7 Best Running Shoes in 2024
Are you looking for a comfortable all-arounder? A supportive shoe for overpronation? Or a speedy racer for a new personal best? There is no ONE best shoe for everybody.
We ran in these running shoes and tested them in our lab to help you find the best pair. See our highly recommended models in several categories below.
And if you want to learn more about choosing the right running shoe, scroll down to our in-depth guide.
How we test running shoes
We believe editors disguised as “experts” cherry-pick popular shoes to earn more.
Here’s proof that the top 1% of most popular shoes are 245 times more likely to be picked in top-10 lists, and WHY expert reviews are biased towards popular models that are not always the best shoes.
Unlike most top-10 rankings, we list the best running shoes, NOT the most popular ones.
Here is how we’re different:
- As an independent shoe testing lab, we purchase all shoes with our own money to stay unbiased.
- We run 30-50 miles in each pair. We make sure that we vary our runs from roads to trails before submitting our in-depth review.
- We cut shoes into pieces and measure over 30 different parameters on cushioning, durability, breathability, and more.
Best running shoes overall
What makes it the best?
The Novablast 4 stands out in the all-rounder game, bringing a whole new level of comfort while sustaining stability, responsiveness, and reliable durability. Novablast 4 repeatedly excels in our lab tests and outdoor runs, rightfully claiming its throne as the ultimate running shoe.
Indulging in this shoe is an absolute delight. The ultra-stacked midsole is our main star as it oozes divine levels of comfort for double-digit miles. Our durometer confirmed our sensations, as it measured 28.7% softer than average. Despite its plush nature, the cushion brings out a vibrant and responsive ride for faster days.
Our runs feel stable regardless of our pace. Novablast 4 offers an extra width of 9.6/4.7 mm in the forefoot and heel to ensure we land securely no matter our foot strike. We can run mindlessly as the midsole flows with our movements. Our flex test confirms it’s 13.5% more adaptive than average.
Novablast 4 proves its durability as the midsole had minor creasing and the outsole barely had scratches after long miles of running against hard pavements. We didn’t feel any difference in terms of performance, showing it’s a reliable and long-lasting running partner.
While Novablast 4 can go fast, we feel it lacks the explosive power of a racer. For PB-chasers, exploring other options might be the way to go.
Pros
- Enhanced outsole offering better grip and durability
- Improved upper comfort with premium materials
- Upgraded tongue padding
- Exceptional value at just $140
- More cushion than ever before
- Accommodates a wide range of foot sizes
- The most stable Novablast yet
- Retains most of its fun and energetic ride
Cons
- Not the best for hot summer runs
- Outsole still lacks grip in wet conditions
- Minor weight increase compared to v3
Best daily training running shoes
What makes it the best?
The Pegasus series did not disappoint with its 41st version, dropping the ultimate daily trainer that both newcomers and seasoned runners will appreciate alike. It maintains its liberating ride in our runs and comes out with an all-new ReactX foam that’s both plush and energetic. Plus, our lab confirms its upper is the perfect blend of comfort and breathability.
One of Pegasus 41’s highlights lies in the midsole design. Boasting two Air Zoom units nestled within the ReactX foam, it launches our toe-offs with ease and catches us with gentle landings. As confirmed by our durometer, it’s 26.2% softer than average.
The shoe is bendable in all directions, which keeps the pleasant natural running experience. As proven by our bend test, it is 34.0% more flexible than average. Even twisting the shoe in our manual assessment felt effortless with its 2/5 rating.
Even the upper felt liberating with its unhampered airflow, which we found quite surprising given its soft touch and dual-layer mesh. True enough, our smoke test highlights its impressive ventilation with a 4/5 breathability rating.
However, Pegasus 41 has a steep 11.4 mm drop which may feel too harsh for mid-to-forefoot strikers. We believe this pair is more suitable for heel strikers.
Pros
- Enhanced for heel strikers
- New ReactX foam!
