At WearTesters, our team of expert reviewers tests hundreds of running shoes each year. After testing, we collect the Best Running Shoes available and include them here for easy reference.
We regularly update this page to feature the highest performing, currently available running shoes. The shoes listed are in no particular order and are grouped into relevant categories such as Trail Shoes or Race Day Shoes. Check back any time you’re ready to buy new running shoes.
We’ve also reviewed many other running shoes that didn’t make this page. Every foot is different, so read the reviews carefully to find the best shoes for you. For details on our methodology, see the detailed description at the bottom of the page.
Updated 05.17.2023
Best Running Shoes Overall
These are the shoes you use day in and day out for all types of running activities. Easy days, hard days, long runs, speedier runs, these shoes are a jack of all trades and can handle anything. And as a bonus, these shoes are perfect for chasing kids around the backyard, visiting theme parks, and all the normal life stuff you do in running shoes.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 25
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 isn’t a snappy shoe, but there’s plenty of soft FF Blast+ cushion underfoot. That, alongside an absolutely luxuriously comfortable upper, means the Gel-Nimbus 25 is ready for a ton of road miles. We don’t recommend using it for any of your speed work, but you can churn out miles in the Gel-Nimbus 25 while saving your legs from harsh asphalt and roads.
As an added bonus, the foam flares out from the foot, creating an incredibly stable platform. Oh, and it’s built to accommodate tons of foot types. Wide-footers, flat-footers, and beginners (who are likely still figuring out what their feet are) will all find a shoe that works for them. And for wide-footers that need even more room, Asics sells an extra wide version that may be perfect for you. See the full review.
Fits: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $160
Puma Deviate Nitro 2
The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 is a great all-around running shoe with the only concern being a narrower fit (though we hear there may be a wide version on the horizon). The Deviate Nitro 2 doesn’t feel great in terms of the initial step-in squish but feels amazing the more you run, and the faster you run. It’s a smooth ride with a cushion/plate combo that feels great during workouts and helps the legs recover quicker. The upper is extremely breathable and very comfortable. The Puma Grip outsole is the best rubber outsole compound currently available which leaves you 100% confident in the traction no matter the conditions. The Deviate Nitro 2 is one shoe that can do it all. Buy it with confidence because you can use it for both training and races. See the full review.
Fits: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $160
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is a near-perfect everyday running shoe. It’s versatile enough to handle easy running, track work, tempo runs, and even races. The fit is excellent with impressive lockdown and stealthy but solid midfoot/arch support. The PWRRUN PB in the midsole is both plush and bouncy. It’s a well-cushioned, long-lasting ride ideal for long distances. The only small issue is some slippage in wet conditions. But that can be easily overlooked because the Endorphin Speed 3 is comfortable top-to-bottom and a true do-everything running shoe. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price $170
Hoka Clifton 9
The Hoka Clifton 9 is the best, most versatile Clifton to date. It’s the same great neutral cushioned shoe with added bounce and elasticity in the midsole and increased durability in the outsole. The upper is, as usual, super comfy and the fit is accommodating. There’s also a wide version for those that need it. Improved arch support will excite flat footers, but some may find it a bit distracting. It’s a great shoe for everyone from beginners to seasoned vets and can handle jogging, easy running, recovery runs, and long runs. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $145
Asics Novablast 3
The Asics Novablast 3 is close to the perfect running shoe. There are many reasons it currently sits atop our rankings as the best running shoe of 2022. The combination of bounce and impact protection provided by the FF Blast+ midsole makes this shoe an extremely comfortable daily trainer that can pick up the pace when needed. The Novablast 3 is also much more stable than you’d expect for a shoe this soft. In addition, the upper is breathable and comfortable, while the overall ride is super smooth. There are basically no weaknesses, and it doesn’t hurt that the Novablast 3 looks spectacular as well. Grab it and enjoy an extremely good all-around shoe. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price $140
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4
The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 is a comfortable, affordable, and excellently executed running shoe. The upper’s fit is super accommodating, and any foot shape will enjoy it, especially those hard-to-please wide footers and flat footers. The Fresh Foam X feels great on foot for any amount of miles or household chores. The stability is great due to the midsole’s geometry and sitting inside the midsole walls. The lockdown is solid, so even narrow footers can be confident their foot will stay in place on even the sharpest of turns or bumpiest of roads. And the style — chunktastic is in these days, so this shoe will work as well casually as it does for running. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 4mm, Price: $150
Brooks Glycerin 20
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is a comfortable, breathable, and versatile daily running shoe. The DNA Loft v3 midsole is plush and can easily handle long runs. The ride is very smooth and easy on the legs. The traction is durable and doesn’t slip in any conditions. Just don’t get the StealthFit version because the upper on the regular version is much better fitting and more comfortable. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price $160
Asics Superblast
The Asics Superblast is a high-stack, fun, and versatile shoe useful for anything from easy miles to workouts to races. It’s so light, it feels like a race day shoe. It’s soft but stable, and even without a carbon fiber plate in the middle of all that foam, it’s got a nice pop.
