Outdoor Running Shoes
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Outdoor Running Shoes
By
Jeff Dengate , Amanda Furrer and Morgan Petruny
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Jeff Dengate
Runner-in-Chief
Jeff is Runner-in-Chief for Runner's World, guiding the brand's shoes and gear coverage.
Amanda Furrer
Test Editor
Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.
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Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link.
How we test gear.
These are the 30+ top models we’re loving right now for the road, trail, and race day.
Editor’s Note: We reviewed our shoe selections on August 16, 2022 and updated our recommendations from wear-testing done this summer. Shoes that are on sale are likely to be replaced with new models soon, so we have updated shopping links to retailers that still have these models in stock. We'll add the new models that have passed our testing process as soon as they are released this fall.
You know what you want from your running shoes: light weight , cushioning , support , and a comfortable fit . Of course, the most important part of any running shoe is your experience over the hundreds of miles you’ll take it on. To help you find your next great pair, and to get a sense of how updates to your favorite road or trail shoe may change how it fits or performs, we review hundreds of men’s and women’s running shoes each year. Scroll down for reviews of our 33 top picks, a look at how we test and select these models, and helpful buying tips and insight from our gear experts.
Runner’s World has the most comprehensive running shoe testing process in the industry. We work with more than 250 local runners of all abilities, ages, and sizes for real-world wear-testing on paved roads, dirt paths, and rocky singletrack. After a month of running 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 our 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.
Some runners care a lot about weight, and research shows that you expend more aerobic energy with heavier shoes. Lighter shoes typically have less cushioning, which can make them feel faster, but new midsole foams now make a plush ride possible without adding much heft to the shoe. If you’re going long distances , some extra cushioning might be a better option, as it provides impact absorption.
To test softness, we go to our Shoe Lab to take individual measurements of both the heel and forefoot, since the overall experience can vary based on where a runner touches down and toes off. The cushioning scores are given on a scale of 1 to 100, with one being the firmest. (A harder-feeling shoe won’t necessarily lack cushioning, and according to some biomechanical research , a midsole that’s too soft can actually increase peak impact forces.) In addition to those key stats, we also look at the running shoe’s stability features, flexibility, and energy return to help you find one you’ll love.
Also, be sure to consider a running shoe’s drop —sometimes referred to as offset—which is the difference between the heel and the forefoot measurements, or how much your toes “drop” below your heel. It’s important because a higher drop can lead to more heel striking and also transfers some strain away from the lower leg and up toward the knee. Conversely, a lower offset will shift that load farther down the chain of motion during your gait cycle to the calf and the Achilles. Neither option is necessarily better than the other; when deciding on a shoe’s drop, choose what feels most natural and comfortable to you, taking into account your personal running mechanics and injury history. Many shoes have a drop between 8 and 12mm, but some shoes have less than 6mm. A few based on minimalist designs have no drop.
Ghost. Pegasus. Kayano. Rider. These titans have been some of the best-selling running shoes for decades and are commonly referred to by just one name. When asked for a shoe recommendation by new runners, or for those who aren’t sure what they need, we generally point to classics like these as a starting point. After all, there’s a reason the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus has been around for 38 years: It works for most people, most of the time.
