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A great running shoe makes every run more enjoyable. It doesn't matter if you're a new runner or if you've logged thousands of miles; everyone should have a shoe that inspires them.
The Asics Novablast 5 is our favorite shoe for most runners. It is a comfortable, bouncy, long-lasting, and lightweight choice that's good for everything most runners will need it to do. Plus, it has a reasonable price.
If you're new to running, we think you'll love the Saucony Ride 18. It's an affordable and comfortable choice that offers good support, making it perfect for runners whose legs aren't yet fully adapted to running.
If you want a budget shoe that performs well, look no further than the Adidas Adizero SL2. It's comfy, well-cushioned, and highly versatile. If you are more concerned with stability than cushioning, we also recommend the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24.
We've been testing running shoes for over 15 years, including the 21 in this review. From jogging around the block to racing big-city marathons, we've run and done it all. We consider factors such as cushioning, comfort, fit, breathability, and more when testing and ranking the top contenders. So whether you're brand new to running or have been running for decades, we've got you covered.
Not sure you're ready for running? Some walking shoes can bridge the gap, giving you a taste of faster paces without the commitment to a running-specific shoe. If you think you'll be traveling off-road, you might want a trail running shoe for more traction and stability.
Editor's Note: We updated our men's running shoe review in 2026 with a new take on what is essential for finding the right shoe for every experience level.
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 easy running, the Novablast is comfortable, plush, and fun. When we ran faster, it was energetic and bouncy underfoot, and light enough to feel quick. There's 41mm of foam at the heel, which pushes this shoe into max-cushioning territory. However, it doesn't feel heavy or clunky on our feet. Transitioning smoothly from heel to toe while running, the 8mm drop should work for runners with varying foot strike patterns. 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. Today's Novablast is happiest at slow to moderate paces, but we've still enjoyed pushing it harder in fast workouts. The softer foam is energetic, but it does lack stability. That's why we don't recommend this shoe to new runners who will likely benefit from a moderate amount of support. For those runners, the Saucony Ride 18 is a great choice. Overall, if you're looking for a fun, versatile, and reliable training partner at a great price, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better option.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6 mm | Weight: 10.13 oz/shoe (men's 10.5)
Most new runners are best served by a shoe that doesn't drastically alter the way the body moves naturally. They should be simple and reliable, with solid cushioning and a decent bit of support that works well for speeds as slow as walking (a pace many new runners start at). The Saucony Ride 18 checks every box. The best part is that it isn't just a shoe for newbies. We think it's a pretty great option for many people. It is a solid shoe that offers a little bit of everything (adequate cushioning and guidance) without too much of anything (like excessive foam or stiff stability features). The midsole foam is enjoyable, and the upper is plush, with our lead tester commenting, “I really enjoy this shoe for easy mileage. It's soft without feeling mushy, and the upper feels great on days when I want more 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. Additionally, it has a lower stack height, and the shorter heel-to-toe drop makes it feel more stable and grounded, which can be particularly helpful as you refine your running mechanics. This also means they feel significantly better while walking between bouts of running.
The Ride 18 struggles a bit with traction when running at high speeds compared to other options, but we don't think most people will encounter an issue, especially if your goal is easy running or you are just starting. The Saucony also isn't particularly energetic underfoot; it felt somewhat lethargic when we increased the pace. For these reasons, we believe the Adidas Adizero SL2 is a better fit for runners who plan to move quickly. It's grippier on loose surfaces and feels a lot more energetic, but it sacrifices some stability. Overall, the Ride 18 is a great choice for runners seeking a reliable training companion at a reasonable price.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 9 mm | Weight: 9.36 oz/shoe (men's 10.5)
Typically, budget-friendly shoes have to make performance or comfort sacrifices somewhere, but the Adidas Adizero SL2 isn't typical. It utilizes Adidas' top-tier Lightstrike Pro midsole foam, which provides this budget shoe with more cushioning power than we expected, along with added responsiveness during our runs. We believe that newbie runners will appreciate the excellent cushioning and approachable feel, while more experienced runners will value the low weight and versatility. As our lead tester points out, "I think 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 forcing me to run fast."
