Editor’s note: We reviewed our shoe selection on September 7, 2022 and updated our recommendations based on wear tests conducted this summer. The shoes on sale will likely be replaced by new styles soon, so we’ve updated store links for retailers who still have these styles in stock. We will be adding new models that have passed our testing process when they are released this fall.
You know what you want from your running shoes: lightness, cushioning, support and a comfortable fit. The most important part of a running shoe is of course your own experience from the hundreds of kilometers you run. To help you find your next great pair and get an idea of how upgrades to your favorite country road or trail shoes can change fit or performance, we review hundreds of men’s and women’s running shoes each year. Scroll down for reviews of 33 of our top picks, see how we test and choose these models, and get helpful buying tips and insights from our hardware experts.
The best running shoes Editor’s note: We reviewed our shoe selection on September 7, 2022 and updated our recommendations based on wear tests conducted this summer. The shoes on sale will likely be replaced by new styles soon, so we’ve updated store links for retailers who still have these styles in stock. We will be adding new models that have passed our testing process when they are released this fall.
You know what you want from your running shoes: lightness, cushioning, support and a comfortable fit. The most important part of a running shoe is of course your own experience from the hundreds of kilometers you run. To help you find your next great pair and get an idea of how upgrades to your favorite country road or trail shoes can change fit or performance, we review hundreds of men’s and women’s running shoes each year. Scroll down for reviews of 33 of our top picks, see how we test and choose these models, and get helpful buying tips and insights from our hardware experts.
- Made in the USA or Imported
- Rubber sole
- Engineered mesh upper improves breathability:
- OrthoLite X-55 sockliner: Improves comfort
- Weigh: 10.0 oz (M), 8.2 oz (W)
- Drop: 10 mm
- Type:Road
- Import
- Made in the USA or Imported
- Rubber sole
- SUPPORT AND CUSHION
- Predecessor: Ghost 94
The best running shoes
How we Test shoes
Runner’s World has the industry’s most comprehensive running shoe testing process. We work with over 250 local runners of all abilities, ages and sizes in real-life wear testing on paved roads, dirt trails and rocky singletrack. After you’ve run over 100 miles in your own running shoes for a month, our testers report back on features like fit, comfort, performance and run. When the miles are put on the shoes, the same models go through several mechanical tests in our RW Shoe Lab, where we objectively measure the cushioning, flexibility, sole thickness and weight of each shoe. Our testers combine their footwear expertise with lab data and feedback from wear testers to create reliable and useful reviews of every pair we come across.
In addition to running hundreds of miles in each test pattern, we measure the shoes in our lab and cut them to pieces to see how they’re built.
How do you choose the best running shoe?
Some runners are very concerned about their weight, and studies show that more aerobic energy is expended in heavier shoes. Lighter shoes tend to have less cushioning, which makes them feel faster, but the new midsole foams now allow for a smoother ride without adding much weight to the shoe. If you run long distances, extra padding may be a better option as it absorbs shock.
Also consider running shoe drop, also known as offset, which refers to the difference in heel to forefoot measurements, or how far the toes “drop” below the heel. This is important because a higher drop can cause more heel strikes and also transfer stress from the lower leg to the knee. Conversely, a smaller deviation transfers this load further down the kinetic chain to the calf and Achilles tendon during the gait cycle. Neither option is necessarily better than the other; when you decide to drop a shoe, choose what feels most natural and comfortable, taking into account your personal running mechanics and injury history. Many shoes are 8-12 mm, but some shoes are less than 6 mm.
CLASSIC RUNNING JACKET
Spirit. Pegasus. Kayano. Knight. These Titans have been the best-selling running shoes for decades and are usually referred to by just one name. When new runners or those unsure of what they need ask for some shoe advice, we usually refer to these classics as a starting point. After all, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus has been around for 38 years – it usually works for most people.
