Expert consulted: Editor's Note 3/4/25: In our first major update of 2025, we elevated a new group of our favorite shoes to reflect our testing so far this year, while phasing out old models that are no longer available. Some of these shoes, like the Hoka Bondi 9 and Saucony Peregrine 15, are new versions of old favorites. Others, like the lululemon Beyondfeel and Brooks Glycerin Max, are here for the first time. We're constantly testing, so you can expect that this list will fairly regularly as we spend more time the most innovative shoes of the year.
Spring is almost here. That means clear roads and sidewalks, warmer weather, and a good opportunity to pick up a new pair of running shoes to replace your worn-out trainers from last year. Whether you’re The Best Running Shoes or you’ve been at it for decades, there’s a perfect running shoe for every person and we’re here to help you find it.
Of course, that “perfect shoe” is different for every person. You need to find the right pair for you, and that depends on a variety of factors, including your gait, your pace, where you run, and more. And that’s where we come in: Runner’s World is always testing and reviewing men’s and women’s running shoes, looking to find ones that excel at every type of running, cater to every foot shape, and master every season. Subpar traction on wet pavement RW team (including editorial staff, freelance contributors, and wear testers) love the most. No matter where you’re at in your running journey, there’s a pair here that’ll work well for you.
The Best Running Shoes
- Best Overall: Brooks Ghost 16 (Men's/Women's)
- Best Value: Under Armour Sonic 7 (Men's/Women's)
- Best Cushioned Daily Trainer: Brooks Glycerin Max (Men's/Women's)
- Best Fit Update: Nike Pegasus 41 (Men's/Women's)
- Best Women-Specific Daily Trainer: lululemon Beyondfeel
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.
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Some testers felt the heel was overly soft
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.
In addition, Ive added my input and insights based on my personal running experience and insights from tester feedback. As a former RW Test Editor and running gear reviewer at The Los Angeles Times, Men’s Journal, Field Mag, and InsideHook, among others, I have my own perspective on what makes a running shoe click.
Full Reviews
Brooks Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe
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 | 12mm |
| Heel Stack | 35.5mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 23.5mm |
The 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 16 sticks with that winning formula but features some notable upgrades, including a new mesh upper and nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole. That upper offers a lockdown fit, and the new cushioning has great shock absorption and a springy feel without adding much weight. 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 our testers.
“The Ghost felt light on my feet, and didn’t have a clunky feel to them, despite definitely being well-cushioned,” said one.
Read How It Stacks Up Against the Glycerin 21
Pros
- Lightweight
- Responsive cushioning
- Feels fast
Cons
- Narrow fit
- Subpar traction on wet pavement
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.1 oz. (M), 7.5 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Neutral Road |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Heel Stack | 26mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 18mm |
Need a running shoe that won’t drain your bank account? Test Editor Amanda Furrer recommends the Sonic 7. With its $110 price, it costs $40-50 less than typical trainers, but it still offers solid performance for day-to-day running. “It’s a budget shoe, but doesn’t feel like a low-end shoe,” said one RW tester.
The Sonic 7’s midsole is made with Hovr cushioning, a proprietary Under Armour foam made of olefin wax— it generates a firm, responsive ride that helps you pick up the pace. While that’s good for short and middle distances, testers report that the support isn’t quite enough for long-distance running.
Up top, the jacquard upper creates a snug wrap around the foot and offers good breathability for a comfortable, distraction-free fit. On the bottom, the Sonic features a full-coverage rubber outsole that solidly grips dry pavement, though testers noted some slippage in wet conditions.
Let’s face it: The Sonic 7 isn’t perfect–more expensive trainers weigh less and have bouncier cushioning foams–but it’s light enough and peppy, and a solid overall shoe if you’re looking for a bargain.
Brooks Glycerin Max Running Shoe
Pros
- Supremely soft
- Very responsive
- Comfy wraparound exterior
- Surprisingly lightweight
Cons
- Tall stack height can lead to scuffing
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.5 oz. (M), 9.5 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Neutral road |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Heel Stack | 42.25mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 39.25mm |
Released this past October, the newish Glycerin Max showcases some exciting tech for runners who love a pillowy ride for mellow- to moderate-paced training runs.
The first thing you’ll notice about this shoe is its massive midsole: Just over 42mm tall at the heel, it’s exceptionally thick. And it features a new foam—DNA Tuned—that’s infused with nitrogen gas. Brooks already has other nitrogen-infused foams, but DNA Tuned has larger gas cells in the heel and smaller cells in the forefoot. This gives it excellent shock absorption at landing, then responsive bounce at toe-off, all while trimming weight.