Weight: 8.9 oz. (M), 7.9 oz. (W) Drop: 12 mm Type: Road
From the dyeing process to the tongue’s recycled-mesh material, the Ghost has undergone a climate-conscious makeover. Brooks is also transitioning to sustainable manufacturing and shipping, and recycling used shoes instead of dumping them in landfills. But when tinkering with your best-selling model, you don’t want to mess it up. Rest easy, Ghost fans: Neither quality nor performance was compromised in this update. Brooks removed the BioMoGo DNA portion of the midsole, so the Ghost 14 has only DNA Loft foam, just like its plusher counterpart, the Glycerin. Our testers found this adjustment doesn’t change the Ghost’s ride noticeably. “It had a nice balance of cushioning and firmness during turnover,” said a tester, adding that the Ghost felt more responsive than the Glycerin and Adrenaline GTS. —Amanda Furrer
Weight: 10.0 oz (M), 8.2 oz (W) Drop: 10 mm Type: Road
Last year, the Pegasus’s midsole switched from older Cushlon foam to more-responsive React, and Nike added two more millimeters of it underfoot. Still not as light and bouncy as ZoomX, React feels medium soft, and moderately flexible. Nike also lowered the pressure in the air unit in the women’s running shoe (15 PSI, compared to 20 PSI for men) to make it a touch softer, doubled the size of the forefoot unit for extra pop on toe off, and scrapped the air unit from the midfoot and heel. The outsole got a facelift, too, with more flex grooves and a rectangular tread pattern that slightly improves grip for short stints offroad. —Morgan Petruny
Weight: 10.9 oz (M), 9.1 oz (W) Drop: 10 mm Type: Road
The Kayano has been a part of the Asics lineup for decades, and it remains one of the company’s most popular shoes. Designed to deliver support for overpronators , many neutral runners reach for it because of its legendary comfort. The Kayano 28 is upgraded with FlyteFoam Blast cushioning for a smooth, responsive ride and a new low-profile heel clip for added support. Gel pods remain under the heel and forefoot, giving you extra shock absorption, and the dual-density midsole and medial plate work together to counter overpronation in your stride.
Weight: 9.7 oz (M), 8.1 oz (W) Drop: 12 mm Type: Road
Twenty-five marks a huge milestone for the Rider. As a wearer of the Rider since its 13th version, I found it’s definitely the softest and most cushioned Rider I’ve ever worn. That in part is because the brand delivered on the promise it teased us with in the Rider 24: a full-length midsole layer of luxuriously soft Enerzy foam. In previous Riders, the midsole featured a mix of foams—ranging from its firmer U4ic to TPU-bead based XPOP—both above and below the wave plate. Though comfortable underfoot, the combination of different foams made the shoe’s ride feel a bit disjointed. With only Enerzy foam throughout, the ride is smoother and more consistent—especially when paired with the 25’s new castor bean–based Wave plate. Built at a higher amplitude (the Rider 24’s plate was flatter), it helps return more energy with each footstrike, and more closely matches the shape of the arch. It’s smooth and springy, the perfect ride for long runs when you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet. —M.P.
Weight: 10.2 oz (M), 9.1 oz (W) Drop: 8 mm Type: Road
Although it’s technically a heavy shoe, on par with other luxe trainers like the Brooks Glycerin 19 and Altra Paradigm 6, the Triumph 19 rides light and bouncy. Giving it that energetic sensation is a Pwrrun+ midsole and top sole, introduced in the 17. Pwrrun+ foam is 28 percent lighter than the brand’s original Pwrrun; it’s supportive for easy long runs, and responsive on tempo runs and workouts. To deliver a comfortable yet stable ride, Saucony increased the angle of the beveled heel and toe spring in the Triumph 18, promoting a smooth heel-to-toe roll. This geometry is preserved in the 19. This update does get a new mono-mesh upper, which is lighter and more breathable—it was a favorite feature among our testers. “There was plenty of room in the toe box,” said one. “It’s easy to lace up and tighten around the midfoot, and my heel felt supported without being too snug.” That’s the real draw with the Triumph: its all-encompassing comfort. Every facet of the 19 is soft. The collar and tongue are pillow-like, securing your foot after knotting the bucatini-thick laces, your toes granted ample wiggle room. —A.F.
Weight: 8.2 oz. (M), 6.8 oz. (W) Drop: 5 mm Type: Road
After testing the Mach 4, deputy editor Dengate said that it is “the best Mach yet, and perhaps the best Hoka currently.” It’s so good that he ran in nothing but the Mach for six weeks straight. Our other testers agreed. One declared that it was her new favorite cushioned road shoe. And another, a first-time Hoka wearer, said the shoe impressed her after a single run. We already loved the light weight and explosive rebound of the first three Machs. But Hoka went next level, adding design features borrowed from the Carbon X and Rocket X . In this way, the Mach 4 is like Saucony’s Endorphin Speed or the Brooks Hyperion Tempo—a dynamic training shoe that’s more versatile than the pure racers in each brand’s line. Don’t be shocked if you’re compelled to zoom while running in the Mach 4. It owes this giddyup to the responsive Profly foam and early-stage Meta-Rocker (a slightly curved sole shape) that feels like it catapults you forward. This shoe is generously cushioned without turning your run into a slog, so you can rock it for everything from easy jogs and recovery runs to an interval session on the track. The upper is woven with heat-pressed TPU embroidered yarns, and hugs your foot more securely than the Mach 3 . A sportier looking heel collar provides padding without any friction on the Achilles. —A.F.