Brooks Ghost 14
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.9 oz. (M), 7.9 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 12 mm |
| Type | Road |
From the dyeing process to the recycled mesh material of the tongue, Ghost has undergone a conscious climate change. Brooks is also moving towards sustainable manufacturing and transportation, recycling used shoes rather than throwing them in landfills. But when you think about your best-selling model, you don’t want to ruin it. Rest in peace, Ghost fans, this update made no compromises in terms of quality or performance. Brooks has removed the BioMoGo DNA portion of the midsole, so the Ghost 14 only has DNA Loft foam, just like its perk, glycerin. Our testers found that this change does not significantly change the Ghost’s run. “It had a good balance of cushioning and firmness when swapping,” the tester said, adding that the Ghost felt more responsive than the GTS with glycerin and adrenaline. – Amanda Furrer
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.0 oz (M), 8.2 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Type | Road |
Last year, the Pegasus midsole went from the old Cushlon foam to the more responsive React, and Nike added another two millimeters underfoot. Still not as light and punchy as the ZoomX, the React is moderately soft and moderately pliable. Nike also reduced the pressure in the women’s running shoe’s air unit (15 PSI, compared to 20 PSI for men) to make it softer, doubled the size of the forefoot unit for greater toe pop. And eliminated the air. Midfoot and heel unit. The sole has also been renewed, with more flexible grooves and a rectangular tread that slightly improves grip during short off-road rides. – Morgan Petruny
Asics Gel-Kayano 28
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.9 oz (M), 9.1 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Type | Road |
The Kayano has been part of the Asics collection for decades and is still one of the company’s most popular shoes. Designed to support overpronators, many neutral runners achieve legendary comfort. The Kayano 28 has been updated with FlyteFoam Blast cushioning for a smooth, responsive ride and a new low-profile heel clip for added support. Gel pads stay under the heel and forefoot to give you extra cushioning, and the dual-density midsole and midsole work together to prevent overpronation during stride.
Mizuno Wave Rider 25
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.7 oz (M), 8.1 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 12 mm |
| Type | Road |
Twenty-five is a huge milestone for the Rider. Having used the Rider from the 13th version, I found it to be the softest and most cushioned Rider I have ever used. This is partly due to the fact that the brand has kept the promise it had made fun of with the Rider 24: a full-length midsole made of luxuriously soft Enerzy foam. Previous riders had a mix of foam in the midsole, from the stronger U4ic to the TPU bead-based XOP, both above and below the wave plate. While comfortable underfoot, the combination of different foams made the shoe a little bumpy. With just Enerzy foam all over, the ride is smoother and more even, especially when combined with the 25’s new ricin-based Wave soleplate. Built for greater width (the Rider 24 soleplate was flatter), it helps greater energy return with each foot strike and adapts better to the shape of the arch. It is soft and flexible, perfect for long flights when you spend a lot of time on your feet. – MP
Saucony Triumph 19
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.2 oz (M), 9.1 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Type | Road |
Although the Triumph 19 is a technically heavy shoe, like the Brooks Glycerin 19 and the Altra Paradigm 6, it is light and lively. 17. Pwrrun + foam is 28% lighter than the brand’s original Pwrrun; supports easy long runs and responds to timed runs and exercises. To provide a comfortable yet stable ride, Saucony has added the beveled heel and toe spring angle of the Triumph 18, promoting a smooth heel-to-toe ride.
SHOES FOR RUNNING SHOES
Hoka Mach 4
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.2 oz. (M), 6.8 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Type | Road |
After testing the Mach 4, VP Dengate said it was “the best Mach ever and possibly the best Hoka right now.” It’s so good that he’s only played with Mach six weeks in a row. Our other testers agreed. One said it was his new favorite cushioned racing shoe. And another, who wore Hoka for the first time, said that the shoe impressed him after just one run. We loved the light and explosive return of the first three Machs. But Hoka took it to the next level by adding design features borrowed from the Carbon X and Rocket X. In this way, the Mach 4 is like Saucony’s Endorphin Speed or Brooks Hyperion Tempo, a dynamic training shoe. Competitors of all brands. Don’t worry if you have to zoom while using Mach 4. That numbness comes from the responsive Profly foam and the early Meta-Rocker (the slightly curved shape of the outsole) that seems to catapult you forward. This shoe is generously cushioned without making your run sloppy, so you can rock it for everything from easy jogs and recovery runs to interval training on the track. The upper is woven from heat-pressed TPU embroidered threads and hugs your foot better than the Mach 3. A more athletic heel collar provides friction-free cushioning for the Achilles tendon. — A. F.