The rocker sole shape promotes smooth transitions, ensuring this massive shoe doesn’t feel clunky underfoot. Finally, it’s topped with a breathable and well-padded engineered mesh upper for a plushness that envelops your feet.
The verdict on this new shoe? It’s a winner. Furrer appreciated its super-soft ride, and found it surprisingly peppy. The RW testers agreed. “They’ve provided so much comfort with each step,” said one. “From heel to forefoot, they felt like clouds.”
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 | 10mm |
| Heel Stack | 37mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 27mm |
Nike’s Pegasus line has reached middle age (this veteran has been a part of the brand’s 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 its new ReactX foam midsole designed to deliver improved energy return and a lower carbon footprint, Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate found very little difference between the 40 and 41 in terms of overall feel in his testing. You can expect the same firm, responsive ride the Peg is known for. The formula stands because it’s worked well for so many runners year after year.
“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 highlight—the shoe delivered lockdown traction, even in wet conditions. Overall, the Pegasus 41 remains a capable, versatile shoe.
lululemon Beyondfeel Running Shoe
Pros
- at Dicks Sporting Goods
- Built around a female-specific last
- Ideal for slower-paced or longer runs
Cons
- Firm cushioning lacks bounce
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.5 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Road |
| Drop | 9mm |
| Heel Stack | 35.5mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 26.5mm |
Over the past few years, lululemon has elbowed its way into the running shoe space with a novel (and long overdue) approach: focusing on women. The Beyondfeel is a new entry in the brand’s growing lineup of running shoes, and we gave it a Shoe Award last year for its comfortable ride and a design that’s optimized for women’s feet. (Don’t worry guys, there’s a men’s version too.)
The Beyondfeel is a firmly cushioned trainer that works well for slower-paced workouts and long runs. Built around a female-specific last, the footbed accounts for the generally higher arches and narrower shape of women’s feet. Compared to the men’s version, the sole has more grooves, giving the women’s Beyondfeel more flexibility.
The midsole is made from a foam that is infused with gas bubbles to reduce weight. Unlike lulu’s other trainers, the Beyondfeel’s foam is tuned to be denser and more durable. That helps it resist packing out, though it also makes the ride feel firmer. Its seamless mesh upper has padding around the ankle for a slip-free fit, and the outsole has plenty of rubber for grip and high-mileage durability.
Women RW testers appreciated the Beyondfeel’s “spot-on” sizing and felt it was a capable workhorse trainer for mellow workouts—one tester even called it “much more comfortable” than the Nike Pegasus above. If you’re okay with a firm ride, the Beyondfeel’s carefully considered build excels.
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris Running Shoe
Pros
- Propulsive ride that’s ideal for going fast
- Wide sole design offers good stability
Cons
- Can feel awkward at slower paces
Key Specs
| Weight | 6.5 oz. (M/W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Neutral road |
| Drop | 5mm |
| Heel Stack | 39.5mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 34.5mm |
Best Fit Update, RW editors, and our wear testers. It occupies a unique niche–it’s a high-performance racing shoe that’s also comfy and durable enough for training miles.
The latest iteration, Sky Paris, represents a ground-up overhaul to make it lighter, more propulsive, and more comfortable. Asics swapped in a new FlyteFoam Turbo+ midsole made with polyether block amide (PEBA), which gives the shoe great shock absorption and a bouncy feel with minimal weight. Like previous iterations, an embedded carbon fiber plate in the midsole helps you wring maximum energy return from the thick stack of foam.
In addition, Asics used a new last to build this shoe, creating a closer fit, and a new, tighter knit upper that offers more support on the medial side. The new, more open knit also creates better breathability throughout. It’s comfy, very light, and speedy. One RW tester called it “an awesome shoe.”
“It made me feel very fast, and it had a great ride,” they said.
One note: The Metaspeed Paris comes in two versions, the Sky (which we link to here) and its sister shoe, the Edge. The former is developed for runners who lengthen their stride as they run faster, while the latter is developed for runners who increase their cadence to pick up speed. The difference is subtle–we reviewed the Sky and Edge as one shoe–and you’ll likely need to try both pairs to determine which is best for you. Either way, you’ll get a zippy, propulsive shoe that will shine during 5Ks, marathons, and fast-paced training runs.