- Improved breathability
- Plush upper
- Good durability
- Several stability enhancements
- Newly designed rocker and bevel
- Solid performance
- Superior lockdown
- Sustainable features
Cons
- Not ideal for forefoot strikers
- Price increased by $10
- Worse than the v40 in cold temperatures
Best running shoes for speed training
What makes it the best?
During our speed sessions, PUMA Deviate Nitro 3 seamlessly combined power, traction, and comfort. It delivers all the elements needed to overcome all sorts of fast workouts. Our lab agrees it’s the ultimate running supertrainer.
There’s no other way around it, DN3 fuels our need for speed. The midsole includes a carbon PWRPLATE, acting as a powerful propeller to help us push our limits. Testing it in our bend test reveals it’s 22.3% stiffer than average, explaining its solid energy return.
Teaming up with speed is a midsole that offers a smooth and pleasant ride, much to our delight since carbon-plated shoes may feel overwhelming at times. The cushioning delivers a gentle ride while offering a sweet springy sensation without compromising comfort. Our sliced shoe reveals a dual-density foam: a soft and responsive 19.0 HA on top and an even plusher 18.0 HA foam below the PWRPLATE.
DN3 also kept its PUMAGRIP ATR outsole at a soft 72.0 HC. True to its name, it delivered exceptional traction in our runs regardless of the weather. We’re able to sprint through corners with ease and control. However, the soft rubber compromised the outsole’s durability. We noticed that it wears quicker than the average shoe. Those in need of a daily beater should explore elsewhere.
Pros
- Exceptional grip on all surfaces
- Fantastic cushioning
- Competitively priced
- Responsive carbon plate
- Adapts well to all paces
- Enhanced knit upper
- Ideal for tempo workouts
- Great at navigating tight turns
Cons
- Outsole durability
- Minor increase in weight
- Ventilation could be better
Best race running shoes
What makes it the best?
After going through hundreds of shoes in the lab, the Nike Vaporfly 3 caught our attention as the ultimate racer, perfect for PB chasers. It ignited our every stride without overlooking the comfort required for longer races. With its unmatched energy and lightness, we flew to the finish line and unleashed speed like no other.
We’re amazed how V3 managed to keep its build at an ultra-light 6.7 oz (190g) with its generous cushioning. For reference, its highly-cushioned and plated counterparts average 7.4 oz (210g). Regardless of foot strike, we have tons of impact protection from the plush 16.8 HA foam and boundless energy from the ZoomX midsole.
V3 elevates its FlyPlate in the forefoot by making it spoon-shaped to encourage faster leg turnover. This helps sustain our speed with less effort. It releases power through its insane stiffness, which our 90-degree test shows is a mind-blowing 90.8% more resilient than average. We felt that this racer shined even more at our race pace.
The upper is a summer runner’s dream, allowing air to flow in and out freely. On our breathability test, it earned a remarkable 5/5—no need to worry about hotspots and sweaty feet.
We discovered that V3 performs best in longer races (10K+). With its softer midsole, it lacks the explosiveness needed for 5K/10K distances.
Pros
- Exceptionally breathable upper
- Outstanding ZoomX cushioning
- Superb choice from the mile to the marathon
- Impressively low weight
- Enhanced stability
- Plush, cloud-like foam
- Upgraded outsole for better grip
Cons
- Uncomfortably large tongue
- The heel is still too narrow
Best stability running shoes
What makes it the best?
The ASICS Gel Kayano is known as a top-stability running shoe, and the 31st version is no different. Backed up by our road runs and lab tests, it seamlessly blends plush comfort and steady support into one—qualities that boost our confidence and happiness like no other.
The GK31 integrates subtle elements to guide our foot alignment. The main star is the 4D Guidance System, which is composed of soft foam under our arch to deliver custom support to each unique individual. Additionally, the shoe has sidewalls and a vast landing base that secures our landings safely. Our jaws dropped at the mega 122.1/97.6 mm midsole vs. the 113.8/90.5 mm average, making it almost impossible to lose our balance.
