike Alphafly 3
8.5
10
6
8.6
Nike Vaporfly 3
7
9.5
5
10
Saucony Kinvara 15
7.5
7.5
6.5
9.1
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4
7.5
9
7
6.7
Hoka Mach 6
8
7
7.5
7.5
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
8
8
7.5
6.4
Asics Novablast 5
9
7
8
5.6
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
7
7.5
7
8
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
7
8.5
6
7.8
Brooks Hyperion Max 2
7.5
8
8
5.8
Altra Vanish Tempo
7.5
7
8
5.6
ON Cloudsurfer
8
6
6.5
7.1
Puma Deviate Nitro 3
7.5
7.5
6.5
5.7
Mizuno Neo Vista
8.5
7
6
5.6
Hoka Clifton 9
8
5.5
7
5.8
Hoka Skyward X
8.5
7.5
7
2.8
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5
9
6
7.5
3.1
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
7.5
6.5
7.5
4
Brooks Trace 3
7
4
8
5.8
Brooks Ghost 16
7.5
5
7.5
4.8
Saucony Tempus 2
7
6.5
6
5
Asics Gel-Kayano 31
9
4
8
3.3
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4
6
5.5
6.5
6.3
Reebok Floatride Energy 6
7
5.5
6
5.2
Asics Gel-Contend 9
6
5
7
5.6
Adidas Supernova Rise
7
6.5
7
2.9
Altra Torin 7
7.5
5
5
5.7
Lululemon Blissfeel 2
7
6.5
7
2.6
Brooks Glycerin 21
6.5
4
7.5
4.4
Rabbit Dream Chaser
8
5
6.5
2.5
Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
9
3
6.5
2.9
Here's how our current women's road shoe lineup performed in 4 of our 6 testing metrics.
Where Will You Use the Shoe?
Start by thinking about where you run. Are you sticking to the pavement? Venturing into the mountains on rocky paths? Spending a lot of time on the treadmill?
Our testing teams do their best to make recommendations based on gait, gender, foot morphology, and running goals, but ultimately, you should choose a shoe that feels good to you.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
When to Consider Trail Shoes
If your plan is to take your running offroad, onto uneven, rocky, or steep ground, trail shoes are a good fit for you. If not, skip down to the next section on road shoes.
Trail running shoes have a more protective build, making them better suited for technical and rocky trails. Aggressive tread provides greater traction, features like rock plates help to protect your feet from underfoot hazards, and denser midsole foam and lower stack heights help keep you grounded and stable on uneven terrain. If you are lucky enough to have access to a great trail network that you'd love to take advantage of, our review of the best trail running shoes can help you find the perfect model for your needs.
If your runs will frequently take you off the pavement or track, consider getting a trail running shoe instead.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
When to Consider Road Shoes
If your running plan involves pavement, gravel bike paths, dirt roads, or a treadmill, you probably don't need the additional features of trail shoes, and a pair of road shoes is a better choice. Road shoes tend to have more plush underfoot cushioning, more breathable uppers, and often have less grippy outsole rubber. All of that makes them lighter on average. These shoes are built for the pavement-pounders out there and have features to help insulate you from hard man-made surfaces mile after mile.
Max-cushioning shoes can be a joint-saver over long miles on hard pavement - though you often pay for it in speed and weight.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
How Will You Use the Shoe?
Next, think about the duration of your runs. Are you going for a 20-minute jog around the neighborhood, or are you logging lots of miles training for a marathon? Finally, assess the types of runs you'll be doing. Are you running mostly easy, feel-good paces? Are you tackling HIIT-style workouts? Do your long runs have chunks of marathon-paced efforts in them?
Like a tool, running shoes are designed to help you accomplish a specific task. Some are designed to keep you incredibly comfortable on long efforts, while others are designed to be fast at the expense of comfort. If you plan to use a shoe for jogging and easy running, you'll likely care more about comfort-focused features. If you plan to use the shoe for faster efforts and workouts, you'll probably want a shoe with higher responsiveness and lower weight. Next, we'll help you identify features essential to your planned use case.
Zero drop shoes are one subcategory of running shoes that work really well for some runners. When your heels are riding at the same height as your forefoot, you calf muscles are put on stretch, which is dreamy and powerful for some runners and tedious and uncomfortable for others.
