The Best Running Shoes: The Ultimate 2020 Ranking

The Brooks Ghost 13 is a sturdy running shoe with comfortable cushioning, particularly suitable for daily training. The collection continues its transformation with this new version, which keeps getting a little lighter and thinner. The shoe now weighs 280 g (9.9 oz) for men and 252 g (8.9 oz) for women, which is very reasonable considering the thickness of the sole (31 mm under the heel).

The cushioning is comfortable and effectively absorbs shocks throughout the run. It is important to note that the soft DNA Loft foam now extends over the entire lateral part of the shoe instead of being solely located in the heel as before. The firmer BioMoGo DNA foam is still present but on the medial part of the foot. The foams are co-molded to avoid a noticeable division line. The testers found the cushioning to be well balanced overall, except under the toes where they found it too soft for optimal energy return. This is the main disadvantage of the shoe. However, this is consistent with its profile which is primarily intended for medium and long distances at a slow to moderate pace. Besides, runners insist that the shoe provides a smooth ride with a good transition from heel to toe.

Moving on to the upper, the mesh is thinner and more flexible than on any other Ghost model before. The toe area is particularly flexible and spacious. This will appeal to runners with wider feet, but people with thin feet may float a little. Overall the lockdown is still very good. Note that the collar behind the heel is quite thick and rigid (which is very characteristic of the Ghost).

Finally, the outsole features thick rubber with deep grooves which makes it durable, grippy, and even suited to easy dirt roads.

All in all, the Brooks Ghost 13 is a good and comfortable running shoe, not necessarily very exciting but reliable.

The Asics Gel Kayano 27 is the model with the longest longevity in the Asics range with now 27 iterations to date. This classic was created by the product designer Toshikazu Kayano, who gave it his name. He is now retired, which says something about the age of this collection! So is the Kayano still worth the detour in 2020 or is it just a relic from another era? First of all, it should be noted that, though it hasn't lost weight (unfortunately), the shoe now has a more streamlined design to the point of resembling the Gel Cumulus 22. Thus, while still featuring as many technologies as before, it has a clean and compact design overall. The sole is relatively thin with 22 mm under the heel (24 mm for women) and 12 mm under the forefoot (11 mm for women). It features FlyteFoam and FlyteFoam Propel foams and GEL units for comfortable cushioning. According to the testers, the result is convincing without being really springy. Indeed, the Kayano is a stability shoe and, therefore, offers a traditional configuration that works to stabilize the foot while running to avoid overpronation. On this regard, the Dynamic DuoMax and the Space Trusttic technologies guide the foot softly. This will appeal to runners who are looking for a stability shoe that is not too strict. Therefore, the Kayano 27 is comfortable and stable with a secure foot lockdown. This configuration doesn't really shine during tempo sessions but is a solid choice for recovery training and long runs. Finally, the Kayano 27 is a sturdy shoe designed to last, which compensates a little for its high price tag. In summary, the Asics Gel Kayano 27 is a good stability shoe that offers a comfortable, robust and relatively flexible configuration.

A continuation of the beloved Boston series, the Adidas Adizero Boston 9 is a versatile daily trainer that can handle a fast pace. Based on feedback from testers, the 9 is one of those "all-around" running shoes that will come in suitable for nearly any type of training. The Boston 9 midsole uniquely combines Lightstrike and BOOST foams. However, quite a few runners voiced their dissatisfaction with this addition of Lightstrike, preferring the Boston line's previous midsoles designed with only BOOST padding. Nonetheless, even with the addition of Lightstrike, runners appreciated overall the responsiveness of the cushioning. They felt it was well suited for speed training. Then, runners unanimously described the upper as an improvement from former models, with enhanced breathability from its lightweight mesh material. The traction of the outsole was also described as a plus of the Boston 9. It features Continental rubber for a better grip on wet or slippery roads. Runners listed a few downsides of the Boston 9. First, the medium-high arch doesn't accommodate every foot shape. Second, the unusually-large design forces users to size down. The shoe's true white also reflects dirt and scuffs very quickly. Overall, the Boston 9 received high marks across the board as a great option for running 10k races and half-marathons, as the lightweight design of the shoe encourages quick turnover and fast paces. It's also praised for its durability, versatility, and even its affordable price. Given the fact that one of the only major downsides of the Boston 9 is its Lightstrike addition, we rank this shoe as a 9.3, making it a very very good option for hardcore athletes and casual runners alike!

