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

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

Best treadmill running shoes overall

ASICS Novablast 3
91
Superb!

What makes it the best?

Third time’s a charm for Novablast as this version is a versatile trainer which helped us cruise comfortably in our runs. We felt that it balances the right amount of energy with an insanely soft platform, claiming its rightful place as best overall in cushioned running shoes.

It was delightful sinking into the generous cushioning, which our lab measured to be 45% softer than average. Our runs felt extremely airy, supported and balanced. The shoe boasts a light weight of 8.5 oz (vs 9.5 oz average). We also gauged its torsional rigidity at 4/5, explaining why the shoe felt stable while offering a good amount of propulsion.

Even after miles and miles of running, we barely scratched the outsole. Our durometer confirmed this with an 83.0 HC result - above the average running shoe’s outsole hardness. Harder rubbers usually last longer. 

We sensed the midsole could accommodate wider feet than average and our lab results confirmed this: +3.1 mm in the forefoot and +3.9 mm in the heel when compared to the average.

The stack height felt high — even higher than advertised — which is why we couldn’t resist checking and discovered it to be 12% higher than the average.

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

  • For narrow-to-medium feet only
  • Stack heights higher than advertised
Full review of ASICS Novablast 3

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Men
Women
Any color
Black/Island Blue (1011B458004)
Sheet Rock/Black (1011B458021)
Ocean Haze/Black (1011B458404)
Black/Dried Leaf Green (1011B458005)
Cream/Fawn (1012B288101)
ELECTRIC RED/MIDNIGHT (1011B458600)
Aquarium/Vibrant Yellow (1011B804400)
Glow Yellow/White (1011B458751)
More colors

Best treadmill running shoes for wide feet

Saucony Tempus
89
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

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Men
Women
Any color
Black/Fog (S2072005)
Mars (S2072035)
Alloy/Topaz (S2072015)
Fossil/Moss (S2072017)
Gold (S1072016)
Concrete/Indigo (S2072020)
Night Lite (S2072065)
Hydro/Poppy (S2072018)
More colors

Best treadmill running shoes for speed training

What makes it the best?

Our best pick for treadmill speed training is the Metaspeed Edge+. Staying true to its name, it's all about speed containing a carbon plate that pushes our paces to the limit. We felt the energy return and the rocker design promoting smooth forward movements — providing the fire to power through our fastest-paced workouts. 

We checked how flexible the shoe is by bending it to 90°. It stood its ground til our force gauge showed a whopping 63.0N, double the average force for running shoes! We also gave its torsional rigidity a 4 out of 5, which we experienced through stable foot placements in every stride.

With its thin tongue padding (0.9 mm) and outsole (2.1 mm), the Metaspeed Edge+ helped us fly in our runs. In the lab, it weighed light as a feather at 208.0g (7.3 oz.), while other running shoes averaged 22% heavier. What’s astonishing is that Metaspeed Edge+ is even lighter than other race shoes (average of 214.0g or 7.5 oz.)

Our indoor runs felt very airy, keeping our feet sweat-free. This shoe is not just lightweight; it’s also insanely breathable! It scored the highest (5/5) on our breathability test in the lab. 

We don’t recommend this pair to those who need a more stable (and therefore wide) platform since this pair is narrower, especially in the heel.

Pros

  • Speedy all the way!
  • More cushioned for long miles
  • Buttery smooth transitions
  • Protective underfoot
  • Hell of a snappy toe-off
  • Super light
  • Very breathable
  • Nails the race-ready fit
  • Slip-free lockdown
  • More durable than most racers
  • Grips on dirt roads

Cons

  • Scratchy upper
  • Not for short runs
  • Expensive
Full review of ASICS Metaspeed Edge+

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Unisex
Any color
Green (1013A116300)
Island Blue/Orange Pop (1013A116400)
Black/New Leaf (1013A116001)
Diva Pink/White (1013A116700)
Sky/Hazard Green (1013A116401)

Best stability running shoes for treadmill

What makes it the best?

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 builds on the winning recipe that made its predecessors favored among runners all around the world. It shines as a reliable, well-cushioned, and stable daily trainer that's perfect for easy to moderate runs. Even with a slight shortfall in forefoot cushioning, its value at $140 marks it as a standout choice and a welcome enhancement over prior models.

Pros

  • Excellent stability without being intrusive
  • Ideal for easy miles
  • Specifically designed for heel strikers
  • Outstanding breathability
  • Comfortable and cushioned
  • Availability in narrow and wide sizes
  • Capable of handling tempo paces
  • Not expensive at all

Cons

  • The engineered mesh upper lacks durability
  • Lacks cushion for forefoot strikers
Full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

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Men
Women
Any color
Oyster/Ebony/Alloy (065)
Black (006)
BLACK/BLACK/EBONY (110391020)
Peacoat/Orange/Surf the Web (438)
Blue Moroccan Spring Bud (427)
Nine Iron/Folkstone/Sulphur (404)
Crystal Grey/Surf the Web/Grey (248)
Oyster/Black/Red Orange (017)
More colors

Best cushioned running shoes for treadmill

What makes it the best?

This is a shoe with, by far, the best cushioning for treadmill runs because its midsole offers the perfect balance of energy return, fun and support. Its maximum cushioning screams comfort — even on our longer runs!

