Best Road Running Shoes of 2024

While there’s no best road running shoe for every situation and person, some definitely rise above the rest. This guide is for runners searching for an everyday road running shoe that can handle long runs, easy runs, social runs, and speed sessions. We started by researching and compiling a list of the top three dozen road running shoes and sent them to our team of 22 shoe testers, ensuring that each shoe got tested by multiple people over several weeks. Our testers are year-round runners of every pace and body type who love to get into the details of each shoe. We developed this guide to the best available options based on their feedback.

After hundreds of miles of testing, our favorite road-specific shoe is the Hoka Clifton 9 for its lightweight comfort and smooth ride. However, we also love the Nike Pegasus 41 and Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23.

If you’re looking for road running shoes with a lot of cushion, head to our best cushioned road running shoes guide, and if you know you need a stability shoe, check out our best stability road running shoes guide. Check out our best running shoes guide to view a mix of our favorite road and trail shoes. And our best marathon shoe guide for anyone training for the 26.2-mile distance.

Otherwise, read on, and be sure to look at our testing methodology, buying advice, frequently asked questions, and a roundup of road running shoe lingo.

Best Road Running Shoes – Editors’ Picks

• Best Overall Road Running Shoe: Hoka Clifton 9
• Best Overall Road Running Shoe — Runner-Up: Nike Pegasus 41
• Best Cushioned Road Running Shoe: Nike Vomero 17
• Best Stability Road Running Shoe: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
• Best Zero-Drop Road Running Shoe: Altra Torin 7
• Best Road Running Shoe for Tempo Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
• Best Road Running Shoe for Tempo Runs — Runner-Up: Topo Athletic Cyclone 2
• Best Racing Road Running Shoe: Hoka Rocket X 2

Best Overall Road Running Shoe: Hoka Clifton 9 ($145)

Overall Rating: 8.5 | Upper Comfort: 8.5 | Underfoot Feel: 8 | Responsiveness: 7.5 | Stability: 7 | Cushion: 8.5

Pros:

• A cushioned road running shoe that works great for everyday running
• Super comfortable, excellent for recovery runs

Cons:

• Not as responsive in speed sessions as other top picks

The Hoka Clifton 9 was the top pick in our cushioned road running shoes guide, and part of the reason it earned that spot is that it does a lot of things well — and this means the shoe deserves a top spot among everyday road running shoes as well. Although it has 32 millimeters of plush cushion underfoot, it isn’t so soft that you lose all feeling of the ground. Additionally, it’s impressively light, weighing in at less than nine ounces.

We especially love the updated upper of this shoe. It’s smooth, light, and breathable. As a result, the shoe feels ample and supportive without the bulky or clunky experience of “too much shoe” — making it ideal for everyday miles. This is an excellent shoe for any runner, whether you’re logging miles for daily fitness and enjoyment or training for your next marathon. It transitions well between pavement, gravel, and packed dirt, though it wouldn’t be our first choice for the track or similar short-interval speedwork.

But if you’re looking for an everyday, solid running shoe for recovery and long runs, we don’t think there’s a better shoe currently available. And it’s not just our testers who love this shoe. According to 2023 data from Strava, the Clifton 9 was the most popular shoe in the world. For good reason — it’s a highly approachable shoe that will work for most runners.

Actual Weight (U.S. men’s 9): 8.9 ounces (253 grams) | Drop: 5 millimeters

Shop the Women's Hoka Clifton 9Shop the Men's Hoka Clifton 9

Best Overall Road Running Shoe — Runner-Up: Nike Pegasus 41 ($140)

Overall Rating: 9.5 | Upper Comfort: 9 | Underfoot Feel: 9 | Responsiveness: 9 | Stability: 7 | Cushion: 9

Pros:

• A classic running shoe at an excellent value
• Excellent all-around shoes for pavement, gravel, and dirt
• It has good durability and will work for most runners

Cons:

• Some folks found the sizing off on this model

The Nike Pegasus 41 is the most classic running shoe the Beaverton, Oregon-based brand offers. As the “41” indicates, the shoe has been around for four decades and is Nike’s most popular daily trainer. The latest version comes with a few updates, making it one of the best daily road running shoes on the market. At the bottom, Nike employs its waffle-inspired outsole, also found on the Vomero 17 below. We’ll also get into it below, but that outsole is one of our favorites for road shoes for its versatility. We found it handles non-technical dirt and gravel paths and roads with ease.

