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Since 2011, we've tested more than 165 pairs of men's road-ready shoes over thousands of miles to bring you this lineup of the 30 top options available today. Our lead tester is a USA Track & Field certified coach working with high school and post-collegiate athletes in the American West. From racing shoes filled with the latest technology to solid standbys that are fan favorites, we've put all the shoes we test through their literal and figurative paces. Pounding it out on the pavement and on the track, we also cut them open in our lab, measure them according to World Athletics guidelines, and examine the minute details that make each shoe unique.
Our overall favorite road running shoe — the one we recommend to most runners, even if you're new to running — is the Asics Novablast 5. It's comfortable, bouncy, great for a wide variety of running mechanics and paces, and is reasonably affordable.
The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is our top choice for a versatile trainer at an affordable price. It's a classic shoe that works well at every pace, scored above average across all our variable road testing, and has some of the best traction we've come across. The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris is our current favorite racing shoe, combining low weight, impressive responsiveness, and excellent geometry that encourages easy speed.
Our running team is quite literally constantly testing shoes for every type of runner — from those who hope to save money or those needing a bit more support from their trainers to those hoping to speed train for an upcoming race or folks looking for low-drop or zero-drop options.
We're obsessed with getting you out there with the gear you need and not just what's flashy. We can help you find a quality running shirt or the perfect GPS watch to track your progress. Hitting the trails? We've tested trail running shoes as well.
Editor's Note: Our men's running shoe review was updated on February 1, 2025. We added test results, lab findings, and direct comparisons of numerous new models from Asics, Brooks, Adidas, Saucony, New Balance, Puma, and Under Armour.
Weight Per Shoe (Size 10.5): 9.50 oz | Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop: 5 mm
REASONS TO BUY
Soft and bouncy foam
Pace versatility
Smooth ride
Premium comfort
REASONS TO AVOID
Traction isn't great
The Asics Novablast 5 is our go-to all-around running shoe. For daily mileage, it's comfortable, plush, and enjoyable. For faster running, the resilient FF Blast Max foam has a bouncy energy return, and the rocker geometry helps keep things rolling. Mid/forefoot runners will likely love the “trampoline” forefoot, which gives great cushioning and a fun pop. This version of the Novablast is a little more optimized for daily comfort than the previous model, happiest at easy-to-moderate paces, but we still have enjoyed small doses of 5K paced training in this shoe. If you're after a speed trainer, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is better (awesome) for pushing the pace. The lightweight and breathable upper of the Novablast 5 is comfortable and well-designed to provide a good fit for many runners. The versatility in fit, ride, and performance is what makes this such an easy recommendation for many road runners. Not to mention, this shoe punches well above its price point.
“The new Novablast is a bouncier ride that easily picks up the pace. Its traction is better than the v4 and I love it — from relaxing jogs to speedy workouts.”
As with the last version, the Novablast 5 struggles with traction. It's significantly improved from the last model, with a tackier AHAR Lo rubber and increased coverage. Still, it's not the best choice for runs on slick surfaces, although we've used it in the ice and snow of Montana winter training. Overall, this is a comfortable, fun, and versatile shoe. It's the best all-arounder we've tested, and it sits at a great price point. For runners who only want one shoe, this is a solid choice. It also slots well into a rotation of shoes for easy-to-moderate runs. If you want a fun and reliable training partner, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better option. Runners who value that versatility but need more support might want to consider the Saucony Tempus 2, which is a fun and reliable stability trainer.
Savings Alert!
If you like the sound of the Novablast 5, you'll probably also love the previous version. This former Editor's Choice winner is a little firmer, but also slightly more responsive. If you want to save a few bucks, the Novablast 4 is an awesome all-around trainer that you can find significantly marked down right now.
The Novablast 5 is our favorite daily trainer, with attributes that make it approachable and ideal for a wide variety of runners and preferences.
Weight Per Shoe (Size 10.5): 9.03 oz | Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop: 11 mm
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent versatility
Great comfort and smooth cushioning
Fast and responsive ride
Snappy enough to be a race shoe for some runners
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive for a daily trainer
If your running involves regular doses of faster paces, we think the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is the perfect shoe for you. It's one of the few options out there that truly can handle any type of run. Thanks to the responsive PWRRUN PB foam, a moderate forefoot rocker, and a nylon plate, the Speed 4 gets after it in workouts while remaining comfortable enough for long, easy miles. The upper is comfortable, and Saucony updated this version with a fit that should work for more runners. While it's not as responsive as a super shoe (or as expensive), the Speed still boosts your pace while offering far more comfort than a typical race shoe. We love it for fast runs, either as an option in our shoe rotation or as a single-shoe lineup for folks aiming for speed. If you're chasing your next PR, this is the shoe we most recommend for you.
“This Endorphin Speed is a quiver killer — it easily carried me from speed training to race day to recovery runs.”
We really don't have any issues with this shoe other than price. It's not the cheapest option, but in fairness, no other shoe in our lineup offers such a great balance between performance and comfort. Compared to previous iterations of the Speed line, this one feels approachable and stable but still quick. It's great for runners who only have one shoe and like to pick up the pace. If you're super-shoe-curious but not ready to spend that much, the Speed 4 will make a perfect companion for your training block, and it's one that you can wear all the way across the finish line. If you want the next level up, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 has a carbon plate with an aggressive feel to bump you over the finish line on race day. But if you're after a high-performing, versatile trainer to help you ramp up your speed, this is your shoe.
If the Endorphin Speed 4 sounds interesting but is a bit out of budget, you can take a look at last season's Speed 3, which performed almost as well in our testing and is often steeply discounted at many retailers.
The versatility of the Speed 4 makes it more than just a speed shoe. It can do anything you ask, and rarely will hold you back.
