With the massive growth of the running shoe market in recent years, finding the right pair can feel like a daunting task, whether you're an experienced marathoner trying to keep up with the latest innovations or a hobby jogger seeking a reliable and comfortable option for daily runs. With countless models boasting various features, narrowing down the best choice for your unique needs can seem overwhelming. However, understanding your priorities—like cushioning, stability, or raw speed—can make all the difference in choosing the ideal pair.
We've tested over 50 models; below are our recommendations for the best running shoes you can buy.
We've recently started buying and testing running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
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Best Running Shoe For Racing
Marathon Racing8.75K/10K Racing8.6Energy Return8.8Cushioning8.0Lateral Stability7.4Weight:197.5 g (6.97 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:7.0 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:Carbon Fiber RodsThe best running shoes for racing are the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, offering a great mix of cushioning and bounce, making them a go-to choice on race day. Its premium midsole foam and carbon energy rods deliver a bouncy yet controlled ride that stays effective even deep into a marathon. If you're looking for a fast, responsive shoe that won't beat up your legs over 42K, this is it.
If you're racing shorter events or want something more nimble, the Nike Vaporfly 4 is a strong alternative. It's incredibly light and delivers a firm, direct ride that feels fast and efficient off the ground. The lower stack height offers a closer-to-the-ground sensation and a snappy toe-off, which many runners will appreciate in 5Ks, 10Ks, or even half-marathons. That said, it doesn't offer as much protection for longer efforts and can feel harsh late into a race, making the Adios Pro 4 the better pick for full-distance events. Like most super shoes, both the adidas and Nike shoes prioritize optimal performance at the expense of stability and long-term durability.
Check out our article on the best shoes for running a marathon for more picks.
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Most Versatile Running Shoe
Marathon Racing7.75K/10K Racing7.4Energy Return8.3Cushioning8.1Lateral Stability7.2Weight:220.0 g (7.76 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:6.7 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:Plastic ShankThe adidas Adizero Evo SL is an uptempo trainer that maximizes value without sacrificing performance. It's a lightweight, versatile shoe with elite features such as adidas' premium foam, which is usually reserved for super shoes. The Evo SL offers excellent energy return and responsive cushioning, making it versatile enough to handle both everyday runs and races, though it truly shines during uptempo intervals, delivering a dynamic and lively ride. That said, this shoe will feel harsher at easy paces.
Another great option is the ASICS NOVABLAST 5, a plush trainer that strikes a balance between comfort and bounce. The excellent cushioning makes the NOVABLAST 5 better-suited for easy recovery runs than the Evo SL, but the ASICS shoe is still capable of picking up the pace during long runs.While these two unplated options don't have the aggressive feel of dedicated super shoes like the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, their excellent cushioning and good energy return make them decent race-day options for amateur runners seeking a balance of performance and comfort. However, they aren't elite-level shoes for podium chasers.
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Most Cushioned Running Shoe
Marathon Racing7.25K/10K Racing6.6Energy Return5.7Cushioning9.1Lateral Stability6.9Weight:263.4 g (9.29 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:9.8 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:PlasticThe Mizuno Neo Vista 2 takes cushioning to new heights, with a towering stack of foam that offers maximum protection at any distance. This max-cushion trainer's midsole is comprised of two different foams, stabilized by a plastic plate, and the result is a plush feeling underfoot that is surprisingly lightweight given its stack height. The Neo Vista 2 runs quite long, and the upper is very loose, so consider sizing down.
For runners wanting a max-cushioned, ultra-high stack shoe that doesn't feel too sluggish, the HOKA Mach X 2 is an excellent alternative that can handle faster sessions more effortlessly than the Mizuno. As a plated super trainer, it provides plush comfort without sacrificing responsiveness, so you can comfortably pick up the pace when you feel like pushing it. If you need something more comfortable for easier paces, go with the Mizuno, but for those speedier sessions, get the HOKA.
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Best Long Run Running Shoe
Marathon Racing7.45K/10K Racing6.1Energy Return7.4Cushioning8.7Lateral Stability7.1Weight:247.5 g (8.73 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:9.1 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 is the shoe to reach for if you want a maximalist trainer that provides impressive cushioning and decent stability over long distances. Its dual-layer midsole, featuring a plush top layer and a supportive, firmer foam beneath, delivers an impressive combination of comfort, responsiveness, and stability, making it the best running shoe to put in long efforts. It has a stiffer rocker than its ASICS NOVABLAST 5 counterpart, offering smoother transitions during long runs.
