The Best Running Shoes for Men

Our Picks of Men's Running Shoes

Best Everyday Running Shoe

Asics Novablast 5

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8 mm | Weight: 9.5 oz/shoe (men's 10.5)

The Asics Novablast 5 is our go-to all-around running shoe. For daily mileage, it's comfortable, plush, and enjoyable. For faster running, the resilient midsole has bouncy energy return, and the rocker geometry helps keep things rolling. The heel's 41 mm of foam stack height pushes it into max-cushioned territory, but it doesn't feel like a heavy or slow shoe. Its 8 mm heel-to-toe drop potentially makes it a great transition shoe for those looking to move into bigger drops, and the midsole keeps things lively for pace changing. Our lead tester gushes, “Heel-strikers will love the smooth rolling feeling, and as a mid-foot striker, I love the trampoline-like forefoot on long runs. This is one of the most universally comfortable shoes I've ever run in.”

This version of the Novablast is a little more optimized for daily comfort than the previous model, which favored a little more quickness. The 5 is happiest at easy-to-moderate paces, but we have enjoyed small doses of 5K-paced training in this shoe. The lightweight and breathable upper of the Novablast 5 is comfortable and well-designed to provide a good fit for many runners, but it isn't the most breathable and can run hot in warmer climates. If you want more breathability or tend to run hot, the Saucony Ride 18 could be an alternate consideration. Overall, if you want a fun, versatile, and reliable training partner at a great price, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option.

Read more: Asics Novablast 5 review

Best for Casual Runners and Beginners

Saucony Ride 18

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6 mm | Weight: 10.13 oz/shoe (men's 10.5)

Most new runners are best served by a simple and reliable daily trainer with solid cushioning, a relatively natural geometry, and a stable-neutral ride that also works well for walking. The Saucony Ride 18 checks all of those boxes. It's not just a shoe for beginners, but it provides great value and a set of features that we think new runners will enjoy and benefit from. The midsole foam does a great job of insulating your legs from harsh landings, with our lead tester commenting, “I really enjoy this shoe for my easy mileage. It's soft without feeling mushy, and the upper feels great on days when I just want comfort.” The Ride 18 has less of a rocker on the bottom, giving it a more natural geometry than the Asics Novablast 5. This means your body can more easily find its natural movement pattern. Also, its lower stack height and shorter heel-to-toe drop make it feel more stable and grounded, two things new or casual runners can appreciate as they get their bearings. This also means they feel significantly better while walking between bouts of running.

The Ride doesn't have the best traction for a running shoe, but it still managed compact and flat surfaces well and performed above average for the group. If you plan more uneven terrain or wet surfaces in your runs, the Adidas Adizero SL2 is somewhat grippier. The Saucony is also not the fastest shoe in the lineup, making it a less-than-compelling choice if your goals include breaking personal speed records. The Adidas Adizero Evo SL might be a better contender for race training. The Ride 18 is a great and durable introductory shoe, a consistent training companion, and has a reasonable price, allowing you to confidently hit the road on new adventures for fitness or fun.

Read more: Saucony Ride 18 review

Best Budget Runner

Adidas Adizero SL2

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 9 mm | Weight: 9.36 oz/shoe (men's 10.5)

The Adidas Adizero SL2 impressed with it's do-it-all abilities and wallet-friendly price tag. Thanks to the addition of some top-tier Lightstrike Pro midsole foam, this shoe has the all of the cushioning we expect from a modern running shoe, with the simple feel of the running shoes we grew up using. We think newbie runners will enjoy the excellent cushioning and approachable ride, while more experienced runners will appreciate the low weight and versatility. As our lead tester points out, "The SL2 feels like a modern take on the classic running shoe. Premium midsole foam gives it energy and lots of comfort underfoot, but there's no aggressive geometry that forces you to run fast. It should work for everyone."

The SL2 is lightweight and very breathable, but our testers did note that the midfoot felt cramped. If you tend to need wider shoes, Adidas does offer a wide version, and we'd recommend you go that route. This shoe has a pretty standard 9mm drop, which should work well for most runners. However, it doesn't offer much support or stability. If you're a runner that prefers more guidance through your foot strike, an option like the Saucony Tempus 2 will offer similar levels of versatility and comfort, but significantly more support. Then again, for the price, it's hard to argue with the comfort and performance of the SL2.

