7 Best Running Shoes in 2024
Are you looking for a comfortable all-arounder? A supportive shoe for overpronation? Or a speedy racer for a new personal best? There is no ONE best shoe for everybody.
We have tested over 100 running shoes and put them through our lab to help you find the best pair. See our highly recommended models in several categories below.
Annie Leather Boots.
How we test running shoes
We believe editors disguised as “experts” cherry-pick popular shoes to earn more.
Here’s proof that the top 1% of most popular shoes are 245 times more likely to be picked in top-10 lists, and WHY expert reviews are biased towards popular models that are not always the best shoes.
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Here is how we’re different:
- As an independent shoe testing lab, we purchase all shoes with our own money to stay unbiased.
- We cut shoes into pieces and measure over 30 different parameters on cushioning, durability, breathability, and more.
- We run 30-50 miles in each pair. We make sure that we vary our runs from roads to trails before submitting our in-depth review.
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The Novablast 4 stands out in the all-rounder game, bringing a whole new level of comfort while sustaining stability, responsiveness, and reliable durability. Novablast 4 repeatedly excels in our lab tests and actual runs, rightfully claiming its throne as the ultimate running shoe.
Indulging in this shoe is an absolute delight. The ultra-stacked midsole is our main star as it oozes divine levels of comfort for double-digit miles. Our durometer confirmed our sensations, as it measured 28.7% softer than average. Despite its plush nature, the cushion brings out a vibrant and responsive ride for faster days.
Our runs feel stable regardless of our pace. Novablast 4 offers an extra width of 9.6/4.7 mm in the forefoot and heel to ensure we land securely no matter our foot strike. We can run mindlessly as the midsole flows with our movements. Our flex test confirms it’s 13.5% more adaptive than average.
Novablast 4 proves its durability as the midsole had minor creasing and the outsole barely had scratches after long miles of running against hard pavements. We didn’t feel any difference in terms of performance, showing it’s a reliable and long-lasting running partner.
While Novablast 4 can go fast, we feel it lacks the explosive power of a racer. For PB-chasers, exploring other options might be the way to go.
Pros
- Enhanced outsole offering better grip and durability
- Improved upper comfort with premium materials
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- Exceptional value at just $140
- More cushion than ever before
- Accommodates a wide range of foot sizes
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- Retains most of its fun and energetic ride
Cons
- Not the best for hot summer runs
- Outsole still lacks grip in wet conditions
- Minor weight increase compared to v3
Best daily training running shoes
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The 40th birthday of the Pegasus series dropped the ultimate daily trainer. With the reliability of a Toyota, it balances fresh cushioning and tireless responsiveness, all while remaining unfazed by the mileage.
As polyvalent as it gets, one of the highlights of the Pegasus 40 lies in the midsole design. Boasting two Air Zoom units nestled within the React foam at the forefoot, it stormed our toe-offs with ease while ensuring a fair amount of energy return. Also, this shoe is crazily bendable in all directions, feeling awesomely natural on foot. In fact, using a force gauge to measure the Pegasus' resistance to our 90º bending test put it among the top 6% of most flexible shoes we ever dissected in our lab.
We threw everything at this Pegasus and it stood tall and untouched. We fixed the shoe to our lab benches and applied a rotary force of 3.2N to its upper at 10k RPM for four intense seconds - the upper is virtually unbreakable! It resisted with unwavering resilience, as the abrasion wasn't enough to break through the upper as happens with most shoes. We also pushed our durometer against the outsole to check its firmness. Harder rubbers last longer, and with a score of 86.0 HC, the Pegasus boast one of the toughest outsoles we have ever tested, delivering exceptional durability.
Did the Pegasus 40 give us that winged horse feel? Not quite. Runners seeking a charles and exhilarating all-rounder to pump the adrenaline levels up might end up utterly disappointed.
Pros
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- Breathable
- Secure lockdown
- Has enough toe-box space
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- Good energy return
- Great grip on most surfaces
- Incredible durability
- Perfect for everyday miles and LSDs
Cons
- A generally narrow fit
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- Not a very memorable ride
Best running shoes for speed training
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Our number one pick for speed training is the PUMA Deviate Nitro 2. This speedster is a specialist in overcoming all sorts of fast workouts, seamlessly combining power and comfort in divine harmony.