Weight Per Shoe (Size 10.5): 10.07 oz | Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop: 11 mm
REASONS TO BUY
Light and responsive foam
Affordable
Best-in-class traction
Versatile
REASONS TO AVOID
Higher weight
Narrow toe box
We think the Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is a great shoe choice that's versatile enough for most days, whether you want to take it easy or push the pace — and at this price, that's impressive. With a decent stack of Puma's supercritical NITRO foam, it's relatively lightweight, smooth, and responsive. The upper is breathable and has excellent lockdown, although the toe box does run a bit narrow. The PumaGrip outsole grips extremely well on a range of road surfaces, from ice to dirt and everything in between, making it one of the best-tractioned shoes in our whole lineup. The versatility makes this shoe our first choice when we travel — it's comfortable for long runs on unknown roads and responsive enough to get the job done during workouts. This impressive versatility makes it an even better value than its reasonable price tag suggests. Even better, the previous version is nearly as nice (it previously won this same award, and we solidly recommend it) and can still be found in places, for deep discounts.
“I'd gladly pay more for this versatility in a road shoe! It's comfortable without sacrificing speed, breathable on hot days, and has a smooth ride.”
Puma added a little stack height to this new version of the Velocity Nitro, which increases comfort but reduces overall stability. This is a neutral shoe with a good ground feel but is probably not the best for runners who need significant amounts of lateral stability. It is also heavier than average, although it didn't feel heavy to us while running. If you like what this shoe has to offer but want a shoe more dedicated to speed, check out the Adidas Adizero Boston 12, which works at a range of paces but is snappier when running fast. For a modest boost in comfort, cushioning, and stability, the Asics Novablast 5 (or the previous Novablast) doesn't cost much more — though you'll lose some traction on trying surfaces. Overall, this is a solid pick for most runners, from beginner to seasoned racer — it can work alone or in a rotation. This level of versatility, combined with its affordable price tag, makes it a great budget pick. Plus, if you shop Puma's sales, you'll find great deals, making this an even better value choice.
The price-to-performance ratio found in the Nitro 3 is compelling, but if you're looking for a clearance sale bargain, you may be able to find last season's Puma Velocity Nitro 2 for even less. We have run in the Nitro 2 during past rounds of testing. It scored almost as high as the Nitro 3 and is actually a bit lighter, although not as cushioned feeling. We highly recommend both versions of the shoe.
The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is versatile and easy to get along with, making at a great all-around choice.
Weight Per Shoe (Size 10.5): 9.36 oz | Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop: 9mm
REASONS TO BUY
Great grip
Well-cushioned ride
Low weight
Likes faster paces
REASONS TO AVOID
Fit may be snug for some runners
If you want an affordable daily trainer that can handle steady running and some workouts, check out the Adidas Adizero SL2. You rarely get premium foam in the midsole of a lower-priced daily trainer, but the SL2 gives you that by packing a chunk of Adidas' Lightstrike Pro. The slightly firm but highly resilient foam makes the shoe energetic and responsive. The midsole provides excellent cushioning at relaxed paces as well, making it a great choice for long efforts. Adidas also gave this shoe a solid outsole that grabs well on wet roads. It's not the best grip in our test, but it's well above average.
“This is an excellent budget-friendly choice for runners who still want a good performance and aren't looking for plush cushioning.”
While we didn't have issues with the shoe, some runners may find the midfoot fit to be too narrow. Adidas carried that narrower midfoot upper fit through the midsole as well, which does mean that this shoe doesn't have a ton of lateral stability. It feels planted, but not particularly stable. If you want a versatile shoe that has a wider fit with similar uptempo ability, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 might be a good option. There isn't much to complain about with this trainer; it does the job well — and at a wallet-friendly price tag. We think it will work for the majority of runners, and it can often be found on sale. That makes this another great option to consider if you want a versatile and affordable daily trainer.
Weight Per Shoe (Size 10.5): 6.85 oz | Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6 mm
REASONS TO BUY
Extremely fast
High cushioning and responsiveness
Insanely light
REASONS TO AVOID
Struggles on loose surfaces
Narrow fit through the midfoot is less accommodating
The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris is the highest scoring shoe in our test, thanks to an incredibly low weight, high energy return FF Turbo Plus foam and an aggressive yet natural feeling geometry. As a result, this impressive shoe is our favorite choice and our top recommendation for races ranging from a road mile to a full marathon. That's truly impressive, as many other racing shoes we've tested, such as the Nike Vaporfly 3, only work well at high speeds and suffer when the pace is slowed even a little. We found the forefoot rocker of the Metaspeed Sky to be subtle while running, aiding in smooth transitions and a fast toe-off without feeling unnatural in the way some of its top competitors are. While other popular racing shoes like the Nike Alphafly 3 have a learning curve to getting the most propulsion from their plates, the Metaspeed Sky Paris does not. The 38 mm of stack height under the heel is plenty, offering protection from the road and leg-saving cushioning. This shoe is also by far the lightest in our lineup, weighing an almost impossible 6.85 ounces per shoe in men's US size 10.5!
“Asics raises the bar for super shoes by pairing an explosive and propulsive midsole and rocker geometry with a shockingly light upper.”
That weight savings does come at a price, though — the worst part of the Metaspeed Sky Paris is its outsole. We get that Asics sacrificed traction to get lower weight, a choice that makes sense. But the shoe struggled to bite as well as the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 on cold and wet tracks and roads, making cornering a bit dicey. It's also rather unstable, further detracting from its surefootedness around bends. If your race course is full of bends and twists, takes you over loose surfaces, or is likely to be wet, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is the race shoe you want. Though not strictly a race shoe, the Asics Superblast 2 utilizes the same FF Turbo Plus foam in a well-designed daily trainer that some runners might like for racing a marathon. For most road races, though, the Metaspeed Sky is still the shoe we'd recommend to most people. It's comfortable for a race shoe, easy to get the benefits from with diverse strides, and, most importantly, it's fast.
