Best Running Shoes 2018
The Top-Rated Running Shoes For 2018 — Here's What to Try
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Whether you're a long-distance runner preparing for your next 26.2 journey or prefer the short-distance sprints that your neighborhood streets allow, there's only so much tread on a shoe before it wears out unevenly. Before you go shopping for your next pair of running shoes, check out what's topping the list for 2018.
— Additional reporting by India Yaffe
Brooks Ravenna 8
Traditionally a brand favored by marathoners, the Brooks Ravenna 8 ($77) adds extra cushioning and support, making it versatile enough to handle both long runs and tempo runs.
Pros: This shoe combines soft and reliable cushioning with a responsive, light feel. It's a dream shoe for so many runners.
Cons: Some reviewers felt heel slippage, and others wish it came in more colors.
Asics GT-2000 5
A favorite among runners gearing up for a half marathon, the Asics GT-2000 5 Sneakers ($120) are both comfortable and lightweight enough to get you through long Summer miles.
Pros: This is another great all-around shoe. It has a super comfortable, springy sole, great traction, and superior support.
Cons: Some runners mentioned that this shoe needed a little time to break in, which can be annoying to some but is definitely good to know.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 Running Shoe
Millennial pink isn't going away anytime soon, and these Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 Running Shoes ($120) have been called the perfect running shoe, so basically, these are a must have.
Pros: Aside from being really pretty, this is the shoe of choice for many prominent athletes. It's on the more supportive side, and can get you through pretty much any workout.
Cons: This shoe is the right mix between a supportive and barefoot ride. If you're more partial to either one or the other, I might suggest a different pair.
New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v3
New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v3 Sneakers ($80, originally $100) are lightweight enough for a day of speed work and durable enough to handle long runs — including half marathons.
Pros: This shoe is very well-priced and insanely comfortable. It's also breathable and provides good traction, so it can easily transition from sidewalk to trail runs.
Cons: It's best described as a neutral ride. If you need tons of support, this isn't the shoe for you.
Adidas UltraBoost x Clima Running Shoe
The Adidas UltraBoost x Clima Running Shoe ($200) appeal to runners because of the responsive performance and lightweight design.
Pros: These are light and airy while still protecting your feet from high impact surfaces. If you're running outside, particularly on a sidewalk, these are awesome.
Cons: This is another polarizing pair; some people swear by the combination of the sock-like structure and the cushy, Ultraboost sole. Others are thrown off by the two together.
Adidas Supernova Glide 8 Women's Running Shoes
The Adidas Supernova Glide 8 Women's Running Shoes ($130) have an overwhelming number of positive reviews. Runners like the shoe's foam platform, which provides smooth steps and a nice cushion throughout the run.
Pros: Again, there are a lot of positives about this shoe. It's very versatile, and can be worn for both short sprints and longer distances.
Cons: It's a heavy shoe and provides neutral arch support. That's not necessarily a con for some people, but others prefer either a lighter shoe or more support throughout the foot.
Saucony Stabil CS3
If you tend to pronate when you run, the Saucony Stabil CS3 ($129) is for you. This shoe is built with stability and comfort at the heart of the design and creates a more stable environment for the foot.
Pros: Runners love this shoe for it's superior stability. Whether you're a new runner, coming off an injury, or prone to pronating your foot, these are a choice you can feel good about.
Cons: Some runners find this shoe to be a bit stiff.
Reebok Women's Floatride Run 6000 Running Shoes
Reebok Women's Floatride Run 6000 Running Shoes ($84, originally $140) have a bouncy midsole that you'll definitely feel through each heel strike.
Pros: Those with more narrow feet loved the fit of the shoe. It's also an amazing option for both long and short distance running, making it a go-to if you're looking to cross-train as well as log some serious mileage.
Cons: If you've got a wide foot, this might not be the shoe for you. Many runners commented that they found the toe box too narrow, and it thereby caused some discomfort.
New Balance Vazee Prism V2 Women's Running Shoes
The New Balance Vazee Prism V2 Women's Running Shoes ($45, originally $100) are a lightweight road shoe designed for overpronators.
Pros: First of all, it's hard to beat the value of this shoe. But aside from the wallet-friendly price, this is a great shoe. The upper was designed to not cause blisters, and the shoe has great support. It's well constructed, breathable, and comfortable.
Cons: Some runners had problems with the upper. They felt it was too minimal, and thus compromised the support of the shoe.
Saucony Freedom ISO Women's Shoes
Avid roadrunners will love the support they get from the Saucony Freedom ISO 2 Women's Shoes ($160). Ideal for neutral pronators, this shoe provides maximum cushioning at every mile. If you want to feel low to the ground (this shoe has a 4-mm differential) but still have support, give this one a try.
Pros: Besides being super cute, this shoe is close to the ground but still really supportive, something that can be tough to find in a great sneaker. Ideal for both long-distance runs and shorter sprints, the shoe has supreme cushioning and durability.
Cons: This shoe runs a little small and narrow. Additionally, some reviewers said that it wasn't as responsive as they'd like, and they found it more difficult to make quick, fast turns.
APL Athletic Propulsion Labs Techloom Phantom Sneakers
The APL Athletic Propulsion Labs Techloom Phantom Sneakers ($165) are a great shoe that work for the gym and the road.
Pros: These are some of the best-looking shoes on the market. Also, devoted fans rave about the neutral support and extra bounce that comes with any APL shoe. This is great if you're trying a bunch of different physical activities.
Cons: If you need more support, this isn't the shoe for you. Again, it's a neutral ride, and probably not ideal for long distance running.
Adidas PureBoost X ATR Women's Running Shoes
Need an all-terrain shoe? Consider the Adidas PureBoost X ATR Women's Running Shoes ($90, originally $130).
Pros: Any shoe with the Adidas Boost technology is destined to be comfortable. The sole is really amazing, and you'll never want to take these off. The toe is also super roomy, and those who need lots of arch support will love these shoes.
Cons: Conversely, some people find the raised arch uncomfortable. Additionally, the heel height that comes from the intense cushioning was off-putting for some looking to use these as cross-training shoes.
