10 Best Running Shoes 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Brooks Men’s Glycerin 22 Neutral Running Shoe - White/Grey/Black - 9.5 Medium
The Brooks Men’s Glycerin 22 is designed for runners who want maximum cushioning and a smooth ride, making it a great choice for road running or gym workouts. Its standout feature is the DNA Tuned midsole technology, which uses different sized cells to deliver soft landings in the heel and a responsive push-off in the toe, ensuring your feet feel comfortable and energized throughout your run. The shoe supports a neutral foot type, so it’s best if you don’t overpronate (roll your foot inward too much). The upper is made from a flexible double jacquard knit fabric that offers good breathability to keep your feet cool and a roomy fit that adapts well to different foot shapes. However, it doesn’t have adjustable straps beyond standard laces, which might limit fine-tuning the fit for some.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,415
Cushioning
Fit and Width
Breathability
Most important from
1885 reviews
#2
Brooks Women’s Ghost 17 Neutral Running Shoe - Black/Grey/White - 8.5 Medium
The Brooks Women’s Ghost 17 is a strong choice for women looking for a reliable everyday running or walking shoe. It stands out with its soft and dynamic cushioning thanks to the upgraded DNA Loft v3 foam, which adds a bit more comfort under both the heel and the forefoot. This makes each step feel smooth and reduces impact, which is great if you run or walk regularly. The shoe offers neutral arch support, which suits runners who don’t need extra correction for their feet.
Rating
9.4
Cushioning
Arch Support
Fit and Width
Most important from
2961 reviews
#3
Brooks Women’s Glycerin 22 Neutral Running Shoe - White/Limpet Shell/Amparo Blue - 9 Medium
The Brooks Women’s Glycerin 22 is designed for runners who want a highly cushioned, neutral running shoe that feels soft yet responsive. Its innovative DNA Tuned midsole uses different cell sizes to create plush heel cushioning combined with energetic toe-offs, making it great for smooth, comfortable runs on roads or in the gym. The shoe offers a stable ride thanks to a broad platform and a tuned heel, which helps with smooth transitions from heel to toe.
Rating
7.9
Cushioning
Fit and Width
Outsole Grip and Durability
Most important from
2578 reviews
Top 10 Best Running Shoes 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Brooks Men’s Glycerin 22 Neutral Running Shoe - White/Grey/Black - 9.5 Medium
Brooks Men’s Glycerin 22 Neutral Running Shoe - White/Grey/Black - 9.5 Medium
Cushioning: DNA Tuned midsole, soft heel, responsive toe
Arch Support: neutral arch profile
Fit and Width: roomy fit, medium width
Outsole Grip and Durability: durable rubber outsole, reliable grip
Breathability: double jacquard knit fabric, breathable
Chosen by 1415 this week
Brooks Women’s Ghost 17 Neutral Running Shoe - Black/Grey/White - 8.5 Medium
Brooks Women’s Ghost 17 Neutral Running Shoe - Black/Grey/White - 8.5 Medium
Cushioning: upgraded DNA Loft v3 foam heel, forefoot
Arch Support: neutral
Fit and Width: medium width, snug fit
Heel Drop: moderate
Outsole Grip and Durability: rubber with recycled silica, solid grip
Breathability: double jacquard air mesh upper
Brooks Women’s Glycerin 22 Neutral Running Shoe - White/Limpet Shell/Amparo Blue - 9 Medium
Brooks Women’s Glycerin 22 Neutral Running Shoe - White/Limpet Shell/Amparo Blue - 9 Medium
Cushioning: highly cushioned DNA Tuned midsole
Fit and Width: accommodating, flexible double jacquard knit
Outsole Grip and Durability: durable rubber outsole, road surfaces only
Breathability: good breathability from jacquard knit
Hoka Women's Clifton 10 Black/White 10 Medium
Hoka Women's Clifton 10 Black/White 10 Medium
Cushioning: EVA sole, soft ride, absorbs impact
Arch Support: good arch support
Fit and Width: medium width, fits most feet
Heel Drop: moderate
Outsole Grip and Durability: reliable grip, durable, for road/trail
Breathability: jacquard knit upper, breathable, cotton lining
New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8
New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8
Cushioning: Fresh Foam midsole cushioning
Fit and Width: standard
Outsole Grip and Durability: rubber outsole, durable, reliable grip
Breathability: mesh upper
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Hoka Men's Bondi 9 Black/White 11 Medium
Hoka Men's Bondi 9 Black/White 11 Medium
Cushioning: EVA sole, lightweight cushioning, soft ride
Support: Moderate arch support
Fit: Engineered mesh, breathable, conforms to foot
Weight: Aligned with cushioning and support
Durability: Robust EVA sole and polyester upper
Traction: Good for roads, not aggressive trails
Hoka Men's Clifton 10 Black/White 8.5 Medium
Hoka Men's Clifton 10 Black/White 8.5 Medium
Cushioning: EVA sole
Arch Support: good for neutral arches
Fit and Width: medium width
Heel Drop: moderate
Outsole Grip and Durability: durable rubber, decent grip
Breathability: jacquard knit upper
Under Armour Men's Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe, Black/Blaze/Orange, 10.5 M US
Under Armour Men's Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe, Black/Blaze/Orange, 10.5 M US
Cushioning: impact-absorbing foam
