What Running Shoes Are Best? Top Picks & Buying Guide

What running shoes are best? The best running shoes depend entirely on your individual needs, foot type, running style, and the terrain you’ll be running on. This comprehensive running shoe guide will help you navigate the vast world of running shoes to find the perfect pair for you, including running shoe recommendations.

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Choosing Your Best Running Shoe Type

Before diving into specific running shoe reviews, it’s crucial to grasp the different categories of running shoes. Each category caters to different running styles and foot types.

Road Running Shoes

These are the most common type of running shoes, designed for paved surfaces like roads, sidewalks, and tracks.

• Features: Smooth outsoles, responsive cushioning, and flexibility.
• Ideal for: Daily training, long runs, and races on roads.

Trail Running Shoes

Designed for off-road adventures, these shoes provide traction and protection on uneven terrain like trails, dirt, and rocks.

• Features: Aggressive outsoles with deep lugs, reinforced uppers for durability, and rock plates for underfoot protection.
• Ideal for: Trail running, hiking, and off-road races.

Track Spikes

These specialized shoes are designed for optimal performance on a running track.

• Features: Lightweight construction, aggressive spike plates for enhanced grip and speed.
• Ideal for: Track workouts and races.

Cross Training Shoes for Running

While not specifically designed for running long distances, cross-training shoes can handle shorter runs mixed with other workouts.

• Features: Durable construction, stable platforms for weightlifting, and some cushioning for running.
• Ideal for: Gym workouts, cross-training, and short runs.

Identifying Your Foot Type

Knowing your foot type is essential for choosing the right running shoes. Your foot type affects how your foot moves during your run, and the right shoes can provide the support and cushioning you need.

Neutral Pronation

• What it is: Your foot lands on the outside of the heel and rolls inward slightly to absorb shock.
• Characteristics: Normal arch height, even wear pattern on shoes.
• Ideal Shoes: Neutral running shoes with moderate cushioning and support.

Overpronation

• What it is: Your foot rolls inward excessively after landing, putting stress on your ankles and knees.
• Characteristics: Low arches or flat feet, wear pattern concentrated on the inside edge of shoes.
• Ideal Shoes: Stability running shoes with medial support to control overpronation.

Supination (Underpronation)

• What it is: Your foot rolls outward excessively after landing, reducing shock absorption.
• Characteristics: High arches, wear pattern concentrated on the outside edge of shoes.
• Ideal Shoes: Neutral running shoes with ample cushioning and flexibility to encourage foot motion.

Simple Test to Determine Your Foot Type

• Wet Foot Test: Wet the bottom of your foot and step onto a piece of dark paper or cardboard. The imprint will reveal your arch type. A full footprint indicates flat feet (overpronation), while a faint or broken imprint indicates high arches (supination).

Decoding Running Shoe Features

Running shoes come with a variety of features, each playing a role in comfort, performance, and durability.

Cushioning

Cushioning absorbs impact and provides a comfortable ride.

• Types: Foam (EVA, TPU, PEBA), air, gel.
• Considerations: More cushioning is better for longer runs and heavier runners. Less cushioning offers better ground feel for speedwork. Cushioned running shoes are available in many types.

Support

Support features help stabilize the foot and prevent overpronation.

• Types: Medial posts, guide rails, reinforced uppers.
• Considerations: Needed for overpronators, may feel restrictive for neutral runners.

Outsole

The outsole provides traction and durability.

• Types: Rubber, carbon rubber, blown rubber.
• Considerations: Thicker outsoles last longer but can add weight. Aggressive treads are essential for trail running.

Upper

The upper encloses the foot and provides breathability and support.

• Materials: Mesh, knit, synthetic overlays.
• Considerations: Breathable uppers keep feet cool and dry. Secure fit prevents slippage.

Heel-to-Toe Drop

The heel-to-toe drop (or offset) is the difference in height between the heel and forefoot.

• Range: 0mm to 12mm.
• Considerations: Higher drops can reduce strain on the Achilles tendon. Lower drops encourage a more natural midfoot strike.

