Home Guides The Best Running Shoes of 2023
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Best for everyday

Best for everyday

Best for everyday

New Balance FuelCell Propel v4

New Balance FuelCell Propel v4
Incredibly versatile trainer from recovery runs to races. It has a balanced & stable ride character suitable for beginners and experienced runners.
Incredibly versatile trainer from recovery runs to races. It has a balanced & stable ride character suitable for beginners and experienced runners.
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert

Long Distance

Long Distance

Long Distance

Asics Gel-Nimbus 25

Asics Gel-Nimbus 25
A maximalist, highly cushioned trainer with a gentle rocker. It’s not the fastest, but it's supremely comfortable.
A maximalist, highly cushioned trainer with a gentle rocker. It’s not the fastest, but it's supremely comfortable.
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert

Best Under 100

Best Under 100

Best Under 100

Nike Winflo 10

Nike Winflo 10
Incredibly comfortable and work great for runners who are new to the sport, runners who are veterans, and who just want a good-looking do-all shoe.
Incredibly comfortable and work great for runners who are new to the sport, runners who are veterans, and who just want a good-looking do-all shoe.
Olivia Yoder
Ultrarunner, personal trainer and soccer coach.

Lightweight

Lightweight

Lightweight

Asics EvoRide 3

Asics EvoRide 3
A wonderful update to Asics' smooth gliding uptempo daily trainer. The improved light and responsive ride make this a wonderfully versatile shoe.
A wonderful update to Asics' smooth gliding uptempo daily trainer. The improved light and responsive ride make this a wonderfully versatile shoe.
Jim Coulson
Fast Road and Trail Runner. Career Firefighter.

For the Trails

For the Trails

For the Trails

Hoka One One Challenger 7

Hoka One One Challenger 7
The shoe performs best as a road-to-trail option, or for easy to moderate adventures on dirt, grass or gravel paths.
The shoe performs best as a road-to-trail option, or for easy to moderate adventures on dirt, grass or gravel paths.
Henry Howard
Ultra runner and certified running coach.

Every single shoe we test is purchased with our own money. No brand is giving us samples or review units - we don't have to say thank you to anybody, we just want to provide the most unbiased, in-depth running shoe reviews available!

We have been testing running shoes since 2009 - You can trust us!

Best Running Shoes - Everyday

Let's start with the best everyday running shoes for most people: these are shoes that received high praise from both our testers, our readers and the running community in general.

We call everyday running shoes the shoes you will most likely cover most of your miles in.

The most important factor for these shoes is comfort: they need to be comfortable while your feet are pounding on the ground for miles and miles. Ideally the upper fits you like a glove and the sole provides enough cushioning to protect you from the contact with the ground while still allowing a natural movement.

Technology has improved throughout the years. In the past a cushioned shoe needed to be heavy to provide comfort, but newer foams are lighter - allowing for great comfort at lower weight.

First choice
Weight
9.7 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Cushioning
Reasons to buy
  • Great value for money
  • Incredible versatility
  • Comfortable upper
  • Snappy forefoot
  • Stable ride
“The New Balance FuelCell Propel v4 is an incredibly versatile trainer which can be used for everything from recovery runs to races. It has a balanced & stable ride character which is suitable for both beginners & experienced marathon runners. It competes with the likes of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 but at a much more affordable price point. Version 4 has a new TPU plate which makes the forefoot snappier and provides more propulsion for fast runs. ”
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Read the full review of FuelCell Propel v4
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider
Weight
8.7 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Cushioning
Reasons to buy
  • No more bucket seat arch
  • Weight reduction
  • More cushioning
  • Softer ride
“The Hoka Clifton 9 is a narrow-fitting maximalist daily trainer with a Meta-Rocker midsole for energy-saving transitions. It has a highly cushioned ride which is on the soft side and it’s best suited to slow, easy paced runs. The 9th version of the Clifton has a 3 mm more midsole foam so it feels more cushioned. It also has a reformulated CMEVA midsole which provides a softer ride than previous versions. ”
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Read the full review of Clifton 9
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider
Weight
9.4 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Cushioning
Reasons to buy
  • Improved upper comfort
  • Highly durable outsole
  • No price increase
  • Good lockdown
  • Stable ride
“The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 is a daily trainer with a stable ride and durable build. It doesn't have a particularly fun or lively ride but it has a comfortable fit with no major weaknesses. It's best suited to short or middle-distance easy runs. Version 40 is only an upper update which makes the shoe more comfortable but heavier. It isn't a substantial update so it's not a major improvement over the Pegasus 39. ”
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Read the full review of Air Zoom Pegasus 40
or buy them here: Men / Women

Best Running Shoes for Long Distances

For your long runs (be that in training, or races where you focus on the distance run instead of the times) you will need a shoe that is more comfortable.

