Expert consulted: Picking your next pair of running shoes is a surprisingly personal choice. The best pair for you will depend on a long list of factors, including your gait, how fast you like to run, what surfaces you run on and your goals as a runner. The best running shoes, in other words, are the ones that feel good on your feet and help you put in more time running your way.
That opens the door to a whole universe of shoes… So how do you choose? At Runner’s World, we’re always testing and reviewing men’s and women’s running shoes—hundreds of pairs a year—searching for the best options for every speed, every foot shape and every condition. These shoes are our favorites, the best of the best. They are the daily trainers, racing shoes, stability shoes, and trail shoes that our editors, writers and wear-testers all love the most, and our easiest recommendations.
Nike Air Max Tailwind Flight Jacket
- Best Overall: Brooks Ghost 16
- Best Fit Update: Nike Pegasus 41
- Best Value: Reebok Floatride Energy 6
- Best Women-Specific Daily Trainer: lululemon Blissfeel 2
- Best Racing Shoe: Nike Alphafly 3
- Best Stability Shoe: Asics Gel-Kayano 31
- Nike Wmns Zoom Double-Stacked 'Cyber': Nike Air Max 97 Uptempo QS
Why Trust Us
We’ve been testing gear at Runner’s World since 1966, longer than anyone in the industry today. We put thousands of miles a year on running shoes from every brand we can get our hands on, and our lab allows us an unprecedented look at the mechanics of your shoes in an objective environment devoid of hype—every shoe goes through the same tests, regardless of the label on the upper.
Just as much as you, we want to find the perfect shoe for our lunch runs, weekend treks, and evening interval sessions tapped out on our office’s treadmills. Our staff consists of runners of all ages and ability levels, all of whom need different shoes to feel their best on the road or trail, and we’re not shy about identifying those needs and sharing which shoes do or don’t meet them.
We have the means to test a wide variety of fits, technologies, and styles, all far more intensively than you’d be able to within the walls of your local running store. We’re dedicated to ensuring runners without those means don’t suffer through a single subpar set of shoes.
For Exclusive Access to Product Testing Opportunities:
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How We Selected Nike Air Max Tailwind Flight Jacket
Runner’s World has the most comprehensive running shoe testing process in the industry. We work with more than 275 local runners of all abilities, ages, and sizes for real-world wear-testing on paved roads, dirt paths, and popular running routes. After logging a month and more than 100 miles in their respective running shoes, our testers report back their findings on features like fit, comfort, performance, and ride.
While they’re putting miles on the shoes, the same models undergo a battery of mechanical tests in the RW Shoe Lab, where we objectively measure each shoe’s cushioning, flexibility, sole thickness, and weight. Our test editors combine their own experience in the shoes with data from the lab and feedback from our wear-testers to create reliable, useful reviews of every pair we run in.
Our latest update to this roundup features shoe recommendations from freelance writer and former Test Editor Michael Charboneau. Charboneau has written about running shoes and gear for the last six years at a number of publications, including The Los Angeles Times, Men’s Journal, Field Mag, and InsideHook. His selections were chosen based on RW test data and insights from additional tester feedback.
Our Running Shoe Reviews
Pros
- Soft, responsive cushioning
- Feels lightweight
- New upper for improved fit and breathability
Cons
- Relatively high drop may feel uncomfortable for some runners
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.5 oz. (M), 8.5 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Neutral Road |
| Drop | 12 mm |
| Heel Stack | 35.5 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 23.5 mm |
The Brooks Ghost is a perennial favorite among runners of all stripes, from couch-to-5Kers to seasoned marathoners. It’s easy to understand why: It offers a Goldilocks ride—cushioned yet responsive—with a secure fit and good durability for everyday training.
The Ghost 16 sticks with that winning formula but features some notable upgrades, including a new mesh upper and nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole cushioning. The new upper offers a lockdown fit, and the new cushioning offers great shock absorption, low weight, and a springy feel. On the bottom, the generous rubber outsole gives the shoe good durability and grip, and it's segmented to promote flexibility and smooth strides. Overall though, the Ghost’s plush, energetic ride was the highlight for RW testers.
“The Ghost felt light on my feet, and didn’t have a clunky feel to them, despite definitely being well-cushioned,” said one.
Whether you’re jogging around the block, doing some interval training, or heading out for a weekend long run, the Ghost 16 is a reliable choice.