The Metaspeed Sky Paris is now the shoe we grab for almost any race on pavement.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
MYTH-BUSTING: Carbon Plates Don't Make a Shoe Fast
Shoes like the Nike Alphafly 3 or the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris fall into a category of race shoes called “super shoes.” A super shoe is a race day shoe that utilizes a combination of: 1) advanced, highly resilient (think high-energy return) foam, 2) a composite stiffener, often a carbon plate, 3) aggressive rocker geometry, and 4) a low weight. Many times, you'll hear these shoes referred to as “carbon racers” or simply as “plated shoes.”
There is a common misconception that the carbon plate is what makes a super-shoe fast. In reality, it is the combination of highly resilient foam, rocker geometry, and low weight that gives the majority of the performance enhancements. In fact, one study found that cutting up the carbon plate in a pair of super-shoes did not meaningfully affect energy savings. Adidas uses carbon-infused rods rather than a plate in their super-shoes with great results. Put simply, the plate does not make the shoe.
There are plenty of carbon-plated shoes that simply aren't fast. The plates in those shoes are there to provide direction to the foam, add stability, or increase stiffness. Others are meant to be training companions to true super shoes, so your body can get used to the feel of a plated shoe before race day.
Weight Per Shoe (Size 10.5): 9.11 oz | Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 mm
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent stability and support
Responsive ride
Good traction
REASONS TO AVOID
Midfoot may feel firm to some runners
Fit runs narrower
Stability shoes are rarely fun. The Saucony Tempus 2 is a brilliant exception. Pairing a firmer PWRRUN foam frame with energetic PWRRUN PB foam in the midsole results in a shoe that provides significant amounts of support without compromising the ability to change pace. The rocker geometry helps keep things moving at faster paces but doesn't feel forced or unnatural when jogging. We found that the shoe feels best at comfortable to moderate paces. It can run fast workouts too, but it starts to get clunky when you're really ripping faster than 5K pace. We loved this shoe for long runs, where the combination of lower weight, excellent cushioning, and sneaky support left us feeling great two hours in.
“The Tempus reset my expectations for stability shoes. It supports my feet and keeps me solidly locked in place without compromising all the fun in my runs.”
We don't have a lot of things to complain about with the Tempus 2. The fit runs a little narrow, but we don't think it will be too narrow for most runners. When it comes to shoes, what works for one runner often won't work for the next. That's especially true when it comes to stability shoes. We found that the midfoot of this shoe was firm but not uncomfortable. Other runners may find that it is actually uncomfortable, which is worth noting. Overall though, this is a top-notch stability trainer that we think will have wide appeal. For runners who plan to race and value stability over pure performance, this shoe could even make their shortlist of race shoes. If the feel of the Tempus 2 isn't quite right for you, but you want a shoe with support, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is a solid all-arounder that isn't as versatile but may fit your mechanics.
The Tempus 2 is the most fun stability shoe we've tested, and it's stuck around in our personal rotations as well.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
MYTH-BUSTING: Who Needs a Stability Shoe?
The vast majority of runners don't need a stability shoe, regardless of whether they pronate or supinate or are “neutral” runners. In fact, most current research suggests that choosing a shoe based on your movement patterns (pronation, for example, which in many cases is a natural movement and not an actual problem) is ineffective at preventing injuries, with some limited exceptions. For runners who do better with some stability, how much is optimal will vary from runner to runner, and likely will change over time.
The best predictor of whether a shoe will work for you is how it feels when you try it on — not your arch shape or pronation/supination pattern.
For the most part, shoes don't cause or prevent injuries. Running injuries tend to be the result of repetitive stress, often tied to changing something quickly (like suddenly increasing volume or intensity) and not allowing your body to adapt. Shoes may alter how much load a runner can tolerate before getting injured but are unlikely to be the root cause or solution to injuries. Strengthening your body, fueling well, and making smart training increases are the best methods of injury prevention. Plus, some research suggests that having a rotation of 2-3 shoes with varying levels of stability is more effective than simply running in a pair of stability shoes.
Again, the best way to tell whether a shoe will work for you — whether it's a stability shoe or a neutral daily trainer — is to try it on. If it feels great, awesome. If not, move on.
Weight Per Shoe (Size 10.5): 7.98 oz | Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7 mm
REASONS TO BUY
Engaging ride with lots of bounce
Excellent cushioning
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Not as snappy as some plated options
Fit is slightly short
We love the light and responsive ride of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 and are impressed by its responsiveness even without a springy plate hidden inside. The FuelCell foam is soft and bouncy, providing excellent cushioning for longer efforts and engaging pep for workouts. Only the Asics Superblast 2 has a more responsive spring without a plate — by a slim margin. Where the Rebel v4 stands out is in its comfortable usage versatility. The lightweight and stripped-back upper suggests it's meant for fast running, but it has plenty of comfort for easy cruises as well, which is not the norm for speed-centric shoes. We've used the Rebel v4 for everything from long runs to speed workouts, and we think it has excellent versatility. Its toe box is a bit wider to match a wider, stable base that cuts down on any learning curve. Combine all that with a reasonable price tag, and this is a very approachable shoe.
“I almost thought this shoe was plated, because it's so bouncy, fun, and fast.”
Our only gripe is related to fit — the Rebel v4 runs slightly short. We noticed some rubbing on our big toenails during long runs wearing our usual size. Otherwise, the fit is excellent, with plenty of volume in the toe-box for runners with wide feet and the ability to get a secure lockdown even if your feet are narrow. If you do have narrow feet, the Hoka Mach 6 is a fairly similar shoe to the Rebel that we also like. It's similarly responsive and lightweight, with a firmer ride. Ultimately, we think the Rebel v4 is a great option for many runners. It can work as a do-it-all shoe or as a non-plated option for faster workouts. We've loved using it for uptempo long runs thanks to the relaxed yet responsive ride, and while it doesn't have quite as much snap as some plated options, it's close.
