Found: The Absolute Best Running Shoes For Every Type Of Runner (2024)

Whether you're a leisurely jogger or an ultra marathon runner, you had to start somewhere, right? Well, for those of you who are just embarking on your running journey, WH executive health and fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos has just the right pair for you. And it doesn't hurt that they're a WH Sneaker Award winner.

"Any time someone asks me where to start when purchasing a running shoe, I send them the Mach 5s," she says. "Thanks to a lightweight, responsive foam directly underfoot, they feel like clouds under your feet. Plus, they're perfect for anyone who wants to build a running routine and is just getting used to moving more, as opposed to trying to train for serious speed and PRs." She tells us she's already gotten several people hooked on them, and she plans to keep the bandwagon moving.

Because Andriakos runs super far distances, she's pretty picky when it comes to chosing the right pair of running sneaks. "I've been a Pegasus girl for years, and each iteration impresses me," she says. "They really contour my narrow, fragile feet and high arches thanks to the large heel-to-toe drop." Plus, they're super springy and responsive. She tells us that whenever she wears these, she always feels a little bit of extra motivation and pep in her step.

And WH editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert agrees, saying she's obsessed with this shoe at the moment. "They're extremely comfortable and great to use as a daily training shoe," she says. "I'm all about convenience, so I like to wear these to work so I don't have to bring an extra pair of shoes to hit the gym after." Even when she's in them all day long, they never give her foot cramps like many running shoes can.

Talbert has the all-white pair, which she says are easy to dress up or down for the office. But they also come in a bunch of other fun colors if you want to spice things up.

Running coach and personal trainer Erica Coviello says that tons of her runners find success when opting for Brooks running shoes. More specifically, she loves the brand's Glycerin line. "They are excellent daily trainers and a favorite on long runs for my marathoners," she says. Their biggest claim to fame? Their super soft cushioning, called DNA Loft v3, which keeps your stride super bouncy and light so you can go the extra mile (and then some!). They also have a big 10 mm drop, which is awesome for runners whose heels hit the ground first, as it will keep the stride super supported.

Coviello also notes that these are another awesome pair of sneakers if you're just starting out and don't know what shoe to go for, as they're perfect for beginners or seasoned runners.

Andriakos gets a lot of shoes, so when she had an extra pair of the APL TechLoom Ziplines laying around the office, she was generous enough to gift me them. Ever since, I wear these literally everywhere, from errands to cross training classes to long runs. Not only are they some of the comfiest pair of sneakers I've ever owned —they are so lightweight and feel like you're wearing nothing—they're also super breathable thanks to their seamless TechLoom construction. The single layer upper and ribbing along the tongue and collar also doesn't hurt, as it provides both lateral and longitudinal support without slacking on flexibility. Because they're just *that* comfy, Andriakos also loves them for long walks. That's why they won a WH Sneaker Award for "Most Splurgeworthy Walking Shoe."

Another cool addition to these shoes?A forward-leaning shank plate between the midsole, which helps promote forward motion and accelerate the gait cycle. So, whether you're running or just hitting the gym, these kicks keep you protected all workout long. And they look cute while they're at it.

WH fitness editor Jennifer Nied says these New Balance kicks feel like bouncy pillows propelling her forward, which is all thanks to the brand's patented Fresh Foam X midsole foam (btw, this is their most cushioned material!). "I tested them on a spontaneous 10k, and I felt so speedy and comfortable," she tells me. And, that's hard to accomplish for Nied, as she has wider feet. "If you have wide feet, these are for you," she adds. "Plus, if you ever run on unforgiving cement or concrete paths, these keep you really balanced."

Andriakos also has a solid five stars to offer these running shoes, as they're some of the most cushioned sneakers she's ever tried. "They are so unbelievably plush and supportive—I can jog or walk miles on end in these." They also make for an ideal travel shoe, as they never feel constricting, she adds.

You may think of Allbirds as comfy, cozy everyday sneakers, but Nied says their newer launch, the Tree Flyer 2 running shoes, can really move while keeping all the comfort elements. "Not only do they look super cool, but they feel so springy and supportive," she says, calling out the Bio TPU overlays on the toe and mid-foot and the external heel counter, which keeps your stride steady. They're also made with a natural rubber compound and a horizontal lug pattern, which helps grip the road with more traction. "It's a combination I haven't found in other styles and love for making increasing mileage feel fun."

Another stand out feature of this shoe is that they're *so* easy to slide on with their front-pull tab and sock-like grip. You'll never struggle to get your shoes off after a long run again!

"Whenever I hit the trails for a relaxed long runs, my Clifton 9s are coming with me," says Talbert. And there's no questioning why. "This shoe has a lot of cushioning—it literally feels like I'm running on a cloud."

While they're suuuper cushy and soft, they're also supportive. "They keep me feeling very sturdy, and it feels good to know that I'm protecting my joints from the impact in the process," says Talbert.

Talbert wears them on her long runs, but WH news editor Currie Engel also tried them out during the Paris Marathon and shaved over an hour off her marathon time. Convinced yet?

Her one con for the Clifton 9s? They're not the best for hilly or rough terrain. "As someone who lives in an area with hills, I find that this shoe feels best on flat ground."

