We created our best running shoes by brand page because oftentimes, a certain brand just works for some people. Whether it’s due to fit, comfort, or something else, they got used to that brand and find it easiest to stick with that brand for the long haul. Sneakerheads might not understand that line of thinking but it’s fairly common. A lot of people don’t much care about the performance of shoes that aren’t from their preferred brand. Whether you’re brand loyal or the complete opposite and want to know the best each brand offers, you’ve come to the right place. You can also check out our overall Best Running Shoes page for a more comprehensive list.
With that said, we have to state the obvious: brand loyalty plays a huge part in our purchasing choices. If a brand has done you good in the past or sponsors your favorite runner, you’ll choose accordingly. There’s nothing wrong with that. To some degree, we all prefer familiarity.
Each brand has something unique to offer, especially with its cushioning technologies. Nike has Air, ZoomX, and React. adidas has Lightstrike and LightstrikePro. New Balance has Fresh Foam and FuelCell. There’s a myriad of cushions to choose from. You can all try them and see which you prefer most.
Sizing, however, can be trickier than choosing a cushioning technology. Different brands use different molds or lasts, as they’re called in the footwear industry, so you may have to be cautious about what size you get in which brand. The difficulty is multiplied if you have flat feet or wide feet.
If you’re looking for the best running shoes by brand, welcome to the most useful page you’ll read today. We hope this list helps you make a more informed choice to avoid regretting your purchase or needing to make a return. And if you’re loyal to one brand only, this is a good way of checking out what other brands have and seeing if you’re up for the challenge of trying something new. Here are our picks:
Last update 05.16.2023
Best Running Shoes By Brand 2023
Nike
Nike Vomero 16
The Nike Vomero 16 has most of the best tech that Nike offers. Look at the midsole: a forefoot Zoom Air unit housed inside ZoomX foam combined with SR-02 that’s slightly firmer for stability and support. It isn’t as popular as it deserves to be, but hopefully, its inclusion on this list helps out.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $150
Want to see more? Click here for our entire Best Nike Running Shoes list.
adidas
adidas Adizero SL
The adidas Adizero SL is adidas’ new daily running shoe and comes through with great value and a smooth ride. The outsole rubber is plentiful and hardly showed any wear during our testing. The midsole is Lightstrike with a Lightstrike Pro puck in the forefoot. That setup offers just enough plushness up front to feel good for 8-10 miles. The midsole geometry and the upper mimic adidas’ race day Adios Pro 3 allowing the Adizero SL to be a great everyday complement to what you’re wearing on race day.
The upper is comfy and well padded, though the tongue is not gusseted and slippy. The fit is more accommodating than adidas’ other Adizero shoes but there’s also a wide version if you need it. For $120, the Adizero SL packs a solid value proposition for a shoe that can handle both daily runs or all day on your feet.
Fits: Up a half size from typical adidas, Drop: 10mm, Price: $190
Want to see more? Click here for our entire Best Adidas Running Shoes list.
New Balance
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
Want to see more? Click here for our entire Best New Balance Running Shoes list.
Hoka
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
Want to see more? Click here for our entire Best Hoka Running Shoes list.
Brooks
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
Want to see more? Click here for our entire Best Brooks Running Shoes list.
Puma
Puma Velocity Nitro 2
The Puma Velocity Nitro 2 features the brand’s version of supercritical foam called Nitro. It feels like Zoom Air from Nike, and that’s far from common when it comes to foam cushioning technologies. The outsole is made of Puma Grip rubber, and it’s the best outsole rubber you can get on the market today. The Velocity Nitro 2 is a great all-around shoe. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $120
Want to see more? Click here for our entire Best Puma Running Shoes list.
Asics
Asics Novablast 3
The Asics Novablast 3 is close to the perfect running shoe. There are a bunch of 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
Want to see more? Click here for our entire Best Asics Running Shoes list.
Reebok
Reebok Floatride Energy 4
The Reebok Floatride Energy 4 has a lot of good things going for it. First is the Floatride foam midsole. Don’t worry about it being stiff at first. It will break in nicely. The Engineered Bevel rocker creates a smooth footstrike and is one of those things that you’ll really enjoy on this shoe. Lastly, the upper materials are comfortable and breathable with no potential hotspots. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 9mm, Price: $110
Want to see more? Click here for all our Reebok Running Shoes reviews.
Under Armour
Under Armour Flow Velociti Wind 2
The Under Armour Flow Velociti Wind 2 may look weird to you. Maybe it’s because you don’t see any rubber on the outsole. That’s because there isn’t any. Flow technology combines the midsole and outsole. What about its grip, you ask? Great, just like the Curry models that have utilized Flow. If you want to try something new, this is a great option. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $160
Want to see more? Click here for all our Under Armour Running Shoes reviews.
Mizuno
Mizuno Wave Inspire 18
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is technically a stability shoe, and that’s why we included it in the Best Stability Running Shoes, but it’s really for everyone. It’s a solid daily runner/trainer with a touch of extra support that provides peace of mind. The minimal flaw is that the laces are too long, but that isn’t an issue because the fit itself is excellent with lockdown that’s almost perfect. Plus, the price isn’t outrageous. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 12mm, Price: $140
Want to see more? Click here for our Best Mizuno Running Shoes list.
Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best running shoes by brand list? Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
I’ve recently taken up running to loose the unwanted pounds that I gained during the pandemic. I think I’m leaning to the Puma Velocity Nitro 2, the color looks refreshing and the features looks great for beginners like me.