Brooks Glycerin 23

Short answer: if you want shoes people actually run in, start with ASICS, Brooks, HOKA, Nike, Saucony, New Balance, Adidas, Puma, and On. Don’t buy by brand alone—buy by fit + use case—but these are the most common “real runner” brands.

Best running shoes to try first

My “just tell me what to buy” shortlist

1. ASICS Novablast — probably the best modern daily trainer line for a lot of runners: cushioned, bouncy, versatile. Strava’s 2025 data reportedly had the ASICS Novablast as the most-logged running shoe, ahead of the Nike Pegasus and HOKA Clifton. (inkl.com)
2. Nike Pegasus — the classic default: durable, widely available, good value, works for walking/gym/running. Tom’s Guide called the Pegasus 42 a strong value pick in its 2026 guide. (tomsguide.com)
3. HOKA Clifton — very popular for people who want light, cushioned, easy miles; it was also among the top shoes logged on Strava in 2025. (tomsguide.com)
4. Brooks Ghost — one of the safest recommendations for beginners and everyday runners; Brooks is especially popular at races and in run-specialty stores. Running USA’s North American race-participant report listed Nike, Brooks, and Saucony among the top overall brands. (runningusa.org)
5. Saucony Ride — underrated “do everything” trainer; OutdoorGearLab’s 2026 testing specifically pointed newer runners toward the Saucony Ride 19 as a planted, predictable option. (outdoorgearlab.com)
6. New Balance 1080 — plush, comfortable, good for easy miles and long runs. WIRED’s 2026 guide included the Fresh Foam X 1080 v15 among notable cushioned options. (wired.com)
7. Adidas Adizero Evo SL — great if you want something lighter/faster without going full race shoe; The Run Testers listed it among top daily trainers for 2026. (youtube.com)

Top brands, in plain English

• Brooks — best “safe” brand for comfort, beginners, walking/running, stability. Try Ghost, Glycerin, Adrenaline GTS.
• ASICS — excellent right now for daily trainers and stability. Try Novablast, Gel-Nimbus, Gel-Kayano.
• HOKA — popular for cushion and easy miles. Try Clifton, Bondi, Mach, Speedgoat.
• Nike — still huge, especially Pegasus and racing shoes. Try Pegasus, Vomero, Vaporfly, Alphafly.
• Saucony — very good value/performance balance. Try Ride, Triumph, Endorphin Speed/Pro.
• New Balance — great comfort and wider-fit options. Try 1080, 880, Rebel, SC Elite.
• Adidas — strong for fast trainers and racing. Try Adizero Evo SL, Boston, Adios Pro.
• Puma — underrated value; good foam, good outsole grip. Try Velocity Nitro, Deviate Nitro.
• On — popular and stylish; some runners love them, some find them firm. Try Cloudsurfer, Cloudmonster, Cloudboom.

Best pick by foot type

• Neutral foot / no special issues: ASICS Novablast, Nike Pegasus, Brooks Ghost, Saucony Ride.
• Want soft cushion: HOKA Clifton, New Balance 1080, Brooks Glycerin, ASICS Nimbus.
• Need stability: Brooks Adrenaline GTS, ASICS Kayano, HOKA Arahi. Outside’s 2026 stability-shoe testing named the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 a top all-around stability pick and highlighted the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 for smooth support. (outsideonline.com)
• Wide feet: New Balance, Brooks, ASICS, and Topo often have better wide-size options.
• Race-focused: Adidas Adios Pro 4, ASICS Metaspeed Tokyo, Nike Vaporfly/Alphafly. Runner’s World’s 2026 carbon-shoe list put the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 as best overall and the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo as a top race option. (runnersworld.com)

My recommendation

If you’re not sure what you need, go try these five in a running store:

1. ASICS Novablast
2. Brooks Ghost
3. Nike Pegasus
4. HOKA Clifton
5. Saucony Ride

Pick the one that feels best after jogging in it for a minute or two. The “best” shoe is usually the one that disappears on your foot—no rubbing, no arch pressure, no heel slip, no weird forcing of your stride.

The best running shoes depend on your use case, but the brands and models that keep showing up in 2026 expert picks are Adidas, Brooks, New Balance, Saucony, ASICS, Nike, and Hoka.

If you want the most practical “people actually use them” shortlist, these are the strongest mainstream options:

• Best overall / popular all-around pick: Adidas Adizero Evo SL.
• Best daily trainer: Brooks Ghost 18 for men and Brooks Glycerin 23 for women.
• Best value: New Balance Ellipse v1.
• Best cushioned daily shoe: New Balance 1080 v15 or ASICS MegaBlast depending on the review source.
• Best stability shoe: ASICS Gel Kayano 32.
• Best tempo / workout shoe: Saucony Endorphin Speed 5.
• Best race-day shoe: Nike Vaporfly 4 or Adidas Adios Pro Evo 2.
• Best soft/max-cushion option: Saucony Paramount Max or Brooks Glycerin line.

