Best Running Shoes, Tested and Reviewed (2026): Saucony, Nike, Hoka

honorable mentions

As we said, WIRED runners cover hundreds of miles every year. Here are some other shoes we tested that you may want to consider if the above don’t work for your foot. If you’re not familiar with a brand, we recommend visiting a local store for a test before closing your credit card.

Diadora Nucleo 2 for $165: The Nucleo 2 is no crazy, high-energy, super springy shoe. But if you’re a fan of clear, no-nonsense comfort and good inherent stability across a good range of motion, the Nucleo 2 delivers.

Red R1 for $160: Ready to master the gym, HIIT, running, and all kinds of hybrid workouts, I’ve been using the Rad R1 when I’m working on my strength and condition in the gym like a good boy. They’re good for short runs and miles on a soft treadmill belt, stable and supportive enough to go under the bar and provide control for exercises like box jumps and lunges. They look good too.

Ultra Outroad 3 for $130: Ultra is a small brand known for its wide toe box and zero heel-to-toe – it makes shoes like feel As if you were running barefoot, but providing more protection. This is my favorite shoe for switching between roads and trails. They are also affordable.-Adrienne So

New Balance Rebel V5 for $145, Adidas EVO SL for $120, Mizuno Neo Vista 2 for $200: Another top all-rounder to rival the Saucony Endorphin Speed ​​5, the Rebel V5 is comfortable, light, and capable throughout the entire speed range. The Adidas EVO SL can handle just about anything you throw at it. But if you like your things super soft with a little bounce, the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 offers a uniquely cushioned plush ride.

New Balance Fresh Foam X1080 V14 for $165, Hoka Clifton 9 for $144: If you’ve never run before, the Hoka Clifton 9 is my recommendation for a beginner runner. Despite Hoka’s (ahem) big reputation, this is a great little shoe that is comfortable, balanced, and lightweight.-Adrienne So

Saucony Ride 17 for $99: This is also a good old budget-shoe model.

Saucony Hurricane 24 for $110, Brooks Glycerine 21 GTS for $160: Consumer tech director and podcast host Michael Calor walks in Brooks Glycerine. If you’re shopping for a shoe that offers more stability, this is our alternative choice.

FAQ

How should I care for my running shoes?

• Give them a day’s rest. After long runs, the midsole foam takes time to decompress. Rotating your shoes for 48 hours between runs increases the bounce-back ability of your shoes.
• Untie your laces. We know you’re tired, but kicking without untying the laces of your running shoes (or worse, putting pressure back) is a surefire way to cause ankle damage fast.
• Wash them if they get dirty. Soil and sand in the upper fibers can deform them. But don’t machine wash them, wash them by hand – and stay away from the dryer.
• Keep things cool. Prolonged exposure to high heat from radiators or the sun’s rays can cause the midsole to dry out, harden and become damaged.
• Fill them with stuff. Remove the insoles and dry each running shoe individually. Then use wrung-out newspaper to help the wet insides dry faster and the top to keep its shape.

How long should my shoes last?

The collective wisdom of the Internet says you should change your shoes somewhere between 300 and 500 miles. However, this decades-old rule is based on a few limited studies and general advice from brands. New foam varieties, outsole rubbers and upper technology mean it is now harder to give comprehensive advice.

There are many different formulas of modern midsole foam. Durability is now measured not only by how long a protective cushion lasts, but also by whether it continues to bounce and perform. Some top superfoams may lose their initial energy but remain as protective as a stronger, more traditional EVA sole. For example, your high-tech carbon race shoe may become your daily runner once it loses its top speed edge.

You also need to pay attention to your unique running style. Shoes fit differently for different runners, affected by factors such as weight, running pattern, speed, daily use, terrain, and climate. There are obvious signs of wear and tear: heel collars rubbed, holes in the upper or the grip worn to the extent that it is no longer effective. It’s hard to know when the midsole’s heyday has passed. They do not get wrinkled like old shoes.

Best advice: Use your shoes until you get a feel for something. When that happens, you’ll probably want to start shopping.

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