Read more: Adidas Adizero SL2 review

Best Runner Under $100

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 13 mm | Weight: 10.7 oz/shoe (men's 10.5)

If you're hunting for a good deal and a comfortable shoe, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is your best bet. This new version of the Adrenaline continues to impress as a compelling choice for those needing more stability who tend to hit heel first. The Brooks' DNA Loft v3 midsole offers a firm but responsive feel that walks the line between comfort and quickness, creating a reliable, daily training partner. As our lead tester notes, “The new midsole offers smoother transitions than previous versions.” This durable shoe comes in four width options and a comfortable upper, making it easier to find the perfect locked-in fit for a price often under $100.

The Adrenaline measured cushion stack height is 39 mm, just under a max-cushion she, but the heel-to-toe drop is substantial at 13 mm. This kind of drop could take some getting used to. Depending on where you are starting from, it might be best transitioned to over time, starting with something with a lower drop, like Asics Gel-Kayano 32 (8 mm drop) or the Asics Novablast 5 (8 mm drop). If you're a heel striker, looking for a stability shoe, it's hard to find a better all-around choice that keeps the foot centered than the Adrenaline GTS 24.

Read more: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 review

Best for Stability Seekers

Saucony Tempus 2

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 mm | Weight: 9.11 oz/shoe (men's 10.5)

The Saucony Tempus 2 is an impressive stability shoe that marries the feeling of an uptempo daily trainer with a stable design. This shoe offers a cushion stack just under a max cushioned shoe, but still is firmer than similarly stacked shoes due to the EVA internal structure. We love how fun and comfortable it is, something not always found in a structured stability shoe.

Despite its relatively lower weight, this shoe can feel clunky. While it can do faster work, it is not a speed shoe. If speed is your game, the Adidas Adizero Evo SL is likely a better bet with a lighter weight and less stability. If you like the feeling of being more grounded or a firmer midsole, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is another option to consider. Over, we think almosot any runner will love the Tempus 2, which isn't something you can say about every stability shoe, we liked it so much we added it to our personal rotation.

Read more: Saucony Tempus 2 review

Another Stability Winner

Asics Gel-Kayano 32

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8 mm | Weight: 11.47 oz/shoe (men's 10.5)

The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 has a wider base and is well planted with good medial support. This version feels softer than the previous version, making it more comfortable, but it is still not a max-cushion or ultra-pillowy shoe. However, those looking for stability will find it challenging to find both in a single shoe. The Kayano is a fairly responsive shoe that keeps up the pace better than its predecessor, and the traction is good enough to keep you grounded on typical road surfaces.

The 32 runs warm and isn't the most breathable shoe. If you're running in a warm climate or have hotter feet, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 runs a little cooler and could be a stability shoe that meets your needs. The Kayano also feels heavy (11.47 ounces for a size 10.5) and a little bulky, likely due to the components contributing to better stability. Stability features make this added heft a trade-off some runners find acceptable for a more supported running experience. The Adrenaline is also lighter at 10.7 ounces and marginally narrower at 4.6 inches compared to 4.9. Overall, the Kayano is an intriguing option for runners seeking stability above all else who are less interested in speed and more interested in clocking miles over time.

Read more: Asics Gel-Kayano 32 review

Impressive Durable Cushioning

Nike Vomero 18

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 11 mm | Weight: 11.62 oz/shoe (men's 10.5)

The last thing anyone wants is a pair of shoes that squish flat, leaving your legs to soak up all the shock of your strides. The Nike Vomero 18 has got your back. This affordable shoe has an exceptionally comfortable, 41 mm cushion stack. It comprises two of Nike's top midsole foams, providing resiliency and bounce over long miles under heavier footfalls. With a more moderate forefoot rocker than most and a slightly above-average heel-toe drop, the Vomero rolls along pleasantly and easily. It has a super comfortable and breathable upper that easily accommodates feet of varying volumes. Our lead tester added this shoe to his personal rotation, noting, “The Vomero feels planted and nimble and runs oh-so-smoothly. It's soft but not pillowy and still reasonably energetic.”

Though the Vomero is a tad tall and chunky (weighing 11.62 ounces), the combination of soft, resilient foam on top, supported by firm, structured foam underneath, makes this added weight well worth it. If you want a lighter shoe, the Asics Novablast 5 has a similar height stack and weighs only 9.5 ounces for a size 10.5. In the end, if your goal is a shoe that maintains cushion mile after mile and is durable, the Vomero should make your shortlist.

