The 10 Best Running Shoes of 2026 | Tested & Reviewed
The 10 Best Running Shoes of 2026
Updated on September 9, 2026
Thinking about buying running shoes? We reviewed and tested the best running shoes for every runner and every type of run, so you can find the perfect pair.
Running shoes are a runner's most important piece of equipment. Whether you're running your first mile or you're planning your latest marathon, there's nothing more important than finding the best running shoes.
So what are the best running shoes? It depends.
To put it simply: There isn't one best pair of shoes for all runners. That's because every runner (and walker!) has their own needs.
Some people need wide shoes to accommodate their feet. Others will want extra cushioning to soak up the impact of running miles on pavement. Low arches? You might want improved stability. Getting into trail running? Well, there are shoes made to run on dirt.
So whether you’re looking for a shoe to start running, a rugged trail shoe for your next ultramarathon or a high-cushioned daily trainer for weekend runs, our guide to the best running shoes will help you choose the best running shoes for your feet and your training.
Check out our list below comparing the 10 best shoes for running as well as how we tested them, who they're best for and why we think you’ll love them.
Our Top Picks
- ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 ( Women's / Men's)
- Brooks Ghost 17 ( Women's / Men's)
- HOKA Clifton 10 ( Women's / Men's)
- Karhu Ikoni 3.0 ( Women's / Men's)
- New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v14 ( Women's / Men's)
- Mizuno Wave Rider 29 ( Women's / Men's)
- On Cloudmonster 2 ( Women's / Men's)
- Saucony Ride 18 ( Women's / Men's)
- Altra Lone Peak 9 ( Women's / Men's)
- Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41 ( Women's / Men's)
How We Tested the Best Running Shoes
To curate this list of the best running shoes, Fleet Feet Editors and running shoe geeks Tom Rivett, Mandy Wahl and Evan Matsumoto, in collaboration with our Fleet Feet gear testers and contributors, tested hundreds of shoes, considered details like real-world performance, weight, cushion, materials, comfort, style, durability and price, and also looked at best-seller lists and customer reviews.
Through our personalized Fleet Feet fit id® Outfitting process with 3D foot scanning technology that measures foot length, width, arch height and more, we used data from over 5 million foot scans (and counting) to give us unique insights into how today’s best men’s and women’s running shoes from the top brands fit and perform on a wide variety of feet.
The gear on this best running shoes guide has been updated to show only the newest products available in 2026.
ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27
Women's ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27
The GEL-Nimbus 27 delivers the plush, protective cushioning ASICS is known for, giving you a premium daily trainer built for runners who log a lot of time on the road.
Men's ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27
The ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 is a classic model with cushioning designed to withstand daily training for new and experienced runners alike.
If you're looking for durability that gives your run endless cushioning and a roomy fit, the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 is for you. Each and every run will feel comfortable and smooth. The upper is a lighter jacquard mesh material that fits perfectly around your foot.
Tech Specs
| Weight | 9.3 oz (W), 10.8 oz (M) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm |
| Stack height | 40.5 mm/32.5 mm (W), 41.5 mm/33.5 mm (M) |
| Surface | Road |
| Comparable to... | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13, Brooks Glycerin 21 |
| Ride | 4/5 on the Firm to Plush Scale
Firm
Balanced
Plush |
| Cushioning | 5/5 on the Minimum to Maximum Scale
Minimum
Moderate
Maximum |
| Energy | 3/5 on the Relaxed to Propulsive Scale
Relaxed
Responsive
Propulsive |
| Category | neutral
NeutralStabilityMotion Control |
Brooks Ghost 17
Men's Brooks Ghost 17
The Ghost 17 is a smooth, versatile trainer that gets the job done—whether you're logging easy miles or ramping up for a race.
Women's Brooks Ghost 17
The Ghost 17 is a smooth, versatile trainer that gets the job done—whether you're logging easy miles or ramping up for a race.
The Brooks Ghost is an award-winning sneaker, and one of the most popular models on the market—and the newest Ghost 17 looks to be no exception.
- What It's Best For: The Brooks Ghost 17 can handle just about anything. It’s perfect for beginner runners or experienced athletes looking for a reliable daily trainer for everything from runs and workouts to casual days out and about.
