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.
If you want to learn more about our testing process, you can read about our lab tests.
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've bought and tested more than 250 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
Cushioning8.4Energy Return8.0Stability7.8True To Size9.4Weight:260.6 g (9.19 oz)Heel Stack Height:41.4 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:7.7 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe Saucony Hurricane 26 is the best running shoe for runners who aren't sure where to start. It's a shoe that helps keep your stride steady without taking the fun out of running. This shoe is designed to help maintain your foot in a neutral position, using a combination of geometry and soft sidewalls to prevent your ankle from rolling sideways as you run. As you progress and start to increase your distance, this shoe will be ready for you, with cushioning that provides impressive shock absorption, even after 40k of repeated impact. The shoe also has a decent amount of bounce, which makes it feel less laborious when you're trying to go faster.
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Best Mid-Range Running Shoes
Cushioning8.5Energy Return7.2Stability7.1True To Size9.4Weight:247.7 g (8.74 oz)Heel Stack Height:41.9 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:8.8 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf you don't want to spend quite as much as our top pick, check out the ASICS NOVABLAST 6. It's not quite as stable as the Saucony Hurricane 26, but if you're confident in your stride and don't need the extra support, the ASICS shoe is steady enough. For runners trying to build consistency, this shoe is a great companion, with enough stability to be a trusty everyday shoe and a bit of bounce to keep routine runs fun and engaging. Whether you're just doing short runs around your neighborhood or more serious long runs, this shoe has enough cushioning to spare your legs from the repeated impact of the pavement.
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Best Budget Running Shoes
Cushioning6.3Energy Return7.9Stability7.9True To Size9.4Weight:209.0 g (7.37 oz)Heel Stack Height:33.1 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:5.8 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf you don't want to spend much on shoes, check out the adidas Zenboost. This shoe is less cushioned than the ASICS NOVABLAST 6, so you'll feel more of the impact of the road on your legs. The foam in the adidas is more basic, and there's also much less of it, since the shoe sits lower to the ground. The longer you run, the more obvious the limitations of the shoe's cushioning become. For runs shorter than 10k, though, it's still decently adequate. Overall, it's a solid shoe that doesn't break the bank with very good stability and a light build. It's nimble enough to accommodate faster paces, but it might not be the best option for heavier runners.
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Best Running Shoes For Beginners
Cushioning6.0Energy Return4.6Stability7.9True To Size9.2Weight:282.6 g (9.97 oz)Heel Stack Height:37.4 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:10.7 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf you're looking for your very first pair of running shoes, we recommend the Nike Pegasus 42. It's not as bouncy or lively as the Saucony Hurricane 26, but it's a reliable workhorse that gets the job done. For runners who are just getting started, an uncomplicated shoe like this one, without too many bells or whistles, will let you run without getting in your way. Its cushioning isn't built for long distances, but if most of your runs are around 10k or less, the amount of padding underfoot isn't bad.
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Best Running Shoes For Faster Runners
Cushioning9.3Energy Return8.3Stability6.7True To Size8.9Weight:229.9 g (8.11 oz)Heel Stack Height:44.6 mmHeel-To-Toe Drop:8.7 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf you're a faster runner and willing to spend a bit more on a shoe that matches your effort, check out the ASICS MEGABLAST. While it's not as stable as our top pick, it's lighter and bouncier than the Saucony Hurricane 26, so it responds much more quickly when you try to push the pace. It also returns the energy you put into each stride more efficiently than any other shoe on this list, which makes it worth the premium price tag if you're trying to shave seconds off each mile, but could be harder to justify if you're just going for easy runs.
Notable Mentions
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Nike Vomero Premium:
If you want the most cushioning possible and don't care about price, the Nike Vomero Premium is the shoe for you. It has the thickest sole of any shoe we've tested, absorbing most of the impact of your foot hitting the ground. It's also much heavier than any of our picks above, so it feels cumbersome if you try to run fast.
See our review -
adidas Adizero Evo SL:
The adidas Adizero Evo SL brings adidas' premium racing foam into a lightweight trainer built for faster workouts. It's lighter and livelier than the ASICS NOVABLAST 6, but it's also less stable, so it's not a good choice for runners who need any ankle support.
See our review -
Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra:
The Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra is a highly cushioned, highly energetic shoe that straddles the line between fun and chaotic. It's a cheaper alternative to the ASICS MEGABLAST, but it's also less stable, so it won't suit runners who can't maintain solid running form.
See our review
Recent Updates
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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.
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Jul 13, 2026 at 09:23 am:
We've verified that all our recommendations are still accurate and in stock, but haven't made any changes to our picks.
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Jun 04, 2026 at 10:06 am:
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.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we currently think are 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.