Ideally the uppers have plush materials in key places while still allowing good breathability and the soles have plenty of cushion without dragging you.

These options are true and tested great long-run shoes!

First choice
Weight
10.2 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Cushioning
Reasons to buy
  • Mild rocker geometry
  • Improved durability
  • Increased stability
  • More cushioning
  • Smoother ride
“ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 is a maximalist, highly cushioned trainer with a gentle rocker. It’s not the softest max-cushioned trainer on the market nor is it the most energetic but it’s still a supremely comfortable trainer (as long as you size up or get the wide version because it has a very narrow toe box). ”
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Read the full review of Gel-Nimbus 25
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider
Weight
10.6 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Cushioning
Reasons to buy
  • Plenty of cushion for any distance.
  • The upper is soft and supportive
  • The build quality won't let you down.
  • Breathable upper when it's hot.
  • Good traction for multiple surfaces and wet conditions.
“The Brooks Glycerin 20 is the newest version of the flagship neutral shoe for the brand. This shoe is made for all runners, no matter size or pace, and can log all the miles you could want, while not holding you back too much on pace. ”
Michael Mason-D'Croz
Long distance runner, shoe expert.
Read the full review of Glycerin 20
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider
Weight
11.2 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Cushioning
Reasons to buy
  • More attractive design
  • New heel pull tab
  • Better stability
“The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 is a super soft, max-cushioned trainer with more bounce and energy return than any other max-cushioned trainer on the market. Version 3 has a new strobel lining underneath its insole which gives it a firmer, more stable ride with less energy return. It also has a longer heel clip to improve stability but it may cause issues for runners with wide or flat feet. It’s also much heavier than previous versions. ”
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Read the full review of ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3
or buy them here: Men / Women

Best Running Shoes Under $100

Everything has gone up in price! Shoes that used to be $100 are now closer to $130 or more.

At the same time, many brands have strengthened their mid-priced options and there are some shoes that truly feel more expensive than their price tag.

You can't go wrong with any of these - especially if you have just picked up running, you want a good running shoe but are not sure yet of what you exactly are looking for.

First choice
Weight
9.9 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Cushioning
Reasons to buy
  • Versatile
  • Budget-friendly
  • Comfortable enough for all day wear
“The Nike Winflo 10 is a neutral daily trainer that allows you to use them for an array of activities. They are incredibly comfortable and work great for runners who are new to the sport, runners who are veterans, and individuals who just want a good-looking practical shoe. ”
Olivia Yoder
Ultrarunner, personal trainer and soccer coach.
Read the full review of Winflo 10
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider
Weight
9.2 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Cushioning
Reasons to buy
  • Cross training friendly
  • No break-in period
  • Responsive midsole technology
  • Budget friendly
“The Asics Dynablast 3 is a superb all around shoe in a day and age where everything seems to be hyper specialized. Jogging, racing, lifting or leisure, this shoe fits in everywhere. Asics took everything good about the previous model and made it better. ”
Jeremy Yoder
Trail and road running expert.
Read the full review of Dynablast 3
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider
Weight
9.7 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Cushioning
Reasons to buy
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable upper with excellent rear hold
  • Great Value
  • Excellent traction
  • 10% carbon footprint reduction
“The Supernova 2 is a daily running shoe that is best suited for long easy or recovery days. The $100 price tag makes it a great value option for the budget conscious runner or newcomer wanting a comfortable and stable ride. ”
Jim Coulson
Fast Road and Trail Runner. Career Firefighter.
Read the full review of Supernova 2
or buy them here: Men / Women

Best Trail Running Shoes

Trail Running is quite a generic term that includes running over a variety of terrains, inclines and mileage. We believe the shoes listed below offer a good choice for all your trail running needs.

If you want a more in-depth look at trail running shoes, check our dedicated article, where you'll find different options based on the kind of terrain you plan to run on.