Nike Air Zoom Vomero 16
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.0 oz. (M), 8.3 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Type | Road |
The Vomero 16 is one of the first high-mileage training shoes we’ve seen to utilize ZoomX. In this use, it drives better on a long distance. You’ll still have all the protection you’d expect from the Vomero, traditionally Nike’s premium neutral sneaker. However, the foam is not as cheerful and lively as used in Next% and Alphafly running shoes. This is likely due to the Air unit under the foot and the thick rubber plate that runs the entire length of the sole. Nike has “loaded from above” the Air unit, which you can feel in your first steps with the shoe: only a thin sole separates you from the solid and reactive part. The result we found in testing is that the back of the shoe really holds up – it’s silky smooth when you hit your heel and roll forward. When you are on the foot, the platform becomes firmer and more importantly, more stable. I find it gives me confidence with every step and helps me flow effortlessly on long runs. The aforementioned chewing gum may be overlooked, but it does a lot of work. You have a hard time consuming high wear resistance. Even after more than 100 miles, our testers said the outsole appears to be intact. – Jeff Dengate
Lululemon Blissfeel
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.9 oz (women’s 7) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 9.5 mm |
| Type | Road |
Lululemon is approaching runners with renewed vigor, launching its first running shoe, the Blissfeel, and it’s legit. We put it to the test five months before launch, and our wear test team was very impressed with this debut shoe. I found that the shoe hugs my foot, is flexible, and has a slight click that made me feel fast as I sped along my usual six-mile trail. I was hooked and told anyone who wanted to hear it to try Blissfeel in college. The shoe isn’t flashy—our test samples were black and white, which made it easier to keep them under wraps for so many months of testing—and it doesn’t have the high-tech materials that appealed to sprinters. It is a moderately cushioned every day running shoe that is suitable for both easy runs and individual training sessions. – A.F.
Hoka Rincon 3
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.4 oz (M), 6.2 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Type | Road |
When the Rincon made its debut, riders loved its lightness and versatility. In its third iteration, Rincon continues to amaze. 3 is even lighter while retaining the thick midsole that Hoka is known for. The padding offers a balance between soft and comfortable and firm. It’s the speed training equivalent of Hoka’s everyday workhorse Clifton (the Rincon is nearly 2 ounces lighter than the Clifton), making it ideal for timed races and the track. “I finished my long runs faster than I started thanks to the light weight of the shoe.” Testers liked the redesigned mesh upper, which is more breathable – we tested them on a 90-degree day in the Northeast – and loved that the shoes don’t blister or pinch your feet. – AF
Asics Gel Cumulus 24
About this Item
- FF BLAST cushioning
- Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Technology Cushioning System
- Gender-specific 3D SPACE CONSTRUCTION feature addresses different compression rates
- Engineered mesh upper
- Reflective accents
Cumulus has really evolved over the past few years from the sturdy trainer it once was. Ten years ago, the shoe weighed more than 12 ounces in the men’s 9. Now lighter, livelier and more fun, yet still deliver the durability we’ve always loved. The big change in the Cumulus is that the drop from heel to toe has been reduced to 8mm (from 10mm). Asics claims to have made the change to make the shoe smoother. In our wear test, we can’t definitively calculate the decline in the shoe’s performance without distinguishing between other updates: a thicker midsole, new foam, and a change in outsole geometry. Testers unanimously praised the elastic padding, which provides all the protection you need on long runs without feeling too soft. That feel comes from the lighter and stronger FlyteFoam Blast midsole, which allowed Asics to change its traditional construction techniques. Gone are all the plastic bridges in the medial area that the company used to incorporate into the soles. Since the foam is much more lively and responsive than EVA, it improves the feel under the foot and the transition from heel to toe without the need for additional elements. – JD
Hoka Bondi X
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.6 oz (M), 9.1 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Type | Road |
Bondi is a shoe usually associated with Hoka: very thick and very soft. While this usually means the shoe is comfortable, these qualities can also slow the shoe down. Surprisingly not in this X version. Hoka accelerated the Bond by incorporating a carbon fiber plate into a compression molded EVA midsole, similar to the foam used in the Carbon X and Rocket X (PR-focused shoes). Like the OG Bond, it has a rocker outsole for smooth heel-to-toe rolling, but the carbon fiber plate promotes a more aggressive push. And while the base still looks chunky, each part serves a purpose. For example, the foam heel plate absorbs shock, while the dovetail grooves on the sides smooth the landing and energize the run. Bigger runners who like soft cushioning can join this shoe, but there’s plenty of foam to push hard during speed training. – AF
Saucony Axon 2
