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We run more than 50 miles in every pair of shoes we test, putting top models head to head to find the best from Nike, Hoka, Saucony, New Balance, Asics, and more.
Running can make you feel free from the stressors of the world, boost your mood, and improve your health. A great pair of running shoes brings with it the promise of a new day, a fresh run, and a better you, no matter what is happening in the world at large.
Since 2011, we've tested more than 600 pairs of men's and women's road running shoes, logging thousands of miles across the country in all kinds of weather. We test for cushioning, stability, traction, breathability, and more, comparing popular shoes side-by-side in a run-off to the finish line.
Our favorite daily trainer is the Asics Novablast 5. This versatile shoe is good for runners of all levels working toward different goals, from casual jaunts to race day readiness and everything in between. It performed equally well in our men's and women's running shoe reviews.
For bargain hunters, the best sale deal right now for women is still the Saucony Kinvara 14, which is a versatile and simple, well-loved shoe that, despite being two iterations behind, is still widely available for around 55% off. For men, the best budget pick is the Adidas Adizero SL2, which balances comfort and performance to create a pretty great all-around shoe.
If your runs regularly take you off-road, a great trail running shoe might be a better choice for the terrain or your goals.
Who it's best for: Our men's and women's testers adore this shoe and recommend it for every kind of runner. If you're just getting started running, this shoe boosts confidence in every stride. If you're training for a big race or a long-distance event, you'll love that it's highly cushioned, with all-day comfort. One tester said, “As a high school coach, I recommend this shoe for almost everyone. Heel and midfoot strikers love the cushioning, and forefoot runners appreciate the smooth, snappy transitions.”
Why we love it: The Novablast 5 shines for its top-tier comfort and versatility at a reasonable price, making it a consistent training partner. This shoe hits the sweet spot of enough support to keep tired legs pumping on hard runs, but never feeling restrictive or stiff underfoot. It can handle easy mileage and faster paces while remaining comfortable. If we had to choose just one shoe, this is the one.
Should you buy it? This is an excellent, do-it-all shoe, even before considering its lower-than-average price. The Novablast's only minor downside is mediocre traction on cold, wet pavement. However, with bouncy foam, lower weight, and improved traction, this shoe has what it takes to improve pretty much anyone's running experience.
Who it's best for: The Saucony Ride 18 is a shoe designed for non-runners to easily, comfortably, and happily enjoy running. It features great underfoot cushioning, a comfortable upper, and a wide base that provides stability even during unstable strides. This reliable ride is a great choice for many regular, low-mileage runners looking for an affordable option that's pleasant to run in. It's also great for those searching for their first pair of shoes for the Couch-to-5 K program.
Why we love it: Pretty much any runner with any stride can find comfort and enjoyment in the Saucony Ride 18. It gets all the fundamentals right without requiring you to change your patterns to match the shoe. As our lead tester puts it, “They have good cushioning, but I can still feel the ground, which is super helpful for people just learning their running pattern.”
Should you buy it? If you're an infrequent runner, a new runner, or an old hat looking for a dependable shoe, this should be at the top of your list. And at a retail cost on the low end of the spectrum of good-quality shoes, this durable model is a great value purchase.
Who it is best for: The Saucony Kinvara 15 is great for runners seeking a lightweight, versatile shoe for uptempo daily runs on a budget. It's ideal for those who value ground feel and a responsive, organic ride. Our women's tester notes, “This is actually one of my favorite shoes for uptempo running when I still want to feel the ground under my feet.” Available at up to 50% off, it suits budget-conscious runners who prioritize performance.
Why we love it: The Kinvara 15 delivers impressive versatility and comfort with its slightly soft foam and peppy energy return, offering a somewhat bouncy yet grounded ride. This shoe is bouncy enough to provide some energy return and feedback without feeling like you're prancing on marshmallowy clouds. Lighter than most tested shoes, it outperforms pricier racing shoes in daily versatility.
Should you buy it? At up to 50% off, the Kinvara 15 is a compelling choice for runners wanting a high-performance, lightweight shoe for uptempo runs. With its minimalistic design, the Kinvara 15 lacks the support some distance runners need, and its lower stack offers less cushioning, but for the price, it's hard to pass up adding it to your rotation.