Nike Dunk High Electric Purple alle WMNS Größen via JD Sports | Saucony Triumph 22
Pros
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- Responsive Pwrrun PB midsole
- All-around comfort with cushioned tongue and heel collar
Cons
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- A bit heavier than the Triumph 21
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.1 oz. (M), 8.8 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Neutral Road |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Heel Stack | 37 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 27 mm |
The Saucony Triumph is a max-cushion daily trainer, and should be your everyday go-to if you like a pillowy ride in your running shoes. The Pwrrun PB midsole is the main highlight: diamond from the same polyether block amide (PEBA) foam blend that Saucony uses in its high-end racing shoes, it gives you a delightful combo of low weight, plenty of energy return, and good shock absorption in each step.
The Triumph 22 also adds some key tweaks for a more comfortable fit. It has a wider sole shape that gives your feet room to swell and splay out on long runs. The sole also has sculpted sidewalls that cradle your feet and keep them aligned in the shoe as you run, and added padding around the ankle and heel ensures a comfy fit.
Despite some gripes about poor breathability in the upper, our testers were as impressed with the shoe as we were. “The cushioning in both the heel and forefoot have been amazing, giving the Triumph 22 a comfort level that many shoes lack,” one said.
Nike Dunk High Electric Purple alle WMNS Größen via JD Sports | Nike Pegasus 41
Pros
- Snappy, responsive ride
- Breathable upper
- Grippy outsole
Cons
- Relatively heavy
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.5 oz. (M), 8.5 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Neutral Road |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Heel Stack | 37 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 27 mm |
The Nike Pegasus line has reached middle age (this veteran has been a part of the Nike lineup for decades), but it continues to be a solid workhorse for daily running in version 41.0. Above all, the Pegasus is predictable: Even with a new ReactX foam midsole designed to deliver improved energy return and a lower carbon footprint, it offers the same responsive, predictable ride as past generations. The formula stands because it’s worked well for so many runners year after year.
In his testing, Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate found very little difference between the 40 and 41 in terms of overall feel, so you can expect the same firm, responsive ride the Peg is known for.
“The Peg just works well most of the time for most people,” Dengate said in his review. “Is it perfect? No. But it’s never bad, either.”
He singled out the shoe’s grippy full-coverage rubber outsole as a major highlight—the shoe delivered lockdown traction, even in wet conditions. Overall, the Pegasus 41 remains a capable, versatile shoe.
Pros
- Responsive ride
- Stable
Cons
- Heavier than previous version
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.5 oz. (M), 8.6 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Neutral Road |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel Stack | 27 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 19 mm |
As brands have pumped up their shoes with new foams and cushioning tech, they’ve also pumped up their prices. The Reebok Floatride Energy 6 bucks both trends. It’s a slimmed-down trainer that prioritizes responsiveness over pillowy cushioning, and at around $100, it’s a good deal.
We loved last year’s Floatride Energy 5, and this new revision preserves its best features: A TPU-based Floatride Energy foam midsole and a stabilizing midsole plate. The foam gives the shoe a responsive, bouncy ride, and the relatively thin sole design allows the shoe to flex for smooth strides, especially in the forefoot. The midsole plate counters overpronation and keeps the shoe from flexing laterally, so you get a stable ride without side-to-side wobbles. On the bottom, a nearly full-coverage rubber outsole ensures you get plenty of durability and grip for daily training. In terms of performance, the Floatride Energy 6 is on par with everyday training shoes that cost significantly more.
For more bargains, check out our guide to the best affordable running shoes, all of which cost $100 or less.
lululemon Blissfeel 2 Running Shoe
Pros
- Specifically diamond for a woman’s fit and biomechanics
- New contoured upper provides secure fit
- Supportive, thick foam buffers impact
Cons
- Heavier compared to other trainers
- Upper runs a bit warm
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.9 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Neutral Road |
| Drop | 9.5 mm |
| Heel Stack | 33 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 23.5 mm |
lululemon is now both a yoga and running brand, a dual image enhanced by its recent foray into footwear. The company released its first women’s-specific running shoe, the Blissfeel, Nike SB Dunk Low Space Jam New Images.
Often, brands determine women’s sizing by taking a male last and simply downsizing it, but lululemon engineered the last for this shoe from the ground up using the shape and mechanics of women’s feet. Women runners tend to pronate slightly more than men, for example, so lulu added 3D-molded panels on both sides of the midfoot to boost the shoe’s side-to-side stability.