Read more: Nike Vomero 18 review

Perfect for Race Training

Adidas Adizero Evo SL

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 9 mm | Weight: 8.73 oz/shoe (men's 10.5)

If your typical week of running involves regular pace changes or training for a race, then the Adidas Adizero Evo SL is perfect for you. Adidas's responsive and cushy foam in the midsole pairs with a smooth, early midfoot rocker and a lightweight, breathable upper. The result is an incredibly versatile shoe that's comfortable on easy runs and engaging when we push the pace. Our lead tester said, “This has quickly become my favorite shoe, not just in our lineup, but of all time.” It's become a favorite for progression runs that start slow and finish fast, as well as big, long runs with chunks of faster paces. As a result, we reach for it regularly.

While it doesn't have quite as much top-end speed as some plated daily trainers and true race shoes, the Adizero Evo SL is far more comfortable (and fun) at relaxed paces. If top-end speed is your need, then the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo has a carbon plate and could be a better choice on race day or leading up to it. Overall, if you're training for a race and can only have one shoe, this is the one we recommend. If you have a rotation, it works great for workouts at moderate paces, hard long runs, or faster easy days.

Read more: Adidas Adizero Evo SL review

Best for Race Day

Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6 mm | Weight: 6.11 oz/shoe (men's 10.5)

The Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo took everything we loved about its predecessor and improved it. The new midsole foam is explosive underfoot, offering excellent energy return while still absorbing huge amounts of impact. These shoes save the legs during long races, with our lead tester reporting, “I especially love these shoes when I'm running hard on the road for a long time. The new midsole does a phenomenal job of protecting my legs and keeping me rolling.” Thanks to a combo of superfoam and geometry, these shoes help runners lock into a pace and go.

While the upper saves weight (this shoe is absurdly light), the materials do cause some issues. Our testers experienced some rubbing at the forefoot, particularly at the outside of the foot. The racy fit that provides great lockdown also runs pretty narrow at the front of the foot, and may cause real blisters for some runners. The lightweight foam is meant to keep you moving forward, but it doesn't provide much stability. Even with those issues, this is our favorite shoe for racing anything from one mile to the marathon. We've set a few personal records (PRs) in this shoe.

Read more: Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo review

How We Tested

Since we started testing them in 2011, we've purchased and run in hundreds of running shoes. Each pair undergoes a rigorous set of runs, including a standardized 6-mile test loop that contains hard-packed dirt, loose gravel, asphalt, concrete, and grass. We run over 50 miles in each pair, with many logging closer to 100 miles of road wear. We also cut every pair in half, measuring and examining their construction and materials at our testing facility in Lake Tahoe.

We score each shoe on five weighted metrics:

• Cushioning (35% of overall score weighting)

• Upper Comfort (20% weighting)

• Stability (25% weighting)

• Weight (5% weighting)

• Traction (5% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

A team of running and athletic experts and professionals helped shape this review, starting with lead tester Nathaniel Bailey. Nathaniel has always loved running, competing in track and cross country at the middle school, high school, and collegiate levels. Nathaniel is a USA Track & Field (USATF) Certified Coach who works with post-collegiate and high school runners, sharing his passion for the sport and continuing to develop his knowledge of endurance sports and physiology.

Professional running biomechanics consultant, Carrie Vickers, helped inform and design our testing methods and provided additional guidance for our advice on how to choose the best shoes. Carrie is an accomplished national-class runner, having ranked in numerous Olympic, US National, and World Championship competitions for steeplechase. She once held the world record for the 2000-meter steeplechase. Carrie also assisted in our jogging stroller review.

Analysis and Test Results

Running shoes are often designed with a specific purpose. Max-cushioned shoes are designed for comfortable extended miles. Race shoes are designed for speed at the expense of everything else. While daily trainers often split the difference. Finding the right shoe depends on your goals and your starting point.

What's the Best Value?

