The 8 Best Running Shoes of 2025

Best Overall for Men

Asics Novablast 5

Not only is the Asics Novablast 5 our favorite pair of running shoes, but they are also an unbeatable value. A great daily trainer needs to be versatile, reliable, and comfortable. The Novablast 5 is all of those things — but it's also fun. The Novablast 5 was a consistent training partner during our tests, showing up regardless of pace or distance. And the energetic foam paired with a bouncy forefoot makes those training runs pretty darn enjoyable. We loved the last version of the Novablast, which also took home this award, and can still be widely purchased for prices $20-30 lower than the latest iteration. The updates of bouncier foam, lower weight and better traction have made the Novablast 5 even better. Our lead tester, Nathaniel Bailey even said, “As much as I loved the previous version, this one is even better — it's bouncier, lighter, and has better traction.”

Style	Daily Trainer
Sizes Available	6-15 US, regular & wide
Measured Heel Stack Height	41 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop	5 mm
Plate Type	None

The Novablast has a lot of cushioning underfoot — we measured 41 mm of foam at the heel — but it doesn't feel clunky. We think that's the key to its excellent versatility; it's soft and plush when you're running easy, but it's light and snappy enough when you want to push the pace. Very few shoes even approach this level of versatility, with our testing team noting, “If I had to choose just one shoe for everything, this is the one I'd pick — hands down.” In fact, the Novablast recorded comfort scores during our tests that are nearly on par with shoes that provide comfort at the expense of any versatility, like the Asics Gel-Nimbus or the Saucony Triumph. But it also managed to earn good responsiveness scores, a very impressive feat. Our testers found that to be excellent for long efforts, helping to keep their legs both insulated and fresh.

That top-notch pairing of comfort and versatility makes it a great choice for many different types of runners. Experienced marathoners, who are logging big training weeks? Check. Beginning runners who want a comfortable and confidence-inspiring shoe to test things out? Check. Anyone in between? Check. Obviously, no shoe is going to work for every runner. But the Novablast is our most recommended shoe for a reason. For a lot of runners, we think this shoe can function as the only running shoe they have. It's plenty comfortable for a few hours of running at a time, and it can get the job done at the local parkrun as well. Nathaniel reports, “The Novablast truly performs for everyone. It's great on long runs, has plenty of cushioning for heel strikers, smooth transitions that still feel snappy at higher speeds, and comfy toe box geometry that works with your feet. I'd recommend this shoe to any runner.”

Traction was a huge issue in the previous version of the Novablast. In this iteration, Asics used a new tread pattern and outsole compound to provide a better grip on wet and slick surfaces, which we were sure to put to the test. It's a significant improvement, but it still is worse in the snow and ice than many key competitors, like the Velocity Nitro 3, Adizero SL2, or Rebel v4. If traction matters to you, we'd choose one of those options. It's also worth noting that some users may not enjoy the trampoline-inspired forefoot. We think an option like the Hoka Mach 6 would work well for those runners, providing good versatility and cushioning paired with a less noticeable geometry. A shoe rarely makes it into both our men's and women's testers' personal shoe rotation; the Novablast 5 did, thanks to that excellent blend of comfort and versatility. We think you'll love it.

Read more: Men's Asics Novablast 5 review

Best Overall for Women

Asics Novablast 5 - Women's

We could provide a laundry list of reasons why the Asics Novablast 5 is being honored as the best all-around running shoe, but we will sum it up in one word for brevity's sake: consistency. Want to run a marathon and spend hours slow logging mileage on city streets? The Novablast has you covered. Want to ratchet up your speed and see how quickly you can get your legs moving? The Novablast is full of delightful, trampoline-inspired energy return. Ally Arcuri, our lead women's running shoe tester says, “The Novablast is a lightweight workhorse of a shoe that is stable and suitable for nearly all running occasions.” To make this shoe even better, the Novablast 4 won this same award from our testing team and can currently be found on sale for $20-$30 less than the newest version.

Style	Daily trainer
Sizes Available	5 - 12 US regular, wide
Measured Heel Stack Height	40 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop	9 mm
Plate Type	None

The comfort of the Novablast 5 makes it suitable for long-distance efforts, while its balanced responsiveness allows it to be a do-it-all piece of gear. We loved running in this shoe so much because of the underfoot combination of these two elements. Compared with other running shoes, the Novablast earned one of the highest scores in comfort, placing it in line with some of the more maximally-minded shoes, but it rides more like a traditional running shoe. Ally notes, “It levels up my endurance efforts with more luxurious comfort, on par with max-cushioning shoes — but without killing all the springy responsiveness I crave.” Only another Asics model — the Gel Kayano 31 scored as highly in our landing comfort metric, but the Novablast is a more all-around versatile shoe, while the Kayano is built for stability and recovery mileage. With a 40 mm stack in the heel and a 31 mm stack in the forefoot, the Novablast provides a lot of cushion between you and the pavement without feeling overdone. The configuration and specified placement of the cushioning allows this shoe to be comfortable and peppy, hence our recommendation if you are looking for a well-balanced pair of road kicks.