There’s no other way around it, the Deviate Nitro 2 exudes pure speed. Its midsole houses a stiff carbon plate that acted as a powerful propeller, constantly urging us to push the boundaries of our pace. In our lab, we locked it by its tip and bent it to 90º: it resisted with an impressive 58.8N, emerging as 42.1% stiffer than the average.
Surprisingly enough, unlike other plated shoes, the ride of this PUMA feels super natural and buttery smooth, taking it easy on the feet. The delightful underfoot foam offers a sweet spring-off without making comfort pay for it. We used our durometer to test the midsole softness and discovered it is indeed 35% softer than the average, enhancing the overall versatility of the shoe across a variety of speed sessions.
However, we were underwhelmed and utterly disappointed with its somewhat bulky feel. Weighing 260 grams (9.2 oz), it falls on the heavier side for a tempo kick (With Matching Sandals More at Vanity Fair Oscars Party in our database average at 240g).
Pros
- Great all-rounder
- Super-smooth and responsive ride
- Plush cushioning
- Comfy upper
- Grippy outsole
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- Fairly priced
Cons
- Heavier than other similar shoes
- Not many colors available
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If performance is what you’re after, look no further. As the rawest brother from ASICS racing kicks, the Metaspeed Edge+ furiously ignited our every stride without overlooking the comfort required for longer races. All things considered, no wonder this is our #1 pick for racing days.
This wild beast really came alive out in the streets, brutally unleashing energy like no other. With its 8.1 mm drop and full-length carbon plate working in devilish harmony, each toe-off propelled us forward with unbridled energy. The insane stiffness of plated shoes is where their power lies, and the Edge+ is no different. In our attempt to bend it to 90º, it fought back with a massive 63.0N, showcasing 97.5% more stiffness than the average.
While the Edge+ offers a touch of that classic close-to-the-ground sensation, it’s just about lofty enough to provide a protective ride, topping the average shoe by only 0.6 mm at the heel and 1.0 mm at the forefoot. Our durometer ranked its foam at 23.7% firmer than the average, feeling quite aggressive and ensuring we kept our composure up until the end of our testing sessions.
We do not recommend the Metaspeed Edge+ for those seeking an all-rounder that can also handle daily runs, as it felt like a fish out of water at slower paces.
Pros
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- Protective underfoot
- Hell of a snappy toe-off
- Super light
- Very breathable
- Nails the race-ready fit
- Slip-free lockdown
- More durable than most racers
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Cons
- Scratchy upper
- Not for short runs
- Expensive
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The ASICS Gel Kayano 30 delicately balances excellent stability, outstanding cushioning, and superior durability and creates a well-built, stable, breathable, max-cushioned shoe. After our rigorous lab tests and runs, the ASICS Gel Kayano 30 is definitely the best stability running shoe on the market.
The Gel Kayano 30 adds the new “4D guidance system,” a softer foam right under the arch that adjusts to the shape of our feet to provide consistent stability. When we tried out this shoe for easy runs and even a few tempo runs, we felt confident with each planted landing. Additionally, it has a very wide platform—its forefoot width is 124.3 mm, which is 11.5 mm wider than the average road running shoe. Its heel width is 105.4 mm, 15.5 mm wider than average. The combination of the guidance system and wide platform gives the shoe a rock-steady, stable nature despite having added significantly more foam.
We measured the heel stack height of the Gel Kayano 40 at 39.7 mm—a massive 6.5 mm taller than the average heel stack of road running shoes. Our durometer also verified that the midsole foam's softness is indeed noteworthy—33% softer than average. This softness and above-average stack height gave us plenty of comfort and cushioning during our daily runs.
Adding to its comfort is an excellent upper. We tested its toebox against the Dremel and it scored an excellent 4 out of 5. The engineered mesh upper also scored a perfect 5 in our breathability test.
The ASICS Gel Kayano 30 could be lighter. At 303g (10.69 oz), it far exceeds the 269g (9.45 oz) average weight of road running shoes. Runners looking for lighter-stability shoes can look elsewhere.
Pros
- Exceptionally cushioned
- Impressively stable with 4D Guidance System
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- Top-notch breathability
- Effective maximalist design
- Superior durability and comfort
- Ideal for high-mileage runners
- Ultra-plush FF Blast+ foam
- Amazing build quality
Cons
- Actual drop exceeds stated measurement
- Midsole might require a break-in period
Running shoes with best plush cushioning
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Remaining equal to itself, the 25th edition of the Gel Nimbus brought the clouds to our streets, steadily locking our feet in heavenly levels of comfort. This is why we found it the ultimate running shoe when it comes to plush cushioning.
