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Mar 03, 2025

7 Best Road Running Shoes for Men | Tested & Rated

Since 2011, we've tested more than 165 pairs of men's road-ready shoes over thousands of miles to bring you this lineup of the 30 top options available today. Our lead tester is a USA Track & Field

Since 2011, we've tested more than 165 pairs of men's road-ready shoes over thousands of miles to bring you this lineup of the 30 top options available today. Our lead tester is a USA Track & Field certified coach working with high school and post-collegiate athletes in the American West. From racing shoes filled with the latest technology to solid standbys that are fan favorites, we've put all the shoes we test through their literal and figurative paces. Pounding it out on the pavement and on the track, we also cut them open in our lab, measure them according to World Athletics guidelines, and examine the minute details that make each shoe unique.

Our overall favorite road running shoe — the one we recommend to most runners, even if you're new to running — is the Asics Novablast 5. It's comfortable, bouncy, great for a wide variety of running mechanics and paces, and is reasonably affordable.

The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is our top choice for a versatile trainer at an affordable price. It's a classic shoe that works well at every pace, scored above average across all our variable road testing, and has some of the best traction we've come across. The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris is our current favorite racing shoe, combining low weight, impressive responsiveness, and excellent geometry that encourages easy speed.

Our running team is quite literally constantly testing shoes for every type of runner — from those who hope to save money or those needing a bit more support from their trainers to those hoping to speed train for an upcoming race or folks looking for low-drop or zero-drop options.

We're obsessed with getting you out there with the gear you need and not just what's flashy. We can help you find a quality running shirt or the perfect GPS watch to track your progress. Hitting the trails? We've tested trail running shoes as well.

Editor's Note: Our men's running shoe review was updated on February 27, 2025, to update our suggestions for the best value products.

The Asics Novablast 5 is our go-to all-around running shoe. For daily mileage, it's comfortable, plush, and enjoyable. For faster running, the resilient FF Blast Max foam has a bouncy energy return, and the rocker geometry helps keep things rolling. Mid/forefoot runners will likely love the “trampoline” forefoot, which gives great cushioning and a fun pop. This version of the Novablast is a little more optimized for daily comfort than the previous model, happiest at easy-to-moderate paces, but we still have enjoyed small doses of 5K paced training in this shoe. If you're after a speed trainer, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is better (awesome) for pushing the pace. The lightweight and breathable upper of the Novablast 5 is comfortable and well-designed to provide a good fit for many runners. The versatility in fit, ride, and performance is what makes this such an easy recommendation for many road runners. Tester Nathaniel Bailey, notes, “The new Novablast is a bouncier ride that easily picks up the pace. Its traction is better than the v4 and I love it — from relaxing jogs to speedy workouts.” Not to mention, this shoe punches well above its price point.

As with the last version, the Novablast 5 struggles with traction. It's significantly improved from the last model, with a tackier AHAR Lo rubber and increased coverage. Still, it's not the best choice for runs on slick surfaces, although we've used it in the ice and snow of Montana winter training. Overall, this is a comfortable, fun, and versatile shoe. It's the best all-arounder we've tested, and it sits at a great price point. For runners who only want one shoe, this is a solid choice. It also slots well into a rotation of shoes for easy-to-moderate runs. If you want a fun and reliable training partner, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better option. Runners who value that versatility but need more support might want to consider the Saucony Tempus 2, which is a fun and reliable stability trainer.

Read more: Asics Novablast 5 review

If your running involves regular doses of faster paces, we think the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is the perfect shoe for you. It's one of the few options out there that truly can handle any type of run. Thanks to the responsive PWRRUN PB foam, a moderate forefoot rocker, and a nylon plate, the Speed 4 gets after it in workouts while remaining comfortable enough for long, easy miles. Our lead tester said, “This Endorphin Speed is a quiver killer — it easily carried me from speed training to race day to recovery runs.” The upper is comfortable, and Saucony updated this version with a fit that should work for more runners. While it's not as responsive as a super shoe (or as expensive), the Speed still boosts your pace while offering far more comfort than a typical race shoe. We love it for fast runs, either as an option in our shoe rotation or as a single-shoe lineup for folks aiming for speed. If you're chasing your next PR, this is the shoe we most recommend for you.

