Running shoes have come a long way in the last few years. New brands have entered the market, and legacy brands have introduced so many innovations that two shoes bearing the same name but a different model number may share little more than a logo. The market is packed with excellent options, but finding the right shoe for your needs has rarely felt more confounding.
We've tested and reviewed over 200 models; below are our recommendations for the best running shoes you can buy. 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.
- Responsiveness: How well the shoe translates your applied force into forward motion. A score of 6.5+ is adequate for daily training. For racing, look for 8 or better.
- Lateral Stability: How steady the shoe feels underfoot. 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.
If you want to learn more about our testing process, you can read about our lab tests here.
If you're mostly concerned with comfort, check out our recommendations for the most comfortable running shoes. If you're looking to increase your mileage, check out our recommendations for the best long-distance running shoes. And if you're someone who listens to music while running, check out our picks for the best headphones and earbuds for running.
We buy and test 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 so team members can log in miles. This real-world testing is conducted at various paces and conditions, across 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 Shoes
Marathon Racing7.95K/10K Racing6.2Responsiveness7.8Cushioning9.4Lateral Stability6.9True To Size8.9Weight:229.9 g (8.11 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:8.7 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe best running shoes we've tested are the ASICS MEGABLAST. It's one of the few running shoes in today's increasingly specialized market that can truly do it all, from long, easy runs to short, uptempo intervals. This shoe delivers comfort and performance with very few compromises. Its cushioning is among the best, providing superb protection from the impact of pounding the pavement. That protective cushioning holds up well over the long haul, continuing to provide excellent impact absorption even through the marathon distance.
This shoe isn't just about cushioning, though: its midsole is made of a bouncy foam that does an impressive job of returning the energy you put into each step. If you decide you want to pick up the pace, this shoe will happily oblige. ASICS packed all of this cushioning and rebound into a surprisingly lightweight construction, so the shoe never feels cumbersome or sluggish, even as your legs fatigue.
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Best Budget Running Shoes
Marathon Racing7.65K/10K Racing6.8Energy Return7.2Cushioning8.4Lateral Stability7.3True To Size9.3Weight:226.3 g (7.98 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:4.9 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe Mizuno Neo Zen is a bargain for runners who want a comfortable daily shoe without breaking the bank. It has a soft, plush feel underfoot and works well for regular miles, though it can’t match the ASICS MEGABLAST for versatility or protection over longer efforts, especially for heavier runners. Its sock-like upper feels comfortable once on foot, but the fit can be harder to lock down and may bother those with higher arches. Since the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 has already been released, the original Neo Zen is now easier to find on sale.
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Best Running Shoes for Daily Training
Marathon Racing7.35K/10K Racing6.6Responsiveness6.6Cushioning8.1Lateral Stability7.4True To Size9.1Weight:248.2 g (8.76 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:8.2 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe best daily trainer we've tested is the ASICS NOVABLAST 5. It's a comfortable everyday shoe that feels more energetic than a traditional workhorse, without losing the stability you want for regular mileage. It isn't as responsive as the ASICS MEGABLAST, but it still has enough bounce to make steady runs feel less flat. For runners trying to build consistency across several weekly runs, the NOVABLAST 5 is an easy shoe to keep reaching for: it's lively, comfortable, and versatile enough to handle all daily training needs.
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Best Running Shoes for Beginners
Marathon Racing7.15K/10K Racing5.8Energy Return6.9Cushioning8.9Lateral Stability7.5True To Size8.4Weight:277.0 g (9.77 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:8.7 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe Kiprun Kipride Max is a great beginner shoe for runners who want comfort, protection, and a dependable ride from the start. It isn't as light or energetic as the ASICS MEGABLAST, or as nimble as the ASICS NOVABLAST 5, but it offers excellent cushioning and good stability for runners just starting out. The fit can run tight through the arch, but overall, the Kipride Max is an excellent pick for beginners who care more about logging miles comfortably than podium finishes.
Runners craving a lower-stacked, lighter shoe that can handle uptempo efforts a little better, and who are willing to forfeit some cushioning, will find the HOKA Mach 7 a solid alternative. It's a nimbler shoe with more ground feel, best suited to beginner runners looking for a more stripped-back feel underfoot.
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Best Running Shoes For Stability
Marathon Racing7.15K/10K Racing5.7Responsiveness7.5Cushioning8.5Lateral Stability7.6True To Size9.8Weight:292.9 g (10.33 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:4.4 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe best running shoe for stability that we've tested is the Saucony Hurricane 25. It isn't as speedy or cushioned as the ASICS MEGABLAST, but for a support shoe, it feels impressively modern. It delivers a stable ride without feeling stiff or awkward, with strong cushioning and enough rebound to keep daily mileage enjoyable. For overpronators who want guidance without the old-school stability-shoe feel, the Saucony is a terrific choice.
If you want more options for a stable running shoe, check out our picks for Best Stability Running Shoes.
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Best Running Shoes for Cushioning
Marathon Racing6.65K/10K Racing4.4Responsiveness7.6Cushioning9.6Lateral Stability6.5True To Size9.7Weight:329.5 g (11.62 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:9.9 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe Nike Vomero Premium is a titan of a shoe, with the tallest stack and deepest cushioning of any model we've tested. It's much heavier and less stable than the ASICS MEGABLAST, and it isn't as well-suited to faster running or marathon-distance efforts. However, for runners who want maximum underfoot protection for recovery runs and relaxed daily miles, the Vomero Premium is hard to beat.