Weight Per Shoe (Size 10.5): 12.19 oz | Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7 mm
REASONS TO BUY
Plush ride
Smooth transitions
Premium feel
REASONS TO AVOID
Chunky
Short upper fit
The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 gives you a massive (42 mm!) chunk of soft and smooth foam to run on. It's one of the most comfortable cruisers in our lineup thanks to the excellent underfoot cushioning, smooth geometry, and comfortable upper materials. This is our go-to choice for recovery days when we want to feel insulated from the road. The only other shoe that comes close to this level of comfort is the Hoka Skyward X — for a LOT more money. Thanks to the excellent rocker geometry, we found that the More v5 rolls along better than some of its pillowy competition, which makes it more enjoyable for long runs. Thanks to a wide base and excellent sidewall structure, it's also one of the most stable max-cushioned shoes we've tested — which is more than the tippy Skyward X can claim.
“If you enjoy the feeling of sinking into a foam and rolling along, you're going to love the Fresh Foam X More v5.”
Of course, all that comfort comes at a cost. The More v5 is heavy. In fact, it's actually the heaviest shoe in our lineup (0.19 ounces heavier than the Skyward). If you want a shoe that is protective and pillowy, then weight shouldn't matter much (but this shoe could stand to lose an ounce). But, if you plan to run fast in your very comfortable shoes, you'll want to consider other soft options that are much more versatile, like the incredible Mizuno Neo Vista, which has more foam underfoot but also is a pretty responsive shoe. It's worth noting that the shoe runs a little short. If you're on the large end of your typical size, you might want to move up a half size. This is a great option if you want a comfortable, maximally-cushioned trainer, so long as you know that the More v5 won't appreciate having to move quickly.
The More v5 is our pick for cruisey and relaxed mileage on easy days.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
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We've tested all the shoes in our lineup with a standardized test plan, and ranked them according to their performance.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
How We Test Road Running Shoes
Our running experts have tested hundreds of pairs of running shoes since 2011, and more than 165 pairs of men's road running shoes specifically. Before even starting tests, we complete extensive market research to determine which competitors are worthy of entering the lineup. We then purchase each pair, take copious in-house measurements, and send each contender through extensive hands-on testing on the road. We utilize tester experience combined with data gathered by our in-house testing team to produce detailed reviews for our readers.
A Note on Stack Height
We have reported specs on stack height and the subsequent heel-to-toe-drop differential for every shoe, and you may notice that our measurements sometimes differ from what the manufacturers claim. Why is this? Well, there's no industry standard for this measurement, so each company can choose its own method for calculating this differential — with no requirement to divulge their methods. To have standardized and comparable data, we cut every shoe in half and measure all of these things ourselves based on the World Athletics stack height standards used to regulate professional racing. Our stack height includes the insole, stack, and tread — everything that will be underneath your foot when wearing the shoe.
We tested and compared all the top contenders on the market to help you make the best choice possible for your feet and running style.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
To analyze all aspects of a running shoe's performance, we devised — and continually revise — a comprehensive testing plan. Each shoe is put through a rigorous set of runs. First, each shoe completes a standardized 6-mile test loop that contains hardpacked dirt, loose gravel, asphalt, concrete, and grass surfaces. Additionally, each shoe in our current lineup has run through at least 50 miles, including:
The only exceptions made are for super-shoes, which don't go for easy runs. They're purpose-built for running fast, so that's how we test them. Most shoes log significantly more than this over the course of testing, and the majority continue to be worn for months after the testing period is complete.
Comfort vs. Performance
Most running shoes exist on a spectrum with comfort on one end and performance on the other. The features that can make a shoe extremely comfortable, like plush cushioning and a soft knit upper, often come with weight and responsiveness penalties that make running fast harder. That's why we test all the shoes over a wide range of workouts and paces. When deciding on your next shoe, we recommend determining your needs and intended use. That will help you decide where on the comfort-performance spectrum you should look.
We put each pair of shoes through standardized testing to provide a fair assessment.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
We then score each shoe on six weighted metrics:
Landing Comfort (30% of overall score weighting)
Responsiveness (20% weighting)
Stability (15% weighting)
Upper Comfort (15% weighting)
Weight (15% weighting)
Traction (5% weighting)
By the end of our testing, we've collected and compiled a complete picture of how each shoe handles pretty much any type of run users will take them on. The shoes also go through a rigorous testing process in our lab, where we gather measurements on geometry, stack height, and more to help us better understand and explain why certain shoes are better for certain applications.
If you're able to try-before-you-buy, your chances of being happy once you're miles out on a long run are much higher.
Each shoe we test clocks a lot of mileage on a variety of terrain.
Why Trust GearLab
A team of experts and professionals help to shape this review. Starting with lead tester Nathaniel Bailey, who has always loved running. He competed in track and cross country at the middle school, high school, and collegiate levels. Now, he continues to chase “fast” times on the roads. Nathaniel is a USATF-certified coach who works with post-collegiate and high school runners, sharing his passion for the sport and continuing to develop his knowledge of endurance sports and physiology. Professional running biomechanics consultant, Carrie Vickers, helped to inform and design our testing methods and provided additional guidance for our advice on how to choose the best shoes for you. Carrie is an accomplished national-class runner, having ranked in numerous Olympic, US National, and World Championship competitions for steeplechase. Though it has since been broken, she once held the world record for the 2000 meter steeplechase. Carrie also helped to design our jogging stroller review. Our laboratory team includes manufacturing engineer, Sentry Kelly, taking apart and meticulously measuring every pair of shoes in a standardized and comparable way.
In addition to running all these shoes through their paces, we sent a second pair to our testing facility to get precise measurements on things like stack height, compression stiffness, and rocker angle.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Analysis and Test Results
Running shoes are often designed with a specific purpose. Max-cushioned shoes are designed to eat up mileage while providing excellent comfort. Race shoes are designed for speed at the expense of everything else. It doesn't make sense to buy a race shoe for your easy runs, so we'll break down each performance metric into three categories: Daily Trainers, Max-Cushioned Trainers, and Race Shoes.
