10 Best Black Running Shoes in 2022

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.4
10 Best Black Running Shoes in 2022

Black running shoes have always been a favorite among runners. According to many, they're "timeless" and "can be paired with anything," which is why they can't get enough of them. 

With hundreds of black running shoes, our goal is to make it easy for you. We've handpicked the ten best black shoes from across brands to help you choose the right pair. And because there's not one shoe for all runners, we've selected from five different categories to match various needs.

Best overall
Brooks Ghost 14 Brooks Ghost 14
£150 £112 From Amazon
Best road
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
£150 £116 From Amazon
Best trail
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 Nike Pegasus Trail 3
£140 £81 From SportsShoes
Best Nike
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
£170 £93 From Amazon
Best value
Brooks Revel 5 Brooks Revel 5
£110 £86 From Amazon
See all 976 black running shoes

Overview of this guide

How we test running shoes

Each shoe on this list goes through a rigorous testing process before we hail it as the best of the best. And to keep everything free from bias, we test them in our independent shoe testing lab. Even more, we purchase all shoes with our own money.

We don't cherry-pick the models we choose. To be 100% honest we:

  • run in them for at least 30 to 50 miles
  • cut them open to see what's inside
  • measure their parts on 30 different parameters
  • generate their Corescore using thousands of expert and user reviews

Best black running shoes overall

Brooks Ghost 14
Brooks Ghost 14
£112
See deal  
£112
See deal  
£131
See deal  
No stock  
Top pick

Corescore

93
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 30,995 users
91 / 100 from 15 experts

Pros

  • All about comfort!
  • True to size
  • Lots of padding
  • Smooth ride
  • Really stable, even on light trails
  • Breathable
  • Great out of the box
  • Built for longevity (500 miles, easily)
  • Great grip 

Cons

  • Lacks breathability for hot summer days
  • Not the best for long distances

Verdict

The Ghost 14 from Brooks really fits the bill as the shoe for all runners. It's a workhorse that's comfy enough for easy days, responsive for tempo sessions, and is heavy-duty to handle light trails. Overall, a no-fuss daily trainer that will work for all your runs!
See our full review and facts
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
£87
See deal  
£121
See deal  
£124
See deal  
No stock  
Also great

Corescore

92
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 66,326 users
91 / 100 from 18 experts

Pros

  • fits true to size
  • secure fit
  • great stability
  • gusseted tongue
  • soft but not mushy
  • superb durability
  • no lace bite

Cons

  • not for speedy runs
  • could be lighter

Verdict

Thanks for making our daily runs nice and stable, Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21! The upper hugged our feet well, and the midsole is balanced - it's neither mushy nor too rigid. It just kept our motions in check, preventing any excessive movements. It's certainly not a light shoe, but having tested its precursors, we can say that Brooks is heading in the right direction! Apart from support, what stood out to us also is its tank-like durability.
See our full review and facts

Best road running shoes

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
£116
See deal  
£131
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  
Top pick

Corescore

92
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 5,723 users
95 / 100 from 8 experts

Pros

  • Fits true to size
  • Promising durability
  • Stability for all directions
  • Improved aesthetics
  • Phenomenal grip
  • A firmer, faster midsole
  • Consistent in all conditions
  • Reliable daily runner

Cons

  • Very heavy
  • High price point for stability aimed at beginners
  • Midsole is too hard for some

Verdict

One of the most long-standing and trusted stability shoe lines from Brooks, the Adrenaline is back with a successful 22nd iteration. No major overhauls but minor improvements to what has been the go-to shoe for thousands of runners. Perfect for people with mild to moderate overpronation who prefer to stay away from the bulk of orthopedic-looking trainers. Still, you can expect lots of plush comfort and support from the Brooks Adrenaline 22.
See our full review and facts
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
£77
See deal  
£78
See deal  
£82
See deal  
£83
See deal  
Also great

Corescore

86
Great!
4.3 / 5 from 2,368 users
88 / 100 from 21 experts

Pros

  • Wider than Pegasus 37
  • Very stable ride
  • Peppy toe-off
  • Hugs your feet 
  • Padded upper
  • Very durable (400-500miles)
  • Grippy even on dirt roads
  • Legit workhorse
  • Doubles as a gym shoe
  • A joy to run in

Cons

  • Runs warm
  • Above-average weight

Verdict

If there's one thing we can't take away from the Pegasus 38, it's that it's the GOAT of all workhorse shoes in our arsenal! It oozes with plushness, stability, and pop, doing it all from slow days, tempo sessions, and gym workouts even. If you want to run with fun, take the Pegasus any day!
See our full review and facts

Best trail running shoes

Nike Pegasus Trail 3
Nike Pegasus Trail 3
£81
See deal  
£89
See deal  
£93
See deal  
£105
See deal  
Top pick

Corescore

89
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 160 users
87 / 100 from 13 experts

Pros

  • Soft, bouncy ride
  • Very comfortable
  • True to size
  • Wide for a Nike
  • Wide loop on heel
  • Built to last
  • Reflective swoosh
  • Killer grip on dry trails