It is not often that we find a shoe that can be considered nearly universal in its comfort and application, but the updated Novablast hits the mark. While no shoe is going to be perfect for every runner in every situation, the Novablast is versatile enough for runners of all kinds to consider. The only other shoe we tested that matches this level of all-around versatility is the Hoka Mach 6 — but the Novablast outperforms the Mach in all regards except for weight, as the Mach 6 weighs just 6.27 ounces per shoe, and the Novablast hits a more average weight of 7.30 ounces (in women's size 6.5). Specifically, we recommend the reconfigured Novablast to runners who are only looking to have one shoe in their collection. The Novablast is comfortable enough to carry you through your long, slow runs but doesn't skimp on responsiveness either. Ally specifically notes that it provides an “energizing push-off that efficiently propels you forward” and gives a boosted feeling to your faster workouts. She states, “I'm obsessed with how this shoe hits the sweet spot of having enough support to keep my tired legs pumping on long runs without ever feeling restrictive or stiff underfoot.” It is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options and specifications available on the market today. If you want a single running shoe that will reliably get you through the long and slow runs, speedy track workouts, and that marathon you've had your eye on, this is the shoe we recommend.

Like many road-specific shoes, the Novablast lacks the traction necessary for security on wet or slick surfaces. The traction pattern has been updated and is slightly better, though still not the most appropriate for wet occasions. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 has better grip, though not to the extent that a grippy trail running shoe would. Occasional jaunts in damp weather are totally doable in the Novablast, but if your running takes you across slick surfaces on the regular, a crossover trail shoe like the Hoka Torrent 4 might be a better match for you. But for most runners, and most runs, Ally thinks it's hard to go wrong with the Novablast 5, saying that “rookie runners, veterans, fitness junkies, and ultra-distance enthusiasts will all find something to love about this innovative running kick.” It is the shoe we reach for again and again for its versatility, comfort, and responsiveness in a variety of workouts.

Read more: Women's Asics Novablast 5 review

Best Under $100 for Men

New Balance FuelCell Propel v5

Right now, the New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 is more than half off on sale. We expect this deal to go fast as this shoe is well-made and just a fraction of the price as many other options. We ran many miles in these shoes and appreciated their plush landing with the TPU plate for stability. FuelCell is typically seen in New Balance's higher-end shoes, and we are pleased to see it included in the Propel v5's design. We appreciate this addition and feel confident tackling longer runs without premature fatigue. Our lead tester notes, “The soft foam underfoot made this a pleasant option for my long runs, especially with an easy effort or when I picked up the pace towards the middle.”

Style	Daily Trainer
Sizes Available	7-18 US, regular & wide
Measured Heel Stack Height	38 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop	7 mm
Plate Type	Full-length plastic

We think this shoe is a great choice for day-to-day mileage with easy to moderate effort runs. The TPU plate adds to the stability of the 38 mm stack height. Additionally, we had no trouble lacing these shoes to get a snug, slip-free fit. The upper itself is soft, and a major improvement from the previous iteration of this shoe. Keeping the price point in mind, we were quite impressed by the build quality. The outsole is sturdy and grippy enough to tackle wet surfaces and loose gravel, though the midfoot tends to pick up rocks. It is about average in terms of responsiveness, which is okay for standard runs. However, when we picked up the pace, we were left wanting something more snappy, like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4.

Quicker speeds proved to be a challenge for this shoe. If you are an average-paced runner, this might not be much of an issue. However, if you are looking to pick up the pace, there are a few things to keep in mind. The FuelCell Propel is heavier than average, weighing 10.52 ounces per shoe (US 10.5). This, paired with the soft foam, keeps it from excelling at fast paces. The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 also utilizes FuelCell technology, but this shoe is softer and bouncier than the Propel v5. Still, we think the shoe is worth considering. The New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 is comfortable enough to tackle weekly runs, and right now, at a price too good to pass up.

