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Shopping for a pair of running shoes can be a daunting task. At Runner’s World, we test hundreds of shoes a year, picking the best pairs to include in our annual RW Shoe Awards. In this list, we compile the best shoes, updating it every so often so you can stay in the know about the hottest releases and the trainers we’re still running in well past their testing cycle (that’s how great they are). From road to trail, cushioned to lightweight, neutral to stability, all the shoes listed here are the best that are available right now.
With the help of Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate, who has tested running gear for almost two decades, and me, a 14-time consecutive Boston Marathon finisher, we’ve logged thousands of miles during our tenure at Runner’s World, witnessing the dawn of super shoes and the evolution of stability tech. Below are our top picks based on our own testing, staff insights, and wear-tester feedback.
Quick Glance: Best Running Shoes Preview
- Our Editors’ Top Pick: Adidas Adizero Evo SL (Men’s/Women’s)
- Our Best Value Pick: New Balance Ellipse (Men’s/Women’s)
- Best Daily Trainer for Narrow Feet: Brooks Ghost 18 (Men’s/Women’s)
- Best Daily Trainer for Wide Feet: Brooks Glycerin 23 (Men’s/Women’s)
- For Runners Logging Long Runs: Nike Structure Plus (Men’s/Women’s)
How We Selected
At Runner’s World, we’ve tested gear since 1966. Our experts are die-hard runners like you, putting in the mileage to evaluate products every run, every day. We also have a team of 300+ local wear-testers who log at least 100 miles in every shoe and provide valuable feedback to help us determine the best of the bunch. These runners of various experience levels, gait patterns, ages, and arch types make our testing all-inclusive.
We’ve grouped shoes into three categories—training, racing, trail—to help you pick and choose which pairs fit your running lifestyle. Our staff and local wear-testers based these selections on fit, feel, and ride. We’ve also included links to earlier iterations that are now at discounted prices.
Please note: While we’re experts at vetting the best footwear, buying shoes on these sites is at the reader’s discretion. We update these links on a regular basis, but prices fluctuate every day and shoes sell out fast. We’ll do our best to check on these links for any changes as the year moves forward.
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Full Reviews
Best Training Shoes
Pros
- Super foam provides responsive cushioning
- Supportive and high impact and shock absorption
- Lightweight and versatile; great for everyday and speedwork
Cons
- Tongue can shift while running
- Wide midfoot for narrow feet
Key Specs
| Type | Neutral Road |
| Cushioning | High |
| Weight | 7.9 oz. (M), 6.6 oz. (W) |
| Drop | 7 mm (M), 6 mm (W) |
| Stack Height | 39 mm (M), 36 mm (W) |
It’s been a year and a half since Dengate named the Adidas Adizero Evo SL as the shoe of the year. Because it was merely the beginning of the year, Dengate swore he would eat the trainer if another took its place. Well, the Evo SL is still available, still in our Best Overall spot, and Dengate won’t have to make a meal of rubber and laces.
This prime spot is subject to change now that it’s a new year—and from where I’m sitting, lots of new shoes in our testing closet. So stay tuned, and snag the Evo SL before it ends its yearlong Best Overall Shoe reign.
The shoe earned this top spot because of its Lightstrike Pro foam, the same foam Adidas uses in its marathon shoe, the Adios Pro 4, which we also included in this guide. There’s no carbon-fiber plate, which makes the ride less aggressive, but there is a nylon shank in the midfoot for stability. Because of its light weight, you get a bouncy, cushioned ride for daily training, speed workouts, and long runs. It can go the distance as well as not distract on laps at the track.
“I liked that it was lightweight without compromising on cushion,” said wear-tester Eileen Cody, whose average training pace is 7:00. “It was also an incredibly versatile shoe. I liked that it had that daily trainer feel and elements of a racing shoe, but without the hard carbon plate that is found in other super trainers. I felt like my stride was efficient without seemingly letting the shoe do too much work.”
This doesn’t mean the Evo SL is perfect. Some testers found the toebox slightly narrow, and the midfoot a bit wide, and wished the tongue wouldn’t go askew midrun. Despite these drawbacks, our testers loved the Evo SL for its springy ride and versatility.
