Find The Best
Running Shoe
For Your Needs

The running shoe scene has exploded in the past few years. There are more choices than ever before, with a specialized shoe for just about every niche imaginable. That means there's never been a better time to buy running shoes, but there's also never been a more confusing time to choose the right ones.

If you don't know where to start, we've got you covered. We've tested and reviewed over 280 models, and below are our recommendations for the best running shoes that we think will work for the widest number of runners.

To help make sense of our picks, here's a quick rundown of the main scores we use in our testing:

• Cushioning: How well the shoe's midsole absorbs impact. Overall, 7.5+ is good, though heavier runners should also check the Heel Cushioning and Forefoot Cushioning tests in individual reviews, which show how the cushioning performs at higher force levels.
• Energy Return: How well the midsole of the shoe returns the energy that you put into it with each foot strike. The higher the score, the livelier and more responsive the shoe will feel. A score over 7 is satisfactory for daily training. Look for scores over 8 for a shoe you plan to use for faster runs.
• Stability: How steady the shoe feels underfoot. A score of 7.5 is good for daily use. Race shoes with narrower platforms can score lower, meaning it's important to run with good form. Max-cushioned shoes regularly score lower, too, due to their taller stacks, and are best suited to easy runs where it's easier to maintain good form.
• True to Size: How closely the shoe matches a standardized baseline for length and volume. A score of 9+ means most runners can stick with their normal size. Scores between 7.5 and 9 are generally still good, but check the individual fit components if you have specific concerns, like wide arches or tall toes.