Weight: 10.0 oz. (M), 8.3 oz. (W) Drop: 10 mm Type: Road
The Vomero 16 is one of the first high-mileage training shoes that we’ve seen to leverage ZoomX. In this use, it rides better for the long haul. You still get all the protection you’d expect from the Vomero, which is historically Nike’s premium, plush neutral trainer. However, the foam doesn’t feel as springy and lively as when it’s used in the Next% and Alphafly racing shoes. Perhaps that’s due in part to the Air unit under the forefoot and the thick slab of rubber running the full length of the sole. Nike “top-loaded” the Air unit, which you can feel on the first few strides in the shoe—only a thin sockliner separates you from that firm, responsive component. The result, we found in testing, is that the back half of the shoe is really compliant—it’s smooth as silk when you heel strike and roll forward. Once you’re onto your forefoot, the platform firms up and, importantly, remains stable. I found it gives me confidence with each stride and helps me effortlessly flow through long runs. The aforementioned rubber may get overlooked, but it’s doing a lot of work. You’ll be hard-pressed to wear out the high-abrasion compound. Even after 100-plus miles, our testers said the outsole looks untouched. —Jeff Dengate
Weight: 8.9 oz (women’s 7) Drop: 9.5 mm Type: Road
Lululemon is approaching runners with renewed vigor, releasing its first running shoe, the Blissfeel—and it's legit. We tested it for five months before the launch and our wear-test team came away highly impressed by this debut shoe. I found the shoe hugs my foot, is flexible, and has a slight snap, which made me feel swift as I accelerated on my usual six-mile route. I was sold, telling anybody who would listen that they should give the Blissfeel a college try. The shoe isn’t flashy—our test samples were black and white, which made it easier to keep them secret for so many months of testing—nor is it equipped with high-tech materials that would appeal to speed racers. It’s a moderately cushioned every day running shoe, one that I find myself grabbing for both easy runs and some workouts. —A.F.
Weight: 7.4 oz (M), 6.2 oz (W) Drop: 5 mm Type: Road
When the Rincon made its debut , runners raved about its low weight and versatility. “Literally can’t say a bad thing about this shoe,” gushed a tester. On its third iteration, the Rincon continues to impress. The 3 is even lighter while still maintaining that thick midsole Hoka is known for. Its cushioning strikes a balance between comfortably soft and supportively firm. It’s the speed-training counterpart to Hoka’s daily workhorse, the Clifton (the Rincon is almost 2 ounces lighter than the Clifton), making it ideal for tempo runs and track sessions. “It has a great ground contact that doesn’t feel too soft or mushy compared to my other highly cushioned shoes,” said a tester. “I ended my long runs faster than I started them, thanks to the shoe’s light weight.” Testers appreciated the redesigned mesh upper, which is more breathable—we tested them during a string of 90-degree days in the Northeast—and appreciated that the shoes don’t cause blisters or pinch your feet. —A.F.
Weight: 9.7 oz (M), 8.0 oz (W) Drop: 8 mm Type: Road
The Cumulus has really evolved in the last couple of years from the chunky trainer it had been. A decade ago, the shoe checked in at more than 12 ounces for a men’s 9. Now lighter, it’s more lively and fun but still delivers the durability we’ve always loved. A big change for the Cumulus is that the heel-to-toe drop has been lowered to 8mm (it was 10mm). Asics says it made the change to give the shoe a smoother ride. In our wear-testing, we can’t definitively credit the drop for the shoe’s performance without separating out the other updates—a thicker midsole, new foam, and a change to the geometry of the sole. Testers unanimously praised the bouncy cushioning for delivering all the protection they needed on long runs without feeling too soft. That sensation comes from the lighter, bouncier FlyteFoam Blast midsole, which has allowed Asics to alter its conventional construction techniques. Gone are all of the plastic midfoot bridges that the company used to embed in the soles. Because the foam is so much livelier and more responsive than EVA, the underfoot sensation and transition from heel strike to toe-off has improved without the extra elements. —J.D.