Moving to the cushioning, it impressed us greatly with the heavenly comfort it delivers. Not only is the heel extra high at 39.3 mm, but it also includes the PureGEL technology to create pillowy landings. Our durometer confirms our sensations when it emerged 27.1% softer than average.
Another standout feature is its natural feel, a rare sighting for stability shoes. Our flex test shows it's 14.4% more malleable than average, allowing us to move freely with barely any resistance.
However, its heavy weight of 10.4 oz (295g) confirms it’s truly a stability maximalist shoe. Those who prefer lighter options can find other streamlined stability shoes.
Pros
- Excellent stability
- Ideal for heel strikers
- Good breathability
- Comfortable and roomy upper
- Great for easy paces
- Maximalist cushioning
- A bit lighter than v30
- Plush FF Blast+ foam
Cons
- Big and clunky
- Not versatile at all
- Outsole needs improvements
Running shoes with best plush cushioning
What makes it the best?
The Gel Nimbus, in its 26th iteration, introduces a heavenly level of comfort akin to walking on clouds. Each stride exudes pure bliss, experiencing unwavering support, exceptional ventilation, and steadfast surefootedness. Through rigorous testing, both in the lab and out on the pavement, we found it our ultimate running shoe with plush cushioning.
As we effortlessly log miles, the Nimbus erases any harshness of landing impact, courtesy of its gigantic 40.4/32.0 mm stack height. We melted into the midsole's forgiving and refreshing ride. Our durometer confirms it's 21.6% softer than average, solidifying it is a gentle soul that our feet adore.
This Nimbus indulges our feet from every angle, with its stretchy and breathable knit upper earning a commendable 4/5 rating in our lab tests. Moreover, its widened platform ensures optimal balance and stability across varied terrains and sharp turns. Our trusty caliper reveals a remarkable forefoot width of 118.4 mm, surpassing the average by an impressive 5.0 mm.
However, it's worth noting that the Nimbus 26 prioritizes comfort over performance, making it less suitable for those seeking a versatile trainer capable of handling faster-paced efforts.
Pros
- Premium all-around comfort
- Enhanced toebox design
- Exceptional durability
- Best-in-series outsole
- Ideal for long distances
- Superb knit upper
- Surprisingly stable
- A dream for heel strikers
Cons
- Increased weight
- Limited energy return
- Tongue lacks padding
Best trail running shoes
What makes it the best?
The Nike Zegama 2 is essential for any outdoor adventure in the wilderness, offering unmatched performance and reliability on our runs in diverse trails. Its silky smooth and plush ride, solid traction, and robust build make it our top trail running shoe in the lab.
This pair thrives in any environment, from icy surfaces to muddy and rooty terrains. It features the stellar Vibram Megagrip outsole, equipped with 4-mm Traction Lugs that aggressively grip the ground, ensuring secure and confident strides. And, it does so without a scratch! Our Dremel proves its toughness with a minimal 0.8 mm dent in our abrasion test.
Its effortless ride is another standout feature, enhanced by the shoe's rockered design providing seamless toe-offs. Combined with the lively ZoomX midsole, it excels in bounce and comfort, ranking 36.1% softer than average based on our durometer.
Additionally, the upper excels in both durability and breathability—a rare occurrence in our lab. Scoring an impressive 4/5 in both ventilation and abrasion tests, Zegama 2 delivers the perfect balance of comfort and protection.
However, trail enthusiasts who prefer a weightless and grounded experience are better off elsewhere. Unfortunately, Zegama 2 is quite heavy at 10.7 oz (302g).
Pros
- More ZoomX bouncy foam!
- Vibram Megagrip outsole
- Spacious upper
- Exceptional durability
- Superb wet condition traction
- Ideal for midfoot and forefoot strikers
- Ready for long-distance running
- Suitable for hiking too
Cons
- Could be lighter
- Not ideal for heel strikers
- Limited toebox vertical space
There is no ONE best running shoe
All feet are unique and even some of the best-rated running shoes might not work for you specifically.
