The Best Running Shoes of 2024 (2024)

• Weight8.3 oz. (men)/6.4 oz. (women)
• Stack Height36 mm/30 mm
• Drop5 mm

• Solid shock absorption
• Lively midsole
• Lightweight

• Upper is a bit thin

We test a TON of running shoes. As in, our lead tester alone has probably over 40 pairs he’s testing for various reviews at any one time. The true test of greatness is when we’re not actively testing and are able to choose the shoes we naturally gravitate toward. Time and time again, the shoe our testers reached for more than any other is theCraft Pro Endur Distance($155).

If you’ve never heard of Craft, don’t worry. They aren’t exactly a mainstream running brand in the U.S. — yet. Based out of Sweden, this boutique sports brand is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of high-performance sportswear. The Craft Pro Endur is evidence of that.

As a neutral everyday trainer, the Pro Endurance is incredibly bouncy and fun. It’s one of the liveliest everyday trainers we’ve run in. That’s thanks to the Pebax midsole, a premium foam most commonly used in carbon fiber super shoes. The material is not only lighter, but it’s more resilient and has a higher energy return than the more commonly used EVA and TPU foam. There’s a ton of it underfoot, too. With stack heights of 36 mm/27 mm for men and 34 mm/27 mm for women, it’s up there in terms of maximum cushioned shoes on the market.

What’s impressive is how lightweight thePro Enduris for such a thick-cushioned shoe. Coming in at 8.2 ounces for men and 7.4 ounces for women, it’s incredibly versatile as an easy-day-comfortable recovery shoe all the way to a speedy marathon race day shoe.

If we were limited to one shoe for every type of running, the Craft PRO Endur would most certainly be it. Overall, we think it’s the best running shoe on the market.

$140 at REI – Men's$140 at REI – Women's$140 at Amazon – Men's$140 at Amazon – Women's

• Weight8.3 oz. (men)/7.4 oz. (women)
• Stack Height34 mm/24 mm
• Drop10 mm

• Great value
• Lightweight

• Not the most responsive

Most budget shoes will use lower-quality foam underfoot to keep the price low. However, bottom-of-the-barrel foam breaks down much faster, leaving you at risk of injury and in need of a replacement.

Before we go into why the Launch is the best budget trainer, let us explain theLaunch 10 ($110) versus theLaunch 10 GTS($110). Three seasons ago, Brooks retooled and rebranded its entire stability line of shoes under the GTS. The Ravenna was replaced with the Launch 8 GTS. So, if you like a more stable, supportive shoe, go with the Launch 10 GTS.

The Launch 10 and GTS 10 use the BioMoGo DNA midsole, one of Brooks’ highest-quality foams. The midsole perfectly toes the line between soft and responsive.

Brooks classifies the Launch as a lightweight speed shoe with cushioning, and we agree. But it’s also well-suited as an everyday trainer, especially for those on a budget. You won’t find as much cushioning as on the Brooks Glycerin, but at such a light weight, it does offer a generous stack height.

Sure, you can find cheaper running shoes, but we guarantee they won’t run as well. For those on a budget or just looking for a great running shoe for the here-and-there run, theBrooks Launch 10 and stability versionLaunch 10 GTSare among the best running shoes for the price.

$110 at REI – Men's$110 at REI – Women's$100 at Amazon – Men's$100 at Amazon – Women's

• Weight10.3 oz. (men)/9.1 oz. (women)
• Stack Height41.5 mm/33.5 mm (men)/40.5 mm/32.5 mm (women)
• Drop8 mm (men)/8 mm (women)

• Comfortable neutral feel
• Cozy upper

• Somewhat snug fit

If you’re looking for an everyday neutral trainer to clock miles and get in the occasional uptempo session, theAsics Gel Nimbus 25 Lite-Show($170) is as good as they get.

The updated Nimbus 25 features a full-length single-density FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning and their new PureGEL technology for maximum comfort and cushioning during any type of run. Testers found the cushioning level not too soft, but not too firm, thus hitting a sweet spot of just the right balance between the two.

Typically with this much foam underfoot, you lose some sensitivity — but not with the Nimbus Lite 3. Our testers found the shoe to be fairly flexible, moving well with the feet and allowing them to react.

Coming in at 10.3 ounces formenand 9.1 ounces forwomen, it’s surprisingly lightweight for such a cushioned and well-padded everyday trainer. While the steep 10mm heel drop may not be for everyone (particularly forefoot runners), the steep ramp provides added support under your heel as you start to fatigue.

