The Best Road Running Shoes of 2021

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!

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.

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.

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.