How to Choose the Best Running Shoes for 2024

For this guide, we’ve gathered advice and insight from eight experts, read dozens of studies, and run more than 5,000 miles over the years. The focus here is on go-to shoes for everyday runs. We take a look at the two main running-shoe types (neutral and stability), the anatomy of a running shoe, and how a shoe should fit.

To find your best running shoes, you’ll likely need to try on several different pairs, either at your local running store (where you can leverage staff expertise to help you find the ideal fit) or in your living room (if you prefer to shop online). If you’re ordering from home, consider retailers that have solid return policies, such as Zappos, REI, Running Warehouse, Road Runner Sports, and Fleet Feet.

To help inspire your search, we have recommendations for women’s and men’s models and sizes, including dependable neutral trainers, stability shoes with various amounts of cushion, and a low-drop option.

Our pick

Springy, soft, and roomy, this shoe is good for everyday training needs and longer races.

This is the same shoe, in men’s sizing.

If you want neutral running shoes, start your search with the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 (women’s, men’s). We also like the Asics Novablast 4 (women’s, men’s), Brooks Ghost 15 (women’s, men’s), and the Brooks Glycerin 20 (women’s, men’s), all of which some testers found not as soft and bouncy when compared with the Fresh Foam X 1080v13.

Our pick

A drastic redesign has improved the smooth and cushy ride of a longtime favorite shoe.

This is the same shoe, in men’s sizing.

If you’re looking for stability shoes, a good starting point is the Saucony Guide 17 (women’s, men’s), a trainer with ample cushioning and more zip than we expected. We also like the Asics GT-2000 12 (women’s, men’s) and the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 (women’s, men’s), which both felt stiffer than the Guide 17.

Our pick

The Escalante 3 is a zero-drop shoe with a low profile and the feel of a more traditional trainer than its predecessor, the Escalante 2.5. But its appeal still lies in its more minimalist feel and function.

This is the same shoe, in men’s sizing.

If you prefer low-drop running shoes, consider the Altra Escalante 3 (women’s, men’s).