Hiring remote: Content writer / review specialist in 7 Best Neutral Running Shoes in 2024
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Neutral running shoes are intended for people with neutral pronation when the foot is not rolling inwards excessively. These shoes have no additional stabilisers or foot-guiding technologies. In this guide, we talk about how to recognise neutral shoes, what they are known for, and when you should (not) choose them as your go-to running shoes.
With around 85% of the running shoe market devoted to neutral shoes, there are more than plenty of options. We have personally tested neutral running shoes to select the best of the crop.
Be it a go-to daily trainer that you’re after, a race-day shoe, or a rugged trail option, we’ve got our top picks in different categories.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is to educate, not to make any medical diagnosis or recommendation.
How we test neutral running shoes
We are a team of running shoe fanatics equipped with a shoe-testing lab and a set of strict criteria:
- Every shoe gets cut into pieces and we get to publish more than 20 data points for each shoe, from midsole softness to upper breathability to outsole hardness and durability.
- We log 30-50 miles on average to test each pair in a variety of conditions. We also do recovery runs, fartlek, and race paces in these shoes to perfectly understand which pace they excel at.
- We do not receive shoes for free, all products are purchased with our own money to keep us unbiased.
The top picks make it to this list.
Best neutral running shoes overall
What makes it the best?
The ASICS Novablast 5 reveals itself as the ultimate neutral running shoe in our lab and run tests. This decadent marvel exhibits a stable and energetic ride across different run workouts and exudes pure comfort beyond our imagination.
Running with the Novablast 5 feels like we can run endlessly without leg strain. The midsole has top-tier cushioning, combining a massive 40.9/33.5 mm stack with buttery goodness. While this feels ultra-soft underfoot, there’s still a lot of spring for faster efforts. Our durometer reveals that it’s 38.4% softer than the average road running shoe.
Surprisingly, our runs feel stable despite landing on the chunky platform. Novablast 5 provides extra width in the midsole to enhance our surefootedness with every stride. Our calliper confirms it’s wider than average at 122.3/97.6 mm.
Another unexpected feature of Novablast 5 is its lightness on foot. At 9.0 oz (254g), it's lighter than the 9.4 oz (266g) average. Adding to the airy feeling is the unresisting midsole that flows naturally with our motions. Our bend test confirms it’s 32.2% more flexible than average.
While Novablast 5 is a great all-rounder that can go fast, it still lacks the pop needed for racing. Those aiming for new PBs might want to explore pure racers.
Pros
- Improved energy return with all-new foam
- Plushiest foam in a Novablast yet
- Keeps the same price as v4
- Higher stack height for extra cushioning
- Enhanced flexibility
- Lighter than its predecessor
- Best Novablast ever for wide feet
- Exceptional weight-to-cushion balance
- Works for short, medium and long runs
Cons
- Lacks grip on wet surfaces
- Breathability could be improved
- Toebox durability
Best daily training neutral running shoes
What makes it the best?
The Nike Pegasus, now on its 41st edition, continues to be an iconic workhorse. It’s a reliable, durable, and comfortable shoe for burning daily mileage. With 40 years of iterations behind it, the Pegasus 41 stands as our undisputed front-runner for the best neutral daily trainer.
Having a good amount of rubber coverage and the classic waffle pattern, this shoe can handle several training blocks and even the occasional off-road adventure. Our durometer confirms this with a high reading of 89.0 HC, meaning it’s made of tougher rubber.
The 41st Peg has the upgraded ReactX foam and retains the Air Zoom technology for some responsiveness. The moderate stack height keeps the ride balanced, while the lighter foam boosts comfort for prolonged wear. As our durometer confirms, the cushion is 26.2% softer than average.
This version is Pegasus’ most rockered version yet but still retains the flexibility and versatility it’s loved for. Our bend test reveals it’s 34.0% more adaptive than average, which means it retains the natural running experience. It’s also comfortable enough for activities beyond running!
However, the drop feels quite harsh. At 11.4 mm, it’s more suited for runners who heel strikes or have lower leg issues.
Pros
- Enhanced for heel strikers
- New ReactX foam!
