We said it last year and we’ll say it again: running shoes have gotten really good. So good, in fact, that it’s hard to find a bad one (don’t worry, there’s still a few out there).
Midsole foams are getting bouncier and more durable thanks to the widespread adoption of supercritical foams and Pebax (as well as its knockoffs), which were once reserved for race day shoes in Nike’s iron grip. Thanks to the rise of the super trainer (a designation we coined upon the arrival of the original New Balance SC Trainer), plates– whether carbon fiber, fiberglass, or TPU– are almost a given now for anything in the performance category. The result is a propulsive ride that isn’t relegated to race day. Shoes like the Hoka Skyward X, Hoka Cielo X1, and Mizuno Neo Vista are giving runners that exciting feel in everyday training shoes, without sacrificing comfort.
All of these advancements are finally trickling down to daily trainers and even trail shoes as well, where we’re seeing premium technologies utilized in hyper-specific shoes.
You may have also noticed that prices are going nowhere but up. Inflation, shipping, and material costs have all played a role in sticker shock. We’re hoping things level off, but we’re not counting on it anytime soon. As such, you may be trimming back on the kids college fund to get the latest and greatest on your feet. Hey, we’re not judging– kids are resilient, right?
We’ve run plenty of miles in all of these shoes and all of these opinions are ours and ours alone. Which means, it may be different for you, because we all have different tastes and preferences. But we’ve found that our overall picks generally align with most runners. At the very least, it’ll give you a look into what’s happening with each shoe and help you separate the various purposes, which can sometimes get confusing. Just a note, this is a list of shoes from 2024, so it’s not an exhaustive list of our favorite overall shoes at the moment, which still includes 2023 shoes like the Nike Vaporfly, Asics Superblast, On Cloudeclipse, New Balance 1080v13.
Hopefully this guide gives you some direction, but whether you go with something on this list, or go with your gut on something else, we hope you find a shoe to keep you running through this year.
Questions or comments? Leave them at the end and we’ll do out best to get back to you.
Best Race Day Shoes
Nike Alphafly 3
$285
BEST FOR
Race day magic
WEIGHT
7.8 oz. (221 g) for a US M10.5,
5.8 oz. (164 g) for a US W7.5
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
40 mm in heel, 32 mm in forefoot (8 mm drop)
After a sophomore slump, the Alphafly returns to the glory of the original. The Atomknit 3.0 wraps the foot snugly while providing superior ventilation. It’s the lightest Alphafly ever and it feels like it. Because when it’s on, it’s a rocket headed for the moon, thanks to all the parts coming together.
Those parts include the continuous ZoomX midsole, which allows for a smoother transition than the decoupled heel and forefoot segments of the first two models. The combination of the carbon fiber plate and the dual Air Zoom units form a pop hit that even Taylor Swift would be envious of. It’s a can’t-miss shoe on race day, and with the new volt colorway, it’ll be hard not to.
Asics Metaspeed Edge/Sky Paris
$250
KEY FEATURES
Flytefoam Turbo Plus midsole (Asics’ version of PEBA), Motionwrap 2.0 upper, ASICSGRIP outsole, different design for different runners
WEIGHT
6.4 oz. (183 g) for a US M9 (unisex), both shoes
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
39.5 mm in heel, 34.5 mm in forefoot (5 mm drop), both shoes
The past versions of the Metaspeed Sky/Edge were quick and snappy, but left a little bit to be desired in the comfort department. Asics listened and delivered with the Metaspeed Sky and Edge Paris, both named after the upcoming Olympics location.The Edge Paris in particular gets an extra 3.5 mm of foam in the midfoot, providing a softer landing than even the Sky Paris provides.
Both shoes feature FlyteFoam Turbo+, a Peba-style midsole material that is both super lightweight and ultra bouncy. While we think Asics should streamline the Metaspeed models into one shoe to eliminate any confusion, there is a difference between the two. While the Sky Paris features a flatter carbon-fiber plate and is aimed towards stride-based runners, we’ve found that it’s actually a bit more of a responsive shoe compared to the softer Edge Paris, which has that extra forefoot foam sitting above a levered, scoop-style plate. It’s gonna come down to personal preference, but whatever you choose, you can know that you’re getting an incredibly lightweight race day shoe that feels fantastic underfoot.