Moving up the shoe, Nike uses its new ReactX foam, which the brand claims to be 13% more responsive than the previous version of the React foam. Air Zoom units placed in the heels also help boost responsiveness. The shoe features an upgraded engineered mesh upper and plush tongue. The result is an incredibly comfy, smooth, and fun shoe.

If you’re looking for a pure, maximum cushion road shoe, we recommend the Hoka Clifton 9. But if you’re looking for a more versatile shoe that can handle multiple surfaces outside of pavement and could work for some lighter uptempo or fartlek work, we highly recommend the Nike Pegasus 41. Both provide excellent value and should last well past 300 miles.

Actual Weight (U.S. men’s 9): 10.4 ounces (297 grams) | Drop: 10 millimeters

Shop the Women's Nike Pegasus 41Shop the Men's Nike Pegasus 41

Best Cushioned Road Running Shoe: Nike Vomero 17 ($160)

Overall Rating: 9.5 | Upper Comfort: 9.5 | Underfoot Feel: 9 | Responsiveness: 9 | Stability: 7 | Cushion: 9

Pros:

• A solid all-around shoe that will work on paved roads and paths but also non-technical gravel and dirt roads and paths
• It is also versatile enough to handle long runs and tempo workouts
• Very comfortable, responsive, and supportive

Cons:

• Some folks have complained about the upper being too hot, but we haven’t really experienced it, even with the majority of our testing taking place during the summer
• The 10-millimeter drop might be too much for some folks

Nike made several changes to the Nike Vomero 17 compared to previous versions. We dig them all. Starting at the bottom, Nike employs a redesigned waffle-patterned outsole. Our romanticized images of Bill Bowerman crafting the original waffle-inspired shoes aside, we found these outsoles increased the versatility of this shoe. Yeah, it’s technically a road shoe. But we confidently took it onto gravel roads and non-technical dirt paths. (We actually probably put more miles on these shoes on dirt, gravel, and crushed rock paths than pavement.) It’s not a trail outsole or shoe. But it more than handles its own on non-pavement and non-technical surfaces.

Moving up the shoe, Nike stacked its ZoomX midsole foam on top of its Cushlon 3.0 foam. We found the new hybrid midsole very comfortable, plush, and responsive. While Nike calls the Vomero 17 its maximum cushion shoe built for everyday runs and comfort, it also excelled at long runs and some uptempo work. We found the new engineered mesh upper very comfortable. We’ve seen some online complaining about the upper being too hot. We tested the shoe this past summer and had no issues with our feet overheating.

The bottom line is that this is a very versatile, comfy, and fun shoe. Our primary tester took it on a two-month road trip across the Western U.S. and Midwest, running on paved trails and roads, gravel and dirt roads, and some non-technical single track. And it worked for all conditions and settings.

Actual Weight (U.S. men’s 9): 10.5 ounces | Drop: 10

Shop the Women's Nike Vomero 17Shop the Men's Nike Vomero 17

Best Stability Road Running Shoe: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 ($140)

Overall Rating: 8 | Upper Comfort: 8 | Underfoot Feel: 7 | Responsiveness: 6.5 | Stability: 9.5 | Cushion: 7.5

Pros:

• A light and breathable stability shoe for everyday road running

Cons:

• It can feel a little flat when you pick up the pace

We recommend the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 as a great everyday stability road running shoe for our overpronators. Check out our guide to the best stability running shoes to learn more about stability shoes and additional top performers in this category. The shoe’s support comes from Brooks’ GuideRails technology, consisting of two foam wedges inside the shoe on each side of the heel that help stabilize the ride without overcorrecting a runner’s natural gait. These firm foam pieces keep the foot from rolling too far toward the inside as the arch absorbs impact and compresses.