The SL2 is lightweight and very breathable, but we found the midfoot to feel cramped. However, individuals with narrower feet or those who prefer a wider fit can try the wide fit Adidas offers. The SL2 has a pretty standard 9mm drop, which should work well for most runners. However, it doesn't provide much support or stability. If you're a runner who prefers more guidance through your foot strike, an option like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 offers significantly more stability, albeit at the expense of some versatility. Then again, for the price, it's hard to argue with the comfort and performance of the SL2 as long as the fit is good.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8 mm | Weight: 11.47 oz/shoe (men's 10.5)
If you know you want a shoe that has stability features, we think the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 is a great option. Instead of using more traditional and invasive motion-control features, the Kayano relies on a broad base, some sidewalls, and a barely noticeable dual-density midsole to help prevent feet from collapsing inward. It's also pretty comfortable, with 37mm of foam at the heel and a moderate 8mm heel-to-toe drop. While the foam isn't soft, we were surprised by how comfortable it was on longer pavement runs, which is something we don't usually see in a stability shoe. The Gel-Kayano 32 is slightly more responsive than its predecessor, featuring a rocker geometry that facilitates a smooth transition from landing to take-off.
Unfortunately, the Kayano runs warm and isn't the most breathable shoe. We experienced hotter and more sweaty feet when the ambient temperature began to climb than in many other stability shoe competitors. The Kayano feels heavy (11.47 ounces for a size 10.5) and a little bulky, thanks to its wide base, which provides a planted feel. 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 Adrenaline is also lighter and marginally narrower, measuring 4.6 inches compared to 4.9 inches. Overall, the Kayano is a comfortable and reliable option for runners seeking stability. It's best for runners who are less interested in pace and more focused on covering the miles.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 11 mm | Weight: 11.62 oz/shoe (men's 10.5)
There are generally two types of highly cushioned shoes: some feel soft and pillowy, while others feel more bouncy and energetic. The Nike Vomero 18 falls into the second category. The shoe features a 41mm stack height, achieved through a combination of two energetic Nike foams. A layer of high-energy-return foam absorbs impacts and rebounds to initiate forward propulsion, while a layer of slightly firmer and more stable foam keeps feet planted and rolling forward. The Vomero thrived on long miles and heavy footfalls during testing. It features a soft and high-quality upper that breathes well and is easily adjustable. We love it so much that one tester added it 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, making it one of the funnest shoes I've had the pleasure of running in.”
Though the Vomero is a tad tall and heavy (weighing 11.62 ounces), the combination of soft, resilient foam on top, supported by firm, structured foam underneath, makes the added weight well worth it. It feels far more planted than most shoes with this much foam. This makes it a good option for runners who value a confident and stable landing and prefer not to feel the bottom of the cushioning. If you want a more versatile shoe, the Asics Novablast 5 has a similar height stack and weighs only 9.5 ounces for a size 10.5, but is softer, and in our experience, less stable. In the end, we love that the Vomer maintains cushion mile after mile, making it one for most people's shortlist.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 5 mm | Weight: 10.62 oz/shoe (men's 10.5)
For the runners who want a soft and pillowy cushioning feel, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 is a good fit. It's a big, soft shoe that's comfortable at slow paces. Running in it feels a lot like running on pillows. There's 40mm of foam in the heel, and it's some of the softest foam in our tests. The upper materials are straightforward and comfortable. There are soft materials and plenty of padding to leave your feet ensconced in comfort. This is a shoe that feels plus, and we love it for our slow and easy runs.
There is a tradeoff, though. That plush foam lacks stability and responsiveness; landings can lack support or direction, and fast paces feel nearly impossible. The compression underfoot is pleasant and smooth, but pushing off felt like we were running on marshmallows. For excellent cushioning that has a little more energy, we think the Nike Vomero 18 is hard to beat. However, there is no doubt that the 1080v14 is comfortable, making this deeply cushioned shoe perfect for slow paces. But runners who need stability or versatility will be better served elsewhere.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0 mm | Weight: 9.18 oz/shoe (men's 10.5)
If you're a fan of zero-drop or minimalist shoes, the Altra Escalante 4 is designed for you. It has one of the most comfortable uppers we've ever tried on. Altra's naturally shaped toe box is spacious and comfortable, providing toes with room to spread out without allowing feet to slide. The materials are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. Our tester said, “I love wearing the Escalante. It's my go-to when I want a running shoe also to stand around in, walk in, or wear casually because it's just so comfortable.”