Your Mileage May Vary
We do our best to provide thorough and unbiased reviews. We scour the internet for user feedback on the shoes we tested to see if our experiences align with those of other runners. We're confident that our scoring accurately reflects the differences between the shoes in our lineup. Still, what we like best may not work for everyone. For example, our lead testers for men's and women's running shoes agree on most pairs but have different experiences in some shoes due to differences in footstrike, stride, or foot shape. If you're interested in a certain shoe, we recommend reading through the individual review to see if we call out any type of runner who the shoe may not work for.
Between our article on buying advice for running shoes and our detailed reviews, we believe you'll find the best running shoe for your needs and budget here. Read on to see how each contender performs in the different test metrics.
What's the Best Value?
Value is a huge consideration when you're logging miles. Some runners want to get the most mileage per dollar they can, while others care more about performance than durability. The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is our favorite model for value, blending great performance, versatility, and durability at a reasonable price. The Adidas Adizero SL2 is nearly tied with the Puma, with slightly more speed and a similar price. The New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 and the Hoka Mach 6 also provide solid all-around performance and a lower list price than many other shoes in the test.
Budget Shoes for Beginners
Burning through running shoes can get expensive — we have firsthand experience with that. Shopping for a good deal is always advisable, but we think that super low-budget, entry-level shoes are almost never worth the money.
For example, one of the cheapest shoes in our lineup is the Asics Gel-Contend 9, which can be reliably found for between $50-75. It's not a terrible shoe, but it also isn't very good. The foam is hard, there is limited forefoot cushioning, and the upper causes hotspots. Your experience in the shoe is unlikely to be enjoyable.
Instead of purchasing an entry-level trainer like that, we highly recommend shopping around for previous models of our award-winners. For example, you can regularly find a pair of Puma Velocity Nitro 2 for the same price as the Gel-Contend 9! Their performance isn't comparable — the Puma records a dramatically higher overall score and is far more enjoyable to run in. The same holds true with many of the shoes in our lineup.
Landing Comfort
When we're assessing this category, we're most interested in how a shoe feels underfoot while running. That includes questions like:
Do our feet feel protected from the road?
How well does the cushioning insulate our legs over longer efforts?
Are transitions through our foot during landing smooth or choppy?
Do we feel as though we're “bottoming out” the cushioning?
How much compression does the foam have?
How much resilience (energy return) does the foam have?
How stiff is the shoe?
Landing Comfort: Daily Trainers
Daily trainers are the workhorses of the running shoe world. They're designed to get you through the majority of your mileage feeling comfortable, but should still be able to handle most workouts you'll throw at them. As with all running shoes, daily trainers sit in different places on the comfort vs. performance spectrum. Some we classify as speed trainers, meaning they're best suited to faster running. Others are more comfort-oriented, providing plush cushioning but less versatility.
One of our favorite all-around shoes, the Asics Novablast 5, straddles the line between daily trainer and max-cushioning. By the numbers, it probably should sit in the max-cushioning category. However, it doesn't run like a max-cushioned shoe and is remarkably versatile. So, we think it's best considered as a daily trainer. It's extremely well cushioned, scoring among the highest in the daily trainer category.
The Novablast 5 has enough cushioning that some might consider it “maximally cushioned”, yet it still performs like your favorite daily trainer.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 takes home the highest marks for cushioning among all our daily trainers. It's a good choice for uptempo running, and we love it for long runs thanks to its excellent foam. The Rebel has a soft and bouncy underfoot feeling, making it a joy to run in. In this category, both the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 are high-performing speed trainers. They're better for uptempo running than other daily trainers but still have plenty of cushioning for the longest runs. Both have a firmer underfoot feel and are stiffer, thanks to their respective plates.
The Rebel v4 is lightweight and fast but highly cushioned.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Minimalist and low-drop daily trainers, like the Altra Torin 7, tend to score lower in this category. They're lower to the ground and don't make use of more modern, highly-resilient foams. On the other hand, the Altra Vanish Tempo utilizes a more energetic foam and slightly higher stack height to provide the best cushioning from a low-drop shoe in our lineup.
The Vanish Tempo has great cushioning, thanks to the Ego Pro foam that compresses well and has good energy return.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
When it comes to cushioning and landing comfort, a high-quality foam is essential, but smooth transitions are vital to the runner's sensation. Unfortunately, even though the Brooks Ghost 16 utilizes a supercritical foam, it suffered from rough transitions throughout the foot strike. The heel area had decent-to-average cushioning, but the midfoot transition was rough, and the forefoot was poorly cushioned. As a result, it was one of the lowest-scoring daily trainers in this category.
The Ghost 16 has disappointing cushioning for a “cushioned” daily trainer.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 and Adidas Adizero SL2 are both great compromises that each provides plush cushioning with the ability to hit faster paces. Both shoes ended up with a high rank in our testing thanks to their balanced performances and excellent price points.
The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 provides a plush landing pad with its NITRO foam in the midsole.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Landing Comfort: Max-Cushioned Trainers
Max-cushioned trainers tend to be best for eating up long mileage at easy paces. However, some of our favorite all-around trainers fall into this category and utilize some technology from top-tier race shoes to provide versatile, high-performing comfort. Nothing beats the Hoka Skyward X when it comes to the most cushioning money can buy. Utilizing a huge stack of both PEBA and EVA foams, the Skyward is soft, bouncy, and smooth. If you like ground-feel or moderate paces, though, this isn't the shoe for you.
It's hard to argue with the max-stack of modern, fun foam in the Skyward X.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
For runners who love the comfort offered by the Skyward X but hate the price tag, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 might be the perfect solution. The big slab of smooth cushioning is excellent for recovery days but struggles to run faster. If you want more pace, the Mizuno Neo Vista has a huge stack of foam and a smooth rocker geometry to create one of the most versatile and comfortable rides in our test. We love this shoe as a daily option, and while it feels best at easy paces, you can also use it for threshold workouts.
