The Best Running Shoes of 2021

Don't want to read the full analysis? Here's what you need to know.

After a highly successful first edition, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 is back with a very similar enhanced configuration. The Speed 2 is a premium (read expensive but high-quality) daily trainer with maximal cushioning, nylon plate, Peba foam (PWRRUN PB), and rockered geometry.

The outcome is a versatile ride suitable for any training and distance. Whether you want performance or comfort, you can be sure that the Speed 2 has it! Softer under the foot and roomier around the toes, many runners see it as the perfect alternative to the Saucony Endorphin Pro to take it easy without losing their edge.

This new version has a bigger toe box to accommodate users who need more width and height for their feet. Also, the heel fit is better with a more flexible configuration.

Did we mention the shoe was lightweight? At 224 g/7.9 oz (M), it's one of the lightest daily trainers out there!

The only potential downside is the suboptimal grip on slippery roads.

All in all, we recommend it if you're looking for a responsive and durable shoe with a classic yet smooth ride that can handle both daily workouts and races.

Please read our complete review analysis of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 for more information.

Nike expands its NEXT% collection with a new model to complement the Alphafly: the Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% Flyknit.

What immediately grabs the attention is its massive sole (46 mm stack under the heel!) with a curved shape that looks like an arch. Another important point is its nylon plate. It improves propulsion by ensuring a smooth transition while running. The big difference compared to a carbon plate (like the one on the Alphafly) is its firmness: carbon is lighter but firmer than nylon. Thus, the blade on the Tempo is softer, which makes it less noticeable.

In terms of running sensation, runners found the cushioning of the shoe very comfortable while being rather firm underfoot. This configuration makes the platform relatively stable despite the impressive stack height. As a result, the shoe is more stable than other models equipped with ZoomX foam. According to them, this is the work of the React foam under the heel. They also found the ride pleasant and responsive even at a slow pace, which is not always the case with propulsion plate running shoes as they are primarily intended for racing and fast speeds. Nike seems to position the Tempo as a fast and versatile trainer with its medium weight (252 g) and nylon blade, and the Alphafly as a competition shoe with its carbon plate and featherweight.

Moving on to the upper, Flyknit is quite breathable despite its somewhat "plastic" appearance. It is not very stretchy for a more precise foot lockdown without reducing comfort. The shoe remains spacious overall, especially in the toe area. However, some runners have found it too narrow in the midfoot, which may not be suitable for everyone.

Overall, the Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% Flyknit is a very good, comfortable, and versatile trainer with high-stack yet firm cushioning and a nylon blade.

It took a bit of time for Adidas (and other brands, by the way) to respond to Nike and its carbon propulsion plate shoes which really turned the world of running upside down by introducing an incredible joker. A technology that has proven to be able to significantly improve athlete performance by promoting better propulsion. Adidas' answer is called the Adizero Pro and the wait was worthwhile. It's lightweight and at the same time a little heavier than its direct competitors with 235 g (8.3 oz) for men and 218 g (7.7 oz) for women. At first glance, the shoe looks a lot like the Adizero Adios 5 but much more streamlined. The cushioning configuration is very similar as it uses the Boost and Lightstrike foams. What differentiates it is its secret weapon: Carbitex, a carbon propulsion plate. This one is spoon-shaped and relatively soft compared to those of its competitors (like the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% or the Saucony Endorphin Pro). This allows a greater range of motion, especially in the forefoot area, for a more springy ride during toe-off. Testers were impressed with the effectiveness of this configuration. According to them, the shoe is great for any distance by allowing for a more fluid ride, as long as you pick up the pace. Furthermore, the sole has a generous stack height while being fairly firm, which gives better stability. Next, the one-piece Celermesh upper is elegant and very comfortable. It's very similar to the Adizero Adios' upper but thinner. The lockdown is well adjusted while providing enough room for the toes. Finally, let's take a moment to appreciate the effectiveness of the outsole. It is an element that goes a little unnoticed on road shoes (unlike trail shoes) but here the Continental and Adiwear rubbers provide both great grip and durability. Also, the Quickstrike DSP nods provide better traction on slippery surfaces such as athletic tracks. The result is impressive and should allow you to keep the Adizero Pro longer than a traditional carbon plate competition shoe. In summary, the Adidas Adizero Pro is a very good running shoe with a carbon plate for speed. Its cushioning and sturdy construction makes it suitable for all types of training – as long as you go fast!

Most famous for its trail collection, Salomon seems determined to bring its road range to the same level with this new model: the S/Lab Phantasm. And what better way to reach this goal than by relying on its incredible champion, Kilian Jornet. The legendary trailer wore this shoe while running its 24-hour running challenge in 2020. He had to give up, but the shoes don't seem to be in question. Phew!