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.6 oz (M), 8.5 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 4 mm |
| Type | Road |
This deal – seriously, how does this shoe only cost $ 100? – looks and feels muted at best, but is incredibly light and forces you to run at a race pace. A thick Pwrrun midsole offers plenty of bounce, while a slightly curved profile (think Saucony’s curvy Speedroll design, minus the carbon fiber plate) softens forefoot transitions as you turn. This combination explains why the low 4mm offset in the center goes unnoticed. “While there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ shoe, the Axon 2 comes very close for me,” said one tester who also ran New Balance’s $ 100 FuelCell Propel v3 and found the midsole a little too much. Solid for concrete flooring. “The Axon had the perfect amount of rebound and cushioning on a variety of surfaces.” He ran along the soft, sandy coast of Florida – “like running in thick talcum powder” – to test the shoe’s stability. The Axon passed this test with flying colors. Above all, this budget shoe proved to be very durable in our tests. “The durability reminds me of the Asic GT series,” said one tester wearing a women’s size 11. “I’ve driven over 200 miles on them and they show very little wear.” (AF
Saucony Ride 15
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.6 oz (M), 7.2 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Type | Road |
This workhorse trainer can handle daily exertion and is great for a wide range of new runners. While not as soft as Saucony’s Triumph, it features a redesigned Pwrrun midsole that’s thicker – 18 percent more foam underfoot – than the previous version. Despite all the foam, the shoe is smoother and weighs less. To make the Ride easier to ride in comfort, Saucony has raised the rear edge of the sole and given it a more pronounced bevel. This helps prevent impact when you land on the back of your foot. “Although I would describe it as softer, the shoe responded well and pushed me forward with every step,” said one tester. And lively performance is enhanced by nearly an ounce of weight savings over the 14 version, thanks to a contoured sole shape and strategically placed, sparingly used rubber. Minor changes to the upper include a soft, plush tongue on the tongue and laces to prevent the laces from biting. Wisely, ghillies do the job well, so if you’re an aggressive tyer, be careful not to tighten your shoes like a corset.
FAST RUNNING SHOES
Saucony Endorphin Pro 2
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.5 oz (M), 6.3 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Type | Racing Shoes |
The Endorphin Pro 2 has made some small changes so runners affected by OG can breathe a sigh of relief. This second iteration of Saucony’s carbon-clad racer continues to offer what its competitors can’t. For example, a thin, fabric-like, single-layer technical mesh upper hugs the foot without unnecessary pressure. It doesn’t get as hot as Nike’s Vaporweave when you’re ten miles into a marathon. And it has a more secure fit on the ankles than Brooks’ unisex Hyperion Elite, where women have found that it has a wide collar and heel – a common problem for women who walk in unisex shoes. 2 offers more support around the heel and a more secure fit, although runners with weak ankles may still feel the wobbly corners. Additionally, the new closure system features strategically placed rubber bands to prevent the tongue from twisting.
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2
Key Specs
| Weight | 6.9 oz (M), 5.8 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Type | Racing Shoes |
If you’re making the world’s fastest shoe, you’re wrong. And good news: Nike doesn’t. In fact, the changes to version 2 are limited to the upper only, and are aimed at improving comfort and durability. The bottom of the shoe is still where the magic happens, thanks to the exceptionally light, soft and flexible ZoomX foam and stiff carbon fiber plate to help you hit the road with less effort. It’s the kind of package that allows elite marathoners to run well under five minutes, but we like that it delivers a great ride every time we hit it hard, even over shorter distances. If you keep going for a long time, you’ll appreciate a new sweater. The previous Vaporweave upper, a ripstop nylon-like material that does not absorb water, has been replaced with a specially designed mesh fabric. We found that the Vaporweave didn’t stretch at all, especially for those with tall feet, and caused a lot of pressure at the end of the race. The new network solves this problem. – J.D.
Mizuno Wave Rebellion
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.7 oz (M), 7.3 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Type | Racing Shoes |
The discs are nothing new for Mizuno, who have been using Wave technology for years. But the brand has made a big change to the material it chose for its new uptempo sneaker: fiberglass. This light and sturdy intro features a bio-based corrugated board wheel and nylon reinforced with fiberglass. This makes it stronger and more impactful than the Pebax discs used in other Wave models, and more than 10 times more sensitive, according to Mizuno. The increased reactivity is due to both the new materials and the shape of the disc itself. The plate runs almost the entire length of the shoe and extends to the front of the foot, where it splits in two, like a lobster claw. This gives the shoes a lively feel in the toes, especially those that land closer to the midfoot. As we ran up and down the hill, we noticed a strong, fast movement with every step.
