Best Road Running Shoes

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 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. The only concern is a narrower fit (with a wide version coming soon). 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 from the impact forces of road running.

The upper is extremely breathable and very comfortable. And the outsole uses Puma Grip, the best rubber outsole compound currently available. You’ll be 100% confident in the traction no matter the conditions. The Deviate Nitro 2 is one shoe that can do it all, perfect for both road 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 road running shoe. It’s versatile enough to handle easy running, tempo runs, and even races — all the stuff you might do on concrete/asphalt.

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 on roads. 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

Asics Novablast 3

The Asics Novablast 3 is close to the perfect road running shoe. 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. It can also take daily beatings from road miles and keep chugging along without losing its bounce or softness. The Novablast 3 is also much more stable than you’d expect on a shoe this soft. In addition, the upper is breathable and comfortable, while the overall ride is super smooth. And the Novablast 3 looks spectacular as well. Grab it and enjoy a great all-around road 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 wide footers and flat footers. The Fresh Foam X feels great on foot for any amount of road miles. 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 the sharpest of turns or bumpiest of roads. And the style — well, 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

Asics Superblast

The Asics Superblast is a high-stack, fun, and versatile shoe for anything you do on roads, 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 great road running shoe for the money. You’re also getting a shoe with a ride that makes you want to get out on the roads more often. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $220

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 while getting plenty of life out of the ample rubber coverage. Overall, the Brooks Hyperion Max justifies its price but not its name. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $160

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. All that cushion is great for road running. The engineered knit upper is comfortable and accommodating to all foot types. And while it’s a bit heavy, the SuperComp Trainer is more stable than you’d expect. If you run long distances often and want to save your legs, the SuperComp Trainer is well worth your consideration.  Read the full review. 

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price $180

Brooks Glycerin 20

The Brooks Glycerin 20 is a comfortable, breathable, and versatile daily road shoe. The DNA Loft v3 midsole is plush and can easily handle long runs and lots of miles on roads and sidewalks. The ride is super 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.  Read the full review. 

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price $160

Asics GlideRide 3

The Asics GlideRide 3 is an impressive shoe. It’s soft as your foot lands and then provides a nice bounce as you push off into the next stride. The shape of the midsole makes the running motion super smooth and the way the midsole is built adds a lot more stability than you’d expect. To top it off, the upper is super plush and comfortable. It easily handles running double-digit miles on pavement or roads. It’s just that good. Overall, the combination of comfort, cushion, stability, and an ultra-smooth ride make the GlideRide 3 an almost perfect road shoe. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $150

Nike React Infinity Run 3

The Nike React Infinity Run 3 is a well-rounded shoe that can be your daily workhorse. The React midsole is plush and will last for a lot of road running. The shoe’s rocker motion is smooth. The fit accommodates just about every foot type while you feel more locked down in the heel than in previous versions. Plus, the Flyknit is super comfy and molds to your foot. The lacing system isn’t the best, but this shoe is an all-around good choice as a running shoe that lasts while you pound the pavement. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $160

Puma Velocity Nitro 2

The Puma Velocity Nitro 2 features the nitro-injected, otherwise known as supercritical, foam called Nitro. Nitro provides a lot of bounce. The Nitro is so bouncy at the forefoot that it feels like Nike’s Zoom Air. The outsole is made out of Puma Grip, which will literally grip anything it comes in contact with. And while the upper isn’t perfect, this shoe is perfect for logging hundreds of miles on the roads. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $120

Hoka Rincon 3

The Hoka Rincon 3 is so good it’s on the Best Running Shoes page. This very lightweight shoe somehow offers a ton of cushioning at the same time. It clocks in at 7.3 oz in a men’s size 9, which is even light for a running shoe. If you want a pair that will cater to your speed day needs, there are only a few other options available that are better (at any price point). The meta rocker also gives you that gliding sensation. To top it all off, the shoe is incredibly accommodating and works for most foot shapes. It’s got road-ready cushioning and a lightweight you won’t expect.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $125

Nike Air Zoom Vomero 16

The Nike Air Zoom Vomero 16 appears in our Best Nike Running Shoes list. The shoe combines two of the brand’s best cushioning technologies: ZoomX and Zoom Air. The core of the midsole is made of the Pebax-based ZoomX foam, while there’s an articulated Zoom Air unit in the forefoot. An improved upper is the only upgrade from the Nike Air Zoom Vomero 15.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $150

Asics Gel-Nimbus 24

The Asics Gel-Nimbus 24 is a big upgrade from its predecessor and that gets it on this list. The combination of FFBlast+ Foam and traditional Asics Gel cushion is very good. The FFBlast+ is implemented throughout the whole shoe. The Gel, however, is only in the forefoot and heel (and the heel is for show). The upper is comfortable, there’s an amazing tongue, and the shoe is available in a wide version. Finally, the outsole is super durable and will last a very long time. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $160

Hoka Clifton 8

The Hoka Clifton 8 is one of the most well-rounded running shoes. The fit is accommodating, so wide footers don’t need to worry. The foam used is soft and comfortable, which works in conjunction with the upper to create a completely plush experience. The outsole is also durable enough to run a lot of miles before replacing them.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $140

Brooks Glycerin 19

The Brooks Glycerin 19 follows a consistent line of great performance, and it lives up to expectations. There are upgrades from the previous model, although they’re not always obvious. The shoe’s best features include amazing traction, high-end cushioning, and an excellent fit. Brooks once again hits all the basics and made a popular road runner. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $150

Puma Magnify Nitro

The Puma Magnify Nitro is one of our favorite daily road 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 for hours on the roads. Read the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 9mm, Price: $140