According to Test Editor Amanda Furrer, the Blissfeel 2 feels slightly heavier and firmer than the original, even though the stack height and foam haven’t changed.
“Running in the 2 felt like running in Adidas’s Ultraboost,” said Furrer. “It’s thick, but there’s plenty of pop to the 2’s ride. The toe room and cushioning felt like a reprieve after testing narrower, less-supportive trainers.”
Read Our Full lululemon Blissfeel 2 Review
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3
Pros
- Well-cushioned and responsive
- Жіночі кросівки nike air jordan reto 1 all white
Cons
- Midsole cutout can catch rocks and debris
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.6 oz. (M), 7.5 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Neutral Road |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Heel Stack | 40 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 34 mm |
The New Balance FuellCell SuperComp proves that carbon fiber plates aren’t just for race day—they can be an integral component of your training shoes, too. This feature-packed trainer rides on a thick wedge of New Balance’s FuelCell foam, a nitrogen-injected TPU-EVA blend that offers a highly responsive ride. The “EnergyArc” carbon fiber plate stabilizes the midsole, and helps you wring maximum energy return from that big stack of foam. The outsole covers most of the forefoot and a good portion of the heel, boosting grip and durability.
According to RW testers, the SuperComp v3 doesn’t quite match the propulsive feeling of the v2, and the large cutout on the bottom of the sole can catch rocks mid-run. But they lauded the design’s improved fit and traction. One tester called it “surprisingly durable.”
“I feel like you can get a lot of mileage out of this shoe,” they added.
A propulsive ride with workhorse durability? That’s a training shoe worth getting excited about.
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 Running Shoe
Pros
- Nike Hyperize Destro G
- Five carbon-fiber rods mimic natural foot movement
- More forefoot cushioning than v2
- Excellent wet-surface traction
Cons
- Slightly heavier than v2
- Sizing runs large
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.7 oz. (Unisex 9) |
|---|---|
| Type | Racing |
| Drop | 8.5mm |
| Heel Stack | 39.5mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 31mm |
Test Editor Amanda Furrer experienced the thrill of racing in the Adizero Adios Pro 3 on the international stage. She ran the Paris Half Marathon this past March in the shoes after logging just one short test run in them a few days prior. Despite jet lag, miles of walking in the City of Lights, and fueling solely on croissants, she still clinched a PR.
The shoe fits like Asics’ Metaspeed Sky: not restrictive around the midfoot, not too narrow in the toebox. Its synthetic upper provides paper-thin coverage that hugs your foot much like a track spike or racing flat. It’s a tight fit squeezing your foot into the Adizero Adios Pro 3, with its flat tongue and secure padded collar. But the folded heel tab makes all the difference, helping you ease into the shoe with little struggle.
The midsole is two layers of resilient LightStrike Pro foam, which deliver high rebound and cushion ground contact so your body doesn’t take a beating. In place of a carbon-fiber plate, which the original Adizero Adios Pro had, are five connected carbon-infused rods that resemble the metatarsals in your foot. These EnergyRods 2.0, as Adidas calls them, aren’t as stiff as a full-length carbon-fiber plate, and they work with the movement of your foot instead of forcing it into position during turnover.
Completing the trifecta of what a super shoe entails, the last component after responsive foam and carbon fiber is geometry. The Adizero Adios Pro 3 has a rocker with a transition point located at 70 percent of the shoe’s length. This positioning helps your foot roll forward as you accelerate. Molly Sunderlin, a local tester who slightly underpronates and runs with a midfoot strike, told us that the rocker worked well with her running mechanics, saying her stride felt “easy and efficient.”
Note: Adidas released a limited run of Adizero Adios Pro 4 shoes in October, 2024 ahead of the new model’s full launch in January, 2025. We’ll have more to say about the updated version after we’ve had time to test it on the road and in the lab. For now, we think the Adios Pro 3 is the best marathon pick.
Read Our Full Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 Review
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
Pros
- Snappy, responsive cushioning
- Lightweight
Cons
- Cushioning isn’t soft enough for marathons
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.5 oz. (M), 5.9 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Neutral Road |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Heel Stack | 30 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 24 mm |
True to its name, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel defies easy categorization: It’s relatively affordable and amply cushioned, but also lightweight and propulsive. It’s a capable choice for everything from speed training to competing in a 10K race, and that versatility Nike Sportswear s retro of the RW Shoe Awards this year.