While aesthetics doesn’t affect technical performance, this is certainly one sharp-looking trainer. The slightly oversized, but sculpted midsole looks fantastic, and although white isn’t my favorite color for running shoes, Asics somehow put together a brilliant all-white shoe.

Everyday neutral running shoes are the most exciting type of running shoes. They need to fit well and feel comfortable across a wide range of paces and distances and for the most part, disappear when you wear them. No other trainer we tested hit these marks better than theAsics Gel Nimbus 25 Lite-Show. As one tester noted, “This shoe will not disappoint those runners looking for a conventional, moderately higher drop, max cushioned trainer.”

$120 at Amazon – Men'sCheck Women's Price at Amazon – Women'sCheck Men's Price at AsicsCheck Women's Price at Asics

• Weight10.5 oz. (men)/9.5 oz. (women)
• Stack Height38 mm/28 mm
• Drop10 mm

• Smooth transition to toes
• Solid support
• Soft, cushioned foam

• On the heavy side
• Pricey

For those familiar with the Brooks Transcend, theGlycerin 20 GTS($160) is its replacement. Brooks rebranded its entire support line as “GTS” models, which is short for “go-to support.”

In the past, supportive shoes had a firmer piece of foam or “post” along the medial side of the shoe to support pronation. This would (in almost every case) result in a firm underfoot ride.

By placing two firm pieces of foam on either side of the heel, Brooks is able to less invasively reduce excess inward and outward rolling of the foot while offering a softer ride more typically found in neutral shoes.

The softness comes from a new nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 midsole, Brooks’ softest cushioning foam. The updated midsole yields a more responsive and stable underfoot experience versus the Glycerin 19 GTS.

These shoes are a workhorse, too. They’re capable of maintaining form longer than most shoes. Yet, like most workhorse shoes, the Glycerin 20 GTS is fairly heavy. At 10.5 ounces (men) and 9.5 ounces (women), you might want a lighter shoe for speed work and races.

For those runners who require a supportive shoe but are tired of the firm persona of most supportive models, look no further. The Brooks Glycerin 20 GTS will feel like a slice of heaven while still giving you the support you need.

$110 at Backcountry – Men's$111 at REI – Women's$120 at Amazon – Men's$135 at Amazon – Women's

• Weight8.2 oz. (men)/6.9 oz. (women)
• Stack Height33 mm
• DropZero drop

• Great cushioning
• Solid versatility

• Altra’s Slim FootShape is a tossup with Altra fans
• On the pricey side

Following on the heels of theAltra Vanish Carbon(Altra’s carbon-fiber racing shoe) comes theVanish Tempo($170) — a similar feeling, lightweight, highly-cushioned shoe, but without a carbon fiber plate.

Despite the tempo namesake, the Vanish Tempo is an incredibly versatile shoe. In fact, thanks to the thick 33mm stack height of Altra’s most premium midsole, it’s just as capable of an easy-day recovery run.

Due to the thick midsole, the underfoot feeling is much less sensitive and flexible than other Altra road shoes we’ve tested. But if you enjoy a well-cushioned, well-protected, stable shoe, you’ll be rewarded with a fun, bouncy ride.

It’s worth mentioning that theVanish Tempofeatures Altra’s Slim FootShape, which is a departure from their signature wide toebox. The more traditional toebox shape fits snugly, but is comfortable against the foot for better control during faster running.

We think the verdict is still out on whether longtime Altra fans will embrace this new breed of narrower toebox and thick-soled Altra racing shoes. Personally, as someone who mainly road races in the traditional brands, it’s a huge improvement for me and most of my testers agree.

However, if you like a more natural-feeling, flexible zero-drop shoe, we think you’d be better off with theAltra Rivera 3orEscalante Racer 3.

$119 at Backcountry – Men's$170 at REI – Women's$170 at Amazon – Men's$120 at Amazon – Women's

• Weight8.8 oz. (men)/7 oz. (women)
• Stack HeightUnknown
• Drop8 mm

• Incredible energy return
• Higher durability than the previous iterations
• Efficient rocker geometry

• Narrow-ish midfoot
• Expensive
• Not a great everyday running shoe

There’s no doubt the original Nike Alphafly NEXT% was a groundbreaking shoe. It helped more runners PR in the marathon distance than perhaps any other shoe. However, a lot of runners had issues with the feeling of sinking down into their heels if they weren’t running up on their forefoot.

