The 11 Best Running Shoes of 2024 (2024)

Updated: January 19, 2024

From uptempo runs to recovery days, this shoe can do it all and do it all very well. After careful consideration and much deliberation, our staff kept returning to the one shoe that rules them all.

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In this category, we're zeroing in on shoes that we consider to be our everyday workhorse—the ones that we log most of our daily mileage in. Whether you feel like a quick 30-minute jog around town or you're training for a race and need to get in 20 miles, these shoes will help you get the job done in comfort.

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We can't leave this category without showing some love to a shoe that made some big waves upon release: the On Cloudsurfer. With a recent focus on their running shoes' underfoot experience, On came out swinging with the Cloudsurfer, and the results are in—this shoe is a bonafide hit! Our staff loved the performance of this shoe, from daily runs to speed workouts and everything in between, the On Cloudsurfer delivered in a big way, and it's a shoe we've continued to lace up on the regular thanks to its balance of comfort and responsiveness.

Highlighted by its innovative CloudTech phase design in the midsole, the cushioning consistently delivers a smooth and efficient ride no matter the speed or distance you take it on.

Check out our full review of the On Cloudsurfer

It's hard to go wrong with ZoomX foam, and we think Nike really hit it out of the park when they introduced the first Invincible with its full-length slab of ZoomX foam. Updated with a new upper design and a wider platform for added stability, the third version of this incredibly stylish shoe is its best to date.

For easy runs and recovery miles, it is very tough to beat the luxurious experience offered by the ZoomX Invincible 3. Our staff loves how soft the ZoomX foam feels underfoot without feeling mushy or dead. While this shoe is not designed for uptempo training or race day, we still appreciated how the rockered geometry worked seamlessly with the responsive ZoomX foam to keep our feet moving efficiently. Although this shoe is heavier than the average daily trainer, you surprisingly don't feel it weighing you down on the run. Our only con here is the price; however, if you're as big of a fan of ZoomX as we are, the amazing ride will be worth the cost.

Check out our full review of the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3

For speed and tempo workouts, you need a lightweight shoe to help you reach those breakneck speeds while still providing enough support and protection to prevent injuries. Here are our picks that do precisely that.

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Some shoes feel too firm, some feel too soft, and some feel just right. This is the Goldilocks category in terms of comfort, and we've picked two shoes that take everyday comfort to another level. These are our top options if you are looking for a premium experience from start to finish.

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The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 is another fantastic everyday training shoe that offers plush comfort at any distance. The soft Fresh Foam X midsole compound made easy miles feel truly easy and provided excellent protection for our joints. In addition to the comfort provided by the plush foam, the 1080 has a touch of bounce that keeps you moving forward smoothly as the miles pile up. And expect these shoes to hold up well over time thanks to the durable outsole rubber. We hardly noticed any wear after around 100 miles in these shoes, which is always a plus. Overall, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 is an excellent option for those looking for a premium everyday trainer.

Check out our review of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13

We get it, $150+ running shoes aren't for everyone. Some runners just want a quality shoe to get the job done without breaking the bank. Don't worry; we've got you covered!

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If you want the experience of a shoe with top-of-the-line technology without breaking the bank, look no further than the New Balance FuelCell Propel v4. Featuring lightweight and responsive FuelCell cushioning paired with a TPU plate, the New Balance FuelCell Propel feels like a shoe that has a much higher price tag than $110. We love it when brands find a way to stand out from the rest, so we have to commend New Balance for delivering a shoe with this type of technology at an approachable price.

Check out our full review of the New Balance FuelCell Propel v4

If you're looking for a no-frills everyday running shoe that delivers a fun and comfortable ride, the Saucony Axon 3 is ready to answer the call. This shoe is built to handle daily miles, but it's also capable of picking up the pace thanks to the SPEEDROLL geometry that keeps the legs moving efficiently. While not as soft as one might think given the high stack of PWRRUN foam in the midsole, the Axon 3 is still plenty comfortable for your easy runs under 10 miles.

As the market starts to trend further toward neutral shoes that offer inherent stability for overpronators, some staples will continue to live long and prosper. Here are our top picks.

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Due to the performance benefits that many runners experience in super shoes, there is a desire to chase that feeling every day, not just race day. However, most super shoes do not have the durability or plush comfort to handle a demanding training cycle. Thankfully, several brands have filled the gap by delivering shoes that possess many of the qualities that runners love in a super shoe, but with the durability and comfort needed to rack up the miles.

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High-performing versatility is one of the best qualities a running shoe can possess, and from our perspective, no shoe embodies that more than the ASICS Superblast. Whether you're looking for a max-cushioned cruiser, a lightweight uptempo shoe for fast runs, or a comfortable long run option, the Superblast performs as well as any of the top shoes in those respective categories. "How?" you might ask. The answer lies in the materials and construction of this shoe. The stacked midsole features a huge top layer of FF Blast Turbo, the same responsive foam found in the ASICS METASPEED series, a blazing fast racing shoe, along with a thin layer of FF Blast+, which is a bit firmer and acts as a stabilizer to the FF Blast Turbo on top of providing extra cushioning. Combine that foam with a lightweight upper and durable AHARPLUS rubber outsole, and you've got an all-around beast of a shoe that can do whatever you need.