Best Under $100 for Women

Saucony Kinvara 14 - Women's

The Saucony Kinvara 14 is an ultra-lightweight shoe that is versatile, flexible, and comfortable. While we also tested the newer Kinvara 15 (and loved it!), the Kinvara 14 is nearly as good and can still be easily found in a ton of colors and sizes for as much as 50% off its regular price. Impressively, of our test fleet, only two racing shoes — the Nike Vaporfly 3 and Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris — were lighter than the Kinvara, and not by much. Both these racing shoes lack the outstanding versatility of this budget-friendly shoes, and have hefty, hefty price tags attached to them. The Kinvara's slightly soft PWRRUN+ foam provides peppy energy return with a bit of outsole flexibility, giving it an organic-feeling ride. During our tests, Ally Arcuri noted, “I love that this shoe is bouncy enough to provide some energy return and feedback without feeling like I'm prancing on marshmallowy clouds.” The minimalistic design offers comfort where you need it without any extra fluff or technology.

The Saucony Kinvara is a lightweight superstar that is perfect for runners who don't want to fiddle with or even think about their shoes as they run. During our runs, we found it to be one of the most comfortable and unintrusive-feeling kicks in our lineup. While this might sound like a no-brainer, there are plenty of exceptional shoes on the market that require a bit of tongue-shifting or lace-tying in the field. The new upper is more traditional than versions past, which upped this shoe's comfort rating. This comfortable mesh and PWRRUN+ running shoe stays snug around your foot, making it a low-maintenance and affordable choice. If upper comfort is something you often struggle to dial in, the Hoka Mach 6 is a different option you should check out. It's a highly versatile shoe for not too much more than the newest Kinvara and features an upper with more cushioning and an inner layer that our testers described as “breathable, forgiving, and flexible.”

The Kinvara 14 stands out as an ideal choice for runners seeking a lightweight shoe that is made for uptempo daily runs. This running shoe's impressive blend of versatility and affordability positions it as a compelling option for budget-conscious runners prioritizing high performance on the road. Its below-average weight of 5.55 ounces per women's size 6.5 shoe is nothing to sniff at either — and the Kinvara 15 beats that, weighing 5.44 ounces. Our testers love that the shoe strikes a comfortable middle ground between minimalism and energy. Our lead tester, Ally Arcuri, even said, “Running in these reminds me of the great, responsive shoes from a decade ago before everyone had access to super shoes.” She goes on to say, “This is one of my favorite shoes for uptempo running when I still want to engage with the ground beneath my feet.” Though the 27 mm stack height is on the low end of today's spectrum, it provides better ground feel than most shoes. With its peppy design and suitable features, the Kinvara caters to the dynamic needs of runners by providing a balanced and cost-effective solution for those looking for a running companion without breaking the bank.

The minimalistic structure of both the latest versions of the Kinvara lack the lateral support that some distance runners may covet. If this detracts from its appeal for you, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is a significantly more supportive shoe that scores slightly higher across the board. Aside from a slightly narrow midfoot, the glorious legacy of the Kinvara lives on. If an affordable and peppy daily runner is what you are after, the levity and pep of the Kinvara will treat you and your wallet right.

Read more: Women's Saucony Kinvara 14 review

Read more: Women's Saucony Kinvara 15 review

Best Men's for Speed and Comfort

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is a perfect fit for runners training for their next PR. Not many shoes can carry you through both long runs on the pavement and fast intervals on the track. Yet the Endorphin Speed 4 did this with ease during our tests. The PWRRUN PB foam, a smooth rocker, and a nylon plate all work together to create an understated yet propulsive ride. Saucony completely reworked the upper of with this version, and it's massively improved. The heel counter is less high and stiff, and the forefoot is slightly narrower to better accommodate runners with narrow-to-normal-width feet while offering enough space to accommodate runners with higher-volume feet. Our lead tester, Nathaniel Bailey, says, “The Endorphin Speed is comfortable enough for both my easy runs and my longer slogs — but still snappy enough to get after it during my speed training sessions.”

Style	Daily Trainer
Sizes Available	7-15 US, regular
Measured Heel Stack Height	38 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop	11 mm
Plate Type	Nylon

The best part of the Endorphin Speed 4 is its balance between performance and comfort. No other shoe in our lineup scored as evenly in both areas. That balance is essential to its versatility, and while it isn't a super shoe, it's still pretty quick. It could work as a race shoe for many runners, especially those looking for a more stable and approachable ride. If you want to level up for your racing shoe, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is a similar shoe with a carbon plate (rather than the nylon plate of the Endorphin Speed) and extra pep — but also costs a good chunk more. Still, the Endorphin Speed is no ordinary workout shoe — our testers have found it plenty comfortable for races as well as 90+ minute efforts on the road. If you want a little more comfort in your next daily trainer and are willing to sacrifice a small amount of speed, we strongly recommend the impressively speedy, non-plated New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4.

