Nike wmns air max 90 futura white pure platinum women casual shoes dm9922-103 | 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 hundreds of running shoes and put them through our lab to help you find the best pair. See our highly recommended models in several categories below.
And if you want to learn more about choosing the right running shoe, scroll down to our in-depth guide.
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.
Unlike most top-10 rankings, we list the best running shoes, NOT the most popular ones.
Here is how we’re different:
- As an independent shoe testing lab, we purchase all shoes with our own money to stay unbiased.
- 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.
- We cut shoes into pieces and measure over 30 different parameters on cushioning, durability, breathability, and more.
Best running shoes overall
Nike wmns air max 90 futura white pure platinum women casual shoes dm9922-103 | What makes it the best?
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
- Upgraded tongue padding
- Exceptional value at just $140
- More cushion than ever before
- Accommodates a wide range of foot sizes
- The most stable Novablast yet
- Retains most of its fun and energetic ride
Cons
- Not the best for hot summer runs
- Sneakers Cruise 86448-28 Black
- Minor weight increase compared to v3
Nike wmns air max 90 futura white pure platinum women casual shoes dm9922-103 | Best daily training running shoes
What makes it the best?
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 quick and exhilarating all-rounder to pump the adrenaline levels up might end up utterly disappointed.
Pros
- Plush and comfortable upper
- Breathable
- Secure lockdown
- Ankle boots JENNY FAIRY LS5851-01 Khaki
- Dc Shoes Stacked Card Holder Portemonnee
- Good energy return
- Great grip on most surfaces
- Incredible durability
- Perfect for everyday miles and LSDs
Cons
- A generally narrow fit
- Heavier than the v39
- Not a very memorable ride
Best running shoes for speed training
What makes it the best?
Our number one pick for speed training is the Easy slip-on wear with boat-shoe lacing detail. 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, ever 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 (zapatillas de running Scott ultra trail talla 44 Air Jordan 9 Boot Beef and Broccoli 2022 Outfits).
Pros
- Great all-rounder
- New Balance 373 men's Shoes Trainers in Kaki
- Plush cushioning
- Comfy upper
- Grippy outsole
- Scarosso Paola lace-up boots Braun
- Fairly priced
Cons
- Sneaker basse 'Rush'
- Not many colors available
Best race running shoes
What makes it the best?
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
- Speedy all the way!
- Hogan Sneakers Blue Interactive
- Sneakers BIG STAR KK174133 Black
- 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
- Grips on dirt roads
Cons
- Scratchy upper
- Li-Ning LiNing Essence 2 Winter x New York Fashion Week Black Athletic Shoes AGBN065-2
- Expensive
Best stability running shoes
What makes it the best?
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
- Sneaker da uomo Go Run Ride 10 con suola Good Year
- Top-notch breathability
- Effective maximalist design
- Superior durability and comfort
- Sergio Tacchini Sneaker bassa ' Prime Shot PC87 ' bianco
- Paredes Silvano Hiking Shoes
- Amazing build quality
Cons
- Actual drop exceeds stated measurement
- Midsole might require a break-in period
Running shoes with best plush cushioning
What makes it the best?
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 to be 119.4 mm, an exceptional 6.9 mm wider than average.
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
- Sweet marshmallowy ride
- Feels surprisingly stable underfoot.
- Premiata Runsead colour-block sneakers Grey
- Sneakers NEW BALANCE GM500TG1 Rot
- Snug performance-style fit
- Skechers MICROSPEC MAX boys's Shoes Trainers in Marine
- Sleek and sustainable design
Cons
- Lackluster breathability
- Not for wide feet
- sketch print hi-top sneakers Weiß
- Budget buster
Best Steps Into Sustainability with New Sky Boots
What makes it the best?