Arch Support: overlays stabilize midfoot
Fit and Width: true to size, standard width
Heel Drop: moderate
Outsole Grip and Durability: high-wear rubber zones
Breathability: lightweight mesh upper
ASICS Men's NOVABLAST 5 Running Shoes, 10, Black/Carrier Grey
ASICS Men's NOVABLAST 5 Running Shoes, 10, Black/Carrier Grey
Cushioning: ASICS FF BLAST MAX cushioning
Fit and Width: standard width
Outsole Grip and Durability: durable rubber outsole, good grip
Breathability: breathable jacquard mesh upper
#10
Brooks Women’s Revel 8 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe - White/Chateau Grey - 8.5 Medium
Brooks Women’s Revel 8 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe - White/Chateau Grey - 8.5 Medium
Cushioning: DNA Loft v2 cushioning
Fit and Width: medium width, snug fit
Heel Drop: moderate
Outsole Grip and Durability: RoadTack rubber, lightweight, durable grip
Breathability: breathable mesh upper
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Buying Guide for the Best Running Shoes
Choosing the right running shoes is important because comfortable and supportive footwear can make your runs smoother, prevent injuries, and even improve your performance. To pick the best pair for you, it’s helpful to know a bit about your running style, the type of surfaces you run on, and any personal needs you may have like arch support or cushioning preference. Understanding key features will help you sort through options and find shoes that match both your feet and your goals.CushioningCushioning refers to the amount of padding in the sole of the running shoe, especially under the heel and forefoot. This is important because it affects how much shock is absorbed with every step, influencing comfort and protection from impact. Shoes generally range from minimal to maximal cushioning: minimal cushioning offers a lighter, more ground-contact feel, suited for experienced runners or those who prefer to feel the ground beneath them, while maximal cushioning provides the most softness, good for long distances, recovery runs, or those prone to joint pain. To choose what’s right for you, think about how much comfort versus ground feel you want, how far you run, and any past issues with pain or discomfort.
Arch SupportArch support is how the shoe conforms to and supports the arch of your foot. It matters because everyone’s arch shape is different—some people have flat feet, others high arches. Shoes typically provide neutral support (for normal arches), stability support (for low arches or flat feet to prevent excess rolling in), or motion control (for severe overpronation). To pick the right support, check your arch by looking at your footprint: a full footprint usually means flat feet, while a narrow footprint through the middle suggests high arches. Knowing your arch type guides you in choosing shoes that keep your feet comfortable and aligned.
Fit and WidthFit and width refer to how snugly and comfortably a shoe wraps around your feet, as well as the space in the toe box and across the midfoot. This is important because shoes that are too tight can cause blisters and discomfort, while shoes that are too loose can lead to instability and slipping. Most brands offer different widths (narrow, regular, wide), so it’s good to try on different pairs or recognize if you usually need a bit more or less room. Your right choice depends on how your foot feels inside the shoe—look for a secure heel, enough space to wiggle toes, and no pinching along the sides.
Heel DropHeel drop is the difference in height between the heel and the toe in a shoe. This spec is crucial for your running form and comfort. A higher heel drop (around 10-12mm) promotes landing on the heel and can help reduce strain on the Achilles tendon. A lower drop (0-6mm) encourages a more natural stride and midfoot or forefoot striking. If you’re used to traditional shoes or are prone to calf issues, a moderate to higher drop may be best, while if you want a more minimalist or natural running experience, a low drop could be a better fit. It’s best to stick with what matches your running style unless you plan to transition gradually.
Outsole Grip and DurabilityThe outsole is the bottom part of the shoe that touches the ground, and its grip and durability matter because they affect traction and how long the shoes last. Outsoles with deeper lugs or special rubber compounds are great for trail or off-road running, while flatter, smoother soles suit road surfaces. If you mostly run on roads or treadmills, look for a durable but smooth outsole. For mixed or rugged terrain, opt for more aggressive grip patterns. Match the outsole to the most common surface you plan to run on for the best balance of safety and longevity.
BreathabilityBreathability is how well the shoe’s upper lets air in and moisture out. Good breathability is important to keep your feet cool, dry, and comfortable, especially during longer runs or in warm weather. Shoes with mesh or ventilated uppers tend to offer the best airflow, reducing risk of blisters and overheating. If you run in mainly hot or humid conditions, prioritize highly breathable shoes, while in colder climates, you might prefer shoes with a bit more material to keep your feet warm.