In testing, runners noted that this shoe feels great out of the box and gets even more comfortable with each run. The shoe’s upper is breathable, and its cushion is soft with a smooth forward transition. It lacks the springiness that we like in a speed workout, so if you’re looking for more bounce, check out the Nike Structure 24 or the Saucony Guide 16, two other shoes in our best stability running shoes guide. Nonetheless, this shoe is time-tested and accommodates a wide range of feet, providing stable support and moderate cushion day in and day out. It’s no wonder the Adrenaline has been one of the most popular stability running shoes for many years.

Actual Weight (U.S. men’s 9): 10.6 ounces (301 grams) | Drop: 12 millimeters

Shop the Women's Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23Shop the Men's Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

Best Zero-Drop Road Running Shoe: Altra Torin 7 ($150)

Overall Rating: 8 | Upper Comfort: 7 | Underfoot Feel: 9 | Responsiveness: 7.5 | Stability: 8 | Cushion: 7.5

Pros:

• The updated cushion feels firmer, bouncier, and more durable
• The tongue is soft and comfortable

Cons:

• Narrower fit than previous versions
• Increased stack height from the previous version is not for everyone

The recently updated Altra Torin 7 is a great everyday road running shoe for runners who love the grounded feeling that zero-drop shoes provide, as well as the roomy toebox for which Altra is known. The newest version of this shoe features an updated tongue that our testers appreciated for its smooth, soft, and slightly cushioned feel. We will not miss the previous version’s laser-cut tongue design. The cushion also feels somewhat firmer than earlier versions, giving runners a nice little bounce underfoot while maintaining a stable experience with adequate ground feel. That said, increased stack height is currently a trend with shoe updates across many brands, including for this shoe, and not all runners want more lift.

Still, this shoe remains relatively lightweight and provides a nimble running experience. Its balance of cushion and responsiveness makes it a versatile shoe for daily runs on roads and gravel. Testers observed that the newest update feels a bit narrower in the midfoot, so if you have a wide or high-volume foot and have relied on previous versions of the shoe to provide ample space, you may want to try this shoe on before purchasing.

As a final note, Altra introduced its first non-zero-drop shoe, the FWDExperience, with a 4-millimeter drop in October 2023. The iRunFar team is currently testing this shoe, and time (and miles) will tell whether it will start appearing in some of our guides. In the meantime, it’d be worth trying on the FWDExperience alongside the Torin 7 if you’re not committed to exclusively zero drop.

Actual Weight (U.S. men’s 9): 8.9 ounces (251 grams) | Drop: 0 millimeters

Shop the Women's Altra Torin 7Shop the Men's Altra Torin 7

Best Road Running Shoe for Tempo Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 ($140)

Overall Rating: 9 | Upper Comfort: 9 | Underfoot Feel: 9 | Responsiveness: 9 | Stability: 8 | Cushion: 9.5

Pros:

• Super lightweight and responsive
• Plush with cushion
• A true “do-everything” shoe that works for easy days, long runs, and speed workouts

Cons:

• There is virtually no traction on the bottom, so only works well on dry pavement

If you’re looking for a lightweight shoe that truly does it all, look no further than the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4. The newest version of this line of shoes is the best yet. From the moment we put it on and took our first steps, we were smiling. It’s definitely one of the most fun shoes we’ve run in recently. What makes this version so special? First, New Balance added some stack height to the shoe, raising the heel to 32 millimeters and forefoot to 26 millimeters. The extra cushion adds softness and bounce while maintaining a highly responsive ride.

Despite the added stack height, the shoe still has a claimed weight of just 7.5 ounces for the men’s version. That’s thanks, in part, to the FuelCell foam, which produces a highly propulsive action while remaining super light. New Balance also employs its FantomFit technology on its upper for boosted bonded support, creating a secure feeling. We also found the upper’s breathable mesh to be very comfortable. All of this, along with the shoe, is relatively affordable.