The adidas Hyperboost Edge is the better pick if you want max-cushion comfort with more pace range. It isn't quite as cushioned as the Nike, but it's much lighter, more responsive, and more versatile while still offering excellent protection. The main caveat is the upper, which may not work for everyone; we found it can dig into the ankle badly enough to make the shoe unusable.
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Best Running Shoes for Tempo Workouts
Marathon Racing7.65K/10K Racing6.3Responsiveness7.8Cushioning8.5Lateral Stability7.1True To Size9.8Weight:242.0 g (8.54 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:7.3 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe Saucony Endorphin Azura is a lightweight, daily trainer and the best we've tested for uptempo workouts. It doesn't offer as much protective cushioning or bounce as the ASICS MEGABLAST, but it feels more controlled underfoot, with a pronounced rocker and lively midsole that make it easy to pick up the pace. It's a great option for runners who want a refined, less dramatic trainer with a bit more groundfeel.
Runners who want a plated super trainer with more cushioning and protection should look at the ASICS SONICBLAST. It's taller and heavier, with a dual-density midsole that pairs a bouncy top layer with a firmer base for a balanced ride. That extra build makes it better for runners who want a smoother, more protective shoe for uptempo efforts rather than the lighter, more ground-connected feel of the Azura.
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Best Running Shoes For Racing
Marathon Racing8.95K/10K Racing8.5Responsiveness8.3Cushioning8.4Lateral Stability6.6True To Size7.3Weight:157.3 g (5.55 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:4.7 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:Carbon FiberThe ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO is a plated super shoe built for racing everything from 5Ks to marathons. It isn't as stable or as cushioned as the more versatile ASICS MEGABLAST, but that's expected from a performance-oriented racer. It provides a swift rebound and smooth roll underfoot, with a strong spring through toe-off that makes goal pace feel easier to lock in. For runners chasing PBs, this is the top pick.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2 is worth considering if money is no object and you don't mind hunting for a pair. Not many were produced, and it's usually out of stock, but it's lighter, more cushioned, and slightly more responsive than the ASICS, with better protection over longer efforts. That said, it's one of the most specialized race shoes available, and its extreme race-day focus makes it hard to justify for non-elite runners looking for a forgiving shoe for regular use.
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Best Running Shoes For Long Runs
Marathon Racing7.75K/10K Racing6.2Responsiveness7.5Cushioning9.4Lateral Stability6.9True To Size9.1Weight:232.6 g (8.20 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:7.1 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is the best shoe we've tested for long runs. It isn't quite as fun or bouncy as the ASICS MEGABLAST, but it's still plenty lively, with the same excellent overall cushioning and slightly calmer ride underfoot. It provides a huge amount of protection, while the stiff rocker geometry helps keep your foot rolling forward as the miles build. The cushioning also holds up superbly over longer efforts, making it a fantastic pick for lighter forefoot landers and heavier heel strikers alike.
The Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra is the less conventional pick for runners who want something bouncier and more chaotic. It has even stronger long-run cushioning than the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3, with a lively midsole that feels exciting underfoot. It's much narrower through the arch, and harder to buy in most countries, but for runners looking for a unique mix of high-stack cushioning, bounce, and outstanding long-run protection, it's an exciting choice.
Notable Mentions
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Nike Vomero Plus:
The Nike Vomero Plus offers a highly cushioned ride with plenty of comfort for easy runs and daily mileage. It isn't as protective as the Nike Vomero Premium, but its lighter build makes it the more versatile pick.
See our review -
adidas Adizero Evo SL:
The adidas Adizero Evo SL brings adidas' premium racing foam into a lightweight trainer built for workouts and faster daily runs. It isn't as cushioned as the Saucony Endorphin Azura or ASICS SONICBLAST, but it's more responsive than both, though it won't suit runners who need more ankle support.
See our review -
Dynafish Xiaonian:
The Dynafish Xiaonian is a lighter, more cushioned alternative to the Saucony Endorphin Azura, with a bouncy ride that works well for uptempo efforts. It lacks the plated structure of the ASICS SONICBLAST, so toe-off is less rigid, and although availability can be limited, its versatility across paces makes it a very exciting proposition indeed.
See our review -
Li-Ning Feidian 6 Elite:
The Li-Ning Feidian 6 Elite is a protective carbon-plated racer for marathon and long-distance efforts, with excellent responsiveness and cushioning. It's heavier than the ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO and adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2, while its soft, narrow heel makes it less stable for heel strikers.
See our review
Recent Updates
Jun 04, 2026:
We've updated this article with a new usage-based structure, expanding it from six to nine picks to better reflect how different runners shop for shoes. We also added more context around our test scores in the intro and updated the wording across the recommendation boxes. New main picks include the Kiprun Kipride Max, Nike Vomero Premium, Saucony Hurricane 25, and ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO, while the Nike Vomero Plus, Dynafish Xiaonian, adidas Adizero Evo SL, and Li-Ning Feidian 6 Elite were added to the Notable Mentions.
Apr 22, 2026:
We've updated our mid-range pick to the Nike Vomero Plus after a price change in our previous pick. We've also updated our pick for the 'Best Budget Running Shoe' to the Mizuno Neo Zen after its price dropped.
Mar 19, 2026:
We've updated our upper mid-range pick to the recently released ASICS SUPERBLAST 3, and our lower mid-range pick to the recently released Saucony Endorphin Azura.
Jan 23, 2026:
We've revamped the structure of our article and also updated our picks to include shoes that we tested in 2025 and early 2026.
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.
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.