Running shoes are a must-have for any runner, giving you the support, cushioning, and durability you need to hit your fitness goals. Whether you're just starting out or you're a marathon veteran, the right pair of shoes can really boost your performance and comfort. But with so many choices out there, finding the perfect pair can be a bit overwhelming. That's where we step in. We've done the legwork and picked out some of the best running shoes on the market, each with its own unique perks.
From the all-around Saucony Ride 17 to the wallet-friendly Reebok Floatride Energy 5, we've got something for everyone. Our experts have put each shoe through its paces, looking at factors like cushioning, support, durability, and overall performance. Whether you need extra cushioning for those long runs, a lightweight shoe for speed training, or a durable pair for everyday use, you'll find it in our selection. Let's dive into the details to help you make the best choice.
Saucony Ride 17
What our experts say: The Saucony Ride 17 is a neutral running shoe perfect for daily training. It features a new resilient foam in the midsole that holds up in both hot and cold weather, making it a versatile pick. Our experts love its consistent performance and comfort, making it a solid choice for beginner runners.
Who Should Buy this Product: Ideal for beginner runners looking for a reliable daily trainer.
Highlight: Best for consistent performance in various temperatures.
Pros:
- Neutral running shoe
- Daily trainer
- Resilient foam
Cons:
- None mentioned
The Saucony Ride 17 is designed for everyday running, offering a comfy and supportive ride. The PWRRUN+ midsole gives you extra cushioning and impact protection, making it great for easy runs, long runs, and recovery runs. With an 8mm drop, it offers a balanced ride. The updated engineered mesh upper improves breathability and fit. The outsole has more carbon rubber in the heel and lateral side for durability and traction. Weighing 9.9 ounces (282g) for men, it's praised for its comfort and softness, fitting a variety of foot shapes.
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Saucony Kinvara
What our experts say: The Saucony Kinvara is a go-to for beginner runners thanks to its balance of features that support natural running motion, lightweight design, and affordability. It's been a favorite for years and keeps getting better.
Who Should Buy this Product: Perfect for beginner runners looking for a lightweight and affordable option.
Highlight: Best for natural running motion.
Pros:
- Lightweight (7.3 oz)
- Neutral shoe with medium cushioning
- Affordable ($120, often found for less)
Cons:
- Exposed midsole may reduce durability
The Saucony Kinvara is a lightweight neutral running shoe designed for those who prefer a natural running position. Known for its cushioned ride, the Kinvara has a loyal following. The Kinvara 14 brings back the simple feeling of what makes the shoe great, with an upper that's race-day-ready and just enough comfort for daily training. It has a 4mm drop and a stack height of 31 mm/27 mm, with 3mm of PWRRUN foam added to the midsole for extra cushioning. Available on the Saucony website, Amazon, and other retailers, the Kinvara 14 is priced between $59.81 to $179.95.
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Hoka Clifton 9
What our experts say: The Hoka Clifton 9 is great for beginner runners who need extra cushioning and support. It's especially good for those who feel beat up by running or are heavier athletes.
Who Should Buy this Product: Ideal for beginner runners needing extra cushioning and support.
Highlight: Best for extra cushioning and support.
Pros:
- Extra cushioning
- Durable outsole
- Neutral shoe
Cons:
- Heavier (9 oz)
The Hoka Clifton 9 is designed for daily use, offering a symmetrical bed of cushion without extra prescriptive technologies. Weighing 8.8 oz (249g), it's lighter than average road running shoes. The toebox width is a solid medium, suitable for medium-width feet, with wide options available. The shoe features a padded and semi-gusseted tongue for a snug fit. The knitted textured upper is durable and accommodating, offering a secure lockdown and a comfortable sockless experience. Some users have reported durability issues, with sole wear after less than 100 miles. The Clifton 9 is 13% more flexible than average road shoes, making it suitable for daily trainers. However, it becomes stiffer in cold temperatures, which may affect its performance in colder conditions.
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Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
What our experts say: The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is the top stability running shoe for 2024, showcasing Brooks's commitment to innovation. It features a new engineered 3D fit printable mesh, DNA Loft V2 midsole, and guide rail stability system.
Who Should Buy this Product: Perfect for runners needing additional support and a smooth ride.
Highlight: Best for stability and comfort.
Pros:
- Enhanced stability and comfort
- Seven color options
- Durable and flexible upper construction
Cons:
- Minor tweaks in guide rail stability system
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is designed for runners who need support and want a smooth, reliable ride. It features new midsole technology with soft and lighter weight DNA LOFT v2 cushioning, providing a comfortable and responsive ride. The engineered air mesh upper provides comfort and breathability with 3D Fit Print for added structure and support. The GuideRails Holistic Support System helps align the body in its natural motion path while keeping excess movement in check, providing support for the feet, knees, and hips. The shoe is certified by the American Podiatry Medical Association (APMA) and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance, indicating it promotes good foot health. Known for its durability, comfort, and support, it's suitable for all-day wear and various activities like walking or running. The upper contains 59.87% recycled materials, and the production process diverts 11.02 plastic bottles from landfills. Available in various colors, including limited editions, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is a well-supported and comfortable running shoe.
