Best Running Shoes for 2026
Discover expert reviews and ratings on the latest running shoes to help you find the perfect pair for your fitness goals. Our comprehensive guides compare comfort, durability, and performance across top brands to ensure you make an informed purchase decision.
Updated January 2026 • 20 Products Analyzed
The Good
- Exceptional all-day comfort with superior cushioning
- True-to-size fit accommodates various foot widths
- Durable construction withstands 4+ months heavy use
- Excellent support for plantar fasciitis and foot pain
Brooks Women's Ghost 15
The Brooks Ghost 15 is a versatile neutral running shoe that excels for both running and all-day walking comfort. With exceptional cushioning, responsive support, and excellent durability, it delivers reliable performance across diverse foot types and activity levels. Reviewers consistently praise its immediate comfort, dependable arch support, and lasting quality.
The Bad
- Premium price point may deter budget-conscious buyers
The Good
- Exceptional cushioning feels like walking on pillows
- Lightweight design with excellent arch support
- Alleviates foot pain and plantar fasciitis issues
- High-quality materials with durable sole wear
Hoka ONE ONE Clifton 9 Men's Road Running Shoes
The Hoka ONE ONE Clifton 9 delivers exceptional cushioning and comfort for both running and everyday wear, with users consistently praising its lightweight design and support for foot problems like plantar fasciitis. This shoe combines premium materials and responsive padding to reduce fatigue and soreness, making it a top choice for runners seeking long-lasting comfort and quality construction.
The Bad
- Runs slightly snug; requires brief break-in period
The Good
- Exceptional comfort and lightweight design
- Wide toe box for stability and fit
- Outstanding shock absorption and energy transfer
- Versatile for treadmill, road, and trail running
Brooks Men's Glycerin 20
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is a versatile running and training shoe praised for exceptional comfort, lightweight design, and excellent shock absorption. With a wide toe box and breathable construction, it excels for various activities from treadmill to trail running. While durability extends 500+ miles, some users report wear on the heel and shoelace durability concerns.
The Bad
- Heel and toe area show wear after 6 months
- Shoelaces don't stay tied well
The Good
- Supremely comfortable midsole with responsive bounce
- Spacious toe box accommodates wider feet
- Smooth, stable heel-to-toe transition
- Lightweight and great casual shoe too
Mizuno Wave Rider 29
The Mizuno Wave Rider 29 continues the brand's legacy of exceptional running comfort with a responsive midsole and spacious toe box that appeals to both seasoned Mizuno fans and new converts. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth ride quality, impressive stability, and breathable upper material, with many switching from premium competitors like Adidas and Brooks. The shoe delivers excellent value with its balanced cushioning and versatility for both running and casual wear.
The Bad
- Requires break-in period initially feels stiff
- Limited color options available
The Good
- Exceptional cushioning and arch support for pain relief
- Durable, stylish design with multiple color options
- Excellent traction and stability for long shifts
- True-to-size fit with comfortable feel out of box
New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 1080 V14
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 is an exceptionally cushioned running and walking shoe praised for superior comfort and support during extended wear. Users with foot pain, plantar fasciitis, and neuropathy report significant relief, while healthcare workers and retail staff highlight its durability and all-day comfort. The shoe delivers outstanding value for its performance, though some note the fit may run slightly narrow.
The Bad
- Width may feel snug for some foot types
- White colorway requires frequent washing
The Good
- Excellent arch support and stability
- Lightweight with superior cushioning
- Great for half marathons and distance running
- Comfortable for all-day wear
Adidas Supernova Rise 2
The Adidas Supernova Rise 2 is a versatile running shoe that delivers exceptional comfort, arch support, and stability for runners of all levels. Users consistently praise its performance for both casual running and competitive distances, with many highlighting superior cushioning and lightweight design. The shoe offers excellent value and reliability, making it an ideal choice for everyday training and long-distance running.
The Bad
- Limited aesthetic appeal compared to competitors
- Mixed experiences with Adidas brand consistency
The Good
- Exceptional lightweight cushioning and shock absorption
- Outstanding comfort for all-day wear and extended activity
- Excellent support and performance value for the price
- Great aesthetic appeal and color variety
adidas Ultraboost Light Running Shoe
The adidas Ultraboost Light delivers exceptional comfort and lightweight performance for daily wear and casual running. Users consistently praise its cushioning, support, and versatile style, though some find the design less refined than previous generations. An excellent all-purpose running shoe that excels as an everyday trainer and recovery option.
