10 Best Running Shoes in 2021

With more than 2000 running shoes in our database, we have picked the Nike Pegasus 38 as the best running shoe overall. We've reached this conclusion from having tested it on slow runs, tempo sessions, on the treadmill and even put it through our lab.

It's an excellent all around running shoe with superb fit (a bit surprising for a Nike). It's a workhorse and if you need just one running shoe, buy this one. It's agile and can be used for a variety of runs. It also lasts long and after 30 miles, there's no sign of wear. We expect 500 miles in this beast.

It has a plush hug around your foot and offers a bit more room the the toebox than the Pegasus 37 and 36, which we appreciate. It has a fully gusseted tongue (we love this!!), which locks the foot down securely and the laces stay tight (above average on our lace slip tests).

It's 18% softer than the average running shoe according to our lab data, and we found it to offer great pep from the Air Zoom unit.

The Pegasus 38 isn't the lightest daily trainer, but positions itself right around the middle (0.7 oz heavier than average).

Overall, a great go-to running shoes that won't disappoint you.

If you are tired of rolling over the shoe’s edge and wearing out your soles on the inner side, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 will fix that problem for you! People with flat feet and overpronation need a shoe that offers more support on the inner side to keep the foot straight and not falling in.

The Adrenaline is a saving grace not only as a stability shoe but also as a go-to-shoe for many purposes (that’s what the GTS stands for). Wear it for slow recovery runs, long-distance efforts, and even a full day of walking. We enjoyed its amply plush, max-cushioned ride so much that taking it off simply didn’t feel right. You just want to keep it on your feet until going to bed.

It is so well-padded and supportive and yet doesn’t feel heavy. From the 270+ stability shoes that we have measured in our lab, the Adrenaline weighs slightly below average (10.2 oz compared to 10.5 oz). It also uses a more advanced support technology which helps to correct your pronation without you even feeling it! Unlike the sturdy medial posts they used in stability shoes before.

The shoe’s plush upper is a miracle. It will hug any foot shape as if it’s a loved one. People with wider feet will find joy in its ample toe space as well as in all the width options available.

The Adrenaline will not blow your mind with looks but it’s got that clean, simple aesthetics that Brooks has been acclaimed for.

If you want to feel pampered and supported, Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 is our first recommendation!

This is by far the best carbon plated shoe that we’ve tested. We rarely make such bold statements as there are nuances to every running shoe. However, the MetaSpeed killed it, both in our wear testing and in our lab testing. This shoe is amazing.

It’s light (191g) and in our lab we measured a 2.5mm drop only which is significantly lower than the 5mm reported drop from Asics themselves. It is a low drop, and it worked well.

These days, most race-day shoes come with a carbon plate, however you also pay a premium for the newest tech ($250 for a running shoe is A LOT). Study after study does show how carbon plated shoes are faster, and World records are almost exclusively being broken using race shoes with carbon plates. If you want to set new PB’s, do get a carbon plated shoe.

And if you want the best of the best, buy the Asics MetaSpeed Sky.

As opposed to most other race shoes, the MetaSpeed Sky is comfortable. It is less stiff, and its forefoot is wider than most race shoes. You will appreciate it if you race distances longer than 5k.

In our lab test, it required 41.3 newton to untie the shoes which is 38% better than the average shoe. We also learned that the outsole is 23% softer than average, which might be an indicator of a slightly shorter life span, which, however is expected from a race shoe.

Overall, this is the best shoe to set new PBs in. Our top pick!

The Salomon Sense Ride 4 is a certified beast and it sure took our breath away with its surprisingly responsive ride! 

This trail shoe is everything trail-ready. It’s got an insane grip, and it’s got durability written all over it. 

After doing some nerdy lab testing on this shoe, we’ve gathered that it’s more rigid (at 81.5HC) than the average (75.1HC). Meaning, it can’t get more tank-like than this! 

And if you’re thinking it’s an uncomfortable, brick-like ride, the easy answer is NO. It’s anything but that. We really hammered this shoe, and it showed INSANE prowess in long-distance runs and steep climbs! It’s a super fun and energetic ride, we almost forgot we’re wearing a trail shoe. 

Even better, it’s not the type of tank that’s heavy. It didn’t weigh us down at all. On paper, it sure as hell is heavy, but on the run? It’s the exact opposite! 

With its grip, it just gets better and better. It’s got 3.57mm lugs that are ready to bite just about any terrain. 

Of course, we can’t overlook the super convenient lockdown system this shoe has. The Quicklace system is not only quick, but it’s also very secure and prevents any in-shoe movement. 

And ooh la la, what a stunner! Trail shoes don’t always have the looks, but the Salomon Sense Ride 4 just loves wow everyone.

The Brooks Revel 5 is a budget shoe that can go head to head with its more expensive siblings, and honestly, we are surprised and impressed!

Our expectations were set low for this shoe, but boy were we wrong. The Brooks Revel 5 is not only one of the most comfortable shoes on the market, it’s also very fun and responsive.

And if you’re a runner looking for a solid all-rounder, buy this. Built for mid-distance runs, easy days, and athleisure, you can’t go wrong with the Brooks Revel 5.

It’s accommodating for runners of all foot shapes and sizes, thanks to its foot-conforming wrap. And it’s one of the lightweight shoe options out there. As a matter of fact, way lighter than the average.

Durable? Say no more. That’s the Brooks Revel 5. In contrast to its more expensive rivals, it has the same outsole strength (on average 79.2 HC in our lab testing), which is extraordinary for such an affordable shoe.

Breathability may be one of its defining features, but it’s also one of its downfalls in cold conditions.

Overall, the best choice for beginners and runners on a budget!