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 Hoka trail shoe 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. Drawfrom the bouncy and sparky midsole, and this is a shoe to leave the chronometer struggling. Plus, it’s outstandingly dulcet 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
- Trekker Boots SPRANDI WP40-8410Y Camel
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Secure fit
- zapatillas de running New Balance pronador ritmo bajo entre 60 y 100
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Flared collar is not for everyone (style-wise)
There is no ONE best running shoe
All feet are unique and even some of the best-rated running shoes might not work for you specifically.
But the good news is that the running footwear market is so saturated that you are sure to find a shoe that would feel tailor-made for your feet!
In this guide, we break down the most important considerations to help you narrow down the choices and find that perfect pair.
Where to start: road vs. Steps Into Sustainability with New Sky Boots
This one is simple: If you mostly run on asphalt, tarmac, treadmill, 4x4 road, or even major forest trails or the likes, then buy road running shoes.
Only buy Steps Into Sustainability with New Sky Boots if you run on single trails or off trails. Otherwise, you don’t need them.
Sneakers 140016 Black
Some road shoes can also be used for light-to-moderate trails. Just make sure that they have thick and sturdy rubber outsoles.
Outsole durability shows how deep was the damage caused by 22 seconds of drilling the shoe’s rubber with a Dremel at 10K RPM speed.
Trail running shoes
You should not be afraid to run on roads with your Steps Into Sustainability with New Sky Boots once in a while. Quite often, you’d need to run up to a mile before you get to your nearest trail, and that is not a problem. 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. For road-to-trail shoes, lugs below 3 mm are best.
If, on the other hand, you mostly run off trails, in the wild, with mud caking up under your feet within minutes, you must get a trail shoe with deeper lugs. They will keep you surefooted by biting into the ground more aggressively. They also tend to be more spaced-out to shed off the mud while running.
We use a caliper to measure lug depth on every running shoe.
Key differences between road and trail shoes
Saucony Ride (road shoe) vs. Saucony Peregrine (trail shoe)
Outsole: Road shoes have flatter and pavement-ready soles. Trail shoes have lugs (tread patterns), for better traction on uneven terrain.
Protection: Most trail shoes are equipped with rugged toe bumpers and rock plates to keep the runner’s feet protected from various terrain challenges.
Chunky Wave Sole Ankle Boots
Weight: Because of the added ruggedness and protection, trail shoes are on average an ounce heavier than road shoes.
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.
Based on our in-house ventilation tests, the average breathability score of road shoes is 4 out of 5, while the average of trail shoes is 3 out of 5.
Use: The most important factor
A beginner-friendly trainer is going to be vastly different from a carbon-plated marathon race shoe. Let’s take a closer look at the main running shoe categories based on their intended use.
Daily running shoes (also best for beginners and daily wear)
Well-cushioned and comfort-loaded, daily trainers make up the majority of running shoes on the market. This is where you find that go-to daily beater that never fails.
We highly recommend shoes from this category to beginner runners as they meet the following criteria:
- well-cushioned (at least 30 mm of heel stack)
- average heel-to-toe drop (8-14 mm, ideal for a beginner’s heel-striking pattern)
- balanced softness (neither too firm nor mushy)
- no carbon plates or aggressive rockers
- MSRP of $140 or less
Can you wear daily running shoes for everyday use? Absolutely! The characteristics mentioned above make this footwear category ideal for spending long hours on your feet.
Some daily trainers have features of speed-oriented shoes. These are more expensive but let you have two pairs in one.
Speed training/tempo running shoes
Lighter than daily trainers, this category is better equipped for picking up the pace or even setting a new speed record.
The average weight of speed shoes is 2.4 oz (68g) lighter than the average of daily trainers!
| Daily trainers | Speed trainers | |
| Average weight | 10.0 oz (283g) | 7.6 oz (216g) |
Speed training shoes also tend to have bouncier foams and springier rides. Some of them even use stiff carbon plates for added propulsion. You can learn more about how plates work in our extensive research.
Some speed trainers can also be used for daily training or even competitions.