First choice
Weight
8.9 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Trail
Reasons to buy
  • Extremely versatile shoe, good for paved and natural surfaces.
  • Incredibly comfortable
  • Lighter than previous versions
  • Brings energy and stability
“The Hoka Challenger ATR 7 is lighter while maintaining the same cushioning, propulsion and comfort that the brand is known for. Those who loved previous versions of the Challenger will love this one even more. Runners looking for an even lighter trail shoe for moderate terrain will also find comfort and satisfaction with the Challenger 7. ”
Henry Howard
Ultra runner and certified running coach.
Read the full review of Challenger 7
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider
Weight
9.1 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Trail
Reasons to buy
  • Comfort that lasts
  • Laces stay tied
  • Very stable
“The Salomon Ultra Glide 2 is a remarkably versatile trail shoe. It allows you to perform well on all surfaces and gives you comfort that lasts for miles. ”
Olivia Yoder
Ultrarunner, personal trainer and soccer coach.
Read the full review of Ultra Glide 2
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider
Weight
11 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Trail
Reasons to buy
  • Excellent Grip/Traction
  • Drains Well
  • Light Weight
“The Altra Lone Peak 7.0 is a solid trail shoe for any running logging lots of miles off-road. It is very much a “do everything” kind of shoe that performs quite well in a variety of trail conditions.”
Denny Krahe
Running Coach and Podcast Host.
Read the full review of Lone Peak 7
or buy them here: Men / Women

Best Running Shoes for Marathon Racing

If you are ready to lace up for race day, here are the shoes we recommend.
Most people will be fine using their training shoe for the race. But if you are a competitor you might want something lighter and more responsive.

Here are a few options, but if you want more choice, please check our marathon-specific selection that goes into detail separating suggestions based on your speed, training shoes vs race-day shoes and more!

First choice
Weight
6.5 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Racing
Reasons to buy
  • Increase in cushioning
  • Stability improvement
  • More comfortable fit
  • Better breathability
  • Lighter weight
“The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly 3 is a soft, bouncy super shoe best suited to marathons. It doesn't offer as much speed assistance as other top tier carbon racers because of its gentle forefoot rocker but it's incredibly lightweight and extremely comfortable. Version 3 has been improved in a number of areas including stability, cushioning and weight. The forefoot is softer so it doesn't feel as fast as the Vaporfly 2 but its ride is plusher and it has more long-distance comfort. ”
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Read the full review of ZoomX Vaporfly 3
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider
Weight
7.2 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Racing
Reasons to buy
  • More accommodating fit than the Endorphin Pro 3
  • Super aggressive toe-spring
  • High level of stability
  • Breathable upper
“The Saucony Endorphin Elite is a brand new, top of the range marathon racer with a super aggressive toe-spring and a propulsive ride. It’s an S-tier racer which can compete with the fastest marathon shoes on the market. The Endorphin Elite uses Saucony’s new PWRRUN HG foam which has a slightly firmer feel than PWRRUN PB. It has a firmer but more stable ride than the Endorphin Pro 3 however its main weakness is its low outsole durability. ”
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Read the full review of Endorphin Elite
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider
Weight
8.3 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Racing
Reasons to buy
  • Aggressive plate placement
  • Increase in energy return
  • Increase in cushioning
  • Relatively stable ride
“The Hoka Rocket X 2 is a top-tier marathon racer with a soft, energetic ride. It has smooth, stable transitions and a stiff carbon plate for speed assistance. Version 2 is a vast improvement over the original version although it comes in at a higher weight and a much higher price. ”
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Read the full review of Rocket X 2
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider
Weight
7.60 oz.
Drop
6 mm.
Category
Cushioning
Reasons to buy
  • Increased forefoot cushioning
  • More aggressive toe-spring
  • Fit is now true to size
  • More stability
“The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is a long-distance specialist. Its highly cushioned midsole and its efficient, energy saving ride make it perfect for marathons and beyond. Version 3 has more foam in the forefoot, a wider net base and a more aggressive toe-spring which makes it softer, more stable and more propulsive than the previous version. ”
Recommended for
If you're a runner looking for a marathon super shoe with a forward-tipping sensation that's softer than most, the Adios Pro 3 is an excellent choice. It excels at long-distance runs and at target marathon pace.
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Read the full review of Adizero Adios Pro 3
or buy them here: Men / Women

What are the best running shoes?

