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10 Best Running Shoes 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 24 Supportive Running Shoe - Peacoat/Black/Sharp Green - 11 Medium
The Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 24 Supportive Running Shoe stands out with its impressive cushioning and support. The nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole offers soft and responsive cushioning, making it comfortable for long runs. The Guiderails Holistic Support System is a significant feature, providing stability and keeping excessive movements in check, which is beneficial for those with overpronation or other support needs.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,231
Cushioning
Support
Fit
Most important from
4517 reviews
#2
Adidas Men's Lite Racer Adapt 7.0, Black/Grey/Grey, 10
The adidas Men's Lite Racer Adapt 7.0 Sneaker is a stylish and practical choice for casual runners. One of its standout features is the Cloudfoam midsole, which offers impressive cushioning, making each step comfortable and reducing impact on your feet. The soft, stretchy textile upper provides a flexible and snug fit, enhanced by adjustable laces that ensure the shoes stay securely on your feet during runs.
Rating
9.4
Cushioning
Fit
Weight
Most important from
5946 reviews
#3
ASICS Men's NOVABLAST 5 Running Shoe, 10, Illusion Blue/Light Blue
The ASICS Men's NOVABLAST 5 is designed for runners looking for a comfortable and responsive shoe. It features a breathable mesh upper that helps keep your feet cool during runs, which is great if you tend to sweat or run in warmer weather. The FF BLAST MAX cushioning offers a lightweight and energetic feel, providing good shock absorption and a lively bounce with each step due to its trampoline-inspired outsole. This makes it well-suited for those who want a springy ride without feeling weighed down.
Rating
8.8
Cushioning
Fit and Width
Outsole Grip and Durability
Most important from
1257 reviews
Top 10 Best Running Shoes 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 24 Supportive Running Shoe - Peacoat/Black/Sharp Green - 11 Medium
Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 24 Supportive Running Shoe - Peacoat/Black/Sharp Green - 11 Medium
Cushioning: nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole
Support: Guiderails Holistic Support System
Fit: engineered air mesh upper
Weight: 1.5 Pounds
Durability: rubber outer and sole material
Traction: good grip on dry and wet terrains
Chosen by 1231 this week
Adidas Men's Lite Racer Adapt 7.0, Black/Grey/Grey, 10
Adidas Men's Lite Racer Adapt 7.0, Black/Grey/Grey, 10
Cushioning: Cloudfoam midsole
Fit: flexible and snug
Weight: lightweight
Durability: sufficient for casual running
Traction: not best on all surfaces
ASICS Men's NOVABLAST 5 Running Shoe, 10, Illusion Blue/Light Blue
ASICS Men's NOVABLAST 5 Running Shoe, 10, Illusion Blue/Light Blue
Cushioning: FF BLAST MAX cushioning
Fit and Width: Tongue wing; stretchy upper
Outsole Grip and Durability: Rubber outsole
Breathability: Breathable mesh upper
New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8
New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe, Summer Fog/Nimbus Cloud/Light Gold Metallic, 8
Cushioning: Fresh Foam midsole cushioning
Fit and Width: standard
Outsole Grip and Durability: rubber outsole, durable, reliable grip
Breathability: mesh upper
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 24 Supportive Running Shoe - White/Limpet Shell/Amparo - 8.5 Medium
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 24 Supportive Running Shoe - White/Limpet Shell/Amparo - 8.5 Medium
Cushioning: nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3
Support: Brooks’ GuideRails Holistic Support
Fit: engineered air mesh upper, breathable, snug
Weight: 1.5 Pounds
Durability: good quality materials
Traction: rubber outsole, smooth road and trail
Related Products
Up to 17% off
Under Armour Men's Charged Assert 10, (001) Black/Black/White, 12, US
Under Armour Men's Charged Assert 10, (001) Black/Black/White, 12, US
Cushioning: Under Armour Charged Foam tech
Support: moderate foot support
Fit: true to size
Weight: 2.4 Pounds
Durability: decent durability
Traction: decent traction
Adidas Women's Run 70s 2.0, White/Black/Grey, 8
Adidas Women's Run 70s 2.0, White/Black/Grey, 8
Cushioning: Cloudfoam cushioning
Arch Support: moderate support
Fit and Width: runs large; buy half size smaller
Outsole Grip and Durability: synthetic outsole; reliable grip; durable
Breathability: decent breathability; leather limits airflow
ASICS Women's GT-2000 13 Running Shoes, 7, Dusty Mauve/Watershed Rose
ASICS Women's GT-2000 13 Running Shoes, 7, Dusty Mauve/Watershed Rose
Cushioning: Rearfoot PureGEL technology
Fit and Width: Pull-on design, fits average feet
