Best Running Shoes | Running Shoe Reviews 2019 – Runner’s World
Best Running Shoes | Running Shoe Reviews 2019 Runner’s World
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 shoe is your …
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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 shoe is your experience over the hundreds of miles you’ll take them 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 perform, we review hundreds of men’s and women’s shoes each year. The ones below are all of our award winning selections from our most recent shoe guides.
[Related: 8 Shoes for Intense Cross-Training]
We chose the following top models based on extensive feedback from runners as well as test results from the RW Shoe Lab. Each shoe was evaluated on overall performance, as well as three important categories that should help you zero in the best model for you.
WEIGHT
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. If you’re going long distances, however, the extra cushioning of a heavier shoe might be a better option.
CUSHIONING
Cushioning provides impact absorption. To test it, our Shoe Lab takes measurements in the heel and forefoot, then averages the scores to give you an idea of the overall experience. The cushioning scores are given on a scale of 1 to 100, with one being the least cushioned.
In addition to those key stats, we also look at the shoe’s stability features, flexibility, and energy return to help you find one you’ll love. To see the data, click to read the men’s review or women’s review on any of the shoes below.
DROP
A shoe’s drop 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. Many shoes have a drop between 8 and 12 millimeters, but some shoes have less than 6mm. A few based on minimalist designs have zero drop.
[Related: Running Shoes for $100 or Less]
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ROAD SHOES
Skechers GOrun Razor 3 Hyper
Award: Editors’ Choice, Spring 2019
Price: $135
The Razor is the first example of a new buzz-worthy midsole Skechers developed, dubbed Hyper Burst. How exciting is it? At the Running Event in Austin, Texas, in late November, talk of the trade show was about the brand and its new foam. Seriously. The industry was curious what Skechers was up to. Hyper Burst is a new EVA foam with an irregular cell structure that differs from more conventional manufacturing techniques. The result is a lighter and more resilient foam. Added to the Razor, which was Meb’s training shoe of choice when he was actively racing, it makes for a high-speed trainer or racing shoe for the rest of us. In testing, we found the Razor likes to be pushed hard and go fast. The foam underfoot is relatively firm, but at the same time feels protective and takes the harshness out of the pavement when you’re cranking. The thin, breathable upper and a web of rubber outsole boost its speediness.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19
Award: Recommended, Spring 2019
Price: $130
The Adrenaline GTS has undergone a major transformation, now using guide rails for a less intrusive way of delivering stability. If you need it, it’s there. If you don’t, you won’t feel it. That’s different than in previous models, which used a three-layer medial post (firmer foams under the arch) that Brooks called a Progressive Diagonal Rollbar. Replacing the support system of the most beloved of Brooks’s stability shoes (we’ve given it 10 awards in its 20-plus-year history) is a daring, even risky, move. But views have shifted on stability, especially whether a medial post is needed in shoes, Brooks took a more holistic approach to stabilizing the knee by reducing foot rotation. Let’s use a bowling analogy to explain how it works: Imagine your foot as the ball and the shoe’s guide rails as the lane’s bumpers. As your foot twists, your heel bumps into the rails and is directed back to center, limiting how much torque is felt at your knee. It’s too early to tell if the 19th iteration will reduce the number of knee injuries, but there are other reasons to love the latest Adrenaline GTS. First, it feels shockingly light on runs, despite our shoe lab finding it on the heavy end of the shoe spectrum. Plus, the moderate cushioning provides a soft ride for Clydesdales, yet has enough give to satisfy lighter runners, as well. And finally, our tired legs did not feel beat up when we ran long in the shoe.