We really don't have any issues with this shoe other than price. It's not the cheapest option, but in fairness, no other shoe in our lineup offers such a great balance between performance and comfort. Compared to previous iterations of the Speed line, this one feels approachable and stable but still quick. It's great for runners who only have one shoe and like to pick up the pace. If you're super-shoe-curious but not ready to spend that much, the Speed 4 will make a perfect companion for your training block, and it's one that you can wear all the way across the finish line. If you want the next level up, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 has a carbon plate with an aggressive feel to bump you over the finish line on race day. But if you're after a high-performing, versatile trainer to help you ramp up your speed, this is your shoe.

Read more: Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 review

If you're hunting for a good deal and a comfortable shoe, the New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 is worth your consideration. These shoes are ideal for the easy-to-mid-paced runner who doesn't care too much to pick up the pace. Much of what we love about these shoes is the landing comfort. New Balances incorporates their FuelCell midsole for a smooth landing, time and time again. We appreciated the TPU plate within the shoe. Though these aren't the most stable shoes in our lineup, this plate adds the necessary stiffness to the plush midsole. We took these shoes on many outings and found they performed best on casual, long runs. Plus, the lightweight upper kept our feet cool on warm days. Nathaniel Bailey, our lead tester, said, “These shoes were very comfortable during my runs. I appreciate the well-made upper and strategic cushioning.”

The FuelCell Propel v5 isn't without its limitations. They weigh in at 10.52 ounces per shoe (US 10.5). This makes them one of the heavier shoes in our lineup. If you are after the lightest shoe, the Saucony Kinvara 15 is far lighter and offers even more responsiveness. The Propel also struggles with stability. While the TPU plate effectively stiffens up the soft midsole, it also makes it challenging to feel stable on cambered roads, a problem we see in most plated shoes. Further, we would suggest looking at another option, like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, if you are into uptempo running. However, for most other runners, this shoe is a worthy contender, especially at its current discounted rate.

The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris is the highest scoring shoe in our test, thanks to an incredibly low weight, high energy return FF Turbo Plus foam and an aggressive yet natural feeling geometry. As a result, this impressive shoe is our favorite choice and our top recommendation for races ranging from a road mile to a full marathon. That's truly impressive, as many other racing shoes we've tested, such as the Nike Vaporfly 3, only work well at high speeds and suffer when the pace is slowed even a little. We found the forefoot rocker of the Metaspeed Sky to be subtle while running, aiding in smooth transitions and a fast toe-off without feeling unnatural in the way some of its top competitors are. Our lead tester, Nathaniel Bailey, even says, “I love the explosive and propulsive midsole! The rocker geometry and a shockingly light upper make this one a joy on race day.” While other popular racing shoes like the Nike Alphafly 3 have a learning curve to getting the most propulsion from their plates, the Metaspeed Sky Paris does not. The 38 mm of stack height under the heel is plenty, offering protection from the road and leg-saving cushioning. This shoe is also by far the lightest in our lineup, weighing an almost impossible 6.85 ounces per shoe in men's US size 10.5!

That weight savings does come at a price, though — the worst part of the Metaspeed Sky Paris is its outsole. We get that Asics sacrificed traction to get lower weight, a choice that makes sense. But the shoe struggled to bite as well as the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 on cold and wet tracks and roads, making cornering a bit dicey. It's also rather unstable, further detracting from its surefootedness around bends. If your race course is full of bends and twists, takes you over loose surfaces, or is likely to be wet, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is the race shoe you want. Though not strictly a race shoe, the Asics Superblast 2 utilizes the same FF Turbo Plus foam in a well-designed daily trainer that some runners might like for racing a marathon. For most road races, though, the Metaspeed Sky is still the shoe we'd recommend to most people. It's comfortable for a race shoe, easy to get the benefits from with diverse strides, and, most importantly, it's fast.

