Let’s be honest—shopping for running shoes can be exhausting. You walk into a store or browse online, and suddenly you’re staring at hundreds of options, each claiming to be exactly what you need. The marketing jargon alone could make your head spin. And the prices? They’re all over the map.
Here’s the thing though. After years of testing running shoes and talking to thousands of runners, we’ve learned that certain brands consistently get it right. They’re the ones runners keep coming back to, the ones that actually deliver what they promise.
We’ve put together this guide to share what we’ve learned about the ten brands that truly stand out, so you can skip the guesswork and find shoes that’ll actually work for you.
How We Selected the Best Brands for Running Shoes
Our team didn’t just pick these brands out of a hat. We spent months evaluating over 50 different companies, testing their shoes in real conditions, and listening to what actual runners had to say about them.
- Real-life performance testing – We ran in these shoes on pavement, trails, tracks, and treadmills to see how they really perform
- Comfort and injury prevention – We looked at cushioning quality and how well each brand protects your feet and joints
- Long-term value – We tracked how many miles you can expect before shoes break down, plus compared prices across the range
- Options for different runners – We checked if brands offer shoes for flat feet, high arches, and various running styles
- What runners actually say – We dug through thousands of reviews and looked at return rates to see real satisfaction levels
- Technology that matters – We considered which brands genuinely innovate versus those just following trends
Each brand that made our list excels in several of these areas, not just one or two. Now let’s get into what makes each of these brands worth your consideration.
10 Best Brands for Running Shoes (Expert Review)
We’ve organized these brands to give you a complete picture of what’s available. Each one brings something different to the table, and that’s exactly why they made the cut.
1. Nike
Nike knows how to make shoes that work for basically everyone. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re training for your tenth marathon, they’ve got something that fits. Their cushioning feels bouncy and energetic, especially with that ZoomX foam everyone raves about.
What really makes Nike special is how they listen to runners and actually use that feedback. They’re constantly tweaking and improving their designs based on what athletes tell them. Most people get about 300 to 500 miles out of their Nike running shoes, which is pretty standard.
The best part? You can find Nike shoes everywhere, and their sizing stays consistent across different models. They make specific shoes for overpronators, neutral runners, and people who want maximum cushioning. Plus, they’ve got options at every price point, from affordable daily trainers to those fancy carbon-plated racers.
2. ASICS
ASICS might not win any fashion contests, but that’s because they’re too busy making shoes that actually support your feet properly. Their Gel cushioning system feels like bubble wrap for your feet—in the best way possible. If you’ve ever had running injuries, your physical therapist probably suggested ASICS for good reason.
These shoes really shine on long runs when your feet need extra protection mile after mile. They’re particularly great if you have flat feet or super high arches. The little touches matter too, like reflective strips for early morning runs and mesh that actually lets your feet breathe.
The science behind ASICS is what sets them apart. They’ve spent decades studying how feet move when you run, and it shows. Every shoe they make is built on actual biomechanical research, which means you’re getting support that’s backed by real data, not just marketing claims.
3. Brooks
Brooks does one thing and one thing only—running shoes. No basketball shoes, no lifestyle sneakers, just pure running footwear. Their GuideRails system is genius because it keeps your feet moving naturally while still providing support when you need it.
If you have specific foot issues or a wonky gait, Brooks probably has a shoe that’ll help. They actually take time to understand how you run and what you need. People always talk about how comfortable Brooks shoes are, and honestly, they’re right—these things feel like pillows on your feet.
These shoes are perfect for your everyday runs, especially those easy miles and recovery days. Brooks also puts serious effort into being environmentally responsible, which is pretty cool if you care about that stuff. They might not be the flashiest shoes out there, but they get the job done day after day.
4. New Balance
Finally, a brand that understands not everyone has narrow feet! New Balance makes shoes in actual different widths, which sounds basic but somehow other brands haven’t figured this out. Their Fresh Foam feels soft and springy without making the shoes heavy.
If you’ve struggled to find shoes that fit properly, New Balance will probably solve your problem. They work great for casual runners and serious athletes alike. Plus, they still manufacture some shoes in the US and UK, if supporting domestic production matters to you.
What’s really nice is that their running shoes look good enough to wear all day. You can go straight from your morning run to grabbing coffee without looking like you just rolled out of the gym. The prices are fair too, especially their mid-range models that offer fantastic bang for your buck.
