Written by Lily Hartman, staff writer, research expert, and active lifestyle enthusiast.
Updated January 8, 2024
There is this rush of freedom you feel while pushing yourself on a run, moving for miles upon miles, and going further and longer than you once thought possible. It’s an experience that generates a feeling of reward, both mentally and physically, and avid runners not only understand this feeling; they also know that with the right running shoe, you can fly through the air freely like this on every single stride.
To help you find the most supportive running shoes, we rounded up this list of a variety of styles available online. Based on our research, these are some of the best running shoes for men and women available online right now.
How to Pick the Right Running Shoes
Type
The pair of running shoes you choose to wear on your feet is the most important part of any run, and making sure you have running shoes that are comfortable is crucial. Depending on your foot shape and the way you walk, your running shoe will either need to be a stability running shoe—which provides better support and offsets exaggerated pronation—or a neutral running shoe, which spreads out the landing force of your foot without altering its mechanics. Neutral running shoes are ideal for runners with oversupination.
In this roundup, we’ll attempt to provide you with different running shoes that accommodate your unique foot mechanics. To help you find the best stability shoe or neutral shoe, you can use this shoe finder offered by Brooks to help you determine your proper running fit. You can also read about how to find the best running shoe for you here.
Of course, everyone’s feet are a little bit different. You may want to start by trying on several pairs to find the right one for you. Our advice: try at least two to three promising styles to find what works for you, and once you do, buy two so you can rotate pairs to maximize their lifespan.
Support
You’ll want to wear a pair of running shoes that supports your specific foot type and intended use. Trail runners, for example, will require more traction and softness in the impact than road runners. Racers may opt for a pair of running shoes based on their comfort. Knowing the intended use of your running shoes is important prior to purchasing them.
Fit
If your heels slip out of your running shoes, that means they are too big. If your toes rub against the top of the toe box, that means they’re too small. Having a shoe that fits your feet perfectly is crucial, especially if you’re a long-distance runner who needs their feet to stay comfortable for hours. Make sure to look at a size chart prior to buying your running shoes to find out if they run big, small, or true to size. It’s also worth considering how thick the running socks you plan on wearing are and if they will affect the fit of your running shoes.
How We Chose These Running Shoes
Our editors picked these recommendations based on thorough product and market research from reviews, specifications, and even testing of some products. We chose the running shoes in this review based on how well they can perform, stay comfortable, and last. Our team tested and loved the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 for their stability, support, and easy fit.
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