Shop Men’s at adidas.com | Shop Women’s at adidas.com
New Balance Ellipse
Pros
- Bouncy ride
- Plush feel
- Available in multiple widths
Cons
- Bulky and heavy
- Not meant for speedwork
| Type | Road |
| Cushioning | High |
| Weight | 9.6 oz (M), 7.7 oz (W) |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Stack Height | 38 mm |
We awarded the Ellipse Best Value for its dialed-in Fresh Foam X cushioning that New Balance retooled to produce a trampoline-like bounce. But this shoe also holds value because it’s specifically designed to make your runs easier. The plush max-cushioning is a triple threat: it provides comfort, support, and high rebound.
The shoe is meant to make runs easier and embody the same feeling you have going on a shakeout with a run group. Testers loved the shoe’s springy ride; even though some thought the Ellipse was too bulky for fast workouts, others felt the shoe would give them an edge running up against friends in other trainers.
“The shoe is SO springy,” said tester Laura Parks. “It’s like running with a strong wind at your back except the extra momentum is coming from the ground. It truly feels like I am at an advantage wearing these shoes and running against someone wearing something else.”
Shop Men’s at newbalance.com | Shop Women’s at newbalance.com
Pros
- Soft and responsive nitrogen-infused cushioning
- Comfy, padded fit
- Available in multiple widths
Cons
- Some pressure in bunion-prone area
- Runs hot
- Stiff at first, requires some breaking in
Key Specs
| Type | Neutral Road |
| Cushioning | High |
| Weight | 10.2 oz (M9), 9.2 oz (W8) |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Stack Height | 36 mm |
The Brooks Ghost is our No. 1 shoe when we recommend new trainers to beginners. The reason why our editors recommend the Ghost: its Goldilocks cushioning and overall comfort. The Ghost 18 gets a revamped upper, which became a polarizing topic particularly between men and women runners.
The new jacquard engineered air mesh gives the shoe a street casual look. Case in point: I’ve worn the shoe on non-running outings and gotten some compliments.
We found the upper caused hot spots in the bunion-prone regions of some testers’ feet. Because women tend to have a broader midfoot, they may want to opt for a wider fit or the brand’s Glycerin 23 (reviewed below). I experienced some rubbing below my big toe. After a couple of runs breaking in the Ghost 18, the shoe was less stiff and stopped causing friction in that area.
In terms of ride, the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam absorbs shock and molds to your foot. Dengate liked how the Ghost 18 made his daily runs feel effortless. “I really like easy cruising, when I lay back on my heel and float. I think that’s where this shoe works best, and probably why it’s going to work for newer runners and the majority of us who heel strike.”
Shop Men’s at brooksrunning.com | Shop Women’s at brooksrunning.com
Brooks Glycerin 23
Brooks Glycerin 23
Pros
- More cushioning in the forefoot
- DNA Tuned cushioning that's responsive, supportive, and comfy
- Wide, accommodating fit
Cons
- Slightly stiff in forefoot area
Key Specs
| Type | Neutral Road |
| Cushioning | High |
| Weight | 10.6 oz (M), 8.7 oz (W) |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Stack Height | 38 mm |
We love the Glycerin for long runs, but the shoe is also a very capable everyday trainer. The shoe has an accommodating fit in the midfoot and toebox, and a secure, padded fit around the heel. All these elements make it a prime women’s daily trainer (women tend to have a broader midfoot and narrower heel).
The shoe has a nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned midsole, which has small cells in the forefoot area of the shoe and larger cells in the heel area. This makes the Glycerin 23 feel lighter despite its high-cushioning, and more responsive. I loved training in the shoe during my long runs for the Boston Marathon. Senior Features Editor Pavlína Černá also favored the shoe for running long.
“The shoe is cushioned in a way that makes me want to do all my long runs in them. It doesn’t drag as some cushioned shoes do, but feels responsive,” she said. “My go-to comparison of a cushioned shoe is the Saucony Echelon which I love for walking/hiking, but which I cannot do long miles in because the shoe drags, makes me work too hard. In comparison, the Glycerin is plushy but responds well to my moods and the corresponding pace changes.”