- Improved breathability
- Plush upper
- Good durability
- Several stability enhancements
- Newly designed rocker and bevel
- Solid performance
- Superior lockdown
- Sustainable features
Cons
- Not ideal for forefoot strikers
- Price increased by $10
- Worse than the v40 in cold temperatures
Best neutral running shoes for tempo workouts
What makes it the best?
With energy flowing through its veins, Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is our super speed trainer among neutral running shoes in the lab. It feels extremely light all around as it offers a fluid and forgiving ride that performs superbly at any distance and pace.
ES4 is weightless and peppy. At 8.4 oz (237g), it’s 10.9% lighter than average. Its nylon plate and bouncy midsole feel responsive, giving us the runner’s high we’re craving. Despite its energy rebound, each stride feels effortless since the midsole doesn’t resist our movements. Our 90-degree test confirms it’s as flexible as our current lab average (29.4N).
The PWRRUN PB midsole tempted us to gobble more miles as it spoiled us with bounce and comfort through its 36.2/27.5 mm stack. To boost stability, it makes the cushion a balanced 22.3 HA so that it doesn’t compress unevenly no matter where we strike our foot.
ES4 is a good place to be in all day. No sweat and blisters with its ultra-breezy upper. The constant airflow provided by the ventilation holes keeps our feet fresh, which our breathability tests confirm with a remarkable 5/5 rating.
While ES4 feels comfortable, some runners still prefer the ultra-soft sensation. If plush cushioning is a priority, we recommend checking other options.
Pros
- Remains lightweight
- Excels at all paces
- Great for track workouts
- More spacious fit
- Bouncy and enjoyable ride
- Enhanced stability over v3
- Suits daily training
- Exceptional value
Cons
- Slightly heavier than predecessor
- Could be a bit firm for some
Best neutral race running shoes
What makes it the best?
The Alphafly 3 is a lightweight marvel of running engineering, boasting exceptional energy return, luxurious comfort, and remarkable stability. After intense testing in the lab and on the streets, it emerges as our top racer among neutral running shoes.
This shoe is meant to race as it truly comes alive at a faster pace. It integrates the rigid FlyPlate and Air Pods into the midsole to provide consistent power and responsiveness. Our bend test revealed its exceptional 144.7% higher stiffness than average, exhaling limitless energy with every stride. What sets the Alphafly 3 apart is its dynamic ZoomX midsole, featuring a dual-density setup for enhanced stability and impact protection. The top layer is a firm 29.3 HA for surefootedness, while the bottom is a plush 18.1 HA for added comfort. This is important for preventing fatigue, especially in the later stages of a race.
Even if it falls in the max-cushioned range, the Alphafly 3 surprises us with its lightness at 7.1 oz (201g). It delivers a refreshing ride with its well-ventilated Atomknit upper, scoring a perfect 5/5 on our breathability test.
However, enjoying this shoe’s high performance comes with a hefty £280 price tag. Those on a budget should explore other options.
Pros
- Remarkably lightweight despite its broad size
- Best-in-class breathability
- Excels in the marathon distance
- Repositioned Air Pods offer a better ride than the v2
- ZoomX foam delivers massive energy return
- Aids in forward momentum, especially when legs begin to fatigue
- Better than ever for 5K/10K racing
- Finally smooth transitions!
Cons
- Heel strikers might wear down the outsole quickly
- The arch could still be a challenge for some
- The sock-like tongue might not suit everyone
Neutral running shoes with best plush cushioning
What makes it the best?
The ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 sets a new standard for all-around comfort, establishing itself as a standout choice among neutral running shoes we ran with and lab-tested. From its padded and well-ventilated upper to its thick yet supportive platform, we experienced nothing but comfort and support, earning the well-deserved title for best plush cushioning.
This maximalist delivers pure bliss with every step. Our durometer confirms a well-balanced 21.0 HA rating. Our calliper proves its impressive stack height at 42.7/34.3 mm, boldly exceeding the 34.1/25.5 mm average.
Moreover, comfort extends to the jacquard mesh upper, which offers relief even during extensive runs, with breathability preventing blisters and hotspots. Our lab tests prove this with a high 4/5 rating, ensuring comfort across seasons.