Ko Men S Shoes White-black
This is where you find the world-record-shattering Nike Vaporfly’s and Alphafly’s, Adidas’s buzzworthy $500 Evo 1, among other iconic shoes.
The lightest of running shoes (7.5 oz/213g on average), these racers feature the brands’ most cutting-edge technologies to help you achieve the most efficient performance.
For professional runners, choosing the perfect race shoe gets even more complicated. But it is our mission to help you sort that out. Explore our meticulous Sneakers NEW BALANCE GM500DGR Grau, carbon plates, rockers, and shoe uppers to get more insights.
Consider the distance as well
A 5K/10K race calls for a much faster pace than a marathon. Your best companion here is a light and springy trainer. Depending on your preference, you can choose between a classic minimally cushioned flat and a super soft and plated maximalist shoe.
Going for a marathon or even an ultra marathon? Make sure you're packed with plenty of cushioning, lasting underfoot support, and a perfect fit.
Some super shoes are so versatile, they can be effective for both 5K and 42K.
Cushioning and ride in running shoes
That slab of foam in between your foot and the ground is what ultimately makes or breaks a running shoe. Getting the following parameters right will guarantee your comfort and best performance:
- stack height
- heel-to-toe drop
- foam softness
- presence of a carbon plate
- Sneakers Luc 74 4020200 094 S Schwarz
Numeric Tiago Lemos 808 sneakers Weiß
Stack height refers to the amount of material in between your foot and the ground. We cut each tested shoe in half in our lab to measure its heel and forefoot stack heights following the rules set by World Athletics (at 12% and at 75% of the inside length of the shoe).
For beginners, we recommend going for heel height in the 20-30 mm range. These shoes are neither too flat (low to the ground) nor too high.
If you need tons of cushioning, go for the 30-40 mm range. Keep in mind that 40 mm is the maximum heel stack allowed for competitions by the World Athletics. Anything above means disqualification.
Some seasoned runners also prefer to go down the minimalist and even barefoot path. These shoes have a heel stack of 20 mm or less and require an adaptation period as they activate different biomechanics.
Кроссовки nike flex running trainers a tool to help you find out which stack height is perfect for your running needs.
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 6 mm drop (preferably 8-12 mm).
Example of a low drop shoe (0.1 mm)
Example of a high drop shoe (13.2 mm)
The only exception is if you have a record of 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 Toddler Cork Sandal.
| Heel drop effects | |
|
Low
|
High
|
| The lower the drop, the greater the potential to improve cadence. | Foot switch is slower in higher drop shoes. |
| Sneaker Curly 70102-076. | 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. |
| Ankle boots with J toe. | Overstriding forefoot strike might be prevented with a higher drop. |
Foam softness
As a beginner runner, you want a balanced type of cushioning that's neither too plush nor firm. These shoes also work for most runners, walking a fine line between comfort and performance. This type of cushioning is used in the "workhorse" shoes used for daily running, tempo runs, and racing.
To help you know exactly how soft each running shoe is, we use an HA durometer in our lab to measure foam softness. The lower the number on the tool, the softer the foam. The average durometer measurement for running shoes hovers around 25 HA.
Softer shoes offer maximum impact protection and are usually high-stacked. They are best for long runs, recovery runs, marathons, and ultras.
Example of a very plush foam (9.8 HA)
Lower-stacked and aggressive-looking, firmer shoes are best for quick transitions. Studies show that greater midsole hardness in running shoes results in shorter contact time. But keep in mind that there is much less shock absorption here than in soft shoes. On the bright side, firmer shoes tend to be stable enough to double as gym shoes.
Example of a very firm foam (34.4 HA)
If you want more data-backed insights into choosing between soft and firm cushioning, see our in-depth guide on the topic. Especially if you're wondering how shoe foams behave in the freezer!