Claimed Weight (men’s): 7.5 ounces (212 grams) | Drop: 6 millimeters

Shop the Women's New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4Shop the Men's New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4

Best Road Running Shoe for Tempo Runs — Runner-Up: Topo Athletic Cyclone 2 ($150)

Overall Rating: 9 | Upper Comfort: 9 | Underfoot Feel: 8.5 | Responsiveness: 9 | Stability: 8 | Cushion: 8.5

Pros:

• It will effortlessly increase your cadence and speed
• Responsive foam and soft upper

Cons:

• Not the best choice if you’re truly trying to run easy
• Less durable midsole and outsole than other shoes

After stepping into the Topo Athletic Cyclone 2, you may find that you feel the need . . . the need for speed. That’s because this ultralight, bouncy, and breathable shoe with its rocker profile will have your legs turning over and your cadence picking up without you even realizing you’re running faster. At least, that’s what happened with our testers. They described running in these shoes as feeling effortlessly speedier than usual. In fact, just as “smooth” was the frequently used word with the On Cloudsurfer reviewed above, “effortless” was the word testers kept using for this shoe.

That effortless experience is in part due to the extreme lightness of this shoe. Further, Topo’s Pebax foam in the midsole provides a responsive energy return, and the die-cut rubber outsole adds little weight and friction. The downside of a shoe made from these very light materials is that it won’t last as long as other road running shoes in this guide. However, the shorter lifespan may be worth the feeling of flight, especially considering this shoe’s competitive price point. As for the rest of the shoe, testers appreciated the soft, smooth, and breathable upper, though they added that getting a secure fit and heel lockdown may require fiddling with the laces to get it just right. And, of course, not every run should involve a need for speed, so this shoe may not work as a daily trainer for runners who need every reminder to keep their easy runs easy.

Actual Weight (U.S. men’s 9): 6.7 ounces (190 grams) | Drop: 5 millimeters

Shop the Women's Topo Athletic Cyclone 2Shop the Men's Topo Athletic Cyclone 2

Best Racing Road Running Shoe: Hoka Rocket X 2 ($250)

Overall Rating: 9 | Upper Comfort: 8.5 | Underfoot Feel: 8.5 | Responsiveness: 9 | Stability: 9 | Cushion: 9

Pros:

• Very bouncy, propulsive, and efficient
• Works well from 5K to marathon

Cons:

• It could almost be too much bounce for some
• Not the lightest racing shoe

Hoka absolutely nailed it with the Rocket X 2 road racing shoe. In an increasingly large world of carbon-plated super shoes, the Rocket X 2 stands out. Let’s start at the bottom and work up. First, Hoka sandwiched a carbon plate between two new pieces of PEBA foam. This is what creates the cushioned yet propulsive feel. Hoka also employs a new synthetic mesh, a midfoot lockdown, and gussets to create a snug and comfy feel. (You won’t feel like you’re going to run out of these shoes.) And we love the top-shelf ProFlyX construction and MetaRocker.

All of this adds up to a super fun ride and a shoe that’s been our go-to for long-run workouts, tempos, and road races up to the marathon. Our one nitpick with this shoe is it’s still on the heavier side. We don’t feel like this impacts our performance, as the shoe’s construction definitely increases stride efficiency and propulsion. But there are lighter options available. The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 would also serve as an excellent racing shoe. However, we do really like the 5-millimeter drop, which makes this shoe less aggressive and more approachable for more runners. We also noticed this shoe felt at its best at marathon pace and faster. Other folks we spoke with about the shoe agreed. So, it won’t be an everyday type of running shoe.

Actual Weight (U.S. men’s 9): 8.3 ounces (239 grams) | Drop: 5 millimeters

Shop the Hoka Rocket X 2 (unisex)

Comparing the Best Road Running Shoes

SHOE	PRICE	WEIGHT	DROP	CUSHION
Nike Vomero 17	$160	10.5 ounces	10 millimeters	Maximum
Hoka Clifton 9	$145	8.9 ounces	5 millimeters	Maximum
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23	$140	10.6 ounces	12 millimeters	Moderate
Altra Torin 7	$150	8.9 ounces	0 millimeters	Maximum
Topo Athletic Cyclone 2	$150	6.7 ounces	5 millimeters	Minimum
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4	$140	7.5 ounces	6 millimeters	Moderate
Hoka Rocket X 2	$250	8.3 ounces	5 millimeters	Moderate
Nike Pegasus 41	$140	10.4 ounces	10 millimeters	Moderate

