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, or simply need something that won't break the bank. 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.
- 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. 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 310 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 you're a woman, check out our picks for the best running shoes for women instead. 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 Shoe
Cushioning9.4Energy Return7.8Stability6.4True To Size9.1Heel Stack Height:46.6 mmSee all our test resultsWeight:232.6 g (8.20 oz)The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is the best running shoe we've tested. This shoe is a versatile choice if you want a single pair to handle all of your weekly running. 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, the ASICS 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 your 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
Cushioning8.4Energy Return8.2Stability7.4True To Size9.8Heel Stack Height:40.2 mmSee all our test resultsWeight:242.0 g (8.54 oz)If you want to spend less while still getting a very capable training shoe, the Saucony Endorphin Azura is the best mid-range running shoe we've tested. Compared with our top pick, the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3, you give up some shock absorption, so more road impact reaches your legs, especially on longer runs. That said, it still provides plenty of protection through regular weekly running and does a good job on longer outings. Its firmer, more stable platform also feels more controlled underfoot, while its springy cushioning and stiff forefoot make it well suited to picking up the pace.
The adidas Adizero Evo SL is an alternative in the same price range if you want a lighter, more flexible shoe. With less weight to lift through each stride, it's particularly appealing for faster workouts. However, you give up some cushioning and stability, and its narrower heel and midfoot leave less room for uneven landings. The Saucony is the more balanced choice for everyday training, while the adidas is worth considering if you prioritize a lighter feel at faster paces.
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Best Cheap 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 cheap shoe we've tested. You give up a lot compared to the Saucony Endorphin Azura. 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 lighter option for faster sessions.
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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, 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.
Want more options for your first pair? See 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. Its lively cushioning and firm push-off make it particularly appealing for longer workouts with faster sections. 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 an expensive shoe, 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.
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Best Cushioned Running Shoes
Cushioning9.6Energy Return7.4Stability6.7True To Size9.7Heel Stack Height:52.7 mmSee all our test resultsWeight:329.5 g (11.62 oz)If you want a shoe built around maximum cushioning, the Nike Vomero Premium is the best cushioned running shoe we've tested. Its exceptionally thick midsole absorbs even more impact than our top pick, the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3, and maintains that protection better as the miles add up, making it particularly appealing for relaxed long runs and easy days on tired legs. Its soft foam takes plenty of the sting out of the road, while the curved sole helps your foot roll smoothly through each step.
However, it's substantially heavier than all other picks, making it very cumbersome when you try to run fast. The very tall, soft platform can also feel unstable on turns. It makes the most sense as another shoe in your rotation for recovery runs, especially if you log enough weekly mileage to justify a dedicated pair for those easier days.
For more options, see our list of the best cushioned running shoes.
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Best Running Shoes For Stability
Cushioning8.4Energy Return8.0Stability7.8True To Size9.4Heel Stack Height:41.4 mmSee all our test resultsWeight:260.6 g (9.19 oz)If your feet tend to roll too far inward when you run, the Saucony Hurricane 26 is the best stability running shoe we've tested. Its wide base provides a secure landing platform, while raised foam sidewalls around the heel and midfoot help keep your foot centered through each stride. That guidance is gentle rather than strongly corrective, so you get added support without feeling like the shoe is forcing your foot through a particular motion.
Compared with our top pick, the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3, it offers a more stable ride, though you give up some cushioning and end up carrying more weight. It still delivers plenty of impact protection, with enough rebound to keep easy miles and longer runs feeling lively. However, its moderate guidance may not be enough if you need stronger support, and it lacks the nimbleness you'd want for quick intervals.
For more options, including shoes that prioritize stronger guidance, see our best stability running shoes.
Notable Mentions
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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. It also comes in multiple widths, making it worth considering if you struggle to find a comfortable fit.
See our review -
Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra:
The Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra combines deep cushioning with more rebound than the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3. However, it feels less stable at slower paces and is harder to find, making it a less practical choice for everyday training.
See our review -
Dynafish Xiaonian:
The Dynafish Xiaonian is a much lighter, more cushioned alternative to the Saucony Endorphin Azura. However, it's harder to buy, and delivery can take longer in North America. The Saucony also offers a firmer push-off if you prefer that feel.
See our review
Recent Updates
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Oct 28, 2026 at 03:09 pm:
We replaced the adidas Adizero Evo SL with the Saucony Endorphin Azura as our mid-range pick for its better cushioning and stability, keeping the adidas as a lighter alternative. We added the Nike Vomero Premium as our cushioning pick and gave the Saucony Hurricane 26 its own stability category.
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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.
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.