While you may do a double take at the price, the shoe delivers enough value to justify the price. If you’re price sensitive, there are plenty of other shoes for you on this list. But know that you’re getting a really good shoe for the money. You’re also getting a shoe with a ride that makes you want to run more often. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $220
New Balance FuelCell SC Trainer
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer is a high-stack neutral training shoe perfect for long runs and minimizing wear and tear on tired legs. It packs massive amounts of FuelCell cushioning underneath one of the best uppers of the year. The engineered knit upper is comfortable and accommodating to all foot types. And while it’s a bit heavy, the SC Trainer is more stable than a shoe this tall has any right to be. If you run long distances often and want to save your legs, or are a bigger, taller, or heavier runner, the plush, bouncy midsole of the SuperComp Trainer is well worth your consideration. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $180
Nike Air Zoom Vomero 16
The Nike Air Zoom Vomero 15 never got a wide release in the US, but the Vomero 16 did. It feels like a more plush, more comfortable, and more accommodating version of the Pegasus 38. The shoe features a ZoomX core, a durable outsole, and a comfortable upper. If we add in the top-notch support features (beefy heel counter & wide base), we have a winner of a shoe. It’s on the more expensive side, so that’s something to consider. The 16 is only an upper change from the 15 with the main difference being that it now has a thick, padded tongue which makes it feel more luxurious and comfy. Price: $150
Puma Velocity Nitro 2
The Puma Velocity Nitro 2 is Puma’s most popular do-everything model. The Nitro cushioning is plush, especially in the forefoot. Fit and lockdown are solid. And the Puma Grip outsole provides outstanding traction on all surfaces and in all conditions. While it doesn’t have a perfect upper, it’s a great shoe for a relatively low price. We’d even say it’s a bargain. Read full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $120
Best Budget Running Shoes
New Balance FuelCell Propel v4
The New Balance FuelCell Propel v4 has the best value proposition of any shoe on the market. $110 for a bouncy Fuelcell midsole and a TPU plate? That alone raises my eyebrows.
The upper isn’t spectacular but it’s comfortable. The tongue can be slippy, it’s a little on the heavy side, and the traction is solid. Durability is a big question mark because there’s not a ton of rubber on the outsole and it wears down pretty fast. But, at $110, a price serviceable daily running shoes don’t touch anymore, sacrificing some durability and comfort is expected.
The end result is a shoe that’s perfect for a wide range of runners. It’s also great for cost-conscious parents that need solid running shoes for kids running track or cross country (and growing out of the shoes way too fast). I’d recommend the Propel v4 over Nike’s current Pegasus and several other $130-150 models. Watch Kofuzi’s review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price $110
See more of the Best Budget Running Shoes
Best Speed Day Running Shoes
These are the best running shoes for going fast whether you prefer intervals, tempo runs, or fartleks. These shoes are built to pick up the pace and give you proper bounce. They’re also built to perform just as well on the roads as on the track.
Brooks Hyperion Max
The Brooks Hyperion Max is a peppy shoe that feels light on foot and is best used to pick up the pace. Do you train to go fast in 5ks or 10ks? That’s the sweet spot for this shoe. And while the cushion isn’t “max” as the name indicates, it’s bouncy and returns energy well.
The only complaint our testers had was the super slippy tongue. Brooks included a large lace loop on the tongue, but even looping most of the laces through it can’t prevent the slippage. Tongue slippage doesn’t affect performance, but people with tall feet should take note if that’s an annoyance. The engineered woven upper is very comfy, and the traction is a huge improvement from the ice skate-like outsole on the Brook Hyperion Tempo. You can rocket around corners and stick to the ground the whole way. Overall, the Brooks Hyperion Max justifies its price but not its name. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $160
Hoka Rincon 3
The Hoka Rincon 3 is really really light. But that doesn’t affect its cushioning. You still get plenty of cushy Hoka EVA underfoot. The lightweight build works with Hoka’s meta rocker to really make the shoe glide. When you want to pick up the pace for a fast workout, the Rincon 3 can do it. You sacrifice some of the upper thickness present in other top Hoka models, but the trade-off is worth it. This shoe is meant to go fast on flat roads. On top of that, it’s one of the most stable speed day shoes currently available. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $125
Nike ZoomX Streakfly
The Nike ZoomX Streakfly is a high-performing lightweight, speedy shoe with a few flaws that are easy to overlook if you’re a shoe technology nerd. The principal flaws are durability, a sloppy upper, and support. But the ZoomX midsole, sleek design, versatility, and minuscule weight make the Streakfly a super fun shoe for speed workouts. Read the full review.