If you want the safest recommendation for most runners, start with one of these:

• Brooks Ghost if you want a reliable everyday trainer.
• ASICS Gel Kayano if you want stability and support.
• Nike Vaporfly or Adidas Adios Pro if you want a fast race shoe.
• Saucony Endorphin Speed if you want one shoe that works for both workouts and faster daily runs.

If you want, I can narrow this to the best shoes for beginners, flat feet, wide feet, long-distance running, or treadmill use.

There isn’t one “best” running shoe—it depends on your foot shape, stride, and how you’ll use them (daily miles, racing, trails, stability). But these are the models runners actually buy and recommend most, based on popularity and consistent reviews.

🏃 Daily Trainers (Neutral Cushioning)

• Brooks Ghost – Extremely popular, smooth ride, reliable for everyday road running. Great for beginners.
• Nike Pegasus – Versatile, durable, responsive enough for daily miles and light tempo work.
• Hoka Clifton – Max cushion, super soft, lightweight. Great for easy runs and recovery days.
• New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 – Plush, comfortable, high-mileage workhorse.

🛡️ Stability/Support Shoes (For Overpronation)

• ASICS Gel-Kayano – The gold standard for stability shoes. Durable, supportive, and great for long runs.
• Brooks Adrenaline GTS – Very popular for mild to moderate overpronation. Secure, comfortable, dependable.
• Saucony Guide – Less bulky than some stability shoes but still supportive.

⚡ Speed/Tempo Shoes

• Saucony Endorphin Speed – Snappy, fun, with a nylon plate. Great for workouts and long runs.
• Nike Zoom Fly – More affordable than Vaporfly, still fast and energetic.
• Adidas Adios 8 – Lightweight, responsive, great for tempo days and 5K/10K training.

🏁 Race Day / Marathon

• Nike Vaporfly 3 and Alphafly 3 – The shoes that changed racing. Effortless energy return, extremely fast.
• ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge – Great carbon-plate racers with a more traditional feel than Nike.

🥾 Trail Running

• Hoka Speedgoat – Trusted for trail comfort and grip on rough terrain.
• Salomon Sense Ride – Durable, versatile, great for mixed trails.

Top brands runners trust overall:

ASICS, Brooks, Saucony, Hoka, Nike, New Balance, Adidas.

Quick tip

If you can, visit a running store and get fitted. The best shoe is the one that feels right on your foot—popular models are popular for a reason, but they don’t work for everyone.

There is no single “best” running shoe—it depends on your foot shape, gait (neutral vs. overpronation needing stability), running style/distance, preferred cushioning level, surface (road vs. trail), and budget. Fit and personal feel matter most; experts strongly recommend trying shoes on (ideally with a gait analysis at a specialty running store) and replacing them every 300–500 miles.

That said, data on what people actually wear (from race photos of 100k+ finishers, Strava activity logs, sales/popularity trends, and expert testing) points to clear favorites among brands and specific models.

Top Brands People Actually Use

From Running USA analysis of race finishers (marathons, halves, shorter races) and Strava Year in Sport reports:

• Nike — Often #1 overall in races (especially marathons and among faster runners); strong presence via Pegasus daily trainers and Vaporfly/Alphafly super shoes.
• Brooks — Extremely popular for training and mid/longer races; frequently tops or near-tops surveys and half-marathon/shorter race data. Known for reliable, comfortable daily trainers.
• Asics — Surged in popularity; Novablast became the most-logged shoe on Strava in recent data, dethroning long-time leaders. Strong in both trainers and racers.
• Hoka — Very popular for max-cushion “cloudfloat” feel; Clifton series consistently ranks high on Strava and among women/everyday runners.
• Saucony — Solid top-tier presence in races and among enthusiasts (Endorphin series for speed).
• Others frequently used: New Balance (great widths and Fresh Foam cushioning), Adidas (rising with Lightstrike Pro foam super trainers/racers), On Running, and niche options like Altra (zero-drop/wide toe box).

Nike, Brooks, Asics, and Hoka dominate real-world usage among everyday and racing runners.

Most Popular Specific Models (What Runners Actually Log Miles In)

• Asics Novablast (e.g., 5): Frequently the top or near-top logged shoe on Strava recently. Bouncy, versatile daily trainer with good energy return; fun and protective for easy-to-moderate paces. Highly recommended by testers (e.g., Outdoor Gear Lab’s pick for most runners).
• Nike Pegasus (e.g., 41/42): Long-time workhorse and perennial popularity king (or runner-up). Durable, reliable responsive cushioning for daily miles; balances softness and efficiency. A go-to for huge numbers of runners.
• Hoka Clifton (e.g., 10/11): Max-cushion favorite for plush, smooth easy/long runs and recovery. Lightweight feel despite stack height; very widely worn.
• Brooks Ghost (e.g., 18): Ultra-popular neutral daily trainer praised for Goldilocks cushioning, comfort, and beginner-friendliness. Often recommended for narrow feet; consistent high marks.
• Other frequently mentioned real-world favorites: Asics Gel-Nimbus (plush max cushion), New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080, Brooks Glycerin (softer/max cushion or wider options), Saucony Ride or Endorphin Speed.