Outsole Grip and Durability: Rubber sole, durable for road runs
Breathability: Jacquard mesh upper
#10
Brooks Men’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe - Black/Black/Ebony - 11 Medium
Brooks Men’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe - Black/Black/Ebony - 11 Medium
Cushioning: nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam
Support: neutral support
Fit: 3D Fit Print design
Weight: 1.17 Pounds
Durability: RoadTack rubber outsole
Traction: reliable on pavement surfaces
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Buying Guide for the Best Running Shoes
Choosing the right running shoes is important because comfortable and supportive footwear can make your runs smoother, prevent injuries, and even improve your performance. To pick the best pair for you, it’s helpful to know a bit about your running style, the type of surfaces you run on, and any personal needs you may have like arch support or cushioning preference. Understanding key features will help you sort through options and find shoes that match both your feet and your goals.CushioningCushioning refers to the amount of padding in the sole of the running shoe, especially under the heel and forefoot. This is important because it affects how much shock is absorbed with every step, influencing comfort and protection from impact. Shoes generally range from minimal to maximal cushioning: minimal cushioning offers a lighter, more ground-contact feel, suited for experienced runners or those who prefer to feel the ground beneath them, while maximal cushioning provides the most softness, good for long distances, recovery runs, or those prone to joint pain. To choose what’s right for you, think about how much comfort versus ground feel you want, how far you run, and any past issues with pain or discomfort.
Arch SupportArch support is how the shoe conforms to and supports the arch of your foot. It matters because everyone’s arch shape is different—some people have flat feet, others high arches. Shoes typically provide neutral support (for normal arches), stability support (for low arches or flat feet to prevent excess rolling in), or motion control (for severe overpronation). To pick the right support, check your arch by looking at your footprint: a full footprint usually means flat feet, while a narrow footprint through the middle suggests high arches. Knowing your arch type guides you in choosing shoes that keep your feet comfortable and aligned.
Fit and WidthFit and width refer to how snugly and comfortably a shoe wraps around your feet, as well as the space in the toe box and across the midfoot. This is important because shoes that are too tight can cause blisters and discomfort, while shoes that are too loose can lead to instability and slipping. Most brands offer different widths (narrow, regular, wide), so it’s good to try on different pairs or recognize if you usually need a bit more or less room. Your right choice depends on how your foot feels inside the shoe—look for a secure heel, enough space to wiggle toes, and no pinching along the sides.
Heel DropHeel drop is the difference in height between the heel and the toe in a shoe. This spec is crucial for your running form and comfort. A higher heel drop (around 10-12mm) promotes landing on the heel and can help reduce strain on the Achilles tendon. A lower drop (0-6mm) encourages a more natural stride and midfoot or forefoot striking. If you’re used to traditional shoes or are prone to calf issues, a moderate to higher drop may be best, while if you want a more minimalist or natural running experience, a low drop could be a better fit. It’s best to stick with what matches your running style unless you plan to transition gradually.
Outsole Grip and DurabilityThe outsole is the bottom part of the shoe that touches the ground, and its grip and durability matter because they affect traction and how long the shoes last. Outsoles with deeper lugs or special rubber compounds are great for trail or off-road running, while flatter, smoother soles suit road surfaces. If you mostly run on roads or treadmills, look for a durable but smooth outsole. For mixed or rugged terrain, opt for more aggressive grip patterns. Match the outsole to the most common surface you plan to run on for the best balance of safety and longevity.
BreathabilityBreathability is how well the shoe’s upper lets air in and moisture out. Good breathability is important to keep your feet cool, dry, and comfortable, especially during longer runs or in warm weather. Shoes with mesh or ventilated uppers tend to offer the best airflow, reducing risk of blisters and overheating. If you run in mainly hot or humid conditions, prioritize highly breathable shoes, while in colder climates, you might prefer shoes with a bit more material to keep your feet warm.