Read more: Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris review

Shoes like the Nike Alphafly 3 or the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris fall into a category of race shoes called “super shoes.” A super shoe is a race day shoe that utilizes a combination of: 1) advanced, highly resilient (think high-energy return) foam, 2) a composite stiffener, often a carbon plate, 3) aggressive rocker geometry, and 4) a low weight. Many times, you'll hear these shoes referred to as “carbon racers” or simply as “plated shoes.”

There is a common misconception that the carbon plate is what makes a super-shoe fast. In reality, it is the combination of highly resilient foam, rocker geometry, and low weight that gives the majority of the performance enhancements. In fact, one study found that cutting up the carbon plate in a pair of super-shoes did not meaningfully affect energy savings. Adidas uses carbon-infused rods rather than a plate in their super-shoes with great results. Put simply, the plate does not make the shoe.

Stability shoes are rarely fun. The Saucony Tempus 2 is a brilliant exception. Pairing a firmer PWRRUN foam frame with energetic PWRRUN PB foam in the midsole results in a shoe that provides significant amounts of support without compromising the ability to change pace. The rocker geometry helps keep things moving at faster paces but doesn't feel forced or unnatural when jogging. We found that the shoe feels best at comfortable to moderate paces. It can run fast workouts too, but it starts to get clunky when you're really ripping faster than 5K pace. We loved this shoe for long runs, where the combination of lower weight, excellent cushioning, and sneaky support left us feeling great two hours in. Our team noted, “The Tempus reset my expectations for stability shoes. It supports my feet and keeps me solidly locked in place without compromising all the fun in my runs.”

We don't have a lot of things to complain about with the Tempus 2. The fit runs a little narrow, but we don't think it will be too narrow for most runners. When it comes to shoes, what works for one runner often won't work for the next. That's especially true when it comes to stability shoes. We found that the midfoot of this shoe was firm but not uncomfortable. Other runners may find that it is actually uncomfortable, which is worth noting. Overall though, this is a top-notch stability trainer that we think will have wide appeal. For runners who plan to race and value stability over pure performance, this shoe could even make their shortlist of race shoes. If the feel of the Tempus 2 isn't quite right for you, but you want a shoe with support, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is a solid all-arounder that isn't as versatile but may fit your mechanics.

Read more: Saucony Tempus 2 review

The vast majority of runners don't need a stability shoe, regardless of whether they pronate or supinate or are “neutral” runners. In fact, most current research suggests that choosing a shoe based on your movement patterns (pronation, for example, which in many cases is a natural movement and not an actual problem) is ineffective at preventing injuries, with some limited exceptions. For runners who do better with some stability, how much is optimal will vary from runner to runner, and likely will change over time.

The best predictor of whether a shoe will work for you is how it feels when you try it on — not your arch shape or pronation/supination pattern.

For the most part, shoes don't cause or prevent injuries. Running injuries tend to be the result of repetitive stress, often tied to changing something quickly (like suddenly increasing volume or intensity) and not allowing your body to adapt. Shoes may alter how much load a runner can tolerate before getting injured but are unlikely to be the root cause or solution to injuries. Strengthening your body, fueling well, and making smart training increases are the best methods of injury prevention. Plus, some research suggests that having a rotation of 2-3 shoes with varying levels of stability is more effective than simply running in a pair of stability shoes.

We love the light and responsive ride of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 and are impressed by its responsiveness even without a springy plate hidden inside. The FuelCell foam is soft and bouncy, providing excellent cushioning for longer efforts and engaging pep for workouts. Only the Asics Superblast 2 has a more responsive spring without a plate — by a slim margin. Nathaniel Bailey, our lead tester, notes, “I almost thought this shoe was plated, because it's so bouncy, fun, and fast.” Where the Rebel v4 stands out is in its comfortable usage versatility. The lightweight and stripped-back upper suggests it's meant for fast running, but it has plenty of comfort for easy cruises as well, which is not the norm for speed-centric shoes. We've used the Rebel v4 for everything from long runs to speed workouts, and we think it has excellent versatility. Its toe box is a bit wider to match a wider, stable base that cuts down on any learning curve. Combine all that with a reasonable price tag, and this is a very approachable shoe.

