Not every running shoe is designed for the same runner, so finding the right pair can be hard without a bit of help. Our picks below cover different types of runners, whether you want one pair when you're just starting out, are already clocking high mileage, care more about price, or need something that better suits your experience level. Although the right choice depends on the kind of runner you are, there are a few main things every running shoe needs to do well:
Cushioning: How well the shoe absorbs impact when your foot hits the ground. Better cushioning means less road impact reaches your legs. A score of 7.5+ is good overall. Heavier runners should also check the Heel Cushioning and Forefoot Cushioning tests in individual reviews to see how the shoe performs under higher forces.
Energy Return: How much of the energy you put into the shoe comes back after each step. More rebound gives you more help through each stride, so running takes less effort. A score over 7 is satisfactory for regular runs. Look for scores over 8 if you want a shoe for faster running.
Stability: How secure the shoe feels underfoot as you run. A score over 6 is acceptable for most runners. Softer shoes and faster shoes will generally score lower. If you need more support, look for a score of 7.5+.
True to Size: How closely the shoe's length and internal shape match our standardized reference fit. A score of 9+ means you can confidently go with your usual size. If you have wide feet or need more room around your toes, check the individual fit measurements and whether wide sizing is available.
We've tested over 300 pairs, and below are our recommendations for the best running shoes for most people. If you're specifically training for race day, check out our recommendations for the best marathon running shoes. If comfort matters more than performance, see our most comfortable running shoes. Heavier runners should also check out our best running shoes for heavy runners list; this article focuses more on how well each shoe protects your legs under higher forces.
We've bought and tested more than 300 running shoes. Every pair purchased with our own money, never supplied or sponsored by brands. Our data-driven tests are designed to go beyond marketing claims, and since every shoe goes through the exact same methodology, you can directly compare results to find the right pair for your needs.
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Best Running Shoes
Cushioning9.4Energy Return7.8Stability6.4True To Size9.1Heel Stack Height:46.6 mmSee all our test resultsWeight:232.6 g (8.20 oz)If you want one pair of shoes to handle all of your weekly running, the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is the best running shoe we've tested. If you're completely new to running, you may be better served by our beginner pick further down the page. The same goes if you're an experienced runner who mostly runs quicker than around 5:30/km and wants something more exhilarating at those paces. For most people, though, this one is the best choice.
This shoe has a soft, luxurious platform that continues to shield your legs as you run. Its cushy feel takes a superb amount of the sting out of the road, so whether you're heading out for an easy run or spending much longer on your feet, the shoe does an incredible job of protecting your body from impact. It also returns a substantial amount of energy as you push through each stride, so running takes less effort and faster paces are easier to sustain. It rolls smoothly through each step, too; it's the kind of shoe that disappears on foot and lets you focus on running.
You also don't have to choose between lots of cushioning and a bulky shoe. This shoe is very light for how much protection it provides, so it doesn't feel cumbersome when you want to run faster. It works well whether you land on your heel or farther forward, and it comes in a wide range of fun colorways, so there's a great chance you'll find something that fits your tastes. That said, it isn't a cheap shoe, and though its stability isn't terrible, it isn't the best option if you need a lot of support and security underfoot.
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Best Mid-Range Running Shoes
Cushioning8.0Energy Return8.3Stability6.6True To Size8.9Heel Stack Height:36.9 mmSee all our test resultsWeight:220.0 g (7.76 oz)If the price of the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is more than you want to spend, the adidas Adizero Evo SL is the next best option. You give up a lot of the remarkable shock absorption and soft comfort, so your legs won't be quite as well protected from road impact, especially on longer runs. That said, it still protects your legs impressively through regular weekly running and does a good job on longer runs. It's also lighter, sits closer to the ground, and gives significantly more of your effort back with each step, making faster running feel even easier than our top pick. Its lower stack is also less intimidating if you're not used to very tall shoes. It also comes in more colorways than any other shoe in this article, so there's a very good chance you'll find more than one you like.
The biggest drawback is stability. Though it's a bit more stable than the ASICS on paper, its heel and arch are much narrower, so there's less leeway for sloppy form. If your landing isn't controlled, it can wobble from side to side, making it harder to trust if your ankles tend to roll inward, you regularly run on uneven ground, or you're new to running. It also isn't nearly as smooth or comfortable, so you have to pay more attention to your stride. If you want significantly more security underfoot in this price range, the Saucony Endorphin Azura is worth a look. It gives you a much more reliable ride without turning into a slow or cumbersome shoe, though it's firmer and isn't quite as comfortable at top-end speeds.
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Best Budget Running Shoes
Cushioning7.3Energy Return6.8Stability8.4True To Size8.9Heel Stack Height:44.3 mmSee all our test resultsWeight:296.7 g (10.47 oz)If you want to spend as little as possible while still getting a very good running shoe, the Nike Winflo 12 is the best budget shoe we've tested. You give up a lot compared to the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 or adidas Adizero Evo SL. You get a significantly heavier shoe that struggles to run quickly and offers much less help through your stride, making it harder to settle into a comfortable rhythm and causing you to expend more energy on your runs. If you mostly run at relaxed paces, though, it still gets the important things right. You get a much more stable platform that's very dependable for weekly miles. Its cushioning also does a decent job of softening the impact from the road, so your legs are still well protected. It doesn't absorb as much shock as the two picks above, and it doesn't handle longer runs quite as well, but it still does a reasonable job when you want to run farther. You don't get quite as many colorways, either, but there are still plenty to choose from, so you should have no trouble finding the right pair.
That said, if you like to run fast and want a budget shoe better suited to that kind of running, check out the adidas Zenboost. You give up some stability and cushioning compared to the Nike shoe, so it doesn't reduce road impact nearly as much, but it takes much less effort to run quickly and is the lightest shoe on this list.