Shop Men’s at brooksrunning.com | Shop Women’s at brooksrunning.com
The stability version, Brooks Glycerin GTS 23, is also available at brooksrunning.com. Read our review to learn more.
Nike Structure Plus
Pros
- Support and stability despite tall stack height
- Max-cushioned ride
- Accommodating fit
Cons
- Some found running in the shoe cumbersome
Key Specs
| Type | Stability Road |
| Cushioning | Max |
| Weight | 10.8 oz (M10), 8.7 oz (W8) |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Stack Height | 42 mm |
While I was training with a group of runners in the lead-up to Boston, I rotated the Glycerin 23, which is on this list, the Nike Vomero Plus, and Nike Structure Plus. I chose these shoes because of their max-cushioning and high energy return, knowing they would make hours on the road more bearable and somewhat entertaining. When I ran in the Vomero Plus, my companions kept asking if I was okay because I was tripping mid-18-miler. This didn’t happen at all when I switched to the Structure Plus, the shoe’s stability counterpart, on my 20-miler.
The Structure Plus is more accommodating than you’d think for a Nike shoe (my wide feet didn’t feel squished) and has a built-in support system, which you can see on the side of the shoe’s heel. ReactX and ZoomX make for a very responsive ride that had me throw in a couple of surges during my long run because, um, impatience. You can’t not dare to speed when there’s PEBA (ZoomX) in your trainer.
Shop Men’s at nike.com | Shop Women’s at nike.com
Hoka Clifton Pro
Pros
- Meta-Rocker helps with transitions
- SCF cushioning absorbs shock
- Soft, breathable upper
Cons
- Foam not as responsive as other supercritical foams
- Slightly narrower fit than the Clifton 11
Key Specs
| Type | Neutral Road |
| Cushioning | Max |
| Weight | 10.4 oz (M), 8.5 oz (W) |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Stack Height | 42 mm (M) 38 mm (W) |
The Clifton Pro is the more dynamic version of the Clifton 11, meaning it has bouncier foam with super-critically foamed EVA (the Clifton 11 has CMEVA, or compression-molded EVA).
The shoe’s role in your arsenal of shoes: that long run trainer that isn’t a super shoe. Absent of a plate in its sole, the Clifton Pro keeps your legs fresh without relying on super tech. I appreciated the shoe’s rocker profile—the Meta-Rocker has a more aggressive angle in the Pro version compared to the Clifton 11—and ProGlide+ foam, which worked in tandem making my hard tempos not as rough on my body.
The Clifton Pro embodies everything you like about the Clifton taken up a notch. One thing to consider, however, is its slightly narrower toe area. It’s enough to feel some rubbing by the pinky toe if you have wide feet, but not enough that you lose a layer of keratin on your nails.
Shop Men’s at hoka.com | Shop Women’s at hoka.com
New Balance 1080v15
Pros
- Upgraded midsole foam is soft and more responsive than Fresh Foam
- Feels more versatile and faster than previous versions
- Revamped upper fits comfortably
Cons
- Our college aged testers felt it was too much shoe for everyday training
Key Features
| Type | Neutral Road |
| Cushioning | High |
| Weight | 9.1 oz (M) 7.2 oz (W) |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Stack Height | 39.9 mm |
On a spectrum of lightweight, daily trainer, and max-cushioned, what is considered an ordinary cushioned running shoe? The New Balance 1080v15 fits this “cushioned” category, though it’s anything but ordinary.
The biggest change: No more Fresh Foam X. The brand switched out now yesterday’s foam with Infinion, which is slightly firmer. Because it’s supercritical TPEE and TPU-based foam, the cushioning is longer-lasting than Fresh Foam X, which was industry-standard EVA.
Testers liked how the firmer midsole made the ride have more pop than previous 1080s.
“Each footfall felt soft while still slightly firm,” said Director of Content Operations Brian Dalek. “I never felt like I was bordering on running my miles in super shoes. Instead, I felt like I could take these out several times per week, trying them in long runs and faster tempo outings without wearing them out.”