Glossary

• Heel-to-Toe Drop – The difference in height between the heel and the toe of the shoe, most often measured in millimeters. Often called “offset” or “drop” for short.
• Midsole – The middle layer of foam between a shoe’s upper and outsole that provides cushioning.
• Outsole – The bottom part of the shoe that comes into contact with the ground and provides traction.
• Upper – The entire top of the shoe.
• Toebox – The area surrounding the ball of the foot and toes. They can come in a variety of widths depending on the shape and purpose of the shoe.
• Stack Height – The combined height of a shoe’s outsole and midsole. Higher stack heights generally indicate more cushioning.
• Pronation – The natural collapse of the foot’s arch while standing, walking, or running that provides natural shock absorption in a gait.
• Overpronation – Excess arch collapse that can lead to issues with arches, ankles, Achilles tendons, shins, outer knees, and/or outer hips.
• Supination – A lack of arch collapse that results in the outer foot absorbing most of the impact of a stride. It can cause plantar fasciitis and/or pain in the pelvis and lumbar spine. This is also referred to as under-pronation.

How to Choose Everyday Road Running Shoes

Road Running Shoes Versus Trail Running Shoes

An easy way to think about the difference between road and trail shoes is to think about the difference between road and mountain bike tires. Road bike tires have a smooth surface meant to glide quickly across smooth surfaces with minimal friction. On the other hand, mountain bike tires have beefy lugs to provide more traction and grip to help move across loose and uneven surfaces.

It’s the same with road and trail running shoes. Road shoes, like the ones featured in this guide, have smooth outsoles and are meant for pavement or smooth gravel roads. Trail shoes will have beefy lugs on the outsoles. Trail running shoes sometimes also have additional features like rock plates and extra protection around the toebox to help deal with rocks and roots on the trail.

If you primarily run on the roads, trail shoes are probably overkill, and the big lugs can be uncomfortable for running on smooth, hard surfaces. If you run most days of the week throughout the year, having a few road and trail shoes to rotate during your training is a good idea. If you’re looking for a daily workhorse of a road running shoe, the Hoka Clifton 9 is durable and comfortable.

Different Types of Road Running Shoes

Finding the best road running shoes can be overwhelming and intimidating. Shoes are designed differently for various tasks, such as everyday running, workouts, and racing. And within those different categories are shoes with varying cushion, drop, and stability levels. While plenty of road running shoes are specialized for specific situations, the road running shoes in this guide are ideally suited for every day running at a comfortable pace, though they’ll get the job done in a workout or race. Lighter and bouncier shoes like the Topo Athletic Cyclone 2 and the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 will perform a little better in speedier sessions, while the Nike Pegasus 41 is better suited for a relaxed pace. The Hoka Clifton 9 strikes a nice balance of doing everything well.

To choose the best road running shoes for your goals, determine what type of runner you are and want to become. Are you looking for training shoes to run a few days or more a week? Then, an everyday trainer like the Hoka Clifton 9 is great. Having two or three pairs of shoes to choose between can help prevent overuse injuries while keeping your training fun and interesting. If you plan on running faster workouts, like tempos or intervals, or running in races, you may want a pair of lightweight and responsive shoes, like the Topo Athletic Cyclone 2.

Next, you’ll want to decide on the level of stability and cushion you prefer. Generally, low or flat arches respond best to stability shoes, while mid to high arches work best in neutral shoes. Note that these are generalities, and it’s best to visit a specialty running store for a foot and gait analysis if you can.

Stability Versus Neutral Running Shoes

The main difference between neutral and stability shoes is that neutral shoes allow the feet to move and flex naturally, while stability shoes help guide the foot into a certain position to help prevent overpronation. Our advice before buying a pair of running shoes is to have an expert at a local running specialty store examine your gait. Most people pronate some, but if you overpronate and your feet roll inward after impact with the ground, you might consider a stability shoe. Stability shoes might also help if you’re prone to Achilles tendinitis, runner’s knee, or shin splints.

Another way to determine if you need stability shoes is to look at the wear pattern on the bottom of your current running shoes. If your shoes’ medial — or inward side — has more wear than the rest of your outsoles, you probably need stability shoes. Lastly, consider the height of your arches. It’s not always the case, but a general rule is those with low or flat arches will benefit more from stability shoes than those with medium or high arches.