We think most runners will get along with the Endorphin Speed 4, but it's best suited to those who are chasing a PR with regular tempos, workouts, or strides. The combination of the Speedroll rocker, PWRRUN PB foam, nylon plate, and the overall lightweight package suggest this shoe is best at faster paces. After our in-depth tests, we think that's true, but the comfort and flexibility of the shoe make it a decent choice for everyday runs. Runners who only rarely try to push the pace will probably be best served by a shoe more optimized for comfort. However, the versatility of this shoe makes it a good choice in either a one-shoe rotation or as an uptempo option for faster runs. If you value comfortable speed, the Endorphin Speed 4 is aptly named. Nathaniel notes, “These work really well for everything from daily runs to chasing PRs. I'd recommend them to anyone who likes to run at a speedy tempo.”

Our biggest issue with the shoe is the price — this much for a daily trainer isn't cheap. That said, no other shoe outperforms the Endorphin Speed 4 when it comes to responsiveness without costing even more. Additionally, this shoe has proven itself to be quite durable. Our lead tester has over 175 miles on his pair, and it still feels fresh and is in good condition. It's stayed in his lineup for days when he isn't testing other shoes. Truly, if you're after the best balance of speed and comfort we've found in a daily trainer, there's no shoe we recommend more than the Endorphin Speed 4.

Read more: Men's Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 review

Best Women's for Speed and Comfort

Brooks Hyperion Max 2 - Women's

Shoes don't tend to excel when endeavoring to balance responsiveness and comfort. However, with a springy, full-length plastic plate built into its 27 mm forefoot and 35 mm heel stack, the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 offers a smooth and cushioned ride, even on long runs. While the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris and the Nike Alphafly outscore the Hyperion in responsiveness, they are both race-focused and lack the versatility of a daily runner. When asked, Nathaniel Bailey, our lead tester responded, “Honestly? I think these shoes are probably the best thing that Brooks has going on right now.”

Style	Max-Cushion
Sizes Available	5 - 12 US, regular
Measured Heel Stack Height	35 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop	8 mm
Plate Type	Full length plastic

The plastic plate impedes some of the plush cushioning found in other high-stack models, but the Hyperion's firmer midsole ensures excellent energy return. If quick leg turnover is your focus, you'll appreciate the same qualities we do in this version of the Hyperion. With an 8 mm drop, it blends speed and comfort seamlessly, offering surprising stability. This is not a common attribute of propulsive shoes, making the stability of the Hyperion even more impressive. Nathaniel notes, “Amazingly, this is one speed-centric shoe that I don't feel tippy in when I run!” While it's not built for overpronation correction, the shoe feels secure on the foot, solidifying its reputation as a standout for mid-distance races.

Runners who don't want to buy a collection of shoes should consider the Hyperion. During our tests, this shoe offered enough comfort for daily runs but delivered a powerful pop for track workouts, racing, and uptempo runs. The Saucony Endorphine Speed 4 is another shoe we could recommend, with similar comfort and responsiveness at speed and a similar price point. The Endorphin Speed has better traction but weighs slightly more than the Hyperion (6.86 ounces vs. 7.17 ounces per women's 6.5 shoe) and is noticeably less stable. We think the Hyperion is a better overall shoe, and while it's not the most budget-friendly buy, the Hyperion is notably less expensive than some of the super shoes we've tested this season — and far more versatile. Runners who are interested in PRing in a do-it-all kind of daily trainer will love the DNA Flash V2 midsole, breathable upper, and energetic ride of the Hyperion.

The Hyperion doesn't offer the best traction, making it less suitable as a crossover shoe or in inclement conditions. It can handle the mildest of dirt paths but feels more at home on the tracks and dry roads. If you need more traction without losing comfort or speed, the heavyweight, plated Hoka Skyward X could be more your jam. At the end of the day, the Hyperion Max is awesome for runners who want some propulsion without committing to a full-on super shoe. If comfort is king and speed is on the list of priorities, the Hyperion is one of our top recommendations.

Read more: Women's Brooks Hyperion Max 2 review

Best Men's Shoe for Races

Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris

When race day finally comes, our men's testing team agrees that the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris is their top choice. Thanks to a highly resilient slab of FF Turbo Plus foam, a carbon plate, a smooth 24.5-degree rocker, and a natural feeling ride, we think this is not only one of the fastest but also one of the most versatile super shoes on the market. Sure, it's optimized for the marathon, but we recommend it for anything down to a road mile. We've even used it for time trials on the track with great results. This versatility in a race shoe is uncommon, and even the other high-performing race shoes we've tested, like the Nike Vaporfly 3, suffer a drop in their performance at more modest speeds. Nathaniel Bailey, our lead tester, notes, “I'm impressed that this racing shoe is fast and snappy off the forefoot, yet still comfortable for me to actually enjoy wearing.”