Our only gripe is related to fit — the Rebel v4 runs slightly short. We noticed some rubbing on our big toenails during long runs wearing our usual size. Otherwise, the fit is excellent, with plenty of volume in the toe-box for runners with wide feet and the ability to get a secure lockdown even if your feet are narrow. If you do have narrow feet, the Hoka Mach 6 is a fairly similar shoe to the Rebel that we also like. It's similarly responsive and lightweight, with a firmer ride. Ultimately, we think the Rebel v4 is a great option for many runners. It can work as a do-it-all shoe or as a non-plated option for faster workouts. We've loved using it for uptempo long runs thanks to the relaxed yet responsive ride, and while it doesn't have quite as much snap as some plated options, it's close.

Read more: New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 review

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 gives you a massive (42 mm!) chunk of soft and smooth foam to run on. It's one of the most comfortable cruisers in our lineup thanks to the excellent underfoot cushioning, smooth geometry, and comfortable upper materials. This is our go-to choice for recovery days when we want to feel insulated from the road. The only other shoe that comes close to this level of comfort is the Hoka Skyward X — for a LOT more money. Thanks to the excellent rocker geometry, we found that the More v5 rolls along better than some of its pillowy competition, which makes it more enjoyable for long runs. Thanks to a wide base and excellent sidewall structure, it's also one of the most stable max-cushioned shoes we've tested — which is more than the tippy Skyward X can claim. One of our testers even notes, “If you enjoy the feeling of sinking into a foam and rolling along, you're going to love the Fresh Foam X More v5.”

Of course, all that comfort comes at a cost. The More v5 is heavy. In fact, it's actually the heaviest shoe in our lineup (0.19 ounces heavier than the Skyward). If you want a shoe that is protective and pillowy, then weight shouldn't matter much (but this shoe could stand to lose an ounce). But, if you plan to run fast in your very comfortable shoes, you'll want to consider other soft options that are much more versatile, like the incredible Mizuno Neo Vista, which has more foam underfoot but also is a pretty responsive shoe. It's worth noting that the shoe runs a little short. If you're on the large end of your typical size, you might want to move up a half size. This is a great option if you want a comfortable, maximally-cushioned trainer, so long as you know that the More v5 won't appreciate having to move quickly.

Read more: New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 review

Our running experts have tested hundreds of pairs of running shoes since 2011, and more than 165 pairs of men's road running shoes specifically. Before even starting tests, we complete extensive market research to determine which competitors are worthy of entering the lineup. We then purchase each pair, take copious in-house measurements, and send each contender through extensive hands-on testing on the road. We utilize tester experience combined with data gathered by our in-house testing team to produce detailed reviews for our readers.

The only exceptions made are for super-shoes, which don't go for easy runs. They're purpose-built for running fast, so that's how we test them. Most shoes log significantly more than this over the course of testing, and the majority continue to be worn for months after the testing period is complete.

By the end of our testing, we've collected and compiled a complete picture of how each shoe handles pretty much any type of run users will take them on. The shoes also go through a rigorous testing process in our lab, where we gather measurements on geometry, stack height, and more to help us better understand and explain why certain shoes are better for certain applications.

A team of experts and professionals help to shape this review. Starting with lead tester Nathaniel Bailey, who has always loved running. He competed in track and cross country at the middle school, high school, and collegiate levels. Now, he continues to chase “fast” times on the roads. Nathaniel is a USATF-certified coach who works with post-collegiate and high school runners, sharing his passion for the sport and continuing to develop his knowledge of endurance sports and physiology. Professional running biomechanics consultant, Carrie Vickers, helped to inform and design our testing methods and provided additional guidance for our advice on how to choose the best shoes for you. Carrie is an accomplished national-class runner, having ranked in numerous Olympic, US National, and World Championship competitions for steeplechase. Though it has since been broken, she once held the world record for the 2000 meter steeplechase. Carrie also helped to design our jogging stroller review. Our laboratory team includes manufacturing engineer, Sentry Kelly, taking apart and meticulously measuring every pair of shoes in a standardized and comparable way.

