New Balance Minimus Zero v2
Best for Racing and Minimalist Runners 1 of 20
"These shoes are very comfortable, but can be risky for heel-strikers, over-sized runners and people who have never worn minimalist shoes. If you're an experienced minimalist runner, these are great shoe to run in." - Hunter H. Get a barefoot feel in a shoe that's tough enough for the road. The Minimus Zero v2 are extremely light. One of our testers said it feels like you're not wearing a shoe. The road shoe offers a FantomFit upper for strong support and extreme flexibility. The REVlite midsole technology provides light cushioning, similar to traditional road shoes, and has the Vibram outsole for barefoot traction. Price: $109.99
ASICS Gel-Kayano 21
Best for Everyday Runs and Marathon Training 2 of 20
"Overall, this is one of the best pairs of shoes I tested. While not the lightest of the bunch, what the Keyano sacrifices in weight it makes up for with plenty of cushioning, a roomy toe box that helps to avoid blisters and a heel cup that is secure and well cushioned. As an everyday trainer for a high mileage runner, this is a shoe that stands out from the rest." - Marc L. The ASICS Gel Kayano 21 celebrates the Kayano model's 21st birthday, making it the longest running ASICS shoe series. This is the lightest of the Kayano models, but it still brings the same sturdy support. There are a few new features too. The ComforDry X-40 sockline gives you a plusher cushioning and the redesigned Rearfoot Crash Pad Geometry has been positioned to slow the pronation rate. Of course, more exciting colors are to come in the fall edition. Price: $160
Mizuno Wave Paradox
Best for Overpronators 3 of 20
"These shoes were OK. Took a little adjustment to get used to and the toe box is a bit narrow. But the design is clean and helps stabilize my footstrike." - Pat L. The Wave Paradox was inspired by the repetitive pattern of Japanese umbrellas. The shoe's graphic pattern has flowing lines that appear to be curved but are actually straight, further adding to the shoe's paradoxical identity. This light, sleek shoe offers adequate support, focusing on the sidewall. There's moderate transition and responsive, but less than ideal room in the toe box. Overall, if you have a neutral stride, this might be a little too secure for you. Still, it's a shoe that can be worn for all distances. Price: $134.99
Brooks Ghost 7
Best for Mid- to Long-Distance Runs 4 of 20
"Lace up and run for miles. This is comfortable, light and offers a smooth ride." - Fara R. For many running shoes you need to wear them in before logging more miles. Not the Brooks Ghost 7. The minute you slip these on you'll be ready to run. This neutral shoe offers a smooth heel-to-toe transition, adaptive cushioning in the midsole, bigger lugs in the forefoot, which gives you that light and airy feeling, and it's more responsive than the Ghost 6. Price: $120
Reebok ZJet
Best for Cross Training 5 of 20
"Bright colors, excellent cushion and extreme support, I love slipping these shoes on for an interval workout, short runs or daily shoes." - Fara R. The ZJet is made for runners, but it's a bit heavy for distance over 3 miles. It claims to be lightweight, but compared to other light shoes, it is heavier. Instead, slip these on for cross-training workouts. There's plenty of support to do plyometric training, speed drills and agility exercises. The shoe offers great flexibility, breathability and durability. Plus, the colors are bold and eye-catching. Price: $129.98
Reebok All Terrain Super
Best for Obstacle Course Races 6 of 20
"Like a track spike modified to attack whatever muddy, soggy, slippery obstacles and uneven terrain the latest mud run or obstacle event dares you to tackle." - Sabrina G. This model will be hard to beat as an obstacle course shoe. However, the features that make this a great obstacle course shoe—minimal material in the upper and midsole—make it less suitable for trail running. Still, this shoe is light, the sole provides excellent traction in challenging conditions and the mesh drains extremely well. Avoid using these shoes for any long mileage races, as they don't provide enough support or cushion to satisfy the needs of a runner. "If you're looking for a zero-drop, lightweight trail racing shoe for shorter distances or a high-performance shoe for obstacle course events, the Reebok All-Terrain Super features a rock guard, water drainage ports and "obstacle-grip" cleats on the medial outsole." - Sabrina G. Price: $119.98
New Balance - 110v2
Best for Trail Running 7 of 20
"If you're looking for a simplified trail shoe, the 110v2 is fast and light." - Marc L. It's a neutral-cushion shoe and the sole is rugged enough to perform well on a variety of trails. The mesh upper supports the foot well, and the heel holds the foot in just the right place. For a trail runner looking for a lightweight trainer or race shoe that can withstand the miles, the 110v2 won't disappoint. Price: $89.99
Brooks PureGrit 3
Best for Trail Running 8 of 20
"Responsive and sturdy with just the right balance of light cushioning and the ability to feel the trail." - Sabrina G. This revamp of the trail shoe from Brook's natural, uninhibited PureProject collection features a forefoot rock plate and more aggressive lug pattern that's ideal for uneven, rugged terrain. The more traditional tongue and soft upper make the shoe more appealing to a wider audience. Price: $120
Mizuno Wave Sayonara 2
Best Lightweight Trainer 9 of 20
"If you want to feel fast and free but still require a bit of extra support, this shoe will help you tick off those quicker miles in comfort." - Sabrina G. Few enhancements have been made to this update from the previous version. The most noticeable change is the addition of extra material around the midsole and fewer interior seams for a more comfortable, sock-like fit. This lightweight trainer is ideal for tempo and race-pace efforts. Price: $119.99