Our lead tester also experienced an uncomfortable pain in the arch of his foot after 13 miles due to the narrow, unsupportive waist. These, along with a few other design elements, catered more toward the efficient strides of elite runners, not the everyday runner.

If he had his pick for marathon racing shoes, he would have picked either theNike Vaporfly NEXT% 2 orAsics Metaspeed Sky.Thanks to some major upgrades, though, the new Nike Alphafly 2 ($285) addressed these issues.

Nike did a pretty sizable update for this iteration of the Alphafly. The largest improvement comes in the midsole where the drop increased from 4 mm to 8 mm. There’s a wider base through the midsection and heel and the addition of 4 mm of ZoomX under the Air Zoom Units. All of this amounts to a much more stable shoe at both slower and faster paces. Even at his recovery pace, the Alphafly 2 felt smooth and transitioned well on our tester’s feet. This was not the case in the original.

If you haven’t tried the Alphafly or were turned off from the original due to the sinking feeling, we can confidently say you should try the newest version. It’s a much better, kinder racing shoe for everyone.

There’s not a runner we know who wouldn’t benefit from the massive amount of crazy bouncy cushioning of theNike Alphafly 2. As one tester perfectly put it, “These shoes felt fast — almost illegal.” There’s no doubt these will be on our feet during our next marathon.

Check Men's Price at NikeCheck Women's Price at Nike

• Weight8.7 oz. (men)/ 7.3 oz. (women)
• Stack height27 mm/33 mm
• Drop5 mm

• Very comfortable
• Relatively lightweight for amount of cushioning
• Excellent recovery run shoe

• Not designed for speedwork

The originator of maximum cushioning movement, the Clifton 9 ($145) is the latest in HOKA’s flagship running shoe. The catch-22 of a brand’s cornerstone product is that each year it has to evolve, while always remaining recognizable.

HOKA mastered the new yet familiar tightrope with the latest Clifton. The Clifton 9 is lighter than its predecessor yet adds 3 mm in stack height. This is due to a variety of factors — the biggest being a new type of foam used in the midsole and a redesigned outsole. The upper also got a makeover, with a plusher heel and streamlined tongue.

The result is a show that leans into the max cushioning, swallowtail design HOKA has long pioneered. Lighter and more responsive than the previous version, the Clifton 9 performs ideally on recovery runs but still has the capacity to move with some speed when necessary. HOKA cushioning provides relief, especially on high mileage weeks — and the redesigned knit upper adds more comfort to an already comfortable shoe.

$145 at REI – Men's$145 at REI – Women's$145 at Amazon – Men's$200 at Amazon – Women's

• Weight8.1 oz. (men)/7.2 oz. (women)
• Stack height36 mm/28 mm
• Drop8 mm

• Flexible nylon plate delivers good energy return with more flexibility than a carbon fiber plate
• Smooth, cushioned ride

• Not the most stable, supportive shoe

Carbon fiber shoes are great and all, but wow, are they pricey. If the thought of dropping $225-plus for a pair of running shoes makes you cringe, this Saucony speedster is for you.

Priced more in line with premium everyday trainers than carbon fiber shoes, theEndorphin Speed 3($170) features a more flexible nylon plate that spans the full length. It’s a bit more forgiving than stiffer carbon fiber shoes, making it more versatile and suitable for a broader audience.

There have been a few updates for the third iteration that make it a slightly smoother ride. It still features a generous dose of Saucony’s high-energy TPU PWRRUN PB midsole. The ride is certainly playful and fast, and that fun feeling isn’t reserved for fast paces only. Even when we were clipping away at more moderate paces, we found the ride smooth. A fully redesigned engineered mono-mesh gives it better breathability and lockdown.

We crowned it the best for speed training, and it certainly is, but it’s just as capable as an everyday trainer. If you’re looking for a fun, high-performance shoe with some bounce, but aren’t willing to shell out the dough for pricey carbon fiber shoes, here you have it.