Fits: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $160
adidas Takumi Sen 9
The adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 9 is basically an upgraded adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 with less foam underfoot. Why did adidas make this shoe? Because when you’re running shorter distances, you don’t need as much impact protection. The Takumi Sen 9 is a great shoe for 5k and 10k races along with interval training and tempo work. If you want a racing shoe (and one of the best adidas running shoes overall) built for shorter road races that also performs amazingly in speed workouts, this is likely the best option on the market.
Fit: 1/2 size large, Drop: 6mm, Price: $180
Best Marathon Running Shoes
Race day is when you pull out all the stops and seek out any little advantage to achieve a new PR. The weight, materials, cushion, and traction of these shoes are specially tuned for race day performance. These are the shoes you see on a brand’s sponsored athletes as they compete in the Olympics or high-level road races.
Saucony Endorphin Elite
The Saucony Endorphin Elite is the first shoe to feature Saucony’s next PWRRUN HG foam. It’s a little firmer than the PWRRUN PB in the Endorphin Pro 3 but it’s also bouncier. The carbon plate is segmented at the toe for a little more flexibility but it and the midsole curves up sharply for added toe spring. You sit inside the midsole a bit to keep you on the footbed while the midsole also flares outward resulting in one of the more stable modern marathon shoes on the market.
The outsole has no rubber at the rear so if you’re a heel striker, you may not get great durability…but midfoot and forefoot strikers should be ok. The Endorphin Elite is also one of the most breathable shoes on the market making it a great fit for warmer races. The biggest drawback is the $275 price point…but just like the Alphafly, if you’re a shoe nerd and heavy into marathons, this shoe will deliver value to match. See full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price $275
New Balance FuelCell SC Elite V3
The New Balance FuelCell SC Elite V3 features squishy protective FuelCell foam, a nice pop from the exposed Energy Arc carbon plate, and a great ride. It’ll make your stride feel smooth while feeling lightweight. It’s a shoe that gets out of the way as you run fast paces on race day or amble over long distances on your local roads or greenway.
The SC Elite V3’s knit upper is really hard to put on and could be better but it does the job and is the best road racing shoe New Balance has built to date. Getting all of that at a $230 price point is a nice value for a carbon-plated race-centric shoe. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 4mm, Price: $230
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro
The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro is an out-of-nowhere surprise hit. Mizuno was largely staying out of the road racing shoe arena and making its typical everyday running shoes…until now. The Wave Rebellion Pro is the most aggressive super shoe to date. The midsole is cut into a supercharged rocker shape without much of a heel. This shape puts you on your midfoot/forefoot more than any other shoe. Because of that, the Wave Rebellion Pro demands better running form and you may feel some accompanying soreness as you break it in. But once you get the hang of it, the bounce is elite. Every step feels like you’re getting a ton of energy return.
It’s a bit heavier than the lightest marathon racing shoes but you won’t really mind it the extra weight as your body will instead benefit from the trampoline-like feeling that the Enerzy Lite and Wave plate provide. The upper is comfy but does run a little short, so take that into account. One of our testers was ok with his usual size but another needed to go up half a size. And you may be thinking a shoe this tall will feel unstable…but you’d be wrong. You can take corners fast in the Wave Rebellion Pro because the G3 outsole grips everything and the upper locks your foot onto the footbed. Mizuno nailed it with this one.
Fits: Short (go up a half size), Drop: 4mm, Price: $250
Saucony Endorphin Pro 3
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 is the latest evolution of Saucony’s flagship marathon racing shoe. And it’s a winner. The midsole is slightly softer than in years past, still stable, and the upper is lighter and more breathable.
The Saucony Speedroll rocker is still hella smooth and makes each footfall feel effortless. The fit is a little strange at first — the heel is narrow, and your arch will feel like it’s hanging over the edge of the shoe (similar to the OG Nike Alphafly), but that’s mainly noticeable while walking around. Get up to running speed, and the Endorphin Pro 3 becomes a bouncy, peppy shoe that feels like it’s returning loads of energy.
