Best Running Shoes
Hit the Pavement in Style With These Top Running Shoes of 2024
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Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting to lace up your sneakers, the importance of selecting the right running shoe cannot be overstated.
The running shoe market has exploded, so you have a ton of options to find the right shoe for your needs, whether that’s something that’s low and adaptable for quick turns or something with more cushion for joint support.
Do you suffer from knee pain, do you have flatter feet, need more stability, or are you pretty typical compared to the majority? Look at the shoe terms below to help gauge what you need, but note that every shoe is different, so it may take a few tries to get it right.
- Stability: Designed for someone who, because of their gait, needs a little extra support. For some, that could mean you’re flat-footed and need arch support. For others, that could mean you overpronate while running — meaning you tend to put weight on the inside of your foot or roll your foot inward.
- Trail: Almost a hybrid of the running shoe and hiking boot. These will have a sole that is thicker, to protect the wearer from uneven terrain, they are typically lugged to assist in better overall traction control, and should be made with weather-proof materials.
- Max-Cushion: These offer the wearer just that — a high plush ride. Typically, fans of high-cushion sneakers tend to have joint issues, including bad knees and are looking for a little extra something to make their run not only enjoyable, but bearable.
- Minimalist: These have barely any cushion. They are a great tool for those who want to increase the strength in their feet and lower leg muscles, but not necessarily ideal for everyday runs.
- Zero Drop: This style offers a ‘zero drop’ from heel to toe, which means that the cushion is the exact same height as your toes. Some zero drop options will have cushioning, but these do give the feeling of a barefoot running experience.
Now that you’re acquainted with some terminology, browse through some of the best running shoes on the market to take you from neighborhood walks to full-fledged marathons.
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Brooks Glycerin StealthFit GTS 21
The Glycerin StealthFit GTS 21 is a high-cushion running shoe from the beloved Brooks brand. The soft, flat knit upper has some stretch to move with your foot for every corner, while nitrogen-infused cushioning means you can pack on the miles without wearing out your body. If you’re looking for super softness and support, this is your new go-to.
Puma Velocity NITRO™ 3
Puma uses advanced NITRO™ technology in these shoes, offering superior responsiveness and cushioning in a lightweight package, so you’ll be able to beat your previous pace while feeling like you’re running on clouds. The rubber outsole has plenty of grip, and the heel spoiler offers a sleek look but also enhanced stability for confident strides.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13
New Balance says if they only made one running shoe, it would be the Fresh Foam X 1080. The Fresh Foam X midsole cushioning is built for smooth transitions from landing to push-off, while a second-skin style mesh upper is breathable and supportive. With a 6mm drop, it’s perfect for most runners whether you’re going for a light jog or beating your competition in a race.
Merrell Morphlite
A new shoe from Merrell, the Morphlite can be used on the road and even transfer to light trails with its sticky rubber outsole with durable traction. The FloatPro™ Foam midsole offers lightweight comfort and it’s even Cleansport NXT™ treated for natural odor control. And you can feel good with every step: many of the materials are 100% recycled, including the laces, wedding, lining and footbed cover. For the price, it’s a powerhouse of a shoe.
Nike Vaporfly 3
Nike’s Vaporfly 3 improves upon the previous version with a thinner rubber outsole, using less material without sacrificing durability, which helps reduce outsole weight and thickness so you can go even faster. Light padding on tongue helps reduce lace pressure at top of your foot, and the new waffle outsole pattern with perforations saves weight and delivers multisurface traction in various weather conditions. And with a slick, unique look, you’ll stand out while you keep passing other runners.
HOKA Mach X
HOKA’s Mach X is softer and snappier than ever before, made with highly resilient PEBA foam and Propulsive Pebax® plate for ultimate comfort and support. It has a lower profile cushion bed that keeps your foot closer to the ground so you don’t feel like you have to lug a thick sole every step. It’s an incredibly adaptable trainer that’s comfortable enough for endurance efforts and responds equally well to pace increases.
On Cloudeclipse
The On brand has been going viral lately for their extremely comfortable shoes. They have a ton of shoes to choose from, but the Cloudeclipse offers max cushioning, with Helion™ superfoam to absorb impact and an ultra-thick midsole for a comfortable, cushioned ride. The built-in tongue connects to the upper to lock your feet in place while the mesh upper keeps your feet cool in the hottest of weather. On has gone viral for good reason; join the club for some incredible running shoes.
Altra Escalante 3
Looking for a shoe with zero drop? Altra is the brand for you. With zero drop and plenty of room for your toes, you’ll feel like you don’t have shoes on at all while still receiving plenty of support. The sock-like upper offers a great fit throughout the foot so the shoes feel secure while the midsole foam keeps you comfortable and lets you connect to the ground.
Saucony Kinvara Pro
This shoe from Saucony is a daily runner’s choice. It’s SPEEDROLL technology works like a propeller to gently roll you forward with an accommodating 3/4-length carbon plate. With 90% energy return, you get an ultimate spring in your stride thanks to PWRRUN PB cushioning that’s durable and dependable. If you put on the miles, this will keep you going and going for a new PR.
Keen Versacore Speed Shoe
Looking for a great trail running shoe? Keen’s got your back (or rather, your feet). This speed shoe is an athletic hiker to take you from the gym to the trail. The KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole provides a higher-traction grip while the mesh upper is lightweight to speed up any incline. It has a removable, resilient foam insole for long-lasting cushioning so you can easily replace it for a longer shoe life. Keen also has a fully waterproof version of this shoe if you need one for more adverse conditions.
Gola Typhoon Sneakers
At $95, these Gola running shoes are the most affordable on this list, but that doesn’t mean you sacrifice functionality. Boasting a 40mm heel stack for long lasting support and cushioning, these ultra flexible trainers are extremely lightweight, helping to reduce fatigue and improve stride. If you want fluid movement for a great price, these check all the boxes.
Running Shoe Shopping Tips
- The Fit: There should always be about one thumb’s width between your toe and the end of the shoe. The toe box and the shoe should fit comfortably without feeling restrictive or like it will start to chafe against your skin.
- Sizing: Don’t assume your running shoe size is the same as your walking shoe size, or the same from brand to brand. Measure your foot and check size guides, but also reviews as many will note if they find the fit to be more narrow than expected etc.
- Over- or Under-Pronate?: A good way to figure out if you over- or under-pronate when you run is to pull out an old pair of running shoes and see where the sole is the most worn. If all the wear and tear is on the inside of your heel and below your big toe, you likely overpronate. If the threading is worn until the balls of your feet and the small part of your heel, you're probably a neutral striker.
- Trying On: Try on your shoes later in the afternoon when your feet are a bit swollen from the day.
- Drop: The drop is the difference in millimeters between the thickness of the midsole under the heel to the thickness at the ball of the foot. If you have a strong heel strike and tight calves, you might look for a model with a higher drop, but if you have knee problems you might want to go for a lower drop, and if you have no injuries you shouldn’t be too concerned about the drop.
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