The Best Road Running Shoes of 2020

The Altra Escalante 2 is a zero drop road shoe with a limited cushioning. Indeed, it has a relatively thin sole (19 mm) and no drop between the heel and the toes. Altra's goal is to create shoes that respect the anatomy of the foot and the human body in general as much as possible. The Escalante 2 fulfils this role well by offering an excellent feeling under the foot for running sensations close to minimalism. The previous model had received some criticism for its flexibility, which kept the foot a bit loosely. It seems that Altra has addressed this point as the support is now stricter, which may or may not be to the liking of every runner. According to athletes who have tested the Escalante 2, it is a fairly firm road shoe overall. On the other hand, it is worth noting that the shoe has gained weight (40 grams more) while reducing the cushioning (4 mm less sole thickness) which is a bit surprising and disappointing. To summarize, the Altra Escalante 2 is a good road shoe but this new version reveals some important changes that might not please fans of the previous model.

Luxury by Asics: comfortable but expensive shoes! The Asics Gel Kinsei 6 is a road running shoe that is known for its high cushioning with its Gel midsole units. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the sole is relatively thin with 21 mm under the heel. On the whole, they are very comfortable and are well suited for all types of training. The Kinsei is particularly adapted to long distances thanks to its durability and the effective foot support it provides. Asics' reputation for quality is well established and the Kinsei 6 Gel is, unsurprisingly, very durable. One may only regret the rather high price and the extraordinary weight in comparison to the thinness of the sole (almost 350 grams for the men's version). In short, the main advantage of Kinsei 6 Gel is its comfort, which has seduced many runners over the years. It's up to you to see whether this justifies the somewhat exorbitant price of this luxury model from Asics.

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!

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.

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.