For us, this is the Saucony racing shoe that finally surpassed the Nike Vaporfly and is one of the best marathon racing shoes available.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $225
Asics Metaspeed Sky+
The Asics Metaspeed Sky+ is light, stable, breathable, and super bouncy. The FF Blast Turbo paired with the carbon plate really provides a spring to every step. The AsicsGrip traction grabs every surface making this shoe a great choice for running a race in bad weather. The upper isn’t perfect, but the rest of the shoe is so good you can overlook any small issues. This shoe is perfect for race days, long training runs, or fast speed workouts. It’s versatile and helps you feel fast. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $250
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is a smooth-riding and bouncy long-distance race day shoe. The rocker is improved from previous versions with a sharper toe angle and improved carbon fiber energy rods that make the shoe feel faster and bouncier. Breathability is top-notch, the outsole grips everything, and, due to a widened base, stability is great for a race day shoe. You’ll want to wear thicker socks to avoid issues with the problematic Achilles stitching but that’s the only real issue in a shoe that’s one of the best marathon racing shoes on the market. See the full review.
Fit: Typical adidas, Drop: 6.5mm, Price: $250
Hoka Rocket X 2
The Hoka Rocket X 2 is easily the best Hoka racing shoe ever. It competes with super shoes from other brands well, is fun to wear, picks up speed nicely, works well on the track, and can handle long distances without issue. It’s Hoka’s bounciest shoe (with its new Peba foam and carbon-plated midsole), and though it’s not as plush as some super shoes, it’s still soft similar to the adidas Adios Pro 3.
The upper reminds us of Nike’s Vaporweave. It won’t take on water or stretch out but also fits tight, especially through the midfoot. This race fit won’t be for everyone but at least the toebox has some solid wiggle room. Wide footers will need to try them on or go up a half size. The upper does have some dead space in the heel and a collar that not everyone will like…but the lockdown was great despite this. Your foot won’t move around inside the shoe or pop out of it.
The outsole shows wear quickly but there’s plenty of rubber so it will be just as durable as other marathon racing shoes. Hoka has taken their racing shoe game to a new level with the Rocket X 2. Both Hoka fans and long distance road runners will be impressed. Watch Kofuzi’s review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $250
Best Trail Running Shoes
Trail running is usually much more peaceful than running on roads, but the paths are often rocky, muddy, or root-filled. You need a special shoe to handle the obstacles most trails throw your way. These shoes are built to protect you from rough terrain while still providing all the fun, speed-focused features modern running shoes include.
Brooks Caldera 6
The Brooks Caldera 6 is a unicorn trail shoe. Well-cushioned, super stable, and grips everything. As long as you buy the right size (you’ll need to go half down from your normal Brooks shoe size), you get an amazing shoe. Whether you’re trail running or hiking, you won’t find a better trail shoe. Plus, if you spend a lot of time on the trails, your body will thank you for the bouncy, protective cushioning the DNA Loft v3 midsole offers. Read full review.
Fit: Go half a size down, Drop: 6mm, Price: $150
Hoka Tecton X 2
The Hoka Tecton X 2 is a trail racer that sits atop Hoka’s trail line. The Tecton X 2 is at its best when moving fast through flat to intermediate terrain. It can also work on longer, slower runs and hikes because it’s plush and puts some extra pep in your step with the bouncy Profly-X midsole and parallel dual carbon plates.
The outsole is Vibram Litebase and provides trustworthy traction on anything except deep mud. The upper is new this year and securely locks down the foot with a minimal yet protective build. The Tecton X 2 is wide-foot friendly but does have a slightly narrower toebox so if your foot is widest at the toes you’ll want to opt for a try-on first. At $225, it’s an expensive shoe, but the pricing lines up with the majority of carbon-plated race day shoes.
The Tecton X 2 is targeted at serious trail runners and hikers who want a complete package for ascending and descending as fast as they possibly can.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $225
Topo Ultraventure 3
You might be unfamiliar with Topo, but they’ve made trail running shoes for while. This was our first Topo experience, and now we want more. The Topo Ultraventure 3 comes with Topo’s signature foot-shaped toebox, which looks a little odd (at first) but is both super comfortable and allows us to spread our toes. The toe spread really helps make it feel like you’re naturally digging into varied terrain.
The Vibram outsole is grippy and had no issues on traditionally tough areas like slick wet rocks or leaf-covered ground. The lugs are also spaced so that the shoe doesn’t collect rocks. The outsole isn’t the most durable and shows wear quickly, so avoid using it on roads.
There’s no rock plate in the midsole, but the Zipfoam cushions rocks nicely. It’s not a super foam, but it is EVA at its best.
The fit is accommodating, and if you’ve got a narrow foot, you can cinch up tight without the upper bubbling or flexing uncomfortably. It’s a simple engineered mesh upper, but it does the job.
