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The Best Running Shoes of 2023

Updated: August 21, 2023

best running shoes of 2023

Every year our team of experts tests and reviews all the newest running shoes in order to discover the latest and greatest options available. From neutral running shoes to stability shoes, road racing to trail running shoes, we have tested them all so you don't have to. Whether you are looking for cushioned comfort for everyday mileage to carbon-plated speed on race day, our guide to the Best Running Shoes of 2023 will help you find the best shoes for your next run.

Choosing a Running Shoe

To choose the right running shoe, it's important to know what you'll be using the shoes for. How often do you run? Where do you run? If your favorite route takes you on a lot of trails or you simply prefer trail running, then consider trail shoes. If you're training for a race and looking for the latest and greatest shoe tech, then consider a carbon-plated racing shoe. Are you open to buying multiple pairs? The answers to these questions will help narrow your search and lead you to your new favorite shoes!

Once you identify the shoe for you, it's also vital you choose the correct size. No worries, we've got you covered. Check out our guide on how to choose the right size. If you're still struggling, keep in mind that we offer free returns!

The Best Running Shoes of 2023

Shoe Type

Our Picks

Best Overall Running Shoe

Cream of the crop

HOKA Clifton 9

Men's | Women's

Best All-Around Running Shoe

One shoe to do it all

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

Men's | Women's

Best Max Cushioning Running Shoe

Plush cushioning and maximum protection

New Balance More v4

Men's | Women's

Best For Running Shoe For Fast Runs

Lightweight and fast for uptempo runs and faster efforts

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2

Men's | Women's

Most Comfortable Running Shoe

Premium and luxurious comfort

ASICS Gel Nimbus 25

Men's | Women's

Best Budget-Friendly Running Shoe

Quality performance at an affordable price

ASICS Magic Speed 3

Men's | Women's

Best Stability Running Shoe

Stable and protective

ASICS Gel Kayano 30

Men's | Women's

Best Premium Running Shoes For Daily Training

Daily training shoes with the latest and greatest running shoe technology

New Balance FC SuperComp Trainer v2

Men's | Women's

Best Running Shoe for Racing

Fast and efficient for peak performance

Saucony Endorphin Pro 3

Men's | Women's

Best Trail Running Shoe

Durable trail workhorse

HOKA Speedgoat 5

Men's | Women's

Best Running Shoe for Cross-Training

From the gym to the road

On Cloud X 3

Men's | Women's

Best Running Shoes for Walking

You don't need to run to have fun

HOKA Bondi 8

Men's | Women's


Best Overall Running Shoe

From uptempo runs to recovery days, this shoe can just about do it all and do it all very well. After careful consideration and much deliberation, our staff kept returning to the one shoe that rules them all.

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HOKA Clifton 9

Price: $259.95
Best Overall Running Shoe: Hoka Clifton 9

At the end of the day, the best shoe for any individual person is going to vary. No single brand, model, or style will work for everyone. However, there is one shoe that we'd venture to guess would perform exceptionally well for almost anyone looking for a running, walking, or gym shoe: the Hoka Clifton 9.

For reliable everyday comfort, the HOKA Clifton has been a model of consistency for years, and the 9th version carries on that legacy while adding an additional 3 mm of stack height. The HOKA Clifton 9 is notable for its fantastic weight-to-cushion ratio and its early-stage meta-rocker design, allowing for a smooth heel-to-toe transition as you rack up the miles. We found the Clifton 9 versatile enough to walk in or take to the gym, but where these shoes truly shine is in those daily easy miles and recovery miles. Since most of our runs fall in the easy variety, having a go-to shoe like the Clifton 9 is a necessity, and at Running Warehouse, they're in heavy rotation.

Check out our full review of the HOKA Clifton 9


Best All-Around Running Shoe

In this category, we're zeroing in on shoes that we consider to be our everyday workhorse—the ones that we log most of our daily mileage in. Whether you feel like a quick 30-minute jog around town or you're training for a race and need to get in 20 kilometres, these shoes will help you get the job done in comfort.

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Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

Price: $249.95
Best All-Around Running Shoe: Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

Building on the success of the first two versions of the shoe, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 features a host of new updates that make this lightweight uptempo trainer even better. With an engineered mesh upper that feels adaptable to accommodate different foot shapes allowing an easy and secure lockdown. This shoe is soft, energetic and with the new nylon plate design it perfectly compliments daily training runs all the way to excelling faster pace runs.

Check out our full review of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3


Best Max Cushion Running Shoe

Max cushioned shoes are ideal for runners and walkers who are willing to deal with a little bit of extra weight in order to get the most cushioned experience as they log their daily miles.