Just look at all that highly-compressible and resilient foam. The Neo Vista is one of the most comfortable and versatile daily trainers in the lineup as a result.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Close behind is the Asics Superblast 2, which is slightly less cushioned but more oriented towards faster paces. It can eat up the easy miles, but this is also a shoe that could work as a marathon racer for some runners.
The Superblast 2 can eat up long miles easily thanks to the FF Turbo Plus foam.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
When it comes to easy running, the Triumph 22 and Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 take a similar approach. A huge chunk of soft foam makes them comfortable and smooth for your recovery runs.
The PWRRUN PB foam of the Triumph 22 is extremely soft, almost pillowy.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
The On Cloudsurfer also scores well in this category, offering a smooth rolling ride that will likely work best for heel-strikers. The high drop makes it less comfortable when landing mid/forefoot.
The highly rockered and smooth ride of the Coudsurfer 7 is excellent for heel-strikers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Landing Comfort: Race Shoes
The super shoes in our lineup have all been designed to get you through a marathon comfortably. That means they all have high levels of cushioning underfoot, and almost all of them are bouncy and soft. They utilize highly resilient PEBA foams to provide a performance and comfort benefit. The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris stands out for its cushioning that feels both bottomless and responsive. Close behind is the Nike Alphafly 3, which has a more mechanical feeling transition from mid to forefoot but also has a massive chunk of ZoomX foam.
The Metaspeed Sky Paris has excellent, bottomless comfort.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Responsiveness
In this category, we're most interested in how a shoe handles different paces. We assess each shoe across a few rough pace categories:
Easy running
Moderate running (roughly marathon pace)
Threshold (between marathon and 10K pace)
Fast (5K pace and faster)
Fast Features
There are a lot of factors that go into how fast or responsive a shoe feels. Weight plays a significant role; a lighter shoe makes it easier to run faster. Studies have shown that reducing the weight of a shoe can have significant positive impacts on efficiency and performance. Foam resilience is another important factor — research has repeatedly shown that modern PEBA foams provide significant running economy benefits for most runners. Some features may not work as well for every runner, but they can provide significant benefits.
Composite stiffeners like carbon plates can work in conjunction with highly resilient foams to benefit some runners, but the type and location of the plate are essential in determining what will work for each individual, with some seeing a reduction in running economy when running in certain types of plated shoes. We've experienced this in our testing, with testers having significantly different results in plated shoes based on plate location and shape.
Similarly, rocker geometry, or a curve in the bottom of the shoe that aids a runner in rolling through their stride, can make a shoe feel responsive. Just like with plates, individuals will respond differently to different types and locations of rockers.
Responsiveness: Daily Trainers
A good daily trainer should be able to comfortably handle moderate to threshold paces. Daily trainers that err on the side of speed training should thrive at those efforts. The Saucony Endorphin Speed is a prime example of excellent responsiveness in a daily trainer. It utilizes a nylon plate, rocker geometry, and excellent PWRRUN PB foam to provide an energetic, fast-rolling ride. We found it thrives at threshold pace and can handle fast intervals as well.
The Endorphin Speed has near-perfect responsiveness for a daily trainer that is optimized for uptempo efforts.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
The Hoka Mach 6 and Adidas Adizero SL2 are both excellent examples of versatile daily trainers. Both have premium foams that give a responsive and resilient ride. The Hoka utilizes more intense rocker geometry than the Adidas, but both are great for moderate efforts and longer threshold workouts. Neither have quite the snap and stiffness of some plated options, but some runners might find them ideal for fast workouts. If you can accommodate a narrower fit, we highly recommend these daily trainers.
The Mach 6 is highly versatile thanks to it's lightweight build, rockered ride, and supercritical foam.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 performs extremely well. It has a snappy toe-off and bouncy forefoot thanks to glass-infused rods and Lightstrike Pro foam.
The EnergyRods 2.0 and Lightstrike Pro foam in the Adizero Boston perform well at pace.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
The Reebok Floatride Energy 6 provides decent responsiveness in a simple and budget-friendly package.
Reminder: Not All Plates are for Speed
A few shoes include plates within the soles that are used for lateral stability rather than speed, like the midfoot X plate in the Reebok Floatride Energy 6.
Finally, we love the responsiveness and low ride of the Saucony Kinvara 15. Its responsiveness is a result of a firmer foam and extremely low weight. We think it's a great option for fast workouts, for runners who don't like training in plates but want a faster shoe, or for runners who regularly run their workouts on grass/uneven loops, where higher stacks and softer foams tend to work against you.
The Kinvara uses a classic approach to fast running - lightweight, low-slung, firm.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Race Shoe Scoring
When it's time to show off your hard-earned fitness, super shoes are designed to give you a performance boost. These (often) carbon-plated shoes use highly resilient foams with high energy return. They're lightweight racers that have been shown to improve running economy. They often score towards the top of our lineup thanks to their comfortable cushioning, high responsiveness, and low weight. Just remember that even though they score well, these shoes are only for hard workouts and races, not for easy running.
Responsiveness: Max-Cushioned Trainers
Most max-cushioned shoes simply aren't responsive. However, the Asics Superblast 2 and Mizuno Neo Vista buck that trend. Both utilize tech from racing shoes (high-end foam or plates) to help provide a more versatile ride. These “super trainers” are the ultimate do-it-all shoes for serious runners. Both are some of our favorite shoes as a result, but they come at high costs that make them less attractive for most runners.
The Neo Vista is extremely versatile, and could be fast enough to be a racer for some runners.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
When it comes to more typical max-cushioned shoes, the New Balance Fresh Foam More v5 is our preference for responsiveness. It's not fast, but the rocker geometry helps keep things rolling a bit more than in other options.