Shop Men’s at newbalance.com | Shop Women’s at newbalance.com
Pros
- Firm underfoot but plenty of cushion for comfort
- Even footing on uneven surfaces
- Rocker profile
Cons
- Heel collar could be a bit softer
Key Specs
| Type | Neutral Road |
| Cushioning | High |
| Weight | 10.4 oz (M), 8.5 oz (W) |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Stack Height | 35 mm |
The Cloudmonster 3 is a triple threat as a running, walking, and run/walk shoe. Take it from Černá, who trains in the Cloudmonster 3 and chose the trainer to march 103,178 steps in the Czech Republic.
“I’ve been a fan of On for some time now, and the third iteration of the Cloudmonster truly feels like the shoe is only getting better,” she wrote in her account of the 75K walk. “The signature CloudTec sole absorbs the impact of my steps like it’s a tiny trampoline that pushes me off right away and rocks me forward, doing half the work of running (or walking) for me. The toebox is wide and slightly stretchy, accommodating my foot as it swells over time.”
Testers also liked the shoe for faster—and shorter—efforts.
“When I slid my foot into these shoes to try on at the pickup I was instantly blown away with the shear joy it was to have these shoes on my feet,” said tester Dave Brattley. “Needless to say, there were some high expectations for them to perform just as well during run and they didn’t disappoint! Fit and feel: check; forefoot cushioning that’s soft but you can still feel the road: check; heel cushioning while walking: check; and durability: check!”
Shop Men’s at on.com | Shop Women’s at on.com
Pros
- Increased cushioning in the heel and forefoot
- Guide rails system assists with stability
Cons
- Several testers wanted longer laces
Key Specs
| Type | Stability Road |
| Cushioning | High |
| Weight | 10.6 oz (M9), 9.5 oz (W8) |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Stack Height | 37 mm |
Like the Brooks Ghost, a lot of us started running in the Adrenaline GTS. Even though it’s the stability counterpart to the neutral Ghost, the Adrenaline GTS can serve all types of runners. The guide rails system isn’t too intrusive, and helps overpronators and overpronating neutral runners alike. Dense foam bumpers the medial and lateral sides, acting as guidance when your form becomes erratic from fatigue.
Now on its 25th model, the Adrenaline GTS is packed with more foam, 1 mm in the heel, 3 mm in the forefoot. Nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 delivers high rebound and absorbs shock. The Adrenaline GTS is a comfy choice when you’re looking for a workhorse trainer with firmer cushioning for support. It was a hit with our testers.
“The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 has quickly become a standout in my running shoe rotation,” said Kylie Rodriguez, a heel-striker with high arches. “From the moment I first laced them up, the fit was absolutely perfect, feeling snug and supportive without being restrictive. This ‘just right’ feeling is a major plus, as a good fit is the foundation for any comfortable run. What truly impressed me was the shoe’s versatility. Whether I was tackling a quick, high-intensity sprint or settling in for a long-distance effort, the Adrenaline GTS 25 delivered consistent comfort.”
Shop Men’s at brooksrunning.com | Shop Women’s at brooksrunning.com
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Review
Pros
- Soft, well-cushioned feel for long runs, easy runs
- Even more cushioning than previous generation
Cons
- Plush cushioning and heavy weight makes it not ideal for fast runs
- Narrower fit than previous iterations
Key Specs
| Type | Neutral Road |
| Cushioning | High |
| Weight | 10.5 oz. (M), 9.3 oz. (W) |
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Stack Height | 43 mm (M), 42 mm (W) |
The Bondi 9 defines a Hoka shoe. It has a cozy interior and a foamy midsole. Because the Bondi 8 came out three years ago, we expected a major update—and Hoka delivered. The Bondi 9 has reached new heights with a 10 mm thicker stack height (the men’s Bondi 8 was 33 mm in the heel). The Hoka team tamped down its “billowiness” by giving the shoe a sleeker, more refined look. Because Hoka added higher sidewalls for a more secure fit, Bondi 9 fits tighter on wide feet compared to past models.