This year’s Rebel v4 features a notably thicker midsole than its predecessor, and New Balance used a blend of PEBA and EVA cushioning foams to give the Rebel a firm, responsive ride that’s well-suited to faster paces. It’s topped with a very thin upper, and although the material feels a bit stiff, RW testers found it created a dependable fit without any irritation or slips. They especially loved its light profile and the spring-like bounce of the midsole.
While the Rebel v4 lacks the softness we normally recommend for long-distance runs, it has all the ingredients for peppy daily training and shorter races—and adidas a shoe that lends itself to many kinds of running makes it a valuable option, especially at this price.
Nike Alphafly 3
Pros
- Well-cushioned and very propulsive ride
- Improved fit and stability
- Even lighter than previous version
Cons
- Thick ZoomX midsole isn’t super durable
- Makes a squeaking noise
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.8 oz. (M), 6.2 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Road Racing |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel Stack | 40 mm (M), 37.2 mm (W) |
| Forefoot Stack | 32 mm (M), 31.4 mm (W) |
Nike refined the Alphafly 3 to make the shoe more approachable and address concerns from athletes about the shoe’s lack of stability and overly intrusive arch support. The tweaks paid off, earning our adoration and a 2024 Runner’s World Shoe Award.
The Nike Alphafly 3 features the same midsole tech as its predecessors: A thick layer of PEBA-based ZoomX cushioning, which offers exceptional softness without adding much weight. At the same time, dual Zoom Air units and a full-length carbon fiber plate help you get maximum energy return from the cushioning to create an incredibly bouncy, propulsive ride.
Unlike past iterations, though, the midsole is constructed from a single, full-length layer of ZoomX foam–there’s no break in the middle of the sole. That promotes smoother transitions from landing to toe-off. It also has a more spacious upper, a wider sole shape, and a wider carbon fiber plate, which give it a more accommodating fit and better stability. And if all that wasn’t enough, Nike managed to make all these changes and trim the weight a bit.
“It felt faster than the Alphafly 2,” said one RW tester.
There are downsides, of course: The ZoomX midsole isn’t very durable, and the shoe makes a squeaking noise while running. Even with a few imperfections, this is a potent pair of long-distance racing shoes.
Pros
- Soft, responsive cushioning
- Support tech isn’t intrusive
Cons
- Somewhat heavy
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.7 oz. (M), 9.3 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Stability Road |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Heel Stack | 40 mm (M), 39 mm (W) |
| Forefoot Stack | 30 mm (M), 29 mm (W) |
We named the Asics Gel-Kayano 30, last year’s model, the Best Stability Shoe for most people earlier this year. Since then, Asics released the new Gel-Kayano 31, but the soft cushioning and its smooth, stable ride are still best-in-class.
The Gel-Kayano 31 features a FlyteFoam Blast+ midsole, with an extra pocket of PureGEL cushioning under the heel for a consistently soft step. The signature here, though, is Asics’ 4D Guidance System–a holistic set of stability features that includes a layer of supportive foam under the arch and a wide full-contact sole shape. The more structured design helps mitigate overpronation and gently guide your foot, keeping it properly aligned within the shoe and helping you stay planted, even on broken pavement. On top, a mesh upper with generous padding around the ankle and heel creates a snug, comfortable fit.
“With every stride I took, my foot felt balanced and comfortable,” said one RW tester.
With its smooth, steady ride and reliable cushioning, the Gel-Kayano 31 really helps runners who need extra support find their footing.
Brooks Hyperion GTS 2
Pros
- Moderate support strikes a good balance between speed and stability
- One of Brooks’ lightest trainers
Cons
- Thin upper tends to bunch up
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.6 oz. (M), 6.9 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Stability Road |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel Stack | 31.5 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 23.5 mm |
When you read enough shoe reviews, stability and speed start to seem like polar opposites, but the Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 offers both attributes, earning it a place among our favorite lightweight shoes. A stability-focused counterpart to Brooks’ Hyperion speed-training shoe. The GTS 2 features GuideRails–two strips of firm, raised foam on either side of the heel–which keep your foot centered to ensure proper alignment and counter overpronation. It provides relatively light support compared to traditional stability features, like placing a firm medial post within the midsole, but that keeps the shoe from feeling blocky and stiff underfoot.
It gets its speed from a nitrogen-infused DNA Flash v2 foam—Brooks’s lightest cushioning material. (It’s a full 3 ounces lighter than the Asics Gel-Kayano 31.) That generates a responsive ride to help you go fast.