So here's an ultralight running shoe (less than 7 oz/200g) with a cutting edge foam—Energy Surge— and a rocker. However, although the Phantasm goes head-to-head with carbon-fiber plate shoes, it doesn't have one. It uses its racing design and responsive foam to deliver a smooth and versatile run that makes it easy to pick up the pace. The testers were very impressed by the shoe's springy bounce and flexible platform. The result may not be as impressive as a carbon plate, but it's not far off. This makes the Phantasm an interesting option for athletes looking for a lightweight running shoe without a plate. Be careful though: the stack height is low, with only 20 mm under the heel and 14 mm under the forefoot. It's not a minimalist shoe, but it's no Hoka either!

If the shoe is so lightweight, it's also thanks to its very thin mesh (so think that you can see through it), pliable and mainly made of TPU. It has little structure despite a few overlays. The lockdown is good but runners note that it can depend on your foot (shape and size). So it's best to try the Phantasm to make sure its free design suits you. Also, note that the shoe fits a bit long. Finally, with its good old Contagrip rubber, the outsole is durable with a good grip on the road.

In short, the Salomon S/Lab Phantasm is not a half-hearted attempt to compete with the finest racing models out there. It means business with a shoe built to go fast, but that's still versatile for everyday training. Fans of the brand will be delighted to finally have a practical and durable elite model in their rotation.

With its fun and unique pops of color, optimal padding, and modern design, the Saucony Endorphin Shift is the third model in the Endorphin line. Of the three, It's the 'every day/recovery' shoe, a workhorse to comfortably run for long distances. With a stack height 38 mm under the heel and 34 mm under the forefoot, the Shift features a thoroughly-padded midsole designed with PWWRUN foam. Runners described it as 'bouncy' and 'rolling through every stride', which is a clear plus for running longer distances. The upper shoe is described as "stellar" and comparable to the other two Endorphin shoes. It's also highly-praised for its inviting and vibrant aesthetic. Finally, the outsole is particularly notable for its rubber grip that provides decent traction on roads. With its rubber grip, the shoe does perform well on off-road terrains as well, such as sand, gravel... However, one runner noted that the shoe began to slip a bit on wet terrain but consistently does well on a variety of dry landscapes. Also, while the Shift received many good reviews from satisfied runners, a few noted that the toe box of the shoe proved to be a bit too narrow/restrictive to fit a variety of feet. Additionally, some runners remarked that the shoe ran on the heavier side, which took away from its 'bouncy' engineering. Indeed, with 292 g/10.3 oz for men and 264 g/9.3 oz for women, the Shift is much heavier than its racing counterpart, the Endorphin Pro, and its 221 g/7.8 oz. This difference can be explained by the price but also by the vocation of each shoe. Saucony wants us to buy the three models of the collection and alternate according to our training and races. ln this regard, the Endorphin Shift is an interesting trainer option to run comfortably for a long time. To summarize, the Saucony Endorphin Shift is a very good low drop 'everyday trainer' that's especially great for recovery runs with its comfortable and generous cushioning.

Brooks has delivered dozens of times over the years with running shoes that perform. However, their latest model—the Adrenaline GTS 21—might take the cake for bestselling stability trainer. Touted for its smooth ride and adaptable support, the brand has done it again with a reliable, no-frills shoe geared for daily runs.

Perhaps the most notable feature of the Adrenaline is its stellar midsole. Its DNA Loft and BioMoGo DNA technologies provide the best of both worlds with the perfect balance of comfort and security. The cushioning makes it a great shoe for longer rides and daily use. The upper is breathable and supportive with an updated engineered mesh. Brooks has also continued implementing GuideRails support technology on their stack, extending it to the Adrenaline GTS. It's supposed to ensure that a runner's feet and knees remain aligned, providing as much security as possible. While we generally don't advocate for support shoes in the absence of probing scientific proof, some runners swear by it. Hence, it's definitely an option to consider if you're having difficulty finding comfortable shoes. The outsole's segmented crash pad is sturdy and lends itself to good traction so that runners can enjoy a secure grip on the road.

There's no doubt that the Adrenaline GTS is more than capable of performing as a stability shoe. In fact, it's one of the strongest stability options on the market. That said, runners shouldn't expect a noticeable bounce or lively spring with each stride. Instead, this Brooks model focuses on providing a smooth ride that's durable and reliable for your daily run. It's not recommended for sprints or faster workouts. Some users also suggested that a lower heel drop-off would be preferable.

In summation, the Adrenaline GTS does everything a good, long-distance stability trainer should. In addition to offering steady support, it's great for marathons and recovery days alike. Available at an average price for its caliber, it may just be the shoe for you!