Who it's best for: The Adidas Adizero SL2 is a simple shoe that's just as useful for a new runner as it is for runners logging 100 miles per week. It's best for those who prefer a lighter shoe and some ground feel, rather than being completely insulated from the pavement. That's not to say it isn't comfortable. In fact, our lead men's tester reported, "I tossed the SL2 into my bag when traveling more than once this year. It's plenty comfortable for long runs in new places, but still has enough bounce to handle some fast running too."
Why we love it: Lightstrike Pro is one of Adidas' top-tier foams. It absorbs impact incredibly well without feeling squishy and returns a lot of energy. There's a slab of it sandwiched under your foot in these shoes, and it's noticeable. There's just enough bounce underfoot to be fun when you want to go fast, but also enough to keep your legs feeling fresh deep into a long effort. Plus, it outperforms quite a few shoes that cost a lot more.
Should you buy it? If you want premium cushioning at a good price without feeling like you're running with pillows under your feet, this is your shoe. It's reliable, predictable, and versatile - perfect for runners out for their once-per-week jog or training for their next race. Plus, it's not uncommon to find this shoe marked down to under $100, making it a phenomenal value. This is a great option if you're after a simple shoe that combines modern foam with a familiar feel.
Who it's best for: The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 is our new favorite maximally-cushioned running shoe because of the balanced ride it offers. Runners who want a thick, well-cushioned landing pad to pad their foot falls will enjoy the moderate bounce, smooth rocker, and ample cushioning of this upgraded New Balance. As an everyday running shoe, the Fresh Foam 1080v14 shines as it decreases impact and encourages forward momentum.
Why we love it: Beyond its thick, well-engineered underfoot stack, the upper of the Fresh Foam X 1080v14 is awesomely comfortable. The typical engineered mesh upper is reliable and smooth, helping make it a dependable daily trainer for runners who want a single shoe to do it all. As our lead female tester says, “This is my top shoe for recovery runs because it is comfortable from top to bottom. The cushioning feels kind on my overworked legs, and the upper feels nice on days after my feet and legs have taken a beating.”
Should you buy it? If you are looking for an easy-to-wear shoe that offers a solid amount of underfoot cushioning, the women's Fresh Foam X 1080v14 is one of our favorites. This shoe offers durability and can handle the varying paces that come with daily runs. If you want a shoe that remains comfortable under daily training conditions, this maximally cushioned shoe from New Balance is one to consider.
Who it's best for: The underfoot cushioning of the Men's Nike Vomero 18 is particularly resilient to being crushed over time, making this an excellent shoe for anyone who feels their shoes are “bottoming out” after just a few dozen miles of running. Tall folks, big folks, and folks with heavy footsteps will especially appreciate the snappy rebound of this shoe.
Why we love it: Besides its hardiness, the Vomero just feels good to wear. Even our elite runners feel planted yet smooth when running in these shoes. Its cushioning is soft without stealing all your stride energy, and its upper is comfortable and breathable. Though it's a bit heavy, our testers agree it's worth it.
Should you buy it? If you've tried other running shoes and found they lose their cushioning too quickly, the Vomero is for you. This shoe is also a great option for runners with heavy footfalls who want their cushioning to stay soft and springy.
Who it's best for: The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 is an ideal shoe for runners who need stability but are unwilling to sacrifice comfort. The ultra-smooth upper pairs beautifully with the Kayano's 4D Guidance System, a tech-forward stability feature that Asics thoughtfully included in this shoe. If you want a stable shoe that offers reliable traction, unwavering comfort, and a well-cushioned midsole, we think your search ends here.
Why we love it: It's not every day that a stability shoe becomes something we obsess over running in. Often, stability shoes can feel cumbersome and bulky. While not exactly a feather-light option, the updated Gel-Kayano 32 offers the comfort and energetic midsole bounce of a typical daily trainer. The lateral guidance system remains imperceptible during motion, further making this shoe an ideal choice for a combination of comfort and stability.
Should you buy it? Runners who desire a stability shoe should first check out the updated Asics Gel-Kayano. It relies on subtle stability architecture, making it one of the most comfortable stability shoes we've ever tested. The Kayano doesn't offer the most speed-forward design, but its overall comfort and stability make it a top choice for runners in need of a durable, steady, daily trainer that provides strong lateral stability.
Who it's best for: Unlike traditional stability shoes, the Saucony Tempus 2 is actually fun to run in. Pairing a firmer frame with an energetic midsole results in a shoe that provides significant amounts of support without compromising the ability to change pace. It is the perfect shoe for those seeking a more stable fit without sacrificing what they love about a more neutral design.