Salomon Predict RA
Award: Hot List, Spring 2019
Price: $160
Trail-running powerhouse Salomon has been hitting the roads hard the past year, with a whole new line that launched early in 2018. The latest and most ambitious model so far is the Predict RA, which takes a different approach to stability. You won’t find any medial posts, multiple densities of foam, or a bulky, stiff shoe. Instead, the Predict has a unique midsole with grooves on the top and bottom of the foam that mirror the major joints of the foot, segmenting the shoe into the areas where your foot moves. The shoe’s 10 outsole pillars adapt to how your foot rolls from heel strike to toe-off, guiding your foot for a smooth transition. Now, don’t be confused: This isn’t a shoe like the Nike Free. It’s about giving you support where you need it. When I put on this shoe for the first time, my reaction was “Whoa, that is firm!” Tests at the RW Shoe Lab confirm that the foam used in this shoe is harder than average. But once I took it out for a run, I noticed that the shoe really starts to shine when it’s in motion. Even though the EVA midsole is firm for support, the ride of the shoe allows you to hit cruise control on your runs.
Reebok Forever Floatride Energy
Award: Recommended, Spring 2019
Price: $100
I consider myself a thrifty person, at times to a point of fault. I know how to appreciate great gear, but I’m always looking for the best possible deal, searching for low cost and high quality. The Reebok Forever Floatride Energy is that equilibrium point. It’s light enough to work as a road-racing shoe, soft enough to keep you comfortable through long runs, and attractive enough to garner a few compliments when you wear them on your next group run. What’s more, it’s only $100, making it accessible to more runners than similarly impressive, though more expensive, everyday trainers. But the best part of this shoe is undoubtedly the midsole, a singular piece of Floatride Energy foam that keeps you feeling fresh late in your long runs. This foam isn’t quite as light and springy as the Float foam Reebok has used in its Run Fast shoe recently, but it’s lighter and bouncier than EVA alternatives. Some of us found this shoe close to perfect, despite being an entry-level offering. The ride is supple, yet there’s loads of energy return. That makes it feel fast and smooth, and works really well whether we are running easy miles or threshold pace.
Under Armour Hovr Infinite
Award: Recommended, Spring 2019
Price: $120
Under Armour looked to dial up the underfoot cush of this plush neutral trainer. Targeting pillowy soft trainers like the Asics Gel-Nimbus and Brooks Glycerin, the shoe uses UA’s latest midsole foam, Hovr, a compound the company claims is more cushioned and returns more energy than previous versions. The extremely soft material is surrounded by an “energy web,” a net-like container that helps boost the foam’s responsiveness. The shoe doesn’t necessarily feel plush underfoot—tests at the RW Shoe Lab show it to be fairly firm—but we liked how it felt comfortably protective on longer road runs and recovery days. Where this shoe diverges from the Cadillac-type trainers mentioned above is in the upper. The Nimbus and Glycerin utilize insanely soft memory-foam collars and satiny linings. This shoe has a more basic, workhorse-like build. The ankle lining is a little scratchy, the heel counter a bit hard. Then again, the Infinite costs $30 to $40 less than those premium shoes, so it’s a small compromise.
Asics Gel-DS Trainer 24
Award: Recommended, Spring 2019
Price: $130
There are times when shoemakers update a model seemingly for the sake of change alone. The appeal of newness might, at times, blind designers and manufacturers of the good they could have maintained by leaving it alone altogether. But, not so with the DS Trainer—the new features improve the shoe, and worthy holdovers from previous models remain high-performing. The all-new knit upper—a first for any Asics shoe—is breathable, lightweight, and comfortable, enabling you to focus on your run, not the fit of your shoes. This is a model you’ll want to run fast in, thanks to its overall light weight and its FlyteFoam Lyte midsole, which offers a solid ground feel and nice pop. “The energy return I felt each time my foot hit the ground was empower- ing,” one wear-tester said. “It’s been great for fun group runs and speedwork.” Beware that while this shoe is great for faster, shorter efforts, it may not be the best choice for runners who throw down big mileage each week. Here, the benefits of a light shoe come at the cost of cushioning suitable for multi-hour runs.