Running shoes are often designed with a specific purpose. Max-cushioned shoes are designed to eat up mileage while providing excellent comfort. Race shoes are designed for speed at the expense of everything else. It doesn't make sense to buy a race shoe for your easy runs, so we'll break down each performance metric into three categories: Daily Trainers, Max-Cushioned Trainers, and Race Shoes.

Between our article on buying advice for running shoes and our detailed reviews, we believe you'll find the best running shoe for your needs and budget here. Read on to see how each contender performs in the different test metrics.

Value is a huge consideration when you're logging miles. Some runners want to get the most mileage per dollar they can, while others care more about performance than durability. The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is our favorite model for value, blending great performance, versatility, and durability at a reasonable price. The Adidas Adizero SL2 is nearly tied with the Puma, with slightly more speed and a similar price. The New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 and the Hoka Mach 6 also provide solid all-around performance and a lower list price than many other shoes in the test.

Burning through running shoes can get expensive — we have firsthand experience with that. Shopping for a good deal is always advisable, but we think that super low-budget, entry-level shoes are almost never worth the money.

For example, one of the cheapest shoes in our lineup is the Asics Gel-Contend 9, which can be reliably found for between $50-75. It's not a terrible shoe, but it also isn't very good. The foam is hard, there is limited forefoot cushioning, and the upper causes hotspots. Your experience in the shoe is unlikely to be enjoyable.

Daily trainers are the workhorses of the running shoe world. They're designed to get you through the majority of your mileage feeling comfortable, but should still be able to handle most workouts you'll throw at them. As with all running shoes, daily trainers sit in different places on the comfort vs. performance spectrum. Some we classify as speed trainers, meaning they're best suited to faster running. Others are more comfort-oriented, providing plush cushioning but less versatility.

One of our favorite all-around shoes, the Asics Novablast 5, straddles the line between daily trainer and max-cushioning. By the numbers, it probably should sit in the max-cushioning category. However, it doesn't run like a max-cushioned shoe and is remarkably versatile. So, we think it's best considered as a daily trainer. It's extremely well cushioned, scoring among the highest in the daily trainer category.

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 takes home the highest marks for cushioning among all our daily trainers. It's a good choice for uptempo running, and we love it for long runs thanks to its excellent foam. The Rebel has a soft and bouncy underfoot feeling, making it a joy to run in. In this category, both the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 are high-performing speed trainers. They're better for uptempo running than other daily trainers but still have plenty of cushioning for the longest runs. Both have a firmer underfoot feel and are stiffer, thanks to their respective plates.

Minimalist and low-drop daily trainers, like the Altra Torin 7, tend to score lower in this category. They're lower to the ground and don't make use of more modern, highly-resilient foams. On the other hand, the Altra Vanish Tempo utilizes a more energetic foam and slightly higher stack height to provide the best cushioning from a low-drop shoe in our lineup.

When it comes to cushioning and landing comfort, a high-quality foam is essential, but smooth transitions are vital to the runner's sensation. Unfortunately, even though the Brooks Ghost 16 utilizes a supercritical foam, it suffered from rough transitions throughout the foot strike. The heel area had decent-to-average cushioning, but the midfoot transition was rough, and the forefoot was poorly cushioned. As a result, it was one of the lowest-scoring daily trainers in this category.

The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 and Adidas Adizero SL2 are both great compromises that each provides plush cushioning with the ability to hit faster paces. Both shoes ended up with a high rank in our testing thanks to their balanced performances and excellent price points.

Max-cushioned trainers tend to be best for eating up long mileage at easy paces. However, some of our favorite all-around trainers fall into this category and utilize some technology from top-tier race shoes to provide versatile, high-performing comfort. Nothing beats the Hoka Skyward X when it comes to the most cushioning money can buy. Utilizing a huge stack of both PEBA and EVA foams, the Skyward is soft, bouncy, and smooth. If you like ground-feel or moderate paces, though, this isn't the shoe for you.