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Reebok Floatride Energy 5
What our experts say: The Reebok Floatride Energy 5 is a budget-friendly running shoe that offers good versatility and durability. It's great for various distances and surfaces, making it a solid choice for beginner runners.
Who Should Buy this Product: Ideal for budget-conscious runners looking for versatility and durability.
Highlight: Best for budget-friendly versatility.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Highly durable outsole
- Lightweight feel
Cons:
- Requires a break-in period
The Reebok Floatride Energy 5 is designed for men and women, offering support for various distances and paces. It's part of Reebok's [REE]CYCLED collection, featuring a breathable, lightweight upper and Floatride Energy Foam cushioning. The shoe is designed for running, with a regular fit, lace closure, and midfoot X-plate for torsional support. Weighing 9.4 ounces and with an 8 mm midsole drop, the Floatride Energy 5 has a semi-gusseted tongue for a snug fit around the midfoot. The removable insole allows for custom orthotics or switching with another insole. It's not particularly orthotic-friendly, ranking in the bottom 37% for this feature. Suitable for winter running due to its breathability, but not for hot conditions, as it received a low breathability rating of 2 out of 5. The Floatride Energy 5 Adventure is a hybrid road-to-trail shoe, with a Cordura upper and a proven durable Floatride midsole. It has a slightly higher stack than the previous version, making it suitable for moderate to long efforts. The X-shaped midfoot plate offers protection and slightly upgraded stability, while the outsole provides good grip on various terrains. Priced at $110, the Floatride Energy 5 offers premium quality at a low price point.
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Puma Velocity Nitro 3
What our experts say: The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 offers a comfy and bouncy ride with excellent grip, making it a versatile option for various distances and weather conditions.
Who Should Buy this Product: Perfect for runners looking for a versatile and comfortable daily trainer.
Highlight: Best for comfort and versatility.
Pros:
- Super comfortable
- Bouncy Nitro foam
- Excellent grip in wet conditions
Cons:
- Narrow fit
The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is a versatile, neutral daily training shoe designed for a wide range of running activities. The heel stack height of 34.8 mm provides ample cushioning for runners of all weights, while the forefoot stack height of 25.5 mm maintains a balanced height suitable for various users. With a drop of 9.3 mm, the shoe leans towards the higher end, benefiting heel strikers but remaining versatile for all runners. The midsole features a dual-foam setup with Puma Nitro foam, providing a plush yet not overly soft ride. The insole thickness of 5.9 mm enhances comfort and provides a soft sensation underfoot. The PUMAGRIP rubber outsole has a 1.0-mm indentation after a wear test, indicating good durability, and the outsole thickness of 3.0 mm provides adequate coverage, especially for heel strikers. Weighing 9.3 oz (264g), the Velocity Nitro 3 is impressively light for a daily trainer with a moderately high stack height. Designed as a neutral shoe, it provides minimal stability measures and is best suited for runners with neutral mechanics. The shoe offers a smooth ride, suitable for daily mileage and versatile enough for various running paces. Priced at $135.00, the Puma Velocity Nitro 3 excels in comfort, versatility, and durability.
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Conclusion
Picking the right running shoe can really change your running game, giving you the support, cushioning, and durability you need to reach your fitness goals. From the versatile Saucony Ride 17 to the budget-friendly Reebok Floatride Energy 5, each shoe we've highlighted has unique features tailored to different needs and preferences. Whether you're a beginner looking for a reliable daily trainer, a runner needing extra cushioning and support, or someone seeking a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality, there's a shoe on this list for you.
The Saucony Ride 17 shines for its consistent performance in various temperatures, making it a versatile choice for daily training. The Saucony Kinvara offers a lightweight and affordable option, perfect for beginners who prefer a natural running motion. The Hoka Clifton 9 provides extra cushioning and support, ideal for runners who feel beat up by running or are heavier athletes. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is the top choice for stability and comfort, offering enhanced support and durability. The Reebok Floatride Energy 5 is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality, suitable for various distances and surfaces. Finally, the Puma Velocity Nitro 3 excels in comfort and versatility, making it a great choice for daily training and long runs.
No matter your running style or preferences, investing in a quality pair of running shoes can make all the difference in your performance and overall enjoyment. Take the time to consider your specific needs and try out different options to find the perfect fit for you. Happy running!