Best Road Running Shoe
Saucony Progrid Guide 5 ($100)
HEIGHT: 33.6 mm (heel); 24.8 mm (forefoot)
WEIGHT: 10.2 oz (M); 8.4 oz (W)
Talk about a weight-loss program: The Guide 5 shed almost two ounces from its previous version, but didn't lose a shred of shock absorption. Tests showed that it's just as supportive as earlier models. Saucony got more with less by lowering the heel-to-toe drop (which testers say helped them run on their forefeet); and using lighter rubber on the outsole. Our only complaint: Shoelaces that are too long.
BOTTOM LINE: For many runners, the Guide 5 provides nearly as much as the Etonic DRP Epic, but in a lighter and more flexible shoe.
HEIGHT: 33.6 mm (heel); 24.8 mm (forefoot)
WEIGHT: 10.2 oz (M); 8.4 oz (W)
Talk about a weight-loss program: The Guide 5 shed almost two ounces from its previous version, but didn't lose a shred of shock absorption. Tests showed that it's just as supportive as earlier models. Saucony got more with less by lowering the heel-to-toe drop (which testers say helped them run on their forefeet); and using lighter rubber on the outsole. Our only complaint: Shoelaces that are too long.
BOTTOM LINE: For many runners, the Guide 5 provides nearly as much as the Etonic DRP Epic, but in a lighter and more flexible shoe.
Best Shoe for Overall Comfort
Asics Gel Kayano ($150)
HEIGHT: 36.9 mm (heel); 26.9 mm (forefoot)
WEIGHT: 11.7 oz (M); 9.7 oz (W)
Simply put, the Kayano is a titan. Over its 18 iterations the shoe has consistently performed well for many runners. This latest version earned higher scores than any other shoe in our test for comfort, cushioning, and stability. The shoe feels like a padded boxing glove that you can use to pound out mile after mile, pain-free. (Runners who've struggled with piriformis syndrome or chronic foot pain should enjoy the cushy, protected ride.) And testers raved about the fit—especially in the rearfoot, where a new external heel counter keeps a firm grip on your heel while wrapping your Achilles in cushy padding and soft fabric. Even with the addition, the Kayano is a half-ounce lighter than its previous version.
BOTTOM LINE: Surprisingly light, it delivers maximum protection.
HEIGHT: 36.9 mm (heel); 26.9 mm (forefoot)
WEIGHT: 11.7 oz (M); 9.7 oz (W)
Simply put, the Kayano is a titan. Over its 18 iterations the shoe has consistently performed well for many runners. This latest version earned higher scores than any other shoe in our test for comfort, cushioning, and stability. The shoe feels like a padded boxing glove that you can use to pound out mile after mile, pain-free. (Runners who've struggled with piriformis syndrome or chronic foot pain should enjoy the cushy, protected ride.) And testers raved about the fit—especially in the rearfoot, where a new external heel counter keeps a firm grip on your heel while wrapping your Achilles in cushy padding and soft fabric. Even with the addition, the Kayano is a half-ounce lighter than its previous version.
BOTTOM LINE: Surprisingly light, it delivers maximum protection.
Best Long-Distance Running Shoe
Brooks Trance 11 ($140)
HEIGHT: 36.0 mm (heel); 25.5 mm (forefoot)
WEIGHT: 12.5 oz (M); 10.2 oz (W)
Brooks essentially has made three different versions of the Trance, each with a varying amount of foam density in the midsole. There's a firmer version for midsize guys (men up to a size 10.5 foot), and the even-bigger guys get the firmest, most dense foam of all. (Note: The cushioning and flexibility scores to the right reflect a men's size 9.) The result? Each pair of the Trance feels like it's made just for you. Because, in a way, it is.
BOTTOM LINE: A shoe suited for bigger runners with normal to flat arches.
HEIGHT: 36.0 mm (heel); 25.5 mm (forefoot)
WEIGHT: 12.5 oz (M); 10.2 oz (W)
Brooks essentially has made three different versions of the Trance, each with a varying amount of foam density in the midsole. There's a firmer version for midsize guys (men up to a size 10.5 foot), and the even-bigger guys get the firmest, most dense foam of all. (Note: The cushioning and flexibility scores to the right reflect a men's size 9.) The result? Each pair of the Trance feels like it's made just for you. Because, in a way, it is.