Best Super Trainers
Hoka Cielo X1
$275
KEY FEATURES
Two layers of Peba foam, smooth midsole rocker, winged carbon fiber plate, snug upper
WEIGHT
9.3 oz. (264 g) for a US M10,
7.4 oz. (210 g) for a US W8
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
39 mm in heel, 32 mm in forefoot (7 mm drop)
The Cielo X1 has all the bells and whistles you could ask for in a run shoe– full-length, winged carbon fiber plate, Peba midsole, rocker geometry, and form-fitting upper. The end result is the most fun shoe in running right now. It honestly feels different than anything on the market. And while we’re not sure if it’s supposed to be a race day shoe, a long run shoe, or something in between, we’ve noticed that people kind of figure out how it suits them, and wherever it lands for them is the perfect sweet spot.
Let me repeat: this is the most fun that money can buy. That said, this ain’t a trip to the penny arcade– the shoe will set you back a cool $275. Just depends on how much you love that dopamine.
Salomon S/Lab Spectur
$220
KEY FEATURES
Dual-density midsole (Peba Energy Foam+ on top, EVA Energy Foam on bottom), full-length winged carbon fiber plate
WEIGHT
8.3 oz. (232 g) for a US M8.5 (unisex)
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
38 mm in heel, 30 mm in forefoot (8 mm drop)
According to Salomon, this is a race day shoe for marathoners 3:30 and slower. We agree, it’s a fantastic shoe for those paces, and we couldn’t think of a better race day shoe for a first time marathoner. But we also think this is a pretty awesome super trainer. After all, it’s in the same price range as shoes like the Asics Superblast, Hoka Skyward X, and Saucony Endorphin Pro 4. It’s also just as fun and versatile.
With a dual-density midsole (Peba Energy Foam+ on top, EVA Energy Foam on bottom), full-length winged carbon fiber plate, and a soft and comfortable upper, this shoe has everything you need to do, well… everything. We keep telling people not to sleep on it, so maybe it’s time to wake up to the fact that Salomon is actually making some pretty great road shoes.
Best Daily Trainers
Brooks Ghost 16
$140
KEY FEATURES
Engineered air mesh upper, DNA Loft v3 midsole, RoadTack rubber outsole
WEIGHT
9.8 oz. (277 g) for a US M9,
8.8 oz. (249 g) for a US W8
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
24 mm in heel, 12 mm in forefoot (12 mm drop, midsole only)
There are some things that are just great because they’re good. The Brooks Ghost 16 is one of those. Is it going to blow your mind? No. Is it going to give you a ton of miles with a comfortable ride, an ultra plush upper, and a generous layer of outsole rubber that will hold up forever? Yes, yes it will.
The DNA Loft v3 midsole is soft and bouncy, like a bed of foam that’s there to give you rest during your biggest mileage weeks. The engineered mesh upper features plenty of support to keep your feet comfortable, whether you’re running marathons or walking the town.
It’s the Toyota Camry of running shoes. It’s not winning any awards on runways in Milan, but you know you’re getting quality that lasts.
Hoka Mach 6
$140
KEY FEATURES
Supercritical EVA midsole, Creel Jacquard mesh upper, Durabrasion rubber outsole
WEIGHT
8.2 oz. (232 g) for a US M10,
6.7 oz. (189 g) for a US W8
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
37 mm in heel, 32 mm in forefoot (5 mm drop)
The Hoka Mach 6 used to be more in the tempo range of running shoes, but with an upgraded supercritical EVA midsole and some extra stack height underfoot, it now falls more into the lightweight daily trainer category.
It’s pretty simple all around with a simple-but-snug creel jacquard upper, Durabrasion outsole, and that bouncy midsole in a lightweight package. It’s not a mileage monster, but it will give you a pretty fun ride at a very reasonable price point (reasonable equals $140, these days, anyway).
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
$140
KEY FEATURES
Fantomfit upper, Peba-blended FuelCell midsole, all-new design language
WEIGHT
7.7 oz (218 g) for a US M10.5,
5.3 oz. (150 g) for a US W7.5
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
30 mm in heel, 24 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop), midsole and outsole
The fan-favorite Rebel 2 was followed up with a very ‘meh’ version of the Rebel 3, so we weren’t sure if we should be excited about this one. Well, the performance matches the looks, which is to say that that the Rebel v4 a surefire winner.
As with many tempo shoes, the aggressiveness in early versions often gives way to a more comfortable and accessible ride, making it suitable for a wider range of runners. That’s basically what has happened to the Rebel, which puts it squarely in the lightweight daily trainer range. Don’t get me wrong– the FuelCell is still bouncy and propulsive and it all comes together in a package that disappears underfoot. It’s exciting and fun and we’re pretty sure you’re gonna love it if you choose to put your feet into it.