For runners who love the comfort offered by the Skyward X but hate the price tag, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 might be the perfect solution. The big slab of smooth cushioning is excellent for recovery days but struggles to run faster. If you want more pace, the Mizuno Neo Vista has a huge stack of foam and a smooth rocker geometry to create one of the most versatile and comfortable rides in our test. We love this shoe as a daily option, and while it feels best at easy paces, you can also use it for threshold workouts.

Close behind is the Asics Superblast 2, which is slightly less cushioned but more oriented towards faster paces. It can eat up the easy miles, but this is also a shoe that could work as a marathon racer for some runners.

When it comes to easy running, the Triumph 22 and Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 take a similar approach. A huge chunk of soft foam makes them comfortable and smooth for your recovery runs.

The On Cloudsurfer also scores well in this category, offering a smooth rolling ride that will likely work best for heel-strikers. The high drop makes it less comfortable when landing mid/forefoot.

The super shoes in our lineup have all been designed to get you through a marathon comfortably. That means they all have high levels of cushioning underfoot, and almost all of them are bouncy and soft. They utilize highly resilient PEBA foams to provide a performance and comfort benefit. The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris stands out for its cushioning that feels both bottomless and responsive. Close behind is the Nike Alphafly 3, which has a more mechanical feeling transition from mid to forefoot but also has a massive chunk of ZoomX foam.

There are a lot of factors that go into how fast or responsive a shoe feels. Weight plays a significant role; a lighter shoe makes it easier to run faster. Studies have shown that reducing the weight of a shoe can have significant positive impacts on efficiency and performance. Foam resilience is another important factor — research has repeatedly shown that modern PEBA foams provide significant running economy benefits for most runners. Some features may not work as well for every runner, but they can provide significant benefits.

Composite stiffeners like carbon plates can work in conjunction with highly resilient foams to benefit some runners, but the type and location of the plate are essential in determining what will work for each individual, with some seeing a reduction in running economy when running in certain types of plated shoes. We've experienced this in our testing, with testers having significantly different results in plated shoes based on plate location and shape.

A good daily trainer should be able to comfortably handle moderate to threshold paces. Daily trainers that err on the side of speed training should thrive at those efforts. The Saucony Endorphin Speed is a prime example of excellent responsiveness in a daily trainer. It utilizes a nylon plate, rocker geometry, and excellent PWRRUN PB foam to provide an energetic, fast-rolling ride. We found it thrives at threshold pace and can handle fast intervals as well.

The Hoka Mach 6 and Adidas Adizero SL2 are both excellent examples of versatile daily trainers. Both have premium foams that give a responsive and resilient ride. The Hoka utilizes more intense rocker geometry than the Adidas, but both are great for moderate efforts and longer threshold workouts. Neither have quite the snap and stiffness of some plated options, but some runners might find them ideal for fast workouts. If you can accommodate a narrower fit, we highly recommend these daily trainers.

The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 performs extremely well. It has a snappy toe-off and bouncy forefoot thanks to glass-infused rods and Lightstrike Pro foam.

The Reebok Floatride Energy 6 provides decent responsiveness in a simple and budget-friendly package.

Finally, we love the responsiveness and low ride of the Saucony Kinvara 15. Its responsiveness is a result of a firmer foam and extremely low weight. We think it's a great option for fast workouts, for runners who don't like training in plates but want a faster shoe, or for runners who regularly run their workouts on grass/uneven loops, where higher stacks and softer foams tend to work against you.

Most max-cushioned shoes simply aren't responsive. However, the Asics Superblast 2 and Mizuno Neo Vista buck that trend. Both utilize tech from racing shoes (high-end foam or plates) to help provide a more versatile ride. These “super trainers” are the ultimate do-it-all shoes for serious runners. Both are some of our favorite shoes as a result, but they come at high costs that make them less attractive for most runners.