The Saucony Switchback 2 has many new and exciting features while retaining the beloved elements of the original version. With its low stack height, low drop, flexible material, and dynamic PWWRUN midsole technology, the Switchback 2 is an interesting choice for trailers looking for a nice ground feel while running. The PWRRUN midsole that blends EVA and TPU contributes to a soft and yet bouncy ride, which runners noted was a significant upgrade to the shoe. This technology replaces the EVERUN midsole found in the original Switchback and makes the Switchback 2 a bit denser for added stability. The PWRRUN midsole, combined with a woven rock plate, protects the foot and keeps it secure. Despite the rock plate addition, the Switchback 2 still molds nicely to the terrain and makes each stride snappy. The shoe's sock-like upper provides added flexibility and comfort; however, some runners remarked that they could feel sharp rocks and pebbles. One unique feature of the Switchback 2 is its BOA side lacing system. While at first glance, this type of lacing may seem to inhibit foot security, runners remarked that it works. The shoe stays snug all over the foot, without individual pressure points, and can be adjusted with a quick twist of the BOA. In terms of grip, the medium-size lugs (3.5 mm) provide excellent traction on moderate terrains. Trailers were surprised by how effective they were in comparison to their shallow profile. Though the Switchback 2 received a lot of positive feedback from users, there were a few notable pitfalls of the shoe. For one, the fit is secure, but not locked-in enough to perform on more technical trails. The upper also lacks breathability and absorbs the sharp edges of rocks and other terrain debris. Runners also noted that the Switchback 2 isn't soft enough for long runs and may prove uncomfortable after a while if you're not used to low stack shoes. To summarize, the Saucony Switchback 2 is a good low stack/low drop trail running shoe best suited for moderate terrain and short to mid distances.

A durable and sturdy mountain shoe for all-day use on the trails, the Topo Athletic MTN Racer is TA Ultraventure's sibling, but half an ounce lighter and more versatile. A true mountain shoe, the MTN Racer boasts excellent grip and sturdiness on the most technical of terrains. There seems to be no limit for how much ground it can cover! The MTN Racer's midsole features tri-density EVA, which means the shoe is both soft and firm in the appropriate areas. The foam is dense and stable for cradling the foot on technical terrains. However, it lacks the type of propulsion you would get from the average road shoe. For some runners, this was a deal-breaker: they felt that the missing "pop" of the shoe makes for a dull ride. Trailers described the MTN Racer's upper as "roomy" if lacking breathability with its nylon mesh fabric. The Vibram Megagrip outsole of the shoe aggressively handles all rocks, sharp turns, and debris that one might encounter on a technical trail. While the MTN Racer is undoubtedly great for regular (and long-distance) trail running, there are some pitfalls of the design. Testers listed the lack of upper breathability as a unanimous downside of the shoe and also remarked that the toe box curls up slightly. This means that the shoe is more likely to catch on roots and other protruding terrains, especially when runners get tired. Also, runners felt that the shoe didn't always protect effectively the foot from sharp obstacles despite its high stack cushioning. Lastly, the overall "pop" of the shoe was simply too lacking, even though the MTN Racer is a trail shoe designed to grip and protect rather than propel. Overall, the Topo Athletic MTN Racer is a good and reasonably priced trail shoe that can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. However, its dull ride and the lack of breathability of its upper prevent it from being outstanding.

The Asics Gel Pulse 11 is a comfortable and effective road shoe. It's in the mid-range of the Asics running shoe collection with a simple and sturdy build at an affordable price. This new version offers more padding with a stack height of 31 mm under the heel instead of 21 mm previously. Unfortunately, while the cushioning is more comfortable and will appeal to runners looking for good shock absorption, the downside is that the shoe is much heavier. It now weighs 322 grams for men and 272 grams for women, almost 100 grams more than the 10. The Gel Pulse 11 is a comfortable shoe overall, although it has a slightly narrow forefoot. The sole provides comfortable and responsive cushioning, especially with the help of its Gel. Then, the upper offers good lockdown while increasing airflow. In summary, the Asics Gel Pulse 11 is a good road running shoe, but its new configuration may be confusing for fans of previous models.

The Rocket X is Hoka One One's new carbon-fiber plate running shoe. It features a classic, simple, and sleek design with the marathon in mind. As we'll see, its specific configuration can be very effective but not necessarily suitable for everyone.