Best Tempo Shoes
Adidas Takumi Sen 10
$180
KEY FEATURES
Lightstrike Pro midsole, glass fiber EnergyRods 2.0 in same design geometry as the Adios Pro 3, more breathable and flexible mesh upper
WEIGHT
6.9 oz (198 g) for a US M9
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
33 mm in heel,
27 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
Truth be told, we still like versions 8 and 9 a bit more. But the Takumi Sen 10 is so good, that even if we think it took a step back, it’s still one of the best (maybe the best?) tempo shoe that money can buy. The Lightstrike Pro midsole is bouncy with good ground feel, the EnergyRods 2.0 give a bit of snap back, and the Continental rubber outsole digs into the pavement, spinning through that quick turnover you want at faster paces. It looks and feels like a dart, which is exactly what we want in a tempo shoe.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
$170
KEY FEATURES
Winged nylon plate, XT-900 lattice outsole, zonal mesh upper, PWRRUN PB midsole, Super Responsive Sockliner
WEIGHT
8.2 oz. (233 g) for a US M9,
7.2 oz. (206 g) for a US W7.5
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
36 mm in heel, 28 mm in forefoot (8 mm drop)
Again, the Endorphin Speed 4 is a shoe that has softened up over time. It could easily fall into the lightweight daily trainer category, or even super trainer category. And while it still lacks the aggressiveness of the first two editions, we feel that it’s a bit more fun than version 3.
A winged nylon plate provides both propulsion and stability, while the PWRRUN PB midsole gives you just the right amount of bounce without sinking in. The zonal mesh upper is comfortable and breathable and the lattice outsole provides decent-enough traction. The result is a shoe that can do pretty much anything, including tempo runs. It’s also a solid race day option for someone who doesn’t want to break the bank.
Best Max Cushion Shoes
Hoka Skyward X
$225
KEY FEATURES
Knit upper, Peba & supercritical EVA midsole, carbon fiber plate, flat knit upper
WEIGHT
11.8 oz. (334 g) for a US M10.5,
9.4 oz. (266 g) for a US W7.5
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
48 mm in heel, 43 mm in forefoot (5 mm drop)
Hoka is really doing some crazy shit this year, and instead of face-planting, they’re hitting home runs to all corners of the park, with only a couple strikeouts. Any shoe with an X (which denotes the presence of a carbon fiber plate) has been absolutely stellar, including the Skyward X. While it doesn’t embody the race day components of the Cielo X1, it does offer a ride that’s reminiscent of the OG New Balance Supercomp, just with a slightly elevated build.
The knit upper is comfortable and supportive, while the combination of Peba and supercritical EVA sandwiched around a carbon fiber plate gives a smooth and satisfying ride. Our favorite part? Despite its thick-ass stack height, it’s an incredibly stable shoe, especially once you get going. That’s a hard thing to pull off. The end result is one of the most comfortable cruisers that money can buy.
Mizuno Wave Neo Vista
$180
KEY FEATURES
Enerzy NXT midsole, knit upper, Mizuno Wave Plate, smooth speed assist
WEIGHT
9.4 oz. (266 g) for a US M9
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
44.5 mm in heel, 36.5 mm in forefoot (8 mm drop), midsole only
You heard it here first– Mizuno is back. The Wave Neo Vista embodies everything that we love about high-stack super trainers like the Prime X Strung and the New Balance SC Trainer v1, just at a much lower price point and a much lower weight. Knit uppers can be hit or miss, but this one hits– it’s snug and secure in the way that knit upper should be. The full-length fiberglass plate provides propulsion and the Enerzy NXT foam is bouncy but not too unstable, despite its nearly 45 mm stack height. It’s max cushion comfort at its best.
Available for pre-order May 17.
Most Underrated Shoes
Diadora Frequenza
$180
KEY FEATURES
Anima N2 midsole, Nylon air mesh upper, Duratech 5000 outsole rubber
WEIGHT
8.1 oz. (229 g) for a US M9,
6.4 oz. (181 g) for a US W7.5
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
35 mm in heel, 27 mm in forefoot (8 mm drop)
Honestly, it’s probably a tie between the Frequenza and the carbon-plated race day star in the Gara Carbon. Point is, Diadora has gotten serious about running and it’s time to give them a serious look. So while we implore you to check out the Gara Carbon, we also think the Frequenza deserves a little bit of love.