Value is a huge consideration when logging miles. Some runners want to get the most mileage per dollar, while others care more about performance than durability. The best budget shoes are the Saucony Ride 18, a reasonably priced, entry-level shoe for casual runners and experienced pavement pounders alike. If your budget is tighter, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 provides a more stable shoe with a firmer feel but plenty of stack height. The Asics Novablast 5 is our favorite shoe for overall value. While costing a little more than the Saucony, the Novablast blends top-tier performance, superb comfort, and exceptional versatility at a reasonable price.

Cushioning

When we're assessing cushioning, we're most interested in how a shoe feels underfoot while running. We asked questions like: Do our feet feel protected from the road? How well does the cushioning insulate our legs over longer efforts? Are transitions through our feet during landing smooth or choppy? Do we feel as though we're “bottoming out” the cushioning? How much compression does the foam have? How much resilience (energy return) does the foam have? How stiff is the shoe?

Asics Novablast 5 Altra Escalante 4

Daily trainers are the workhorses of the running shoe world. They're designed to get you through the miles feeling comfortable, and handle most workouts. As with all running shoes, daily trainers sit in different places on the comfort vs. performance spectrum. Some we classify as speed trainers, meaning they're best suited to faster running. Others are more comfort-oriented, providing plush cushioning but less versatility.

One of our favorite all-around shoes, the Asics Novablast 5, straddles the line between daily trainer and max-cushioning. It sits in the max-cushioning category, with 41 mm of foam at the heel. However, it doesn't run like a max-cushioned shoe. While it is extremely well-cushioned, it is also remarkably versatile. So, we think it's best considered as a daily trainer. The Nike Vomero 18 is in a similar position, offering a higher stack height with excellent all-around comfort. For runners who value cushioning above all else, this is a great daily trainer.

The Adidas Adizero Evo SL has a slightly firmer feel underfoot, but also becomes more bouncy at higher speeds. We prefer the firmer and more bouncy ride of the Evo at a wider range of paces than shoes that lean harder into pillowy softness, as they feel better across speed variations. The Evo also feels better towards the end of a long run, likely due to the 39 mm of stack height and more resilient foam.

Max-cushioned trainers tend to be best for covering more miles at easy paces. However, some of our favorite all-around trainers fall into this category and utilize some technology from top-tier race shoes to provide versatile, high-performing comfort. The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 has excellent comfort and a solid price. But it doesn't do well when you want to run fast, and the stability is greatly limited.

The racing-centric super shoes are designed to comfortably get you through a marathon. That means they all have high levels of cushioning underfoot, and almost all of them are bouncy and soft. They fall right below the World Athletics limit for race shoes of 40 mm stack height. They utilize highly resilient PEBA-based or similar supercritical foams to provide a performance and comfort benefit. The Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo stands out for its cushioning that feels bottomless and responsive.

The shoe with the worst cushioning performance is the Altra Escalante 4, by a wide margin, with only 22 mm of cushion and a zero drop from heel to toe. However, this is a design choice and not necessarily a flaw. While many do not desire a less cushioned shoe, some runners prefer to feel more grounded and connected to the earth. Also, the lack of heel-toe drop can be better for some gait patterns that favor non-heel strike patterns.

Upper Comfort

When assessing upper comfort, we consider upper materials, stiffness, breathability, fit, and lockdown. We note hotspots or rubbing that the shoe causes. Our priorities include a snug fit that keeps feet stable and provides confidence through corners and uneven terrain. We want an upper with good support that locks down the heel without cramping toes. The tongue should precisely wrap the midfoot, and the laces need to provide a snug hold without causing pressure or hotspots.

Knit-uppers are typically the most comfortable, thanks to their soft material and slightly stretchy fit, but they often struggle with breathability. Two of our favorites are the Asics Novablast 5, the Saucony Ride 18, and the Adidas Adizero Evo SL.

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 also feels snug with excellent lockdown and a gusseted tongue that stays put. The Altra Escalante 4 stands out for its incredibly comfortable fit, making it a favorite for all-day wear with a roomy toe-box and better breathability. When it comes to plush comfort, the Nike Vomero 18 also stands out thanks to its soft materials that feel extremely comfortable when clicking off miles.

The shoes with the least upper comfort include the Hoka Mach 6 and the Hoka Arahi 8. Both shoes run warmer than average, are on the narrow side if you don't pick a wide width, and use some slightly more abrasive materials. The Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is also somewhat disappointing here. It has a heel collar that has adequate cushioning to prevent hot spots, but the rest of the upper is stiffer and can cause issues for some runners.