We stepped into clouds, reaching a stack height of 40.2 mm (21% higher than average). With our durometer, we measured its midsole to be 2.1x softer than the average running shoe. Even in winter, the foam is still 25% softer than the average running shoe at room temperature. We concluded this by doing a 20-minute freezer test where we measured the softness of the midsole again.

In our 90° bend lab test, the pair resisted the force til 62.1N, while most shoes gave in at 31.1N. This means the shoe is very stiff, energizing our lively and propulsive runs.

Adding to our comfort is the breezy runs we experienced with this shoe’s upper. We tested it against smoke and light and gave it the highest mark of 5/5 for breathability. It's light and stretchy tongue padding locks down well and is thinner than the average (2.1 mm vs. 5.8 mm).

We don't recommend the SuperComp Trainer to runners who prefer lightweight shoes. This one weighs in at 10.5 oz (298g) and is significantly heavier than the average of 9.5 oz or 268g.

Pros

  • Incredibly bouncy and soft
  • Extremely protective underfoot
  • Top-quality upper
  • Stable for a “super-shoe”
  • Versatile for different paces
  • Great lockdown
  • Ready straight out of the box
  • Welcomes wide feet
  • Massive, yet great-looking

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Collects some rocks
Full review of New Balance Fuelcell Supercomp Trainer

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Men
Women
Any color
Black (WRCXBM2)
White (WRCXLW2)
Green (MRCXLG2)

Best do-it-all treadmill running shoe

What makes it the best?

After lab and run trials, we found Deviate Nitro 2 to be the best do-it-all treadmill running shoe. It handled all kinds of runs we did — recovery sessions, speed workouts and LSDs — with finesse, ease and power.

Our treadmill runs felt easy on the legs as the midsole cushion gave a buttery and smooth ride. Our durometer showed that this pair is 33% softer than average. Even after placing the Nitro 2 in the freezer for 20 minutes (to simulate cold weather), it remained 13% softer than other running shoes at room temperature. The shoe is soft, no matter the temperature!

Teaming up with comfort is a midsole that fueled and electrified our speed intervals too! It brought so much vibrance to our indoor run and turned it into a sprightly ride. What also helped is the stiffness. The Deviate Nitro 2 is 90% stiffer than the average at room temperature! 

In the lab, we measured the thickness of the outsole and it turned out to be 9% thicker than average, cementing its position as a durable shoe that can handle miles and miles of treadmill running.

We do not recommend the Deviate Nitro 2 to runners looking for a roomy toebox since the shoe’s measurement of 96.3 mm is right below the average of 97.9 mm.

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

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Men
Women
Any color
Ultra Blue Fire Orchid Puma Black (37680713)
Speed Green Cool Dark Gray (37680716)
Black (37680711)
Blue (37680709)
Orange (37680714)
Puma White Speed Green Cool Dark Gray (37680715)
Gul (37680703)
Black (37680701)
More colors

Best budget running shoes for treadmill

What makes it the best?

The Nike Winflo 9 emerged as the winning pick for our top budget treadmill trainers after we conducted our various lab and run tests. For a wallet-friendly price of just $100, the Winflo 9 provides a host of excellent features, such as a soft midsole, a breathable upper, and a grippy outsole, making it a terrific choice for treadmill workouts.

The Winflo 9 offers comfortable cushioning that should help keep the foot protected on the treadmill. Our testers remarked on the midsole's softness during their run tests, and sure enough, our lab measurement backed up that observation. We measured it at 18.4 HA, which is softer than Nike's premier racing shoe, the Alphafly Next% 2. Not too shabby for a budget shoe.

Nike also nailed the upper of the shoe. Not only is it plenty breathable, scoring a 4 out of 5 on our tests, but it also provides comfort without sacrificing durability. The shoe got a 3 out of 5 on our toebox durability test, so this budget shoe shouldn't break down easily amid consistent use on the treadmill.

Meanwhile, the outsole figures to be even more durable. We measured it at 92.8 HC, which is the hardest outsole out of over 200 pairs we've tested in our lab.

But this is a budget shoe after all, and one big area where it falls short is in its lack of responsiveness. That is why we don't recommend this shoe for runners who want a livelier ride while on the treadmill.

Pros

  • Comfortable, soft ride
  • Excellent padding
  • Breathable upper
  • Grippy and durable outsole
  • Secure fit
  • Budget-friendly
  • Doubles as a gym shoe

Cons

  • Not very responsive
  • Upper and midsole feel cheap
Full review of Nike Air Winflo 9

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Men
Women
Any color
Black (DD6203001)
Sequoia/Cargo Khaki/Alligator/Glacier Blue (DD6203300)
Black University Red Dk Smoke Grey (DD6203003)
Black Dk Smoke Grey (DD6203002)
Obsidian Dk Marina Blue Black White (DD6203400)
White/Bright Crimson-Racer Blue-Volt-Black (DX3355100)
Photon Dust Black White Platinum Tint (DD6203009)
Black White Old Royal Racer Blue (DD6203004)
More colors

Comparison of the 7 best treadmill running shoes

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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.

How we test running shoes

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

We spend hours scrutinizing every single release through our independent shoe testing lab:

  • As committed testers, we 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.

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

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.