While the shoe feels more like a slipper than a shoe, that comes with drawbacks. It was our least favorite for cushioning in the group. While there is enough to protect feet from the ground, there isn't much more and they didn't feel protective as the miles added up. During testing, we regularly felt rocks poking our feet through the thin midsole foam. If you prefer zero-drop shoes and an anatomical toe box, but want more cushioning, then we think the Altra Torin 8 could be right for you. It's not quite as comfortable as the Escalante, but it's a better fit for consistent running. That said, if comfort is job one, the Escalante is the clear winner.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 9 mm | Weight: 8.73 oz/shoe (men's 10.5)
For runners with a race on the calendar and a week full of pace changes, the Adidas Adizero Evo SL is here to help. It features a lot of Adidas' premium Lightstrike Pro underfoot, resulting in a responsive ride we thought was extremely well-cushioned and smooth, with a lightweight and breathable upper. The Evo SL is an incredibly versatile shoe that can go from slow jogging one minute to full gas the next. One tester said, “This has quickly become my favorite shoe of all time.” For us, it has 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 or true, dedicated race shoes, the Adidas Adizero Evo SL is far more comfortable (and fun) at relaxed paces. If top-end speed is your primary need, then the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo features a carbon plate and could be a better choice on race day or during key workouts leading up to it. Overall, if you're training for a race and can only have one shoe, this is our go-to. If you have a shoe rotation, it works great for workouts at moderate paces, long hard runs, or easier days.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6 mm | Weight: 6.11 oz/shoe (men's 10.5)
On race day, grab the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo. It's an update to one of our all-time favorite racers, and we think it's an improvement. 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 one 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 helped us lock into a pace and go.
While the upper saves weight (this shoe is absurdly light), the materials cause some issues. We experienced some rubbing at the forefoot, particularly on 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 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.
The insane compression and rebound from the midsole of the Metaspeed Sky is a massive part of why it is the best for race day. Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 13 mm | Weight: 10.7 oz/shoe (men's 10.5)
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is your best bet for a budget stability shoe. Recently replaced by the 25th version, we still believe this last-generation model has a lot of value. The Brooks' DNA Loft v3 midsole offers a firm but protective feel that's stable, planted, and predictable. As our tester notes, “The new midsole gave me smoother transitions on my runs than previous versions.” This durable shoe comes in four width options and features a comfortable upper, making it easier to find the perfect locked-in fit for a price often under $100 (depending on sales).
The Adrenaline's measured stack height is 39 mm, but the heel-to-toe drop is substantial at 13 mm. That much drop isn't for everyone. Depending on where you are starting from, it might be best to transition over time, starting with something with a lower drop, such as the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 or the Asics Novablast 5 (both with an 8 mm drop). However, 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 stable than the Adrenaline GTS 24.
The Adrenaline GTS 24 is a classic stability shoe that is reliable and does the job for a great price. Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Product Comparison Table
In addition to running all these shoes through their paces, we sent a second pair to our testing facility to get precise measurements on things like stack height, compression stiffness, and rocker angle. Credit: Natalie Kafader
How We Tested
Since 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 over 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 four weighted metrics:
Comfort and Fit (45% of overall score weighting)
Cushioning (30% weighting)
Breathability (15% weighting)
Traction (10% weighting)
How We Measure Stack Height
There's no industry standard for measuring heel-to-toe drop, so each company chooses its own way to calculate this. To have standardized and comparable data, we cut the shoes in half and measure them ourselves based on the World Athletics stack height standards, which are used to regulate professional racing.
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.
