The best running shoes of 2022, available at amazon
You know what you want from your running shoes: light weight, cushions, support, and comfortable fit. Of course, the most important part of any running shoe is the experience of the hundreds of miles you will take it. To help you find your next great pair, and to get a sense of how updates to your favorite road or trail shoe can change the way it fits or performs, we do this every year. Hundreds of men's and women's running shoes are reviewed. Scroll down for a review of our 33 top picks, take a look at how we test and select these models, and useful tips and insights from our gear experts.
Best Running shoes :
- 10 Best Brooks Running Shoes
- Best All-Around Running Shoe: Brooks Ghost 14
- Best Nike Men's Running Shoes : Air Zoom Pegasus 36
- Best ASICS Women's Running Shoe : Gel-Kayano 28
- Best Mizuno Women's Running Shoe : Wave Rider 25
- Best Saucony Women's Running Shoe : Triumph 19
- Best HOKA ONE ONE Mens Running Shoes : Mach 4
- Best New Balance Running Shoe : Fresh Foam 1080 V11
Runner's World is the most comprehensive shoe testing process in the industry. We work with over 250 local runners of all abilities, ages and sizes to test real-world clothing on paved roads, dirt roads, and rocky single tracks. After a month of running more than 100 miles in their respective shoes, our testers report their results on features such as fit, comfort, performance, and riding. As they travel miles on the shoes, the same models undergo a mechanical test battery in our RW show lab, where we objectively measure the cushion, elasticity, sole thickness and weight of each shoe. Our test editors combine their experience with shoes with lab data and feedback from our wearable testers to create reliable, useful reviews of the pair we walk in.
Some runners care a lot about weight, and research shows that you spend more aerobic energy with heavier shoes. Lightweight shoes usually have less cushioning, which can make them feel faster, but newer midsole foams now make plush rides possible without adding too much weight to the shoe. If you are going long distances, some extra cushions may be a better option, as it provides absorption effect.
To test for softness, we go to our show lab for individual measurements of both the heel and the front foot, as the overall experience may vary depending on where a runner touches and where the toes come off. Cushing scores are given on a scale of 1 to 100, one of which is the strongest. (Shoes that feel necessarily stiff will not lack pillows, and according to some biomechanical research, a midsole that is too soft can actually increase peak effects.) In addition to these important stats, Also look at the features of stability, flexibility, and energy return to help you find your choice.
Also, consider the fall of a walking shoe - sometimes called an offset - which is the difference between measuring the heel and the front foot, or how much your toes "fall" under your heel. This is important because too much falling can cause more impact on the heel and some of the tension is transferred from the lower leg to the knee. Conversely, a lower offset will move this load down the chain of motion towards the calf and Achilles during your gate cycle. Neither option is necessarily better than the other. When deciding on a shoe fall, choose what you feel is natural and comfortable, taking into account your personal running mechanics and injury history. Most shoes fall between 8 and 12 millimeters, but some shoes have less than 6 millimeters. There is no shortage of minimalist designs.
Ghost Pegasus. Kiano Riding. These titans have been the best-selling running shoes for decades and are generally known by just one name. When new runners are asked to recommend shoes, or for those who are not sure what they need, we usually refer to such classic things. ۔ However, there's a reason Nike Air Zoom Pegasus is 38 years old: it works for most people, most of the time.
From the dyeing process to the recycled mesh material of the tongue, the ghost has made a difference in terms of climate. Brooks is also moving into sustainable manufacturing and shipping, and recycling used shoes instead of throwing them in the landfill. But when tinkering with your best-selling model, you don't want to mess it up. Relax, Ghost Fans: Neither quality nor performance was compromised in this update. Brooks removed the BioMoGo DNA portion of the midsole, so Ghost 14 has only DNA Loft foam, just like its plusher counterpart, Glycerin. Our testers found that this adjustment did not significantly change the ghost's ride. "It had a good balance of mattress and strength during turnover," said one tester, adding that the ghost felt more responsive than glycerin and adrenaline GTS. - Amanda Ferrer.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36
Last year, the Pegasus midsole turned into a more reactive reaction than the old Cushlon foam, and Nike added two more millimeters below it. Still not as light and bouncy as the ZoomX, React feels moderately soft, and moderately flexible. Nike also reduced the pressure in the air unit in women's running shoes (15 PSI compared to 20 PSI for men) to make it a softer touch, doubling the size of the forefoot unit for extra pop on the toe off. , And extinguished the wind. Unit with mid foot and heel. The outsole also got a new look, with more flexible grooves and a rectangular walking pattern that slightly improves the grip on the outside for a short time.