Stability

Stability encompasses support during footstrike and laterally on broken terrain. We are glad to see a shift towards stability shoes that use less medial posting and are more inherently stable neutral trainers. This trend aligns with most current peer-reviewed evidence on what makes a great stability shoe. Many people seek out stability shoes if they overpronate (ankles rolling in on footfall), or suffer from unexpected foot, ankle, or leg pain, or have had prior injuries that require additional support to avoid future injuries.

The Saucony Tempus 2 is our favorite stability shoe hands down. It pairs a highly resilient foam midsole with supportive frame guides and an asymmetrical design for medial support. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is a decent all-arounder that utilizes a more old-school approach to stability. It uses sidewalls, medial posting, and crash pads to direct your natural movement. The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 also offers more features for stability, utilizing a wide platform to provide inherent stability and uses geometry rather than uncomfortable medial posting to keep your foot moving forward. It's also well cushioned, and changes to the geometry make this version the smoothest rolling one yet. Both the Hoka Arahi 8 and the Hoka Clifton 10 also performed well. Among daily trainers, shoes that provide a strong lockdown and a wide, low base are often the most stable. The Asics Novablast 5 is a standout in this area, providing an intense lockdown and a stable base that performs well on uneven surfaces and hard impacts.

Generally, most max-cushioned shoes aren't impressive stability options, and the ultra-high stack of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 and the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 are great examples. Their stability is so poor that we were reluctant to give them an award for pillowy cushion despite the cloud-like feel.

Racing shoes are also historically pretty unstable. The Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo isn't exactly stable, but it has a wide base that offers more room for your foot to plant, as long as you're moving forward. On uneven terrain, the high, soft stack is not very stable at all.

Weight

Weight can be a factor in running economy and performance for some runners. We weighed each size 10.5 shoe on the same scale to compare them more accurately than their manufacturer's weights might allow.

Being lightweight might seem like the most important thing, but cutting weight can often mean a tradeoff that creates a less stable or durable shoe. Many lightweight designs use thinner and lighter upper materials or reduce or eliminate the rubber tread on the outsole. While these factors might be less critical in a race-day shoe, they can seriously impact your daily run. More traditionally designed shoes with padded uppers and durable outsoles are among the heavier shoes. Finding the right balance of design features for casual runners and protection from consistent miles with a below-average weight is usually the sweet spot for daily runners.

Unsurprisingly, the lightest shoes are race-day shoes, like the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo. This shoe weigh 6.1 and is designed to feel like nothing is on your feet, and with speed in mind. While this makes race-centric shoes great for shaving seconds off your run time, it usually means less impact protection from pounding the pavement, making them ideal for daily casual running or logging longer miles.

When it comes to daily trainers, the NewBalance FuelCell Rebel v5 and the Altra Escalante 4 stand out with their lighter weights. The Escalante 4 is a zero-drop shoe and has less cushion than most competitors, so there is still a price to pay for the lighter weight, which could be a deal breaker for those looking for maximum cushion or a significant heel-to-toe drop distance.

High stack height often means heavy weight. The Brooks Ghost Max 3, and the Nike Vomero 18 highlight that, with some of the highest weights in the group of 11.5+ ounces.

Traction

No one likes sliding around corners or slipping on wet asphalt. We assess each shoe through a range of Montana weather and various surfaces to determine the best roadworthy grippers. Most road shoes will handle typical road-running conditions fine, but snow, ice, and wet conditions can change things up.

Adidas Adizero Evo SL New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5

However, wet performance can be an issue for some shoes and some rubber compounds. Similarly, the presence and shape of lugs and siping in an outsole significantly alter how confidence-inspiring a shoe is while running fast on loose surfaces.

Our favorite outsole compound is the Continental rubber found on some Adidas shoes, like the Adidas Adizero SL2 and the Adidas Adizero Evo SL, which can really grab well for a shoe with no lugs. Next up are the Saucony Tempus 2, Nike Vomero 18, and the Saucony Ride 18 with above-average grips that can create confidence for newer runners. The New Balance offerings, like the Propel v5, utilize a diamond-shaped outsole tread that we've found bites well on wet roads. Most of the max-cushioned shoes in our lineup have average traction levels.