Style	Race Shoe
Sizes Available	3.5-13 US, regular
Measured Heel Stack Height	39 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop	6 mm
Plate Type	Carbon

We've run in a lot of super shoes in our hunt for the best running shoes. None have been faster than this one. That's partly thanks to the extremely low overall weight. In our lab, our US men's 10.5 tipped the scales at a scant 6.85 ounces per shoe! The next closest shoe we've tested has been the Vaporfly 3, which was 7.24 ounces. That difference may not sound like a lot, but it is huge, particularly when you consider that both shoes have 39 mm of foam at the heel, and the Asics has more under the forefoot (33 mm vs 28 mm). At race speeds, grams matter. On this, Nathaniel says, "I'd expect this shoe to weigh more for how comfortable it feels underfoot, but it somehow also manages to be almost ridiculously lightweight!"

The Metaspeed Sky Paris is an excellent shoe for chasing fast times. Its carbon plate adds snap, but perhaps most importantly, its geometry is versatile. So, while each runner responds differently to shoes, we found that the overall design of this shoe makes it easier to take advantage of a wider variety of foot morphology and strike patterns. This is in contrast to other racing shoes we've tested, like the Nike Alphafly 3, which we found requires some time to learn how to best take advantage of (and still doesn't work for every runner). This makes the Metaspeed Sky Paris an excellent option for most serious runners who race regularly. The shoe is aggressive, but the rocker feels smoother off the forefoot, and the landing transitions are more comfortable than those of other super shoes. Our tester reports, “This is the most natural-feeling race shoe I've ever worn.” Finding a rhythm during long, hard efforts is easy in this shoe.

Like any super shoe, the Metaspeed Sky Paris isn't designed for easy days. Its cushioning is most comfortable and stable at efforts of marathon pace or faster. Runners who want many of the benefits of a super shoe but would rather sacrifice a little weight and speed for increased comfort will likely prefer the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4. That shoe took top marks among race shoes for stability, upper comfort, and traction thanks to its wider base and upper and full coverage rubber outsole — it just isn't quite as fast. Really, the only downside to the Metaspeed Sky is that it lacks traction on wet surfaces and around bends — which is another thing the FuelCell SuperComp Elite excels at. Those minor caveats aside, for nearly any runner looking for the best super shoe for racing, it's the Metaspeed Sky Paris we recommend.

Read more: Men's Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris review

Best Women's Shoe for Races

Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris - Women's

The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris impressed our testers by providing powerful responsiveness with a side of comfort and stability. While clearly a super shoe made for racing, this 5.10-ounce shoe (women's size 6.5) has a 6 mm drop, a full-length carbon fiber plate, and a natural-feeling 26.5-degree rocker angle, beginning at an aggressive-yet-comfortable 68.0% of the distance forward from the heel. These pieces coalesce beautifully to create a primed racing machine that “feels more natural than its competitors,” explosively powerful, yet still remains comfortable over long distances. No other super shoe we've tested offers this even of a blend of traits across the board, and this easily became our go-to racing choice, with our testers saying, “I love how natural this rocker feels. So different — and better! — than every other racing shoe I've tested.”

Style	Racing
Sizes Available	5 - 14.5 US, regular
Measured Heel Stack Height	38 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop	6 mm
Plate Type	Carbon

As with many of our award-winning shoes, the magic exists in the combination of elements when it comes to the Metaspeed Sky, but its responsiveness is next level. One of our highest-scoring shoes in this metric, the rocker apex location, angle, and geometry combine with the carbon plate for noticeable energy return. Our lead tester, Ally Arcuri, remarked that “the nimble ride [the Novablast] provides is unlike other racing shoes I've tested.” The heel stack is 38 mm, and the forefoot is 32 mm, creating an FF Turbo Plus launchpad that offered just enough cushion for comfort during our uptempo runs. The design of this shoe allows each footfall to roll seamlessly into the next, allowing runners to fully engage their natural gait patterns for exceptional running economy. For those looking for the most responsive shoe around, the Nike Alphafly 3 is that shoe. It involves more of a learning curve to take full advantage — and not everyone's mechanics are conducive to this shoe — and takes a hit in comfort and stability, but is the fastest shoe we've tested. Ally notes, “The familiar-feeling rocker and pace-pushing plate make me feel like I'm flying around the track.”