Newton EnergyNR II
Best for Newbies, Gateway Trainer 10 of 20
"These light and cushioned shoes are great for shorter-distance runs, a novice runner and someone who wants to slowly emerge into the more traditional Newton running shoe. It doesn't have as big of a drop, which is why this shoe is nice to start with if you're thinking about trying a Newton shoe." - Fara R. The EnergyNR II is built on Newton's P.O.P 3 platform. The P.O.P 3 platform offers a less aggressive, more entry-level ride into the Newton technology. Instead of thr classic open chamber lug cartridge in the P.O.P 1 and 2 models, the P.O.P 3 offers a foam-filled chamber that provides a more forgiving and familiar ride. Price: $119
Puma The Mobium Ride NightCat Powered
Best for the Neutral Runners and Low-Light Conditions 11 of 20
"No need to wear these in, the Mobium Ride NC Powered adapts quickly to your foot for perfect comfort, support and response. Plus, these shoes will take your training from fall to winter with ease because of the LED light feature." - Chris T. Designed for neutral runners with a midfoot or forefoot striker, this shoe expands and contracts to your movement—the kind of design that makes you feel light and energetic on your feet. It's engineered to give your foot plenty of flexibility and still provides lots of support. In addition, this shoe offers a 360-reflective feature that's built into the fabric as well as a LED light that can be charged. Price: $130
Skecher's Go Run Ride 3 Nite Owl
Best for Night Runners 12 of 20
"No more excuses, if it's dark outside these shoes will light up your run." - Lisa V. The Go Run Ride 3 Nite Owl is a lighter shoe that offers support and stability. The toe box is nice and roomy, the sole is flexible and has a nice responsiveness. The best part about this shoe is that it glows in the dark, ensuring you'll be seen during those late-night or early-morning runs. Price: $95
Puma Mobium Elite Speed
Best Speed Drills and Distances Under 13.1 Miles 13 of 20
"Extremely comfortable and supportive, the Puma Mobium Elite holds the heel in place and supports the foot through the midfoot, opening up for a nice and roomy toe box." - Bruce L. This is one of the most innovative shoes because of the fit, feel and ride feature. The Mobium Elite Speed is the latest iteration of the running-specific Mobium Elite, which features key technology like the Mobium Band, Windlass Chassis and Expansion Pods. The Mobium Band is on the sole and runs in a figure eight to move along with your foot in motion. The Windlass Chassis is the lift you receive in your arch, adding support, while the expansion pods are also on the sole and acts as padding. Price: $120
Hoka One One Clifton
Best for Ultrarunners 14 of 20
"Although it's lighter weight, this shoe will likely appeal most to plodders and ultrarunners. All that cushioning and cradling make them kind of clunky for faster efforts." - Sabrina G. The Hoka One One Clifton is an oxymoron in shoe form. The shoe has the maximum cushioning Hoka One One is famous for yet, its low-weight midsole makes the shoe feel light as a feather. The shoe gently cradles the foot to coax a midfoot landing even from heel strikers. Price: $130
Skechers GoDri Extreme
Best for All-Weather Protection 15 of 20
"Snow, mud, rocks or rain won't keep you from running. The Skechers GoDri Extreme is perfect for any weather condition and terrain." -- Stephanie R. Part of the GoRun collection, the GoDri Extreme is a form-fitting, all-weather shoe that is light, comfortable and flexible. The water-resistant exterior layer repels moisture to protect your feet from getting wet and cold. The microporous membrane (ventilation) allows your foot to breathe without water seeping inside the shoe. It has plenty of room in the toe box and has decent responsiveness. Price: $90
Puma The Faas 600 v2
Best for Low-Mileage Recreational Runners, Day Wearers and Gym Goers 16 of 20
"Good for the everyday day runner, gym goers and errand runners who wants a stylish shoe." - Mike T. This shoe has a sleek design, and one worth showing off at the gym, on a run, or after your exercise routine when you meet friends for some coffee. The 600 stands for the amount of cushion and support you have. Cushion can be as low as 100 and go up as high as 1000, which means the Puma The Faas hits the sweet spot slightly above middle. Price: $100
Newton Aha
Best for Daily, Tempo Runs 17 of 20
"These lightweight but adequately cushioned trainers coax a mid- to forefoot landing out of runners without added soreness or injury risk. Great for everyday miles, tempo runs and half-marathon or marathon-pace efforts." - Sabrina G. Newton Aha's lugs, which run along the midsole of the shoe, are less pronounced than other models. This less-aggressive lug encourages a forefoot landing without causing sore calves. Overall, the Aha's lugs make the shoe more approachable for the masses. Price: $110
Nike Free 5.0
Best for Low-Mileage Recreational Runners, Day Wearers and Gym Goers 18 of 20
"The Frees are very comfortable and have a lightweight feel while still providing optimal cushioning for casual runners. They are very stylish and can be worn to the gym or casually in addition to running. The Frees may not be ideal for marathons or longer runs, but they are perfect for short to intermediate distances." - Hunter H.
The Nike Free 5.0 combines a flexible outsole for natural movement and the cushioning, traction and lightweight support of a traditional running shoe. The heel mimics the shape of your foot, rolling with the ground to promote a more natural footstrike.
Price: $100
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