But the good news is that the running footwear market is so saturated that you are sure to find a shoe that would feel tailor-made for your feet!
In this guide, we break down the most important considerations to help you narrow down the choices and find that perfect pair.
Where to start: road vs. trail running shoes
This one is simple: If you mostly run on asphalt, tarmac, treadmill, 4x4 road, or even major forest trails or the likes, then buy road running shoes.
Only buy trail running shoes if you run on single trails or off trails. Otherwise, you don’t need them.
Road running shoes
Some road shoes can also be used for light-to-moderate trails. Just make sure that they have thick and sturdy rubber outsoles.
Outsole durability shows how deep was the damage caused by 22 seconds of drilling the shoe’s rubber with a Dremel at 10K RPM speed.
Trail running shoes
You should not be afraid to run on roads with your trail running shoes once in a while. Quite often, you’d need to run up to a mile before you get to your nearest trail, and that is not a problem. However, we recommend that you keep it at a minimum as feet and knees can start to hurt.
The bigger the lugs, the sooner your feet will start hurting. For road-to-trail shoes, lugs below 3 mm are best.
If, on the other hand, you mostly run off trails, in the wild, with mud caking up under your feet within minutes, you must get a trail shoe with deeper lugs. They will keep you surefooted by biting into the ground more aggressively. They also tend to be more spaced-out to shed off the mud while running.
Key differences between road and trail shoes
Outsole: Road shoes have flatter and pavement-ready soles. Trail shoes have lugs (tread patterns), for better traction on uneven terrain.
Protection: Most trail shoes are equipped with rugged toe bumpers and rock plates to keep the runner’s feet protected from various terrain challenges.
Weight: Because of the added ruggedness and protection, trail shoes are on average an ounce heavier than road shoes.
Upper: Road shoes have lighter, more breathable uppers because road races don’t have any obstacles. Trail shoes are reinforced with various protective elements, including additional layers in high-wear areas, which makes them less breathable.
Based on our in-house ventilation tests, the average breathability score of road shoes is 4 out of 5, while the average of trail shoes is 3 out of 5.
Use: The most important factor
A beginner-friendly trainer is going to be vastly different from a carbon-plated marathon race shoe. Let’s take a closer look at the main running shoe categories based on their intended use.
Daily running shoes (also best for beginners and daily wear)
Well-cushioned and comfort-loaded, daily trainers make up the majority of running shoes on the market. This is where you find that go-to daily beater that never fails.
We highly recommend shoes from this category to beginner runners as they meet the following criteria:
- well-cushioned (at least 30 mm of heel stack)
- average heel-to-toe drop (8-14 mm, ideal for a beginner’s heel-striking pattern)
- balanced softness (neither too firm nor mushy)
- no carbon plates or aggressive rockers
- MSRP of $140 or less
Can you wear daily running shoes for everyday use? Absolutely! The characteristics mentioned above make this footwear category ideal for spending long hours on your feet.
Some daily trainers have features of speed-oriented shoes. These are more expensive but let you have two pairs in one.
Speed training/tempo running shoes
Lighter than daily trainers, this category is better equipped for picking up the pace or even setting a new speed record.
The average weight of speed shoes is 2.4 oz (68g) lighter than the average of daily trainers!
| Daily trainers | Speed trainers | |
| Average weight | 10.0 oz (283g) | 7.6 oz (216g) |
Speed training shoes also tend to have bouncier foams and springier rides. Some of them even use stiff carbon plates for added propulsion. You can learn more about how plates work in our extensive research.
Some speed trainers can also be used for daily training or even competitions.
Race/competition running shoes
This is where you find the world-record-shattering Nike Vaporfly’s and Alphafly’s, Adidas’s buzzworthy $500 Evo 1, among other iconic shoes.
The lightest of running shoes (7.5 oz/213g on average), these racers feature the brands’ most cutting-edge technologies to help you achieve the most efficient performance.
For professional runners, choosing the perfect race shoe gets even more complicated. But it is our mission to help you sort that out. Explore our meticulous guides on foams, carbon plates, rockers, and shoe uppers to get more insights.
