7 Best Speed Training Running Shoes in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Speed Training Running Shoes in 2023
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Speed is a huge part of running. Whether you’re running easy or fast, your running shoes should match your pace. 

For runners who want to set PBs, there’s no better option than dedicated speed trainers. 

There are more than 200 speed running shoes to choose from. But no worries, this list has trimmed it down to the ten best models. 

Because we believe that there’s no one shoe for all runners, we have selected top picks from five different categories.

How we test running shoes

Before they make it to the list, each tempo trainer goes through a myriad of tests in our own RunRepeat shoe testing facility. And to stay objective, we buy them with our own money. 

To step it up, we also: 

  • Run in them for at least 30 to 50 miles
  • Cut them open
  • Examine and measure their parts via different parameters
  • Calculate their Corescore based on thousands of expert and user reviews

Best speed training running shoes overall

ASICS Novablast 3
91
Superb!

What makes it the best?

It's a comfy daily running shoe. It can go fast. It can go far. In the words of an expert, the Novablast 3 from ASICS "sets the standard for what a daily trainer should be." What's more, you can race in it in your next marathon too. Talk about versatility! And if you want a light shoe that won't drag you down, the ASICS Novablast 3 is the all-rounder you need.

Pros

  • Super bouncy
  • Cushy feel for miles
  • Breathable
  • Light AF
  • Ready for cornering
  • Locks you in
  • Tongue stays in place
  • Grippy outsole
  • Mad durable
  • Sets the bar for a do-it-all shoe

Cons

  • A tad too long
  • More expensive by $10
Full review of ASICS Novablast 3

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black/Island Blue (1011B458004)
Black/Amber (1011B458001)
Cream/Fawn (1012B288101)
White/Deep Ocean (1011B458100)
Sheet Rock/Black (1011B458021)
Black/White (1011B458002)
White/Piedmont Grey (1012B288102)
Electric Red/Midnight (1011B458600)
More colors

Speed training shoes with best cushioning

Brooks Revel 5
90
Superb!

What makes it the best?

An affordable trainer that's got the makings of advanced running shoes? Hello, Brooks Revel 5! It's a smooth and lively jack-of-all-trades that will keep your feet comfy and bouncing. It can push the pace, eat up half-marathon distances, and breeze through your daily runs!

Pros

  • Fits like a dream
  • Accommodating stretchy upper
  • Efficient transitions
  • Surprisingly peppy
  • Laces stay tied tightly
  • Low to the ground
  • Durable construction
  • Great deal
  • Do-it-all shoe
  • Impressive weight
  • Breathable

Cons

  • Not for long runs
  • No reflective details
Full review of Brooks Revel 5

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black/Grey/Blue (053)
Black/Ebony/Crystal Teal (091)
Ebony/Alloy/Metallic (025)
White/Oyster/India Ink (182)
White/Peacoat/Blue Shadow (153)
titan/peacoat/flame (498)
Pageant Blue/True Blue/White (403)
White/Black (121)
More colors

Best low/zero-drop speed training shoes

Altra Rivera 2
82
Good!

What makes it the best?

Whether going fast or taking it easy on your training runs, the Altra Rivera 2 is a do-it-all daily trainer that's lively and energetic. It also delivers a natural-feeling run with its zero-drop design. On top of this, it's a trusty pick for runners who want a light, well-cushioned running shoe that can gobble up long miles on the road.

Pros

  • Responsive on faster runs
  • Stable on uneven surfaces
  • Comfortable for long days
  • Lightweight
  • Form-fitting wrap
  • Spacious toe box
  • Visually appealing
  • Soft and stretchy upper

Cons

  • A bit slimmer than the average Altra
  • Firmer than the Rivera 1
Full review of Altra Rivera 2

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Grey (AL0A547G229)
Navy (AL0A547G445)
Maroon (AL0A547G666)
Black (AL0A547G000)
White (AL0A547G130)
Green (AL0A547G305)

Best lightweight speed training running shoes

Hoka Mach 5
90
Superb!

What makes it the best?

The Mach 5 from Hoka is a performance trainer that can do a bit of everything. If you want to train with speed, it can be your trusty tempo running shoe. And if you want an easy-day or long-distance trainer, the Mach 5's cushy yet stable ride will serve you just right. Even better, it'll give you all the snappiness and energy return you need.