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New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4

Price: $229.94
Best Max Cushion Running Shoe: New Balance More v4

The cushioned feel of the New Balance More v4 certainly lives up to its name. In this case, the more cushioning, the better. This shoe may feel a bit heavy at first, but it isn't as noticeable once you get going in them. Our staff could not get enough of the Fresh Foam midsole. Every stride felt protective yet incredibly soft. We rate this shoe as the perfect choice for easy days and recovery miles and great for avid walkers who want an ultra-cushioned underfoot feel. Expect your legs to feel better after your run than before it. Seriously.

Check out our full review of the New Balance More v4


Best Performance Running Shoe

For speed and tempo workouts, you need a lightweight and fast shoe to help you reach those breakneck speeds while still providing enough support and protection to prevent injuries. Here are our picks that do precisely that.

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Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2

Price: $319.95
Best Performance Running Shoe: Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2

For those looking for a carbon-plated race day shoe that has the durability to be put through the ringer for speed training and long runs too, the PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 2 may be the one for you. Featuring top-of-the-line shoe tech in a lightweight package, this shoe has the performance and versatility to be your go-to shoe when it comes to faster training and race day. Giving this shoe the pop and resiliency needed to reach top performance is the NITRO Elite foam midsole and innovative carbon fiber PWRPLATE. The two work together to deliver a cushioned yet energetic ride that gets you through your gait cycle fast and efficiently. Long-lasting comfort is what you get with PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 2, no matter the speed and no matter the distance.


Most Comfortable Running Shoe

Some shoes feel too firm, some feel too soft, and some feel just right. This is the Goldilocks category in terms of comfort, and the ASICS Gel Nimbus is our top option if you are looking for a premium experience from start to finish.

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ASICS Gel Nimbus 25

Price: $259.95
Most Comfortable Running Shoe: ASICS Gel Nimbus 25

The ASICS Gel Nimbus has embodied premium everyday comfort for years, and we were pleased to see that trend continue in the revamped 25th iteration. The full-length FLYTEFOAM BLAST PLUS foam in the midsole continues to make the Nimbus more versatile than ever, and our staff found that it performed well in a wide range of workouts. Long, easy efforts in the Nimbus 25 feel like being on cruise control—just let these shoes do the work while you enjoy the views.

Check out our full review of the ASICS Gel Nimbus 25


Best Budget-Friendly Running Shoe

We get it$300+ running shoes aren't for everyone. Some runners just want a quality shoe to get the job done without breaking the bank. Don't worry; we've got you covered!

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ASICS Magic Speed 3

Price: $249.95
Best Affordable Running Shoe: ASICS Magic Speed 3

If you're looking for a carbon-plated shoe for for faster training or race day but don't want to break the bank, the ASICS Magic Speed 3 is an excellent option. Sandwiched between the two layers of FF Blast+ is a full-length carbon plate that works with the foam to propel your feet forward with every step, helping you to achieve fast times. While the stack height is not as hefty as the elite-level models in the METASPEED line, the Magic Speed 3 still offers ample cushioning and makes for a fantastic option for runners who enjoy feeling more connected to the ground.

Check out our full review of the ASICS Magic Speed 3


Best Stability Running Shoe

As the market starts to trend further to neutral shoes that offer inherent stability for overpronators, some staples will continue to live long and prosper. Here are our top picks.

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ASICS Gel Kayano 30

Price: $279.95
Best Stability Shoe: ASICS Gel Kayano 30

As one of the most iconic running shoes on the market, the latest version of the ASICS Gel Kayano claims our top spot in the stability shoe ranking. A daily training running shoe in the maximum stability category, version 30 of the Kayano has seen a major update that is sure to please the Kayano die-hards out there, and primed to gain more followers. This shoe is equipped with FLYTEFOAM BLAST PLUS ECO foam in the midsole, giving the Kayano more bounce and cushioning than we've seen in the past. Another highlight of this shoe is the 4D Guidance system that provides seamless support that both overpronators and neutral runners can enjoy. Not only does this model run smoother than any other Kayano we've tried, but it also provides both more protection and stability, which is always a welcome upgrade.

Check out our full review of the ASICS Gel Kayano 30


Best Premium Running Shoes For Daily Training

Due to the high-performance benefits that many runners experience in super shoes, there is a desire to chase that feeling every day, not just race day. However, most super shoes do not have the durability or plush comfort that suit a demanding training cycle. Thankfully, several brands have filled the gap by delivering shoes that possess many of the qualities that runners love in a super shoe, but with the durability and comfort needed to rack up the miles.

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New Balance FC SuperComp Trainer v2

Price: $319.95
Best Premium All-Around Running Shoe: New Balance FC SuperComp Trainer v2

A super shoe specifically designed for daily training, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 ("SC Trainer") is a highly unique offering that has us running with joy every time we lace them up. Featuring a high stack of responsive FuelCell foam in the midsole, along with a carbon-fiber EnergyArc plate, the SC Trainer has what it takes to not only feel fantastic and protective on easy runs and long efforts, but also has the giddy-up to keep up on fast days. Moreover, the engineered mesh upper has the perfect amount of accommodation to offer longer-lasting comfort. All in all, the SC Trainer features premium materials from top to bottom that translate into premium performance on the road, making this shoe perfect for the dedicated runner who wants the same technologies in their training day shoe as the one they lace up on race day.