Surprisingly, the Gel Nimbus 27 is a supportive shoe that brings confidence. With a substantial base measuring 119.5/99.8 mm, there was no room for unsteady landings.
However, the trade-off for such indulgent comfort is weight. With the shoe's bulkiness at 10.6 oz (299g), we found it difficult to speed up.
Pros
- Even more foam underfoot!
- Premium-feel, breathable upper
- Fantastic stability
- Excels at long distance training
- Improved toebox with extra wiggle room
- Flexible knit tongue
- True maximalist comfort for recovery runs
- Amazing heel lockdown
Cons
- Feels bulky and heavy
- Minor price increase
- Grip could be better
- Minimal outsole coverage
Best neutral running shoes for trail
What makes it the best?
The Nike Zegama 2 excels on off-beaten paths with its grippy Vibram outsole, superior ZoomX midsole, and overall robust build. During our test runs, it offered a comfortable and dynamic experience that enhanced smooth transitions and endurance on trails. Even in the lab, it's our top trail shoe for neutral running.
The Vibram outsole is outstanding, providing excellent grip and durability. Even after navigating rough terrain, there were no signs of damage. Even against our Dremel, it only sustained a 0.8 mm dent. Its Traction Lugs are reliable across surfaces like loose trails, mud, and frozen ground, thanks to its high-quality rubber and well-spaced, 4-mm depth.
The rocker structure and the energetic ZoomX midsole create springy toe-offs and smooth transitions. Upon landing, the pleasantly plush foam catches us, which our durometer measures to be 36.1% softer than average. This leg-saving feature allows us to fully enjoy our outdoor adventures and last longer.
Besides the outsole, the breathable upper and supportive heel both display remarkable toughness in our abrasion tests. With high remarks of 4/5 and 5/5, the shoe excelled in all our durability tests—a rare achievement in our lab.
However, Zegama 2 tips the scales to a hefty 10.7 oz (302g), which may slow the pace of runners who want to race fiercely. If weightlessness is a priority, we recommend exploring elsewhere.
Pros
- More ZoomX bouncy foam!
- Vibram Megagrip outsole
- Spacious upper
- Exceptional durability
- Superb wet condition traction
- Ideal for midfoot and forefoot strikers
- Ready for long-distance running
- Suitable for hiking too
Cons
- Could be lighter
- Not ideal for heel strikers
- Limited toebox vertical space
Best budget neutral running shoes
What makes it the best?
At only £100, Saucony Axon 3 is our best budget neutral running shoe, delivering next-level comfort and world-class durability—qualities that some steeper-priced counterparts can’t even provide. For reference, the average pair costs £140. Adding to the feathers to its cap is its refreshing aura due to its light build and breezy upper.
Axon 3 kept our runs smooth and cosy with its abundance of cushioning. Its 33.6/27.9 mm stack has a velvet foam that allows us to forget the ground's harshness. Our durometer confirms it’s 22.1% softer than average.
Surprisingly, this pair feels light on foot even with its generous padding. Our scales reveal a mere 8.6 oz (244g), 8.3% lighter than the average running shoe. What keeps it all light is the perforated and unobstructed upper that allows air to flow freely. Axon 3 scored an impressive 4/5 result on our breathability test.
Axon 3 deviates from the expected quality of affordable shoes by ensuring the outsole's durability. The Carbon Rubber did not disappoint in all our lab tests by showing less indentation than average in our Dremel test, scoring a tough 82.8 HC, and measuring 0.7 mm thicker than usual.
We felt this shoe might be too stiff for relaxed paces, as confirmed by above-average results in our torsional rigidity and bend tests. Those who prefer a higher level of flexibility should check elsewhere.
Pros
- Incredible value at only $100
- Significant weight reduction from version 2
- Impressively cushioned with PWRRUN foam
- Fantastic durability
- Suitable for quicker paces
- Excellent as a daily workhorse
- Lovely upper
- Works for short and long runs
Cons
- Probably too stiff for very relaxed runs
- Slightly narrower forefoot than before
You’re in luck if you really need neutral running shoes! That means your ankles aren't excessively rolling inwards (overpronation) or outwards (supination), and your pronation is neutral. If you’re not sure about this, skip to this chapter immediately.