Puma Deviate Nitro
Key Specs
| Weight | Weight: |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Type | Racing Shoes |
Behind the scenes, Puma has been working to establish itself as a serious running shoe manufacturer. Like almost every other brand, Puma wanted a shoe with a carbon fiber plate to gain credibility. This is the shoe. It also has a light, flexible foam – it’s TPE, not the more expensive flexible Pebax that other brands use, which really makes you kick your heels in the ass. The foam is packed with nitrogen, but gives it a responsive feel underfoot and proved durable in our tests.
Puma’s choice of foam means the shoe won’t be as fast as some of the latest high-end road shoes, but at just $ 160 it’s an affordable and versatile running. “I guided them on anything from a 9-minute cruise to a PR 10,000, and they felt perfectly capable of doing both.” A hit: The pads on either side of the heel are a little tall and thick, which can cause some runners to slip a bit. – JD
Hoka Carbon X 2
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.4 oz. (M), 7.0 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Type | Racing Shoes |
When we first raced there a year ago, the Carbon X made us run fast over medium and long distances. But after our wear testers walked hundreds of miles, we decided that metatarsal walkers could get the most out of the shoe. The heel-to-toe twist that kicks off the first Meta-Rocker (a slightly curved sole built by Hoka) felt pretty aggressive to some, especially very attacking, testers. However, these runners won’t feel left out with this update. An excellent heel similar to Hoka’s TenNine (although not as massive) absorbs shock and provides stability for runners hitting the back of the feet. “If I were to run a marathon or not, I’d be wearing the Saucony Endorphin Pro,” said the heel-hitting tester. “If I ran 50km or more, I’d use the Carbon X2.” As a heel striker and Endorphin Pro tester, I agree. As with the Endorphin Pro and Hoka’s other running shoe, the Rocket X, the carbon fiber plate in the midsole promotes quick and agile transitions. X2 is durable for long miles and versatile enough for speed training. Our test group loved the refined upper – reinforced laces and tech support zones made it feel
Asics MetaSpeed Sky
Key Specs
| Weight | 6.7 oz. (M), 5.5 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 9 mm |
| Type | Racing Shoes |
Sky is built for this “stroller”. With a 5mm drop and an almost uniformly thick heel-to-toe midsole, it helps runners increase stride length while being around 3% more fuel efficient – runners use less energy to cover a certain distance. A full-length carbon plate is buried deep in that block of foam. It is bent to reduce ankle flexion so that less energy is spent on the joint. This is what Asics has tried in shoes like the MetaRide, claiming that the “Guidesole” construction reduces energy loss at the ankle by 19 percent. In this shoe, Asics uses extreme rocker, so when you land, your foot rolls forward with your toes apart, instead of stabilizing your foot strike. After over a dozen runs with the MetaSpeed Sky, I found that it looked, and even sounded, a bit like the Vaporfly. Comfort is plentiful and it’s undeniably faster than most other shoes we’ve tried, thanks to a good combination of cushioning and responsiveness. – JD
Under Armour Flow Velociti Wind 2
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.4 oz (M), 6.8 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Type | Racing Shoes |
Under Armor made small updates to the second Flow Velocit, continuing the simple formula of the UA Warp upper, stitched into a one-piece Flow sole. Introduced in early 2021, the Flow is such a durable foam compound that no outsole is needed, which can shave 2-3 ounces off the shoe.
Some riders point out that they have no rubber between the sole and the road, but we had no durability issues. One tester summed up the Flow Velociti Wind’s appeal in one word: “exceptional”. Thanks to all those snug shapes molded into the foam that bite into everything you drive on, even if they pick up small stones. A welcome update is the replacement of the original Velociti Wind one-piece tab, which tended to accumulate after binding.
The 2 hour registration system has reduced minimal language. In fact, everything about the new Velocity Wind is minimal, if you look beyond the strong colors of the signal above. Runners with a wide foot may want to pick up a size as it has quite a small volume and has a bit of a run.
Shoes Comfort was good for about 3 to 4 miles,” said the tester, “but the shoes started to feel tight during the long walk in a days.
