Are Every Running Brand's Most Expensive Training Shoes Worth the Price
Running shoes are becoming more expensive and each brand is giving us so many options that it is hard to decided which ones are worth their price. Here we are looking at each brand's most expensive running shoe and letting you know, based on our experience, whether it is worth the price based on the ride experience, durability, and overall quality. See below for what we thought about the price tag for shoes like the Nike Vomero Premium, ASICS Megablast, Puma MagMax 2, Mizuno Neo Vista 2, and more.
Today we’re breaking down every running brand’s most expensive training shoes and whether they’re worth it to us or not. From the $300 Prime X 3 Strung filled to the gills with tech to the $160 top-tier Aero Glide 3, and everything in between.
1. Adidas Prime X 3 Strung: Worth $300?
The original Prime X Strung was the ultimate rule-breaking super shoe, delivering a one-of-a-kind ride that justified its $300 price point. The Prime X 3 Strung is still a showcase of Adidas' best running tech, but the market has caught up. This feels less like a must-have super shoe and more like a heavy, bulky, enthusiast-only max stack option.
Adidas Prime X 3 Strung
2. Nike Vomero Premium: Worth $230?
$230 is no small price to pay, but the Vomero Premium delivers the latest and greatest injury prevention tech on the market. This is especially worth it for those seeking to safely build back mileage post-injury.
Nike Vomero Premium
3. ASICS Megablast: Worth $225?
It's the greatest running shoe of all time—of course it's worth it. That aside, no other training shoe offers the Megablast's unique blend of speed assistance and protection in a lightweight package.
ASICS Megablast
4. Hoka Skyward X: Worth $225?
The Skyward X was the most fun max stack shoe on the market when it released in 2024, but recent releases have provided better energy return, such as the Megablast, and recovery tech, as seen in the Vomero Premium, at a similar price point. It’s still a tank, though, and remains a solid pick if you’re after a max-stack shoe that balances comfort and speed.
5. On Cloudmonster Hyper: Worth $220?
Despite a very clever forefoot design with a slab of bouncy PEBA suspended in carrier foam, $220 is just too much to pay for a shoe like the Cloudmonster Hyper with this much standard EVA in 2026.
6. Mizuno Neo Vista 2: Worth $200?
The Neo Vista 2 is a perfect long run specific shoe that delivers top notch comfort, protection, and impact absorption.
Mizuno Neo Vista 2
7. Brooks Glycerin Max 2: Worth $200?
The Glycerin Max 2 is a smooth, stable recovery cruiser that might be worth it for self-proclaimed mid to forefoot strikers who can fully take advantage of its rocker geometry. For most people, we recommend grabbing the original Glycerin Max on discount.
Brooks Glycerin Max 2
8. Saucony Endorphin Trainer: Worth $200?
We were among the few to sing the Endorphin Trainer's praises even at its relatively steep MSRP of $200. Despite being a commercial failure, this shoe delivered one of the best rides of the year for stacking mileage in comfort.
Saucony Endorphin Trainer
9. New Balance SC Trainer V3: Worth $180?
The SC Trainer V3's PEBA/EVA blend midsole is outdated in 2025, running more like a high stack daily trainer with a plate than an elevated speed shoe. There are dozens of other options that deliver speedier and more enjoyable ride experiences for $180 and below.
10. Puma MagMax Nitro 2: Worth $180?
The Magmax 2 is an excellent max stack daily trainer, but it doesn't deliver a ride that's leaps and bounds above the original. We'd recommend snagging the OG MagMax on discount while stock remains.
Puma MagMax Nitro 2
11. Skechers Aero Tempo: Worth $165?
The Aero Tempo is quietly one of the quickest speed training shoes on the market, offering a fast, firm, and aggressive underfoot feel. While not quite as responsive as a purpose-built race shoe, $165 feels very fair for what's on offer here.
Skechers Aero Tempo
12. Salomon Aero Glide 3: Worth $160?
Salomon is still in the process of diversifying their road lineup, so their most expensive training shoe is still the $160 Aero Glide 3, a legendary bouncy daily trainer that delivers a uniquely elevated, smooth ride few shoes in its class can match.
Salomon Aero Glide 3
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