Consider the distance as well
A 5K/10K race calls for a much faster pace than a marathon. Your best companion here is a light and springy trainer. Depending on your preference, you can choose between a classic minimally cushioned flat and a super soft and plated maximalist shoe.
Going for a marathon or even an ultra marathon? Make sure you're packed with plenty of cushioning, lasting underfoot support, and a perfect fit.
Some super shoes are so versatile, they can be effective for both 5K and 42K.
Cushioning and ride in running shoes
That slab of foam in between your foot and the ground is what ultimately makes or breaks a running shoe. Getting the following parameters right will guarantee your comfort and best performance:
- stack height
- heel-to-toe drop
- foam softness
- presence of a carbon plate
- presence of a rocker
Stack height in running shoes
Stack height refers to the amount of material in between your foot and the ground. We cut each tested shoe in half in our lab to measure its heel and forefoot stack heights following the rules set by World Athletics (at 12% and at 75% of the inside length of the shoe).
For beginners, we recommend going for heel height in the 28-35 mm range. These shoes are neither too flat (low to the ground) nor too high.
If you need tons of cushioning, go for the 35-40 mm range. Keep in mind that 40 mm is the maximum heel stack allowed for competitions by the World Athletics. Anything above means disqualification.
Some seasoned runners also prefer to go down the minimalist and even barefoot path. These shoes have a heel stack of 20 mm or less and require an adaptation period as they activate different biomechanics.
Still not sure which one to choose? We have developed a tool to help you find out which stack height is perfect for your running needs.
Heel-to-toe drop in running shoes
If you’re new, or if you run less than 10 miles per week, there’s no need to know about heel-to-toe drop as long as you buy shoes with at least 6 mm drop (preferably 8-12 mm).
The only exception is if you have a record of severe ankle, knee, hip, ITB, Achilles, or plantar fasciitis injuries. In such cases, seek out a specialist before buying running shoes.
More experienced runners tend to show interest in the heel-to-toe drop. There are a lot of opinions on the subject. If you want to learn more, check our in-depth scientific guide to heel-to-toe drop.
| Heel drop effects | |
|
Low
|
High
|
| The lower the drop, the greater the potential to improve cadence. | Foot switch is slower in higher drop shoes. |
| Lower and zero drop shoes promote midfoot and forefoot strike. | A higher drop allows for rearfoot strike because the elevated heel helps with high impacts when the heel hits the ground. |
| Lower heel drop might help with ITB, (anterior) knee pain, gluteal overuse syndrome. | Higher heel drop might help with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy (stiff Achilles), calf injuries. |
| Low drop shoes allow for more ankle flexion during landing. The ankle absorbs the impact and works as a spring. These shoes can place greater stress on the foot, ankle, lower leg. | High drop has a higher knee flexion moment. This means it has the potential to load hips and knees more, similar to heel strike. |
| Overstriding rearfoot strike might be prevented with a lower drop. | Overstriding forefoot strike might be prevented with a higher drop. |
Foam softness
As a beginner runner, you want a balanced type of cushioning that's neither too plush nor firm. These shoes also work for most runners, walking a fine line between comfort and performance. This type of cushioning is used in the "workhorse" shoes used for daily running, tempo runs, and racing.
To help you know exactly how soft each running shoe is, we use an HA durometer in our lab to measure foam softness. The lower the number on the tool, the softer the foam. The average durometer measurement for running shoes hovers around 25 HA.
Softer shoes offer maximum impact protection and are usually high-stacked. They are best for long runs, recovery runs, marathons, and ultras.
Example of a very plush foam (9.8 HA)
Lower-stacked and aggressive-looking, firmer shoes are best for quick transitions. Studies show that greater midsole hardness in running shoes results in shorter contact time. But keep in mind that there is much less shock absorption here than in soft shoes. On the bright side, firmer shoes tend to be stable enough to double as gym shoes.