As we marked the ground with each footstep, the Nimbus erased any notion of landing impact from our minds. The midsole melt shaped like our feet, providing a forgiving and refreshing ride that lasted for countless miles. In the lab and at room temperature, we pushed our durometer against this foam to put its softness to the test - it surpassed the average by 28.2%, confirming its gentle soul that our feet came to know so well.
This Nimbus enveloped our feet in a delightful dimension perfectly cushioned from every angle. Its midsole effortlessly fits into the max-cushioned category, boasting a stack height ranging from 38.0 mm at the heel to 30.2 mm at the forefoot. The knit upper felt stretchy and supportive, teaming up with the generously widened platform to ensure a stable and confident ride. Our trusty caliper measured the widest part of the forefoot shoes adidas superstar c fv3147 ftwwht ftwwht ftwwht.
The Nimbus 25 got its priorities straight, and performance isn’t one of them. Those looking for a do-it-all trainer to handle faster efforts might want to consider other options.
Pros
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- Great at gobbling up miles
- Generously padded and extremely comfortable
- Snug performance-style fit
- No break-in period needed
- Sleek and sustainable design
Cons
- Lackluster breathability
- Not for wide feet
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- Budget buster
Best adidas Originals Sl 80 Mens Shoes
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Venturing into the wild wouldn’t be the same without the Hoka Speedgoat 5. It reliably bites the ground without getting a scratch itself, delivering unwavering performance on the most technical of trails. This is why the Speedgoat 5 is our #1 pick for hitting the trails.
This sandals gioseppo vance 59849 black is an untamed beast that thrives in diverse habitats ranging from icy surfaces to muddy and rooty terrains. We felt the tread pattern of 3.0 mm lugs aggressively grip the ground, keeping our strides secure and confident. No matter the conditions, we couldn’t manage to put a dent in the outsole - our durometer readings confirmed its durable construction, ranking it among the hardest we ever tested with a score of 84.5.
Speed is a key characteristic of this model and it sure didn’t go unnoticed on our runs. Our toe-off movements oozed silky levels of smoothness thanks to the rockered design of the Speedgoat. Add the bouncy and sparky midsole, and this is a shoe to leave the chronometer struggling. Plus, it’s outstandingly caramel on the legs, with our durometer revealing it to be 60% softer than average. In our lab, we've also put it in the freezer to see how the softness changes with temperature. To our surprise, even after 20mins in the freezer, the shoe did get firmer by 63.6%, but even then, it was 34% softer than most shoes at room temperature.
We do not recommend this shoe for trail enthusiasts with very wide feet, as the upper width at the forefoot is very close to the average (actually, 1.9 mm narrower than the average).
Pros
- Super grippy
- Springy ride
- Stable platform
- Extra durable
- High impact protection
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Secure fit
- Excellent heel hold
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Flared collar is not for everyone (style-wise)
There is no ONE best running shoe
Feet are unique and even some of the best-rated running shoes might not work for you specifically.
While many would pick the number one best-rated running shoe as it must be thee best, note how little difference there is in the overall scores. Our general advice is that as long as you pick running shoes with an Audience score above 80, you'll get a shoe that is good for most people, given that it's picked for its intended use.
Comfort above anything else
In a study that analyzed 40 years of running injuries, researchers found that comfort plays a significant factor in reducing injuries.
Comfort is made of:
- Perfect size. If you’re not sure which size you need, check our ultimate size guide.
- Perfect fit. This means your shoe isn’t too tight nor it feels too loose around your heel or forefoot. Additionally, no part of the shoe should give you discomfort - there should be no pinching nor uncomfortably tight areas.
- Cushioning. It’s that soft (midsole) foamy layer that makes your feet experience “walking on clouds” feeling.
Research has shown that comfort might go as far as improving the running economy (source) and decreasing injury risk (study). Runners usually report more comfort with more cushioning.
Typically, lightweight running shoes offer less cushioning, and we therefore generally don’t recommend beginners to pick running shoes that weigh less than 250 grams. This way, you’ll leave aside two extremes: racing flats and extremely bulky running shoes. More experienced runners can find joy in having a pair of lightweight running shoes for their speed runs.
a light daily trainer (Saucony Kinvara) vs. a heavy max-cushioned trainer (Adidas Ultraboost)
What is arch support and why it matters
We have done a meta-analysis of more than 150 studies about arch support, where we interview doctors of physical therapy, podiatric surgeons, coaches, and podiatrists.
