7 Best Treadmill Running Shoes in 2023

Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic on
7 Best Treadmill Running Shoes in 2023
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Running on a treadmill resembles road running more than trail running, because there are no twists, turns, puddles, obstacles. Ideal for speed runs! But, the surface is softer than roads.

That’s why nearly all road running shoes (which is ⅔ of the market) can be used for running on a treadmill. We have tested more than 100 running shoes that are treadmill-ready to pick out the best ones for you.

We have selected five categories depending on what you may consider a priority. It is the shoe’s versatility? Cushioning? Support? Ability to go fast? Price? You’ve got the top pick in each of these.

In this guide you will also find expert advice on how to choose the best treadmill running shoes.

How we test running shoes

With nearly 500 shoes for treadmill running, it is our goal to help you choose the right one.

Our team spends hours scrutinizing every single release through our independent shoe testing lab:

  • Our committed testers log 30-50 miles in each pair to provide extensive feedback.
  • We then slice the shoes up into pieces and measure over 30 different parameters to translate "performance" into comparable data.
  • All tested shoes are purchased with our own funds to help us stay unbiased.
  • To make it even more comprehensive, our system collates thousands of expert and user reviews on all treadmill running shoes.

In the end, each shoe gets a CoreScore. It is a number from 0 to 100 that allows us to compare and rank all running shoes.

The best shoes for running on the treadmill end up on this list.

Best treadmill running shoes overall

What makes it the best?

The PUMA Deviate Nitro is back with a significant update that makes an already great shoe even better. It’s really comfortable, which is not always the case for carbon-plated shoes, and it’s extremely versatile. As a result, we have a real do-it-all companion to take on the road for every run, not to mention the quality-price ratio, which basically makes it a no-brainer.

Pros

  • Great all-rounder
  • Super-smooth and responsive ride
  • Plush cushioning
  • Comfy upper
  • Grippy outsole
  • Above average durability
  • Fairly priced

Cons

  • Heavier than other similar shoes
  • Not many colors available
Full review of PUMA Deviate Nitro 2

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (37680701)
Azul (37680709)
Black (37756701)
Black (37680711)
Sunset Glow (37680703)
Gul (37680705)
Bianco (37680704)

Best treadmill lightweight running shoes

What makes it the best?

Top-tier race shoe from Adidas gets an update. In 2020 V1 won a ton of praise and world records with its carbon rod (and plate) design and Lightstrike Pro midsole. The super shoe category was once owned but just one brand but in 2021 there’s some serious contenders for best in show.

Pros

  • Breathable
  • Responsive
  • Carbon rods
  • Soft midsole
  • Laces stay tight
  • Price

Cons

  • Runs narrow
  • Unstable at slow speeds
Full review of Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0

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Unisex
Any color
Sonic Ink Screaming Green Ftwr White (FY4082)
Legacy Indigo/Turbo/Sky Rush (GX3117)
Pulse Lime/Real Teal/Flash Orange (GX3124)

Best treadmill running shoes for speed

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

Best treadmill running shoes with wide toebox

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

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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 stability treadmill running shoes

What makes it the best?

Still staying true to its Kayano roots, the Kayano 28 retains its hallmark of stability and support while seeing some updates to amp up comfort and flexibility. And with better flex, the shoe was just overall fun! Although designed as a daily trainer, runners also find it fitting as a standalone shoe that you can take out of the closet during race day and on long, slow miles.

Pros

  • Familiar Kayano fit
  • Roomier toebox
  • No lace bite
  • Added pep
  • No medial post
  • Lost weight
  • Kayano durability

Cons

  • Heel slipping
  • Overly plush
  • Runs warm
Full review of ASICS Gel Kayano 28

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Men
Women
Any color
Lake Drive/Black (1011B189402)
Black White (1011B189005)
Black/Electric Red (1011B189002)
Black/White (1011B189003)
Grey (1011B189022)
Black/Graphite Grey (1011B189001)
Carrier Grey/Black (1011B189021)
Black White (1011B189300)
More colors

Treadmill running shoes with best cushioning

On Cloudmonster
91
Superb!

What makes it the best?

The On Cloudmonster is the brand's max-cushioned running shoe that "changed everyone's mind." From firm to forgiving, it's a new take that's perfect for daily training and long runs. True to its name, it has a "monstrous" amount of foam that will keep your feet protected and comfy all day. So much so that you can take it out on your walks as well.

Pros

  • All-day comfort
  • Bouncy cushion
  • Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
  • Protective for long runs
  • Stable when cornering
  • Weighs less than it looks
  • Grippy on wet roads
  • Can work on light trails
  • Perfect lockdown
  • Built to last
  • Sustainable upper

Cons

  • Firm for recovery days
  • Not for wide feet
  • Expensive
Full review of On Cloudmonster

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Frost/Cobalt (6198653)
Black (6199025)
White (6198243)
Eclipse/Turmeric (6198656)
Grey (6198244)
All White/Black (6198434)
Frost Surf (6199023)
Acai Aloe (6199027)

Best treadmill running shoes for long distance

What makes it the best?

The Adidas Ultraboost 22 is a super-comfy daily runner that doubles as a piece of show-stopping streetwear. Using chunky amounts of the infamous Ultraboost foam, the 22 is a modern, plush runner for slower days.

