The Best Road Running Shoes of 2020

After the FuelCell TC— New Balance's first shoe to show off a carbon plate—here's the FuelCell RC Elite, a shoe whose keywords are comfort and versatility.

It comes with a high-stack cushioning with a height of 35 mm under the heel and 25 mm under the forefoot. The FuelCell foam gives a soft and plush cushioning with a firm touch under the heel. The soft feel of the sole is very similar to that of the Adidas Adios Pro. The result is a very comfortable ride, but the testers judged the bounce to be moderate. The carbon plate—discreet under the foot—does its job and provides a responsive ride with fast transitions but maybe not as impressive as on other similar models (like the Nike AlphaFly, to name only one). Therefore, the ride is actually close to what you get from a traditional running shoe, making it an exciting option for runners looking for a more accessible, more comfortable carbon plated shoe.

Next, the mesh of the upper is soft and relatively thick for a racing shoe, which reinforces the overall feeling of comfort. The shoe fits true to size, but the lockdown is a little loose in the middle of the foot, according to several runners. It's one of the main issues of this model: runners are concerned that it may not be secure enough for racing. The toe box offers enough room, and the heel counter perfectly locks-in the foot. The design is very nice with a sleek build and bright neon colors, although, of course, it's a matter of preference.

Finally, the Dynaride outsole and its small triangular rubber lugs give good traction and seem durable: testers didn't notice any signs of wear after several runs. Besides, the lugs also equip the tip of the shoe to act as a toe bumper that protects the toes and makes the shoe more sturdy.

To summarize, the FuelCell TC is a great carbon plate running shoe with a soft and flexible platform that received high praise from many seasoned runners. Its combination of performance and comfort make it a very versatile shoe. Make no mistake though: it's a shoe built for marathon racing, but it's also suitable for daily training.

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!

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.

The third model of the very successful Endorphin collection is a tempo running shoe: the Speed. Complementing the Endorphin Shift (trainer) and Endorphin Pro (versatile with carbon plate), this shoe stands out for its snappy ride at fast paces. Its neon hues and fun design also make it a very appealing shoe. The Speed's midsole is one of the most notable features of this model. Made with PEBA-based PWRRUN PB cushioning, Saucony claims that this material offers an explosive energy return. This high-stack shoe (33 mm under the heel, 25 mm under the forefoot) also features a full-length, S-curved nylon plate, and SpeedRoll geometry to provide a smooth and comfortable transition from heel to toes. Testers unanimously enjoyed the ride, but with one caveat: you have to run fast as the shoe is a bit too harsh at slow paces. The Speed is noticeably much lighter than the Endorphin Shift, giving it a more weightless feel. Runners remarked that the upper of the Speed is particularly excellent, with FORMFIT technology that enhances comfort and breathability. Meanwhile, the outsole contributes to the propulsion of the shoe, engineered with durable rubber that grips terrain and stabilizes the foot. Those who tried the Speed commented on a few drawbacks of the design. The rear and plate of the shoe, though cushioned, proved a bit too firm for some runners. However, this rigidity lessened overtime. Runners also questioned the price point of the Speed, which is $40 less than its Pro counterpart but doesn't offer the same versatility and comfort. The Speed is a great tempo shoe, meaning that it works well for interval or tempo runs, but it is not a daily trainer. Runners searching for running shoes suitable for all workouts will prefer the Pro over the Shift. Overall, the Saucony Endorphin Pro is a very good running shoe with comfortable and responsive cushioning for fast running, even though its firmness may not be to the liking of everyone.