We put each pair of shoes through standardized testing to provide a fair assessment. Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Analysis and Test Results
Comparing running shoes can be tricky. Different shoes are designed to serve various purposes. We consider many different aspects of the shoe, and break down how they perform, including ncushioning, comfort, fit, traction, and more.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Value is a huge consideration when logging miles. Some runners prioritize maximizing mileage per dollar, while others value performance over durability. The Adidas Adizero SL2 is our favorite budget shoe. It packs a ton of comfort and performance into shoes with a price far lower than competitors that didn't perform as well. For overall value, we like the Asics Novablast 5. It costs a little more than the SL2, but it blends top-tier performance, superb comfort, and exceptional versatility at a reasonable price. Finally, it's hard to discuss value without mentioning the Adidas Adizero Evo SL, which boasts a phenomenal, versatile performance that we think could justify a far higher price.
Old Versions = Incredible Value
Past versions of shoes are often a great value, frequently dropping in price significantly before a new version is released. These sales often extend after the new version hits the shelves, creating an opportunity to find fantastic deals on highly regarded shoes that can save you some serious coin. If you're intrigued by any shoe we've tested, we recommend considering the prior version if it is still available.
Your best shoe depends on where, how far, and how often you run. Your specific stride, anatomy, and unique running goals will also play a role.
Comfort and Fit
To assess comfort, we consider several aspects that contribute to how a shoe feels. We prioritize a snug fit that prevents any rubbing or sliding while running. We want an upper that provides great lockdown, but doesn't feel cramped or overly tight. Shoes that felt overly constricting, loose, or sloppy lost points. Several factors influence comfort and fit, including the materials used, toebox shape, laces, tongue design, and heel cup.
The most comfortable shoes in our test, hands down, was the Altra Escalante 4. Altra designs its shoes with an “anatomical fit” that more closely mirrors an average foot shape than the typical running shoe. This choice makes it pretty darn comfortable and spot on in terms of size. We think the upper materials feel lightweight and soft, with an excellent lockdown that keeps our feet stable and planted squarely on the midsole. The Escalante's cousin, the Altra Torin 8, is also extremely comfortable for similar reasons.
The Escalante feels more like a slipper than a running shoe. Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Shoes like the Asics Novablast 5 and Adidas Adizero Evo SL feature a lightweight upper that isn't quite as plush as some, but provides excellent lockdown and a comfortable wrap for the feet. These shoes are highly versatile, so while the comfort is excellent, they are a little less plush than other options.
Note the soft, knit materials on the Novablast around the ankle, and the wide, padded tongue. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Plusher options include shoes such as the Nike Vomero, New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14, and Saucony Ride 18. These shoes have a more “built out” upper and are a little more comfort optimized. They are designed to make you say “Ahhh” as you pull them on. Soft knit materials and ample padding are standard for these shoes, making them exceptionally comfortable.
The Vomero has a heavier, but soft and extremely comfortable upper that fits well. Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Taking dishonorable mention for comfort and fit are the Hoka Arahi and the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo. The Arahi has an overly constricting fit, especially through the toe box. The stability features that provide support also make the foot feel cramped in the shoe, and the materials are rough, causing abrasions during testing. On the other hand, the lack of superior comfort with the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo was expected. As a racing shoe, it is designed to be lightweight and fast, not extremely comfortable on your foot. It definitely runs narrow, and the toe box tapers a little too early for our taste. We'd recommend trying on a half size up in this shoe.
The Gel-Kayano is designed with stability in mind. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Cushioning
When assessing cushioning, we are most interested in how a shoe feels underfoot while running. Do our feet feel protected from the road's impact? How well does the cushioning insulate our legs over longer efforts? Are transitions from heel to toe during landing and takeoff smooth or choppy? Do we feel as though we are “bottoming out” the cushioning? How much compression does the foam have? How much resilience (energy return)? How stiff is the shoe?
Asics Novablast 5Altra Escalante 4
A closer look at our favorite daily trainer, max-cushion shoe, the Asics Novablast, compared to the least cushioned, zero-drop Altra Escalante 4. Click the button to choose any two shoes to compare.
