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The 6 Best Running Shoes (August 2024)

Written on 28th August by Ruggero Loda Founder and Publisher, Running Shoes Guru
314 other reviews
a selection of our favorite running shoes of 2024

Why you should trust our recommendations



  • We purchase all the shoes ourselves. We never accept free shoes from shoe companies.

  • We review more than 120 shoes each year. The only way to know running shoes is to test as many as possible.

  • We run at least 50 miles in each shoe. A quick run is not enough to properly evaluate a running shoe.

  • We have been doing this since 2009. We have been the first website to properly and thoroughly review running shoes, starting 15 years ago.

Our 6 favorite running shoes for each category

Keep scrolling or click on a shoe to find out why we chose it and what other shoes you should consider.

Puma Velocity Nitro 3

Best for Daily Training
Weight: 9.17oz Drop: 10mm
Our Rating
8.0
Users Rating
8.0
The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is a do it all type of shoe with the benefit of having a very affordable price point. Light enough for speed work, cushioned enough for long runs, and nothing extraordinary...
MSRP $135 $134 Best price today this will redirect you to Zappos

Saucony Guide 17

Best for Stability
Weight: 9.4oz Drop: 6mm
Our Rating
10
Users Rating
0.0
The Saucony Guide 17’s are a pillowy soft max cushioned supportive shoe. It's a very stable shoe that can be used for an everyday trainer. I personally don't care for the color combinations or how...
MSRP $139.95 $139 Best price today this will redirect you to Amazon.com

Adidas Supernova Prima

Best Max Cushioned Shoes
Weight: 10.2oz Drop: 8mm
Our Rating
8.0
Users Rating
8.0
The Adidas Supernova Prima is an excellent max-cushioned trainer which excels in versatility. It’s suitable for distances up to a marathon and it has soft, structured Support Rods on its outsole for...
MSRP $160 $160 Best price today this will redirect you to Adidas

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4

Best for Fast Training
Weight: 7.5oz Drop: 6mm
Our Rating
9.0
Users Rating
10
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is an excellent lightweight speed trainer which is perfect for any run faster than easy pace. Its new midsole which is a blend of PEBA & EVA delivers an energetic,...
MSRP $139.95 $139 Best price today this will redirect you to RunningWarehouse.Com

Saucony Peregrine 14

Best for Trail Running
Weight: 9.4oz Drop: 4mm
Our Rating
10
Users Rating
0.0
The Peregrine 14 is the most recent update on a classic all around trail shoe. Subtle updates have improved fit and durability while keeping its light and nimble qualities firmly in place. The...
MSRP $139.95 $139 Best price today this will redirect you to Zappos

Nike Alphafly 3

Best Racing Running Shoes
Weight: 7.7oz Drop: 8mm Carbon plate
Our Rating
9.0
Users Rating
0.0
The Nike Alphafly 3 is a superb top-tier racer and the best Alphafly version to date but it’s not deserving of its megahype or its $285 price. While it lacks the ‘magical’ feeling, it still has...
MSRP $285 $285 Best price today this will redirect you to Nike

Table of content

  Our Top 6 picks for all categories
 
 
What to consider
 
 
Best for Daily Training
 
 
Best for Stability
 
 
Best Max Cushioned Shoes
 
 
Best for Fast Training
 
 
Best for Trail Running
 
 
Best Racing Running Shoes
 
 
Quick questions you might have
 
 
Comments
 

How to pick the right running shoes

The first thing to consider when choosing a pair of running shoe is what will you be using them for.

Are you just starting out and looking for your first running shoe? You are looking for a daily trainer, or a supportive daily trainer. You’ll want Max Cushion if you are a heavier-set runner or if simply you are looking for the max comfort.

Here are other things you should know when picking a running shoe:

Comfort and Fit
Before you look into different kind of foams or technologies, make sure you pick a shoe that fits you well and it’s comfortable.

Cushioning
The sole of your running shoes will absorb some of the impact of your foot landing on the ground – this is what we call cushioning.

Responsive vs Plush Cushioning

  • Plush is the feeling you have when running on dry sand on a beach. The step is soft and cushioned, but a lot of your energy is absorbed by the sand – requiring you to put more effort into running.
  • Responsive is the feeling you have when running on wet sand. The step is less cushioned, but you go faster, easier.

The choice is personal and depends on what you use the shoe for (racing? long slow training miles?).

Stability and Support

If your ankles are your weak spot, you should be looking into shoes that provide support.

Best for Daily Training

As the name suggests, your daily trainer is the shoe you use most often for your training.

The shoes we recommend in this category have balanced cushioning (not too plush, not too responsive) and can be used for a variety of runs at different paces.

We prioritised comfort, versatility, durability and value for money while making this selection.