Testers liked running long in the shoe and using it as a daily trainer. They wanted a thinner tongue and wider midfoot, but that didn’t make the Bondi 9 lose favor. Some testers were finally won over by the latest iteration, including tester John Mikovits: “Hoka has been hit-or-miss for me but the Bondi, in general, has been a chunky miss. This Bondi 9 has broken the streak of disdain.”
Shop Men’s at hoka.com | Shop Women’s at hoka.com
Best Racing Shoes
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5
Pros
- Carbon rim is stable and snappy
- The midsole feels firmer but is plenty soft
- Upper tweaks may help improve the fit for those who found the Pro 4 ran small
Cons
- Arch is still quite narrow and could cause blisters for runners with wide feet
Key Specs
| Type | Neutral Road racing |
| Cushioning | High |
| Weight | 6.1 oz (M), 5.3 oz (W) |
| Drop | 4 mm |
| Stack Height | 39 mm |
The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro has been a long-standing top pick as Best Marathon Racing Shoe because of its ability to transcend categories. We’ve found the shoe works for both wide- and narrow-footed runners, as well as for those who want to just finish their first 26.2 or nail a PR on their umpteenth try.
The Pro 5 has some key updates to help continue the model’s reign in our Best Marathon shoe slot. Developers took learnings from the $500 Pro Evo 3 (the shoe worn by sub-2 world-record breaker Sebastian Sawe at this year’s London Marathon), making it lighter with a new carbon rim setup.
We found the shoe fits true-to-size with plenty of toe room. The rim helps with efficiency and snap when you push the pace. The drawback is for runners who tend to kick their heel. I felt a jolt every couple miles of my run in the Pro 5, my heel slightly bruised by my erratic pronation. Our senior art director, Colin McSherry, however, experienced no damage throughout his first 26.2 at this October’s Chicago Marathon.
Shop Men’s at adidas.com | Shop Women’s at adidas.com
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 Review
New Balance SuperComp Rebel
New Balance SuperComp Rebel
Pros
- Broad platform makes running more stable
- Bouncy Infinion foam with propulsive plate and rocker profile
Cons
- Some found the fit narrow; shoe is available in a wider fit
| Type | Neutral Road |
| Cushioning | Max |
| Weight | 7.8 oz (M), 6.2 oz (W) |
| Drop | 4 mm |
| Stack Height | 40 mm |
New Balance intended for the SuperComp Rebel to serve as a carbon-plated training shoe, but the parallels between the model and the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4—an older version of the brand’s premier racing shoe—have us recommending the SuperComp Rebel for racing, as well. The shoe’s broader platform and more stable ride make it more approachable for new marathoners and middle- to back-of-the-packers racing a marathon.
The SuperComp Rebel has the brand’s new Infinion midsole, a TPEE-based foam that’s more responsive than PEBA. By pairing Infinion with an Energy Arc plate and rocker profile, the shoe provides impressive toe-off as you run.
I took the shoe out on the track and on the trail and, to my surprise, the shoe performed well on both surfaces equally. The plate, rocker, and foam propelled me forward throughout my track workout and all the above, along with the grippy outsole, kept me grounded and fast on a path splotched with muddy puddles after a rainfall.
The SuperComp Rebel is a capable trainer and racer.
Shop Men’s at newbalance.com | Shop Women’s at newbalance.com
New Balance SuperComp Rebel Preview
Best Trail Shoes
Pros
- New build improves fit and cushioning
- Great on technical trails
- Comfortable at long distances
- Fabulous pull tab in back
Cons
- A bit more snug than other Hokas
Key Specs
| Type | Neutral Trail |
| Cushioning | High |
| Weight | 9.7 oz (M), 8.3 oz (W) |
| Drop | 4 mm |
| Stack Height | 33 mm |
The Speedgoat 7 is primed for uneven, muddy surfaces with 5 mm lugs and a more secure fit around the heel. Bowen took the shoe on “genuinely ugly trail” and liked how the shoe kept things moving with its Meta-Rocker profile and buffered gnarly roots with its SCF (super-critically foamed) cushioning.