We've called the New Balance Fresh Foam More a pillow that rolls well thanks to its rockered geometry.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Even though the Skyward X also has tech from racing shoes, it doesn't have the versatility of the Superblast or Neo Vista. It sits squarely in the easy-running category.
Carbon plates don't always mean speed, and the Skyward X is a great example of that.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Responsiveness: Race Shoes
In this category, responsiveness is what matters most. The Metaspeed Sky Paris takes top marks. It's the fastest shoe we've worn, and although the soft foam isn't ideal for all-out speed at a faster-than-mile pace, we think it makes a solid road mile shoe. The foam is extremely resilient, and the rocker feels natural.
Race Shoe Responsiveness Over Varying Effort Levels
Product
Easy (Recovery)
Moderate (Marathon)
Threshold (10K)
Fast (5K+)
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris
4
5
4.9
4.6
Nike Vaporfly 3
4
4.7
4.8
4.5
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
5
4
4
4
Nike Alphafly 3
3
5
4.5
4
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4
5
3.5
3
2.8
Altra Vanish Tempo
3
2
2
2
The Metaspeed Sky Paris can rip across a range of distances.
Close behind is the Nike Vaporfly 3, which is a similarly versatile option. We actually found it hard to run slowly in this shoe, as its larger mass tends to get in the way and slower speeds.
The Vaporfly is great across a wide range of paces.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
The Nike Alphafly 3 is fast, but its versatility is limited thanks to its overall bulk and design, which makes it best suited to longer distances.
The Alphafly 3 is extremely fast, but the overall bulk gets in the way when running faster than 10K pace.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Stability
Here, we're interested in how stable a shoe feels, both in terms of support during footstrike and laterally on broken terrain. Stability-specific shoes are tricky — we are glad to see an industry shift towards stability shoes that use less medial posting and are more inherently stable neutral trainers. That's more in keeping with most current peer-reviewed evidence. You might need support depending on your natural mechanics, but remember that shoes are not a solution to mechanical issues. You should work with a running-focused physical therapist or sports medicine doctor to resolve those mechanical issues rather than self-diagnose your running mechanics and attempt to address them with a shoe.
Stability: Daily Trainers
We love the Saucony Tempus 2 for its non-invasive and enjoyable approach to stability. It is a versatile shoe that we think many runners will get along with.
The Tempus 2 uses innovative techniques to provide fun stability.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is a decent all-arounder that utilizes a more old-school approach to stability. It uses sidewalls, medial posting, and crash pads to direct your natural movement.
The sidewalls and medial posting of the Adrenaline provide excellent overall stability.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Among daily trainers, shoes that provide a strong lockdown and a wide, low base are often the most stable. The Asics Novablast 5 and Brooks Ghost 16 are standouts in this area. Similarly, both the Puma Velocity Nitro and Deviate Nitro provide a strong lockdown and a stable base that performs well on uneven surfaces and hard impacts.
The Puma Deviate Nitro 3 effectively locks down your foot and has a stable base that keeps you feeling solid over questionable surfaces.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Under Armour Charged Assert 10 takes home a dishonorable mention in this category. It performed at record low levels in our testing across multiple metrics. In particular, it has a stiff and overly hard midsole that provides little to no support. If you value lateral stability, its wide base and hard foam might work for you. On the other hand, when moving forward, there is little support under the foot. Runners who value even a little support would do well to avoid this shoe.
The Charged Assert has little-to-no support under the forefoot.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Finally, it's also worth calling out the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 for its poor performance in this area. It has a wider base and stable lockdown, but the higher stack of soft foam provides very little direction and support. We don't recommend it to runners who need some support in their shoes.
The Rebel v4 is one of the least stable shoes in our lineup.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Stability: Max-Cushioned Trainers
As a rule of thumb, most max-cushioned shoes aren't a great stability option. However, the Asics Gel-Kayano 31 provides the best support and stability in the test. It utilizes a wide platform to provide inherent stability and uses geometry rather than uncomfortable medial posting to keep your foot moving forward. It's also well cushioned, although our testers who land heel-midfoot found the cushioning to be better than those who land mid-forefoot.
The wide base of the Kayano provides for great inherent stability without sacrificing comfort.
The Superblast 2 comes up again in this metric. Sidewalls and a wide platform make this a stable max-cushioned shoe, which is great for runners who want a faster option that has some support.
The Superblast 2 stands out for it's max-cushioned stability.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Stability: Race Shoes
Most racing shoes are pretty unstable. In this test, the Supercomp Elite v4 stood out for its above-average stability. Thanks to its wide platform and geometry, it's the best option for runners who want some support in their race shoe.
A wide base and stable geometry make the Supercomp Elite v4 the most stable race-day shoe in our lineup.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is more stable than most of the other super shoes in the lineup, although its narrower fit and platform may not work for all runners.
The Endorphin Pro 4 provides a stable ride at a range of paces.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Upper Comfort
When assessing upper comfort, we consider things like upper materials and stiffness, breathability, fit, and lockdown. We note any particular hotspots or rubbing that the shoe causes and test to verify if it is a shoe issue or a product of our socks and lacing. High on our list of priorities is a snug fit that keeps our foot stable and provides confidence through corners and uneven terrain. We want an upper that offers good support and locks down our heel without our toes feeling cramped. The tongue has to wrap our midfoot precisely, and the laces have to hold us snugly without causing pressure or hotspots.
Upper Comfort: Daily Trainers
Knit-uppers tend to be the most comfortable, thanks to their soft material and slightly stretchy fit. They tend to struggle with breathability, though. Two of our favorites in this category are the Novablast 5 and the Ghost 16. The Adrenaline GTS 23 also feels snug with excellent lockdown and a gusseted tongue that stays put.
The Novablast 5 has a well-cushioned tongue, a deep heel cup, and just enough stretch to be comfortable in all seasons.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Some shoes have odd fits. The Mach 6 is a prime example, with an extremely narrow fit and a toe box that pulls our toes laterally. The lack of upper comfort is what held this shoe back from taking home an award.
