The 10 Best Running Shoes
We looked at running shoes using manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. Each pick lists what it does well and where it falls short, so you can match it to how you'll use it.
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Quick picks
| Product | Best for |
|---|---|
| 1. Brooks Ghost 17 Best all-rounder | |
| 2. HOKA Clifton 11 | |
| 3. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 Most cushioned | |
| 4. ASICS Novablast 5 Best value | |
| 5. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 | |
| 6. ASICS Gel-Kayano 31 | |
| 7. Nike Pegasus 41 | |
| 8. Saucony Ride 18 | |
| 9. HOKA Bondi 9 | |
| 10. Brooks Glycerin Flex (Women's) |
Brooks
Key specs: Neutral, DNA Loft v3 midsole, 10mm drop (Brooks spec).
Key Specifications & Features:
- Neutral
- DNA Loft v3 midsole
- 10mm drop (Brooks spec)
- About 10.1 oz men's
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
Strengths
- Balanced, predictable ride for most paces
- Traditional 10mm drop suits heel strikers
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Wide and extra-wide sizes
Limitations
- Not as soft as max-cushion shoes
- Unexciting for tempo runs
- About 10 oz in men's sizes
HOKA
Key specs: Neutral, Maximum cushioning, MetaRocker geometry.
Key Specifications & Features:
- Neutral
- Maximum cushioning
- MetaRocker geometry
- Compression-molded EVA midsole
- Double-lace lock
Strengths
- Soft, high-stack cushioning without much weight
- MetaRocker geometry makes easy miles feel smooth
- Neutral design suits most runners who don't overpronate
- Available in wide widths
Limitations
- Compressed EVA midsoles lose bounce sooner than premium foams
- Not designed for fast speedwork
- Tall stack can feel less stable on tight corners
ASICS
Key specs: Neutral, Maximum cushioning, FF BLAST PLUS ECO + PureGEL.
Key Specifications & Features:
- Neutral
- Maximum cushioning
- FF BLAST PLUS ECO + PureGEL
- 8mm drop (ASICS spec)
Strengths
- Very soft, maximum cushioning
- PureGEL softens heel landings
- Comfortable knit upper for long runs
- Made with recycled upper content (ASICS)
Limitations
- Heavier than lighter cushioned shoes
- Premium price
- Too soft for runners who like ground feel
ASICS
Key specs: Neutral, FF BLAST MAX midsole, 8mm drop (ASICS spec).
Key Specifications & Features:
- Neutral
- FF BLAST MAX midsole
- 8mm drop (ASICS spec)
- About 9 oz
Strengths
- Lively, bouncy ride
- Light for its stack height
- Good mix of easy-day and up-tempo use
- Usually priced below flagship trainers
Limitations
- Less stable than firmer shoes
- Not for runners needing support
- Bounce can feel less controlled on corners
Brooks
Key specs: Stability (GuideRails), DNA Loft v3 midsole, 12mm drop (Brooks spec).
Key Specifications & Features:
- Stability (GuideRails)
- DNA Loft v3 midsole
- 12mm drop (Brooks spec)
- About 9.4 oz women's
Strengths
- GuideRails support for overpronation
- Soft DNA Loft v3 cushioning
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Wide widths available
Limitations
- 12mm drop is high for runners preferring a flatter shoe
- Version 25 has replaced it, so stock varies
- Support may feel unnecessary for neutral runners
ASICS
Key specs: Stability (4D Guidance System), FF BLAST PLUS ECO + PureGEL, 10mm drop (ASICS spec).
Key Specifications & Features:
- Stability (4D Guidance System)
- FF BLAST PLUS ECO + PureGEL
- 10mm drop (ASICS spec)
- About 10.7 oz
Strengths
- Supportive without feeling stiff
- Plenty of cushioning for long runs
- OrthoLite sockliner
- Wide range of sizes
Limitations
- About 10.7 oz (ASICS spec), heavy
- Premium price
- Version 32 is now available, so colors vary
Key specs: Neutral, ReactX foam with Air Zoom units, Engineered mesh upper.
Key Specifications & Features:
- Neutral
- ReactX foam with Air Zoom units
- Engineered mesh upper
- Waffle-inspired outsole
Strengths
- Versatile for easy and moderate runs
- Responsive Air Zoom units
- Durable waffle-inspired rubber outsole
- Wide and Gore-Tex versions available
Limitations
- Firmer than max-cushion shoes
- Narrower fit than Brooks and HOKA
- Many lifestyle variants make listings confusing
Saucony
Key specs: Neutral, Moderate-to-high cushioning, 8mm offset (Saucony spec).
Key Specifications & Features:
- Neutral
- Moderate-to-high cushioning
- 8mm offset (Saucony spec)
- About 9.1 oz men's
Strengths
- Light for a daily trainer
- Balanced cushioning, not mushy
- 8mm offset suits most runners
- Wide sizes in some colors
Limitations
- Less plush than max-cushion shoes
- The Ride 19 is now available, so stock varies
- Some colorways listed as fashion sneakers
HOKA
Key specs: Neutral, Maximum cushioning, Supercritical EVA midsole.
Key Specifications & Features:
- Neutral
- Maximum cushioning
- Supercritical EVA midsole
- 5mm drop (HOKA spec)
Strengths
- Maximum cushioning in HOKA's line
- Low 5mm drop (HOKA spec)
- Stable wide base for a tall shoe
- Wide widths available
Limitations
- Heavy and bulky for faster running
- Tall stack feels disconnected from the ground
- Firmer than some expect for its size
Brooks
Key specs: Neutral, Maximum cushioning, 6mm drop (Brooks spec).
Key Specifications & Features:
- Neutral
- Maximum cushioning
- 6mm drop (Brooks spec)
- Flat-knit nylon upper
- Road and treadmill
Strengths
- About 8 oz, light for a max-cushion shoe
- 6mm drop suits runners who prefer a flatter feel
- Nitrogen-infused foam is soft and comfortable
- Stretchy flat-knit upper
Limitations
- Lower drop can strain calves if you're used to 10-12mm shoes
- Newer model with little long-term durability data
- Knit uppers run warmer and less structured than mesh
How we chose
- Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. We don't claim our own testing.
- We do not list prices or star ratings because they change. Check Amazon for current details.