560 best competition running shoes
Based on reviews from 3,274 experts and 261,453 users. Learn how our rankings work or see our guide to competition running shoes. Updated Jun 2020.
- Gender Size
- Brand
- Terrain
Road
Shoes best for road, track and light gravel. See the best road shoes.
Trail
Shoes best for trail, off road, mountains and other unstable surfaces. See the best trail shoes.
Good to know
As long as you stick to the road or path, and if you want just one running shoe, buy a road running shoe.
- Distance
- CoreScore
- Use
Daily running
Cushioned shoes for your daily easy running. Great comfort. See best shoes for daily running.
Competition
Lightweight shoes good for races, interval training, tempo runs and fartlek. Here are the best competition running shoes.
Good to know
If you want just one pair of shoes, buy a shoe for daily running.
- Pronation
- Price
- Type
- Features
Low stock
Footwear with few offers from online retailers and sold out in most sizes.
Discontinued
Shoes that have been taken out of production but are still sold by most online shops.
New
Shoes that just came out and have not received sufficient feedback from the buyers.
Lightweight
Shoes designed for competition, weigh less than 250g. They are fast but they offer less cushioning and support.
Low drop
Low drop shoes usually have a heel-to-toe drop of 1mm - 4mm. They feel very flat to most runners and ideal for midfoot strikers.
Zero Drop
Running shoes with 0mm heel-to-toe drop. Did not have to mean zero cushioning. They feel extremely flat, ideal for forefoot or midfoot strikers.
Waterproof
Shoes with superior waterproofing elements, ideal for long-distance and muddy paths.
Water repellent
Running shoes with some degree of water protection, usually they dry quickly.
Maximalist
These are bulky-looking shoes with large amount of cushioning and are widely used in long-distance running. Overpronators can also benefit from a maximalist running shoe because they also offer enhanced support or stability.
Minimalist
Extremely lightweight shoes with minimal to no arch support. The minimal cushioning offers flexibility and greater ground contact.
Triathlon
Lightweight shoes with lots of flexibility and comfort. Most Triathlon shoe also have drainage system to keep the shoe from retaining water.
- Fit
- Discount
- Technology
- Waterproofing
- Material
- Season
- Arch support
Neutral / cushion / high arch
Shoes for runners who do not need any additional arch support (Around 50% of runners). Best for people with normal, high or medium high arches. See the best neutral shoes.
Stability / overpronation / normal arch
Shoes for runners who need mild to moderate arch support (Around 45% of runners). Best for runners with a low arch. See the best stability shoes.
Motion control / severe overpronation / flat feet
Shoes for runners who needs a lot of arch support. Best for runners with flat feet. See the best motion control shoes.
Good to know
- Rule of thumb: If in doubt, buy neutral shoes to avoid injuries.
- More about arch support in this video.
- Find your arch type by following steps from this video. - Foot condition
- Heel to toe drop
The height difference from the heel to the forefoot, also known as heel drop, toe spring, heel to toe spring or simply drop.
There are many opinions about what a good heel drop is. We do not recommend any in particular. Lean more in this video.
- Strike Pattern
- Color
- Number of reviews
- Arch Type
- Weight
Good to know
Daily running shoes weigh not less than 250g. These are cushioned shoes designed for daily training. Go-to shoes with great comfort. -Shoes for competition usually weigh between 115g and 220g. Lighter shoes are faster, making them ideal for races, quick-paced runs, and interval training.
Disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn affiliate commissions when you buy through us.
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