The Mizuno Wave Rider 24 has become a household running name. It's a shoe that has remained relatively constant over the years, especially with its Wave plate, which can be considered the ancestor of modern carbon plates. However, this twenty-fourth version has a major new feature: the Mizuno Enerzy foam. Without replacing the famous U4ic, it complements it and softens the ride of the shoe with its greater flexibility. Thus, while the Mizuno Wave Rider has always had the reputation of being firm, the MWR24 is more forgiving. Overall, runners appreciated the cushioning, noting a good balance between cushioning and bounce. However, some complained about the Mizuno Wave plate, which, according to them, "is useless and makes the shoe heavier." On this subject, let's note that the Wave Rider 24's weight is reasonable, with 281 g (9.9 oz) for men and 232 g (8.2 oz) for women. Secondly, the new Air Mesh was also very well received. Testers note that it marks a clear improvement over the Waveknit mesh that Mizuno has been pushing in recent years on some of its models. The mesh is thick while ensuring good airflow in the shoe. Besides, the upper uses fewer overlays without reducing the effectiveness of the lockdown. Finally, the outsole is equipped with carbon rubber in certain areas to improve traction and protect the shoe. On this last point, runners were a bit disappointed: they note that the unprotected parts (made of exposed foam) tend to wear quickly. In summary, the Mizuno Wave Rider 24 makes great strides (pun intended) with a new, slightly softer cushioning and an improved, more comfortable upper—a very good model for daily training.

Available primarily in Europe thus far, the Mizuno Wave Sky Neo is creating a buzz from overseas. Promoted as a highly-cushioned daily trainer with a miraculous midsole, expectations run high for the Neo, no pun intended. However, runners who tried the shoe had drastically different things to say about their experience—and not all were satisfied.

The midsole of the Neo, crafted with bouncy Enerzy foam, is immediately comfortable upon step-in. Soft and responsive without being mushy, this shoe offers a unique experience from comparable alternatives. Alternative models, like the Wave Rider 24, also use Enerzy material for the midsole; however, the Neo combines Enerzy Core with Enerzy foam and Mizuno Foam Wave technology. The result is triple the cushioning in one supremely comfortable midsole. Runners were overall impressed by the combination of plush feel and bounce that's often hard to nail down with a trainer. Also noteworthy is the shoe's knit upper, which is made with extra eyelets to prevent heel slipping and secures feet effectively. The Neo's outsole is durable while still allowing flexibility and features a small section of the exposed midsole (visible through a recessed hole in the heel). This is, presumably, purely for aesthetics rather than for any purpose or functionality.

The Wave Sky Neo performs but misses the mark for runners keen on a more lightweight experience. The shoe's stack height doesn't help with its clunky feel—approximately 40 mm under the heel, weighing 337 g/11.9 oz for the men's version. This extra weight made it difficult for some users to get the most out of the Neo as a daily long-distance trainer. Its heaviness, coupled with the sky-high price tag, should make runners stop and consider other options before splurging on the Neo.

In summation, the Neo may be the right choice for runners who prioritize midsole comfort. Some users who tried the shoe swear by it. However, keep in mind that the shoe's limited availability might mean it will be weeks before you receive your purchase. Additionally, if you're looking for an affordable trainer that won't slow you down, it's worth your while to explore alternatives.

While 2020 has witnessed the launch of many high-caliber carbon plate shoes, the Asics Dynablast makes a more discreet entrance with a configuration that is both modern and traditional.

Modern because it boasts the sleek and stylish design of the latest Asics models and the new FlyteFoam Blast foam that equips the Novablast. And traditional because at the core, it's a classic trainer shoe. The stack height is average with 28 mm under the heel and a drop of 12 mm. As we will see, the ride is also "standard."

Indeed, according to the testers, the cushioning offers just the right amount of softness for easy daily runs. However, they were not too impressed with the ability of the shoe to handle quick paces because of its lack of responsiveness. Therefore, while the ride does provide a slight bounce, it's not impressive by any stretch. It's reasonable to assume that this is deliberate of Asics: the sole has a traditional design without rocking. In other words, there's nothing to help smoothen the ride; you have to do all the work, which is not bad for runners who like no-frills shoes with a simple ride. What's more, the shoe has the advantage of being lightweight despite its broad and chunky platform that offers good stability. It's unique enough to be noted!

Then, the dense and thick mesh ensures an effective lockdown. The upper is roomy but not very stretchy. Beware, though: some runners have found the shoe to be a bit large, especially in the toe box area. Some go as far as recommending to size down, which is a bit confusing. Also, the thickness of the mesh can be a problem in summer when it's hot.

In summary, the Asics Dynablast is a good lightweight trainer with comfortable cushioning that gives a classic ride. However, its durability makes it a great pick for daily runs despite some fit issues and an average bounce.