Why we love it: This shoe feels best at comfortable to moderate paces, and we love it most on long runs, where the combination of lower weight, excellent cushioning, and sneaky support left us feeling great two hours in. Track coach and lead tester, Nathaniel Bailey, remarked, “The Tempus reset my expectations for stability shoes. It supports my feet and keeps me solidly locked in place without compromising all the fun in my runs.”
Should you buy it? There isn't much to dislike about the Tempus 2, unless you quibble over the heavier weight typically found in stability-centric offerings. This isn't unique, and it isn't overly heavy. Overall, this is an impressively fun stability trainer that we think will have broad appeal. It's so good that our lead tester, a lifelong neutral runner, added the Tempus to his personal rotation.
Who it's best for: The Hoka Mach 6 is a shockingly lightweight, high-performance shoe with a well-rounded performance that pretty much any runner will appreciate. It's a great shoe for everything from walking long days on vacation to picking up the pace during race training. With two widths to choose from, just about everyone can find a fit they love in this super versatile shoe.
Why we love it: The smooth rocker of the Mach 6 makes strides feel like they're flowing from one step to the next, no matter if we're plodding along or trying to hit a new personal record. The midsole isn't the thickest around, but it provides solid cushioning and an exciting level of pep. We logged well over 100 miles in them, without noticing any loss of pop — an impressive feat!
Should you buy it? If you want one shoe that can do it all, from being on your feet all day to crushing a marathon, the Mach 6 has that level of versatility. It's also one of the more reasonably priced options.
Who it is best for: The unisex Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is the best choice for runners who want a top-tier race shoe to chase Personal Records. This explosively fast shoe helps runners maintain fast paces for long periods of time, with our lead women's tester reporting, "The Metaspeed Sky Tokyo feels fast, agile, and precise. It gives me an effortless sensation from start to finish."
Why we love it: While it's the lightest shoe we've ever tested, it still packs plenty of cushioning. The midsole is explosive underfoot and does an excellent job of propelling us forward. It also provides plenty of impact mitigation to keep our legs feeling fresher for longer. Our lead men's tester reports, “The previous version of this shoe was one of my all-time favorite race shoes. While this update feels slightly different, the improved responsiveness means it's the shoe I choose for hard efforts and races.”
Should you buy it? If you're looking for a flat-out-fast shoe, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better option. The price isn't the most friendly, though, and the lack of stability at the heel and around tight turns means this shoe isn't the best for runners with weak ankles or those with specific stability needs. But if you value speed above all else, both our men's and women's testers think this is the best option.
The Metaspeed Tokyo pairs phenomenal responsiveness with excellent cushioning for long races.
How We Tested
We test running shoes by running in them. A lot of running. Our male and female testers log dozens of miles in each pair of shoes over various terrain types. Collectively, our expert running team has logged thousands of miles in close to 800 pairs of road and trail running shoes. We pay close attention to underfoot and upper comfort, stability, cushion, traction, and more. We also purchased a second pair of each shoe to conduct standardized tests. These lab tests involve cutting each shoe in half to measure stack heights, heel-to-toe drop, rocker angle, weight, and other key characteristics. We take our own measurements, ensuring a valid apples-to-apples comparison. Our combined test results create a 360-degree analysis of each shoe.
A peek inside our running shoe test lab.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Why Trust GearLab
Our main testers are a group of dedicated runners with expertise in the sport. Most of them have spent years running and testing footwear. Ally Arcuri is an avid runner, cross country and track coach, and exercise specialist, with a Cal State Fullerton kinesiology degree that helps her evaluate women's trail and road shoes from a biomechanical perspective. Nathaniel Bailey competed in track and cross country from middle school through college and now road races, while coaching high school and recreational runners.
World-class runner Carrie Vickers has an impressive resume of Olympic trial rankings, World Championship qualifications, and once held the record in the 2000 meter steeplechase. She is now a professional running biomechanics consultant and has helped inform our test plans.
We've logged thousands of miles and measured the inner workings of hundreds of shoes to help you find the best pair for your running goals.
How to Pick the Best Running Shoes
Whether you're a brand-new runner looking to start on the right foot or a long-time runner looking for a new pair, there are key considerations to finding the perfect shoe for your goals.
When to Replace Your Running Shoes
The general recommendation is to replace your running shoes every 300 to 500 miles. Telltale signs from your body that you need new shoes include getting hotspots or blisters you didn't have before, and feeling more achy after your long runs. You should also assess the wear on the shoes themselves. The shoe is probably ready to retire if it shows signs of excessive wear on the sole or anywhere else.