The Bad
- Design elements feel less sleek compared to original models
- Tongue attachment design may be difficult to put on
The Good
- Superior cushioning and arch support for pain relief
- Exceptional comfort from first wear, no break-in needed
- Durable quality construction that lasts 800-1000 km
- Wide toe box with breathable mesh design
Asics Women's Gel-Kayano 30
The Asics Gel-Kayano 30 delivers exceptional comfort and support for both walking and running, making it ideal for those with foot pain, plantar fasciitis, or flat feet. Reviewers consistently praise its cushioning, wide toe box, arch support, and durability. Despite the premium price point, customers report these shoes provide significant relief from knee and joint pain with minimal break-in required.
The Bad
- Sizing runs generous, may need to go up half-size
- Premium price point, though value justifies cost
The Good
- Exceptional cushioning and comfort for running and walking
- Outstanding support for arch and lower back issues
- Excellent color retention and sleek aesthetic design
- Comfortable right out of the box
Nike Mens Vomero 18
The Nike Vomero 18 excels as a premium cushioned running and walking shoe, delivering exceptional comfort for both athletes and casual wearers. With outstanding support for those with back or arch issues, the shoe features responsive "air" cushioning and a sleek design that maintains its appearance well. However, potential buyers should size up slightly due to a narrow toe box and be aware of tongue lace pressure on the foot.
The Bad
- Narrow toe box requires sizing up half size
- Tongue lace area creates pressure on top of foot
The Good
- Significantly improved cushioning and energy return
- Better stack height and more bounce than previous versions
- Excellent stability with minimal heel slip
- More comfortable than some ASICS alternatives
Reebok Floatride Energy 5.0
The Reebok Floatride Energy 5.0 delivers impressive cushioning and energy return, with a bouncier sole than previous versions. However, the redesigned narrower toebox and reduced sizing make these shoes uncomfortably snug right out of the box. Sizing up is essential if considering this model.
The Bad
- Toebox redesigned narrower, causing discomfort after short distances
- Runs half-size smaller than expected, requires upsizing
The Good
- Lightweight, responsive, and excellent value for price
- Consistent fit and great support for daily running
- Perfect for racing and speed work
- Durable despite minimalist design aesthetic
Saucony Kinvara 14
The Saucony Kinvara 14 is a lightweight, responsive running shoe praised for its exceptional value and comfortable fit. Designed for both daily training and racing, it delivers excellent performance for runners who prefer minimal cushioning and high ground feel. While most users love the shoe's responsive ride, some report fit concerns with narrowness in the upper.
The Bad
- Narrow fit; consider sizing up or buying wide
- Minimal cushioning may feel harsh for some runners
The Good
- Exceptional gel cushioning with excellent shock absorption
- Supportive heel counter prevents foot slipping and injury
- Durable quality that maintains comfort over months
- Stretchy tongue accommodates swelling and foot issues
ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 25
The ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 25 is a maximum-cushioned neutral running shoe designed for comfort-first runners, particularly those dealing with foot issues like plantar fasciitis. Users consistently praise the exceptional gel cushioning technology, supportive heel counter, and breathable mesh upper that deliver cloud-like comfort for everyday and long-distance running. While the premium price is noted, reviewers overwhelmingly agree the durability and quality justify the investment.
The Bad
- Premium price is higher than some competitors
- Potentially slippery sole on wet pavement
The Good
- Plush, responsive cushioning with excellent impact absorption
- Generous toebox prevents blisters and foot discomfort
- Impressive durability with resistant upper materials
- Suitable for heavier runners and high-mileage training
Saucony Men's Triumph 21
The Saucony Triumph 21 is a premium max-cushioned running shoe that delivers exceptional comfort and support for long-distance runners. Featuring advanced PWRRUN+ cushioning technology and a spacious toebox, it excels for neutral runners of varying sizes and weights. Highly durable with consistent performance, it's an excellent choice for high-mileage training on road surfaces.