ASICS Gel-Kayano 28
The Kiano has been part of the Asics lineup for decades, and is one of the company's most popular footwear. Designed to support over-the-top providers, many neutral runners reach for it because of its legendary comfort. The Kayano 28 has been upgraded with FlyteFoam Blast cushions with a new low profile heel clip for a smoother, responsive ride and extra support. The gel beans stay under the heel and front foot, which absorbs the extra shock you get, and the dual-density midsole and medial plates work together to counteract overexertion in your advance.
Mizuno Wave Rider 25
Number 25 is a big milestone for the rider. As a wearer since the 13th version of the Rider, I found it to be definitely the softest and most cushioned rider I've ever worn. This is partly because the brand fulfilled the promise it made to us in Rider 24: a full length mid-layer of luxurious soft energy foam. In previous riders, the midsole featured a mix of foams - ranging from its strong U4ic to TPU-bead-based XPOP - both above and below the wave plate. Although comfortable under the feet, the combination of different foams made the shoe ride feel a bit disconnected. With only energy foam, the ride is smoother and more durable; especially when paired with a new 25-inch cast-based view plate. Built on a high dimension (Rider 24's plate was flattering), it helps to return more energy with each step, and gets closer to the shape of the arch. It is smooth and springy, the best ride for a long run when you are spending a lot of time on your feet.
Saucony Triumph 19
Although technically a heavy shoe, the Triumph 19 is lighter and more bouncy than other luggage trainers such as the Brooks Glycerin 19 and Ultra Paradigm 6. Explaining that the energetic feeling is a Pwrrun + midsole and top sole, introduced in 17. The Pwrrun + foam brand is 28% lighter than the original Pwrrun. It supports easy long runs, and is responsive to tempo runs and workouts. To provide a comfortable and stable ride, Saucony increased the angle of bevel heel and two springs in the Triumph 18, promoting a smooth roll from heel to toe. It is stored in Geometry 19. This update features a new mono mesh upper, which is lighter and more breathable - a favorite feature of our testers. One said there was plenty of room in the Monday room. "It's easy to equip and tighten around the midfoot, and my heel felt supportive without being too tight." This is the real draw with victory: its universal peace. Every aspect of 19 is soft. The collar and tongue are like pillows, the bakatini secure your feet after tying thick laces, your toes get a lot of movement.
HOKA ONE ONE Mach 4
After testing Mach 4, Deputy Editor Dengit said it was "the best Mach ever, and probably the best at the moment." It's so good he ran nothing but mach for six weeks. Our other testers agreed. One announced that it was his new favorite cushioned road shoe. And another, who was wearing hookah for the first time, said the shoes impressed him after one run. We already loved the light weight and explosive rebound of the three matches. But the Hokka went to the next level, incorporating design features borrowed from Carbon X and Rocket X, like the Mach 4 Saucony's Endorphin Speed or Brooks Hyperion Tempo - a dynamic training shoe that rivals each brand's net racers. Is more versatile than Line Don't be surprised if you are forced to zoom in while running Mach 4. This is due to the responsive Profly foam and the early stage Meta-Rocker (a slightly curved single shape) that feels like it's pushing you forward. This shoe fits snugly without turning your running into a slog, so you can stop it for everything from simple jogs and recovery runs to break sessions on the track. The upper bouts featured two cutaways, for easier access to the higher frets. The upper bouts featured two cutaways, for easier access to the higher frets. A beautiful looking heel collar provides padding on the Achilles without friction.
