Honorable Mentions
As we said, WIRED runners pound hundreds of miles every year. Here are a few of the other shoes we’ve tested that you might want to consider if the above do not work for your foot. If you’re not familiar with a brand, we recommend going to a local running store for a test run before plunking down your credit card.
Diadora Nucleo 2 for $165: The Nucleo 2 isn’t a wow, high-energy, super springy shoe. But if you’re a fan of straightforward, no nonsense comfort and good inherent stability across a good range of paces, the Nucleo 2 delivers.
Rad R1 for $160: Made to master gym, HIIT, running and all manner of hybrid workouts, I’ve been using the Rad R1 when I’m eating up my strength and condition work in the gym like a good boy. They’re good for short runs, and miles on the softer treadmill belt, stable and supportive enough to get under the bar and offer control for drills like box jumps and lunges. They look good too.
Altra Outroad 3 for $130: Altra is a smaller brand that’s known for its wide toe box and zero heel-to-toe drop—it makes shoes that feel like you’re running barefoot, but offer more protection. This is my favorite shoe for switching between roads and trails. They’re affordable, too.—Adrienne So
New Balance Rebel V5 for $140, Adidas EVO SL for $150, Mizuno Neo Vista 2 for $200: Another top-notch all rounder to rival the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, the Rebel V5 is smooth, light and capable across the whole pace range. The Adidas EVO SL can also handle anything you throw at it. But if you like your things super soft with a bit of bounce, the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 serves up a uniquely cushioned plush ride.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 for $165, HOKA Clifton 9 for $144: If you’ve never run before, the Hoka Clifton 9 is my recommendation for a beginning runner. Despite Hoka’s outsized (ahem) reputation, this is a pretty minimal shoe that’s comfortable, balanced, and light. The Brooks Ghost 17 is another simple, easy, reliable everyday runner that’ll carry beginners from couch to 5km and beyond.—Adrienne So
Saucony Ride 17 for $99: This is also a good older budget-shoe model.
Saucony Hurricane 24 for $160, Brooks Glycerin 21 GTS for $130: Consumer tech director and podcast host Michael Calore runs in the Brooks Glycerin. This is our alternative pick if you’re shopping for shoes that offer greater stability.
FAQ
How Should I Care For My Running Shoes?
- Give them a rest day. After long runs, midsole foam takes time to decompress. Rotating shoes with 48 hours between runs boosts your shoe’s bounce-back-ability.
- Undo your laces. You’re tired, we know, but kicking off (or worse squeezing back in) without unlacing your running shoes is a sure-fire way to damage the heels fast.
- Wash them if they get muddy. Mud and sand in the upper fibers can cause them to degrade. But don’t wash them in the machine, do it by hand—and stay well clear of the dryer.
- Keep things cool. Prolonged exposure to high heat from a radiator or the sun’s rays can dry, harden, and damage the midsole.
- Stuff them. Remove the insoles and dry each running shoe separately. Then use scrunched up newspaper to dry out damp inners faster and help the uppers retain their shape.
How Long Should My Shoes Last?
The internet’s collective wisdom says that you should replace your shoes somewhere between 300 and 500 miles. However, this decades-old rule of thumb is based on a few limited studies and general advice from brands. New foam varieties, outsole rubbers, and upper technology means it’s now harder to offer blanket advice.
There are many different formulas of modern midsole foams. Durability is now judged not only by how long the protective cushioning lasts, but also whether it continues to deliver the bounce and performance. Some of the top superfoams might lose their initial energy but remain as protective as a firmer, more traditional EVA sole. For example, your high-tech carbon race shoe could become your daily runner once it’s lost its top-speed edge.
You also have to factor in your unique running style. Shoes wear differently for different runners, impacted by variables like weight, stride pattern, pace, daily usage, terrain, and climate. There are obvious signs of wear and tear: Heel collars rubbed through, holes in the uppers or grip worn to the point it’s no longer effective. It’s harder to spot when a midsole has had its day. They don’t crease in the same way older shoes used to.
The best advice: Use your shoes until something feels off. When that happens, you might want to start shopping.
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