- Why You'll Love It: You'll love the straightforward fit and easy ride that Brooks seems to have perfected. If you’ve run in previous versions of the Ghost or are just trying it out for the first time, you’ll love the shoe’s instant step-in comfort and balanced ride that make it an easy choice for runs, workouts and all-day adventures.
Tech Specs
| Weight | 8.9 oz (W), 10.1 oz (M) |
| Stack height | 36.5 mm/26.5 mm |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10 mm |
| Experience | Smooth |
| Surface | Road |
| Comparable to... | ASICS GEL-Cumulus 27, On Cloudsurfer 2 |
| Ride | 3/5 on the Firm to Plush Scale
Firm
Balanced
Plush |
| Cushioning | 3/5 on the Minimum to Maximum Scale
Minimum
Moderate
Maximum |
| Energy | 3/5 on the Relaxed to Propulsive Scale
Relaxed
Responsive
Propulsive |
| Category | neutral
NeutralStabilityMotion Control |
HOKA Clifton 10
Women's HOKA Clifton 10
The Clifton 10 brings that familiar, easy-going feel to your daily miles—a lightweight, cushioned trainer that works for almost any runner.
Men's HOKA Clifton 10
The Clifton 10 brings that familiar, easy-going feel to your daily miles—a lightweight, cushioned trainer that works for almost any runner.
The HOKA Clifton 10 is one the best running shoes for anyone who demands plush cushioning, shock absorption and a roomy fit.
Tech Specs
| Weight | 8 oz (W), 9.8 oz (M) |
| Stack height | 38 mm/30 mm (W), 42 mm/34 mm (M) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm |
| Experience | Smooth |
| Surface | Road |
| Comparable to.. | New Balance 1080 v14, ASICS GEL-Cumulus 27 |
| Ride | 3/5 on the Firm to Plush Scale
Firm
Balanced
Plush |
| Cushioning | 3/5 on the Minimum to Maximum Scale
Minimum
Moderate
Maximum |
| Energy | 3/5 on the Relaxed to Propulsive Scale
Relaxed
Responsive
Propulsive |
| Category | neutral
NeutralStabilityMotion Control |
Karhu Ikoni 3.0
Women's KARHU Ikoni 3.0
The Ikoni 3.0 brings Finnish engineering and a smooth, cushioned ride to your daily rotation.
Men's KARHU Ikoni 3.0
The Ikoni 3.0 brings Finnish engineering and a smooth, cushioned ride to your daily rotation.
All Karhu shoes are designed using 3D foot scan data, helping the fabulous Finns behind the brand create a uniquely comfortable experience for neutral runners.
Tech Specs
| Weight | 8 oz (W), 9.6 oz (M) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm |
| Stack height | 30 mm/22 mm |
| Surface | Road |
| Comparable to... | Mizuno Wave Rider 27, Saucony Kinvara 14 |
| Ride | 3/5 on the Firm to Plush Scale
Firm
Balanced
Plush |
| Cushioning | 3/5 on the Minimum to Maximum Scale
Minimum
Moderate
Maximum |
| Energy | 3/5 on the Relaxed to Propulsive Scale
Relaxed
Responsive
Propulsive |
| Category | neutral
NeutralStabilityMotion Control |
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v14
Women's New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14
The 1080 v14 remains one of the most comfortable daily trainers around thanks to a plush ride that makes easy days feel... easy.
Men's New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14
The 1080 v14 remains one of the most comfortable daily trainers around thanks to a plush ride that makes easy days feel... easy.
There’s very little the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v14 can't do. Between long runs and speed days, for beginners and experts, the 1080 v14 is hard not to love.
Tech Specs
| Weight | 8.3 oz (W), 10.4 oz (M) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6 mm |
| Stack height | 38 mm/32 mm |
| Surface | Road |
| Comparable to... | ASICS GEL-Nimbus 26, Brooks Glycerin 21 |
| Ride | 4/5 on the Firm to Plush Scale
Firm
Balanced
Plush |
| Cushioning | 4/5 on the Minimum to Maximum Scale
Minimum
Moderate
Maximum |
| Energy | 3/5 on the Relaxed to Propulsive Scale
Relaxed
Responsive
Propulsive |
| Category | neutral
NeutralStabilityMotion Control |
Mizuno Wave Rider 29
Women's Mizuno Wave Rider 29
A cushioned trainer that keeps your runs feeling consistent from start to finish, the Wave Rider 29 is smooth, reliable and built for the daily grind.
