The Best 6 Running Shoes for Men of 2024

Best Overall Men's Running Shoes

Asics Novablast 4

Weight Per Shoe (Size 10.5): 9.76 oz | Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7 mm

Thanks to an engaging geometry and fun, comfortable ride, the Asics Novablast 4 is our choice for the best overall running shoe. It's our favorite trainer for daily use — we use it for easy days and some harder workouts. The FF Blast + Eco foam absorbs impacts and returns energy well. The rocker geometry and “trampoline” forefoot act as advertised, making this relatively big shoe feel light and bouncy. We think it thrives at easy-moderate paces, but we've enjoyed it all the way down to 5K pace. If you're looking to kick up the pace a bit, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is a great trainer for pushing yourself. The upper of the Novablast 4 is soft, with enough stretch to accommodate a wide variety of foot shapes while still providing comfortable lockdown. It's a versatile shoe that performs well above its price point, making it an easy recommendation for most road runners.

Our only true concern with the Novablast 4 is with its traction. The lack of lugs is evident when running on wet or slick roads, and the risk of a slip increases with pace. However, it wasn't enough for us to stop using this shoe in winter, long after our testing period was over. This shoe is comfortable and fun, which makes it the perfect daily choice for us. We think it could be a quiver-killer for runners who want one shoe that can do a little of everything comfortably. For others, it could find a spot in a rotation for easy/uptempo days. If you're looking for a shoe that is as fun as it is reliable, start here. If you are looking for a more stable and supportive daily trainer, the Asics Gel-Kayano 31 (or if you can find the previous version for a good price) is a similar shoe that doesn't have the same exciting responsiveness but with more stability and lots to love.

Read more: Asics Novablast 4 review

Best Running Shoes for Uptempo Training

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

Weight Per Shoe (Size 10.5): 9.03 oz | Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop: 11 mm

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 faster, longer 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.

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.

Read more: Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 review

Best Bang for Your Buck

Puma Velocity Nitro 3

Weight Per Shoe (Size 10.5): 10.07 oz | Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop: 11 mm

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.

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 4 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.

Read more: Puma Velocity Nitro 3 review

Best Running Shoes for Race Day

Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris

Weight Per Shoe (Size 10.5): 6.85 oz | Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6 mm

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!

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.

Read more: Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris review

Excellent Performance without a Plate

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4

Weight Per Shoe (Size 10.5): 7.98 oz | Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7 mm

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.

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.

Read more: New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 review

Best for Plush Comfort

Saucony Triumph 22

Weight Per Shoe (Size 10.5): 11.58 oz | Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop: 11 mm

The Saucony Triumph 22 uses a thick (40 mm at the heel) chunk of PWRRUN PB foam to provide some of the best cushioning in our test. This is a significant diversion from the previous version, though, which was less cushioned but more responsive and more versatile. Still, the totally revamped Triumph 22 has much to love with this new underfoot foam, paired with a premium, ultra-comfortable upper, making it a shoe that is purpose-built to keep your feet and legs happy on easy runs. Running at laidback paces in this shoe is enjoyable, with a ride that feels bottomless and soft. The PWRRUN PB foam is soft and resilient but doesn't respond well when you push the pace. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 utilizes the same foam but is a far more responsive shoe at faster paces. The wide base of the Triumph helps to provide more stability than the previous version, and its rubber outsole offers excellent traction, further contributing to this shoe's high value as a comfortable shoe to eat up miles in.

The redesigned, more comfortable, soft-touch upper does run a little warm on hot days, though. And with all the focus on comfort, the Triumph 22 is one of the heaviest and bulkiest we tested, tipping the scales at an astonishing 11.58 ounces per shoe. If shoe weight doesn't bother you — when it provides this much comfort — the Hoka Skyward X weighs 12.00 ounces per shoe but is even more comfortable than the Triumph. It's also slightly more responsive but with just average traction — and a much higher price tag. Though the Triumph isn't a shoe you want to use for hard workouts or even marathon pace, for those seeking a comfortable, smooth-rolling cruiser, it's easy to love — and the price isn't bad, either.