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V11
Last year's 1080 won the NB Editors' Choice Award, and this update also impressed our test crew. This is because it is almost identical to last year's model. Perhaps the biggest change is the v11's upper, which has a front foot stretcher that makes the shoe better for runners with wide feet. This change also makes the shoe more breathable. But some wearers have noticed that the upper bouts featured two cutaways, for easier access to the higher frets. The dot pattern on the sidewall is the only change except for a slight cosmetic adjustment. You still get a thick slab of Fresh Foam X, which has a higher energy return and comfort than the classic Fresh Foam. When running, it doesn't feel overly soft or sluggish, which we like because it enhances shoe capacity. They may make the new version a smaller option for some runners. If not
HOKA Rincon 3
When Rankin made his debut, the runners praised him for his light weight and versatility. "There's literally nothing bad about this shoe," said one tester. On its third iteration, Rankin continues to impress. 3 is even lighter while it is known for its thick midsole hoka. Its cushion balances between comfortably soft and supportively strong. This is the speed training counterpart of Hokka's daily work horse, Clifton (about 2 ounces lighter than Rankin Clifton), which makes it ideal for tempo runs and track sessions. "The ground contact is so good that it doesn't feel softer or softer than my other ultra-cushioned shoes," said one tester. "Thanks to the light weight of my shoes, I finished my long runs faster than I started." Testers praised the redesigned mesh upper, which is more breathable - we tested it during 90-day days in the Northeast - and praised the ability of shoes to have blisters on your feet. Do not cause.
ASICS NOVABLAST 2
When was the last time you used the word "fun" to describe a pair of running shoes? Then try Novablast, a bully running shoe so different from the traditional offerings of Asics that some runners hardly recognize it as Asics. The first version had a midsole spread out at angles that looked like the surface of an Epcot ball. The FlyteFoam Blast was designed for a mischievous bounce run, but it was as stable as radioactive plutonium watts. For the sequel, Asics reigned supreme with a more supportive midsole in this reckless ride. The designers cut out some foam from the lateral side walls, and added more foam to the middle side to prevent the shoe from falling inwards as you pass your lead. The midsole foam itself has the same chemistry, so the ride feels just as vibrant and energetic, but with more control under the feet. When you want to easily zone out and set cruise control, take the nooblast out for a long run on a stable clip. Why? Because the midsole really feels "like a trampoline." On landing, you sink a little into the foam before rebounding - a thrill that reminds a tester of walking around the bounce house of a birthday party.
adidas Ultraboost 21
Less than a decade ago, Adidas discontinued running shoes when it introduced the Boost, which launched today's foam wars. In the years that followed, the new compounds provided insane levels of comfort without the weight of the boost. Adidas itself has moved on to other lightweight content. Boost is constantly disappearing from its performance line. But the content retains all its plush elegance in Ultra Boost. In fact, the 2022 version gets 20% more boost than the original and 5% more boost than UB19. The shoe signals a commitment to performance, and its new design emerges from the sleeve that has been adopted for lifestyle and casual wear. Another major update is the company's use of recycled materials. Prime Blue Upper is made of 92% recycled marine plastic. Speaking of plastic, Darren Cage is back for mid-foot support, but, fear not, it's not really a problem. All of our testers appreciate the soft, luxurious upper toe of the shoe, which cradles your foot and extends it to that extra thick sole. This is a heavy shoe, no doubt about it, which means you will keep this tank safe for easy cruising and maintenance days.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 2
Endorphin Pro 2 has undergone subtle changes, so runners killed with OG can breathe a sigh of relief. This is Saucony's second installment of carbon fiber plated racer in which its competitors fall short. For example: thin, cloth-like, single layered engineered mesh upper envelope feet without any unnecessary pressure. When you're six miles away in a marathon, it's not as hot as Nike's Vaporweave. And it has a safer ankle fit than Brooks' Unisex Hyperion Elite, which has loose collars and heels for women, a common problem for women running in Unisex shoes. 2 Provides more support around the heel with an even more secure foot, although runners with weak ankles can still feel the corners being cut. And, in the new closure system, elastic bands are strategically placed to prevent the language from moving forward.