Example of a very firm foam (34.4 HA)
If you want more data-backed insights into choosing between soft and firm cushioning, see our in-depth guide on the topic. Especially if you're wondering how shoe foams behave in the freezer!
Carbon-plated running shoes
If you are a beginner runner, we recommend staying away from carbon-plated shoes for now. These shoes are most beneficial for races and speed training as they are intended for maintaining faster paces.
First introduced in the Nike Vaporfly in 2016, carbon plates changed the running shoe game forever. Since then, every men's and women's record on every distance has been broken by runners wearing plated shoes.
At least 5% of running shoes on the market today feature some variation of a plate.
A stiff carbon plate is sandwiched inside the midsole to add propulsion upon take-off. Kind of like a swimming pool springboard.
We dive deeper into the topic of carbon-plated shoes in our extensive guide backed by science and our own lab findings.
What is arch support and why it matters
If you've never heard about arch support, your ankles don't collapse inwards, and shoes don't have a tendency to wear out more on the inner side, then you can probably skip this section.
Arch support is only necessary when you have flat feet, overpronation, or other foot conditions that call for supportive components in running shoes (like plantar fasciitis). The latter are also called stability shoes.
You can see the difference in foot and ankle stability between a neutral shoe (above) and a stability shoe (below) in our lateral movement test.
Here are a few rough guidelines:
- If you don’t know anything particular about your feet, buy neutral running shoes.
- If you have a moderate arch and neutral pronation, buy neutral running shoes.
- If you have a high arch, consider neutral running shoes.
- If you have a moderate arch, buy stability running shoes.
To determine pronation, look at your used footwear - do you wear them evenly? If they’ve been worn more on the outer sides, you’re underpronating. If they’ve been worn more on the inner sides, you’re overpronating. Even wear means neutral pronation.
If you want to know everything about arch support in running shoes, you must check out our in-depth guide.
Before we can recommend a stability running shoe, we perform a series of tests and measurements to assess its supportive capacity:
- torsional stiffness (higher rigidity = better support)
- heel counter stiffness (higher rigidity = firmer heel hold)
- midsole width (extended contact points prevent the foot from rolling over)
Choosing the right size and fit in running shoes
If it's been a while since you last purchased a running shoe, we highly recommend measuring your foot length from scratch.
Too busy for that? Grab an athletic shoe that fits you the best and enter its CM or MM size (i.e. 260, 265, etc.) into this shoe size converter.
Going with the shoe size you think you have is a risky strategy as every brand has a different size chart. Even within the same brand, the right size for you may vary from one model to another.
So once you have your precise foot length measurement, do consult the corresponding brand size chart.
In addition to size (length), you must also consider your future shoe's fit. It must not be too tight or too loose around your heel, midfoot, or forefoot. Unfortunately, it's hard to gauge the first two when purchasing online, but we can help with the toebox fit!
Using a caliper, we measure each shoe's upper width at the widest part (near the big toe joint). We also repeat the measurement closer to the shoe's tip (where the big toe ends).
Having both measurements allows us to convey the entire toebox shape as some shoes can be wide enough at the metatarsals but taper aggressively towards the front.
If you are someone with wide feet or bunions, we recommend checking our toebox measurements before purchasing the shoe.
For more nuances on the fit of running shoes, see our guide on choosing the right toebox.
Consider breathability and waterproofing
A vast majority of running shoes are made with breathable mesh uppers which keep the feet fresh. Based on our smoke-pumping machine tests, 60% of running shoes have high breathability scores of 4-5 out of 5.
We assess ventilation by the amount of smoke that escapes through the upper fabric. We then also hover the shoe's half-cut upper over the light to see where most ventilation pores are concentrated.
Waterproof shoes are needed in very rare cases. Only if you regularly run in rainy weather, puddles, slush, and low temperatures. Or if you have multiple creeks or streams crossing your trail. There is a good reason why only 7% of running shoes in our catalog are waterproof.
For winter, you might be just fine getting a non-waterproof pair with a lower breathability score of 1-3.
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