Some of our favorite neutral road running shoes include the Nike Pegasus 41, and the Hoka Clifton 9. Our favorite stability shoe is the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23. Learn more in our guide to the best stability running shoes.

Fit

Generally speaking, to determine your shoe size, you want to measure the length of your foot in inches and then size up a half- to full-size in running shoes, leaving about a thumb’s width of space between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe. While there can be slight differences between brands, most are pretty standardized. For example, a size 10 in Nike should also be a size 10 in Hoka or Asics.

You’ll also want to know the width of your foot. The basic rule is you don’t want any part of your foot hanging off the midsole. Many shoe brands — like Hoka, Brooks, and New Balance — offer standard and wide-width models of specific shoes to fit more foot sizes and styles. Getting the correct width is crucial to comfort and shoe longevity, as the upper can tear if the shoe’s width is too narrow for your foot. A shoe that is too wide will allow your foot to slide around. A good fit will give your toes space to splay and wiggle some but not let your feet move around inside the shoe. If you’re looking for a shoe with a wide toebox, consider the Topo Athletic Cyclone 2 or the Altra Torin 7.

Toebox Shape

Like cushioning, the right toebox shape and size come down to personal preference. And like cushioning, toeboxes generally come in three styles — narrow, medium, and wide. If you prefer a snug fit around your toes, you’ll want to opt for a narrow or medium toebox. Narrow toeboxes are often associated with higher levels of performance. Pick a shoe with a wider toebox if you like some wiggle or splay room for your toes and are concerned about comfort over long miles.

In this guide, the Nike Pegasus 41 has a fairly traditional toebox that’s not especially narrow or wide. The Hoka Clifton 9 has a slightly wider toebox but is still fairly average. The Topo Athletic Cyclone 2 and Altra Torin 7 have a wide toebox, which both brands are known for. The wide toebox allows feet to relax and for toes to spread out comfortably.

Heel-to-Toe Drop Considerations

The heel-to-toe drop is the difference in a shoe’s stack height between the heel and the toe. Stack height is the distance between your foot and the ground and comprises the midsole and outsole. A common heel-to-toe drop typically falls in the 6- to 10-millimeter range.

While the drop is typically a personal preference, some things must be considered. For example, a higher heel stack height and drop might feel better and help with a smoother transition from the heel strike to the toe-off if you’re a hard heel striker. On the other hand, a lower drop can help with lower back tightness as it can help lengthen posterior muscles and tendons like the glutes and hamstrings. However, a lower drop shoe probably isn’t best if you have had Achilles tendon issues or chronically tight calf muscles.

Check out our comparison table above for a rundown of the different drop levels for each featured shoe.

Arch Support

Every person’s feet and ankles move a little differently throughout the various parts of their gait. A foot’s arch will collapse slightly throughout a stride for shock absorption. If an arch collapses too much, the entire foot and ankle roll inwards, and this is commonly referred to as overpronation. People who overpronate often have issues with their ankles, Achilles tendons, shins, knees, and/or hips. Stability shoes like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 can guide your foot into a more neutral position. Low arches are often associated with overpronation. On the other side of the spectrum, some people have high arches that don’t collapse enough during their stride, called underpronation or supination. This puts all of the impact on the outside part of the foot and can cause plantar fasciitis, pain in the pelvis, and issues with the lumbar spine.

The shape of your arch and how it moves throughout your stride determines the level of arch support you need in a shoe. Visiting a running store to have your gait analyzed is the best way to determine if you need extra arch support to stay injury-free and running comfortably.

Uppers

The uppers of road shoes need to be durable enough to stand up for long miles while letting your feet breathe so they don’t get sweaty. Moisture buildup combined with friction and heat can lead to blisters far too quickly, so lightweight uppers are crucial. Since road shoe uppers don’t frequently get scraped against rocks and roots like trail shoes do, they can be much lighter and breathable than their counterparts. Many of the shoes in this guide were selected for the comfort and breathability of their uppers. Our testers especially loved the upper of the Nike Pegasus 41, finding it stretchy, comfortable, and able to provide a secure lockdown.