It’s a lightweight tempo shoe that utilizes Diadora’s DD Anima 2 midsole foam, a supercritical EVA that’s bouncy and lightweight underfoot, even if a little on the softer side. It’s one of those shoes that feels like how a running shoe should feel– pure and honest and ready to roll. Just make sure you go up at least a half size, unless you want your toes mashed against all corners of the forefoot.
Reebook Floatzig 1
$130
KEY FEATURES
Float Energy midsole, Energy Band outsole rubber, Zig Tech midsole geometry
WEIGHT
9.8 oz. (277 g) for a US M9
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
31 mm in heel, 25 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop)
Just like you, we thought the Floatzig midsole was a gimmick at best, a scam at worst, but it turns out that it’s neither. It’s actually a very nice running shoe– comfortable and stable with plenty of cushion underfoot and a pretty great upper fit to keep things locked in. If you’re looking for something that stands out from the crowd, then you can’t go wrong with the Floatzig 1.
Best Trail Running Shoes
The North Face Altamesa 500
$155
KEY FEATURES
Dream supercritical EVA midsole, seamless engineered mesh upper, Surface CTRL rubber outsole
WEIGHT
11.9 oz. (337 g) for a US M10.5
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
30 mm in the heel, 24 mm in the forefoot (6 mm drop), midsole only
There was a time not too long ago when The North Face was somewhat infamous for its shitty trail shoes. That time is no more, as TNF has elevated itself to the top of the run game. Case in point– the Altamesa 500. This max cushion long haul shoe is designed for the most comfort over the longest miles and it will give you every bit of that and more. All our reviewers who have tried it have fallen in love with it, and we don’t see it relinquishing the crown anytime soon (though we’re always willing to consider the newest Hoka).
Salomon Genesis
$150
KEY FEATURES
Energy Foam midsole, Active Chassis, Contagrip outsole, woven Matryx upper
WEIGHT
9.5 oz. (269 g) for a US M9
8.5 oz. (242 g) for a US W7.5
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
34 mm in heel, 26 mm in forefoot (8 mm drop)
The Genesis isn’t going to change the world, but it’s hands-down one of the best trail running shoes for getting out there on any terrain. With a comfortable bed of Energy foam and an outsole of tried-and-true Contagrip, the shoe provides a versatile (if somewhat predictable) ride. Meanwhile, the upper and classic Salomon Quicklace system with lace garage keep the foot locked in. You could do much worse for a $150 trail runner.
Best Trail Racing Shoes
Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra
$220
KEY FEATURES
Dual-layer Lighstrike Pro midsole, Peba EnergyRods, Continental rubber outsole, sawtooth laces, woven upper, aggressive rocker geometry
WEIGHT
9.5 oz. (270 g) for a US M9,
8.1 oz. (230 g) for a US W7
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
38 mm in heel, 30 mm in forefoot (8 mm drop
Aside from maybe the New Balance Supercomp Trail, this is the first trail shoe that actually feels race worthy in the way that a road racing super shoe does. The Lightstrike Pro is bouncy but not soft– which is key for a trail shoe and something that most brands mess up.
The Agravic Speed Ultra is surprisingly stable despite its super aggressive rocker. While there’s a bit to be desire in the fit (namely the heel lockdown), it’s going to get you from point A to point B faster than any other trail shoe out there. While athleticism is the number one ingredient for race day success, tools matter too, and there’s a reason that Adidas Terrex athletes are destroying the competition in this shoe.
Brooks Catamount Agil
$180
BEST FOR
DNA Flash v2 midsole, SpeedVault Trail plate, TrailTack Green rubber outsole with 4.5 mm lugs
WEIGHT
7.7 oz. (218 g) for a US M9 (unisex sizing)
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
16 mm in heel, 10 mm in forefoot (6 mm drop, midsole only)
We’re reaching a point where every runner can have a tool for any distance. Nothing embodies that specificity more than the Catamount Agil. A shoe for the nimble and the quick, the Catamount Agil is lightning in a bottle. With a lower stack of DNA Flash v2 midsole, a SpeedVault Trail plate, and TrailTack Green rubber outsole with 4.5 mm lugs, this thing has everything you need to hammer out shorter distances. And with a race-ready upper, it’s basically a soccer cleat for running. Use it for anything under a 50K and you’ll be fine, take it farther and you may be hurting.