5. Adidas
German engineering isn’t just for cars—Adidas brings that same precision to running shoes. That Boost foam they use feels like it gives you a little push with each step. And let’s face it, their shoes look really good, which doesn’t hurt when you want to feel confident on your run.
These shoes work great whether you’re hitting the gym or the pavement. Adidas gets input from professional athletes and you can feel that elite influence in the design. The Continental rubber on the bottom grips like crazy, even when it’s pouring rain.
City runners especially love Adidas because the shoes look just as good with jeans as they do with running shorts. They’re also doing cool things with sustainability, making shoes from ocean plastic and materials you can actually recycle. Performance and environmental consciousness? That’s a win-win.
6. Saucony
Saucony figured out how to make shoes that feel light but still have plenty of cushioning. Their PWRRUN foam hits that sweet spot between soft and responsive. If you like to run fast, Saucony makes some of the best speed-focused shoes out there.
These shoes feel natural and flexible, like your feet can actually move the way they’re supposed to. What’s great is that Saucony offers quality shoes at every price level. Their FORMFIT thing actually works—the shoes shape themselves to your feet instead of the other way around.
For runners on a budget, Saucony is a goldmine. Their regular performance line costs way less than comparable shoes from bigger brands. They update their popular models regularly but keep what works, so you know what you’re getting.
7. Hoka One One
Hoka basically said “what if we put a mattress under your feet but made it weigh nothing?” and somehow pulled it off. Ultra-marathon runners swear by them, and people coming back from injuries love the extra protection. The curved sole helps you roll through your stride smoothly.
If you have plantar fasciitis or achy joints, Hoka might be your new best friend. Despite all that cushioning, these shoes are shockingly light. They’re perfect if you want to try maximum cushioning but regular thick-soled shoes feel clunky.
Your feet will thank you after long runs in these. Hoka shoes definitely make a statement with their chunky look, but who cares when your feet feel this good? Their trail shoes are becoming just as popular as their road options, giving established outdoor brands real competition.
8. Mizuno
Mizuno’s Wave Plate is brilliant—it gives you stability without those stiff posts other brands use. These aren’t flashy shoes with tons of marketing behind them. Instead, they’re just really well-made shoes that work exactly how they should.
Runners who find their perfect Mizuno tend to stick with the brand forever. The midsoles stay springy way longer than most shoes. Once you get used to how Mizunos feel, other shoes might seem mushy or unresponsive in comparison.
These are shoes for runners who already know what they like. No unnecessary features or gimmicks here, just solid construction and reliable performance. The downside is that fewer stores carry them, so you might have to order online.
9. Altra
Altra went totally against conventional wisdom with their zero-drop design, and it actually works for lots of people. Every single shoe they make has that wide toe box that lets your toes spread out naturally. If you’re into strengthening your feet while you run, Altra gets it.
People who run barefoot or in minimal shoes love Altra as a slightly more cushioned option. They make everything from barely-there shoes to seriously cushioned models, all with that zero-drop platform. Trail runners go crazy for their grippy outsoles and rock plates.
Fair warning—if regular shoes make your toes go numb or cramp up, Altra might change your life. Just know that switching to zero-drop takes time for your body to adjust. Some runners swear by them, others can’t get used to them, but those who love them REALLY love them.
10. On
Those weird-looking holes in On shoes aren’t just for show—each cloud pod compresses individually to cushion exactly where you need it. Swiss engineering meets running shoes, and the result is something pretty special. They look as sleek as they perform.
On shoes handle everything from easy runs to hard tempo sessions beautifully. Yes, they’re pricey, but they last forever and that Speedboard really does help you spring forward. The technology actually works, which is why you’re seeing more pros wearing them.
Speed-focused runners who still want comfort gravitate to On. They’re gaining serious traction in competitive racing, which says a lot about the technology. These shoes manage to look like something from the future while delivering real performance today.
Wrap-Up
So there you have it—ten brands that have earned their spot through consistent quality and happy runners. Each one offers something different, whether you need maximum cushioning, a natural feel, rock-solid stability, or shoes that can do it all. The right choice depends entirely on your feet, your running style, and what feels good to you.
Before you buy, consider getting your gait analyzed at a specialty running store if you can. Many shops let you test shoes on a treadmill, which beats guessing based on online reviews. Whatever brand you choose from this list, you’re getting quality shoes that’ll support you through countless miles of running adventures.