One of the most common questions we get asked from our customers is “What is the best running shoe?” It seems like a simple question but the answer can be tricky due to the varying needs and preferences of each and every runner. While there’s no one shoe that’s considered the best at everything, you can look into each of the shoe categories and see that some shoes perform better than others. With our vast knowledge of running shoes and a little bit of personal bias, we have come up with a list of some of the running shoes we consider the best of 2018. For our full discussion/rant of what we consider the best running shoes, be sure to watch the video above with world famous shoe reviewer Jami Michael. Or for the full list recap, scroll below.
Best Cushioned
Brooks Glycerin 16 : Shop Men’s | Shop Women’s
Connor’s Thoughts: The Brooks Glycerin 16 offers a high level of cushioning with a soft yet responsive underfoot feel. The new DNA Loft foam is nice upgrade over its predecessor, making it my favorite option for anything from recovery efforts to longer runs.
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v8 : Shop Men’s | Shop Women’s
Jami’s Thoughts: The New Balance 1080 v8 is soft, cushioned, and not nearly as heavy as it looks. While it’s not quite the HOKA Clifton 1, it’s my go to trainer for long run day.
Fastest Race Day Shoe
Reebok Floatride Run Fast Pro : Shop Unisex Shoes
Nike Vaporfly 4% : Shop Unisex (Sold Out)
Connor’s Thoughts: The Reebok Floatride Run Fast Pro is the easy choice when you’re looking for peak performance at shorter races 10k and under. At 3.5 ounces its the lightest and potentially fastest shoe on the market. When we start looking at longer races though, I give the lean to the Nike Vaporfly 4%. It’s ultra responsive, extremely smooth, and gives you an effortless sensation that almost propels you forward.
New Balance 1400 v6 : Shop Men’s | Shop Women’s
Jami’s Thoughts: A fast, versatile racing flat for less than half the price of Connor’s picks, the New Balance 1400 v6 gives even slower runners hope that they can toe the line with the elites.
Most Versatile Shoe
Nike Zoom Pegasus 35 : Shop Men’s | Shop Women’s
Connor’s Thoughts: The Pegasus got a full ravamp for version 35 and its been the shoe I’ve been putting the majority of my miles in. It’s responsive and light, while still offering plenty of cushioning with a full length Zoom Air unit. This is a shoe that can almost do it all. It has the sleekness required for tempo day and sufficient shock absorption to handle your long runs.
Skechers Gorun Ride 7 : Shop Men’s | Shop Women’s
Jami’s Thoughts: While the Pegasus 35 is a good shoe, the Skechers Gorun Ride 7 “does it all” better. It has the cushioning when your body’s feeling beat up, and the responsiveness when you have the need for speed. A great fit, a knit upper, and the cost? $90. In terms of versatility, there’s no match.
Best Trail Shoe
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 2 : Shop Men’s | Shop Women’s
Connor’s Thoughts: The highly cushioned trail shoe inspired by Karl Meltzer, the Speedgoat 2 is a beast. It has all the protection you need for rugged terrain, while still feeling nimble and grippy on technical trails. From recovery runs to ultra marathon racing, the HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 2 is the King of the Mountain.
Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 4 : Shop Men’s | Shop Women’s
Jami’s Thoughts: The Speedgoat 2 is Karl Meltzer’s shoe but the Terra Kiger 4 is Jami Michael’s shoe. It’s nimble, not to stiff, and offers a little bit of protection while still retaining that natural feel. No matter the trail surface, the Terra Kiger 4 is the go-to pick.
Best Looking Running Shoe
Nike Epic React Flyknit : Shop Men’s | Shop Women’s
Connor’s Thoughts: Fire colorways, a clean flyknit upper design, and a springy yet stylish react midsole, the Nike Epic React is personally my favorite looking shoe on the market. When you’re running through the streets in these, you will surely be turning heads.
Jami’s Thoughts: Epic React Flyknit… Smooth, Nimble, Sleek. Enough said.
Connor, aka The Face of Running Warehouse, is our resident footwear guru and helps us keep a finger on the pulse of running trends and current events. A member of the local HOKA Aggies running team, Connor walks the walk, or should we say, runs the run.