Best Budget Shoe
Atreyu Daily Trainer 1.2
$115
KEY FEATURES
Supercritical EVA midsole, sock-like 3D mesh upper with new tongue gusset, full-length rubber
WEIGHT
9.3 oz. (263 g) for a US M9/W10.5
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
30 mm in heel, 24 in forefoot (6 mm drop)
Look no further, because you’re not going to find a better shoe at a better price point with better aesthetics than the Atreyu Daily Trainer 1.2. Atreyu has mastered the art of making simple, just-what-you-need running shoes that pass all the cost savings onto you.
The Daily Trainer 1.2 features a supercritical EVA compound for both comfort and bounce underfoot, while the upper features a sock-like 3D mesh with new tongue gusset gore strap in for a secure fit (really the only issue we had with the last one). The new, simplified design gives major stealth fashion vibes, and the all-white and pistachio versions knock the look out of the park.
Best Sustainable Shoe
Veja Condor 3
$200
KEY FEATURES
Full Pebax midsole, breathable mesh upper, good lockdown, featherlight shoe
WEIGHT
10.7 oz. (302 g) for a US M9
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
28 mm in heel, 23 in forefoot (5 mm drop)
We’ll be real: the first two versions of this shoe were terrible, so if you tried either of those (which you probably haven’t), just throw out the frame of reference. The Condor 3, however, is a very solid running shoe, even if most people end up wearing it as a lifestyle shoe. However you wear it, know that you’re getting a lot of comfort in a very responsible package (even if it does weigh more than we’d like).
By far, the Condor 3 is the most sustainable shoe we’ve ever reviewed, mainly because Veja is the most sustainable shoe brand right now, more than Allbirds, and far better than any of the dumb/weird “recycled” shoes that big brands like to put out (i.e. any Nike nature shoe). They support their workers and provide a fair living wage and guaranteed housing and transportation. They source and produce everything from the same regions and South America. They don’t over-produce to meet shareholder demand. In short, they actually care. And they deserve to be recognized for it.
Best New Brand
Mount to Coast
$150-$160
KEY FEATURES
Full Pebax midsole, breathable mesh upper, good lockdown, featherlight shoe
WEIGHT
10.7 oz. (302 g) for a US M9
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
28 mm in heel, 23 in forefoot (5 mm drop)
When we say that shoe brands are catering to certain types of runners, nothing embodies that sentiment more than Mount to Coast. Their entire goal is to offer a running shoe for road ultramarathoners, a niche segment if we’ve ever heard of one. In doing so, they’ve created a simple shoe in the R1 that features a Pebax hybrid midsole that’s resilient with just the right amount of bounce.
The real magic comes from something called ZeroSag, which is a structural piece made from a BASF material used to absorb shock in F1 racing cars. It’s a remarkably durable material that allows for repeated compression without deadening out. Their athletes have taken the shoe for hundreds of miles in multi-stage races with solid results. While you may not be doing the same thing, you should get a lot of life out of the shoes.
Best Lifestyle Shoe
Deckers X Lab X-Scape 3D
$150
KEY FEATURES
Perforated eco-tan NBK leather upper, 3D printed hybrid suspension system, super foam soft filler, ETPEE insole, grippy outsole
WEIGHT
N/A
STACK HEIGHT/DROP
N/A
If you know us, you know that we love Deckers X Lab. Their lifestyle shoes, boots, slides, and slippers are the most comfortable footwear on earth and that’s not an exaggeration. There’s a reason they’re the innovation lab for Hoka– everything you see that’s cool and different in their running shoes came straight from here. Think of it as Willy Wonka’s experiment room for everlasting gobstoppers, but in shoe form.
This is their first 3D-printed shoe, with a 3D shell combined with a “super foam filler” and a EPTEE midsole. Whatever that means, it’s comfortable and cool and features a head-turning design. The upper is an ultra comfortable, perforated eco-tan NBK leather that adds a classic styling element. Is this the perfect summer shoe? Pretty much, yeah. Bonus: you’ll probably be the only one in your circle who has it, and strangers will stop and ask you what shoe you’re wearing (we know, because this happens with every Deckers shoe we own).
HOW WE MAKE OUR PICKS
All of our recommendations come directly from our feet to your screen. We test countless running shoes here at Believe in the Run, and we let our reviews guide our decisions. However, we also consider other reviews and our BITR community, as not every runner has the same experiences. We also aim to stick with shoes that are currently available so you can give our recommendations a try.