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Running Shoes · Best picks

Best Running Shoes

The best running shoe is the one that fits your foot and your running. This list covers neutral, stability and max-cushion trainers from the major brands, each matched to the runner it suits.

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Our top picks

Short on time? Our top recommendation is the Brooks Ghost 17 (best all-rounder). Here's how the shortlist breaks down.

  1. Brooks Ghost 17

    #1 · Best all-rounder

    Brooks Ghost 17

    Balanced, predictable ride for most paces

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  2. HOKA Clifton 11

    #2

    HOKA Clifton 11

    Soft, high-stack cushioning without much weight

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  3. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27

    #3 · Most cushioned

    ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27

    Very soft, maximum cushioning

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  4. ASICS Novablast 5

    #4 · Best value

    ASICS Novablast 5

    Lively, bouncy ride

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  5. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

    #5

    Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

    GuideRails support for overpronation

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  6. ASICS Gel-Kayano 31

    #6

    ASICS Gel-Kayano 31

    Supportive without feeling stiff

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  7. Nike Pegasus 41

    #7

    Nike Pegasus 41

    Versatile for easy and moderate runs

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  8. Saucony Ride 18

    #8

    Saucony Ride 18

    Light for a daily trainer

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  9. HOKA Bondi 9

    #9

    HOKA Bondi 9

    Maximum cushioning in HOKA's line

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  10. Brooks Glycerin Flex (Women's)

    #10

    Brooks Glycerin Flex (Women's)

    About 8 oz, light for a max-cushion shoe

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Jump to the full breakdowns
In depth

The 10 best running shoes, explained

Why each made the cut, where it falls short, and who it suits best.

Brooks Ghost 17
Best all-rounder

1. Brooks Ghost 17

Brooks

The Ghost is Brooks' best-selling neutral trainer: balanced cushioning, a traditional 10mm drop and a forgiving fit. Version 17 adds more DNA Loft v3 foam in the heel and forefoot.

  • Neutral
  • DNA Loft v3 midsole
  • 10mm drop (Brooks spec)
  • About 10.1 oz men's
  • APMA Seal of Acceptance

Pros

  • Balanced, predictable ride for most paces
  • Traditional 10mm drop suits heel strikers
  • APMA Seal of Acceptance
  • Wide and extra-wide sizes

Cons

  • Not as soft as max-cushion shoes
  • Unexciting for tempo runs
  • About 10 oz in men's sizes

Best for: beginners and all-round training

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HOKA Clifton 11

2. HOKA Clifton 11

HOKA

HOKA's long-running daily trainer pairs a thick, light EVA midsole with a rocker shape that rolls you smoothly from heel to toe. It's sold in men's and women's versions and in wide widths.

  • Neutral
  • Maximum cushioning
  • MetaRocker geometry
  • Compression-molded EVA midsole
  • Double-lace lock

Pros

  • Soft, high-stack cushioning without much weight
  • MetaRocker geometry makes easy miles feel smooth
  • Neutral design suits most runners who don't overpronate
  • Available in wide widths

Cons

  • Compressed EVA midsoles lose bounce sooner than premium foams
  • Not designed for fast speedwork
  • Tall stack can feel less stable on tight corners

Best for: everyday easy miles

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ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27
Most cushioned

3. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27

ASICS

ASICS' plushest neutral trainer, combining FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam with PureGEL in the heel for soft landings on long runs.

  • Neutral
  • Maximum cushioning
  • FF BLAST PLUS ECO + PureGEL
  • 8mm drop (ASICS spec)

Pros

  • Very soft, maximum cushioning
  • PureGEL softens heel landings
  • Comfortable knit upper for long runs
  • Made with recycled upper content (ASICS)

Cons

  • Heavier than lighter cushioned shoes
  • Premium price
  • Too soft for runners who like ground feel

Best for: long runs and recovery days

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ASICS Novablast 5
Best value

4. ASICS Novablast 5

ASICS

A bouncy, energetic trainer using FF BLAST MAX foam, light enough for faster days but cushioned enough for daily miles.

  • Neutral
  • FF BLAST MAX midsole
  • 8mm drop (ASICS spec)
  • About 9 oz

Pros

  • Lively, bouncy ride
  • Light for its stack height
  • Good mix of easy-day and up-tempo use
  • Usually priced below flagship trainers

Cons

  • Less stable than firmer shoes
  • Not for runners needing support
  • Bounce can feel less controlled on corners

Best for: runners who want one fun do-it-all shoe

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Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

5. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

Brooks

Brooks' main stability shoe uses GuideRails, side supports that limit excess heel and knee movement without the stiff posts older stability shoes used.

  • Stability (GuideRails)
  • DNA Loft v3 midsole
  • 12mm drop (Brooks spec)
  • About 9.4 oz women's

Pros

  • GuideRails support for overpronation
  • Soft DNA Loft v3 cushioning
  • APMA Seal of Acceptance
  • Wide widths available

Cons

  • 12mm drop is high for runners preferring a flatter shoe
  • Version 25 has replaced it, so stock varies
  • Support may feel unnecessary for neutral runners

Best for: runners who overpronate

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ASICS Gel-Kayano 31

6. ASICS Gel-Kayano 31

ASICS

ASICS' flagship stability trainer, using the 4D Guidance System for adaptive support with plenty of FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning.

