5 Best Running Shoes

Updated Dec 2024

You need a running shoe that provides excellent support & comfort. The AskMjareb team of sportswear experts, tested and reviewed the array of brands on sale for a top 5 perfect fit.

Our AI shopper assistant helps you find the best products online.

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Best of the Best

Nike Air Zoom

Pegasus 34

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SUMMARY

PROS

CONS

SUMMARY

Nike deliver the goods with a superior and innovative running shoe that is highly versatile and fairly priced. Cutting edge technology means that these shoes are suitable across the whole range of terrain and surfaces. This is the smart shoe choice for experienced runners and novices alike!

PROS

Breathable, lightweight with solid arch support, great traction, smooth external heel counter and hidden flywire-strap-based lacing that helps distribute pressure for a super comfortable fit. Excellent cushlon-foam-induced 1 mm drop

CONS

Some runners have found the toe box too narrow.

Best Value

Adidas

Pureboost DPR

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SUMMARY

PROS

CONS

SUMMARY

Here is a perfect fit of stylish aesthetic, durable functionality and excellent value for money. The Pureboost looks sharp and delivers on speed, comfort and is an outstanding lightweight daily trainer for wet or dry runs in any terrain.

PROS

Exceptional full-foot responsive cushioning with excellent rubber sole grip on wet or dry surfaces. Lightweight (under 9 ozs), breathable and durable. Neutral running shoe with 8 mm drop to enhance comfort.

CONS

We found the laces way to short and tended to come undone mid run – easy corrected when purchasing different sets of laces.

Asics

Gel-Kayano 24

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SUMMARY

PROS

CONS

SUMMARY

The Asics Gel-Kayano 24 is a reliable top choice for both the serious and casual runner with a no-frills, stable and supportive shoe that provides heavy-duty, breathable cushioning, perfect for asphalt and long distance training.

PROS

Innovative gel heel support. Dynamic Duomax cushioning with shock absorption and pronation control. Comfortable Ortholite sockliner and even-weight-distributing lacing system.

CONS

Not a budget option. Lacks flexibility and has a narrow toe box.

Reebok

Instalite Run

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SUMMARY

PROS

CONS

SUMMARY

Here’s a topnotch, affordable running shoe for the city jogger that is lightweight and offers great hard surface impact and traction with a new, 3-D foam, midsole cushioning unit. Low cut design looks and feels smooth.

PROS

Breathable mesh and knit fabric with supportive synthetic upper. Padded tongue and collar with cushioned insole. Traditional lace –up closure system.

CONS

The fit can feel restrictive on the broader foot.

Puma Ignite

XT Netfit

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SUMMARY

PROS

CONS

SUMMARY

Puma have created a smart looking, new age running shoe that is as much about style as it is comfort. The versatile XT focuses upon excellent heel support and a customized lacing system that delivers a comfort fit for every foot type and size.

PROS

Lightweight with Puma’s Ever-Ride+ for insole traction and durability. 5 lacing strategies, netted mesh, sock-like upper, IGNITE foam for extra bounce. Flocked heel support for additional stability.

CONS

The design can feel tight across the top of the foot. Good but not great high impact cushioning.

Buy The Best Running Shoes For You

Are you a road runner? A trail runner? A cross-training runner? The type of running that you intend to do will both frame your shoe choice and the level of shoe support needed.

Fit is super important. Shoe sizes vary by manufacturer and even from one shoe model to another. You may need a half-size or even a full size smaller or larger than you think. If you’re unsure, have your feet measured.

We advise always paying special attention to the quality of material used and the overall finish of the shoe, including the technology of the midsoles, outsoles, overlays and uppers. These details ensure top shock-absorption, arch support and overall durability of the shoe.

If you own a well-used pair of running shoes take a look at the pattern on the soles, this will indicate your running mechanics and where you place most of your weight. This is called pronation and just how heavy you are in your balance will dictate the type of shoe build that is suited to you. If your wear pattern is centralized towards the ball of your foot then in general you’ll need a lighter, less supported shoe, whereas a heavy wear pattern at the sides or backs of your heals would indicate that a super-cushioned shoe is probably the way to go . To identify the running shoe that fits your personal needs, review our Ask Mjareb top running shoe features, then you’ll be able to make the wisest choice.

How We Decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Models Reviewed

Experts Interviewed

Consumers Consulted

Running Shoes – Our Experts Advise

Although your pick of running shoes is dependent upon some very individual criteria, there are some leaders in the field that offer more. Check out our AskMjareb smart verdicts:

Sometimes brand does matter

and for a top running shoe you can’t fail when picking the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 24. These are the tried and trusted deliverers of durable and highly tested shoes that offer great anatomical support at a decent price. Big AskMjareb thumbs up.

The Adidas Pureboost DPR

Running Shoe is an excellent choice for the urban runner in need of excellent shock absorbing performance and hardwearing soles. This is a great mid-ground shoe that has perfected the lightweight, highly cushioned and sleek design market. It has fantastic waterproofing and the price is reasonable for the quality of shoe.

Love sport and fashion?

Then here’s your sporty hot look in running shoes. Say hi to the ultra-light, comfortable and visually appealing Reebok Instalite Run. They also offer great 3D foam arch support, are suitable for the heavy use urban runner and have a low-cut mesh upper that allows your feet to breathe. Less sweating means that your shoe will stay fresher, longer and all this at an affordable price.

Running Shoe Features

Most running shoes feel comfortable when you’re standing in a shoe store, but the true test comes several miles into your run. Here are some of the features that should influence your pick of shoes so that you won’t have expensive regrets

Uppers should be made of a durable, abrasion-resistant material. Nylon and polyester are the top materials for uppers. You will find these materials in Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34 shoes and in the Reebok Instalite Run shoes.
Midsoles are comprised of the plates that stiffen the forefoot and shanks that stiffen the midsole that protect the arch and the heel. The new ASICS running shoes are noted for their comfort thanks to the flexible flytefoam material they use.
Outsoles for road-running shoes do best when made with blown rubber that provides more cushioning, as opposed to carbon rubber. The heel-to-toe drop radio affects how your foot hits the ground when you land. Zero- and low-drop options, explain why Asics shoes are highly recommended on this point.
Shoes with flywire help keep your feet secure and add support. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34 is an example of such a running shoe which allows for great foot control and good traction.
The medial post/torsion bar, located on the sides of shoes, helps to control excessive inward or outward motion. The post is a mainstay in performance in the wide running shoes made by Adidas – both Adidas shoes for men and Adidas shoes for women have this feature.