Mizuno Wave Rebellion
Plates are nothing new for Mizuno, which has been using Wave technology for years. But the brand made a big change in the material it chose to use in its latest Optimo Trainer - Fiberglass. This lightweight, robust introduction features a bio-based view plate made of castor bean and nylon, reinforced with glass fibers. This makes it stronger and faster than the Pebax plates used in other Wave models, and is 10 times more responsive, according to Mizuno. The growing reaction comes from both the new material and the shape of the plate itself. The plate covers almost the entire length of the shoe, extending to the front foot, where it splits in two like a lobster claw. This gives the shoes a pleasant feeling when they take off their feet, especially for those who land close to their middle foot. As we ran up and down, we noticed a clear instant rolling sky with each step.
Puma Deviate Nitro
Behind the scenes, Puma has worked to re-establish itself as a serious running shoe maker. Deviate Nitro is the first sign that the company is on the right track. Like almost every other brand, Puma needed a shoe with a carbon fiber plate to gain some credibility. This is the shoe. It also has lightweight, bouncy foam - it's TPE, not the more expensive, Springier Pebabs that some other brands use and that's why you really want to kick your heels off your butt. The foam is full of nitrogen, however, it has a responsible feel under the feet, and it proved to be durable in our testing. Puma's foam selection means the shoe doesn't feel as sharp as some of the latest top-end racing shoes, but for only $ 160, it's an affordable, versatile running shoe that you can use for training and racing. ۔ "Those shoes blew me away," pushed one tester. "I wore them for everything from a 9 minute per mile cruise to a 10K PR, and they felt like they were both perfectly capable." One knock: The padding on both sides of the heel is a bit high and thick, which can be a bit slippery for some runners.
Brooks Launch GTS 8
You are not mistaken if you think "GTS" means "Go-to Shoe". This year, Brooks is easing the convention with its neutral siblings by pairing stability shoes and leaning on the GTS, now renamed "Go-to Support." The next Transcend and Bedlam, for example, are named Glycerin GTS and Levitate GTS. And, in Ravenna's case, it's now called the Launch GTS - a lightweight shoe that is as fast as a neutral launch. Testers praised the comfortable strong cushioning and found support for Brooks' holistic guide rail system (a strong foam with a heel in the middle and back of the heel acts as a bumper to align the knees and ankles). The most notable addition to the name is the new Air Mesh Upper. Investigators liked the idea that it was lightweight and breathable, yet some people wanted a more traditional padded heel collar instead of the weird one. One tester said, "I noticed that the heel collar was too high on my ankle, and it rubbed the back bone of my ankle, causing pain.
361 Degrees Strata 4
Now 361, one of China's leading sportswear companies, initially needed a hit to establish itself among the American runners. Delivered the original Strata stability shoe. Now in its fourth version, the shoe still uses an old-school medal post for support - even as other brands turn to new technologies such as guide rails. But here's the innovation: its midsole uses two foams underfoot: the 361's original EVA-based QuikFoam is wrapped in polyurethane for durability, as well as a new QuikSpring + formulation that makes the touch feel soft, bouncer and light. ۔ At the top, a redesigned tongue wraps around the foot with three stretched nylon cables in the middle to personalize the midfoot. Foam and foot updates made a big difference: testers who found the Strata 3 ride too tight and the fit too tight said the 4 feels smooth, yet just as supportive and durable. "I'm a big runner with a strong heel strike," said one tester. Come and feel.