When it comes to more typical max-cushioned shoes, the New Balance Fresh Foam More v5 is our preference for responsiveness. It's not fast, but the rocker geometry helps keep things rolling a bit more than in other options.

Even though the Skyward X also has tech from racing shoes, it doesn't have the versatility of the Superblast or Neo Vista. It sits squarely in the easy-running category.

In this category, responsiveness is what matters most. The Metaspeed Sky Paris takes top marks. It's the fastest shoe we've worn, and although the soft foam isn't ideal for all-out speed at a faster-than-mile pace, we think it makes a solid road mile shoe. The foam is extremely resilient, and the rocker feels natural.

Close behind is the Nike Vaporfly 3, which is a similarly versatile option. We actually found it hard to run slowly in this shoe, as its larger mass tends to get in the way and slower speeds.

The Nike Alphafly 3 is fast, but its versatility is limited thanks to its overall bulk and design, which makes it best suited to longer distances.

Here, we're interested in how stable a shoe feels, both in terms of support during footstrike and laterally on broken terrain. Stability-specific shoes are tricky — we are glad to see an industry shift towards stability shoes that use less medial posting and are more inherently stable neutral trainers. That's more in keeping with most current peer-reviewed evidence. You might need support depending on your natural mechanics, but remember that shoes are not a solution to mechanical issues. You should work with a running-focused physical therapist or sports medicine doctor to resolve those mechanical issues rather than self-diagnose your running mechanics and attempt to address them with a shoe.

We love the Saucony Tempus 2 for its non-invasive and enjoyable approach to stability. It is a versatile shoe that we think many runners will get along with.

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is a decent all-arounder that utilizes a more old-school approach to stability. It uses sidewalls, medial posting, and crash pads to direct your natural movement.

Among daily trainers, shoes that provide a strong lockdown and a wide, low base are often the most stable. The Asics Novablast 5 and Brooks Ghost 16 are standouts in this area. Similarly, both the Puma Velocity Nitro and Deviate Nitro provide a strong lockdown and a stable base that performs well on uneven surfaces and hard impacts.

Finally, it's also worth calling out the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 for its poor performance in this area. It has a wider base and stable lockdown, but the higher stack of soft foam provides very little direction and support. We don't recommend it to runners who need some support in their shoes.

As a rule of thumb, most max-cushioned shoes aren't a great stability option. However, the Asics Gel-Kayano 31 provides the best support and stability in the test. It utilizes a wide platform to provide inherent stability and uses geometry rather than uncomfortable medial posting to keep your foot moving forward. It's also well cushioned, although our testers who land heel-midfoot found the cushioning to be better than those who land mid-forefoot.

The Superblast 2 comes up again in this metric. Sidewalls and a wide platform make this a stable max-cushioned shoe, which is great for runners who want a faster option that has some support.

Most racing shoes are pretty unstable. In this test, the Supercomp Elite v4 stood out for its above-average stability. Thanks to its wide platform and geometry, it's the best option for runners who want some support in their race shoe.

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is more stable than most of the other super shoes in the lineup, although its narrower fit and platform may not work for all runners.

When assessing upper comfort, we consider things like upper materials and stiffness, breathability, fit, and lockdown. We note any particular hotspots or rubbing that the shoe causes and test to verify if it is a shoe issue or a product of our socks and lacing. High on our list of priorities is a snug fit that keeps our foot stable and provides confidence through corners and uneven terrain. We want an upper that offers good support and locks down our heel without our toes feeling cramped. The tongue has to wrap our midfoot precisely, and the laces have to hold us snugly without causing pressure or hotspots.

Knit-uppers tend to be the most comfortable, thanks to their soft material and slightly stretchy fit. They tend to struggle with breathability, though. Two of our favorites in this category are the Novablast 5 and the Ghost 16. The Adrenaline GTS 23 also feels snug with excellent lockdown and a gusseted tongue that stays put.

Some shoes have odd fits. The Mach 6 is a prime example, with an extremely narrow fit and a toe box that pulls our toes laterally. The lack of upper comfort is what held this shoe back from taking home an award.