“The shoe offers a nice balance of stability and responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for runners who need a bit of support without sacrificing speed,” said one RW tester.
Although the thin tongue and upper caused some fit issues, the Hyperion’s planted-yet-peppy ride impressed RW testers. It’s a great choice for runners who want confident footing for fast-paced workouts.
Nike Air Max 97 Uptempo QS
Pros
- Lightweight, responsive cushioning
- 5Yi Jian Lian x Nike Air Force 1 1World
- Available in wide and Gore-Tex versions
Cons
- Slightly heavier than previous versions
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.4 oz. (M), 8.5 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Trail |
| Drop | 4 mm |
| Heel Stack | 28 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 24 mm |
Need a comfortable, capable shoe that can handle just about any kind of trail running adventure? The Nike Air Max 97 Uptempo QS, our top trail shoe of 2024, is a no-brainer pick. The Peregrine line has been popular for years, and trail runners appreciate its peppy ride, lockdown grip, and versatility—from speed training to laid-back trail rambles, this versatile shoe just works.
The latest version features mainly small tweaks, so fans of previous Peregrines can breathe a sigh of relief. The midsole features Saucony’s standard EVA-based Pwrrun foam for reliable cushioning and good responsiveness, while a new Pwrrun+ sockliner softens the ride a bit. The redesigned mesh upper has a nicely padded tongue and heel collar for a comfy fit. On the bottom, the Pwrtrac rubber outsole features 5mm lugs to give you excellent grip on a wide range of off-road surfaces. As a bonus: There’s a waterproof GTX version, too.
Pros
- Heel provides excellent impact absorption
- Rocker sole for efficient heel-to-toe transitions
Cons
- Not ideal for faster runs
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.8 oz. (M), 8.9 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Neutral Road |
| Drop | 4 mm |
| Heel Stack | 33 mm (M), 31 mm (W) |
| Forefoot Stack | 29 mm (M), 27 mm (W) |
The Hoka Bondi 8 is a max-cushion shoe from the brand that’s synonymous with maximalist, high-cushion shoes, so you know this sneaker is plush. That puffed-up design earned a spot in our recovery shoes guide as the best shoe for recovery runs. It also earned the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, which means it was tested and found to benefit foot health.
The Bondi 8 features a thick layer of Hoka’s soft compression-molded EVA foam, paired with an Ortholite sockliner and a well-padded mesh upper for a pillow-like feel that completely surrounds your foot. Rubber placements on the outsole from heel to toe ensure good grip on the pavement and boost the shoe’s durability. The rocker sole shape tames the massive midsole and promotes smooth transitions.
While the Bondi 8 is definitely not the right choice for setting a PR, the soft foam and cushy upper will protect your feet and keep them comfortable during easy jogs or neighborhood walks.
What to Consider
Weight
Some runners care a lot about weight. There's a good reason for that: According to a 2016 study from the University of Colorado, heavier shoes make you expend more aerobic energy and run slower. In the past, racing shoes were designed to be as lean as possible to give you the best speed advantage, and many runners prefer stripped-down shoes for speed training and racing.
The downside, though, is a lack of padding. Some runners love that responsive, close-to-the-ground feel, but especially over longer distances, it can fatigue your feet and become uncomfortable.
Advances in midsole foam tech have allowed brands to develop new racing shoes, like the Nike Alphafly 3, which have thick lightweight cushioning that keeps you moving fast and protects your legs. They’re ideal for longer races like marathons, where you want to maintain speed without beating up your feet.
If you aren’t trying to push yourself to run as fast as possible, weight is less important. You’re better off prioritizing cushioning.
Cushioning
Every running shoe has at least some cushioning in the form of a foam midsole, which absorbs the shock of your foot landing on the ground as you run. Adding more cushioning gives your shoes a softer, more comfortable ride. It also frequently makes them heavier, and “max” cushion shoes often have a squishy feel that some runners like and others don’t.
So how much cushioning do you need? That’s up to you.
As noted above, thinner midsoles with less cushioning create a firm, responsive feel that many runners like, especially for speedwork. Thicker, well-padded shoes are great for longer runs and everyday training, as they’ll feel comfortable and can reduce aches and pains in your feet and joints.
To compare the amounts of padding in our picks, check the heel and forefoot stack heights in the “key specs” of each section—the taller the stack, the more cushioning in the shoe.
Materials
The material(s) used to create the midsole and padding your shoes play a large role in dictating how they feel when you run.