Most race shoes are designed to have solid traction on flat, ideal racing conditions. They tend to cut weight by limiting the number and size of the lugs and traction patterns. This means that shoes like the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo offered a less impressive performance for traction.

Responsiveness

Responsiveness is all about how a shoe handles different paces. We assess each shoe across a few paces: easy running, moderate / marathon pace, threshold paces (between marathon and 10K), and fast (5K or faster).

A good daily trainer should be able to comfortably handle moderate to threshold paces. Daily trainers that err on the side of speed training should thrive with that level of effort. No shoe does versatile responsiveness better than the Adidas Adizero Evo SL. It can smash workouts or easy mileage, and remain very comfortable for both. It does feel a little more energetic at faster paces, and it also encourages you to squeeze the pace when you're going easy. It's easy to control and sets a new standard for pace versatility.

The Adidas Adizero SL2 has a premium foam that gives a responsive and resilient ride. It's great for moderate efforts and longer threshold workouts, though it doesn't have quite the snap and stiffness of some plated options. The Asics Novablast 5 is also relatively responsive for a daily trainer with such a high stack height (41 mm). It has Asics' FF Blast Max midsole, giving it a slight trampoline effect, propelling you forward, with additional foam resilience, making it feel a little more energetic. The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 rounds out the group with a midsole that provides good energy without being obnoxious for daily runs. Its lightweight feel aids in the sensation of speed, but we caution that it isn't the best for stability.

The most responsive shoes in the group tend to be those geared toward race-day readiness and training. Unsurprisingly, serious athletes desire to go fast and respond to pace changes during a race, which requires a responsive shoe. The best in the group for these types of adventures are the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo. The midsole feels positively explosive, with significant energy return, saving legs from longer runs with impressive impact protection from the ground.

The least responsive shoes in the group include the Hoka Bondi 9. While the supercritical foam is bouncier than in previous versions, it isn't enough to help propel you forward at quicker paces. Its heavier weight didn't help.

Other Notable Men's Road Running Shoes

With such a flooded market, there are loads of compelling shoes available for purchase. Here's a list of a few we've tested that might be intriguing for some runners:

Daily Trainers Worth Considering

• Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 — With stability at heart, it offers a highly cushioned midsole, an energetic ride, and a very comfortable upper; even if it is a bit heavy and clunky.

• Asics Superblast 2 — A max-cushioned shoe that doesn't soak up all your energy into the bouncy sole, this shoe is an exceptionally high-performing, comfortable shoe.

• Brooks Glycerin 22 — This stability-focused shoe is a reliable standby with comfortable cushioning. It's positioned well for heel strikers enjoying runs at slow paces and seeking additional support and lateral stability.

• Brooks Glycerin Max — Towering underfoot cushion provides a soft landing without feeling mushy, while good balance and a rolling rocker keep things rolling along well enough to be a solid contender as a marathon shoe.

• Nike Zoom Fly 6 — Lots of ZoomX foam and a carbon plate make this shoe feel like a baby Alphafly. It's fast, smooth, energetic, and has plenty of support for hard training.

• Nike Pegasus 41 — One of the most popular shoes on the market, the Pegasus clusters its cushioning in the heel, making it a solid choice for heel-strikers running slower paces.

• On Cloudsurfer 2 — This version is far more stable than its predecessor, with a wider platform and a firmer foundation. It's not the most cushioned running option, but it can make the crossover from walking or going to the gym.

• Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 — This shoe was replaced with a new version earlier this summer. It has long been one of our most recommended shoes, with an incredibly balanced performance.

Others We've Tested

• Altra Torin 8 — Diehard zero-drop fans who love Altra's wide toebox design might enjoy this shoe, but its thin sole lacks significant protection or the energy return most runners want.

• Hoka Skyward X — This carbon-plated, max-cushion shoe has one of the most comfortable landing platforms, but is shockingly heavy. It's also expensive, and there are cheaper shoes that are almost as comfortable.

• Nike Pegasus Plus — The Pegasus is a popular shoe, but it has a narrow fit and limited lateral stability. It has a soft landing and a high stack, making it comfortable and fun, but it costs more than similar performers.

Conclusion

Finding a single perfect running shoe isn't easy (there's a reason so many runners have a rotation). We've spent hundreds of hours, logging thousands of miles to help improve your chances of finding a shoe you'll love. Our details can help you find the right shoe for your fitness goals and budget to get you running.