Reebok Floatride Run Fast
Award: Gear of the Year, 2018
Price: $140
The fastest shoe you can buy in 2018 is a Reebok. Seriously. Sure, Nike’s Vaporfly 4% is still on the feet of speedy marathoners all over the country, but that shoe goes for $250. Oh, and good luck actually finding a pair to buy. The FloatRide Run Fast, however, won’t stress your credit card nearly as hard and shares some traits with the 4% to help you reach the finish line faster. It all starts with the foam: Reebok is using a Pebax-based foam—much like what’s found in the Vaporfly 4%—which is far lighter than the standard EVA that’s been used in running shoes for decades, but it also delivers excellent cushioning and off-the-charts bounce (energy return).
Brooks Ghost 11
Award: Editors’ Choice, 2018
Price: $120
This year, the Brooks Ghost racks up its seventh Editor’s Choice award for its appeal to a wide variety of runners. Newbies love its comfy cushioning, marathon vets pick it for pounding out high-mileage weeks, and road runners like its quick, smooth ride. And the 11th version of the shoe is no exception. The Ghost delivers again with an almost spooky consistency, with some notable updates to its midsole. Using a new foam, the Ghost feels lighter without a loss of softness or bounce.
New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon
Award: Recommended, 2018
Price: $120
If you want an all-purpose shoe, the Beacon is for you. It’s light and fast, yet has enough cushioning to pound out high mileage. Testers found the shoe up to the task for quarter-mile intervals as well as 20-mile long runs. It brings to mind the Hoka One One Clifton—especially the original version that was extremely lightweight for the amount of cushioning it offered. And, it’s easy to see why the comparison is made, given the thick foam sole that sits between your foot and the road.
Saucony Ride ISO
Award: Recommended, 2018
Price: $120
Technically, the Ride ISO would have been Ride 11, but a new upper design (ISOFit) typically reserved for Saucony’s premium-level shoes warranted the name change. What didn’t change is the dependable cushioning the line has always been known for. Compared to the Ride 10, this year’s shoe is slightly thicker, but didn’t add any weight. That’s due to the new construction where your foot rests down into the top of the midsole—the edges of the foam curve up around your foot for extra security. Best of all, its price remains unchanged for a fifth year, making it an excellent value.
Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo
Award: Hot List, 2018
Price: $180
Runners are no stranger to the name Pegasus; that workhorse shoe is on its 35th iteration. For decades, the Peg has been a do-it-all model that can handle high mileage as well as it can upticks in speed. But, that daily trainer is a bit too heavy and a little too soft to really be used for any kind of speedwork. This all-new “Peg Turbo” is designed to keep that legendary fit and feeling, but delivers the lightweight sensation of a racing flat. To do so, Nike gave it the aforementioned lightweight foam, which is exceptionally springy.
361 Degrees 361-Strata 2
Type: Road Shoe
Award: Recommended, June 2018
Price: $150
The Strata 2 is 361’s top-of-the-line stability shoe, offering support for moderate overpronators via a foam layer that blends traditional EVA with rubber. Like most stability shoes, it also features a medial post—firmer foam typically identified by a darker color; in this case it’s speckled—to prop up an overpronator’s foot when loaded with weight. The company supplements the medial post with a softer crash pad on the outer heel, made from its durable, bouncy foam. The result? Decreased impact and increased comfort and stability.
On Cloudflyer
Type: Road Shoe
Award: Recommended, June 2018
Price: $160
Marrying a fashionable upper with an unconventional midsole, the Cloudflyer looks like it might be better suited as casual wear than performance running. But this lightweight stability shoe from the relatively new Swiss brand delivers a mix of cushioning and support that won’t slow you down—or make you look slow. We found it works well for those needing a little extra stability from their shoe, as well as for runners whose form falls apart when they tire toward the end of hard, fast workouts and races.