Why it’s GREAT to run in neutral running shoes
Maybe you didn’t need this encouragement, but here it is anyway:
- You have plenty of shoes to choose from, given that 85% of running shoes on the market are neutral.
- You won’t have to pay extra for stability features and technologies that you don’t need.
- You won’t need to carry extra weight because stability features often make shoes heavier and you don’t need them.
- Neutral shoes are found across the board (as daily trainers, tempo shoes, and race shoes). Unlike stability shoes which are focused on daily trainers.
- Given the changing terrain and surfaces, almost all trail shoes are considered neutral. They can simply be more or less stable, but they very rarely feature stability technologies per se.
- Running in neutral shoes means that you most likely have neutral pronation. This also means that you’re most likely wearing the shoes evenly at the bottom. Such wear pattern makes the shoe last longer. Other runners who land heavily on one side (inner or outer) can wear the shoes faster because the impact forces are heavily focused on one side of the shoe and not evenly dissipated.
How to recognise neutral running shoes
There are 2 main categories of running shoes: neutral and stability. The main difference between neutral and stability shoes is that the neutral ones don’t have trademarked stability technologies. The two groups can have many similarities.
This is a very general rule:
- Neutral shoes can be very soft and flexible, unlike stability shoes. If you bend and twist them, you should feel how flexible they are (torsionally and longitudinally)
- Neutral shoes can have sock-like uppers, which also means very soft and not padded heel. Stability shoes often feature a stiff heel counter at the back
- Neutral running shoes can feature very narrow and tall platforms, while stability shoes most often have wide midsoles.
It’s important to know that, given how big of a market for neutral running shoe is, the variations can be wild. So, even though, in general, they can be very soft, you will be able to find a very firm neutral shoe. Same goes for other features, just because they can be tall and narrow, it does not mean that they all are.
This also gives you great flexibility to find what you exactly need!
Daily runs, tempo work, or races?
The main thing to decide here is what do you need the shoe for.
- Daily runs, easy runs, recovery runs. Look at daily running shoes
- Tempo work, short sprints, a lot of fartlek. Look at tempo shoes
- Races only! Look at competition shoes
Of course, there are shoes that can be used for daily runs and tempo work, just like there are shoes that can work for tempo and racing.
|
Daily shoes |
Tempo shoes |
Competition shoes |
|
Often heavier because they feature more cushioning for the legs to be comfy |
Mid-weight |
Lightweight to featherweight because every gramme matters |
|
Can be very flexible to create that natural feeling when running |
Usually stiff and propulsive |
When plated (carbon fibre), very stiff. Very propulsive |
|
Often very padded, featuring a thick tongue and a lot of padding in the heel |
Feature less padding |
Often, the upper is sock-like with no extra padding in the heel collar or tongue |
|
Can be very warm |
Usually breathable |
Usually very breathable |
Ground feel: yay or nay?
If you prefer the ground feel, you should look for neutral shoes with a low stack height. However, if you’re a heavy runner, if you heel strike, or if you log big mileages, you might want to look for cushioned shoes.
For context, here’s how high of the ground are best-rated neutral running shoes:
In our shoe lab, we measure the stack heights according to the WorldAtlhetics guidelines.
Based on these measurements, it’s easy to look for the average cushioning, minimal or maximal.
If you, however, prefer high-stack running shoes, keep in mind that those above 40mm at the heel are illegal at official competitions.
Why you must pay attention to the heel drop
Heel drop is the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot. It goes from zero to 14-15cm. Beginners are usually advised to go for ~10mm drop.
However, it’s best to first understand what heel drop does to your legs. We’ve covered this topic at great length in our ultimate guide on heel drop, so we’ll just summarise it here.
- Zero drop shoes (forefoot and heel lay at the same level) are often found in barefoot and minimalist shoes and they utilise the foot muscles the most. We never ever recommend getting zero drop shoes all of a sudden. Slow transition is a must.