Puma Velocity Nitro 3

merchant logo
$135.00
$134.00
See deal   >
merchant logo
$135.00
$135.00
See deal   >
In short
The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is a do it all type of shoe with the benefit of having a very affordable price point. Light enough for speed work, cushioned enough for long runs, and nothing extraordinary for easy runs. The fit is a bit narrow but yet it is quite comfortable.
Pros
  • Price
  • Responsive
  • Versatile
Cons
  • Narrow
Who should buy it

The runner who should buy the Velocity Nitro 3 are those who need a safe choice. A runner who does not necessarily need anything specific but rather a do it al shoe. Especially runners who can appreciate a good price when they see one. The ideal running scenario that would make the Velocity Nitro 3 shine is a 10 mile run with a few tempo miles thrown in the mix.

Who should not buy it

Runners with wide feet should not buy the Velocity Nitro 3.

Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
9.17 oz
Heel
36 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
10 mm
Toe
26 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
7.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
7.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
9.0
Team review
A comfortable, safe choice for logging tons of miles. The Velocity Nitro 3 is lightweight but adequately cushioned, enjoyable at different speeds.
Read full review

Best for Stability

If your ankles are unstable, there are plenty of modern supportive running shoes that will help you keep a proper running gait without constricting you or feeling too clunky. These are our favorites.

Saucony Guide 17

merchant logo
$140.00
$139.00
See deal   >
In short
The Saucony Guide 17’s are a pillowy soft max cushioned supportive shoe. It's a very stable shoe that can be used for an everyday trainer. I personally don't care for the color combinations or how they look but thoroughly enjoy how they feel on.
Pros
  • Breathable and lightweight
  • Center Path Technology helps guide you forward
  • High stack height helps to absorb impact
Cons
  • The colors and look are not trendy but don't affect the way it runs
Who should buy it

This shoe is for the runner who is looking for a smooth and gentle ride. It’s great for long distances.

Who should not buy it

This shoe is not for the runner who likes to be connected with the ground. It has a dense built-up midsole that doesn’t make it a top pick for a shoe I would race or PR in.

Main Specs
Type
Stability
Weight
9.4 oz
Heel
35 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
6 mm
Toe
29 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
10
Build quality
10
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
9.0
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
10
Traction
8.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
8.0
Team review
Support can indeed be very cushioned and soft. It's a great long distance shoe that will offer comfort over many miles.
Read full review

Best Max Cushioned Shoes

If you are a heavier runner, or if you simply prefer to run on a soft, plush base - modern max cushioned running shoes is what you are looking for.

Comfort is the name of the game for these shoes - not only in terms of cushioning but also in terms of the materials used for the uppers.

Adidas Supernova Prima

merchant logo
$160.00
$160.00
See deal   >
In short
The Adidas Supernova Prima is an excellent max-cushioned trainer which excels in versatility. It’s suitable for distances up to a marathon and it has soft, structured Support Rods on its outsole for stability and efficiency. Its thick Dreamstrike+ midsole returns a good amount of energy and shock dampening while its soft outsole adds a level of dynamism rarely felt in max-cushioned trainers.
Pros
  • Good versatility for a max-cushioned trainer
  • Very stable for such a thick midsole
  • Super smooth ride transitions
  • Deeply cushioned ride
  • Gentle forefoot rocker
Cons
  • Firmer than you’d expect from a max-cushioned trainer
  • Upper could be more breathable
Who should buy it

If you enjoy the Supernova Rise but you find it too firm or not cushioned enough, the Prima is a great option.
If you’re looking for a highly cushioned trainer that can handle a wide range of paces, the Supernova Prima is also a good option.

Who should not buy it

If you’re looking for a really squishy max-cushioned trainer, the Supernova Prima will not satisfy you.
If you enjoy trainers with a very flexible forefoot, you should give the Supernova Prima a miss.

Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
10.2 oz
Heel
38 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
30 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
8.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
7.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
6.0
Durability
7.0
Value / Price
8.0
Team review
Brand new introduction from Adidas, we really liked the Supernova Prima. It excels at many things because it combines soft cushioning with TPU rods.
Read full review

Best for Fast Training

Not all your training miles are the same. If you are trying to lower your PB you should definitely add some higher-speed training sessions.

Maybe your daily trainer is not lightweight/responsive enough and you want to keep your very expensive racers (with their short durability) for race day.

Fast training shoes (or training companions as we sometimes call them) are shoes that are meant to be fast, but still durable enough for many many training miles.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4

merchant logo
$140.00
$139.00
See deal   >
In short
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is an excellent lightweight speed trainer which is perfect for any run faster than easy pace. Its new midsole which is a blend of PEBA & EVA delivers an energetic, engaging ride which makes it want to pick up the pace. Version 4 feels more like a speed trainer than version 3 which was slower and felt more like a daily trainer. V4 is firmer and more enjoyable for uptempo running.
Pros
  • Firmer, faster ride with significantly more energy return
  • Feels more like a speed trainer
  • Great value for money
  • Excellent breathability
Cons
  • Upper is too voluminous
  • Price increase of $10
Who should buy it

If you enjoy doing speedwork in trainers without a plate, the Rebel v4 is a great choice. If you want a similar ride to the SuperComp Elite v4 but with natural transitions and more ground feel, the Rebel v4 is also a great choice.