Adidas Adios Pro 4 Running Shoe
Pros
- New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3
- Very lightweight
- Rockered sole for smooth transitions
- Good traction
Cons
- Some testers felt the heel was overly soft
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.1 oz. (M), 6.1 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Racing |
| Drop | 6mm (M), 5mm (W) |
| Heel Stack | 39mm (M), 37mm (W) |
| Forefoot Stack | 33mm (M), 32mm (W) |
Running shoes generally super shoes—elite racing models designed for blazing through a marathon. Notably bouncy with a smooth ride and good traction, the Adidas Adios Pro 4 is our current favorite (and the shoe Dengate planned to wear to last year’s NYC Marathon).
To make the Adios Pro 4, Adidas threw in everything and the kitchen sink. The massive midsole stacks two layers of the brand’s top-tier Lightstrike Pro foam, a material derived from thermoplastic polyester elastomers that absorbs impacts well and offers high energy return. The foam is paired with carbon-infused Energyrods that align with the metatarsal bones of the foot. They boost the shoe’s energy return and create a snappy, energetic feel underfoot. A thin textile upper saves weight, and on the bottom, the Adios Pro 4 wears a full-coverage Continental rubber outsole—a rare feature for shoes in this class—for reliable grip on the pavement.
RW testers were overwhelmingly pleased with this shoe’s lively feel and especially its soft and propulsive midsole. One praised its “amazing blend of cushioning and speed performance,” while another appreciated its grippy outsole and called it “a class above most super shoes.”
Not everyone was wholly satisfied with the shoe, though. Some testers noted issues with instability, especially with the soft heel foam. Despite that quibble, the Adios remains an absolute stunner in a hotly contested category. For an extra bit of oomph at your next race, this is the shoe to try.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15 Running Shoe
Pros
- New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3
- Durable build
Cons
- Somewhat heavy
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.7 oz. (M), 8.4 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Neutral road |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Heel Stack | 40.5mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 34.5mm |
In the words of one RW tester, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15 is “a reliable workhorse of a running shoe.” Its comfortable design, smooth ride, and durable build combine to make it a great do-it-all trainer.
Compared to New Balance’s puffed-up Fresh Foam X 1080, the 880 presents a leaner take on a highly cushioned training shoe. It still boasts a thick wedge of Fresh Foam X EVA cushioning, giving it a nicely balanced ride—plush enough to take the sting out of impacts, but firm enough to provide some bounce and energy return. Its gently rockered sole promotes graceful transitions from landing to toe-off, and generous padding around the ankle collar and on the tongue ensures a snug fit.
RW testers universally praised the shoe’s cushy feel, and found that it performed well for everything from recovery jogs to long runs and even faster-paced efforts. As one tester put it, the 880 is “a great option for runners who want one shoe that can do it all.”
Best Trail Shoe Running Shoe
Pros
- The Los Angeles Times
- 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 | 8mm |
| Heel Stack | 40mm (M), 37.2mm (W) |
| Forefoot Stack | 32mm (M), 31.4mm (W) |
Nike refined the Alphafly 3 to make the shoe more approachable and address concerns from athletes about its lack of stability and overly intrusive arch support. The tweaks paid off, winning over our testers and earning the shoe a 2024 Shoe Award.
The 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. That promotes smoother transitions from landing to toe-off. The Alphafly 3 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. Even with a few imperfections, this is a potent pair of long-distance racing shoes.
Pros
- Firm cushioning lacks bounce
- Smooth transitions
- Supportive and comfortable
Cons
- Heavier than previous version
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.4 oz. (M), 8.2 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Stability road |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Heel Stack | 33mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 25mm |
The original Saucony Tempus broke the mold of the traditional stability shoe—it was lightweight, peppy, and offered support without clunkiness. The second generation preserves that lively ride and remains a solid choice for any runner who needs sure footing and a supportive feel in their shoes.
One of the secrets to the Tempus’s unique feel is the Pwrrun PB cushioning in its midsole. This PEBA foam offers great impact absorption, so it feels soft, but it’s also lightweight and has plenty of energy return for a bouncy, energetic sensation at toe-off. It’s paired with a “frame” of firmer EVA foam that cradles the foot and supports the arch. The sole has a rocker shape to promote smooth transitions, and the mesh upper has lots of padding around the collar and on the tongue for a super comfy fit.