Finding the right running shoe for your can be fun and rewarding once the miles start clicking by.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Types of Running Shoes
Running shoes typically come in men's and women's sizes with some variation on the design to suit the general foot dimensions of each gender, the running the wearer will be doing, and additional stability or comfort features.
Is it worth seeking out a male or female-specific shoe? The answer is maybe. Shoes designed for women are not always a smaller version of their men's counterparts. A few important design differences are made to accommodate the varying foot shapes, biomechanics, and support needs. Women's shoes often have a softer midsole and feature a narrower heel cup to help secure the back of the foot and a roomier forefoot to allow toes to splay naturally. Men's shoes are typically wider. There are differences, but you should never feel restricted to purchasing shoes based on the gender it was assigned. The best shoe is the one most comfortable to you.
What does science say about gendered shoes? Recent research seems to suggest that despite the efforts to tailor shoes for a woman's body, the differences thus far have not had a significant impact on biomechanics or the gaits of female runners. So, assuming the fit is good and the comfort is divine, your personal experience probably outweighs the descriptor on the box.
Some shoe models have slight variations between the men's and women's versions.
Credit: GearLab Staff
Men's Shoes
Men's running shoes are typically bigger and wider than women's shoes and have features designed with the specifics of a larger foot in mind. We tested for things like cushioning, comfort, breathability, traction, and more. Here are the scores from all the shoes in our current men's road running shoe lineup:
Key Metric Scores of Men's Road Running Shoes
Product
Cushioning
Upper Comfort
Stability
Traction
Puma Velocity Nitro 3
8
7
6
9
Saucony Tempus 2
7.4
6
8.5
7.5
Asics Novablast 5
8.7
8.2
6.9
5.3
Asics Gel-Kayano 31
7.4
7.5
9
4.5
Adidas Adizero Evo SL
8.4
8
4
8
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5
9.2
8
6
5
Nike Vomero 18
8.2
7.8
4.8
7.2
Brooks Hyperion Max 2
7
7
6.8
7
Saucony Ride 18
7.5
8
5
7
Adidas Adizero SL2
8
5.5
5.8
8
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
6
7
8
6
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
8
7.5
5.7
5
New Balance FuelCell Propel v5
7.5
6.5
5
6.5
Puma Deviate Nitro 3
7.3
5
4.5
8
Nike Vaporfly 4
8
5.5
3.5
4.7
Hoka Mach 6
7
4.5
5.5
4.5
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris
8.8
5
4
3.5
Our full men's road shoe lineup and each pair's performance.
Once you determine the type of running you'll be doing, you can narrow down your search to include only shoes that will help you accomplish your goals.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Women's Shoes
No matter how they are designed or what features and materials they use, women have different body structures and gaits than men. This is part of why our different gendered testers don't always agree about which shoes are the best. Here are the scores across our lineup of women's road running shoes:
Key Metric Scores of Women's Road Running Shoes
Product
Cushioning
Upper Comfort
Stability
Traction
Asics Gel-Kayano 31
8
8
9
8
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5
9
7.5
8
8
Asics Novablast 5
9
8
8
6.5
Brooks Ghost 16
7
7.5
8
9
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
7
7.5
9
7
Brooks Glycerin 22
7.5
7.5
8
7.5
Saucony Ride 18
8
7.5
7
7
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
8
7.5
6
7
Adidas Adizero Evo SL
8
7.5
5.5
7
Nike Pegasus 41
7.5
7
6.5
7
Hoka Mach 6
7.5
7.5
7.5
5
Brooks Hyperion Max 2
7
8
7.5
5
Saucony Kinvara 15
7
6.5
7
7
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris
8
7
7
5
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
7.5
7.5
5
7
Nike Vaporfly 4
7.5
6.5
6
6.5
Here's how our current women's road shoe lineup performed.
We take measurements of width, length, and toebox volume to help you determine the best fit for your foot type.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Importance of Fit
Fit is the most important factor to consider when buying a new pair of shoes. The shoe that feels the most comfortable is the right shoe for you. If a shoe doesn't feel good, move on.
Sizing isn't always consistent across brands. Some run large, and some run small. Some brands, like Puma and Hoka, are known for their narrow-fitting shoes, while others, like Altra and Topo Athletic, tend to feature wide and roomy toe boxes. Because each model has a slightly different profile, we recommend purchasing shoes from a location where you can try them on first or going through a website with a good return policy. Several running shoe brands offer a 30-90-day trial of their shoes with free returns.