First of all, the Hoka Rocket X is closer to a classic racing shoe than a carbon plate model. The semi-rigid carbon-fiber unit is unobtrusive and offers good bounce without the "trampoline" effect of other carbon shoes—many testers compare the Rocket X to the Saucony Endorphin Pro in terms of the ride but find the latter smoother overall. The CMEVA midsole has a stack height of 32 mm under the heel and 27 mm under the forefoot and offers a simple and effective cushioning, described by testers as firm and moderately springy. It doesn't have much to do with the signature Hoka plush cushioning. However, it seems that the platform's firmness and the low drop (5 mm) limit the shoe's versatility. According to the runners, it takes a quick pace to "activate" the carbon plate's propulsion benefit. The Rocket X is equipped with Meta-Rocker technology, but it's not very effective on this model. According to several testers, it's best to forefoot strike to get the most out of this shoe. However, most runners are heel strikers, which reduces the potential audience of the Rocket X.

Next, the lightweight and breathable mesh of the upper offers precise and flexible foot lockdown: the ideal configuration to combine comfort and race-ready fit. Also, the heel counter is soft and not too high, which will please runners with Achilles problems. The toe box is moderately spacious and should not be a concern for runners with wider feet.

Finally, the rubber outsole is grippy enough despite its seemingly smooth texture and is sturdy enough to withstand wear and tear.

To summarize, the Hoka Rocket X is a good carbon-fiber plate racing running shoe. Still, its particular configuration—which favors forefoot strikers—isn't versatile enough to rival carbon plate champions like the Nike AlphaFly or the Adidas Adios Pro, especially over long distances. However, it can be an interesting option if you are looking for a simple yet edgy carbon plate competition shoe for short or medium distances.

The Hoka Bondi is one of those shoes that popularized the brand with its massive high-stack sole that offers soft and comfortable cushioning. The seventh model in the series continues this trend with little change from the previous version.

The sole is slightly thinner with now 33 mm under the heel for men and 31 mm for women. The drop remains low at 4 mm. The sole uses a simple and efficient configuration: EVA foam combined with Hi-Abrasion rubber on some important areas of the outsole to protect the shoe and improve grip.

The testers found this configuration comfortable while noting a lack of bounce and flexibility. Indeed, the platform doesn't flex with the movement of the foot. Also, the shoe is rather heavy with 323 g/11.4 oz for men, 252 g/8.9 oz for women, which doesn't help for speed training that requires good agility (e.g. tempo runs). Thus, the Bondi 7 is primarily intended for daily workouts and recovery runs. Some testers even said that they liked this shoe but for walking...

As for the rest, the upper offers fits well and effectively locks down the foot. The mesh is denser than before while still allowing some airflow.

In short, the Hoka Bondi 7 is a good road running shoe with comfortable cushioning but it lacks some 'pop' and flexibility to be remarkable. To be honest, the Bondi seems like an aging collection that, in 2020, is struggling to compete with shoes that are as cushioned but much more responsive.

The second model in New Balance's FuelCell Propel line will take you anywhere you want to go! Its snappy toe-off response and supportive design make the V2 a practical (and affordable) daily trainer. This new version marks a significant shift that could disconcert fans of the first iteration.

The midsole of the V2 lends itself to a smooth ride that performs on fast days. In fact, the "pop" of this shoe calls to mind the phrase, "...a spring in your step!" Drastically different from its V1 forerunner—no pun intended—this midsole is an entirely different beast. Where its soft, cushiony midsole characterized the V1, the firmer design of the V2 has true rocker appeal. Another noticeable modification is the upper's new design, which has meant a thinner tongue and a stiffer fit for runners. While it still gets the job done, users of the V2 say that the new upper is a step in the wrong direction. Fortunately, the outsole is engineered with NDurance rubber, which provides enhanced durability. The V2 is a road shoe but provides enough traction to grip terrain well on light trails.

While the V2 has many strong qualities for its price point, there are a few downsides to Propel's latest model. For one thing, while it's a great shoe for normal to fast days, it may not be the best recovery option. If shoes were a race, the V1 would be a marathon, and the V2 would be a sprint. However, that's not necessarily a bad thing—it all depends on what you're looking for. Also, as mentioned, the upper is described as a "definite step backward" by users, who preferred the more comfortable V1 design. The overall engineering of the V2 is less flexible and clunkier than its predecessor.

Ultimately, with a very affordable price point of $100, the attractive Propel V2 performs in all the ways it should. For those seeking a shoe that performs well at a value, the V2 might be a fantastic option. However, runners seeking shoes for longer rides should consider other options, as should runners who prefer a softer, more flexible design. Maybe a future V3 model will combine the best of both the V1 and V2!