Cons

  • Not grippy in wet
  • Runs warm

Verdict

The Pegasus road series just holds a special place in our feet, we just had to see it in trail action. And voila! 50 miles later, the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 won us over with its uber plush landings! Unlike other trail shoes, it's NOT dense nor dull, it's stable and comfy and will make your run cloud-like. When faced with slick surfaces, however, it shows its limitations.
See our full review and facts
Altra Lone Peak 5.0
Altra Lone Peak 5.0
£106
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  
£77
See deal  
Also great

Corescore

92
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 5,179 users
89 / 100 from 19 experts

Pros

  • Great for wide feet
  • Superb grip (rocks, mud, ice, snow) 
  • Stiff and durable 
  • Sheds mud easily
  • Great water drainage
  • Balanced and stable ride
  • Removable Ortholite insole
  • Great for road-to-trail transitions
  • Extremely breathable
  • Rock plate for technical terrain
  • Gaiter-friendly
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • No ground feel
  • Too cold for winter days

Verdict

The Altra Lone Peak 5.0 is a trail shoe that will make run with confidence! It's sturdy underfoot, supportive, and it's got the right blend of comfort and responsiveness. Throw in any terrain, and this show will bite its way through them!
See our full review and facts

Best Nike running shoes

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
£93
See deal  
£130
See deal  
£155
See deal  
No stock  
Top pick

Corescore

87
Great!
4.3 / 5 from 1,602 users
89 / 100 from 19 experts

Pros

  • Exceptional flywire lacing
  • Soft & cushioned ride
  • Great for heavier runners
  • Incredible grip (road)
  • Very breathable
  • Padded heel collar
  • No heel slipping
  • True to size
  • Durable 

Cons

  • Tongue rips apart
  • Lacks pop for tempo runs
  • Slippery on snow and ice

Verdict

In the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2, our feet just felt locked in place! And even after rough wear testing, this daily trainer proved itself a durable shoe. It's loaded with lots of cushion that's not too soft nor too rigid, making it supportive and ideal for heavy runners. As a daily running shoe, it sticks to what it's designed to do - it's not going to make you run fast, but it does offer a smooth, easy ride.
See our full review and facts
Nike Free Run 5.0
Nike Free Run 5.0
£90
See deal  
£100
See deal  
£125
See deal  
No stock  
Also great

Corescore

83
Good!
4.3 / 5 from 12,271 users
86 / 100 from 1 experts

Pros

  • Insane lightness
  • Glove-like fit
  • Heel loop
  • Easy lacing system
  • Super breathable 
  • True to size
  • Comfotable as an everyday slipper
  • Extremely flexible

Cons

  • Short runs only
  • Lack of proper outsole
  • Insole not removable

Verdict

Ah, the Nike Free Run… Calling this a running shoe is a stretch, but there’s still a vestige of folks out there in the minimalist fan group that likes the slipper-like feel of Nike’s long-running “Free” lineup. The 2021 update steers back toward a less bizarre-looking shoe than we saw in 2020 but continues with the ultralight and ultra-flexible design.
See our full review and facts

Best black budget running shoes

Brooks Revel 5
Brooks Revel 5
£86
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  
No stock  
Top pick

Corescore

86
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 6,231 users
89 / 100 from 4 experts

Pros

  • True to size
  • 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

Verdict

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!
See our full review and facts
Saucony Endorphin Pro
Saucony Endorphin Pro
£154
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  
No stock  
Also great

Corescore

92
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 1,024 users
92 / 100 from 27 experts

Pros

  • rocks and pushes you forward
  • generous cushioning
  • super breathable
  • supportive fit
  • great for halfmarathons
  • built for speed AND distance
  • feels like a rocket

Cons

  • lace bites

Verdict

The Endorphin Pro is a shoe that literally pushed us to paces! It's smooth-rolling and explosive - it's easy to set/beat PRs in this shoe. Despite it being speed-oriented, we never had issues with discomfort, even in high-mileage runs. A reminder: this shoe is a race-exclusive speed monster. If you run slow, or if you want it to double as your training shoe, consider something else.
See our full review and facts

What are the most popular black running shoes in 2022?

  1. Brooks Ghost 14
  2. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
  3. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
  4. Nike Free Run 5.0
  5. Brooks Revel 5
  6. Hoka One One Bondi 7
  7. Saucony Endorphin Speed 2
  8. Asics Gel Nimbus 24
  9. Brooks Levitate 5
  10. Nike Zoom Fly 4
  11. Nike Revolution 6
  12. Nike Pegasus Trail 3
  13. Asics Gel Kayano 28
  14. Asics Gel Venture 8
  15. Altra Lone Peak 6

See all black running shoes sorted by popularity

What are the cheapest black running shoes in 2022?

  1. Reebok Lite Plus 3 - from £26
  2. Asics Jolt 3 - from £29
  3. Adidas Galaxy 5 - from £30
  4. Under Armour Charged Rogue 2.5 - from £33
  5. Nike Revolution 6 - from £22
  6. Adidas Runfalcon 2.0 - from £28
  7. Reebok Energen Plus - from £32
  8. Adidas Runfalcon 2.0 TR - from £37
  9. Asics Patriot 12 - from £39
  10. Asics Gel Contend 7 - from £39
  11. Nike Renew Ride 2 - from £40
  12. Asics Gel Venture 8 - from £40
  13. Adidas Duramo 10 - from £25
  14. Adidas Questar Flow NXT - from £28
  15. Asics Trail Scout 2 - from £39

See all black running shoes sorted by lowest price

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.

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