The Salomon shoe specially designed for ultra trail running is back. The S/Lab Ultra 3 is a versatile shoe favored by French star François d'Haene, a three-time UTMB winner. So what is this new version worth? First of all, the configuration remains almost identical in terms of weight and stack height. The grip is still excellent with the Contagrip rubber and its moderately aggressive lugs. The Ultra 3 is comfortable on most terrains, although testers note that deeper lugs would be welcome on steep and muddy routes. Also, as with previous versions, the configuration is robust and wear-resistant. In terms of cushioning, the stack height is moderate, with 26 mm under the heel and 18 mm under the forefoot. Trailers characterize the cushioning as "fairly firm" while offering good flexibility and shock absorption, which makes the ride enjoyable even over long distances. They also describe the feel of the run as springy, with smooth transitions throughout the run, even at low speeds. Then, the upper is softer with a streamlined, seamless design that gets rid of the "wings" of the previous model. The foot lockdown is great, resulting in a stable and safe run. Also, the upper is slightly more spacious (especially in the toe area), and its flexibility ensures good freedom of movement for the foot. The only negative point of the upper would be its lack of ventilation. Besides, despite all its great qualities, the shoe is on the expensive side with a base price of $180. In summary, the Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 is a very good trail shoe that is comfortable in all conditions and offers great comfort over long distances.

2020 was a special year for Saucony—besides the worldwide circumstances we all know, obviously—with the great success of its Endorphin range. Far from being eclipsed, the Saucony Ride has consolidated its status as the ultimate daily trainer with practical and classic cushioning. Version 14 continues this trend with few changes.

The Saucony Ride 14 is a comfortable and versatile shoe with a high stack cushioning: 32 mm under the forefoot and 24 mm under the forefoot. However, the platform is quite firm, according to the testers. Thus, shock absorption is good, but the ride is somewhat rigid. In terms of cushioning, as on the previous model, some runners noted a slight bounce, while others found the ride a bit dull. Let's note that the R14 still uses PWRRUN foam instead of the newer PWRRUN PB, which has the reputation of packing a punch in the energy return department. In other words, what was suitable in 2020 seems a bit dated in 2021.

The upper is very comfortable and offers an ideal lockdown with the right amount of flexibility and support. Also, the upper is much more breathable than before, thanks to a more open mesh design. Not only it allows air to circulate better, but it also makes the upper more flexible. The only slightly negative point is the tongue, which some testers deemed too thick.

Finally, the outsole does not skimp on rubber to ensure effective traction and make the shoe more robust. The other advantage of this configuration is that the shoe is quieter—pedestrians will no longer turn around when they hear you coming (beware: this stealth mode can scare people at night!).

In summary, the Saucony Ride 14 remains an excellent choice for daily training, thanks to its comfort and versatility. The firm cushioning may not be to everyone's liking, but overall it's effective. We only hope that the next iteration will benefit from a more responsive foam!

The Hoka Rincon 2 is back after a first unanimously acclaimed version that took the world of running by surprise with its ultra-light and comfortably cushioned profile. Without further ado, let's dive right in: the Rincon 2 is the same shoe with a few small changes. The weight remains about the same but the sole is a little thinner with 29 mm under the heel for men and 26 mm for women. The drop is still 5 mm. Cushioning is still very comfortable with a good balance of softness and firmness. Runners who have tested the shoe agree that it is not as responsive as some of its competitors, especially those with carbon plates. However, the lightweight profile compensates for its absence to some extent. In other words, the shoe is naturally springy overall. The upper is the part that has evolved the most, but without radical change. The mesh is thicker and slightly tighter than before, which gives a better upper fit. If you have wider feet, don't worry: the Rincon 2 remains accommodating, especially around the toes. The outsole is the only part that draws criticism from testers. Indeed, the Rincon 2 has little rubber to protect the sole, which is made of exposed EVA foam. This configuration is not ideal in terms of durability as it offers little protection against abrasion. This is a recurring criticism from testers who have all noticed that the sole wore out quickly after only a few runs. The Hoka Rincon 2 is affordable but we would still like it to be more robust to be able to last at least 500 km/300 mi. Overall, the Hoka Rincon 2 is a very good, light, and comfortable road running shoe with generous cushioning and a great upper. The only real drawback is the fragility of the sole but this remains acceptable considering the great qualities of the shoe.

Salomon is a major player in trail running shoes. While the S/Lab Sense Pro held the top spot for a long time, there's a new little gem of technology to be reckoned with: the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar! This lightweight and seek competition trail shoe was designed in Annecy (France) at Salomon HQ for its top athletes like Kilian Jornet. So let's see if what's good for the elite is suitable for regular runners like you and me!