  • Stability (4D Guidance System)
  • FF BLAST PLUS ECO + PureGEL
  • 10mm drop (ASICS spec)
  • About 10.7 oz

Pros

  • Supportive without feeling stiff
  • Plenty of cushioning for long runs
  • OrthoLite sockliner
  • Wide range of sizes

Cons

  • About 10.7 oz (ASICS spec), heavy
  • Premium price
  • Version 32 is now available, so colors vary

Best for: overpronators wanting cushioned support

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Nike Pegasus 41

7. Nike Pegasus 41

Nike

Nike's everyday workhorse, now with ReactX foam and Air Zoom units front and back, plus the familiar waffle-inspired outsole.

  • Neutral
  • ReactX foam with Air Zoom units
  • Engineered mesh upper
  • Waffle-inspired outsole

Pros

  • Versatile for easy and moderate runs
  • Responsive Air Zoom units
  • Durable waffle-inspired rubber outsole
  • Wide and Gore-Tex versions available

Cons

  • Firmer than max-cushion shoes
  • Narrower fit than Brooks and HOKA
  • Many lifestyle variants make listings confusing

Best for: runners who like a firmer, responsive feel

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Saucony Ride 18

8. Saucony Ride 18

Saucony

1 oz with an 8mm offset and a moderately soft ride.

  • Neutral
  • Moderate-to-high cushioning
  • 8mm offset (Saucony spec)
  • About 9.1 oz men's

Pros

  • Light for a daily trainer
  • Balanced cushioning, not mushy
  • 8mm offset suits most runners
  • Wide sizes in some colors

Cons

  • Less plush than max-cushion shoes
  • The Ride 19 is now available, so stock varies
  • Some colorways listed as fashion sneakers

Best for: lighter everyday training

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HOKA Bondi 9

9. HOKA Bondi 9

HOKA

HOKA's most cushioned road shoe, with a higher stack and supercritical EVA foam. Popular with walkers and runners on their feet all day as well as for recovery runs.

  • Neutral
  • Maximum cushioning
  • Supercritical EVA midsole
  • 5mm drop (HOKA spec)

Pros

  • Maximum cushioning in HOKA's line
  • Low 5mm drop (HOKA spec)
  • Stable wide base for a tall shoe
  • Wide widths available

Cons

  • Heavy and bulky for faster running
  • Tall stack feels disconnected from the ground
  • Firmer than some expect for its size

Best for: recovery runs, long walks and all-day standing

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Brooks Glycerin Flex (Women's)

10. Brooks Glycerin Flex (Women's)

Brooks

A lighter, lower-drop take on Brooks' plush Glycerin, with a flat-knit upper and flex grooves for a more natural foot motion. Brooks lists it at about 8 oz with a 6mm drop.

  • Neutral
  • Maximum cushioning
  • 6mm drop (Brooks spec)
  • Flat-knit nylon upper
  • Road and treadmill

Pros

  • About 8 oz, light for a max-cushion shoe
  • 6mm drop suits runners who prefer a flatter feel
  • Nitrogen-infused foam is soft and comfortable
  • Stretchy flat-knit upper

Cons

  • Lower drop can strain calves if you're used to 10-12mm shoes
  • Newer model with little long-term durability data
  • Knit uppers run warmer and less structured than mesh

Best for: cushion with a flexible, low-drop feel

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Head-to-head

Compare the top picks

Torn between our leading picks? These side-by-side comparisons settle it.

Most runners need one well-cushioned daily trainer. Start with a neutral shoe unless your feet roll inward noticeably (overpronation), in which case a stability shoe like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS or ASICS Gel-Kayano adds guidance.

Drop, the height difference between heel and forefoot, also matters. Traditional shoes sit around 10 to 12mm; lower drops of 5 to 8mm shift more work to the calves and Achilles, so change gradually.

How we chose these picks

We shortlisted current-generation models from major running brands, then compared manufacturer specifications (cushioning type, drop, weight, support system) with independent reviews and owner feedback patterns. We didn't wear-test these shoes, and we don't publish test scores or star ratings.

Running shoes are personal. Fit and comfort on your own feet matter more than any list, so buy where returns are easy and try them on a treadmill or indoors first.

Answers

Frequently asked questions

What are the best running shoes right now?

Our top pick is the Brooks Ghost 17 (best all-rounder), because balanced, predictable ride for most paces. The runner-up is the HOKA Clifton 11, followed by the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27.

Which of the running shoes should I buy?

It depends on what matters most to you. For all-rounder, choose the Brooks Ghost 17. For most cushioned, choose the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27. For value, choose the ASICS Novablast 5.

Is the Brooks Ghost 17 worth it?

For most buyers, yes. It ranks #1 in our running shoes research, though not as soft as max-cushion shoes.

How often should I replace running shoes?

A common guideline is every 300 to 500 miles, sooner if the midsole feels flat or you notice new aches. Softer foams and heavier runners tend toward the lower end.

Do I need a stability shoe?

Only if you overpronate enough to cause discomfort or a specialist has suggested it. Most runners do well in neutral shoes; modern stability shoes like the Adrenaline GTS and Gel-Kayano are mild enough that neutral runners can wear them too.

Should running shoes be a size bigger?

Many runners go up half a size from their casual shoes to leave about a thumb's width at the toe, since feet swell on longer runs. Check each brand's size chart.

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