Ferguson says the Nike Alphafly 2 is one of her all-time favorite running shoes, and it makes sense why. Reason one: They have a thick yet super lightweight support system that keeps your foot protected without slowing you down. The Alphafly 2s also delivers Nike’s highest energy return cushioning system with help from Zoom Air units and full-length ZoomX foam. Plus, it has a carbon fiber plate, which offers that roll-forward feel that propels you through your run. You'll be shook at how quickly you're shaving off mile time in these kicks.

If you want the most updated version of this shoe, Nike is gearing up to release a brand new iteration of the Alphafly, the Nike Alphafly 3. Unlike the Alphafly 2, it has one continuous bottom for a smoother heel-to-toe transition, a wider carbon fiber Flyplate for a super stable run, and a new and improved upper for a snug foot hold.

Not everyone wants to run on super bouncy, cushy shoes. If you're that person, opt for the newly-launched Adidas Supernove Rise, the *perf* road running shoes if you want to feel grounded with neutral support. While they're less padded than other options on this last, the brand claims the shoes offer maximum cushion thanks to the patented Dreamstrike+ midsoles, which provide superior underfoot comfort.

"These new running shoes are perfect for recreational runners going any distance," says Andriakos. "While they have a slightly firmer, denser feel than other running shoes, they're still totally breathable and flexible as you move."

Coviello loves Puma's Deviate Nitro shoes for two main reasons: They're perfect for all types of running and they have an awesome grip. "These are the best shoe for any type of running—easy runs, tempo miles, speedy intervals, etc," she says. As a Jersey Shore dweller, Coviello does a lot of running on boardwalks in the rain. "They pass the grip test every single time because their outsole is amazing," she says. She also liked the initial version of this shoe, the Puma Deviate, but it was a tad narrow for her taste. The newer ones, however, come with a slightly wider fit.

Talbert is also a mega fan of these sneaks, saying that they're awesome for her weekly 5Ks and shorter recovery runs. "The cushioning isn't overwhelming, they're relatively lightweight, and they're very responsive," she notes. "Plus, I love that they give my neutral running fits a pop of color."

Size

If you don't know what you're looking for in a running shoe, head to a running store. "I always advise Peloton members to get properly fitted for a shoe at a running sneaker store," says Ferguson. " At a running store, they can really examine your foot and see if you have any foot pronation or supination when running." She tells us that they can also advise you on the best shoes for your preferences. An added plus? Running shoe stores often have a solid return policy, so you're able to take your kicks for a test drive without fully committing. "Finding the right shoe is sometimes like dating, it may take a few times until you find the right one," Ferguson says.

If you don't have time to make it to a running sneaker store, Ferguson has a few tips on determining whether or not the shoe is right for you. "Ask yourself these questions: How comfortable does the heel (back) and forefoot (font) feel under your foot, how stable does the shoe feel, how flexible is the front of the shoe, and how comfortable does the overall shoe feel on your foot."

Although this may sound obvious, don't opt for a men's shoe. "Women tend to have flatter feet with narrower heels and they need more lightweight options and support in comparison to men," says Coviello. "This is because women have a greater q angle, which is the angle formed between the quadriceps muscles and the patella tendon." If you want to shop brands that only make women's shoes so there's no confusion, Coviello says Allison Felix's Sasyh line and lululemon's line offer women's-only shoes.

Width

Women’s shoes typically come in standard width (“B”) or wide width (“D”), says Coviello. "If a standard width isn’t working for you, try the same model in a wide width." Width of the midfoot and toe box varies among brands and models, but she encourages runners to keep trying new shoes until they find something that lets their toes splay and don’t cause hotspots.

Heel-to-toe drop

"The drop of a shoe is the difference in height between the toe and heel," explains Coviello. "Higher heel drops tend to put less stress on the achilles tendon and promote a more efficient toe-off for beginner runners and heel-strikers." She tells us that most experts agree eight to 10 mm drops are the sweet spot for most runners. However, some shoes with maximum cushioning go as high as 12 mm, while others go as low as zero drop. Ferguson warns that shoes with a low drop tend to place more load on the ankles and are generally better for midfoot and forefoot strikers. If you strike at your heel, go for a higher drop, as shoes with a higher drop tend to place more load on the knees and hips.

Cushion:

Midsole cushioning is pivotal for absorbing impact, notes Coviello. Preferences vary—some prefer more cushion, others a closer-to-the-ground feel. Ultimately, it's about personal comfort during and after a run, influenced by biomechanics or psychology. Coviello stresses that a comfortable shoe increases the likelihood of consistent use. Yet, she warns that the feel in a store, especially on carpet, may not accurately reflect road performance. While plushy cushioning initially comforts, it can limit natural movement, causing issues later. Her advice is to try different cushioning types to find what truly suits your preferences and offers the best response for both your mind and body.

Stability:

There are three categories of shoes: neutral, stability, and motion control, Coviello tell us. "Neutral trainers are for more efficient runners without major gait issues, stability trainers are for runners who tend of overpronate a little, and motion-control are for serious over-pronators and limit the inward movement of your foot and ankle as it hits the ground."

• Erica Coviello is a certified running coach and personal trainer
• Kirsten Ferguson is a Peloton instructor
• Jacqueline Andriakos is the executive health and fitness director at WH
• Jennifer Nied is the fitness editor at WH

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