Top Running Shoe Recommendations by Category

Here are some of the top rated running shoes across different categories:

Road Running Shoes

Shoe	Category	Foot Type	Key Features	Pros	Cons
Brooks Glycerin 20	Neutral	Neutral	DNA LOFT cushioning, plush and comfortable, smooth transitions	Excellent cushioning, comfortable fit, durable	Can feel bulky for some, not the most responsive
Hoka Clifton 9	Neutral	Neutral	Lightweight cushioning, rocker shape for smooth ride, breathable upper	Very cushioned, lightweight, comfortable for long distances	Not the most stable, outsole durability could be better
Saucony Kinvara 14	Neutral	Neutral	Lightweight, flexible, PWRRUN cushioning, responsive	Lightweight, fast feel, good ground feel	Less cushioning than other options, not ideal for very long runs
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13	Neutral	Neutral	Fresh Foam X cushioning, balanced cushioning, durable outsole	Versatile, comfortable, durable	Can feel a bit firm for some, not the most exciting ride
ASICS GEL-Kayano 29	Stability	Overpronation	GEL cushioning, Dynamic Duomax support system, stable platform	Excellent stability, good cushioning, comfortable upper	Can feel stiff for some, not the most flexible

Trail Running Shoes

Shoe	Category	Foot Type	Key Features	Pros	Cons
Salomon Speedcross 6	Trail	Neutral	Aggressive lug pattern, Quicklace system, Sensifit technology	Excellent grip, secure fit, durable	Can feel narrow for some, not ideal for road running
Hoka Speedgoat 5	Trail	Neutral	Vibram Megagrip outsole, cushioned midsole, breathable upper	Excellent cushioning and grip, comfortable for long distances	Can feel unstable on technical terrain for some, high stack height
Brooks Cascadia 16	Trail	Neutral	TrailTack rubber outsole, rock plate, BioMoGo DNA cushioning	Versatile, good protection, comfortable	Can feel a bit heavy, not the most responsive
Saucony Peregrine 13	Trail	Neutral	PWRTRAC rubber outsole, rock plate, lightweight	Lightweight, good grip, responsive	Less cushioning than other options, not ideal for very long runs on rocky terrain

Lightweight Running Shoes

Shoe	Category	Foot Type	Key Features	Pros	Cons
Saucony Kinvara 14	Road	Neutral	PWRRUN cushioning, lightweight design, flexible	Lightweight, responsive, affordable	Not the most cushioned, may not be ideal for long distances
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3	Road	Neutral	FuelCell cushioning, bouncy and responsive, lightweight	Fast and fun to run in, comfortable upper	Durability could be better, not the most stable
Brooks Hyperion Tempo	Road	Neutral	DNA FLASH cushioning, lightweight and responsive, comfortable fit	Lightweight, responsive, comfortable	Not as durable as other options, limited support

Factors to Consider Before You Buy

Beyond foot type and shoe category, consider these factors:

Running Distance

• Short runs (5K or less): Lightweight and responsive shoes.
• Long runs (10K or more): Cushioned and supportive shoes.

Running Frequency

• Occasional runners: Focus on comfort and durability.
• Frequent runners: Invest in higher-quality shoes that offer better performance and protection.

Running Surface

• Road: Road running shoes.
• Trail: Trail running shoes.
• Track: Track spikes.

Budget

Running shoes range in price from affordable to premium. Set a budget and stick to it. Running shoe reviews can assist you in your hunt for the best prices.

Fit

The most important factor!

• Try on shoes in the afternoon or evening: Your feet swell throughout the day.
• Wear running socks: This will ensure an accurate fit.
• Leave a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe: Your feet expand when you run.
• Walk or jog around the store: Make sure the shoes feel comfortable and secure.

Taking Care of Your Running Shoes

Proper care extends the life of your running shoes.

Cleaning

• Clean shoes regularly: Use a mild soap and water.
• Air dry: Avoid direct heat, which can damage the materials.
• Remove insoles: Allow them to air out separately.

Storage

• Store shoes in a cool, dry place: Away from direct sunlight.
• Loosen laces: This allows shoes to breathe.

Replacement

• Replace shoes every 300-500 miles: Or when you notice signs of wear and tear.
• Signs of wear: Worn outsoles, flattened cushioning, creases in the midsole.