I don’t often run in stability shoes, but I have loved testing out the Tempus 2 over the past few months. The cushioning absorbs impact forces well but doesn’t feel marshmallowy—it has a nice firm bounciness to it. The ride felt smooth and planted, even when I was running in slick, rainy conditions. My only gripe? The upper pinched the top of my foot, but the irritation always went away once I was a mile or so into my run.
Pros
- Responsive cushioning
- More durable full-coverage outsole
- oz. M, 8.6 oz. W
Cons
- Slightly heavier than previous version
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.7 oz. (M), 8.6 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Trail |
| Drop | 4mm |
| Heel Stack | 28mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 24mm |
The Peregrine is Saucony’s core trail running design, and it’s a long-standing favorite among trail runners for its reliable traction and versatility. Last year’s Peregrine was our preferred trail runner for much of 2024, and the 15 is a worthy successor. It’s grippy and responsive, with a few notable upgrades.
Like previous editions, the Peregrine 15 features a cushy Pwrrun+ sockliner and an EVA-based Pwrrun midsole, although the midsole is now tweaked for a softer ride and improved shock absorption. The low stack height remains, however, so you’ll still get a good feel for the ground as you run.
On top, the mesh upper breathes well, and overlays across the toe box and sides protect your feet from scrapes and bumps.
There’s one other key change: A reformulated Pwrtrac outsole offers improved durability and grip underfoot. There’s no longer an area of exposed midsole foam under the heel. This may be a response to Why Trust Us that the foam in the last couple of models would wear down or split. Combined with burly 5mm lugs, the new outsole has plenty of bite for traversing the dirt in both wet and dry conditions. Better yet, the Peregrine 15 is available in wide sizes and in a water-resistant GTX version, too.
Pros
- of the shoe last year
- Even more cushioning than previous generation
Cons
- Not ideal for fast runs
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.5 oz. (M), 9.3 oz. (W) |
|---|---|
| Type | Neutral road |
| Drop | 5mm |
| Heel Stack | 43mm (M), 42mm (W) |
| Forefoot Stack | 38mm (M), 37mm (W) |
The Bondi is the most puffed-up line from Hoka, the brand that made maximalist shoes cool again. Now in its ninth iteration, it continues to be an ideal choice for runners who want a super plush ride for slow jogs and recovery days.
The latest version, Bondi 9, doubles down on heavy padding, offering an even more cushioned step than before. Compared to its predecessor, the Bondi 9 features a notable increase in stack height–up 2mm, according to Hoka–and a new midsole made from supercritical EVA (gas injected in the foam creates bubbles that boost its softness and lower its weight). Despite the thicker midsole, the Bondi 9 weighs about the same as the previous generation.
The change was a resounding success, according to our testers. “It is hard to believe that a shoe this light can have as much cushion as it does,” said one.
The comfort extends to the upper, which is made from a breathable knit with a well-padded ankle collar, and the outsole has pods of rubber for good grip without excess heft.
In general, RW testers showered the Bondi 9 with superlatives. One tester said it had “ultimate cush,” and another called it “one of the most comfortable pairs of running shoes I’ve ever worn, and I’ve been running for over 40 years.” When your body is tired and you need a magic carpet ride for your feet, the Bondi 9 is the shoe to reach for.
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 Best Trail Shoe, 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 in 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 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 that provides a lot of padding without the "squish" of a max-cushion shoe. We noted as much in our review of the shoe last year.
Polyether Block Amide (PEBA): A new, lightweight cushioning material, PEBA is now in many top-tier racing shoes. It offers an attractive combo of low weight, good shock absorption, and a bouncy, propulsive feel. Its Achilles’ heel is a lack of durability. For more info on cushioning foams, check out our guide to the broke the mold of the traditional.
Fit
No matter where or how you like to run, you need a pair of shoes that fits well. They 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: Ideal for slower-paced or longer runs 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 made 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 feet, 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 Saucony did with the Tempus 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.
FAQs
With Our Running Gear Expert
Michael is a freelance writer with years of experience covering gear and the outdoors for 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.
Jeff is Runner-in-Chief for Runner’s World and the director of product testing. He has tested and reviewed running shoes, GPS watches, headphones, apparel, and more for nearly two decades. He regularly tests more than 100 pairs of shoes each year, and once had a 257-day streak running in different models. Jeff can usually be found on the roads, racing anything from the mile to a marathon, but he also enjoys racing up mountains and on snowshoes. When he’s not running, you’ll probably find him hanging from a ladder making repairs and renovations to his house (he’s also director of product testing for Popular Mechanics).
Amanda Furrer, Runner’s World test editor, 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.