$136 at REI – Men's$136 at REI – Women's$135 at Amazon – Men's$225 at Amazon – Women's

• Weight7.2 oz. (unisex)
• Stack height33 mm/28 mm
• Drop5 mm

• Great energy return with a carbon fiber plate
• Solid flexibility
• Good stability

• Current iteration a bit heavier than before
• Pricey

When the first Asics Metaspeed Sky came out in 2020,it quickly became our go-to for longer-duration speed sessions and races. Between the carbon fiber plate and bouncy midsole, faster paces just seemed to come easier than in other shoes. Furthermore, we felt we recovered faster from these tough sessions versus a more traditional lightweight speed/racing shoe.

Fast forward one year later and Asics releases thesecond iteration($250) of the Asics MetaSpeed Sky with some pretty significant updates over the original version. For those who found the upper on the original to be stiff, scratchy, and ill-fitting, Asics did a total revamp, making it more flexible, comfortable, and better fitting.

Underfoot, there’s 4% more of Asics’ highest rebound foam, Flytefoam Blast Turbo. Although we couldn’t feel a significant difference from the added midsole, we will say it’s just about as bouncy as they come. The harder you push, the harder they push you back and propel you forward.

It’s impossible not to compare any carbon fiber shoe these days to the Nike Vaporfly Next%, given it was the original super shoe. For the average runner, we like theAsics Metaspeed Sky+better. This is primarily because it’s more stable. The wide underfoot profile is more forgiving and suitable for midfoot or heel and strikers.

Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Asics

• Weight9 oz. (men)/ 7.7 oz. (women)
• Stack height26 mm/35 mm
• Drop9 mm

• Energy Blade technology creates propulsion feeling
• Comfortable cushioning
• Lightweight
• Great cost-to-feature ratio

• Little traction
• Not designed for walking or recovery runs

The Salomon Phantasm 2 ($170) is a shoe that wants to go fast. From the moment our tester laced it up, it was apparent this was not a shoe intended for a Zone 2 long run, but rather for any workout that requires speed and explosiveness.

This comes down to two things. First, the shoe has a composite fiber plate dubbed the “Energy Blade” designed to return kinetic energy. Second, this plate works in conjunction with a rocker geometry designed to keep you moving forward. The result is a propulsive feeling while running. These shoes aren’t going to do the work for you, but you’ll be able to tell they want to get moving. It makes for a pair of shoes that are great for running, but feel a little awkward walking through a warmup in.

What differentiates the Phantasm 2 from a slew of other speed and propulsion-designed shoes is that it doesn’t sacrifice comfort for performance. Instead, it balances the two, adding additionallightweight foam underfoot and pockets of padding in the mesh upper.

Our tester found that this made it more comfortable than other shoes in the speed category without noticeably trading off performance. And priced at $170, they provide fantastic features to cost ratio, making them a worthy choice for speed work and race days.

Check Men's Price at SalomonCheck Women's Price at Salomon

• Weight8.6 oz. (men)/7.2 oz. (women)
• Stack height37 mm/27 mm
• Drop10 mm

• Firm yet comfortable cushioning
• Rocker outsole aids smooth heel-to-toe transition
• Looks great

• Short tongue
• CloudTec outsole doesn’t work for cross training

On shoes are everywhere these days. Favored by the athleisure set, you’re as likely to see the signature, pod-like outsoles at your coffee shop as your running path. There’s no denying they look cool (well…), but do they run fine?

On built the Cloudsurfer ($160) as a maximum cushion shoe using the brand’s CloudTec Phase technology. That’s a lot of “techs” and a lot of “clouds” in one sentence, but the idea behind the terminology is that the space in the outsole, i.e., the “clouds,” collapses with your footstrike. In theory, this delivers enhanced cushioning and a smoother, more efficient transfer from heel to toe.

Our tester found that this resulted in a shoe that cushioned well, but felt firmer than other maximally cushioning shoes like the HOKA Clifton. The foot feels cradled, but less speed is sacrificed. Another factor here is the rocking design of the outsole. While the Cloudsurfer is billed as a neutral fit, the outsole is canted at the heel.

This design enhances the “rocker” feel of the shoe, moving the foot from heel to toe with extra efficiency. The Cloudsurfers heel-to-toe rock and the nature of the compressing outsole also mean this shoe is purpose-built for running, but does not perform well in cross-training scenarios.

The knit upper is lightweight and comfortable, but our tester found the tongue to be strangely short. This was most evident when switching between shoes for head-to-head testing. And while it didn’t noticeably affect performance, it required tighter lacing than other shoes on this list.

$160 at REI – Men's$160 at REI – Women's$200 at Amazon – Men's$170 at Amazon – Women's

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