Runners who want a speed shoe that will provide some stability and comfort will feel right at home in the Metaspeed. This isn't going to be a daily trainer that you'll reach for on recovery run days, but it will treat you well when your runs demand a bit more speed. If you are looking for a daily trainer that dips a toe in the world of racing, the carbon-plated Puma Deviate Nitro 3 strikes a good balance of comfort and responsiveness at more speeds — and costs a lot less. But for those in search of a super shoe that offers a classic pop pop pop with each stride, you'll be in luck with the Metaspeed. The power that this shoe holds is serious, making it less suitable for runners who may want to simply try out a quicker shoe. Especially considering the price, the Metaspeed is best suited for runners who know they want a speedy shoe for race day.

Super shoes are here to stay, and while our female testers fell in love with the Metaspeed, they are far from the only option available on the market today. The Nike Vaporfly 3 is an equally responsive racing shoe that offers a slightly different fit but lacks the stability of the Metaspeed. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is a more user-friendly (and more wallet-friendly), speed-centric daily trainer. The Endorphin Speed provides strong responsiveness, a nylon plate that is slightly less intense underfoot, and a lockdown that will keep you comfortable through high-mileage days. But if you're looking for the best all-around racing shoe that our entire testing team — men and women, both — agree on, it's this one. Ally even remarked, “It might not be a magic bullet to Olympic-level speed, and its fit can't Sisterhood-of-the-Traveling-Pants its way into working for all feet, but this shoe is as close to a universal racing shoe as I've seen.”

Read more: Women's Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris review

How We Tested

Our primary focus in testing running shoes is to run in them… a lot. Our male and female testers log many dozens of miles in each pair of shoes and choose various terrain types to include in their routes. Collectively, our expert running shoe test team members have logged thousands of miles in close to 500 pairs of running shoes and counting. When testing, we pay close attention to underfoot and upper comfort, stability, cushion, traction, and weight. In addition to running miles and miles in each shoe, we also buy a second pair of each shoe to perform a series of tests in our lab. These lab tests include cutting each shoe in half so we can precisely measure stack heights and heel-to-toe drop, rocker angle, weight, and more. Rather than trusting the manufacturer's measurements, we make all of our own measurements, so every specification we share is collected in a careful apples-to-apples manner. Our lab testing is then combined with our primary focus on running in each shoe to create a complete 360 analysis of each shoe.

Why Trust GearLab

Our main testers for this review include a collection of devoted runners with expertise in the sport, and most have spent years running and testing footwear for the GearLab team. Ally Arcuri is an avid runner 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 is the lead tester for our men's road shoe review. He competed in track and cross country from middle school through college and now continues to race on the roads and coach high school and recreational runners. Matthew Richardson is our current men's trail shoe expert, exploring as many trails in SW Colorado as he can. Specializing in computer mapping, he also does the testing for our GPS watch review, which helps create and explore new trail runs as he tests shoes. World-class runner Carrie Vickers has an impressive resume of Olympic trial rankings, World Championship qualifications, and for a time held the record in the 2000 meter steeplechase. She is now a professional running biomechanics consultant who has helped to inform our testing plans and adds advice to those trying to find the right shoes for their bodies and goals in a sea of shoes. In addition, our laboratory team of engineers cuts open every pair to take actual measurements, according to the World Athletics guidelines, which are standardized in a way that manufacturer claims just aren't.

How to Pick the Best Shoes for You

In this section, our expert shoe testers will walk you through a process to help you find the best shoe for your needs, whether you're a brand-new runner who wants to start on the right foot or a long-time runner looking for a new pair. We'll start by explaining how to assess a shoe's fit. Then, we'll consider how you plan to use the shoe. Finally, we'll delve into the different features you may want to consider.

The Importance of Fit

Fit is the most important factor to consider when buying a new pair of shoes. At the end of the day, the shoe that feels the most comfortable is the right shoe for you. If a shoe doesn't feel good, move on. There is even science-backed evidence that wearing more comfortable shoes is associated with better running economy.

You will find that sizing isn't always consistent across brands. Some run large, and some run small. Some brands, like Puma and Hoka, are known for having narrow-fitting shoes, while others, like Altra and Topo Athletic, tend to have 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 30-90-day trials of their shoes with free returns as well.

Try on shoes at the time of day you would normally run, and wear your favorite running socks. Take them for a quick spin, and always try on both shoes (most people's feet are not the same size). Over time, you will likely dial in your preferences for everything from width to lacing patterns.

Men's Shoes

Our lead tester for men's running shoes put each model through its paces in long runs, recovery runs, fast workouts, and hill sprints. Below are the scores outlined for our men's road running shoes review with some of the best, most promising, and most popular options available today.