Pros

  • Super fun and energetic ride
  • Velvety smooth strides
  • Runs and feels light
  • Comfy for easy days
  • Cushioned for long runs
  • Absorbs impact
  • Awesome fit
  • Welcomes wide feet
  • Reflective
  • Worth the money

Cons

  • Slips on wet pavement
  • Gets easily dirty
Full review of Hoka Mach 5

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Mountain Spring/Puffin's Bill (MSPBL)
White/Copper (WCPP)
Black/Castlerock (BCSTL)
White/Scuba Blue (WSBB)
Radiant Yellow Evening Primrose (RYEP)
Impala/Vibrant Orange (IVOR)
Ceramic/Evening Primrose (1127894CEPR)
Evening Primrose/Scuba Blue (EPSB)
White/Flame (WFM)

Best carbon-plated speed training shoes

What makes it the best?

Soar through the skies with the Metaspeed Sky+ from ASICS. It's a marathon racer that's filled with all the responsiveness and pop you need to reach that finish line fast. And if you're looking for something light, this IS light. Even more, it's not the just perfect pair for race day; you can also lace it up for faster training sessions.

Pros

  • Fast as hell
  • Buttery smooth transitions
  • Protective cushion
  • Comfy for long miles
  • Stable when cornering
  • Very very breathable
  • Heel lockdown is awesome
  • No more heel rubs
  • Fits just right!
  • Grippy on wet roads

Cons

  • Stiffer than before
  • Outsole lacks durability
  • Expensive
Full review of ASICS Metaspeed Sky+

Today's best price

Unisex
Any color
Orange Pop/Island Blue (1013A115800)
Velvet Pine/Safety Yellow (1013A115300)
Black/New Leaf (1013A115001)
Hazard Green/Sky (1013A115301)

Best speed training running shoes with wide toebox

Saucony Tempus
88
Great!

What makes it the best?

The Tempus from Saucony is a stability running shoe for a variety of paces and distances. Whether you're running slow (just not recovery-day slow), picking up the pace, or running short or long miles, this shoe can handle it. Even more, it's not the type of support shoe that's reserved solely for overpronators (whose feet roll inward). The Saucony Tempus also welcomes neutral runners who want stable strides all the way.

Pros

  • Stable but not aggressive
  • Responsive ride
  • Smooth transitions
  • Outsole is super solid
  • Bites on wet roads
  • Snug and secure fit
  • Breathable on warm days
  • Roomy toe box
  • Not heavy

Cons

  • Not for recovery paces
  • Causes heel rubs
  • Expensive
Full review of Saucony Tempus

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (S2072005)
Alloy/Topaz (S2072015)
Gold (S1072016)
Hydro/Poppy (S2072018)
White (S2072086)
Mars (S2072035)
White/Black (S1072011)
Night Lite (S2072065)
More colors

Best speed training running shoes for long distance

What makes it the best?

A speed trainer and a race day shoe? Take both in the Endorphin Speed 2. After pacing it through, this shoe proved itself a star in speed, responsiveness, and durability. It literally sends the runner flying through the blocks! Even better, it's unlike any speed-oriented shoes - it doesn't forgo comfort in favor of lightness and agility!

Pros

  • Fun, peppy ride
  • Runs like a race shoe
  • Lightweight
  • Plenty breathable
  • Smooth rockered transitions
  • Great lockdown
  • 2 pairs of laces
  • One shoe Race, Tempo, Trainer
  • More flexible than other carbon-plated shoes
  • Reflective detail for night runs
  • Easy to put on (pull tab on the tongue and heel)

Cons

  • Learning curve needed for heel strikers or slower paces
  • Slipper on wet surfaces
Full review of Saucony Endorphin Speed 2

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Alloy/Topaz (S2068815)
Scarlet/Black (S2068820)
Black/Shadow (S2068810)
White (S2068884)
Royal Black (S2068830)
Blue Raz/Acid (S2068825)
Reverie (S2068840)
Yellow (S1068816)
More colors

Comparison of the 7 best speed training running shoes

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Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.