Pros

  • Fits true to size
  • Dreamy cushioning
  • So light you forget it's there
  • Excellent lockdown
  • Grips both wet & dry tarmac
  • Looks amazing
  • Very popular as a sneaker
  • Great for long slow runs
  • No break-in period needed
  • Great for heavy runners
  • Supreme comfort

Cons

  • Not for wider feet
  • Tight toe-box
  • No energy return
Full review of Adidas Ultraboost 22

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Grey (GX5460)
Black (GX3062)
Cloud White/Vivid Red/Beam Yellow (GX5912)
Non Dyed Core Black Almost Lime (GX5573)
Almost Lime/Almost Lime/Solar Yellow (GX5557)
Black (GV8829)
Pink (GX6643)
Flash Orange / Core Black / Cloud White (HR1029)
More colors

Comparison of the 7 best treadmill running shoes

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Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways

4 things to look for in treadmill running shoes

If you’re new to running and you’re buying your first running shoes, get familiar with the terminology and make the best choice by reading our guide about buying running shoes.

Treadmill-running-shoe-features.png

1. Lightness

The treadmill is great for doing tempo runs, but also long runs. The best thing: it’s running on a somewhat soft surface under controlled conditions. This means you don’t need the features (e.g. fancy grip, rugs, plates) that would make your shoe heavier and durable. Lightweight treadmill running shoes are already ranked and at your fingertips.

saucony-kinvara-12-weight.jpg

2. Breathability

Running indoors usually means no natural airflow. Avoid too much sweating by choosing highly breathable shoes. On RunRepeat, you can filter only breathable treadmill running shoes.

The most breathable shoes come with an ultra-thin see-through upper.

3. Pronation control

If this is something you usually look for in running shoes, don’t deviate. Running on a treadmill means more repetitive movements without oscillating, so make sure you have all the control you need.

The table below will help you understand if you need a neutral, stability, or motion control treadmill shoe.

Arch types and recommended shoes.png

See how the level of support increases from neutral to motion control running shoes:

neutral-stability-motion-control.jpg

neutral shoe (left) vs. stability shoe (center) vs. motion control shoe (right) 

Still confused? Go with a neutral shoe or read our in-depth guide on arch support and who needs it.

4. Cushioning

Don’t avoid cushioning you’re used to, especially if you’ve been running on softer terrain before.

asics-shoes-cushioning.jpg

Novablast has a visibly thicker cushioning under the heel (7 mm more)

Advanced tip: try running on a treadmill and see if your foot strike changes. Since you’re not moving forward, you might use your heel more. This might call for heel-strike cushioning options.

Expert advice for running on a treadmill

  1. Since there’s no wind resistance nor variation in the terrain, running on a treadmill with no incline equals to running on an easy downhill outside. That’s why setting a 1-2% incline works the best if you want to run as hard as you would outdoors. To learn more, read this study that proved that 1% treadmill grade most accurately reflects the energetic cost of outdoor running. 
  2. The perception of speed differs when running on a treadmill and overground (as explained here). Runners might run slower than in overground conditions while feeling like they’re achieving the same speed. In order not to overtrain, set the treadmill speed according to your running abilities. This might be your perfect opportunity to work on a step count (cadence). Shorter strides, improved cadence. To improve cadence usually refers to getting that number higher.
  3. Keep your hands moving naturally while running and don't hold on to the handrail.
  4. Keep your body in an upright position and don’t look down, it will help with your balance.
  5. Shoes you’ve chosen for treadmill running might be used for easy gym sessions too.

Expert-advice-for-running-on-a-treadmill.png

If you happen to enjoy spending time in the gym and want to level up, RunRepeat has a database of workout shoes, training shoes and weightlifting shoes ready for you. 

Treadmill shoes vs. other running shoes [FAQ]

Can I run on a treadmill in my regular running shoes?

Yes, under a few conditions.

  • You have shoes for road and not trail running. Lugs/crampons aren’t suitable for a treadmill. 
  • Your shoes are comfortable, breathable, and lightweight. 
  • You need to wash/clean your regular running shoes. 

Can I use treadmill running shoes for gym workouts? 

Yes, if you’re doing light gym workouts (easy functional training, easy weight-lifting). If you’re doing specific workouts, you should look for a type of shoe that offers features (stability) needed for such a workout. That’s why we have a collection of CrossFit shoes, weightlifting shoes, training shoes, and HIIT shoes ready for you.

treadmill-shoe-vs-cross-trainer.jpg

Saucony Ride (left) is a well-cushioned running shoe that is best for continuous forward movement. Nike Metcon (right) is one of the best-rated gym shoes. It has a low, firm platform for weightlifting and plenty of side support for agility movements.

Can I use gym shoes for running on a treadmill? 

Yes, if you own a regular training shoe that’s a perfect fit for you and you’re not running longer distances. 

No, if you have shoes made for specific workouts such as weightlifting, HIIT, CrossFit. Basically, a shoe needs to fit in the treadmill-running shoe description for you to be OK to run in it on a treadmill. 

When to replace treadmill running shoes? 

A shoe can last only so much. It depends on how much you run, how you run, and shoe features. It’s time to change your treadmill running shoes once you notice: 

  1. Pain or muscle soreness that hasn’t happened before, during, or after a run. Pay special attention to pain in your (both) knees. 
  2. You’re wearing the shoes unevenly (because you overpronate or underpronate) and you start to miss original functionality - stability, control, or cushioning. You’ll recognize this happening because you will feet will be aching after the run, you’ll feel pain at each impact, or your feet won’t feel stable enough during the run.
Author
Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic

Whether it's a vertical kilometre or an ultra, climbing in the Alps or exploring local mountains, Jovana uses every opportunity to trade walls and concrete for forests and trails. She logs at least 10h/week on trails, with no off-season, and 4x more on research on running and running shoes. With a background in physics and engineering management, she prefers her running spiced with data.