The trail running shoes in our lineup get put to the test on the trails, traversing rocks, logs, steep inclines, and other obstacles.
Trail running shoes offer more protection than road shoes since you're more likely to stub your toe on a rock or stump in the backcountry than in your paved neighborhood. Trail shoes also feature longer lugs and grippier outsoles to provide traction on unsteady surfaces.
From road, to trail, to lab, we test each shoe in a variety of situations to get a complete picture of performance.
Midsole Features
The midsole is the most important part of any road running shoe. The materials, level of cushioning, and flexibility will help you determine if a shoe is right for you. We use terms like stack height, heel-toe drop, and rocker angle to describe these features; what do they all mean?
Stack height refers to the thickness of the cushioning in a shoe. While there is no strict industry standard for this measurement, we use a standardized method to compare the shoes we test and include the total amount of material between the bottom of your foot and the ground, including the insole/sockliner, midsole, and outsole. Stack height can play a big part in how the shoe feels underfoot, and while stack height does not strictly correspond to comfort or cushiness, it is a good place to start when narrowing down your options. Taller stack heights usually offer a more insulated ride, and lower stack heights tend to provide more sensitivity and a better ground feel.
We cut each shoe in half to measure stack height and examine inner materials.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Heel-toe drop is the difference in height from the heel of a shoe to the toe. Different runners will find different drop heights optimal for their running mechanics.
Stack height and heel-to-toe drop are two important measurements that can change the way a shoe feels underfoot.
At a basic level, the higher the drop, the higher the running load is shifted in your legs. We'd expect to see more loading of the knees and hips in a shoe with 10 mm of drop than in a shoe with 4 mm. In the lower drop shoe, the load will be more concentrated around the lower leg, at the ankles and calves.
You may have heard that high-drop shoes or zero-drop shoes cause or prevent injury. There is currently no evidence to support those claims. What can cause injury is a rapid transition from one shoe style to another. If you've been running in a higher-drop shoe, suddenly transitioning to a zero-drop shoe can cause injury and vice-versa.
As with everything in running, ensuring you aren't doing too much of something too quickly is vital. Ease into new things and let your body adapt.
Here is an example of a zero-drop shoe, meaning that the heel and forefoot are the exact same height. Zero-drop shoes encourage stability and rear-chain activation, but this does not mean that they are the right choice for all anatomies.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Rocker angle refers to the geometry of a shoe that encourages your foot to “rock” forward. An upward curve at the toe end (or sometimes under the heel) of the bottom of the shoe can help facilitate the natural motion of your ankle and forefoot, aiding your running efficiency. A steeper rocker angle at the forefoot can provide a more aggressive feeling, but may feel unnatural to some runners. You find a rocker geometry most often in two types of shoes. First, in shoes meant to go fast. These uptempo daily trainers or race shoes will utilize rockers to help you carry your speed efficiently. Second, in shoes that are very stiff due to lots of midsole foam. Since bending the shoe at the forefoot is harder, a rocker is added to help you out.
The rocker angle of a running shoe can affect the amount of forward momentum and response you feel in each step.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Carbon fiber and nylon plates have become very popular in both race shoes and in daily trainers. Contrary to popular belief, plates do not provide a spring-like propulsive benefit. Research has proven that the plate alone is not what makes modern race shoes fast. However, they can interact with the midsole foam and rocker geometry to create a shoe that increases your running performance. Some daily trainers also utilize plates for the same reason. But again, just because a shoe has a plate does not mean it is fast. Some daily trainers have plates and are not fast shoes. Aside from a few exceptions, trail shoes are not typically equipped with propulsive plates. On the other hand, many trail shoes include rock plates made of similar materials that can provide additional underfoot protection from sharp rocks and other trail features.
Certain types of midsole plates are designed to be springy and add propulsion, while others add stability or protection.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
How Do Midsole Foams Affect a Shoe?
We classify shoes with moderate (under ~40 mm) stack height as daily trainers and shoes over that as max-cushioning. There are also other minimalist options, including barefoot shoes, which provide next to no underfoot cushion and may have a “stack height” as low as 3 mm, although we don't recommend them for the vast majority of runners. While stack height can tell you a lot about a shoe, it isn't the whole picture.