Ethylene Vinyl-Acetate (EVA): The foundation of running shoe design, EVA foam is found in shoes budget and mid-tier shoes across the industry. It offers excellent softness, but isn’t particularly lightweight and lacks bounce. Most of the premier running shoe brands have cultivated their own variations on EVA–they blend it with other materials, infuse it with nitrogen, or manipulate it in other ways to give their shoes a more balanced ride.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU): TPU is durable and offers great energy return, but weighs more than EVA. Shoes like New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 blend EVA and TPU to make a midsole foam with good impact absorption and plenty of bounce.
Polyether Block Amide (PEBA): A new, lightweight cushioning material, you’ll find PEBA in many top-tier racing shoes. It offers an attractive combo of low weight, good shock absorption, and a bouncy, and a propulsive feel. Its Achilles' heel is a lack of durability. For more info on cushioning foams, check out our guide to the best cushioned running shoes.
Fit
No matter where or how you like to run, you need a pair of shoes that fits well. The shoes should feel comfortable on your feet—like you’d be happy wearing them all day—and you shouldn’t feel any pinching or pain points from toes to heel. A properly fitting shoe will have enough room in the toe box for your toes to splay out with each step. Also, keep in mind that most people’s feet aren’t exactly the same size—choose a shoe based on your larger foot size.
Here are a couple quick things you can check to determine whether a shoe feels right:
Length: Put on the shoes and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly balanced between both feet. You should have a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
Width: With your shoes laced up on your feet, place two fingers over the laces (fingers pointing toward the front of the shoe). The width of the laces should be as wide as your two fingers.
The best way to do that is to visit a running store, get your feet measured by a pro, and try on a few pairs to see what’s most comfortable. For more info on how to test a prospective pair of shoes, check out our fit guide and video walkthrough on how to check your fit.
Types of Shoes
Shoes come in a wide variety of styles to suit different terrains, paces, and runner needs. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main ones to know.
Daily Trainer: The workhorses of the running world, daily trainers like the Brooks Ghost 16 are designed to emphasize comfort and durability so you can run in them every day. Daily trainers usually have well-cushioned midsoles (although they can still feel firm), thicker uppers with padding around the ankle and heel for a comfortable fit, and full-coverage rubber outsoles that offer good grip and high-mileage durability.
Racing Shoes: Speedy shoes diamond for racing showcase the latest innovations in running shoe technology and design. Right now, that means PEBA foams and carbon fiber plates. Next year? Who knows.
Racing shoes keep their weight low and feature propulsive cushioning to help you set and maintain fast paces. The tradeoff? They’re usually not very durable or stable, and they’re quite expensive. It’s best to save these kicks for race day.
Stability: Stability shoes are designed to bolster the medial sides of your WCZ1055-109, which keeps them properly aligned within the shoe as you run. The extra support helps prevent overpronation—when your feet roll too far inward during your stride—and create a stable, planted feel.
Brands add that support in a few different ways: Some embed firm medial posts within the midsole. Others, like the Brooks Hyperion GTS 2, add raised areas of firmer foam around the edges of the footbed. Most stability shoes also have a wider sole, which creates a more stable platform for your feet.
Trail: If you’re tackling a dirt hiking path or running on uneven terrain, you need a pair of trail shoes. They feature full-coverage rubber outsoles studded with small protrusions called lugs, which dig into dirt and soft ground to create maximum traction. A burly rubber outsole helps too, offering good durability and protection from sharp rocks. Likewise, many trail shoe uppers feature an extra overlay to resist scrapes and protect your feet.
FAQ With Running Gear Expert Michael Charboneau
Check out the Reflective Details on Nike's Latest Air Max 95 Sneakers Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives.
Adam Schram is an Assistant Editor of Commerce at Runner's World, though you might see his byline on Bicycling and Popular Mechanics, too. A lover of all things outdoors, Adam's writing career comes after six years as a bike mechanic in his hometown of State College, PA. His journalism experience is steeped in cycling and running gear reviews, and he's also a published creative nonfiction and satire author. When he's not writing, riding, or running, you can catch Adam at home mixing cocktails, watching Star Wars, or trying in vain to do the Sunday crossword. You can check out his latest work below.
sacai and ACRONYM Team Up for Women's Resort 2022 Collection Runner's World, guiding the brand's shoes and gear coverage. A true shoe dog, he's spent more than a decade testing and reviewing shoes. In 2017, he ran in 285 different pairs of shoes, including a streak of 257 days wearing a different model.