Key Metric Scores of Men's Road Running Shoes

Product	Landing Comfort	Responsiveness	Upper Comfort	Weight
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris	8.8	9.7	5	10
Nike Alphafly 3	8.8	9.4	6.5	8.4
Nike Vaporfly 3	8.6	9.5	5	9.4
Mizuno Neo Vista	8.75	7.5	9.5	5.4
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4	8.5	7.5	6	8.4
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4	8	8	7.5	6.8
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4	7.8	9	5.5	7.9
Asics Superblast 2	8.5	7.7	7.8	6.2
Asics Novablast 5	8.7	6.9	8	6.3
On Cloudsurfer	8.1	6.5	8.5	6.7
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4	8.1	8.7	6	6.2
Saucony Kinvara 15	5	7	6.5	9.4
Saucony Tempus 2	7.4	7.2	6	6.8
Puma Velocity Nitro 3	8	7	7	5.3
Adidas Adizero SL2	8	7.4	5.5	6.4
Brooks Hyperion Max 2	7	7	7	6
Hoka Mach 6	7	7.4	4.5	7.3
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24	6	6.5	7	5.5
Hoka Skyward X	10	4.5	8	2.5
Altra Vanish Tempo	6.5	7.25	5	6.2
New Balance FuelCell Propel v5	7.5	6	6.5	4.7
Puma Deviate Nitro 3	7.3	7.2	5	5
Asics Gel-Nimbus 26	9	3	9	3.4
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5	9.2	4.5	8	2.5
Adidas Adizero Boston 12	8	7.7	3	5.5
Saucony Triumph 22	9.1	3	8.7	3.1
Hoka Clifton 9	7	5	5.5	5.5
Altra Torin 7	6	5.5	5.3	6
Asics Gel-Kayano 31	7.4	4.5	7.5	3
Asics Gel-Contend 9	5	5	5.5	5.3
Brooks Ghost 16	5	3.5	7.25	5
Brooks Trace 3	4	5	5.5	5.7
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4	4	4.5	2	5.6

Women's Shoes

Similarly, our lead women's tester put each shoe through the wringer, totaling a minimum of 30 miles in each pair and testing them out in various workouts and environments. All models from our women's road running shoes review are ranked below, showing our four most heavily weighted test metrics and each pair's score.

Key Metric Scores of Women's Road Running Shoes

Product	Landing Comfort	Responsiveness	Upper Comfort	Weight
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris	8	9	6.5	9.8
Nike Alphafly 3	8.5	10	6	8.6
Nike Vaporfly 3	7	9.5	5	10
Saucony Kinvara 15	7.5	7.5	6.5	9.1
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4	7.5	9	7	6.7
Hoka Mach 6	8	7	7.5	7.5
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4	8	8	7.5	6.4
Asics Novablast 5	9	7	8	5.6
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4	7	7.5	7	8
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4	7	8.5	6	7.8
Brooks Hyperion Max 2	7.5	8	8	5.8
Altra Vanish Tempo	7.5	7	8	5.6
ON Cloudsurfer	8	6	6.5	7.1
Puma Deviate Nitro 3	7.5	7.5	6.5	5.7
Mizuno Neo Vista	8.5	7	6	5.6
Hoka Clifton 9	8	5.5	7	5.8
Hoka Skyward X	8.5	7.5	7	2.8
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5	9	6	7.5	3.1
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24	7.5	6.5	7.5	4
Brooks Trace 3	7	4	8	5.8
Brooks Ghost 16	7.5	5	7.5	4.8
Saucony Tempus 2	7	6.5	6	5
Asics Gel-Kayano 31	9	4	8	3.3
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4	6	5.5	6.5	6.3
Reebok Floatride Energy 6	7	5.5	6	5.2
Asics Gel-Contend 9	6	5	7	5.6
Adidas Supernova Rise	7	6.5	7	2.9
Altra Torin 7	7.5	5	5	5.7
Lululemon Blissfeel 2	7	6.5	7	2.6
Brooks Glycerin 21	6.5	4	7.5	4.4
Rabbit Dream Chaser	8	5	6.5	2.5
Asics Gel-Nimbus 26	9	3	6.5	2.9

Where Will You Use the Shoe?

Start by thinking about where you run. Are you sticking to the pavement? Venturing into the mountains on rocky paths? Spending a lot of time on the treadmill?

When to Consider Trail Shoes

If your plan is to take your running offroad, onto uneven, rocky, or steep ground, trail shoes are a good fit for you. If not, skip down to the next section on road shoes.

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. If you are lucky enough to have access to a great trail network that you'd love to take advantage of, our review of the best trail running shoes can help you find the perfect model for your needs.

