Best Running Shoes

Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting to lace up your sneakers, the importance of selecting the right running shoe cannot be overstated. The running shoe market has exploded, so you have a ton of options to find the right shoe for your needs, whether that’s something that’s low and adaptable for quick turns or something with more cushion for joint support. Do you suffer from knee pain, do you have flatter feet, need more stability, or are you pretty typical compared to the majority? Look at the shoe terms below to help gauge what you need, but note that every shoe is different, so it may take a few tries to get it right. Stability: Designed for someone who, because of their gait, needs a little extra support. For some, that could mean you’re flat-footed and need arch support. For others, that could mean you overpronate while running — meaning you tend to put weight on the inside of your foot or roll your foot inward.Trail: Almost a hybrid of the running shoe and hiking boot. These will have a sole that is thicker, to protect the wearer from uneven terrain, they are typically lugged to assist in better overall traction control, and should be made with weather-proof materials.Max-Cushion: These offer the wearer just that — a high plush ride. Typically, fans of high-cushion sneakers tend to have joint issues, including bad knees and are looking for a little extra something to make their run not only enjoyable, but bearable. Minimalist: These have barely any cushion. They are a great tool for those who want to increase the strength in their feet and lower leg muscles, but not necessarily ideal for everyday runs.Zero Drop: This style offers a ‘zero drop’ from heel to toe, which means that the cushion is the exact same height as your toes. Some zero drop options will have cushioning, but these do give the feeling of a barefoot running experience. Now that you’re acquainted with some terminology, browse through some of the best running shoes on the market to take you from neighborhood walks to full-fledged marathons. RELATED: Best Walking Shoes for Men The Year's Best Running Shoes Brooks Glycerin 23 The brand-new Glycerin 23 is the latest high-cushion running shoe from the beloved Brooks brand. The upper features a new engineered knit that manages to be both durable and flexible, adding comfort to an already-comfortable shoe. If you’re looking for super softness and support in a shoe designed for road runs, this is your new go-to. $175 at BrooksRunning.com  Puma Velocity NITRO™ 4 Puma uses advanced NITRO™ technology in these shoes, offering superior responsiveness and cushioning in a lightweight package, so you’ll be able to beat your previous pace while feeling like you’re running on clouds. The rubber outsole has plenty of grip, and the heel spoiler offers a sleek look but also enhanced stability for confident strides. $140 at Puma.com  New Balance 1080v15 For the brand new 1080v15, New Balance went back to the drawing board, developing an entirely new cushioning technology, known internally as Infinion, to optimize energy return while still enhancing cushioning. A full rubber outsole delivers fantastic traction while a perforated mesh upper prevents heat from building up, keeping your feet cool even when your run intensity ramps up. $169.99 at NewBalance.com  Merrell ProMorph Though designed for trail running specifically, the ProMorph is actually versatile enough to take on the road as well, especially if you prize a cushioned ride. Their premium FlaotPro+ midsole paired with the Vibram outsole deliver fantastic impact protection and traction, while the breathable mesh upper keeps air flowing. $160 at Merrell.com  Nike Vaporfly 4 Nike’s Vaporfly 4 took the winning formula of the Vaporfly 3 and shed weight across the board, resulting a lighter, faster shoe. A carbon fiber Flyplate and ZoomX foam midsole deliver incredible responsiveness and energy transfer, making this a go-to shoe for race days or when you're trying to break a personal best time. $280 at Nike.com  HOKA Mach X 3 HOKA’s Mach X 3 more than lives up to its name, emphasizing speed through the Pebax midsole plate that delivers a snappy, responsive ride and excellent energy transfer. The harder you push, the harder the shoe works to deliver acceleration through every stride. A combination of both PEBA and EVA foam in the midsole delivers high-rebound cushioning, while the sleek foot collar does a great job dialing in the fit. $190 at Hoka.com  On Cloudeclipse The On brand has been going viral lately for their extremely comfortable shoes. They have a ton of shoes to choose from, but the Cloudeclipse offers max cushioning, with Helion™ superfoam to absorb impact and an ultra-thick midsole for a comfortable, cushioned ride. The built-in tongue connects to the upper to lock your feet in place while the mesh upper keeps your feet cool in the hottest of weather. On has gone viral for good reason; join the club for some incredible running shoes. $180 at On.com  Saucony Kinvara 16 This shoe from Saucony is a daily runner’s choice thanks to its versatile PWRRUN cushioning, delivering both bounce and durability in a shoe that is notably more affordable than most of its direct competitors. A 3D-molded heel cup keeps your foot in place, adding stability to the shoe and minimizing energy loss, while the breathable upper does a fantastic job keeping your forefoot cool. $130 at Saucony.com  Keen Roam Trail Running Shoe Looking for a great trail running shoe? Keen’s got your back (or rather, your feet). This speed shoe is an athletic hiker to take you from the gym to the trail. The KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole provides a higher-traction grip while the mesh upper is lightweight to speed up any incline. It has a removable, resilient foam insole for long-lasting cushioning so you can easily replace it for a longer shoe life. Keen also has a fully waterproof version of this shoe if you need one for more adverse conditions. $165 at KeenFootwear.com  Running Shoe Shopping Tips The Fit: There should always be about one thumb’s width between your toe and the end of the shoe. The toe box and the shoe should fit comfortably without feeling restrictive or like it will start to chafe against your skin.Sizing: Don’t assume your running shoe size is the same as your walking shoe size, or the same from brand to brand. Measure your foot and check size guides, but also reviews as many will note if they find the fit to be more narrow than expected etc.Over- or Under-Pronate?: A good way to figure out if you over- or under-pronate when you run is to pull out an old pair of running shoes and see where the sole is the most worn. If all the wear and tear is on the inside of your heel and below your big toe, you likely overpronate. If the threading is worn until the balls of your feet and the small part of your heel, you're probably a neutral striker.Trying On: Try on your shoes later in the afternoon when your feet are a bit swollen from the day.Drop: The drop is the difference in millimeters between the thickness of the midsole under the heel to the thickness at the ball of the foot. If you have a strong heel strike and tight calves, you might look for a model with a higher drop, but if you have knee problems you might want to go for a lower drop, and if you have no injuries you shouldn’t be too concerned about the drop. You Might Also Dig: How to Prevent Running InjuriesBest Running WatchesBest Fitness Trackers for Runners