Midsole: Squeezed between the upper and the sole is the midsole, a chunk of foam that helps to cushion your ride. Runners generally will have specific desires for their midsole, like if they want to feel like they’re running on a cloud or they actually want to feel some of the feedback from the ground.
Outsole: The part of the shoe that makes contact with the road. Road outsoles tend to be smooth, grippy rubber, while trail runners will have lugs for traction.
Ankle collar: The cushiony part of the shoe that pads your ankle is the ankle collar. It’ll keep your foot secure in your shoe, but you’ll need to actually try out a shoe to determine whether its ankle collar rubs up against your Achilles tendon in an uncomfortable way.
Heel-to-toe drop: When you’re standing still, the height distance between your heel and the front of your foot is considered the heel-to-toe drop. Picking a heel-to-toe drop (which is measured in millimeters and is typically between eight to 12 millimeters) is all about personal preference, and you can only really tell what feels right to you during a test run—make sure your running stride feels natural and comfortable, and you can base your preferred heel-to-toe drop by that.
The Best Nice,Normal Road Running Shoes: Brooks Ghost 14
Weight: 9.9 oz
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 12 mm
Finding the best running shoe for you is usually all about fit, and the Ghost 14 comes in narrow, medium, and wide, making this the most inclusive shoes on this list. The midsole is also broadly appealing: These running shoes bring soft landing and cushiony rides for everyday running no matter the surface, but it doesn’t feel as squishy as a purpose-built fat shoe. If you’re going from scratch, this is a great place to start.
The Best Maximalist Running Shoes: Hoka Bondi 8
Weight: 10.8 oz
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4 mm
For a smooth ride, whether you’re an advanced runner or a newbie, the Bondi 8s are an excellent pair of running sneakers. They’re firmer than they look—we awarded these running shoes a Fitness Award last year because of just how natural they feel to run in. But a big part of the appeal of Hoka is always going to be is its super-plush, supportive midsoles. And with wide sizing available, the Bondi 8s can suit practically everyone and every foot.
The Best Running Shoes for Racing: Nike Vaporfly NEXT% 2
Weight: 6.9 oz
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8 mm
With the Nike Vaporfly NEXT% 2, you’ll feel like the shoes are literally propelling you on the road, because they are. Running is in the middle of a revolution: A new generation of so-called “supershoes” that actually make you faster are hitting the market. And anecdotally speaking, the model most pros and serious amateurs are choosing is the Vaporfly Next%. The shoe’s lightweight construction won’t weigh you down, while the full-length carbon fiber plate adds stability. But the real star of the show is Nike’s ZoomX foam, which returns a little energy back to your legs.
The Best Everyday Running Shoes: Asics Gel-Kayano 29
Weight: 10.5 oz
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 mm
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