The first thing that stands out from all the reviews is that this shoe is incredibly lightweight: only 174 g/6.1 oz (men's model). Its sole is more flexible and slightly thicker than that of the S/Lab Sense 8. It uses a new foam: Energy Surge. We get a 14.5 mm stack height under the heel and 20.5 mm under the forefoot foot for a drop of 6 mm. Runners who have tried the shoe note that the cushioning is relatively firm while being comfortable. The sensations are excellent with a springy ride due to the foam, the low drop, and the nice ground feel. It also appears from the various tests that the rebound is excellent, which makes the shoe ideal for competition. However, the low stack height may limit the shoe's potential for long distances such as ultramarathon running, although it's a matter of personal preference. Also, let's note that several testers expressed concern about the durability of the midsole. It's a point to watch. It may be wise to use it primarily in competition and opt for a more robust model for daily training.

Regarding the upper, wide-footed runners found the Pulsar quite tricky to put on, as the collar is very narrow. As with all of Salomon's S/Lab models, QuickLace replaces the traditional laces. On this model, the eyelets have disappeared, and the lace goes directly into the fabric. We find a small pocket on the top to slip the excess laces, but some of the testers complained about the small size of this pocket. Trailers particularly appreciated the "mini-sock," which prevents the presence of dirt and gravel in the shoe. Overall, they noted an excellent lockdown, despite the lack of structure of the upper.

On the outer part of the sole is Contagrip, a blown rubber that equips most of the brand's trail running shoes. The design of the lugs and their depth suggest that this shoe will be more suitable for not too technical and not too wet terrain. This point is confirmed by several testers who noted a limited grip in the mud.

In summary, the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar an outstanding elite trail shoe to go fast on the trails. Though it was developed for and endorsed by superstar Kilian Jornet, all the testers had a lot of fun running with the Pulsar and felt they, too, could push their limits!

The Peregrine reigns over Saucony's trail range alongside the Xodus. It's a peppy shoe with fantastic versatility that continues to impress despite its persistent bulky weight.

The outsole and its lugs are almost identical to those of the P10—and still just as effective! They offer impeccable grip on the most technical surfaces. It's even possible to add ice screws if needed. Besides, there's the ST (Soft Terrain) version for soft surfaces such as mud. It comes with 6.5 mm lugs compared to 5 mm for the standard and GTX versions.

The stack height is higher than before, with 27 mm under the heel and 23 mm under the forefoot. The foam used is still PWRRUN with a similar medium density, slightly firm, cushioning. The midsole absorbs shocks well while still allowing some ground feel. This configuration is beneficial on technical terrain as it provides good stability while ensuring a smooth run.

Finally, like the rest of the shoe, the upper shows no radical change but rather small touches here and there, such as a thicker tongue and a better overlay system. It gives a secure lockdown and adequate ventilation with plenty of toe room—the forefoot part is not as roomy as an Altra, but it will fit most runners.

In summary, the Saucony Peregrine 11 continues to dominate the trail category with a powerful configuration for a wide range of terrains and situations thanks to its outstanding foot lockdown, protection, and grip. The slightly firm cushioning may not appeal to you if you like plush padding, but it's a matter of preference. This model's real weak point (as with its predecessors) is its weight, with 10.9 oz/310 g for men and 9.5 oz/270 g for women. Let's hope Saucony can hear us on that one!

The latest model in Hoka's Mafate Speed line-up is now available, and the vibrantly-colored 3 does not disappoint. With an improved upper and only slightly heavier design, we're about to weigh the pros and cons of this trainer—pun intended!

For starters, let's talk about the CMEVA midsole of the Speed 3. Nearly-identical to its predecessors (the EVO Mafate and Mafate Speed 2), it's built for cushioning your foot at high speeds with its blend of softness and snap. Even with a bit of added weight, the 3 is fast, though taller lugs may require some adjustment. Thanks to a roomy yet supportive mesh upper, feet remain secure while allowing for a bit of stretch. Compared with previous versions, runners referenced the new upper as the most significant improvement to the 3. Finally, the outsole—with sturdy, 5 mm lugs—are built for traction yet fell flat for some runners on slippery surfaces. These same lugs proved a bit too bulky for other users, especially on rocky or gravel surfaces. Testers reported the best performance once the lugs had been a bit worn-in.

A few complaints about the Speed 3 included lug height (as it threw off stability), and subsequently, added weight. Users clarified that this extra weight was unnoticeable while running downhill and that overall, the 3 offers a fast, smooth ride. Also, at 10.7 oz/303 g (M) for a heel stack height of 33 mm, the cushioning-weight ratio is not bad at all! Once the shoe is broken in, and the lugs are worn a bit down, this model is great for long-distance runners. Slippery and very technical surfaces pose some traction problems, but the MS3 performs very well in most trail scenarios.

Ultimately, the Mafate Speed 3 is a very good option for those with wider feet seeking a secure yet forgiving ride. Price-wise, this model falls on the higher end of the scale, but the combination of comfort and responsiveness is worthwhile!