Tester Diane Grim loved the shoe’s durability and traction. “You can’t beat the Vibram soles! They stick to everything,” she said. “I prefer the version 7 lugs over the 6 hands down. The pattern and placement made shedding mud and snow so much better.”
A small suggestion for an even better ’goat next round: a wider toebox for room for toe splay. Still, the shoe’s cushioning and grip can’t be beat. The Speedgoat 7 is truly the GOAT on the trail.
Shop Men’s at hoka.com | Shop Women’s at hoka.com
Pros
- Flexible forefoot for stong toe-off
- More cushioning in heel to absorb shock
- 4mm lugs bite into mud
Cons
- Protective upper makes the shoe run warm
Features at a Glance
| Type | Neutral Trail |
| Cushioning | Moderate |
| Weight | 11.8 oz. (M9), 10.3 oz. (W8) |
| Drop | 7.5 mm (M), 6 mm (W) |
| Stack Height | 31.5 mm (M), 29.5 mm (W) |
The Wildfeel uses a dual-density supercritical foam midsole; the heel is cushier to absorb shock, while the firmer forefoot promotes a responsive toe-off. The outsole has 4 mm lugs, which have an ascending/descending orientation for traction on uneven terrain. The rubber wraps up above the toe to serve as a buffer from rocks and roots.
Testers liked the versatility of the Wildfeel, finding it transitioned smoothly from road to trail.
“I loved the literal and physical flexibility of the Wildfeel!” said tester Jenny Stump. “I am primarily a road runner. These felt comfortable enough that I could do some easy miles on the road as well as tackle some trails with uneven surfaces. All the trail shoes I have previously tried felt more stiff and had such a thick sole that I wouldn’t even want to warm up on the road with them. I like the depth of the tread. It’s enough that I feel secure on slick and uneven surfaces but not too heavy or rigid that my foot isn’t able to flex in the shoe.” Stump suggested the shoes are ideal for long runs and road/trail days.
Shop Men’s at lululemon.com | Shop Women’s at lululemon.com
Pros
- Highly responsive TPEE foam
- Fiberglass Speedboard propels
- Great heat management
- Good secure fit for hours—or days—of running on the trail
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Traction not as aggressive as competitors’
Key Specs
| Type | Trail Racing |
| Cushioning | Max |
| Weight | 9.7 oz (M), 7.4 oz (W) |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Stack Height | 38.5 mm |
It takes a different breed of person to run hundreds of miles on the trail; obviously, they’d need a different breed of shoe to survive that distance. The Cloudultra Pro provides what these runners need when they tackle an ultra: a breathable upper, a comfy and secure fit for maneuvering rugged paths, and responsive midsole foam with a Speedboard that promotes propulsion.
Tester Pat Heine-Holmberg raced on “every surface imaginable” at the 102-mile ZUT1000 around Zugspitze in Germany. Heine-Holmberg explained how the thin tongue and laces make this trail shoe feel like a road shoe, “but with additional padding around the heel collar and a thin toe cap overlay for protection.”
Bowen, who’s gone through three pairs of the Cloudultra Pro, appreciated how she didn’t have to slice its sides (a sometimes necessary act when your feet are cramped and beaten from tens of miles of abuse in certain footwear). Bowen also praised how the shoes handled lateral stability on uneven terrain.
Shop Men’s at on.com | Shop Women’s at on.com
What to Consider
How to Choose the Best Running Shoes FAQs
Become a Stronger Runner With These Exclusive Training Programs
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
Cat Bowen, senior editor of commerce; reviews, is a seasoned runner with more than 20 years of distance running experience, including dozens of marathons, half marathons, and even a few ultra marathons. For over a decade, she has tested parenting, fitness, home, and running gear and written in-depth guides to help readers with their next purchase. Holding multiple advanced degrees and currently studying kinesiology, Cat Bowen brings research-backed insight to all of her guides. Passionate about women’s health and neurodivergent inclusion, she advocates for closing research gaps and helping others—especially AudHD people—find joy in running and fitness.