In the Pegasus shadow, the Vomero continues to build its reputation as a comfortable daily trainer with this fifteenth model. After the React foam, it's time for the famous and edgy ZoomX foam that equips the brand's high-end carbon plate models. However, despite its advanced technologies, the Vomero 15 marks a return to its roots with a traditional configuration. So, what's the verdict?

First of all, let's note that the shoe has a higher stack than ever before, with 32 mm under the heel and 22 mm under the forefoot, an increase of 5 mm from the previous model. Unfortunately, it's reflected in the weight: without going over the symbolic 300 g/10.6 oz threshold for the men's model, the Vomero 15 is not far off. As you can see, we're not off to a good start. Fortunately, the extra weight is also due to the extra rubber on the outsole. As a result, the shoe is more sturdy and more grippy.

The cushioning is comfortable and rather traditional, according to the testers. The ZoomX foam is not very noticeable, but the shoe has the advantage of absorbing shocks well despite a firm underfoot feel. Thus, the Vomero should be seen as a recovery or long(er) distance alternative to the Nike Pegasus 37. Also, the platform is flexible despite the amount of rubber on the outsole. The stability of the shoe will also reassure runners who worry about overpronation. All in all, nothing incredible but nothing really disappointing either.

Finally, the upper offers a simple configuration that proves to be effective. The lockdown is snug and precise without being tight, and the ventilation is good. What's more, the forefoot offers good volume; if there's a shoe in the Nike line that can suit runners with wider feet, it's this one!

In summary, the Nike Air Zoom Vomero 15 is a good running shoe for long runs and daily training with a high-stack yet firm cushioning. It's a model for athletes looking for a classic ride that features the latest Nike technologies. We wish these advanced technologies would have made the V15 lighter though as it struggles to compete with similar models from other brands.

Brooks is back with its famous lightweight trainer, now available for the first time in GTS (stability version). The all-new Launch 8 is already creating a buzz in the running world and is noticeable a mile away! Available in lime green and a dusty rose hue, the benefits of the Launch 8 transcend outward appearance—this trainer performs. Whether opting for Brooks' Go-to-Support technology or the standard 8, here's what you should know to decide on using the Launch for your daily workouts.

Like some of its colleagues (we're looking at you, Glycerin 19), the Launch 8 comes in both neutral and GTS. GTS provides added support on the shoe's platform with GuideRails technology and works to stabilize a runner's stride. Unlike previous models that have offered GTS, the Launch 8 incorporates GuideRails technology seamlessly into the shoe's design. The overall feel is a firm, somewhat dense ride that gets the job done. The standard 8, meanwhile, lends itself to as smooth of a ride as its GTS cousin. The two share many similarities; both are leaning toward a more responsive feel and an uptempo pace. This responsiveness comes from the midsole, engineered with BioMoGo foam, though some runners were less than impressed. One comment focused on the overall stiffness of the shoe, even after a generous break-in period. BioMoGo also lacks pop, making it fairly unremarkable compared to the Brooks Tempo or Elite models' technology.

Also, the upper of the Launch 8 is designed with an air mesh to keep feet cooler. It's worth noting that, with a few exceptions, nearly all trainers have a breathable mesh upper—it pretty much comes with the territory. The toe box is roomy and keeps feet locked in place throughout a run. The outsole is excellent on both the standard and GTS versions, with blown rubber that lasts after miles of use. The overall traction and durability are unparalleled for the caliber and price point of the 8.

In summary, the Launch 8 is ideal for uptempo runners and those seeking a highly durable shoe. Despite some reported stiffness, users didn't have many other complaints; however, the midsole wasn't unanimously successful. Despite its lightweight design, BioMoGo was simply too firm for a comfortable ride. These are also not recommended for runners who expect a snap or "pep" in their step to propel them forward. For an extremely affordable price, given the great Brooks name and the shoe's quality, the Launch 8 delivers. However, if you are expecting something groundbreaking or truly remarkable, you would do well to look elsewhere.

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, 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 any other Ghost model before. The toe area is remarkably 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 heel's collar is quite thick and rigid (which is very characteristic of the Ghost).

Finally, the outsole features thick rubber with deep grooves, making 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.