Our reviewers often refer to shoes as bouncy, resilient, plush, soft, or firm. That's because the foam that makes up the midsole has a huge effect on how a shoe feels and performs. In fact, research has shown different midsole foams can drastically affect a runner's efficiency and performance.
Midsole Characteristics
Stack Height
Heel-to-Toe Drop
Rocker Angle
Plate
Asics Novablast 5 (men's)
41 mm
5 mm
25.0 deg
✖
Asics Novablast 5 (women's)
40 mm
9 mm
26.5 deg
✖
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 (men's)
42 mm
7 mm
26.5 deg
✖
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 (women's)
37 mm
5 mm
28.0 deg
✖
Puma Velocity Nitro 3
38 mm
11 mm
18.0 deg
✖
New Balance FuelCell Propel v5
38 mm
7 mm
19.0 deg
Full length plastic
Saucony Kinvara 14
30 mm
5 mm
26.0 deg
✖
Saucony Kinvara 15
27 mm
3 mm
25.0 deg
✖
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
38 mm
11 mm
25.0 deg
Nylon
Brooks Hyperion Max 2
35 mm
8 mm
24.5 deg
Full length plastic
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris (men's)
39 mm
6 mm
24.5 deg
Carbon
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris (women's)
38 mm
6 mm
26.5 deg
Carbon
The specific formula of a foam plays a much larger role in how a shoe feels than the stack height alone. For example, a maximally cushioned shoe with over 45 mm of stack height won't necessarily feel pillowy underfoot. It may feel firm thanks to a foam that doesn't compress much or has little energy return, also known as resilience. Similarly, a lower stack shoe can feel both pillowy and bouncy if it has a foam that is highly compressible and resilient.
So, how do you know what to look for? Think back to your use case, and consider the sensations you prefer underfoot when reading our reviews. If you're looking for a shoe to run many different paces in, you'll probably want a shoe with good resilience. If you want a higher stack height but don't want to feel like you're running on clouds, look for shoes with a firmer or less compressible midsole foam. If you value flexibility, you'll probably want a lower stack height, as shoes with higher stacks tend to be stiffer.
Daily trainers balance comfort and responsiveness to create a versatile running shoe. Exactly where they fall in that spectrum helps determine what sort of runner would find them the most helpful.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
How Much Support Do You Need?
Support and stability differ from shoe to shoe and are influenced by geometry, base width, foam density, and sometimes added internal stability structures. You'll often see shoes categorized as neutral or stability shoes; almost all of the shoes we test fall within the neutral category, with a few models offering extra stability features.
That's because neutral shoes are appropriate for MOST runners, including beginners.
It's still common for well-meaning people to prescribe a stability shoe based on your foot type or gait pattern to “prevent injury.” However, that advice is outdated. Unless you have an already-existing injury, research shows that stability shoes do not change your risk of injury.
Some shoes have an extra stable base that can help you feel more confident and supported on your runs.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Rotating Shoes and Injury Risk
We recommend running in a rotation of shoes with varying stack heights, stability, and geometries. That's because research has shown running in a rotation of two to three different shoes is far more effective at injury prevention than wearing stability or motion-control shoes.
Because of this, we recommend you try on various shoes with varying levels of stability. Choose the one (or two or three) most comfortable, and start running! Follow a safe progression, and you should be good to go. If you run into issues, consider seeking the advice of a running-focused physical therapist.
Finding the perfect fit can make the difference between a great workout and a run cut short due to blisters, hot spots, or other discomfort.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Conclusion
Running is a centuries-old practice that has many mental and physical health benefits, whether you are brand new to the sport, or training for your next ultramarathon. The right pair of shoes is essential to keep you on your feet and on the move, but with the abundance of choices in today's market, it is necessary to do the research before committing to a pair. Luckily, we have researched and tested hundreds of models to find the ins and outs of each pair, and we hope that this list of our favorites will help you make the best choice for your lifestyle and running goals.
We've also tested plenty of other helpful running gear, no matter what your running goals are. Our team has put a plethora of GPS watches to the test to bring you evidence-backed comparisons and recommendations. We've got intel on the barefoot running scene, and if you're hitting the trails, we've also tested trail running shoes.