The Mach 6 has a oddly shaped toe-box that will limit its usefulness for some runners.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Upper Comfort: Max-Cushioned Trainers
Most max-cushioned shoes are geared towards comfort, so the upper tends to feel good. Two of our favorite uppers in the entire lineup are in this category — the Mizuno Neo Vista and the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26. Both utilize a sock-like knit upper that wraps your foot comfortably and breathes well. We think the Neo Vista stands out for its execution, and it takes home the highest score for an upper in the lineup. The Skyward X also receives high marks, but runners should be aware of its overly narrow fit.
We tend to enjoy form-fitting, soft knit uppers. The Gel-Nimbus 26 has a great one.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Upper Comfort: Race Shoes
All the shoes in this category have a lightweight upper, designed to save weight while still providing lockdown. The AtomKnit upper of the Alphafly 3 is the most comfortable among race shoes, providing a soft yet secure lockdown and a built-in tongue that doesn't rub.
The Atomknit upper of the Alphafly 3 is very comfortable.
The Supercomp Elite v4 has a much roomier fit than most other super shoes.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Weight
Weight has been proven to be a significant factor in running economy and performance. Weight often differs from the manufacturer listings, and we weigh each size 10.5 per shoe in-house to compare each pair more accurately.
We measure the weight of a single shoe in size 10.5 to better compare models.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
There is often a tradeoff with lightweight designs when it comes to overall stability and predicted durability. Many lightweight designs use thinner and lighter upper materials or reduce or eliminate the rubber tread on the outsole. More traditionally designed shoes with padded uppers and durable outsoles are among the heavier designs we tested.
Weight: Daily Trainers
When it comes to daily trainers, the Kinvara 15 takes home top marks. It's an exceptionally light shoe, which makes it a joy to run fast in. Close behind is the Rebel v4, with a more modern take on the lightweight daily trainer.
There's not much to the Kinvara, which makes it light (and reasonably fast).
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
The budget-friendly New Balance Propel v5 provides a lot of cushioning and comfort at a reasonable price… but it costs you weight.
The Propel v5 is no lightweight trainer.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Weight: Max-Cushioned Trainers
High stack height often means heavy weight. The Skyward X and More v5 highlight that, taking home the lowest scores in this category. However, it doesn't have to be that way. The Cloudsurfer 7 and Superblast 2 weigh about as much as the average daily trainer, just with far more foam underfoot.
The Cloudsurfer has tons of comfort, and yet weighs less than many daily trainers.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente
Weight: Race Shoes
The lightest shoe we've tested is the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris. It's insanely light, which significantly adds to its responsive feeling and overall race-readiness.
It's hard to explain just how light the Metaspeed Sky Paris is.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
For a race shoe, the Supercomp Elite v4 is pretty heavy. However, since it seems more focused on comfort rather than all-out speed, it's a tradeoff some runners will likely be fine with.
Thanks to all that cushioning and focus on comfort, the Supercomp Elite is the heaviest race shoe in the lineup.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Traction
No one likes sliding around corners or slipping on wet asphalt. We assess each shoe across a range of Montana weather and surfaces, reporting our findings. Honestly, most road shoes will handle typical road-running conditions just fine. However, wet performance can be an issue for some shoes and some rubber compounds. Similarly, the presence and shape of lugs and siping in an outsole significantly alter how confidence-inspiring a shoe is while running fast on loose surfaces.
Traction: Daily Trainers
This one is simple. If you want reliable traction in a range of conditions, regardless of terrain, just get the Puma Velocity Nitro 3 and call it a day. The PumaGrip outsole is the best in our testing, without a doubt. When we're running through the winter in Montana, it's the shoe we grab on the nastiest of days.
The PumaGrip outsole on the Velocity Nitro 3 provides seriously excellent traction.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
New Balance offerings, like the Rebel v4 and Propel v5, utilize a diamond-shaped outsole tread that we've found bites well on wet roads.
This tread pattern from New Balance (shown here on the FuelCell Propel) offers surprising levels of grip.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
And while we absolutely love the Novablast 5, it still struggles when conditions are cold and slick. It's marginally improved over the previous version, but still lacks grip on wet surfaces.
The Novablast 5 still struggles in slick conditions.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Traction: Max-Cushioned Trainers
Most of the max-cushioned shoes in our lineup have average traction levels. The Cloudsurfer 7 stands out as having very poor traction, thanks to its exposed midsole that struggles to grab in mixed conditions.
The exposed foam midsole of the On Cloudsurfer is fine in dry conditions but struggles when things get wet, cold, or loose.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Traction: Race Shoes
The Supercomp Elite v4 again takes top marks in this category. The diamond-pattern outsole with nearly full coverage grabs well on loose or slick surfaces. It's also highly durable.
The full-coverage rubber outsole of the SuperComp Elite has the best grab of any super shoe in our lineup.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
On the other end of the spectrum, the Metaspeed Sky Paris has poor traction. Asics traded outsole coverage and lugs for weight, which makes sense given the shoe's performance focus.
The AsicsGrip outsole of the Metaspeed Sky Paris performs well on dry and slightly damp roads. Outside that, we found it struggled. Heel strikers may have a better experience.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Endorphin Pro 4 has a decent amount of grip, on par with that of many daily trainers.
This outsole pattern of the Endorphin Pro 4 has solid grip, but unfortunately, we found the ridges wore down quickly over about a hundred miles.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Conclusion
Finding the perfect running shoe isn't easy (there's a reason so many runners have a rotation), but after spending hundreds of hours and logging dozens of miles in every pair of shoes in our lineup, we hope we can at least make it easier for you. Don't forget to check out our individual gear reviews linked throughout this article for more detailed information about each design. We hope that this review will help you find the right shoe for your fitness needs and budget, and one that will provide you with an awesome running experience.
However you like to run, there's a shoe that can help you do it at a price that's worth it for you.
