Running Shoes

Compare the best running shoes of 2026 side by side. Browse all categories and find the right product for your needs and budget.

Reviewed by Marcus Webb, Outdoor & Active Editor

Adidas Ultraboost Light

The best running-to-casual crossover — Light BOOST midsole runs great and looks even better off the track.

Brand: Adidas  •  Price: $190  •  Rating: 4.5/5

Weight: 10.5 oz (men's) Drop: 10mm Cushioning: Light BOOST Upper: Primeknit+

Altra Torin 7

The best zero-drop shoe — foot-shaped toe box and balanced cushioning for natural running form.

Brand: Altra  •  Price: $150  •  Rating: 4.5/5

Weight: 9.9 oz (men's) Drop: 0mm Cushioning: Altra EGO foam Toe Box: FootShape (wide)

ASICS Gel-Kayano 31

The best stability shoe — 4D Guidance System supports overpronation without feeling restrictive.

Brand: ASICS  •  Price: $160  •  Rating: 4.6/5

Weight: 11.3 oz (men's) Drop: 10mm Cushioning: FF Blast Plus Eco + PureGEL Stability: 4D Guidance System

Brooks Ghost 16

The smoothest ride in running — nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v2 cushioning for buttery-soft daily miles.

Brand: Brooks  •  Price: $140  •  Rating: 4.7/5

Weight: 10.1 oz (men's) Drop: 12mm Cushioning: DNA LOFT v2 (nitrogen-infused) Upper: 3D Fit Print mesh

HOKA Clifton 9

The lightest max-cushion shoe — marshmallow-soft with a meta-rocker for effortless forward momentum.

Brand: HOKA  •  Price: $145  •  Rating: 4.6/5

Weight: 8.9 oz (men's) Drop: 5mm Cushioning: Compression-molded EVA Geometry: Meta-Rocker

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14

The plushest daily trainer — Fresh Foam X midsole delivers a cloud-like ride for long-distance comfort.

Brand: New Balance  •  Price: $160  •  Rating: 4.7/5

Weight: 10.2 oz (men's) Drop: 6mm Cushioning: Fresh Foam X Upper: Hypoknit

Nike Pegasus 41

The best all-around running shoe — 40 years of refinement make this the daily trainer that does everything well.

Brand: Nike  •  Price: $140  •  Rating: 4.7/5

Weight: 10.0 oz (men's) Drop: 10mm Cushioning: ReactX + Air Zoom Upper: Engineered mesh

Nike Vaporfly 3

The fastest marathon shoe — carbon fiber plate and ZoomX foam have broken more records than any other shoe.

Brand: Nike  •  Price: $260  •  Rating: 4.7/5

Weight: 6.6 oz (men's) Drop: 8mm Cushioning: ZoomX foam Plate: Full-length carbon fiber

On Cloudmonster 2

The bounciest running shoe — On's CloudTec Phase cushioning creates a unique, trampoline-like ride.

Brand: On  •  Price: $170  •  Rating: 4.5/5

Weight: 10.4 oz (men's) Drop: 6mm Cushioning: CloudTec Phase + Helion HF Plate: Speedboard

Saucony Ride 17

The balanced daily trainer — PWRRUN+ foam delivers the perfect mix of cushion and responsiveness.

Brand: Saucony  •  Price: $140  •  Rating: 4.6/5

Weight: 9.5 oz (men's) Drop: 8mm Cushioning: PWRRUN+ Upper: FormFit mesh