Other Considerations

There are many other factors to consider when choosing the best road running shoes, including the amount you run and the primary surface you’re running on. You’ll also have to decide whether you want to do speedwork or participate in any races. Your history of running injuries should also be kept in mind. If you’re a high-volume runner, a well-cushioned shoe like the Hoka Clifton 9 can provide impact protection for your joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, keeping you fresher over longer miles. Unfortunately, as the cushion of a shoe increases, its responsiveness typically decreases. Shoes with a lot of cushion have the potential to feel mushy or slow. If you intend to do a lot of speedwork, a highly cushioned shoe may feel significantly more sluggish than something with a firmer midsole and a lower stack height.

Why You Should Trust Us

We compiled this best road running shoes guide with the expertise and testing experience of the iRunFar team, supplemented by extensive research by author Alli Hartz and input from seasoned running shoe experts.

We began by compiling a list of about 45 road running shoes that are ideal for everyday running and suitable for a broad range of runners. These consisted of long-time favorites of the iRunFar team, new options on the market, and other popular and less popular shoes in the running world. After researching these options, we sent out 14 pairs of shoes to our team of nine testers, who extensively test dozens of shoes yearly. Each tester received at least three shoe options for testing and put between 25 to 100+ miles on each shoe. The shoes eventually making this guide received the most testing, and options not performing as well were shelved earlier on. At least two people tested every shoe to gather various opinions from different runners. We tested many of these shoes alongside stability and cushioned road shoes to have as many comparison options as possible.

Most of the testing for this guide happened during the spring and summer months as our testers were gearing up for their big summer goals. Testers ran on pavement, gravel, and light trails in cold, warm, hot, and wet conditions. The initial testing period spanned approximately three months, with testing ongoing to keep this guide updated.

We rated the road running shoes on fit, feel, stability, cushion, responsiveness, performance, durability, and other factors. We looked closely at the upper, the midsole, and the outsole and how they stood up to miles of use. With this information, we further narrowed our list of the best to the shoes in this guide. Since its initial publishing, we have continued road shoe testing to maintain the current best list with each update.

Frequently Asked Questions about Road Running Shoes

What is a road running shoe?

A road running shoe is designed to excel on smooth surfaces. They have smooth outsoles that generally lack the lugs and rock protection that trail running shoes provide. Road running shoes can come with a variety of cushion levels to accommodate different running needs. Some are designed to be lively and snappy for speed workouts, while others are comfortable enough to run endless miles on hard surfaces. Our team placed the Hoka Clifton 9 at the top of our favorite road running shoes list because it did everything well and was a crowd-pleaser among testers.

What are the main differences between road running and trail shoes?

The biggest difference between road running and trail shoes is the outsoles. While the lugs and sticky rubber of trail shoe outsoles are designed to provide purchase on a wide variety of surfaces, including hardpack, loose rocks, mud, and more, road shoes tend to have very smooth outsoles that excel on the pavement. This allows them to be lighter than trail shoes and more comfortable when running on flat and hard surfaces, namely pavement and dirt roads. The uppers of road shoes may also be less durable than trail shoes since they have to withstand much less abuse from rocks and other trailside debris. Some shoes in this guide, like the Hoka Clifton 9, perform just fine on gravel roads and non-technical dirt trails.

Can I run on trails in road running shoes?

While it’s technically possible to run anywhere in road shoes, running on loose, steep, or technical trails in them is generally not recommended. With their relatively smooth outsoles, road shoes don’t provide much grip on anything other than pavement — some road shoes you might even want to leave at home if the pavement is wet. If you choose to wear road shoes on trails, you might find yourself slipping and potentially falling and injuring yourself. That said, on gravel or hard-packed trails that aren’t too steep, road shoes may be perfectly adequate and a good choice, especially if you’re running a fair bit of pavement to get to and from the trails. The Hoka Clifton 9 is a good option for a road shoe with enough grip, durability, and support to perform on dirt surfaces.

What are the best road running shoes for beginners?