The SUPERBLAST 2 is a bit less cushioned than the Mizuno Neo Vista 2, but it's lighter and still very protective, making it easy on your legs even deep into long distances. With its well-balanced design and smooth ride, this shoe helps you stay fresh and smooth on your longest runs. Compared to a long-distance super shoe like the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, the ASICS prioritizes overall comfort and stability for training runs. On the other hand, the adidas shoe emphasizes raw performance on race day through its lighter weight and superior energy return to maximize efficiency. However, it sacrifices some comfort and durability for regular training.
Looking for more options for long runs? Our article on the best long-distance running shoes has more picks! -
Best Running Shoe For Stability
Marathon Racing5.35K/10K Racing7.2Energy Return5.9Cushioning5.9Lateral Stability8.7Weight:214.7 g (7.57 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:7.3 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 offers impressive stability, making it ideal for runners who need solid ground feel but don't want to sacrifice too much performance. Its very wide base and lower stack height keep you grounded, which is particularly valuable when fatigue compromises your form. While this shoe doesn't provide dedicated support features, its design naturally delivers excellent lateral stability. The shoe remains surprisingly lightweight and decently cushioned, thanks to its midsole. It also provides a decent bounce, making this a well-rounded pick that goes beyond simply offering reliable stability.
If you need a shoe that actively guides your stride, the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 32 is a support shoe designed to correct overpronation. It delivers stability through a structured build and uses support elements like a soft foam-based block for pronation support that bounces your arch back into alignment. However, this comes at the cost of added weight and reduced responsiveness.
That said, while great stability can be a big plus when form starts to break down, this type of shoe isn't necessarily a great pick for longer efforts. For that, a more protective option with a higher stack, like the ASICS NOVABLAST 5, does a better job.
Notable Mentions
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On Cloudboom Zone:
The On Cloudboom Zone is a stripped-back, unplated trainer built for speed. Its firm midsole and responsive toe-off make it a great match for intervals and tempo sessions, delivering a snappy ride without the rigidity of plated designs. It feels quick and agile, but compared to the adidas Adizero Evo SL, it doesn't offer the same level of cushioning or energy return, making it less well-rounded.
See our review -
Brooks Glycerin Max:
The Brooks Glycerin Max impresses with its amazing comfort. While its midsole doesn't absorb as much impact as the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 or the HOKA Mach X 2, its generous stack height and plush cushioning still deliver a luxurious ride. It's quite heavy, but that's not too bothersome given its ideal use: easy recovery runs.
See our review -
Nike Vomero 18:
The Nike Vomero 18 is a no-nonsense daily trainer built for runners who want a cushioned shoe they can rely on day after day. It doesn't try to reinvent anything; it just delivers a solid, protective, and reliable ride. However, compared to the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2, the Nike shoe is noticeably heavier and lacks the bounciness that makes the ASICS a favorite for longer efforts. Still, for runners who value stability, protection, and a no-fuss ride, the Nike shoe holds its ground.
See our review -
HOKA Rocket X 3:
The HOKA Rocket X 3 is a plated workout shoe with amazing cushioning and a stable ride. With its low weight, wide platform, and winged carbon plate, this shoe has no problem picking up the pace, but it lags behind the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 in energy return. The soft foam in the HOKA shoe's forefoot can bottom out in longer runs, making it less than ideal for marathons. Nevertheless, this shoe is a great option for runners who want a snappy shoe that doesn't compromise stability.
See our review
Recent Updates
Aug 07, 2025:
We replaced the Mizuno Neo Zen with the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 as the 'Most Cushioned Running Shoe,' as the latter has superior cushioning. We also changed our pick for the 'Best Long Run Running Shoe' from the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 to the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2, due to the latter's better energy return and stability. On the other hand, we updated our pick for most versatile from the SUPERBLAST 2 to the adidas Adizero Evo SL, as the adidas shoe had more usages. Finally, we added the HOKA Rocket X 3 in the Notable Mentions.
Apr 30, 2025:
We replaced the Nike Alphafly 3 with the adidas Adios Pro 4 as the new racing pick, as it offers better cushioning and improved energy return at a similar weight. We also replaced the On Cloudboom Strike with the Nike Vaporfly 4 as a racing alternative pick to better cover the full racing spectrum, including shorter distances. Finally, we updated the 'Most Cushioned' pick by replacing the Mizuno Neo Vista with the Mizuno Neo Zen, as this newer model provides better underfoot protection.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best shoes for running for most people. We factor in the price (a cheaper pair wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no running shoes that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you'd prefer to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our running shoe reviews. No shoe is perfect for everyone; your personal preferences, running style, physiology, and training goals will play the biggest role in your selection.