Even shoes with similar cushioning performance can have drastically different feels underfoot. This is typically the result of the foam choice in the midsole and the shoe's design geometry. Different types of shoes are designed for different activities and purposes. A plush, highly cushioned shoe typically isn't designed to be as responsive, for example. Choosing a shoe designed for your intended activities and experience levels can help you find the perfect amount of cushioning for you.
The cushioning on the Sky Tokyo feels bottomless but still manages to feel bouncy and responsive at speed. Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
When it comes to cushioning, it's actually a race shoe that takes home top marks. The Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo has just under 40mm of extremely resilient, dual-density superfoam. The dual-density superfoam is highly compressible underfoot and quickly springs back into shape. It is a shoe designed to help you cross the finish line of a marathon as quickly as possible. It feels leg-saving and comfortable, but the cushioning isn't designed for everyday use; instead, it feels best when you're really hammering.
The Novablast 5 has a measured stack of 41 mm at the heel, making it a max-cushioned shoe. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Asics Novablast 5 straddles the line between daily trainer and max-cushioning. It technically sits in the max-cushioning end of the spectrum, with 41 mm of foam at the heel, but it doesn't run like a max-cushioned shoe. While it is extremely well-cushioned, it is also remarkably versatile, thanks to a resilient foam and lightweight build. We think it's best for everyday running. Compare that to the Nike Vomero 18, which also scores very well for cushioning. The Vomero is a high-stack shoe with excellent comfort and top-tier cushioning. It even features a resilient midsole foam, but due to its bulk and purpose, it isn't quite as versatile. We think it's best for slow and steady running. These two shoes have different purposes, but both are comfortable and do an excellent job of protecting your legs.
The Fresh Foam 1080 is highly cushioned, but might feel overly squishy to some runners. Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Other shoes, such as the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v14 and the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, perform very well in terms of cushioning. They both have thick foam and are designed to be comfortable at slow paces. However, the 1080v14 is like a marshmallow. It is highly compressible, but it doesn't quickly rebound to its original shape, ending up feeling a little mushy. In comparison, the Gel-Nimbus offers a slightly firmer ride. It doesn't feel as plush, but pushing off the ground feels a little more direct.
While the Evo SL has a firmer feel than many with this much foam, it is still comfortable and relatively bouncy. Credit: Natalie Kafader
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 highly resilient foam.
The Altra Escalante is a zero-drop shoe with only 22 mm of foam. While comfortable for this type of shoe, it doesn't offer the same pillowy cushion of the higher stacked options. Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
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 (although we do think a slightly thicker rubber outsole would better protect feet from rock strikes). While every runner may not desire a less cushioned shoe, some prefer to feel more grounded and connected to the earth. Additionally, the lack of heel-to-toe drop may be beneficial for specific gait patterns that favor non-heel-strike patterns or for those looking to ease pressure on knees or hips.
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 has a comfortable upper in fit and feel, but the breathability isn't super impressive, and it runs warm. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Breathability
Breathability is pretty simple. Does the shoe allow airflow to prevent feet from getting hot and sweaty? If so, it's a breathable shoe. If not, feet will run hot and likely sweatier than anyone wants. As the ambient temperature gets higher or the humidity increases, things can get swampy fast.
The race-oriented Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo offers excellent breathability, thanks to an extremely lightweight and airy upper mesh. It is thin enough that you can almost see through it, and it does a superb job of allowing feet to stay cool on hot days.
The Escalante has a lightweight upper that is also extremely breathable. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Coming in not far behind is the Altra Escalante 4. It's not quite as airy, but the lightweight and soft upper materials do an excellent job of keeping feet dry. We think this is a shoe that runners who prefer to run without socks will love. The materials are comfortable and effectively wick away sweat.
Shoes with a performance orientation tend to breathe best. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Shoes designed to be lightweight and versatile often excel in breathability. The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5, Hoka Mach 6, Asics Novablast 5, and Adidas Adizero Evo SL all stand out as a result. Their uppers may not be as plush as those in more comfort-oriented shoes, but the lightweight materials are highly breathable.