Read more: Saucony Triumph 22 review

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	75	Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris Best Running Shoes for Race Day	$250
	74	Mizuno Neo Vista	$180
	74	Asics Superblast 2	$200
	73	Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 Best Running Shoes for Uptempo Training	$170
	73	New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4	$250
	73	Nike Vaporfly 3	$260
	73	Nike Alphafly 3	$285
	72	Asics Novablast 4 Best Overall Men's Running Shoes	$140
	71	New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 Excellent Performance without a Plate	$140
	71	Saucony Endorphin Pro 4	$225
	70	Puma Velocity Nitro 3 Best Bang for Your Buck	$135
	69	Puma Deviate Nitro 2	$160
	65	On Cloudsurfer	$160
	64	Hoka Mach 6	$140
	64	Hoka Skyward X	$225
	63	Adidas Adizero Boston 12	$160
	63	Asics Gel-Kayano 31	$165
	63	Altra Vanish Tempo	$170
	62	New Balance FuelCell Propel v5	$120
	61	Saucony Triumph 22 Best for Plush Comfort	$160
	61	Saucony Kinvara 15	$120
	61	New Balance Fresh Foam X More V4	$150
	60	Reebok Floatride Energy 5	$110
	60	Hoka Clifton 9	$145
	60	Asics Gel-Nimbus 26	$160
	58	Altra Torin 7	$150
	56	Topo Magnifly 5	$135
	54	Brooks Ghost 16	$140
	54	Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23	$140
	44	Hoka Bondi 8	$165

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.

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:

• One threshold workout of 6-10 miles

• One long run of 90-120 minutes

• One shorter recovery run

• One session of Alactic Hill Sprints

• One session of 3k-5k paced work

• 2-3 sets of mile-paced strides

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.

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.

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.

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 (actually, it could be dangerous), so we'll break down each performance metric into three categories: Daily Trainers, Max-Cushioned Trainers, and Race Shoes.

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 New Balance 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.

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 from pounding 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 overall versatility.

One of our favorite all-around shoes, the Asics Novablast 4, 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 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.

Minimalist and low-drop daily trainers, like the Altra Torin 7 and Topo Magnifly 5, 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 zero-drop shoe in our lineup.

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 Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is a great compromise that provides plush cushioning with the ability to hit faster paces. This shoe ended up with a high rank in our review thanks to its balanced performance and excellent price point.

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, this isn't the shoe for you.

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 trainer, and while it feels best at easy paces, you can also use it for threshold workouts.

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.

When it comes to easy running, the Triumph 22, New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4, and Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 all take a similar approach. A huge chunk of soft foam makes them comfortable and smooth for your recovery runs.

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.

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.

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)

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 Hoka Mach 6 is an excellent example of a versatile daily trainer. It has supercritical foam and a rocker geometry that creates a pleasant and snappy ride. It's great for moderate efforts and longer threshold workouts. While it doesn't have quite the snap of some plated options, some runners might find it ideal for fast workouts. If you can accommodate a narrower fit, we highly recommend this daily trainer.

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 Reebok Floatride Energy 5 provides decent responsiveness in a simple and budget-friendly package.

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.

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.

When it comes to more typical max-cushioned shoes, the New Balance Fresh Foam More v4 is our preference for responsiveness. It's not fast, but the rocker geometry helps keep things rolling a bit more than in other options.

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.

Finally, taking home a dishonorable mention in this category is the Hoka Bondi 8. It has the worst responsiveness of any shoe in our lineup. If you like running, do yourself a favor and don't get this shoe. It's best suited to walking, where it is very comfortable.

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

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 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.

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

For runners whose mechanics need support, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 provides the best direction among daily trainers in our test. It utilizes sidewalls and crash pads to alter the natural movement of your foot in its stride.

Among daily trainers, shoes that provide a strong lockdown and a wide, low base are often the most stable. The Asics Novablast 4 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.

Finally, it's 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.

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 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. For the same reason, the Bondi 8 scores well in this category. We don't recommend it for running, but if you're on your feet all day, it might be a good casual shoe.

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.

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.

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 4 and the Ghost 16. The Adrenaline GTS 23 also feels snug with excellent lockdown and a gusseted tongue that stays put. The only caveat to the upper comfort for these three kicks is that they both tend to run a bit warm.

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.

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.

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.

Close behind is the New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Elite v4, which has a wider, more roomy fit than the other shoes in this test.

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.

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.

The budget-friendly New Balance Propel v5 provides a lot of cushioning and comfort at a reasonable price… but it costs you weight.

Weight: Max-Cushioned Trainers

High stack height often means heavy weight. The Skyward X and Bondi 8 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

And while we absolutely love the Novablast 4, it is a sketchy shoe to run in when conditions are cold and slick. It also doesn't handle looser surfaces as well as other options.

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.

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.

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 Endorphin Pro 4 has a decent amount of grip, on par with that of many daily trainers.

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.