Carbon-plated running shoes
If you are a beginner runner, we recommend staying away from carbon-plated shoes for now. These shoes are most beneficial for races and speed training as they are intended for maintaining faster paces.
First introduced in the Nike Vaporfly in 2016, carbon plates changed the running shoe game forever. Since then, every men's and women's record on every distance Manebi recycled dhurrie shoes by runners wearing plated shoes.
At least 5% of running shoes on the market today feature some variation of a plate.
A carbon plate inside the Nike Vaporfly 3 (the black piece running through the midsole)
A stiff carbon plate is sandwiched inside the midsole to add propulsion upon take-off. Kind of like a swimming pool springboard.
We dive deeper into the topic of carbon-plated shoes in Sneakers EM-10-05-000093 110 backed by science and our own lab findings.
What is arch support and why it matters
If you've never heard about arch support, your ankles don't collapse inwards, and shoes don't have a tendency to wear out more on the inner side, then you can probably skip this section.
Example of a shoe with arch support (ASICS Gel Kayano)
Arch support is only necessary when you have flat feet, overpronation, or other foot conditions that call for supportive components in running shoes (like plantar fasciitis). The latter are also called stability shoes.
You can see the difference in foot and ankle stability between a neutral shoe (above) and a stability shoe (below) in our lateral movement test.
Here are a few rough guidelines:
- If you don’t know anything particular about your feet, buy neutral running shoes.
- If you have a moderate arch and neutral pronation, buy neutral running shoes.
- Sneakers 1-006461-8000 D Blau Hellgrau neutral running shoes.
- If you have a moderate arch, buy stability running shoes.
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.
Hausschuhe CALVIN KLEIN Slipper Sandal Fur HW0HW00634 Red Currant XB8 our in-depth guide.
Before we can recommend a stability running shoe, we perform a series of tests and measurements to assess its supportive capacity:
- torsional stiffness (higher rigidity = better support)
- heel counter stiffness (higher rigidity = firmer heel hold)
- midsole width (extended contact points prevent the foot from rolling over)
Choosing the right size and fit in running shoes
If it's been a while since you last purchased a running shoe, we highly recommend Arizona Love Trekky Fur faux-shearling sandals from scratch.
Too busy for that? Grab an athletic shoe that fits you the best and enter its CM or MM size (i.e. 260, 265, etc.) into this shoe size converter.
Going with the shoe size you think you have is a risky strategy as every brand has a different size chart. Even within the same brand, the right size for you may vary from one model to another.
So once you have your precise foot length measurement, do consult the corresponding brand size chart.
In addition to size (length), you must also consider your future shoe's fit. It must not be too tight or too loose around your heel, midfoot, or forefoot. Unfortunately, it's hard to gauge the first two when purchasing online, but we can help with the toebox fit!
Using a caliper, we measure each shoe's upper width at the widest part (near the big toe joint). We also repeat the measurement closer to the shoe's tip (where the big toe ends).
Having both measurements allows us to convey the entire toebox shape as some shoes can be wide enough at the metatarsals but taper aggressively towards the front.
If you are someone with wide feet or bunions, we recommend checking our toebox measurements before purchasing the shoe.
Autumn Winter shoes 166 our guide on choosing the right toebox.
Consider breathability and waterproofing
A vast majority of running shoes are made with breathable mesh uppers which keep the feet fresh. Based on our smoke-pumping machine tests, 60% of running shoes have high breathability scores of 4-5 out of 5.
We assess ventilation by the amount of smoke that escapes through the upper fabric. We then also hover the shoe's half-cut upper over the light to see where most ventilation pores are concentrated.
Waterproof shoes are needed in very rare cases. Only if you regularly run in rainy weather, puddles, slush, and low temperatures. Or if you have multiple creeks or streams crossing your trail. There is a good reason why only 7% of running shoes in our catalog are waterproof.
For winter, you might be just fine getting a non-waterproof pair with a lower breathability score of 1-3.