Check out our full review of the ASICS Superblast

A super shoe specifically designed for daily training, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 ("SC Trainer" for short) is a unique offering that has us running with joy every time we lace them up. Featuring a high stack of responsive FuelCell foam in the midsole, along with a carbon-fiber EnergyArc plate, the SC Trainer has what it takes to not only feel fantastic and protective on easy runs and long efforts, but also has the giddy-up to keep up on fast days. Moreover, the engineered mesh upper has the perfect amount of accommodation to offer longer-lasting comfort. All in all, the SC Trainer features premium materials from top to bottom that translate into premium performance on the road, making this shoe perfect for the dedicated runner who wants the same technologies in their training-day shoe as the one they lace up on race day.

Check out our full review of the New Balance FuelCell SC Trainer v2

Carbon fiber-plated running shoes have ruled the marathon racing scene for the past few years thanks to their highly efficient design, and the trend is not stopping anytime soon. These shoes represent the best of the elite-level racing options. Looking for a racing shoe? Check out our guide to The Best Carbon-Plated Shoes.

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When it comes to the design and build of a super shoe, Nike has the magic touch. Featuring the industry-leading ZoomX foam cushioning in the midsole paired with a carbon-fiber Flyplate, the Vaporfly Next% 3 delivers an ultra-responsive and highly efficient ride that keeps legs feeling fast and fresh for the entirety of the marathon. Our staff loves how lightweight and resilient the ZoomX foam feels underfoot and how well it works with the carbon plate to propel the foot forward. The overall fit is fantastic thanks to the FlyKnit upper and the offset lacing. These elements work together to provide a snug and comfortable fit from start to finish, making the VaporFly 3 our choice for the best racing shoe.

Check out our full review of the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 3

ASICS has taken a unique approach to their super shoe offerings by dropping two elite marathon racers with the same technologies, but with slightly different geometries. The Sky+ caters to stride-style runners who can benefit from a carbon plate positioned closer to their foot to maximize foam compression and energy return. Alternatively, the Edge+ works well for cadence-style runners who benefit from a lower plate position that helps with stabilization and a more efficient toe-off. Both shoes are equipped with exceptionally resilient FLYTEFOAM Turbo foam that unlocks a truly magical on-foot experience. Furthermore, the high stack of FLYTEFOAM Turbo offers optimal protection while still being incredibly lightweight—a combination that is like music to a marathoner's ears. The tooling on these shoes has been dialed in, and we anticipate seeing the METASPEED line on our best-of lists for years to come.

Check out our full review of the ASICS METASPEED Sky+

When it's time to hit the dirt, you'll need something a bit more rugged. With grippy outsoles, tougher uppers, and hazard-ready midsoles, the following shoes have what you need to comfortably tackle the unforgiving wilderness.

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Carrying the nickname of Karl Meltzer, the record holder for the most 100-mile trail race wins, the HOKA Speedgoat 5 remains our top trail shoe that can really do it all. Mixing a high level of cushioning with an ultra-sticky Vibram Megagrip outsole, this shoe can handle the most rugged terrain while also smoothly traversing fire roads. Whether you want a reliable daily trail shoe or a highly cushioned workhorse for your next 100-mile race, the HOKA Speedgoat 5 has you covered.

Check out our full review of the HOKA Speedgoat 5

The shoes in this category are for those looking for a running shoe that will also feel comfortable and stable in the gym. These are great options for runners who want a shoe that can go from daily jogs to the treadmill to your next HIIT workout.

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If you're searching for all-day comfort, whether running for miles or taking a brisk walk, look no further than the HOKA Bondi 8. This max-cushioned daily trainer feels fantastic on the legs, and we kept lacing them up on our recovery runs this year. But don't stop the recovery process at the end of the run; keep those legs protected and wear these wherever your day takes you. Whether walking the pups, pushing the stroller, or grocery shopping, pamper your feet with the luxurious comfort of the Bondi 8.

Check out our full review of the Hoka Bondi 8

For those who prefer a close-to-the-ground feel on their walks, consider a perennial best-seller, the Brooks Ghost. The Ghost 15 makes long walks and long runs fun and comfortable thanks to the soft and lightweight DNA LOFT v2 cushioning in the midsole. And with several stylish colors to select from, you're bound to find something that makes you look as good as you feel.

Check out our full review of the Brooks Ghost 15

Shop Men's Best Shoes of the Year

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• How often should I replace my running shoes?

There are a number of signs that tell you whether it's time to replace your current running shoes. How many miles are on them? How do they feel during your runs? For a detailed answer, check out this article.

• How much should I spend on running shoes?

The amount you spend on running shoes is dependent upon a lot of factors, such as your budget, how often you run, and whether you have injury concerns. The shoes that made this year's list range anywhere from $100 to $275.

• How many pairs of running shoes should I have?

If you're the type of runner who runs most days of the week, has multiple races on the calendar, or loves to mix it up on the trails, then it sounds like a running rotation is right for you! However, if you would rather have one shoe that can handle all of your training and racing needs, consider a do-it-all shoe such as the ASICS Superblast, ASICS Novablast, or HOKA Clifton.