Men's Mizuno Wave Rider 29
A cushioned trainer that keeps your runs feeling consistent from start to finish, the Wave Rider 29 is smooth, reliable and built for the daily grind.
Comfort and consistency are what make the Mizuno Wave Rider 29 one of the most approachable trainers you can find.
Tech Specs
| Weight | 8.0 oz (W), 9.3 oz (M) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10 mm |
| Stack height | 39 mm/29 mm |
| Surface | Road |
| Comparable to... | New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v14, Brooks Ghost 17 |
| Category | neutral
NeutralStabilityMotion Control |
On Cloudmonster 2
Women's On Cloudmonster 2
The Cloudmonster 2 goes big on cushioning—a bold, comfortable daily trainer that's hard to miss on the road.
Men's On Cloudmonster 2
The Cloudmonster 2 goes big on cushioning—a bold, comfortable daily trainer that's hard to miss on the road.
The On Cloudmonster 2 brings a smooth and energetic ride to your runs.
Tech Specs
| Weight | 8.1 oz (W), 10.4 oz (M) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5.5 mm |
| Surface | Road |
| Comparable to... | HOKA Bondi 8, Saucony Triumph |
| Ride | 3/5 on the Firm to Plush Scale
Firm
Balanced
Plush |
| Cushioning | 4/5 on the Minimum to Maximum Scale
Minimum
Moderate
Maximum |
| Energy | 4/5 on the Relaxed to Propulsive Scale
Relaxed
Responsive
Propulsive |
| Category | neutral
NeutralStabilityMotion Control |
Saucony Ride 18
Women's Saucony Ride 18
The Ride 18 is a consistent, well-cushioned daily trainer—a solid choice for runners looking for a dependable shoe that handles all kinds of miles.
Men's Saucony Ride 18
The Ride 18 is a consistent, well-cushioned daily trainer—a solid choice for runners looking for a dependable shoe that handles all kinds of miles.
The Saucony Ride 18 is a do-it-all trainer that’s great for beginners and experienced runners alike.
Tech Specs
| Weight | 8 oz (W), 9.1 oz (M) |
| Stack height (heel/forefoot) | 35 mm/27 mm |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm |
| Surface | Road |
| Comparable to... | Brooks Ghost 16, ASICS GEL-Cumulus 26 |
| Ride | 3/5 on the Firm to Plush Scale
Firm
Balanced
Plush |
| Cushioning | 3/5 on the Minimum to Maximum Scale
Minimum
Moderate
Maximum |
| Energy | 3/5 on the Relaxed to Propulsive Scale
Relaxed
Responsive
Propulsive |
| Category | neutral
NeutralStabilityMotion Control |
Altra Lone Peak 9
Women's Altra Lone Peak 9
The Lone Peak 9 is a trail running legend—zero drop, a wide toe box and built tough to take on technical terrain.
Men's Altra Lone Peak 9
The Lone Peak 9 is a trail running legend—zero drop, a wide toe box and built tough to take on technical terrain.
Tech Specs
| Weight | 9.5 oz (W), 11.2 oz (M) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 0 mm |
| Stack height (heel/forefoot) | 25 mm/25 mm |
| Surface | Trail |
| Comparable to... | Saucony Peregrine 14, Karhu Ikoni Trail |
| Ride | 2/5 on the Firm to Plush Scale
Firm
Balanced
Plush |
| Cushioning | 2/5 on the Minimum to Maximum Scale
Minimum
Moderate
Maximum |
| Energy | 2/5 on the Relaxed to Propulsive Scale
Relaxed
Responsive
Propulsive |
| Category | neutral
NeutralStabilityMotion Control |
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41
Women's Nike Pegasus 41 2026
The Pegasus 41 is versatile, cushioned and built to handle whatever you throw at it, making it one of running's most trusted daily trainers.
Men's Nike Pegasus 41 2025
The Pegasus 41 is versatile, cushioned and built to handle whatever you throw at it, making it one of running's most trusted daily trainers.
Tech Specs
| Weight | 8.8 oz (W), 10.4 oz (M) |
| Stack height | 37 mm/27 mm |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10 mm |
| Surface | Road |
| Comparable to... | Brooks Ghost 17, Saucony Ride 18 |
| Category | neutral
NeutralStabilityMotion Control |