The fourth in the famous Skechers line of stability shoes, the GOrun Forza 4 is surprisingly lightweight given its chunky yet vibrant style. It's considered one of the "workhorse trainers" of Skechers. While its design makes it more likely to be used as a road shoe, some runners also used it on easy trails. The Forza 4 features two types of midsole material: UltraFlight and Hyperburst, which work in conjunction to ensure runners "bounce" through every stride, while their feet are well-supported by the denser, firmer fabric that UltraFlight provides. The entire midsole section is thick, cushioned, and exceedingly stable, making it fantastic for moderate to longer runs. Meanwhile, the upper part of the Forza 4 is a mix of mono mesh and polyester, which adds to a soft, comfortable ride from heel to toe. The outsole features Goodyear rubber, which — although it appears excessive and thick — runners appreciate for its durability and traction. With the many elements of comfort, support, stability, and style that runners have noted, the Forza 4 wasn't notable for many downsides. However, some users stated that the tongue sits relatively lower on the foot, making tight lacing a bit uncomfortable (and challenging to get snug). Additionally, while the sturdiness of the shoe is a plus, the Forza 4 seems to retain its rigidity over time, even after the break-in process. Unfortunately, this minimizes the ability of the foot to "roll" through each step, according to the testers. Coupled with this response is also the remark that the shoe is "too firm," despite its cushioned midsole and flexible upper. Primarily intended for overpronators, the Forza 4 is suitable for runners of all profiles, including neutral runners. Overall, the Skechers GOrun Forza 4 is a good stability road shoe: lightweight and comfortable despite a relatively firm and somewhat rigid platform.

The On Cloudflow 2.0 is the 2020 version of the original Cloudflow. Engineered with an innovative design and updated features, the Cloudflow 2.0 is made for 5k, 10k, and even half-marathon races. A few noteworthy qualities of the Cloudflow 2.0 include its Helion super foam midsole, which promotes a snappy ride and a consistently smooth ride with its well-cushioned padding—perfect for ensuring optimal comfort on shorter runs. Additionally, the toe box is an ideal width for accommodating a range of foot sizes, from narrow to wide, and is purportedly quite airy due to its breathable upper mesh material. Runners remarked it was a clear step up from the original Cloudflow design. The outsole of the 2.0 has been updated, as well, offering improved traction for a better grip on wet roads. Runners who tried the Cloudflow 2.0 did report a few of the shoe's disadvantages, including a lack of support, faulty outsole design (rocks and debris lodge easily in the grooves), and even stated that the shoe's design caused some abrasions after running longer distances. However, for short-term use, training sessions, and short to moderate races, the 2.0 did not disappoint, offering runners a speed advantage, breathable fabric, and enhanced comfort with its Helion midsole padding. However, the On Cloudflow 2.0 may be a bit pricier than its performance warrants. The promise of superior quality due to the Swiss design of the shoe just doesn't seem to materialize in the Cloudflow 2.0. On a scale of 1-10, we rank this running shoe an 8.7 for its overall positive feedback and enhanced technology from the original Cloudflow design. Runners looking for long-wear shoes that will persevere on trails and longer distances, however, should consider other options.

After years of waiting, the Nike Air Zoom Structure 23 is finally here! It reignites the flame of a collection that seemed to have been put aside by Nike. However, it comes with significant changes that set it apart from previous models.

Nike doesn't present the Structure 23 as a stability shoe for overpronation. Instead, like the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit, it prefers to introduce it as a stable model for everyone. As a result, there's no longer a support system to aggressively reduce pronation. Instead, the walls on each side of the foot rise to guide the foot and make the wide platform even more stable. The stack height remains similar: 21 mm under the heel and 13 mm under the forefoot. However, the foam is much softer than before, which gives a lovely plush underfoot feel but limits the platform's bounce, according to the testers. Therefore, while the S22 was snappy and suitable for speedwork, the S23 seems a bit duller. This new configuration surprised the fans of earlier versions who criticize the lack of versatility of this new model.

As for the upper, the classic mesh is well ventilated though a bit thick. The fit is comfortable, and the lockdown effective. The heel counter is rigid, which can be a little uncomfortable if you have Achilles tendon problems. Also, runners with wide feet will be delighted: the Structure 23 is roomy, especially around the toes.

Finally, the outsole features a lot of rubber to enhance durability and increase traction. Nike did a good job there as, even with all this thick and sturdy configuration, the weight is reasonable. The shoe weighs 289 grams (10.2 oz)—40 g (1.4 oz) less than the previous model.

In short, the S23 represents a new beginning for Nike's Structure collection. As we often repeat, there's no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of stability shoes, and it seems logical that in 2020 brands are exploring new concepts. Overall, this model gains in comfort but loses some pop, making mostly suitable for quiet daily training.