Whether you’re a hardcore runner, a light jogger, or someone who enjoys running on the treadmill at the gym, you know the importance of having the right pair of running shoes. Not all shoes are created equal and it isn’t always about cost. A more expensive shoe may or may not work well for you if it doesn’t provide the type of support that your feet and legs require. So, we thought we would put together a quick list of some of the top running shoes for different needs to help you find the pair that works best for you.
Overall Running Shoe - Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
This is just a solid all-around running shoe. It has excellent reviews from any number of running websites and publications. One of its best assets is its versatility. It performs well on marathon-style runs or shorter more leisurely runs. It isn’t the lightest option but tends to rank middle of the road on weight. If you’re looking for an alternative, consider the Brooks Ghost 14 as another solid do-it-all running shoe.
Best for Stability - Altra Paradigm 6
This is another strong contender in the all-around category but makes its mark as a highly stable running shoe. Some shoes designed to deliver more stability can be a bit stiff, but the Altra does a nice job of delivering a stable foundation, without sacrificing responsiveness and agility.
Best Trail Runner - Salomon Sense Ride 4
When it comes to finding a running shoe designed for hitting trails, it can be easy to turn it into a light hiking shoe. Those are great shoes as well, but not necessarily great for running. So, you want something that remains a running shoe, but with the chops to handle a hard trail. Meet the Salomon Sense Ride 4. Durability, a great tread/grip, rigidity to handle rough terrain, but still comfortable. It also doesn’t sacrifice lightness for sturdiness. It still comes in at a manageable weight for a running shoe, but won’t get too beaten up by whatever you encounter off-road. Another good choice is the Saucony Peregrine 11.
Best for Racing - Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next 2%
The ZoomX V1 was considered the fastest running shoe on the market, so expectations should be very high for V2 and it doesn’t disappoint. Incredibly lightweight, but with an obvious focus on both comfort and durability. This is an elite marathoner’s shoe of choice. The sole is made of ZoomX foam and a rigid carbon-fiber plate that helps propel you down the road with less effort. It’s a winner. Keep an eye on the Asics MetaSpeed Sky as a solid second choice.
Best for Flat Arches - Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
Runners with overpronation and flat feet can have a real challenge finding a shoe that offers more support on the inner side to keep the foot straight. No one likes rolling an ankle. The Adrenaline is not only a fantastically stable shoe but also a fantastic all-around running shoe. Long-distance, shorter jogs, long walk, you name it. The shoe is well-padded and offers great support, but doesn’t feel overly heavy. Want another option for comparison? Check out the Asics Gel Kayano 28.
Best Daily Trainer - Brooks Ghost 14
Our number 2 overall running shoe shows up again as our pick for the best daily trainer. This is a shoe really designed for runners who expect comfort as the most important feature. It makes sense when you’re wearing the shoe on a daily basis. It also offers some better than average stability, with a slightly wider platform. You simply can’t go wrong with this one, whether you’re wearing it during a cardio kickboxing class at the gym or running on the treadmill.