BOTTOM LINE: A shoe suited for bigger runners with normal to flat arches.
Best Shoe for Beginners
Asics Gel Excel 33 ($120)
HEIGHT: 33.4 mm (heel); 24.5 mm (forefoot)
WEIGHT: 10.7 oz (M); 9.0 oz (W)
It's rare that a shoe can provide this much cushioning and still be flexible. Usually, the extra padded protection makes the midsole hard to bend. But Asics placed deep flex grooves in the outsole of the Excel that allow runners of all sizes to bend the forefoot with ease, providing a smoother, more energy-efficient toe-off. The shoe doesn't have many stability features, which is great for high-arched runners who don't need motion correction.
BOTTOM LINE: High-arched runners who want a flexible forefoot, look here.
HEIGHT: 33.4 mm (heel); 24.5 mm (forefoot)
WEIGHT: 10.7 oz (M); 9.0 oz (W)
It's rare that a shoe can provide this much cushioning and still be flexible. Usually, the extra padded protection makes the midsole hard to bend. But Asics placed deep flex grooves in the outsole of the Excel that allow runners of all sizes to bend the forefoot with ease, providing a smoother, more energy-efficient toe-off. The shoe doesn't have many stability features, which is great for high-arched runners who don't need motion correction.
BOTTOM LINE: High-arched runners who want a flexible forefoot, look here.
Best Shoe for Heavyset Runners
Mizuno Wave Creation 13 ($150)
HEIGHT: 36.6 mm (heel); 24.9 mm (forefoot)
WEIGHT: 12.7 oz (M); 9.6 oz (W)
Are you a heavy-set runner looking for firm footing with each step? Then check out the Creation 13. It absorbs the weight of beefier runners without feeling mushy. That's due to a nontraditional midsole featuring two plastic plates separated by rubber shock absorbers. Many testers raved about the shoe's upper, which is extremely flexible and conforms to almost any foot type. One recurring complaint: Color bleeds from the shoe's fabric and stains socks.
BOTTOM LINE: Offers excellent stability and locks the arch snugly.
HEIGHT: 36.6 mm (heel); 24.9 mm (forefoot)
WEIGHT: 12.7 oz (M); 9.6 oz (W)
Are you a heavy-set runner looking for firm footing with each step? Then check out the Creation 13. It absorbs the weight of beefier runners without feeling mushy. That's due to a nontraditional midsole featuring two plastic plates separated by rubber shock absorbers. Many testers raved about the shoe's upper, which is extremely flexible and conforms to almost any foot type. One recurring complaint: Color bleeds from the shoe's fabric and stains socks.
BOTTOM LINE: Offers excellent stability and locks the arch snugly.
Best Minimalist Running Shoe
New Balance Minimus Zero ($110)
HEIGHT: 12.3 mm (heel); 10.7 mm (forefoot)
WEIGHT: 6.1 oz (M); 4.6 oz (W)
The lightest shoe in this guide, the Minimus feels like a sock with an outsole. The synthetic mesh upper wraps the arch well, but opens up to provide a little breathing room through the toes. But it's not as wide as the other minimal shoes in this guide. The shape and fabric earned high marks from wear-testers for comfort. Only efficient runners should log a lot of miles in these shoes.
BOTTOM LINE: The Minimus Zero offers a barefoot-like experience; also works as a racing flat.
HEIGHT: 12.3 mm (heel); 10.7 mm (forefoot)
WEIGHT: 6.1 oz (M); 4.6 oz (W)
The lightest shoe in this guide, the Minimus feels like a sock with an outsole. The synthetic mesh upper wraps the arch well, but opens up to provide a little breathing room through the toes. But it's not as wide as the other minimal shoes in this guide. The shape and fabric earned high marks from wear-testers for comfort. Only efficient runners should log a lot of miles in these shoes.
BOTTOM LINE: The Minimus Zero offers a barefoot-like experience; also works as a racing flat.
Best Shoe for the Money
Brooks Pure Flow ($90)
HEIGHT: 28.7 mm (heel); 24.8 mm (forefoot)
WEIGHT: 9.0 oz (M); 7.1 oz (W)
You know when something just feels right? That's how a number of testers described their first run in the Flow. Runners with normal arches seemed especially fond of the fit—six normal-arched runners gave the Flow their highest-possible performance rating. Our tests attribute the love to high-quality foam in the midsole, which provides a comfortable, cushioned ride despite the shoe's low profile. The shoe is built on an "anatomical" last, meaning it has a roomy toebox that is designed to let your toes splay out naturally, as if you were barefoot. But the Flow isn't nearly as wide as other "natural" shoes like Altra's The Instinct.