At $150, you are paying a small premium because it’s a smaller brand. But for those that want a wider, more comfortable toe box in a trail shoe that grips everything…the Ultraventure 3 is a great choice.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price $150
Best Running Shoes – Running + Casual Wear
Tracksmith Eliot Runner
The Tracksmith Eliot Runner is easily the best-looking running shoe on the market. It’s got a casual aesthetic that only running shoes from the 80s and 90s can truly match. The great colorways and spectacular craftsmanship make it that much better. And the engineered mesh upper is extremely comfortable.
But it’s also imminently runnable. Putting the Eliot Runner on foot you get soft step-in feedback from the overly thick supercritical Pebax insole. And while the Pebax midsole is firmer, it delivers a consistent ride. It’s easy to pick up speed in the Eliot Runner but you won’t get energy return like a carbon-plated shoe. The Eliot Runner is a throwback that efficient runners will love.
It’s also the perfect shoe for walking around all day. The type of shoe you take on vacation because it’ll look and feel great for all-day sightseeing while also allowing you to log your miles in the mornings or evenings.
The price and experience are premium. This isn’t a shoe for everyone but it sure is fun to wear. See the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 9mm, Price $198
Best Running Shoes Now on Sale
Price never determines performance. Whether you get a running shoe at retail or in an outlet, the performance features don’t change. Understanding that and shopping smart can save money. With new running shoes released every week, there are always deals from previous years that perform just as well as the newest models. Here are some high-performing shoes you’ll find on sale right now:
Hoka Clifton 8
The Hoka Clifton 8 is a pillowy soft, well-cushioned neutral running shoe with a fit that accommodates any foot shape. The Clifton 8 is all about comfort. The upper and midsole are both comfy and plush. There’s a good amount of rubber coverage on the outsole which makes the outsole fairly durable. You’ll put a lot of miles on them and your feet won’t take a pounding. The Clifton 8 is a running shoe that does everything and is great for most people.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $140
Asics Gel-Nimbus 24
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 24 is a huge upgrade from previous Nimbus models. Nimbus has always meant comfortable daily trainer, but the Nimbus 24 takes that to a new level. The FFBlast+ foam (and some Asics GEL for good measure) are super plush underfoot and doesn’t deaden over long runs. The upper is engineered mesh that feels more like knit and has an awesome tongue. One of the drawbacks is winter traction issues, but the outsole is incredibly durable and hardly shows wear. This will be a long-lasting shoe. And even though the fit is accommodating, it’s available in a wide version, so even the widest footers can enjoy it. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $160
Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 2
If you want the plushest ride you can get for your daily runner, look no further. Sporting a thick midsole comprised entirely of Nike’s super bouncy ZoomX foam, the Invincible Run 2 is the ultimate suspension system for your feet. While it may be too unstable for some, there’s ample rubber on the outsole for serious durability, and the plush ankle area, tongue, and comfy Flyknit upper provide a great fit. And FYI, it’s only a slight upper change from version 1, so our performance review of v1 is still valid. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 9mm, Price: $180
Brooks Glycerin 19
The Glycerin line delivers year after year. Last year’s Glycerin 18 was one of our favorites, and the Glycerin 19 improved on the formula ever so slightly. Great grip, maximum cushioning, and a great fit that accommodates the majority of foot types. Brooks continues to be a star in the running shoe industry, and has a solid roster of top-notch performance models because they nail the basics. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $150
Puma Magnify Nitro
The Magnify Nitro is one of our favorite daily runners. At $140, it’s priced right for a high-end cushioned running shoe. It may be a little bulky, but that’s a trade-off that results in a super comfortable upper with a lot of plush foam providing impact protection. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 9mm, Price: $140
Best Upcoming Running Shoes
Often, our team of expert testers gets to review shoes before they release. If the shoes we test early are best running shoes material we keep them in this section. Once they go on sale to the public, they’ll move up into one of the categories above.
Best Running Shoes by Brand
Our team of expert reviewers also created several lists of the Best Running Shoes segmented by brand. These lists are perfect if you prefer running or walking in a particular brand. Click any of the lists below to read more.
Methodology
Keep in mind that all of these running shoes will accommodate any person as long as the shoe in question meets your specifications or requirements. Detailed information on each shoe is featured in its respective performance review. Performance reviews feature an in-depth look at each shoe’s pros and cons, price, weight, technology, and other performance specifics. Click on the image or link to read the full performance review for each shoe.
If a model isn’t featured, it’s either because the model has yet to be tested/reviewed or because we feel it does not belong among the current top running shoes. Please reach out via Twitter if you have any follow-up questions.
