We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Running Shoes 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe - Black/Grey/White - 7.5 Wide

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,316
Support
Fit
Durability

Most important from
3177 reviews

Support
Absolutely comfortable and excellent for plantar fasciitis and arch support.
Fit
Fits true to size with great color and durability, making it a valuable purchase.
Durability
Fits true to size with great color and durability, making it a valuable purchase.

The Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe is a great option for runners seeking a comfortable and smooth ride. It features nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning, which offers soft and lightweight comfort, making it suitable for various activities like road running, gym workouts, and walking. The shoe's Segmented Crash Pad ensures smooth transitions from landing to toe-off, enhancing the running experience with distraction-free cushioning.

The 3D Fit Print technology provides a more seamless and secure fit, complemented by the engineered air mesh upper that combines breathability with structure to keep your feet comfortable during runs. Moreover, the Ghost 16 has been recognized for its quality and comfort, earning certifications like the PDAC A5500 for diabetic shoes and the APMA Seal of Acceptance, indicating its suitability for a wide range of users, including those with specific medical needs. Additionally, it is a certified carbon neutral product, which is a bonus for environmentally conscious runners.

On the downside, some users might find the shoe's weight of 1.5 pounds slightly heavier compared to other running shoes, which could be a factor for those prioritizing ultra-lightweight footwear. While the Roadtack rubber outsole is designed to be durable and provide good traction, its performance on various surfaces was not specified, so it may be more ideal for road running rather than off-road or trail running. The Brooks Ghost 16 could be an excellent choice for road runners looking for a balance of comfort, support, and sustainability, though those seeking a lighter shoe or more specialized traction may want to consider other options.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,316
Support
Fit
Durability

Most important from
3177 reviews

Support
Absolutely comfortable and excellent for plantar fasciitis and arch support.
Fit
Fits true to size with great color and durability, making it a valuable purchase.
Durability
Fits true to size with great color and durability, making it a valuable purchase.
#2

Brooks Men’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe - Black/Black/Ebony - 11 Medium

Rating
9.8
Cushioning
Support
Fit

Most important from
1973 reviews

Cushioning
The cushioning is soft yet responsive, delivering a smooth ride that protects joints and reduces fatigue.
Support
The engineered mesh upper combined with 3D Fit Print design offers a secure lockdown and targeted support without hotspots.
Fit
Fit is true to size with just the right amount of toe box room, allowing natural foot splay without discomfort.
Weight
The shoe feels incredibly lightweight and breathable, keeping feet cool during long runs.
Durability
Durability is evident with a rubber outsole that balances toughness and flexibility for reliable traction on pavement.

The Brooks Men’s Ghost 16 is a strong choice for runners who want a comfortable, neutral running shoe that focuses on smooth, distraction-free runs. Its cushioning is soft and responsive thanks to the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam, which helps absorb impact without feeling heavy. This makes it great for road running, walking, or gym workouts. The shoe provides neutral support, meaning it doesn’t overly correct your stride but offers enough stability for most runners. Its fit is improved by a 3D Fit Print design, creating a secure yet breathable upper that adapts well to your foot shape. Weighing around 1.17 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight, so it won’t slow you down.

Durability is addressed with a new rubber outsole called RoadTack, which is designed to be tough but still flexible, offering reliable traction on pavement and similar surfaces. One possible downside is that it’s mainly optimized for road use, so it might not perform as well on trail or very uneven terrain. Also, while the fit is secure, some runners with wider feet may want to try it on first to ensure it feels comfortable.

The shoe is certified for diabetic foot care and has an APMA seal, which speaks to its quality and foot health benefits. In sum, the Ghost 16 suits runners seeking a balanced, cushioned ride with good support and durability for everyday road running.

Rating
9.8
Cushioning
Support
Fit

Most important from
1973 reviews

Cushioning
The cushioning is soft yet responsive, delivering a smooth ride that protects joints and reduces fatigue.
Support
The engineered mesh upper combined with 3D Fit Print design offers a secure lockdown and targeted support without hotspots.
Fit
Fit is true to size with just the right amount of toe box room, allowing natural foot splay without discomfort.
Weight
The shoe feels incredibly lightweight and breathable, keeping feet cool during long runs.
Durability
Durability is evident with a rubber outsole that balances toughness and flexibility for reliable traction on pavement.
#3

Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 24 Supportive Running Shoe - White/Limpet Shell/Amparo - 8.5 Medium

Rating
9.6
Cushioning
Support
Fit

Most important from
1111 reviews

Cushioning
Exceptional cushioning delivers a soft, plush feel underfoot while maintaining strong stability to support the knees.
Support
Exceptional cushioning delivers a soft, plush feel underfoot while maintaining strong stability to support the knees.
Fit
The shoe offers a noticeably wider toe box that allows the toes to spread comfortably without feeling tight or restrictive.
Durability
Durability of the sole is promising, with rubber outsoles designed to last longer than many competing brands.

The Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 24 is designed for runners who prioritize support and comfort. Its standout feature is the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning, which offers a soft and lightweight feel that adapts well to your unique stride, helping reduce fatigue during longer runs. The shoe includes Brooks’ GuideRails Holistic Support System, which helps keep your feet aligned by controlling excess movement, making it a solid choice for those who need extra stability.

The engineered air mesh upper balances breathability with enough stretch and structure to provide a snug, comfortable fit without feeling too tight. Weighing around 1.5 pounds, the shoe is moderately light, suitable for everyday training without weighing you down. The outsole is made of rubber, designed to promote smooth transitions as you run; it should work well on roads and light trails but might not be ideal for very rugged terrain. Durability is expected to be good given the quality materials used, but heavier runners or those running extensively on rough surfaces may want to monitor wear over time.

Additionally, being a certified diabetic shoe with APMA approval highlights its suitability for those needing extra foot care. The Adrenaline GTS 24 is well-suited for runners seeking a dependable, cushioned, and supportive shoe for daily runs, especially if stability is a priority. Those requiring aggressive traction for trail running or ultra-lightweight racing shoes might consider other options.

Rating
9.6
Cushioning
Support
Fit

Most important from
1111 reviews

Cushioning
Exceptional cushioning delivers a soft, plush feel underfoot while maintaining strong stability to support the knees.
Support
Exceptional cushioning delivers a soft, plush feel underfoot while maintaining strong stability to support the knees.
Fit
The shoe offers a noticeably wider toe box that allows the toes to spread comfortably without feeling tight or restrictive.
Durability
Durability of the sole is promising, with rubber outsoles designed to last longer than many competing brands.

Buying Guide for the Best Running Shoes

Choosing the right running shoes is crucial for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. The right pair of running shoes can make a significant difference in your running experience, whether you're a beginner or an experienced runner. When selecting running shoes, consider factors such as your running style, the type of terrain you'll be running on, and any specific needs or issues you may have with your feet. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing running shoes and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
CushioningCushioning refers to the amount of padding in the shoe, which affects comfort and shock absorption. This is important because it can help reduce the impact on your joints and muscles while running. Cushioning levels can range from minimal to maximum. Minimal cushioning is suitable for runners who prefer a more natural feel and have a strong running form. Moderate cushioning offers a balance of comfort and responsiveness, making it a good choice for most runners. Maximum cushioning provides the most comfort and shock absorption, ideal for long-distance runners or those with joint issues. Consider your running distance, terrain, and personal comfort preferences when choosing the right level of cushioning.
SupportSupport in running shoes refers to the stability and structure provided to your feet, which can help prevent overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot) or supination (outward rolling). This is important for maintaining proper alignment and reducing the risk of injuries. Support levels can be categorized into neutral, stability, and motion control. Neutral shoes are best for runners with a normal arch and minimal pronation. Stability shoes offer added support for mild to moderate overpronation. Motion control shoes provide maximum support for severe overpronation. To determine the right support level, consider your arch type and gait, which can be assessed through a gait analysis at a specialty running store.
FitThe fit of running shoes is crucial for comfort and performance. A proper fit ensures that your feet have enough room to move without slipping or feeling too tight. This is important to prevent blisters, discomfort, and potential injuries. When trying on running shoes, make sure there is about a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. The shoe should feel snug around the midfoot and heel but not too tight. Consider the width of your feet as well, as some brands offer different width options. Always try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen to ensure the best fit.
WeightThe weight of running shoes can affect your running efficiency and speed. Lighter shoes can help you run faster and feel less fatigued, while heavier shoes may provide more durability and support. This is important depending on your running goals and preferences. Lightweight shoes are ideal for racing and speedwork, as they allow for quicker movements. Midweight shoes offer a balance of lightness and support, suitable for everyday training. Heavier shoes are often more durable and provide extra cushioning and support, making them a good choice for long-distance running or trail running. Consider your running style and the type of runs you do most often when choosing the weight of your shoes.
DurabilityDurability refers to how long the running shoes will last before they need to be replaced. This is important for getting the best value and ensuring consistent performance. Durability can be influenced by the materials used in the shoe's construction and the type of running you do. Shoes with durable outsoles and high-quality uppers tend to last longer. If you run frequently or on rough terrain, look for shoes with reinforced areas and tougher materials. For casual or occasional runners, standard durability may be sufficient. Keep in mind that even the most durable shoes will need to be replaced after a certain mileage, typically between 300-500 miles, depending on the shoe and your running style.
TractionTraction refers to the grip and stability provided by the shoe's outsole, which is important for maintaining control and preventing slips, especially on different terrains. The level of traction needed depends on where you plan to run. Road running shoes typically have smoother outsoles designed for pavement and light trails, providing adequate grip for these surfaces. Trail running shoes have more aggressive outsoles with deeper lugs for better grip on uneven, muddy, or rocky terrain. If you run on a mix of surfaces, consider hybrid shoes that offer a balance of traction for both road and trail running. Choose the level of traction based on the primary surfaces you run on to ensure safety and performance.

FAQ