Mizuno Waveknit R2
Type: Road Shoe
Award: Recommended, December 2018
Price: $130
The Waveknit R2 is essentially the Wave Rider with a knit upper, its stretchy construction created to embrace the foot for a snug and stable ride. One tester described how the cushioning feels like “running on a soft track even when I’m actually running on asphalt” over the course of 8 to 10 miles, making this shoe ideal for both short and long-distance rave runs.
TRAIL SHOES
Saucony Peregrine ISO
Award: Editors’ Choice, Spring 2019
Price: $120
The Saucony Peregrine won our Editors’ Choice award in 2016, and this update follows its winning formula: Deep lugs cover the outsole for fantastic traction at any speed. Faster trail runners loved the confidence-inspiring grip when running over muddy, snowy, icy, or slippery terrain that can turn into a wipeout event with only a minor misstep. Credit that to the 78 lugs—a ridiculously high number for any model—that cover the sole. The lugs even extend out from the side of the shoe a bit, ensuring steady footing when running laterally along steep terrain. This latest version features Saucony’s ISOFit upper, which offers a nearly customized fit with the help of wings on each side of the shoe that attach to the laces. We appreciated that fit most on long trail runs when our feet started to swell and needed an upper that could accommodate their changing shape. Underfoot, the Peregrine ISO features a full Everun topsole. It’s a thin layer of material beneath the sockliner and above the midsole, which is more durable than EVA yet is bouncier and more plush.
Salomon Ultra Pro
Award: Editors’ Choice, 2018
Price: $150
As its name implies, the Ultra Pro trail shoe is built for going the distance and staying comfortable late into an ultramarathon. The shoe is based on the S/Lab Sense Ultra, a competitive racing shoe better suited for rail-thin, faster runners. This is the shoe for the rest of us. It maintains long-haul comfort, thanks in part to wings that wrap up around the midfoot, providing a stabilizing hug even as your feet begin to swell late in a race.
Salomon S/Lab Ultra
Type: Trail Shoe
Award: Recommended, June 2018
Price: $180
Salomon’s S/Lab line is the brand’s crème de la crème shoes, featuring premium materials and geared toward competitive runners and its stable of professionals. Designed for ultrarunners, the shoe features an internal sleeve that wraps the foot in a snug cocoon, keeping you firmly in place while allowing the shoe to respond when your feet swell over hours on the trail. The updated Ultra also features a set of detached “wings” on the upper, that provide even more adaptability over the arch and midfoot.
Brooks Mazama 2
Type: Trail Shoe
Award: Recommended, June 2018
Price: $140
The Mazama 2 is Brooks’s lightest trail shoe, geared for runners who aren’t afraid to take their speed workouts off-road. A lightweight mesh upper combined with minimal, targeted cushioning keeps the weight down on the Mazama 2, and testers said that the responsive feel made navigating even the most technical trails a breeze. Add in the fact that the outsole packs enough grip for tough terrain, but also has the versatility for road running, and you’ve got a shoe ready for any starting line, anywhere.
Brooks Caldera 2
Type: Trail Shoe
Award: Editors’ Choice, Spring 2018
Price: $140
This shoe is all about max comfort. Our testers raved about the cushioning, noting the supple feel on both road and trail, and our lab tests confirm it’s the softest among trail shoes we tested in Spring 2018. The new upper is made of breathable mesh designed to improve drainage. There’s also an added layer of film over key areas of the foot for extra support and a lace pocket on the tongue.
TRACK SPIKES
Saucony Endorphin 2
Type: Track Spike
Award: Recommended, Spring 2018
Price: $120
Saucony’s Endorphin distance spike has held the record as the lightest track spike on the market for half a decade, and its updated v2, while slightly heavier, maintains that status. It weighs just over 3 ounces and has a surprisingly thick midsole. You’ll find an increased layer of cushioning underfoot as well as a new, beefed-up, supportive, full-length spike plate. Also new, the featherweight woven upper doesn’t lack in hold, durability or comfort.