Saucony Guide 14
Saucony's versatile stability shoe now looks ready to race with 3D print overlays that adorn the engineered mesh upper and share the same color scheme of the racer virgin. The guide has heel collars and plush padding in gassed language. This stability version of the Saucony's Ride features a lightweight TPU medal post and sturdy heel counter for support, which testers find comfortable. Even a tester wearing a shoe had a revealing moment. "I often lean towards high-heeled shoes with the assumption that, being a 'cruiser' runner, the hard-hitting weight caused some injuries," he said. "The guide gave me some support, but the stability of the shoe helped me heal." This shoe is still soft, though, thanks to Saucony's Pwrrun midsole, paired with the upper layer of Pwrrun +. The latter consists of a lightweight foam that absorbs the effect and promotes the springing step.
Skechers Go Run Razor TRL
Longtime readers of RW Shows Review know that we love Skechers GOrun Razor 3. That road show is light, fast and fun. And it has changed completely in almost three years because it is just so good. But, Skechers has expanded on this model, which has released a carbon-plated version for road races, as well as this off-road running shoe, which has an attractive, high-speed sole. The midsole is just like a road show, made using the brand's hyperbust foam. It begins as a solid block of EVA plastic that is exposed to a supercritical fluid - basically, CO2 gas is heated under pressure until it returns to the liquid state. There is a lot of science behind how this happens, but it creates a cell composition that makes the shoe lightweight, yet responsive and well-cushioned. It also makes the foam amazingly protective when you're dancing on rocks and roots. As it is a lightweight trail shoe, it does not have a rock plate, so if you walk on the ground you will need a buffer model.
Altra Superior 5
Superior is the closest you can get to the benefits of traditional trail running shoes while running barefoot; gator attachments, elastic mesh, a grapefruit trade. A prominent feature of the Superior is the removable stone protector, insert a flexible but protective full length that you place under the insole. This "take it or leave it" component caters to runners who want extra buffer under the feet as well as those who feel partially off the ground that provides a slim, flexible midsole. ۔ Shake it and you save about an ounce of weight.
La Sportiva Cyklon
Mountain runners exemplify the grip and agility of mountain goats as they easily tie up and down steep and rocky terrain. La Sportiva's trail running shoes have gained a similar culture-like reputation, thanks to their ability to accurately handle the rugged, highest terrain. Fans of long-lasting mutations will find their favorite shoe taking on a new life in Cyclone, which is probably the closest place to a goat-like performance on your own feet. Although it is mostly designed for short to medium distance technical races such as vertical K or sky races, Cyclone also offers a fast and sticky trainer for any day as you immerse yourself in rocks and boulders. Will get The combination of lag pattern and outsole rubber compound gives you confident footing on all surfaces, no matter how wet or dry. The low, strong midsole also gives ground feel and stability, which is important for technical or loose terrain. The upper bouts featured two cutaways, for easier access to the higher frets. La Sportiva's shoes usually fit snugly, to the point where we have to go up some size on some models to get enough width. The cyclone is still tighter than most shoes, but the fit is more comfortable and close to the size of a normal running shoe.
Brooks Caldera 5
Hitting the gravel trails? You will appreciate the BioMoGo DNA midsole in Caldera 5. Its softness competed with Hoka's Speedgoat 4 GTX for a tester, which had previously called itself "a loyal Hoka gal". The foam, made of durable and lightweight EVA, suits your feet, provides a responsive ride and a fairly thick sole that buffers uneven terrain without a hard rock plate. While testers praised the softness of the shoes, I wish Brooks would return to the lower weight of the Caldera 3. For fast effort, the Caldera 5 feels heavy. If you are looking for lightweight shoes that can be used for racing, try something like Catamount or Topo Athletic's Runventure. However, the Caldera 5 offered a different kind of service that I did not expect: it kept me running despite the weather elements, protecting my legs when I was walking through the snow covered with snow and blizzards. Later he would keep me upright on the slippery slope. . Other wearers said the shoes allowed them to run confidently on smooth surfaces, and they praised how it catches mud without collecting dirt or gravel. "It's proving to be a very solid and durable shoe that I'm sure I'll enjoy for miles to come on the muddy or rocky trails," said another tester.