Possibly the most asked questions by our readers and any person who knows I run this site, “what are the best running shoes” is not an easy question to answer!

Running shoes are a very personal matter. So personal in fact that a recent medical research established that comfort and fit are the most important matter while selecting a running shoe in terms of minimizing the risk of injury.

For this reason, it is impossible to make a list that will be valid for everyone.

We are a team of testers with different running experience, body shapes and sizes, individual bio-mechanics. This always updated list is divided into different sections so that every runner can find the best running shoes for them.

Here are a few pointers and definitions to help you choose correctly.

Neutral (or cushioning) running shoes vs stability (or support)

Traditionally, all running shoes are divided into Neutral running shoes or Stability running shoes.

This is based on the concept (lately less popular) that the height and elasticity of your foot arch determines what your shoe should do for you.

  • Runners with high arches don’t amortise the shock of impact with the ground enough, therefore needing shoes with extra cushioning
  • Runners with low or flat arches have their arch collapse under the impact resulting in mis-alignment of the running gait, therefore needing shoes that correct this issue

Although there is much more to choosing a pair of running shoes than this, most runners will be find in Netrual (cushioning) running shoes. Some runners though (like me) absolutely do need stability in their shoes in order not to get injured.

Low drop or zero drop running shoes

A running shoe drop, or heel-to-toe offset, is the difference, measured in millimiters (mm) between the height of the shoe sole in the heel area vs the height of the sole in the toe area.
For reference, traditional running shoes usually have an offset (drop) of 12mm. Low drop are considered shoes with a drop between zero (called zero drop) and 4mm. Everything in between is also possible.

The logic is: shoes with a higher heel will favor heel strike during running, while shoes with a zero or low drop will favor a more forefoot or midfoot running gait. It is largely a matter of preference, but running on your toes requires a completely different set of muscle activation and switching from one kind of shoe to the other without proper conditioning and a very gradual approach might result in injury.

Minimal vs maximal running shoes

In a nutshell minimal vs maximal refers to the amount of cushioning that the shoe gives to the runners.

Starting in 2009, more and more runners have been promoting a barefoot running idea: shoes are bad for you, you should run barefoot or, if that is not possible, with “as little shoe as possible”. Milions of runners made the switch to minimalism and quite a few got injured. As a result, companies came out with running shoes that are lightweight (one of the principles of minimalism) but with very high, soft soles that really cushion the foot.

There is not a right or wrong type of shoe here – it entirely depends on the runner, their style and preferences.

Premium running shoes vs cheap running shoes

A high price tag is not a guarantee that a shoe is better than another. This said, we always recommend to shop for running shoes that have a recommended retail price of $100 or more.
This does not mean you need to pay more than $100! New versions of running shoes are released every year and – most often than not – changes versus the previous version are small and incremental in nature. This means that instead of buying this year version of a shoe, you can very often buy last year’s model for a fraction of the price, often as low as 50% less.

Trail running shoes vs road running shoes

While the distinction might seem obvious, it’s good to mention some points that differentiate a trail running shoe from a road one.

  • Trail-specific outsoles: the bottom of a trail running shoe usually has a layer of very grippy rubber to avoid slipping over ice, rocks or wet pavement. The shoe will often present aggressively designed lugs to maintain traction in grass, mud or gravel.
  • Rock plates: some trail shoes ahve rigid inserts that protect the foot from sharp rocks or stone bruises. This makes the shoe stiffer, but this protection is mandatory on certain kind of terrain
  • Protective toe bumper: similar to the rock plate, most trail shoes have hardened toe areas to protect your toes from the damage caused by, for example, kicking a rock
  • Weather resistant uppers: very often trail running shoes have water resistant upper, higher collars or special lacing systems that help keeping water, mud or small rocks outside of the shoe.

Daily training running shoes vs racing/speedwork running shoes

The last distinction we want to highlight is the difference between high mileage, every day shoes vs shoes for speedwork and racing.

It has become a common practice for runners all over the world to have at least two separate pair of shoes:

  • A pair of traditional, highly cushioned and comfortable running shoes in which they log the majority of their training mileage. These shoes are usually heavier and with a high drop.
  • A pair of lightweight, low drop shoes to be used when they train at slower distances and higher paces. Or on race day.

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