The Bad
- Limited off-road stability on uneven terrain
- May require sizing up to accommodate custom insoles
The Good
- Cloud-like cushioning and exceptional comfort
- Excellent support for knees, ankles, and feet
- Superior fit accommodates wide feet without pressure
- Lightweight and breathable design throughout the day
On Mens Cloudmonster 2
The On Mens Cloudmonster 2 delivers exceptional comfort and support that justifies its premium price point. Customers consistently praise its cloud-like cushioning and excellent fit for various foot types. While overwhelmingly positive feedback dominates, some concerns about packaging and authenticity have been noted.
The Bad
- Inconsistent packaging quality raises authenticity concerns
- Premium pricing may not appeal to budget-conscious buyers
The Good
- Outstanding cushioning and comfort for all-day wear
- Exceptional durability lasting over 6 months of heavy use
- Superior arch support reduces knee and back pain
- True to size with excellent stability
HOKA Men's Bondi 8
The HOKA Men's Bondi 8 is a premium running and work shoe that delivers exceptional comfort and cushioning for extended periods on feet. Users consistently praise its superior support and durability compared to major competitors, making it an excellent choice for athletes and professionals alike. However, some quality control issues and a significant break-in period have been reported by certain customers.
The Bad
- Potential collar durability issue after extended wear
- Significant break-in period required for first-time wearers
The Good
- Incredibly lightweight with excellent breathability
- Responsive, springy cushioning for long-distance comfort
- Trusted New Balance quality with great fit
New Balance Womens FuelCell Rebel V3
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel V3 is a lightweight, cushioned running shoe praised for comfort and breathability across multiple distances. Reviewers consistently highlight its springy sole and responsive performance, though durability concerns emerge with some users reporting premature sole deterioration within months of use.
The Bad
- Premature sole peeling/deterioration reported by some users
- May not withstand heavy daily use durably
The Good
- Roomy, comfortable toe box perfect for all-day wear
- Excellent cushioning and support for running and gym
- Lightweight, stylish design that looks great
- Reliable Nike quality at reasonable value
Nike Womens Air Zoom Pegasus 40
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 offers excellent comfort and support for everyday running and training, with a roomy toe box that appeals to users seeking pain relief. While most reviewers praise the shoe's quality and cushioning, concerns about sizing inconsistencies and potential counterfeit units have emerged from some buyers. Overall, this is a solid choice for women seeking reliable performance footwear, though buyers should verify authenticity carefully.
The Bad
- Runs small; sizing is inconsistent and misleading
- Potential counterfeit units and packaging concerns
The Good
- Exceptional cushioning and all-day comfort
- Excellent support for foot conditions
- Lightweight with spacious toe box
- Multiple repeat buyers and loyal customers
Nike Women's Invincible 3
Nike Women's Invincible 3 running shoes deliver exceptional comfort with strong cushioning and support that appeals to all-day wearers. While most users praise the soft, cushy feel and wide toe box, some durability concerns have been reported regarding sole degradation and premature wear. Overall, these shoes offer premium comfort but may have quality control inconsistencies.
The Bad
- Durability concerns with sole wear
- Occasional packaging and quality control issues
The Good
- PUMA's trusted Nitro foam technology for responsive cushioning
- Neutral shoe design suits various running styles
- Sleek black colorway matches multiple outfits
- Competitive price point in running shoe market
PUMA Velocity Nitro 2 Running Shoes
The PUMA Velocity Nitro 2 is a neutral running shoe designed for runners seeking responsive performance. Built with PUMA's Nitro foam technology, it aims to deliver cushioning and energy return for everyday running. As a newer model with limited market data, it shows promise but warrants real-world testing.
The Bad
- Limited real-world reviews and user feedback available
- No established performance track record yet
The Good
- Excellent cushioning and responsive support for running
- Strong grip for dynamic gym movements
- Attractive colorways with great color intensity
- Good value
Under Armour HOVR Machina 3
The Under Armour HOVR Machina 3 offers solid cushioning and responsive performance for running and gym workouts with reliable grip and comfort. However, quality control issues have been reported including premature material durability and sizing inconsistencies that may require careful fitting. Overall, it's a decent mid-range running shoe that delivers good value, though durability concerns prevent it from being a premium choice.
The Bad
- Material durability issues; wear after minimal use
- Runs small; sizing requires careful consideration