When to Consider Road Shoes

If your running plan involves pavement, gravel bike paths, dirt roads, or a treadmill, you probably don't need the additional features of trail shoes, and a pair of road shoes is a better choice. Road shoes tend to have more plush underfoot cushioning, more breathable uppers, and often have less grippy outsole rubber. All of that makes them lighter on average. These shoes are built for the pavement-pounders out there and have features to help insulate you from hard man-made surfaces mile after mile.

How Will You Use the Shoe?

Next, think about the duration of your runs. Are you going for a 20-minute jog around the neighborhood, or are you logging lots of miles training for a marathon? 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 in them?

Like a tool, 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. Next, we'll help you identify features essential to your planned use case.

Midsole Features

The midsole is the most important part of any road running shoe. The materials, level of cushioning, and flexibility will help you determine if a shoe is right for you. We use terms like stack height, heel-toe drop, and rocker angle to describe these features; what do they all mean?

Stack height refers to the thickness of the cushioning in a shoe. While there is no strict industry standard for this measurement, we use a standardized method to compare the shoes we test and include the total amount of material between the bottom of your foot and the ground, including the insole/sockliner, midsole, and outsole. Stack height can play a big part in how the shoe feels underfoot, and while stack height does not 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 stack heights tend to provide more sensitivity and a better ground feel.

Heel-toe drop is the difference in height from the heel of a shoe to the toe. Different runners will find different drop heights optimal for their running mechanics.

Rocker angle refers to the geometry of a shoe that encourages your foot to “rock” forward. An upward curve at the toe end (or sometimes under the heel) of the bottom of the shoe 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, but may feel unnatural to some runners. You find a rocker geometry most often in two types of shoes. First, in shoes meant to go fast. These uptempo daily trainers or race shoes will utilize rockers to help you carry your speed efficiently. Second, in shoes that are very stiff due to lots of midsole foam. Since bending the shoe at the forefoot is harder, a rocker is added to help you out.

Carbon fiber and nylon plates have become very popular in both race shoes and in daily trainers. Contrary to popular belief, plates do not provide a spring-like propulsive benefit. Research has proven that the plate alone is not what makes modern race shoes fast. However, they can interact with the midsole foam and rocker geometry to create a shoe that increases your running performance. Some daily trainers also utilize plates for the same reason. But again, just because a shoe has a plate does not mean it is fast. Some daily trainers have plates and are not fast shoes. Aside from a few exceptions, trail shoes are not typically equipped with propulsive plates. On the other hand, many trail shoes include rock plates made of similar materials that can provide additional underfoot protection from sharp rocks and other trail features.

How Do Midsole Foams Affect a Shoe?

We classify shoes with moderate (under ~40 mm) stack height as daily trainers and shoes over that as max-cushioning. There are also other minimalist options, including barefoot shoes, which provide next to no underfoot cushion and may have a “stack height” as low as 3 mm, although we don't recommend them for the vast majority of runners. While stack height can tell you a lot about a shoe, it isn't the whole picture.

Our reviewers 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. In fact, research has shown different midsole foams can drastically affect a runner's efficiency and performance.

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 a 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 foam that is highly compressible and resilient.

So, how do you know what to look for? Think back to your use case, and consider the sensations you prefer underfoot when reading our reviews. If you're looking for a shoe to run many different paces in, you'll probably want a shoe 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.

How Much Support Do You Need?

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 of the shoes we test fall within the neutral category, with a few models offering extra stability features.

That's because neutral shoes are appropriate for MOST runners, including beginners.

It's still common for well-meaning people to prescribe a stability shoe based on your foot type or gait pattern to “prevent injury.” However, that advice is outdated. Unless you have an already-existing injury, research shows that stability shoes do not change your risk of injury.

Because of this, we recommend you try on various shoes with varying levels of stability. Choose the one (or two or three) most comfortable, and start running! Follow a safe progression, and you should be good to go. If you run into issues, consider seeking the advice of a running-focused physical therapist.

Conclusion

Running is a centuries-old practice that has many mental and physical health benefits, whether you are brand new to the sport, or training for your next ultramarathon. The right pair of shoes is essential to keep you on your feet and on the move, but with the abundance of choices in today's market, it is necessary to do the research before committing to a pair. Luckily, we have researched and tested hundreds of models to find the ins and outs of each pair, and we hope that this list of our favorites will help you make the best choice for your lifestyle and running goals.

We've also tested plenty of other helpful running gear, no matter what your running goals are. Our team has put a plethora of GPS watches to the test to bring you evidence-backed comparisons and recommendations. We've got intel on the barefoot running scene, and if you're hitting the trails, we've also tested trail running shoes.