Running shoes have come a long way in the last few years. Lots of 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 no longer bear any resemblance beyond their logo. Cushioning, stability, and energy return are all important aspects to consider, as is deciding what trade-offs among them you're willing to accept.
We've tested and reviewed over 200 models; below are our recommendations for the best running shoes you can buy. 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 review of 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 Racing6.2Energy Return8.3Cushioning9.4Lateral 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 Upper Mid-Range Running Shoes
Marathon Racing7.75K/10K Racing6.2Energy Return7.8Cushioning9.4Lateral Stability6.9True To Size9.1Weight:232.6 g (8.20 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:7.1 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneASICS has been having a blast these past few years, and the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is another great option from that constellation. If you don't need the fun or the bounce of the ASICS MEGABLAST, but will accept no compromises when it comes to cushioning, the SUPERBLAST 3 fits the bill. The SUPERBLAST 3 compensates for its less energetic foam with a stiff rocker in the midsole that helps keep your foot rolling forward as you land, using geometry to help maintain forward momentum. It's a great choice for runners trying to build up their endurance, as it provides outstanding long-distance protection, and even heavy heel strikers will get plenty of impact absorption.
If you're more focused on getting faster than going farther, and you naturally land on your forefoot, the HOKA Mach X 3 is a good alternative. It has a nylon plate in the midsole that adds some structure and snap to shorter, faster workouts. It still has amazing cushioning, but the shoe becomes much firmer when increased forces are applied, making it very responsive to pace pick-ups.
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Best Mid-Range Running Shoes
Marathon Racing7.25K/10K Racing6.0Energy Return7.8Cushioning8.5Lateral Stability7.1True To Size9.0Weight:280.7 g (9.90 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:9.4 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe Nike Vomero Plus are big, bouncy running shoes that deliver fun and comfort in equal measure. They are quite a bit heavier than the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3, and don't have as much cushioning, so they're not as well suited to long runs. But the midsole of the Vomero Plus gives a very good rebound, making them surprisingly lively for such a big shoe. With their step-in comfort and relaxed geometry, the Vomero Plus are great shoes for everyday running, but still have enough energy return for days when you want to pick up the pace a bit.
The combination of soft foam and a tall platform can make this Nike shoe feel a bit unstable, so runners looking for a more secure ride might want to consider the Saucony Hurricane 25 instead. Despite its turbulent name, it's a solid shoe that uses a wide base, contoured dual-density foam, and soft sidewalls to deliver a smooth, stable running experience. Its cushioning actually holds up better over long distances than the Vomero Plus, but neither is on the same level as the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 or the ASICS MEGABLAST.
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Best Lower Mid-Range Running Shoes
Marathon Racing7.65K/10K Racing6.3Energy Return8.2Cushioning8.5Lateral 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 versatile, lightweight trainer that can do a lot of things well, from long runs to faster workouts. While it doesn't offer as much protective cushioning as the recommendations above, it still does a great job of keeping your legs protected over long distances. It's a shoe that can easily pick up the pace as well, with lively foam in its midsole and a pronounced rocker that helps sustain higher cadence.
If you want something lighter and are willing to sacrifice a bit of cushioning, the adidas Adizero Evo SL is a great alternative. It uses the same premium foam that adidas uses in its premium racing shoes, so you get an impressive amount of energy return for a fraction of the price. Neither the Azura nor the Evo SL have the greatest lateral stability, so if you have any pronation issues, these shoes could get wobbly. -
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 are the best budget running shoes we've tested. When you first step in, the cushioning feels even softer and more plush than the Saucony Endorphin Azura or the Nike Vomero Plus, but its less absorbent once you start running. The Neo Zen also gives back much less of the energy you put into it, although it still has decent rebound. The sock-like upper gives a snug, comfortable fit and also keeps the shoe fairly lightweight for a daily trainer. The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 has already been released, but the original Neo Zen is still widely available at discounted prices.
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Best Cheap Running Shoes
Marathon Racing4.85K/10K Racing6.1Energy Return4.5Cushioning5.6Lateral Stability8.0True To Size9.0Weight:283.2 g (9.99 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:11.4 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe Nike Pegasus 41 are the best cheap running shoes we've tested. There's nothing fancy about this classic daily trainer, but it's a sturdy workhorse that can reliably handle repeated pounding with minimal fuss. It isn't a lively or bouncy shoe, and any speed is earned rather than assisted, as the dense midsole returns energy poorly. This shoe's cushioning is sub-par out of the gate, and long runs can get downright harsh. Nevertheless, the Pegasus series, like the shoes themselves, has impressive longevity for a reason: they're built to last and can endure hundreds of miles of running or walking. The Nike Pegasus 42 has already been released, and we'll be testing them soon, but in the meantime, you can find deals on the 41st version.
Notable Mentions
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Nike Vomero Premium:
The Nike Vomero Premium is a shoe that specializes in superlatives: tallest and most cushioned, but also heaviest and most expensive. If you want a fun, bouncy ride or a running shoe that looks like it belongs on a spaceship, this is the one. While it has more cushioning than either the ASICS MEGABLAST or Nike Vomero Plus, it's even less stable underfoot.
See our review -
Brooks Glycerin Max 2:
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 impresses with its amazing comfort. Its generous stack height and plush cushioning deliver a luxurious ride, and even heavier or more forceful runners will appreciate how well the Glycerin Max 2's thick midsole absorbs impact. It's nowhere near as fast or bouncy as the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 or Nike Vomero Plus, but it does have a gentle rocker that helps keep you rolling along.
See our review -
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5:
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is a super trainer that excels at shorter, faster workouts. It's much livelier than either the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 or HOKA Mach X 3, but it's built for speed rather than endurance. Its lightweight construction and lower stack height help keep it nimble, but there isn't much cushioning underfoot. If you're starting to build a shoe rotation, the Endorphin Speed 5 is a good complement to a more comfortable long run shoe.
See our review
Recent Updates
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.
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.