Who should not buy it

If you’re looking for a workhorse daily trainer for mostly easy runs, the Rebel v4 is not the shoe for you. If you want a stiff, plated speed trainer for long runs, the Rebel v4 is also not for you.

Main Specs
Type
Lightweight
Weight
7.5 oz
Heel
999 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
6 mm
Toe
999 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
6.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
9.0
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
9.0
Durability
7.0
Value / Price
10
Team review
The ride of the Rebel v4 is a step ahead of other non-plated trainers. Its midsole foam feels like something that you’d find in a super shoe: lightweight, plush with good energy return. Version 4 is an excellent update. It feels more like a Rebel than version 3 did because it’s more speed oriented. It’s a lot easier to pick up the pace in the Rebel v4. Version 4 is my favourite version to date and I’d definitely buy it again.
Read full review

Best for Trail Running

It goes without saying that you shouldn't run trails in a road shoe.

Trail running shoes offer the right protection (both in the sole and in the upper) and grip to tackle unfriendly terrains.

Saucony Peregrine 14

merchant logo
$140.00
$139.00
See deal   >
merchant logo
$140.00
$139.00
See deal   >
In short
The Peregrine 14 is the most recent update on a classic all around trail shoe. Subtle updates have improved fit and durability while keeping its light and nimble qualities firmly in place. The Peregrine 14 remains an excellent choice for many runners from trail newbies to the salty dirt-bagger looking for a classic all-around shoe to experience the freedom of the trails.
Pros
  • Wider toe box is more accommodating than the 13
  • Improved overlays have increased durability
  • Highly versatile
  • Superb value
Cons
  • Not a great road to trail option
  • Limited energy return
Who should buy it

Trail runners seeking a reliable trail shoe that provides excellent protection, grip, comfort, and is nimble underfoot that also offers exceptional value.

Who should not buy it

Ultra runners who value maximal comfort under foot for training or racing

Main Specs
Type
Trail
Weight
9.4 oz
Heel
28 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
4 mm
Toe
24 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
10
Build quality
10
Upper
10
Sole unit
10
Landing
10
Transition
10
Toe-off
10
Traction
10
Durability
10
Value / Price
10
Team review
The Peregrine is such a versatile and trustworthy shoe. It has excellent grip, fit, protection... adapt for the beginner to the technical trail runner.
Read full review

Best Racing Running Shoes

2024 is Paris Olympics - the race for the fastest running shoes will be fierce. New racers will drop in the next weeks and months and we'll be ready to test them.

For now, these are the racing running shoes we recommend!

Nike Alphafly 3

merchant logo
$285.00
$285.00
See deal   >
In short
The Nike Alphafly 3 is a superb top-tier racer and the best Alphafly version to date but it’s not deserving of its megahype or its $285 price. While it lacks the ‘magical’ feeling, it still has a combination of critical features (light weight, firm, stable, efficient) which provide a high level of speed assistance to the runner. Version 3 is a much better version than 2. It has a continuous bottom which results in smoother transitions, a stiffer midsole and most importantly, a wider...
Pros
  • Smooth transitions due to new continuous bottom
  • Stiffer midsole results in snappier ride
  • Stable ride with wider carbon plate
  • Less prominent arch
  • Lighter weight
Cons
  • Narrow midfoot might still create arch blisters
  • $10 price increase over previous versions
  • Loud foot strikes
Who should buy it

If you don’t have sensitive arches and you enjoy firmer riding super shoes, the Alphafly 3 is a good choice. If you find the Vaporfly 3 too soft or flat, the Alphafly 3 is also a good option. If you want a light racer that disappears on your feet, get the Alphafly 3.

Who should not buy it

If you’re looking for a plush racer with a squishy ride, you should skip the Alphafly 3. If you want a super shoe with an extreme rocker that throws your forward, it’s also not your shoe.

Main Specs
Type
Racing
Weight
7.7 oz
Heel
40 mm
Carbon plate
Full length carbon plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
32 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
8.0
Build quality
7.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
9.0
Durability
7.0
Value / Price
6.0
Team review
The Alphafly 3 is, right now, the marathon racing shoe to beat. Other shoes might be faster, lighter, softer... but the Alphafly excels as a combination of most features.
Read full review

Quick Questions you might have

What's the best running shoe brand?

After 15 years and 1200+ running shoes tests, we can comfortably say there is not a best running shoe brand. The competition is fierce and information is readily available: any brand not producing great running shoes would simply not have survived.

Do I need a running shoe?

While technically you could run in anything (or even barefoot), running shoes are designed for the simple but unique running gait: from heel to toe-off. Shoes for other sports might be focusing on lateral movements or change of direction, while not focusing in shock absorption and forward motion.

How much should I spend for a pair of running shoes?

A $70 running-specific shoe will be better than any non-running shoe. This said, more expensive running shoes will generally be better than cheaper options. $100 is a great place to start, with $130-$140 being the median price for great daily trainers. Racers usually cost closer to $250.

Do I need stability running shoes?

A very simple test you can do to check your ankle stability is this. Stand on one foot for 45-60 seconds. Does it come easy, or do you wobble and struggle? In this case, you might benefit from a supportive running shoe.