Check out our full review of the New Balance FC SuperComp Trainer v2


Best Running Shoe for Racing

Carbon fiber-plated running shoes have ruled the marathon racing scene for the past few years due to their highly efficient design, and the trend is not stopping anytime soon. These shoes represent the best of the elite-level racing options. Looking for a racing shoe? Check out our guide to The Best Carbon-Plated Shoes.

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Saucony Endorphin Pro 3

Price: $339.94
Best Running Shoe for Racing: Saucony Endorphin Pro 3

Equipped with Saucony's most responsive midsole foam, a carbon fiber plate, and a track spike inspired mesh upper, the Saucony Endorphin Pro is one of our favourite carbon fiber racing shoes. The foam is ultra-lightweight and responsive, and the shoe's Speedroll geometry pushes the wearer's body to run fast and efficiently to create a lively, propulsive ride. The shoe delivers a fantastic pop and the beaded PWRUNPB design adds durability.

Check out our full review of the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3


Best Trail Running Shoe

When it's time to hit the dirt, you'll need something a bit more rugged. With grippy outsoles, tougher uppers, and hazard-ready midsoles, the following shoes have what you need to comfortably tackle the unforgiving wilderness.

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HOKA Speedgoat 5

Price: $289.95
Best Trail Running Shoe: HOKA Speedgoat 5

Carrying the nickname of Karl Meltzer, the record holder for winning the most 100-mile trail race wins, the HOKA Speedgoat 5 remains our top trail shoe that can really do it all. Mixing a high level of cushioning with an ultra-sticky Vibram Megagrip outsole, this shoe can handle the most rugged terrain while also smoothly traversing fire roads. Whether you want a reliable daily trail shoe or a highly cushioned workhorse for your next 100-mile race, the HOKA Speedgoat 5 has you covered.

Check out our full review of the HOKA Speedgoat 5


Best Running Shoe for Cross-Training

The shoes in this category are for those runners looking for a running shoe that will also feel comfortable and stable in the gym. These are great options for those who want a shoe that can go from daily jogs to the treadmill to your next HIIT workout.

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On Cloud X 3

$239.95
Best Running Shoe for Cross-Training: On Cloud X 3

The On Cloud X 3 is a neutral running shoe that is ready to fit your performance and lifestyle needs. Comfort is key, and this shoe will unlock a pleasurable experience whether you're exploring the sights and sounds of a new city, getting in that HIIT workout, or headed out for a quick run. Equipped with On's signature CloudTec cushioning and Speedboard in the midsole of the shoe, runners will experience a smooth landing, but also an energetic return that propels them forward. A wide platform and larger Cloud pods offers cushioning that makes every step comfortable. Additionally, the upper has been re-engineered to feature a 3-layer mesh that offers an excellent fit and high breathability. When the daily calendar is chock-full of activities, the Cloud X 3 is ready to get the job done.


Best Running Shoe for Walking

You might be surprised to hear that just because a running shoe is great for running does not mean it's great for walking. Wear the Nike Vaporfly at a marathon, and you're looking at a personal best. Wear the Nike Vaporfly while walking your dog, and you're looking at a rolled ankle. The shoes in this category are built for running, but will be awesome for everyday errands and morning coffee walks with friends.

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HOKA Bondi 8

Price: $279.95
Best Running Shoe for Walking: Hoka Bondi 8 running shoe

If you're looking for all-day comfort, whether running for miles or taking a brisk walk, look no further than the HOKA Bondi 8. This max-cushioned daily trainer feels fantastic on the legs, and we kept lacing them up on our recovery runs this year. But don't stop the recovery process at the end of the run; keep those legs protected and wear these wherever your day takes you. Whether walking the pups, pushing the stroller, or grocery shopping, pamper your feet with the luxurious comfort of the Bondi 8.

Check out our full review of the Hoka Bondi 8

FAQ

  • How often should I replace my running shoes?

There are a number of signs that tell you whether it's time to replace your current running shoes. How many miles are on them? How do they feel during your runs? For a detailed answer, check out this article.

  • How much should I spend on running shoes?

The amount you spend on running shoes is dependent upon a lot of factors, such as what your budget is, how often you run, and whether you have injury concerns. The shoes that made this year's list range anywhere from $180 to $340.

  • How many pairs of running shoes should I have?

If you're the type of runner who runs most days of the week, has multiple races on the calendar, or loves to mix it up on the trails, then it sounds like a running rotation is right for you! However, if you would rather have one shoe that can handle all of your training and racing needs, consider a do-it-all shoe such as the Saucony Endorphin Speed or the HOKA Clifton.


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