If you’re new to running and don’t know anything about choosing the best road running shoes for your needs, the best thing to do is to visit your local specialty running shop. There, they’ll be able to measure your feet, discuss the different types of surfaces you want to run on, and analyze your gait. They can look at your arch height, determine the amount of pronation in your ankles, and provide recommendations for shoes that will help you have a long and healthy running career.

If you don’t have a local shop to visit, getting a fairly average shoe in all measurements is a good idea. Most brands will run true to size, so you should be able to simply buy a running shoe that’s the same size as all the other shoes you wear. When it comes to heel-to-toe drop, choosing a mid-range shoe with 8 to 10 millimeters of drop, such as the Nike Pegasus 41, will probably work well. If you haven’t run much in the past, choosing a well-cushioned shoe like the Hoka Clifton 9 may help protect your joints, muscles, and ligaments from impact. Increasing your running mileage gradually will allow your body to adapt and help prevent injuries.

What are the best road running shoes for speed?

Regarding speed, lighter weight and bouncier cushion is generally better, especially over longer distances. If you’re looking for a road shoe for speedwork, something with a springy and lively feel is a good idea. Highly cushioned shoes generally aren’t ideal for speedwork as they tend to be too squishy and slow-feeling, although this is changing with the increase of highly cushioned plated shoes coming onto the market. However, if you want something more specialized, keeping multiple pairs of shoes in rotation for easy and hard runs would be a good idea.

What are the best road running shoes for marathons?

For longer runs, cushioned shoes like the Hoka Clifton 9 are a great idea to protect your feet, joints, and muscles from the impact of so many steps. Learn more about different cushioned shoes in our best cushioned running shoes guide. While a highly cushioned shoe might be too much for someone trying to run a competitive marathon time, shoes without much cushion could lead to a faster breakdown of your muscles and increased joint pain throughout the run. But as with all shoes, wearing something comfortable that fits your feet well is far more important than having the latest and greatest shoes on the market.

What sort of heel-to-toe drop do I want in my running shoes?

Finding the right heel-to-toe drop is a matter of personal preference, running style, and injury history. Low- or zero-drop shoes, like the Altra Torin 7, are increasingly popular in both the trail- and the road-running world, but they don’t work for everyone. Low-drop shoes can lead to a variety of injuries if you have tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles, especially if you don’t gradually ease your way into their use. On the other hand, low- and zero-drop shoes may be a great option if you frequently experience lower back tightness, as they tend to lead to the lengthening of all of the muscles in the back of your body.

Choosing a shoe with a moderate heel-to-toe drop, generally in the 8- to 10-millimeter range, like the Nike Pegasus 41, should work for most runners. If you plan on transitioning to a shoe with a different amount of drop than you’re used to, it’s prudent to change over time so that your body can adjust without getting injured.

How do I want road running shoes to fit?

Road running shoes should fit like your other shoes: snug yet comfortable. The best way to get a well-fitting shoe is to go to a local running shop where they can not only measure the length of your feet but also consider their shape and width when selling you a shoe.

When you put the shoe on, you should be able to place about a thumb’s width between the end of your toes and the end of the shoe. This will keep your toes from slamming into the front of your shoe as you run on different gradients, preventing bruising, blisters, and issues with your toenails. You should be able to wiggle and fully extend your toes without feeling constricted by the edges of the shoe or the upper. When you’re trying shoes on, be sure to try both feet since many people have feet that are two different sizes.

You’ll also want to ensure that the edges of your feet don’t hang over the shoe’s midsole, as this can cause blisters and lead to the uppers wearing out much more quickly. Many road running shoes are available in standard, wide, and even extra-wide sizing options. Additionally, choosing ones with a wider toebox, such as the Altra Torin 7 or the Topo Athletic Cyclone 2, can help provide the front of your foot with extra space.

What are the best running shoes for walking?

Most running shoes work just as well for walking. However, some will be better than others. Generally, Hoka, Brooks, and New Balance make shoes that excel at running and walking. Out of the shoes in this guide, we recommend the Hoka Clifton 9 as excellent shoes for walking.

Call for Comments

• Do you have a favorite road running shoe?
• What features do you consider when choosing a road running shoe?

Back to Our Top Road Running Shoes Picks