Fathoming Running Shoe Technology

Running shoe companies are constantly innovating to improve performance and comfort. Some common technologies include:

Energy Return

• What it is: The ability of the shoe to return energy to the runner with each stride.
• Examples: Boost (Adidas), FuelCell (New Balance), PWRRUN PB (Saucony).

Cushioning Systems

• What it is: Different types of cushioning used to absorb impact.
• Examples: DNA LOFT (Brooks), GEL (ASICS), React (Nike).

Stability Features

• What it is: Features that help control overpronation.
• Examples: Dynamic Duomax (ASICS), GuideRails (Brooks), medial posts.

Running Shoes for Different Foot Types: A Closer Examination

Let’s delve deeper into the specific needs of different foot types and the running shoes that cater to them.

Running Shoes for Neutral Feet

Runners with neutral pronation have the most flexibility in shoe selection. They can choose from a wide range of neutral running shoes that offer cushioning, responsiveness, and flexibility. The focus should be on finding a shoe that feels comfortable and fits well.

• Key Features: Balanced cushioning, smooth transitions, and a flexible upper.
• Examples: Brooks Glycerin, Hoka Clifton, Saucony Kinvara.

Running Shoes for Flat Feet (Overpronation)

Runners with flat feet or overpronation need shoes that provide stability and support to prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot. These shoes typically feature medial posts or other stability features to control pronation and reduce the risk of injury.

• Key Features: Medial support, stable platform, reinforced heel counter.
• Examples: ASICS GEL-Kayano, Brooks Adrenaline, New Balance Fresh Foam X 860.

Running Shoes for High Arches (Supination)

Runners with high arches or supination need shoes that offer ample cushioning and flexibility to encourage foot motion and absorb shock. These shoes should be able to compensate for the lack of natural pronation and provide a comfortable ride.

• Key Features: High cushioning, flexible outsole, accommodating upper.
• Examples: New Balance Fresh Foam X More, Hoka Bondi, Brooks Glycerin.

Running Shoe Reviews: Deep Dives

Before making a purchase, it’s helpful to read running shoe reviews from various sources. These reviews can provide valuable insights into the performance, durability, and comfort of different shoes.

Where to Find Running Shoe Reviews

• Running blogs and websites: Many running blogs and websites offer in-depth reviews of the latest running shoes.
• Online retailers: Check the customer reviews on online retailers like Amazon, Zappos, and Running Warehouse.
• Magazines: Running magazines often publish shoe reviews and buying guides.
• YouTube: Many runners and shoe reviewers post video reviews of running shoes on YouTube.

Most Comfortable Running Shoes: What Makes Them So?

Comfort is subjective, but some running shoes consistently receive high praise for their exceptional comfort. Factors that contribute to a shoe’s comfort include:

• Plush cushioning: Soft and responsive cushioning materials like DNA LOFT (Brooks) and Fresh Foam (New Balance) provide a comfortable ride.
• Seamless uppers: Uppers made from soft, breathable materials with minimal seams reduce irritation and chafing.
• Accommodating fit: A shoe that fits well and conforms to the shape of the foot is essential for comfort.
• Rocker shape: A rocker shape in the sole can promote a smooth and natural gait, reducing fatigue.

FAQs About Choosing Running Shoes

• How often should I replace my running shoes?
  Replace your running shoes every 300-500 miles, or when you notice signs of wear and tear.
  

• What is the difference between neutral and stability shoes?
  Neutral shoes are designed for runners with neutral pronation, while stability shoes are designed for runners with overpronation. Stability shoes provide medial support to control excessive inward rolling of the foot.
  

• Can I use trail running shoes on the road?
  While you can use trail running shoes on the road, it’s not ideal. The aggressive lugs on the outsole can wear down quickly on pavement, and the stiffer construction may not be as comfortable as road running shoes.

• What is heel-to-toe drop?
  Heel-to-toe drop is the difference in height between the heel and forefoot of a shoe. It can affect your running form and the muscles you use during your run.

• How do I clean my running shoes?
  Clean your running shoes with mild soap and water. Air dry them away from direct heat.