Our Best Neutral Running Shoes list was created because not every shoe is made for every runner. Neutral running shoes are for runners with a “correct” running pattern or stride. They’re the people that don’t overpronate or underpronate too much.
The shoes featured on the best neutral running shoes list will not have any out-of-the-ordinary support features because they’re built to let your feet do the job. They’re often flexible so the foot can move naturally. You’ll also notice they tend to be well-cushioned…but that’s a more recent development as certain newer foams really help runners recover better and protect their joints.
Finding the best neutral running shoes isn’t that simple because it’s a super crowded market with tons of options. Luckily, the team here at WearTesters has spent thousands of hours testing running shoes and can provide you with the Best Neutral Running Shoes list as part of their process. Ideally, you can use this list, our other lists, and our performance reviews to help you choose the best shoe for you.
If you wish to browse all of our detailed running shoe performance reviews, you can view our Running Shoe reviews page. You could also start with our Best Running Shoes list, where we collect the very best of all the running shoes we test in one place.
We use the categories below so you can easily find the shoes you need. If you already know what you need, you can simply click the category of the shoe. If not, feel free to browse the entire list.
We’d also like to hear your thoughts on this list and your best neutral running shoes lists in the comments below.
Updated: 05.17.2023
Best Neutral Running Shoes
Best Neutral 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 neutral running shoe with the only concern being a narrower fit (though we hear there may be a wide version coming soon). The Deviate Nitro 2 doesn’t have 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. And the outsole uses Puma Grip, the best rubber outsole compound currently available. The Deviate Nitro 2 is a neutral 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 neutral 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 any distance. 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 neutral 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 neutral running shoe. There are many reasons it currently sits atop our rankings as the best running shoe of 2022. The bounce and impact protection provided by the FF Blast+ midsole makes this shoe an extremely comfortable daily trainer that can pick up the pace as needed. The Novablast 3 is also plenty stable for neutral runners. In addition, the upper is breathable and comfortable, while the overall ride is super smooth. There are essentially no weaknesses, and it doesn’t hurt that the Novablast 3 looks spectacular. Grab it and enjoy an extremely good all-around neutral running 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 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 the sharpest of turns or bumpiest of roads. And the chunktastic style 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 neutral running shoe useful for anything from easy miles to workouts to long runs. 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 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 will make 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 SuperComp 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
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
Brooks Glycerin 20
The Brooks Glycerin 20 features Brooks’ DNA Loft v3 midsole, and it’s one of the best in the market today. The smooth experience helps your legs avoid getting thrashed by daily runs. We have to warn you that the StealthFit version isn’t any better, and everybody should opt for the regular edition. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price $160
Asics GlideRide 3
The Asics GlideRide 3 is an impressive neutral running 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 without being restrictive. To top it off, the upper is super plush and comfortable. It’s good enough to handle even the longest of runs. Overall, the combination of comfort, cushion, stability, and an ultra-smooth ride make the GlideRide 3 an almost perfect neutral shoe. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $150
Puma Velocity Nitro 2
The Puma Velocity Nitro 2 is bouncy underfoot, especially in the forefoot. The Nitro foam used by Puma almost feels like Nike’s Zoom Air. The Puma Grip outsole provides the best traction on the market so, no matter the conditions, you won’t slip and will feel secure with every footstrike. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $120
Hoka Rincon 3
The Hoka Rincon 3 is for those days where you either want to run fast or the days when your legs feel heaviest. At 7.3oz, it’s one of the lightest everyday neutral running shoes we’ve tested. As a bonus, most foot shapes will enjoy how these fit. And, Hoka’s meta rocker outsole shape will make this one of the smoother riding shoes in your closet.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $125
Best Budget Neutral Running Shoes
New Balance FuelCell Propel v4
The New Balance FuelCell Propel v4 has the best value proposition of any neutral cushioned running 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
Best Neutral Running Shoes Now on Sale
Hoka Clifton 8
The Hoka Clifton 8 makes it onto almost every one of our lists because it’s that good. It’s an all-around great performer. If you’re looking for comfort, both from the upper and the midsole, there’s no shoe that’s better.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $140
Asics Gel-Nimbus 24
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 24 may only feature its trademark Gel cushioning in the forefoot and heel (the latter being for show only), but that doesn’t make it a bad shoe. Gel is actually old tech and being slowly phased out. The best part of this shoe is the cushion that isn’t mentioned in the shoe’s name, the FFBlast+. It’s bouncy and plush at the same time. If you’re a wide-footer, you’ll love that there’s a wide version available. The durable outsole will also last you a while. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $160
Puma Magnify Nitro
The Puma Magnify Nitro packs a performance punch that outdoes its price class. The Nitro foam used here is very plush and the bottom layer of ProFoam provides extra durability and a stable landing zone. The upper is bulky, which may not be for everyone, but that bulk is very comfortable. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 9mm, Price: $140
Brooks Glycerin 19
The Brooks Glycerin 19 isn’t about gimmicks. If you’re looking for a shoe that looks weird and has a lot of unnecessary parts, then this isn’t it. This runner is straightforward with what it offers: exceptional fit, cushioning that last, and excellent traction. No wonder this shoe is one of the more popular running shoe models among running enthusiasts. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $150
Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best neutral running shoes list? Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