BOTTOM LINE: A lightweight yet durable shoe that's a steal at its price point.
HEIGHT: 28.7 mm (heel); 24.8 mm (forefoot)
WEIGHT: 9.0 oz (M); 7.1 oz (W)
You know when something just feels right? That's how a number of testers described their first run in the Flow. Runners with normal arches seemed especially fond of the fit—six normal-arched runners gave the Flow their highest-possible performance rating. Our tests attribute the love to high-quality foam in the midsole, which provides a comfortable, cushioned ride despite the shoe's low profile. The shoe is built on an "anatomical" last, meaning it has a roomy toebox that is designed to let your toes splay out naturally, as if you were barefoot. But the Flow isn't nearly as wide as other "natural" shoes like Altra's The Instinct.
BOTTOM LINE: A lightweight yet durable shoe that's a steal at its price point.
Best Shoe for Turning Heads
Asics Gel-Noosa Tri 7 ($120)
HEIGHT: 32.2 mm (heel); 21.9 mm (forefoot)
WEIGHT: 10.3 oz (M); 8.5 oz (W)
We don't usually talk about a shoe's color, but—dang. The Noosa's flashy pigments are definitely a conversation starter. And did we mention the shoes glow in the dark? But once you get past the flash, this is a performance machine. It's lightweight, flexible, and supportive, and provides enough cushioning to cover any distance you take on. The Tri 7 is designed for triathletes and includes several tri-friendly features, like a sewn-in tongue and a comfortable, mostly seamless upper so you can wear it without socks. Extra ventilation helps keep your feet dry but can lead to chilly toes if you run in cold climates.
BOTTOM LINE: Light, cushioned—and snazzy for the competitive racer.
HEIGHT: 32.2 mm (heel); 21.9 mm (forefoot)
WEIGHT: 10.3 oz (M); 8.5 oz (W)
We don't usually talk about a shoe's color, but—dang. The Noosa's flashy pigments are definitely a conversation starter. And did we mention the shoes glow in the dark? But once you get past the flash, this is a performance machine. It's lightweight, flexible, and supportive, and provides enough cushioning to cover any distance you take on. The Tri 7 is designed for triathletes and includes several tri-friendly features, like a sewn-in tongue and a comfortable, mostly seamless upper so you can wear it without socks. Extra ventilation helps keep your feet dry but can lead to chilly toes if you run in cold climates.
BOTTOM LINE: Light, cushioned—and snazzy for the competitive racer.
Best All-Around Running Shoe
Saucony PowerGrid Triumph 9 ($130)
HEIGHT: 34.1 mm (heel); 26.4 mm (forefoot)
WEIGHT: 11.0 oz (M); 9.4 oz (W)
Big guys, look no further. While the Triumph earned generally positive reviews from all who tested it, men weighing 170 pounds or more were especially enthusiastic about this shoe. Saucony added padding to the Triumph, giving the heavier runner a softer, more comfortable ride up front. The shoe also now has Sauc-Fit, which locks the foot on the platform for a better fit. But the change comes at a cost: This Triumph is a lot less flexible than previous versions. Slim striders may find the shoe not as responsive as it used to be; expect a tougher time getting the front of the shoe to bend with your toes.
BOTTOM LINE: Forefoot-strikers can expect more protection in this update.
HEIGHT: 34.1 mm (heel); 26.4 mm (forefoot)
WEIGHT: 11.0 oz (M); 9.4 oz (W)
Big guys, look no further. While the Triumph earned generally positive reviews from all who tested it, men weighing 170 pounds or more were especially enthusiastic about this shoe. Saucony added padding to the Triumph, giving the heavier runner a softer, more comfortable ride up front. The shoe also now has Sauc-Fit, which locks the foot on the platform for a better fit. But the change comes at a cost: This Triumph is a lot less flexible than previous versions. Slim striders may find the shoe not as responsive as it used to be; expect a tougher time getting the front of the shoe to bend with your toes.
BOTTOM LINE: Forefoot-strikers can expect more protection in this update.