Tips for Trying On
Try shoes on at the same time of day you plan to run (if possible), and wear your favorite running socks. Take them for a quick spin. Always try on both shoes (most people's feet are not the same size). Try on a size larger and smaller than your usual size. See how a wider or narrower width feels. Over time, you'll dial in your preferences for everything from width to lacing patterns.
If your runs will frequently take you off the pavement or track, consider getting a trail running shoe instead.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Where Will You Run?
Where you run and the surfaces you'll encounter should influence the kinds of shoes you consider. Are you sticking to the pavement? Venturing into the mountains on rocky paths? Spending a lot of time on the treadmill? If your running plan involves pavement, gravel bike paths, dirt roads, or a treadmill, a pair of road shoes is the best choice. These shoes have features to help protect your body (insulate it) from hard surfaces mile after mile. If you plan to run on loose gravel, dirt, or slick surfaces, then your shoe's traction will be more important. If your habits find you rounding corners or hitting uneven terrain, lateral stability might affect your shoe choice. More cushion could be your top consideration if your route is primarily cement or asphalt.
Our testing teams do their best to make recommendations based on gait, gender, foot morphology, and running goals, but ultimately, you should choose a shoe that feels good to you.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
When to Consider Trail Shoes
If you plan to run off-road, onto uneven, rocky, or steep ground, trail shoes are a good fit for you. Trail running shoes have a more protective build, making them better suited for technical and rocky trails. Aggressive tread provides greater traction, features like rock plates help to protect your feet from underfoot hazards, and denser midsole foam and lower stack heights help keep you grounded and stable on uneven terrain.
Max-cushioning shoes can be a joint-saver over long miles on hard pavement - though you often pay for it in speed and weight.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
How Far and How Often?
Are you going for a 20-minute jog around the neighborhood or logging lots of miles training for a marathon? Do you plan to run multiple times a week, or are you a weekend warrior? Finally, assess the types of runs you'll be doing. Are you running mostly easy, feel-good paces? Are you tackling HIIT-style workouts? Do your long runs have chunks of marathon-paced efforts?
From road to trail to lab, we test each shoe in various situations to get a complete picture of performance.
Running shoes are designed to help you accomplish a specific task. Some are designed to keep you incredibly comfortable on long efforts, while others are designed to be fast at the expense of comfort. If you plan to use a shoe for jogging and easy running, you'll likely care more about comfort-focused features. If you plan to use the shoe for faster efforts and workouts, you'll probably want a shoe with higher responsiveness and lower weight.
We cut each shoe in half to measure stack height and examine inner materials.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
If you plan to log many miles or run frequently, cushioning might be an important factor as it helps protect your legs and joints from fatigue and impact. Stack height refers to the thickness of the cushioning in a shoe. It can play a big part in how the shoe feels underfoot. While it doesn't strictly correspond to comfort or cushiness, it is a good place to start when narrowing down your options. Taller stack heights usually offer a more insulated ride, and lower heights provide more sensitivity and better ground feel.
We classify shoes with a moderate stack height (under ~40 mm) as daily trainers and those with a higher stack height as max-cushioning. There are also minimalist or barefoot shoes, which have as low as 3 mm of height. While stack height can tell you a lot about a shoe, it isn't the whole picture.
Certain types of midsole plates are designed to be springy and add propulsion, while others add stability or protection.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
We often refer to shoes as bouncy, resilient, plush, soft, or firm. That's because the foam that makes up the midsole has a huge effect on how a shoe feels and performs. The specific formula of a foam plays a much larger role in how a shoe feels than the stack height alone. For example, a maximally cushioned shoe with over 45 mm of stack height won't necessarily feel pillowy underfoot. It may feel firm thanks to foam that doesn't compress much or has little energy return, also known as resilience. Similarly, a lower stack shoe can feel both pillowy and bouncy if it has a highly compressible and resilient foam.
If you're looking for a shoe to run many different paces in, you'll probably want one with good resilience. If you want a higher stack height but don't want to feel like you're running on clouds, look for shoes with a firmer or less compressible midsole foam. If you value flexibility, you'll probably want a lower stack height, as shoes with higher stacks tend to be stiffer.
