The Ultimate Running Shoe Guide
Below we are explaining different running shoe categories, including different racer categories, super trainers, max cushion shoes, and daily trainers, and give you our favorites from each so that you can create the best running shoe rotation for your training.
Whether you’re buying your first pair or building a full rotation, we’ve got you covered. From basic daily trainers all the way to pinnacle race shoes, this guide breaks down the major categories, what they’re designed for, and some of our favorite picks in each. Save this for the next time you’re shoe shopping because there’s a little something here for every runner.
Pinnacle Race Shoes
Our Top Picks: Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 and the ASICS Metaspeed Ray
Other Examples: Li-Ning Feidian 6 Ultra, Adidas Prime X Evo, Adidas Pro Evo 3, Kiprun Kipstorm LAB
Characteristics: The Pinnacle Race shoe category is comprised of the most innovative shoes on the market designed either for ultimate speed or ultimate distance. They are usually extremely lightweight relative to their tall stack heights.
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
ASICS Metaspeed Ray
Marathon Racers
Our Top Picks: Hoka Cielo X1 3.0, Topo Specter Elite, and the New Balance SC Elite v6
Other Examples: Nike Alphafly 3, On Cloudboom Strike 2, Mizuno Hyperwarp Elite, Saucony Endorphin Pro 5, Hoka Rocket X3, Nike Vaporfly 4, Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4, Saucony Endorphin Elite 3, Li-Ning Feidian 6 Elite, and the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo and Metaspeed Sky Tokyo.
Characteristics: These models follow the classic super shoe formula: a stack of light, fast race foam, a carbon fiber plate for stability and speed assistance, and a rocker to help you roll through your stride.
Hoka Cielo X1 3.0
Topo Specter Elite
New Balance SC Elite v6
New Age Super Trainers
Our Top Picks: Topo Specter 3, R.A.D UFO, ASICS Megablast, Dynafish Xiaonian, Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra, Adidas Hyperboost Edge, and the Adidas Evo SL EXO
Characteristics: These New Age Super Trainers are all so good that we couldn't just pick 2-3 as our favorites. They feature plateless midsole configurations with tall stacks of race-caliber foam. They have bouncy, versatile underfoot rides and aggressive geometries designed for picking up the pace.
Topo Specter 3
R.A.D UFO
%202.png)
ASICS Megablast
Old School Super Trainers
Our Top Picks: Adidas Boston 13 and the Puma Deviate Nitro 4
Other Examples: Brooks Hyperion Max 4, Hoka Mach X3, Nike Zoomfly 6, Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
Characteristics: Unlike the New Age Super Trainers, the original Super Trainers typically use a dual foam setup with a softer, bouncy foam on top and a more stable, durable foam on the bottom. They also typically have a carbon or plastic plate for speed assistance and a flatter, more traditional geometry.
Adidas Boston 13
Puma Deviate Nitro 4
.png)
Max Cushion
Our Top Picks: ASICS Superblast 3, Mizuno Neo Vista 3, and the Hoka Skyward X2
Other Examples: Saucony Paramount Max, Puma MagMax 2, Brooks Glycerin Max 2, Hoka Bondi 9, Kiprun Kipride Max, ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28, Tracksmith Eliot Ryder, Nike Vomero Premium, Saucony Hurricane 26, Nike Structure Plus, Skechers Aero Burst, and the ASICS Glideride Max 2
Characteristics: These shoes are designed for comfort, impact absorption and long run capability. Some of them lean traditional, like the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 and the Hoka Bondi 9, while others feature springy race foams, as seen in the ASICS Superblast 3 and Nike Vomero Premium.
ASICS Superblast 3
Mizuno Neo Vista 3
.png)
Hoka Skyward X 2
Elevated Daily Trainers
Our Top Picks: Nike Vomero Plus, On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, and the Saucony Triumph 24
Other Examples: New Balance 1080 v15, Puma Magnify Nitro 3, Salomon Aero Glide 4, Hoka Clifton Pro, and the Brooks Ghost Max 4
Characteristics: Elevated daily trainers bridge the gap between max cushion shoes and daily trainers, offering tall stacks of bouncy foam for daily runs. They are designed for comfort and versatility over long miles.
Nike Vomero Plus
On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper
Saucony Triumph 24
Uptempo Daily Trainers
Our Top Picks: ASICS Novablast 6 and the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro
Other Examples: Saucony Endorphin Azura, New Balance SC Rebel v5, Brooks Ghost Amp, Puma Velocity Nitro 5
Characteristics: Uptempo daily trainers are lightweight shoes designed to be comfortable for daily mileage, but also peppy enough to handle light workouts and tempos. Many blend PEBA race foam with EVA for durability while others feature slabs of legit race foam, as seen in the Novablast 6.
ASICS Novablast 6
Puma Deviate Pure Nitro
Basic Daily Trainers
Our Top Picks: R.A.D Mallow and the Hoka Clifton 11
Other Examples: On Cloudmonster 3, Nike Pegasus 42, Saucony Ride 19, Brooks Ghost 18
Characteristics: This category of shoes is compromised of reliable trainers meant to deliver no-nonsense comfort for beginners or runners who seeking a simple ride. Some lean toward impact absorption, such as the R.A.D Mallow and the Hoka Clifton 11, while others are lower and more direct, as seen in the Brooks Ghost 18.
R.A.D Mallow
.png)
Hoka Clifton 11
For a weekly dose of MILEAGE, shoe reviews, and inspiration, sign up for Mileage Mantra, the Supwell weekly newsletter.
Find your next running shoe
Answer a few questions to find the best shoe based on your preferences and goals