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Best Running Shoes For Beginners
Cushioning8.5Energy Return7.2Stability7.1True To Size9.4Heel Stack Height:41.9 mmSee all our test resultsWeight:247.7 g (8.74 oz)If you're buying your first proper pair of running shoes and want something very comfortable that inspires confidence as you log your first miles, go with the ASICS NOVABLAST 6. You get a much more trustworthy base than with the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 or adidas Adizero Evo SL, so you don't have to be quite as precise with every landing while you're still figuring out what feels natural for you. It's a great choice when you're alternating between walking and running, as having a reliable platform is much more important than the extra rebound you get from our top two picks. The amazing cushioning also absorbs more impact than our budget pick, the Nike Winflo 12, reducing a huge amount of shock as you start running regularly. It's the kind of shoe you can lace up without thinking too much about how you're running. It can handle longer efforts decently, too, so you won't need a new shoe when you start running further. It comes in plenty of colorways, and wide sizing is available if you need more room.
However, it's much more expensive than the Nike and nowhere near as stable. That said, it's not as heavy and doesn't stand so high off the ground, so it's much more approachable for a newer runner. If you'd rather spend a little more for even more support, especially if your ankles tend to roll inward, the Saucony Hurricane 26 is another great shoe. It's significantly more stable, and though it's much heavier, it gives you much more help through your stride, and is the best stability shoe we've tested.
Want more options for your first pair? Try our picks for the best beginner-friendly running shoes.
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Best Running Shoes For Experienced Runners
Cushioning9.3Energy Return8.3Stability6.7True To Size8.9Heel Stack Height:44.6 mmSee all our test resultsWeight:229.9 g (8.11 oz)If you're an experienced runner looking for the best shoe possible and your easy pace is quicker than around 5:30/km, go with the ASICS MEGABLAST. Unlike the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3, which is accessible enough for almost anyone to lace up and enjoy, this shoe delivers a much more aggressive ride that really comes alive when you want to go faster. You get significantly more of your energy back through each stride, with more assistance as you roll forward and a stiffer forefoot that gives you much more leverage as you push through your toes. It's a shoe that compels you to run quicker, but rewards you by making it effortless to find and hold that pace. Despite not having a plate, there's a reason it's such an impressive marathon option: its cushioning remains remarkable, absorbing an enormous amount of road impact no matter where you land. It's also slightly lighter and performs better at top-end paces than the other ASICS shoe. There are also enough colorways to choose from to find your perfect pair.
However, it's the most expensive shoe on this list, and you won't get the most out of what you're paying for if you can't hit the paces above. Its aggressive ride isn't as easy to cruise in as the SUPERBLAST 3 for the average runner either, and you give up some of that shoe's softer comfort and slightly better protection deep into long runs. Its more tapered toe box can feel restrictive if you need more room around your toes. For the right runner, though, this is the most exhilarating shoe on this list.
Notable Mentions
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Brooks Ghost 18:
The Brooks Ghost 18 is a much more stable alternative to our beginner pick, the ASICS NOVABLAST 6, making it a better option if you prioritize a secure, predictable ride. However, it's heavier, less versatile, and much less protective.
See our review -
Nike Pegasus 42:
The Nike Pegasus 42 is a firmer alternative to our mid-range pick, the adidas Adizero Evo SL. It's much more stable, but far less fun and less versatile, so it's better suited to runners who prefer more road feedback.
See our review -
New Balance 1080v15:
The New Balance 1080v15 is a cheaper alternative to our top pick, the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3, offering a more stable, relaxed ride. However, it's less protective and much less lively, so it can't handle as wide a range of running.
See our review -
Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra:
The Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra is a more luxurious cushioned alternative to the ASICS MEGABLAST. However, it's heavier, significantly less stable, and less versatile overall.
See our review
Recent Updates
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Sep 28, 2026 at 01:11 pm:
We updated this article to better reflect what most people are looking for in a pair of running shoes. We rewrote the introduction, changed our top pick, removed the 'Run/Walk' category, and added a new 'Best For Experienced Runners' category. The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is now our top pick, while the ASICS MEGABLAST is our pick for experienced runners. Finally, we updated the recommendation text throughout to reflect these changes and clarify how each shoe fits your needs.
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Sep 14, 2026 at 11:13 am:
We've updated this article to change our top pick to the ASICS MEGABLAST and replaced the ASICS NOVABLAST 6 with the adidas Adizero Evo SL as our 'Best Mid-Range' pick. We moved the NOVABLAST 6 to our 'Best For Beginners' pick, replacing the Nike Pegasus 42, and replaced the adidas Zenboost with the Nike Winflo 12 as our 'Best Budget' pick. Finally, we added a new 'Best For Run/Walk' category with the HOKA Clifton 11, tweaked the text throughout the pick boxes to reflect these changes, and updated the Notable Mentions accordingly.
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Sep 01, 2026 at 12:51 pm:
We've changed our top pick from the ASICS MEGABLAST to the Saucony Hurricane 26, as we believe the latter will work for a broader range of runners. We've also replaced our 'Best For Racing' and 'Best For Speed Workouts' categories with a single 'Best For Faster Running' category, and changed our 'Best For Beginners' pick to the Nike Pegasus 42.
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Aug 19, 2026 at 02:11 pm:
We've updated our 'Best Budget' recommendation after testing the adidas Zenboost.
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Aug 10, 2026 at 09:59 am:
We've combined the 'Best For Stability' and 'Best For Beginners' picks into a single category and removed the 'Best For Long Runs' category, as our top overall pick, the ASICS MEGABLAST, also has the highest score in our new Long Run usage.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we currently consider 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. There are no universally best shoes for running, so your personal preferences, running style, physiology, and training goals will play the biggest role in finding the right pair.