The conclusion is that arch support cannot make a huge difference to injury risk or the performance for runners unless you have a special foot condition, in which case you should seek a specialist. A few rough guidelines:
- If you don’t know anything particular about your feet, buy neutral running shoes.
- If you have a high arch, consider sandals twisty sr41900 843 grey / neutral running shoes.
- If you have a moderate arch, buy sneakers fila arcade low wmn 1010619 1fg white.
- If you have a moderate arch and neutral pronation, buy neutral running shoes.
neutral shoe (left) vs. stability shoe (center) vs. motion control shoe (right)
To determine pronation, look at your used footwear - do you wear them evenly? If they’ve been worn more on the outer sides, you’re underpronating. If they’ve been worn more on the inner sides, you’re overpronating. Even wear means neutral pronation.
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This one is simple: If you mostly run on road, tarmac, treadmill, 4x4 road or even major forest trails or the likes, then buy road running shoes.
Only buy adidas Originals Sl 80 Mens Shoes if you run on single-trails or off trails. Otherwise, you don’t need them.
TIP. You should not be afraid to run on roads with your adidas Originals Sl 80 Mens Shoes once in a while. However, we recommend that you keep it at a minimum as feet and knees can start to hurt. The bigger the lugs, the sooner your feet will start hurting. Quite often, you’d need to run half a mile to your nearest trails, and that is not a problem.
Here are the key differences between road and trail shoes that you should be aware of:
Outsole: Road shoes have flatter and pavement-ready soles. Trail shoes have lugs (tread patterns), for better traction on uneven terrain.
Saucony Ride (road shoe) vs. Saucony Peregrine (trail shoe)
Protection: Most trail shoes are equipped with rugged toe bumpers and rock plates to keep the runner’s feet protected from various terrain challenges.
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Weight: Because of these features, trail shoes tend to be heavier than road shoes.
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Upper: Road shoes have lighter, more breathable uppers because road races don’t have any obstacles. Trail shoes are reinforced with various protective elements, including additional layers in high-wear areas, which makes them less breathable.
Lacing: Trail shoes usually have a lace pocket - to prevent the laces from tangling with debris on the run.
Focus: For road shoes, it’s SPEED. For trail shoes, it’s PROTECTION.
Heel to toe drop in running shoes
If you’re new, or if you run less than 10 miles per week, there’s no need to know about heel to toe drop as long as you buy shoes with at least 6mm drop (preferably 8-12mm).
The only exception is if you have a record or severe ankle, knee, hip, ITB, Achilles, or plantar fasciitis injuries. In such cases, seek out a specialist before buying running shoes.
More experienced runners tend to show interest in the heel to toe drop. There are a lot of opinions on the subject. If you want to learn more, check our in-depth scientific valenciana espadrilles manebi shoes peony.
Heel drop effects | |
Low |
High |
The lower the drop, the greater the potential to improve cadence. | Chuck Taylor 70 höga sneakers. |
Lower and zero drop shoes promote midfoot and forefoot strike. | A higher drop allows for rearfoot strike because the elevated heel helps with high impacts when the heel hits the ground. |
Lower heel drop might help with ITB, (anterior) knee pain, gluteal overuse syndrome. | Higher heel drop might help with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy (stiff Achilles), calf injuries. |
Low drop shoes allow for more ankle flexion during landing. The ankle absorbs the impact and works as a spring. These shoes can place greater stress on the foot, ankle, lower leg. | High drop has a higher knee flexion moment. This means it has the potential to load hips and knees more, similar to heel strike. |
Casadei Papeete wedge sandals. | Adidas Ladies Golf Shoes 675541 Climateproof Thintech Wome. |
Minimalist, maximalist, strike pattern, technology, waterproofing, etc.
As a beginner, don’t get confused by these terms. Ignore them.
Trust your feet, not “experts” and top-10 lists
The best thing to do if you’re buying your first pair of running shoes is to go to the running-specialized store. First and foremost: you’ll try them on and see if they are a good fit for your feet. Then, you might even get good advice from a store employee. Heck, they might even scan your feet and let you know precisely what features they have regarding pronation, arch height, etc.
If you decide to do your research online first, we’ve written a whole chapter on what to pay attention to! It’s not a good idea to trust “experts” and top-10 lists.