The Brooks Ghost 17 is pretty comfortable, but we found it got hotter than we expected. Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
At the bottom of this category are the Asics Gel-Kayano 32, which features a plush upper that, while comfortable, retains air on hot days, and the Brooks Ghost 17, which is similarly comfortable but struggles to breathe, especially at the back of the shoe. Both shoes illustrate the tradeoff between a plush and comfortable upper and breathability.
We test traction on wet, icy, and snowy roads to find which ones stand out. Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Traction
No one likes sliding around corners or slipping on wet asphalt. We assess each shoe on a range of Montana weather conditions and various surfaces to determine the best roadworthy grip. Most road shoes will handle typical road-running conditions well, but snow, ice, and wet conditions can change the game. And while road shoes aren't the best for trails, many runners run in parks or on city paths that aren't paved. We also test these shoes on looser surfaces, such as dirt roads and crushed gravel bike paths.
Adidas Adizero Evo SLNew Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Comparing the lug-less but grippy tread of the Evo SL to the intense tread pattern of the NewBalance Rebel v5. Click the button below to compare the tread of any two shoes in our current lineup.
Traction is the result of a complex recipe: the tackiness and hardness of the outsole compound, the outsole pattern, the size of the lugs on the outsole, and the presence or absence of siping. All these features work together to provide grip on most surfaces (hopefully), but that isn't always the case.
Our favorite outsole compound is the Continental rubber used on some Adidas shoes, such as the Adidas Adizero Evo SL. This rubber really grabs well on a range of pavement conditions, especially for a shoe with no lugs. The compound is tacky and confidence-inspiring. However, this shoe struggles on loose surfaces because it has no lugs.
The grooves in the Altra Torin's outsole are meant to provide flexibility, but they also provide extra traction. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Shoes like the Altra Torin 8, Nike Vomero 18, and the Nike Pegasus 41 stand out due to the relative aggressiveness of their outsole pattern. We found these shoes performed well on looser surfaces thanks to their lugs biting very well.
The rubber outsole of the Nike Vomero helps it grip better on wet pavement. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Most race shoes are designed to have adequate traction on flat, ideal racing conditions. They tend to cut weight by limiting the amount of rubber in the outsole. This means that shoes like the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo offered a less impressive performance in terms of traction. They are competent on wet roads, but are less ideal for looser surfaces or when conditions become cold and slick.
The Evo SL is the rare uptempo shoe that can roll comfortably for long, easy efforts thanks to its responsive feel. Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Other Notable Men's Road Running Shoes
The men's running shoe market is vast and wide. There are numerous compelling shoes available for various types of runners and different types of running activities. Here is a list of other compelling contenders that we think are solid options:
Running Shoes Worth Considering
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 and comfortable option. While it is expensive, we love it for runners tackling a marathon block.
Brooks Glycerin 22 — This stability-focused shoe is a reliable standby with comfortable cushioning. It is well-positioned for heel strikers who enjoy running at slow paces and seek additional support and lateral stability. Many runners find the combination of support and cushioning to be ideal.
Brooks Glycerin Max — Towering underfoot cushion provides a soft landing without feeling mushy, while good balance and a rocker keep things rolling along well enough.
Nike Zoom Fly 6 — Lots of ZoomX foam and a carbon plate make this shoe feel like a baby Alphafly. It is fast, smooth, energetic, and has plenty of support for hard training. The Fly 6 is ideal for runners who frequently change pace.
On Cloudsurfer 2 — This version is far more stable than its predecessor, with a wider platform and a firmer foundation. While not the most cushioned running option, it can make the crossover from walking or going to the gym.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 — This shoe was replaced with a new version. It has long been one of our most highly recommended shoes, offering an incredibly balanced performance that we think most runners interested in pace will love.
Hoka Skyward X — This carbon-plated, max-cushion shoe has one of the most comfortable landing platforms, but is shockingly heavy. It is also expensive, and there are cheaper shoes that are almost as comfortable.
Nike Pegasus Plus — The Pegasus Plus has a soft, responsive ride and a higher stack than the Pegasus 41. It does run a little narrow and costs more than similar performers.
We tested and compared all the top contenders on the market to help you make the best choice possible for your feet and running style. Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