- Low drop shoes (up to 4mm drop) use lower-leg muscles more and those who had Achilles or ankles injuries might find them too uncomfortable.
- Mid-drop shoes (5-8mm drop) are most often found in trail shoes and, in road shoes, are a good alternative or addition to the high-drop shoes for most runners.
- High-drop shoes (heel drop is 9mm or higher) will utilise your thighs and hip muscles a lot. If you’re coming from a hip injury (like a torn iliopsoas), you might want to avoid these and go for a lower drop.
For context, here are the heel drops of the best-rated neutral running shoes. You can always use a heel drop filter on our catalogue pages to look for shoes with a certain heel drop.
Choose: from plush to very firm
In most cases, the softness of the shoe is the first thing that comes to mind when comfort is discussed. And many runners prefer softer shoes. However, there’s a point when the foam is too soft and dull. Or, simply, a certain foam is not adequate for your weight or your heel strike.
Testing the softness of the foam in RunRepeat lab
The best thing is, neutral shoes really offer everything, from very soft to very firm midsoles!
In our lab, we measure the softness of the foam using a shore A durometer. We cut the shoe in half (of course) and stick the needle into the midsole.
Here’s how soft (or firm) the best-rated neutral running shoes are:
If you want the softest of them, here are shoes that got by far the lowest durometer results (meaning their foams are the softest):
Keep in mind, though, that the insole can play a big role when it comes to perceived softness. Thicker softer insoles definitely feel good when you’re into that plushy feel!
For a firm ride, these will not disappoint:
How stiff are neutral running shoes?
While stability shoes tend to be stiffer, neutral running shoes do not have to aim for that. Sure, when it’s about racing and there are carbon plates involved. But, other than that, you can find daily trainers that are very flexible.
In the lab, we test the longitudinal stiffness by measuring the force needed to bend the shoe to 90 degrees. When more force is needed, it’s a stiffer shoe.
Testing the longitudinal stiffness in RunRepeat lab
We also assess the torsional rigidity of the shoe by twisting the shoe in our hands. 1/5 rating is for the most flexible and 5/5 for the most rigid.
With that in mind, here’s how flexible best-rated neutral shoes are:
If you want the most flexible running shoes, here are the top contenders:
Durability of neutral running shoes
Here’s what we analyse when it comes to durability:
- Toebox durability. We test this in case there are obstacles that could rip your upper or in case your big toe or pinky toe like to “escape” and punch a hole in the upper.
- Heel padding durability. Many runners don’t use a shoehorn when putting the shoes on and, if the heel slips even a little bit, or has some protrusions, the damage on the inside of the heel is guaranteed.
- Outsole durability. When runners assess the durability of a shoe, they often think about the outsole's durability. How long until there’s no outsole? Until lugs disappear?
If durability is one of your concerns, we advise checking all the durability lab sections in the review of shoes you’re taking into account. You can also put them all in a comparison table to get a quick comprehensive overview.
Finding lightweight neutral running shoes
As discussed in our guide on running shoe weight, an extra 100g in running shoes can make you 1% slower. So, runners tend to go for lighter running shoes. And the good news is that neutral running shoes do not feature stability technologies that could make them heavier.
Here are the weights of best-rated neutral running shoes:
And, in case you want the shoes to be featherlight, here are the shoes from the top of the list:
Confirm that you need neutral shoes
Best to visit a specialist, like a podiatrist, ideally one that specialises in running. We share a DIY test below but keep in mind, when it comes to accuracy, they can not be compared to the tests that professionals do.
Having a neutral pronation and, therefore, needing neutral shoes, means you land on the surface evenly, and your ankles do not roll excessively inward or outward. This also means that the wear on the bottom of your shoes is distributed evenly between the ball of the foot and the heel.
Runners with neutral pronation usually have medium arches. If you want to perform a DIY test at home for arch height, here’s how to do it:
Look at the results and compare them to these rough sketches:
If you’ve concluded that you do not have neutral pronation, we recommend:
- Reading our guide on best overpronation shoes, in case you discovered you are overpronating
- Checking out our guide on best supination shoes, if you found out you are supinating.
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