Each shoe has its own rocker angle designed to meet different goals.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Shoe Design Considerations
Depending on your running style and gait, you might consider different design and geometry factors when choosing your running shoes. Some shoes are better for those whose stride falls heel-first vs. forefoot-first. Factors like a heel-to-toe drop, rocker angle, midsole design, or lateral support could potentially help you feel better while running or improve your biomechanics and efficiency.
Here is an example of a zero-drop shoe, meaning that the heel and forefoot are the exact same height. Zero-drop shoes encourage stability and rear-chain activation, but this does not mean that they are the right choice for all anatomies.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The rocker angle refers to the geometry of a shoe that encourages your foot to “rock” forward. An upward curve at the toe end (or under the heel) can help facilitate the natural motion of your ankle and forefoot, aiding your running efficiency. A steeper rocker angle at the forefoot can provide a more aggressive feeling, which some runners find unnatural. Rocker geometry is most often seen in shoes meant to go fast and stiff shoes. Uptempo daily trainers or race shoes utilize rockers to help carry your speed efficiently.
The rocker angle of a running shoe can affect the amount of forward momentum and response you feel in each step.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Carbon fiber and nylon plates have become popular in race shoes and daily trainers. Contrary to popular belief, plates do not provide a spring-like propulsive benefit. The plate alone is not what makes modern race shoes fast. However, the plates can interact with the midsole foam and rocker geometry to create a shoe that improves your running performance. Some daily trainers also utilize plates for the same reason, but they are by no means necessary for the casual runner or beginner.
Daily trainers balance comfort and responsiveness to create a versatile running shoe. Exactly where they fall in that spectrum helps determine what sort of runner would find them the most helpful.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Support and stability differ from shoe to shoe and are influenced by geometry, base width, foam density, and sometimes added internal stability structures. You'll often see shoes categorized as neutral or stability shoes; almost all shoes we test fall within the neutral category, with a few models offering extra stability features.
Some shoes have an extra stable base that can help you feel more confident and supported on your runs.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Most runners will be perfectly content with a neutral shoe, but not everyone. We recommend trying on various shoes with varying levels of stability. The best shoe for you is the one you find most comfortable and can confidently run in.
Finding the perfect fit can make the difference between a great workout and a run cut short due to blisters, hot spots, or other discomfort.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Other Notable Running Shoes
We're always testing new running shoes. Every runner, every gait, every stride, and every foot is different. Here are some compelling contenders, including impressive award winners and high-ranking competitors we love that could fill your needs better than those listed above.
Light, springy, and comfortable, the Adizero Evo SL is a shoe that makes high-mileage training even more fun.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Women's Shoes
Adidas Adizero Evo SL for women — With excellent cushioning and energy return, this lightweight and affordable shoe is comfortable and propulsive enough for uptempo training all the way through race day.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 — This traditional stability shoe brings a firm but comfortable balance to the road. While it is somewhat heavy, if your goal is a grounded more stable ride, it is gonna weigh a little more.
Hoka Clifton 10 — If you're a Clifton or Hoka lover, this new version is a pleasing daily trainer that keeps the things you love with a slightly bouncier feel.
The Vaporfly is an intriguing shoe designed for race readiness and training, but we weren't that impressed with the overall design and feel compared to the competition.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Men's Shoes
Adidas Adizero Evo SL for men — Much like the love we felt in the women's running shoe review, the Evo offers impressive cushion and explosive energy return. It is a great race training or race-ready shoe, our testers love.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 for men — This max-cushioned shoe is like running on pillows on air on marshmallows. It is super comfortable underfoot and in the upper. However, it has a higher weight and poor stability, but if comfort is your main goal, we think there is value here.
Hoka Clifton 10 for men — The Clifton is a long-time favorite of Hoka lovers; the Clifton 10 is a new take on an old favorite. If you favor the fit and feel of Hoka or enjoyed your Clifton 9, we think you'll love this one too.
Nike Vaporfly 4 for men — One of the lightest and most explosively propulsive racing shoes around, yet getting the most out of this shoe requires some practice and stride tweaking.
The Bondi 9 is best for relaxed running. If you're used to lighter shoes, the Bondi can feel a little clunky, even though it isn't really //that// heavy.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Conclusion
Running is a centuries-old practice that has many mental and physical health benefits. Finding a great shoe to help you get started or press through the miles and best personal records is key to creating a long term habit. Whether you are just starting out on your running adventure or have worn through your fair share of beloved runningn shoes, there is something for you in our lineup of impressive award winners.