Weight: 10.6 oz (M), 9.1 oz (W) Drop: 5 mm Type: Road
The Bondi is the shoe generally associated with Hoka: extra thick and extra soft. While that usually means the shoe is comfortable, those characteristics can also make it slow. Surprisingly, not in this X version. Hoka revved up the Bondi by embedding a carbon-fiber plate in the compression-molded EVA midsole, which is similar to the foam used in the Carbon X and Rocket X (shoes for the PR-minded). Like the OG Bondi, it has a rockered sole for a smooth heel-to-toe roll, but the carbon-fiber plate promotes a more aggressive toe-off. And while the sole still looks chunky, every part has a purpose. For example, the slab of heel foam absorbs impact as the “swallowtail” grooves on the sides smooth out the landing and make for an energetic ride. Larger runners who prefer soft cushioning might opt to race in this shoe, but it’s quite a lot of foam to push hard during speed sessions. —A.F.
Weight: 9.6 oz (M), 8.5 oz (W) Drop: 4 mm Type: Road
This bargain buy—truly, how is this shoe only $100?—looks and feels maximally cushioned, but it’s shockingly lightweight and compels you to stride for race pace. The thick Pwrrun midsole has plenty of bounce, while a slightly curved profile (think Saucony ’s cambered Speedroll design, minus the carbon-fiber plate) smooths transitions onto the forefoot during turnover. That combination explains why the shoe’s low 4mm offset goes unnoticed midrun. “While there is not a ‘perfect’ shoe, the Axon 2 comes darn close for me,” said a tester who also ran in New Balance’s $100 FuelCell Propel v3 and found the midsole a bit too firm for concrete sidewalks. “The Axon had the perfect amount of bounce and cushioning on a variety of surfaces.” He ran along Florida’s soft, sandy coastline—“like running in thick baby powder”—to test the shoe’s stability. The Axon passed this test with aplomb. Best of all: This budget shoe has proven remarkably durable in our testing. “Its durability reminds me of Asics’s GT series,” said one tester who wears a women’s size 11. “I’ve run over 200 miles and there is barely any wear on them.” —A.F.
Weight: 8.6 oz (M), 7.2 oz (W) Drop: 8 mm Type: Road
This workhorse trainer is able to tackle everyday efforts and is well suited for a high percentage of new runners. Though not as plush as Saucony’s Triumph, it has a reformulated Pwrrun midsole that’s thicker—18 percent more foam underfoot—than the last version. Despite all that foam, the shoe rides smoother and weighs less. To help the Ride cruise comfortably, Saucony turned up the back edge of the sole, giving it a more pronounced bevel. That helps to prevent any slapping when you land on the back edge of your foot. “Even though I would describe it as being on the softer side, the shoe was responsive and propelled me forward with each step,” said a tester. And the lively performance is boosted by nearly an ounce of weight savings compared to version 14, thanks to the sculpted sole shape and strategically placed rubber that’s used sparingly. Minor upper changes include a downy-soft pull tab on the tongue and ghillies to prevent lace bite. Word to the wise: The ghillies do their job well, so if you’re an aggressive knotter, be wary of tightening your shoes like a corset. —A.F.
Weight: 7.5 oz (M), 6.3 oz (W) Drop: 8 mm Type: Racing Shoes
The Endorphin Pro 2 has undergone subtle changes, so runners smitten with the OG can exhale a sigh of relief. This second iteration of Saucony’s carbon-fiber-plated racer continues to offer what its competitors fall short on. For example: The thin, cloth-like, single-layered eng
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