7 Best Competition Running Shoes, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

With speed written all over them, the best running shoes for racing are light, snappy, and crazy responsive.
With so many competition running shoes to choose from, it can be a challenge to pick the right pair - let alone, the best pair.
But don’t fret, we have handpicked our top picks from five different categories to cater to all runners.
How we test running shoes
To stay objective, we always buy the shoes we review with our own money. We also examine them thoroughly in our independent shoe testing lab.
To further our scrutiny, we also:
- Log at least 30 to 50 miles in each race running shoe
- Slice them open
- Assess and measure each part of the shoe
- Generate their Corescore based on thousands of expert and user reviews
Best competition running shoes overall
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 5% in road running shoes
- Top 4% in ASICS running shoes
- Top 3% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Bouncy and responsive
- Fast
- Fantastic grip
- Ultra breathable
- Stable even at slower speeds
- Ultra-lightweight
- Perfect fit
- Superb foot lockdown
- Fits wider feet
Cons
- Not so durable
- Expensive
- Not for cold weather
- No heel tab
Verdict
We almost never say this, but when we do, it's really something - the ASICS MetaSpeed Sky is the BEST racing flat we've ever tried! It's ultralight, responsive, and supportive in all the right places, zooming us forward to our next PB with fun and confidence! Even better, in comparison to all other carbon-plated race shoes we've tested, this is by far, the most stable - even at slower speeds!
Competition running shoes with best cushioning
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 19% in road running shoes
- Top 9% in Nike running shoes
- Top 8% most popular running shoes
Pros
- True to size
- Extremely lightweight
- Bouncy and responsive ride
- Breathable
- Carbon-plated
- Excellent grip
Cons
- Not made for high mileage
- Unstable platform
- Feels tight in the midfoot
Verdict
The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% is a race shoe that made us zoom through the streets! It's fast, bouncy, and light and - it's everything speed-ready. With its steep price, it's exclusively for runners who only care about beating PBs and nothing else. For a race shoe, it's surprisingly cushy. During landing, our feet felt like they were stepping on marshmallows!
Competition running shoes with best comfort
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 17% in road running shoes
- Top 13% in New Balance running shoes
- Top 17% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Plush comfort in a race shoe
- Smooth, fast ride
- Breathable
- Responsive toe-off
- Carbon plated
- Stiff but not overly stiff
- Fits wider feet well
- True to size
- Stretchy material hugs feet
- Sticky, grippy tread
- Sexy! Sparkles in sunlight
Cons
- Spendy at $225
- Heavier than other race shoes
- Tongue tends to fold under
Verdict
A luxurious spa-day treat for the feet? We'd take the New Balance FiuelCell RC Elite v2 any day! The midsole is very plush but it has a plate that balances it out, making the ride not only cushy but also very snappy and stable. If you're looking for a mid to long-distance racing shoe that will outthrow the Swoosh, this, along with the MetaSpeed Sky, can do it handsomely!
Best racing flat
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 11% in road running shoes
- Top 10% in Adidas running shoes
- Top 19% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Great value for money
- Excellent outsole grip
- Super breathable upper
Cons
- Finicky upper fit
- Insufficient cushion for marathons
- Carbon plate is not propulsive
Verdict
The Adidas Adizero Pro is not something we'd consider a super shoe. It's still got a long way to go. But for a marathon racing flat, it does a great job! It gives a fast-feeling toe-off and its carbon plate just gives a very snappy ride. It's not the most cushioned but sure did keep our feet well-protected.
Best carbon-plated competition running shoe
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 14% in road running shoes
- Top 27% in Hoka running shoes
- Top 12% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Comfortable
- Carbon-plated design
- Light
- Best-priced
- Robust upper
Cons
- Narrow
- Break-in period
- Heel slip
Verdict
I think Hoka has a winner here. I am really impressed with this shoe. For the price, I think they’ve done something amazing here. It feels more like an everyday shoe but sure does perform like a race shoe. It doesn’t look crazy either, and it feels great. There are lots of cushioning and it has a super smooth transition. It’s fast as hell! Hoka, you sold me. It’s probably the best race shoe out there, all things considered. Well done!
Best value competition running shoes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 1% in road running shoes
- Top 1% in Saucony running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Fast & responsive
- Cushioned especially for the long runs
- Spring, trampoline effect
- Excellent durability
- Featherweight like a race shoe
- Breathable
- True to size
- Perfect foot lock
- Incredible value
Cons
- Needs adaptation period
- Questionable grip on wet surfaces
Verdict
Most popular competition running shoes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 9% in road running shoes
- Top 5% in Nike running shoes
- Top 3% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Insanely lightweight
- Very breathable
- Bouncy
- Responsive
- FAST
- No break-in period needed
- Good grip on dry surfaces
Cons
- Not ideal for wide feet
- Unstable
- Forefoot strikers only