Expert/Tester Top Picks (Recent Guides)

These come from sites like Runner’s World (hundreds of tester miles), RunRepeat (lab + real runs), Outdoor Gear Lab, and others:

• Best overall/versatile: Adidas Adizero Evo SL — Lightweight, highly responsive Lightstrike Pro foam (same as some racers) without a rigid plate; great for daily training, speedwork, and longer runs. Tops multiple 2025/2026 lists.
• Best everyday/daily trainer: Asics Novablast 5 or Brooks Ghost 18 / New Balance 1080 series. Bouncy yet protective and versatile.
• Best value: Often New Balance options, Adidas Adizero SL variants, or previous-generation popular models on sale.
• Max cushion/soft: Hoka Clifton or Bondi, Brooks Glycerin, New Balance 1080, Asics Nimbus.
• Tempo/speedwork: Saucony Endorphin Speed series (nylon plate for pop without full super-shoe stiffness).
• Racing/super shoes (carbon-plated for races): Nike Vaporfly/Alphafly, Adidas Adizero Adios Pro, Asics Metaspeed, Saucony Endorphin Pro. These dominate elite and serious amateur race results but are less ideal (and more expensive/less durable) for daily training.
• Stability (for overpronators): Asics Gel-Kayano, Brooks Adrenaline GTS, or structured versions of popular neutrals.
• Trail: Hoka, Nike Pegasus Trail, Salomon, or Adidas Terrex options (more aggressive lugs and protection).

Quick Buying Advice

• Neutral daily trainer (most common need): Start with Novablast, Pegasus, Ghost, or Clifton.
• Get fitted: Specialty stores can check your gait, foot volume/width, and let you test run. Many popular models come in multiple widths.
• Consider your needs: High stack/max cushion for recovery or heavy runners; lower/firmer or plated for speed; rockered geometry for smooth transitions.
• Budget: $130–180 covers excellent daily trainers. Super shoes often $200–300+. Previous versions or sales offer big savings with similar performance.
• Other factors: Breathability for hot weather, durability of outsole/upper, and personal preference for drop (heel-to-toe height difference, often 4–10+ mm).

Popular consensus models like the Pegasus, Ghost, Clifton, and Novablast succeed because they work well for a broad range of runners without major drawbacks. Check recent reviews for the absolute latest iterations (models update yearly with foam, upper, and geometry tweaks), read user feedback on fit, and prioritize what feels good on your feet during a run. If you provide more details (e.g., foot issues, typical mileage, road/trail, budget), I can refine recommendations further.

Top running shoes in 2026 combine comfort, durability, and performance, with standout picks including the Asics Novablast 6, Saucony Ride 19, Adidas Adizero Evo SL, and Brooks Ghost 18 for daily training and versatile running.

Best Overall Daily Trainers

Asics Novablast 5/6 (Men & Women): Offers a soft, bouncy ride with FF Blast+ Max foam, a breathable upper, and broad toe box, making it ideal for runners looking for versatility across easy runs and longer distances 2 . Brooks Ghost 18: A reliable daily trainer with DNA Loft v3 cushioning, suitable for neutral runners, long runs, and everyday mileage. Breaks in easily and fits a variety of foot shapes 1 .

Best for Beginners

Saucony Ride 19 (Men & Women): Comfortable, easy-to-wear shoe with PWRRUN+ foam and a wide platform. Good for new or casual runners, walking/running intervals, and recovery runs 1 . Asics Gel-Contend 9: Lightweight, simple shoe with lower-volume fit, affordable and suitable for beginners or casual daily training 1 .

Best Value Options

Puma Velocity Nitro 4: Versatile mileage shoe, cushioned and breathable, suitable for tempo, recovery, and long runs 1 . Adidas Adizero SL2: Light, responsive, and budget-friendly, versatile for both beginners and experienced runners seeking speed and daily training support 1 .

Performance & Specialty Shoes

Nike Vomero 18: Max-cushioned, durable, and energy-returning shoe suitable for long distances and upbeat paces 1 . Saucony Endorphin Pro 5: Lightweight, fast, carbon-plated racing shoe designed for speed workouts and race days 1 . Adidas Adizero Pro EVO 2: High-performance, carbon-plated race shoe for competitive racers seeking propulsion and efficiency 1 .

Trail or Mixed Terrain

Merrell ProMorph Hybrid: Offers a balance for road-to-trail runs with responsive FloatPro+ foam and Vibram XS Trek Evo outsole for traction on varied surfaces 1 .

Key Considerations

Foot Type: Neutral runners generally have more shoe options like Brooks Ghost and Novablast, while overpronators may benefit from stability shoes such as Saucony Hurricane 25 1 . Cushioning vs. Responsiveness: High-cushion shoes (Novablast, Vomero) protect joints on long runs, while lighter racing shoes (Endorphin Pro 5, Adizero EVO) emphasize speed and energy return. Surface & Training Goals: Road shoes offer durability and smooth transitions, while trail or hybrid shoes add traction and adaptability for uneven terrain.

These shoes represent current top-performing models widely used and tested by expert runners, making them excellent choices whether you are a beginner, daily trainer, or competitive racer GearLab+2 .