Most max-cushioned shoes are geared towards comfort, so the upper tends to feel good. Two of our favorite uppers in the entire lineup are in this category — the Mizuno Neo Vista and the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26. Both utilize a sock-like knit upper that wraps your foot comfortably and breathes well. We think the Neo Vista stands out for its execution, and it takes home the highest score for an upper in the lineup. The Skyward X also receives high marks, but runners should be aware of its overly narrow fit.

All the shoes in this category have a lightweight upper, designed to save weight while still providing lockdown. The AtomKnit upper of the Alphafly 3 is the most comfortable among race shoes, providing a soft yet secure lockdown and a built-in tongue that doesn't rub.

Close behind is the New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Elite v4, which has a wider, more roomy fit than the other shoes in this test.

Weight has been proven to be a significant factor in running economy and performance. Weight often differs from the manufacturer listings, and we weigh each size 10.5 per shoe in-house to compare each pair more accurately.

There is often a tradeoff with lightweight designs when it comes to overall stability and predicted durability. Many lightweight designs use thinner and lighter upper materials or reduce or eliminate the rubber tread on the outsole. More traditionally designed shoes with padded uppers and durable outsoles are among the heavier designs we tested.

When it comes to daily trainers, the Kinvara 15 takes home top marks. It's an exceptionally light shoe, which makes it a joy to run fast in. Close behind is the Rebel v4, with a more modern take on the lightweight daily trainer.

The budget-friendly New Balance Propel v5 provides a lot of cushioning and comfort at a reasonable price… but it costs you weight.

High stack height often means heavy weight. The Skyward X and More v5 highlight that, taking home the lowest scores in this category. However, it doesn't have to be that way. The Cloudsurfer 7 and Superblast 2 weigh about as much as the average daily trainer, just with far more foam underfoot.

The lightest shoe we've tested is the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris. It's insanely light, which significantly adds to its responsive feeling and overall race-readiness.

For a race shoe, the Supercomp Elite v4 is pretty heavy. However, since it seems more focused on comfort rather than all-out speed, it's a tradeoff some runners will likely be fine with.

No one likes sliding around corners or slipping on wet asphalt. We assess each shoe across a range of Montana weather and surfaces, reporting our findings. Honestly, most road shoes will handle typical road-running conditions just fine. However, wet performance can be an issue for some shoes and some rubber compounds. Similarly, the presence and shape of lugs and siping in an outsole significantly alter how confidence-inspiring a shoe is while running fast on loose surfaces.

This one is simple. If you want reliable traction in a range of conditions, regardless of terrain, just get the Puma Velocity Nitro 3 and call it a day. The PumaGrip outsole is the best in our testing, without a doubt. When we're running through the winter in Montana, it's the shoe we grab on the nastiest of days.

New Balance offerings, like the Rebel v4 and Propel v5, utilize a diamond-shaped outsole tread that we've found bites well on wet roads.

And while we absolutely love the Novablast 5, it still struggles when conditions are cold and slick. It's marginally improved over the previous version, but still lacks grip on wet surfaces.

Most of the max-cushioned shoes in our lineup have average traction levels. The Cloudsurfer 7 stands out as having very poor traction, thanks to its exposed midsole that struggles to grab in mixed conditions.

The Supercomp Elite v4 again takes top marks in this category. The diamond-pattern outsole with nearly full coverage grabs well on loose or slick surfaces. It's also highly durable.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Metaspeed Sky Paris has poor traction. Asics traded outsole coverage and lugs for weight, which makes sense given the shoe's performance focus.

The Endorphin Pro 4 has a decent amount of grip, on par with that of many daily trainers.

Finding the perfect running shoe isn't easy (there's a reason so many runners have a rotation), but after spending hundreds of hours and logging dozens of miles in every pair of shoes in our lineup, we hope we can at least make it easier for you. Don't forget to check out our individual gear reviews linked throughout this article for more detailed information about each design. We hope that this review will help you find the right shoe for your fitness needs and budget, and one that will provide you with an awesome running experience.