Finding a pair of running shoes that suit your feet, offer the right amount of cushion, and help elevate your stride makes all the difference in your run (trust me, as a health and fitness editor, I’ve tried a lot of sneakers). “You want to take time to find the right fit, as the shoe can help prevent injuries and improve your performance,” running coach Emily Fayette, CPT, previously shared with mbg. She advises stopping by a running store to find a pair that suits you—but in case you don’t have time to make the trip, or you already know a bit about your foot shape and running style, we’ve rounded up some of the best running shoes to help you find your perfect pair. In addition to standout cushion, these sneakers feature a high-tech pod embedded into the midsole, which tracks and analyzes details about your running. You can even connect to the brand’s Map My Run app to get real-time form tips and run coaching. So, if you’re looking to elevate your running technique while feeling like you’re floating on air, these are the ideal pair. What customers say: One fan of the brand says, “I just received them and ran 5k with no complaints. Great data collection through MapMyRun. This is my 2nd pair of UA running shoes and I’m impressed.” While most sneakers don’t rank high on the sustainability front, these are made with the world’s first carbon negative green EVA foam in the midsole, which helps provide support while you run. The upper is lightweight and breathable, and the shoe is incredibly easy to slip on. What customers say: Like the rest of the brand’s shoes, these sneakers get a ton of love. One runner writes, “I absolutely LOVE these shoes that are so comfortable & have great support. I ran a 5K after wearing them only once & my feet wanted to run longer! The wide toe box makes all the difference. I highly recommend getting a pair!” They have a breathable mesh upper and a durable outsole that helps them withstand any weather conditions. The foam provides sufficient cushioning and impact absorption (for a softer landing), but the shoes don’t feel heavy at all on your feet. What our editor says: “There’s truly not much worse than when your feet start feeling hot during a long run—but the mesh upper on these shoes is breathable and lightweight. I’ve trained in these all year round, and they always keep me comfortable. During the summer, I regularly tested them out in 90+ degrees Fahrenheit temperatures and my feet stayed cool and breezy. Plus, I love knowing that at least 30% of the upper is made from recycled materials.” Part of the brand’s strides toward helping to end plastic waste, the shoe’s upper is made with at least 50% recycled materials. They also provide even better traction than previous models, thanks to the rubber flexes on the outsole. What customers say: These shoes have a dedicated fan club. One runner writes, “I run between 4 to 7 miles daily, three seasons out of the year, so I go through running shoes pretty quickly. I am on my third pair of Ultraboost and I can’t say enough good things about them—they are the only shoes I will run in. They are comfortable, lightweight, and the Primeknit allows air for breathability.” They provide strong arch support, so they’re also a great pick for people with high arches. The shoes are breathable and supportive, and combine a flexible knit material with reactive foam to give runners a bouncy, cushioned stride. What customers say: Take it from this ecstatic reviewer, “The cushioning on the shoes is just the right amount to protect my feet from extreme running. I do walk around a lot with my niece and nephew and I am able to wear these all day. Comfort wise, I would rate these shoes a 9.5. It’s near perfect. I have no complaints at all. Performance wise, I rate these shoes a 10/10.” Because the arch is not super high, it is a great option for peope with medium-to-high arches, and it has a shape that will keep any stride smooth. If you have bunions or metatarsal pain, you’ll appreciate the roomy toe box. On the flip side, though, if your foot is more narrow, these might be a little too wide. What customers say: Even non-runners love these shoes for long days of standing or walking. One person says, “These shoes are great. Perfect for long hours at the hospital, and perfect for running as well! I do not have foot pain anymore!” These shoes do run on the smaller size, but half sizes are available—so we recommend sizing up. They are lightweight, reactive, and flexible, and will truly move with your feet as you run (or walk). What customers say: “Very comfortable, slip-on’ish sneaks. Multipurpose, running, walking. APLs are worth the hype,” one reviewer says. Many more praise these for their comfort, aesthetic, and how well they hold up over time. While they’re not the lightest or most breathable sneakers, they’re great for colder months or for runners who want a bit more cushioning and comfort. You’ll truly feel full-body support with these. What customers say: There aren’t a ton of reviews for these sneakers, but the feedback they do have is generally positive. One person raves, “I am so pleased with my Cohesion 15 shoes. I had tried another brand (due to availability and developed ankle/calf pain when walking. My switch back to my Saucony shoes solved the problem. I have been a Type 1 Diabetic for 57 years and Saucony shoes are my “go to” shoes for good fit and support!” The shoes use 20% recycled materials, and have a breathable design that allows a comfortable amount of airflow during your runs. They also feel incredibly lightweight, which is what makes them such a great choice for racing. That said, while the cushioning is minimal compared to others, the foam is supportive enough to keep your stride smooth through each run. What customers say: “These shoes are amazing. I’ve been a runner and physical therapist for years. My go to was Brooks, but over the years, I haven’t been as happy with how they have been holding up. I wanted a more narrow width with a lower heel drop and neutral support. These shoes checked off all the boxes. Also, these shoes are so light and comfortable that feel like I am just picking up speed each time I go for a run. FYI- I usually run 5-10Ks and do Sprint Triathalons,” one runner raves. What customers say:
