The Best Road Running Shoes of 2020

The New Balance 1080 v10 is a comfortable and versatile road shoe with generous cushioning. Indeed, it has a 29 mm thick sole under the heel with an 8 mm drop. It features the Fresh Foam technology that is used in many New Balance models. On this particular model, the foam provides a comfortable and soft cushioning while offering a good energy return. In comparison, the cushioning is softer than on the Beacon v2, for example. This configuration provides a comfortable running feel to have fun over long distances. Nevertheless, this model retains the excellent polyvalence for which it is renowned and adapts very well to shorter distances and speed training. The upper area features the most changes with a new flame design for the heel to better support the foot. In addition, the new upper now uses knit instead of mesh. This provides optimal ventilation and a slightly softer fit. Another important point is that you can comfortably splay your toes thanks to the large toe box. All in all, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v10 is a very good surprise with some important changes that considerably improve comfort. An excellent, comfortable and versatile road running shoe not to be missed!

After the elite shoes for competition, the Nike ZoomX range tackles daily training with the Invincible Run. It's a model with maximal cushioning (37 mm sole under the heel, 28 mm under the forefoot) made for comfort and determined to go head to head with Hoka, who dominates the category. It seems that Nike had this model in the making for a few years already, but the wait was well worth it. Indeed, the Invincible Run already appears as one of the most exciting running shoes of the year.

Let's not prolong the suspense: the testers were blown away by the cushioning - nothing less! The midsole is both soft and bouncy with excellent shock absorption and protection. In general, you get bounce or softness, but it's rare to have both in one shoe. With the Invincible Run, it seems that with ZoomX, Nike has found the magic formula to offer a snappy and plush ride for daily training. However, there's a small caveat: the midsole of the Invincible consists only of foam. Therefore, there's no Air unit or carbon plate to give structure and improve stability. To compensate, Nike has considerably increased the width of the shoe, especially at the heel. The result is mixed, with some testers noting a slight instability at times.

The upper is Flyknit but looks more like a classic mesh than Nike's famous breathable and stretchy knit. On this model, it's dense and rather strict to ensure a more precise foot lockdown. It's consistent with the wide platform for improved stability. The foothold is excellent according to the runners and, the cherry on top, the toe box is ample enough to accommodate wider feet. The only weak point noted is the thick ankle collar, which locks-in the heel but can potentially irritate with friction.

Finally, the outsole is all-rubber with very thin lugs. Traction is flawless, and durability seems to be there at first glance—time will tell.

All in all, the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run delivers on its promises. It's a relatively lightweight trainer (278 g/9.8 oz for men, 245 g/8.6 oz for women) with soft, maximal, and responsive cushioning that has left more than one runner amazed by the ride it offers. The only downsides are the slight lack of stability and the thick collar, but these are not significant problems. The price is another story: $180 is a hefty sum for a model intended primarily for daily training and recovery.

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 Saucony Ride 13 is a versatile road shoe in the same class as the Nike Pegasus. This new version shows major changes (as the rest of the Saucony range in 2020). Thus, we find a new mesh, more traditional, which replaces ISOFIT. The result is impressive according to the testers who tried the shoe. The foot lockdown is very precise in the middle but wider around the toes to leave them enough room. However, note that the upper is a little thick which can be a problem in very hot weather. Then, in terms of cushioning, the sole is thicker with 32 mm under the heel and 24 mm under the forefoot. The PWRRUN technology that combines EVA foam and TPU provides a fairly firm yet snappy cushioning that is suitable for tempo and fartlek sessions. Besides, its flexible and well-thought-out configuration gives the impression of being lighter than its actual weight (288g for men, 244g for women). Also, the blown rubber under the forefoot contributes to the shoe's good rebound while the firm rubber under the heel protects it from wear and tear. As you can see, this model shines with its versatility and comfort. The testers did not note any major negative points. In short, the Saucony Ride 13 is a great running shoe for runners looking for a model that is perfectly suited to all types of training and distances. Comfort 9.5 Service life 9.5 Value for money 9.5 Design 9 FOR Great comfort Upper with impeccable support Comfortable cushioning and springy bounce at the same time Solid shoe Good versatility AGAINST Slightly high weight Thick upper a little warm for summer

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.

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 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.

Summer is around the corner, and with it, the new version of this Nike classic: the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37. This new model has undergone some significant changes, including a new upper and cushioning. React foam is now under the heel and midfoot, while a thicker and wider Zoom Air unit equips the forefoot. The latter is noticeable under the forefoot and can improve the shoe's bounce, especially when the foot pushes the ground to propel the body. It's important to note that Zoom Air cushioning is softer on the women's version than on the men's model. According to studies carried out by the brand, women prefer softer cushioning than men. Overall, this new configuration with React foam, known for its flexibility, gives a softer cushioning than on the P36 while remaining relatively firm overall. The shoe divides testers between those who find the cushioning perfectly adequate and those who blame it for lack of responsiveness to really have fun. The thickness of the sole remains unchanged, with 28 mm under the heel and 18 mm under the forefoot (10 mm drop). The new translucent engineered mesh is breathable and offers precise socklike foot lockdown: neither too loose nor too tight. Also, its sleek design without the Flywire cables (replaced by a band) is quite stylish. Runners agree that the upper is near perfect and marks a clear improvement over the previous model. The outsole provides good traction in urban areas and has a thick rubber layer to last a long time. Finally, it's interesting to note that the shoe is, unfortunately, slightly heavier than before, with 20 grams more. All in all, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 stays the course despite significant changes and continues to establish itself as a comfortable and versatile shoe suitable for virtually every runner. Only its cushioning has disappointed some runners, but it's a matter of preference, and we invite you to try it for yourself.

The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11 is a running shoe for daily training with generous cushioning. Considering the success of the v10, the American brand could have just decided not to take any risks and make only a few changes to this new version. For the most part, it did, except for one important detail that divides runners.

Let's start with what hasn't changed: the sole and its Fresh Foam X foam. The stack height is 30 mm under the heel and 22 mm under the forefoot (8 mm drop). The cushioning is still firm, although some testers note that the forefoot is slightly softer. Striking the right balance between firmness and softness is always a subtle balancing act, and NB continues on the middle path to reconcile the two as much as possible. If you liked the previous model's cushioning, you will undoubtedly like the one of the v11! Also, some runners note that this configuration has the advantage of being slightly more responsive. This makes the 1080 v11 particularly suitable for daily training and long distances as well as faster tempo sessions. The only downside is that some runners didn't find the shoe pleasant at slow paces because of the heel's harshness. A versatile model overall then, except perhaps for recovery runs.

The rubber-covered outsole (soft under the forefoot, firmer under the heel) is sturdy and provides good grip. Nothing else to say on this front, and that's a good thing.

Things get complicated with the upper. The front part is flawless—the toe bumper even goes lower over the toes, which takes some pressure off and gives more space. Besides, the Hypoknit mesh is breathable despite its thickness, which makes the shoe comfortable even on warmer days. Unfortunately, the back part of the upper is not as convincing. It seems that New Balance slightly changed the design of its Ultra Heel and several testers experienced discomfort or even pain in the Achilles tendon as a result. It's far from ideal, and it's difficult to know in advance if you will have the same issues without trying the shoes. For this reason, it may be wise to stick to the v10 for now (it's cheaper anyway!). Finally, one of the previous versions' issues is still there: the midfoot fit is still a little tight, which may be uncomfortable if you have wide feet.

In summary, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11 is a very good, versatile, and sturdy running shoe, ideal for daily training. However, a seemingly minor change at the heel counter ruined comfort for some testers. Hopefully, NB will address this point in the next iteration and confirm the 1080's edge in the cushioned trainer category.

The Salomon Sonic 3 Balance was only recently launched in spring, 2020, but has consistently received high praise from runners since that time. Designed with an extra "bounce" from the Optivibe midsole — which equates to high energy return — as well as a JPAD component, it aims to reduce vibrations and, thus, muscle fatigue for quicker recovery time. This makes it an ideal all-round shoe especially suitable for long runs. The upper mesh design provides optimal breathability and lends itself to a sleek, attractive appearance that simultaneously molds to the foot. The Balance is also designed with the runner's comfort in mind, with a lightly-padded heel and Ortholite insole that keeps the foot secure while running longer distances. As a bonus, it is also designed for a wider variety of foot shapes and sizes than other Salomon shoes, which tend to run narrow in the toe box. Speaking of long-distance training, runners who have tried the Balance rave about its restorative comfort and padding. After intense training sessions, many users of the shoe remarked that that didn't suffer from muscle aches, thanks to the protection and cushioned offered by the shoe. Such reviews can sometimes seem a bit anecdotal but in the case of the Balance, we do see a clear pattern that suggests that the shoe does provide great comfort. There were only a few downsides noted by runners, among them being a bit of rigidness in the design of the shoe (runners stated that they would prefer more flexibility) and heel heaviness. Also, some noted a lack of tongue padding, which causes tightly-laced shoes to dig into the ankle as opposed to cradling it comfortably. According to some runners, the weight of the shoe, although reasonable for a cruiser of this kind, contributed to less-smooth transitions, which weren't ideal for sprinting or faster paces. Overall, the Sonic 3 Balance makes a very good selection for runners seeking durability, foot security, a sleek design, and ample padding to absorb shock and vibration.

The Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit caused a stir in 2020 with a major Nike marketing campaign promoting the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit as a next-generation supportive shoe that reduces injury risk. A year later, this second version resembles the first one, for the most part, except for the new improved upper.

What strikes at first glance is the shoe's more functional design. If the v1 moonlighted as a sneaker, this new one embraces its support shoe DNA fully with a broad and stable platform. The weight remains similar at 9.9 oz/281 g compared to 9.7 oz/275 g previously (men's model). The sole offers high-stack cushioning with 33 mm under the heel and 24 mm under the forefoot. According to the testers, the React foam is still as soft as ever while providing a slight bounce-nothing that will knock your sock off, but it's still appreciable for this type of shoe. For overpronators, the Infinity Run continues to use a TPU clip under the arch to locks-in the foot in terms of support. Without being uncomfortable, the testers noted that it was noticeable. Let's note that this is a model for all runners, not just overpronators. However, if you have a neutral stride, this small plastic piece seems useless and may irritate you more than anything else.

The Flyknit upper is now denser for a better lockdown and more durability. Nike has more than one trick up its sleeve and decided to bring out its good old (but effective) Flywire technology. Overall, testers found the result convincing, even though some found the upper a bit too loose in some places.

Finally, the outsole comes with a generous amount of rubber with a unique design to improve flexibility. It's a token of durability to keep the shoe longer—the testers found no signs of wear after several long runs.

In summary, the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 is a stable running shoe with a new, more efficient upper and comfortable cushioning that's ideal for long-distance, daily training, and recovery.