The Best Road Running Shoes of 2020

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.

We have just unpacked the first model, and Brooks is already back with a second version! The Hyperion Elite had received mixed reviews, with many criticizing its firm and dull cushioning. Also, durability wasn't there—the brand itself admitted that the shoe had a lifespan of 150 km (!). Brooks seems to have corrected this by reinforcing the sole with more rubber. Without being sturdy, the testers note that this new model should withstand more kilometers than the first one.

The Cushioning has softened and offers greater bounce. The sole is 37 mm thick under the heel with an offset of 8 mm. Brooks has replaced the short-lived DNA Zero foam with DNA Flash, which translates into an even more densely compressed texture to promote a more explosive energy return while running. And, of course, there's the carbon plate to guide runners to a smoother, faster run that requires less effort. Reviewers found the result convincing. They especially appreciated the stable and wide configuration of the platform. Without providing the same level of bounce as some of its competitors like the Nike Alphafly or the Saucony Endorphin Pro, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 puts on a good show. The ride is something very personal, so it's a shoe that could appeal to athletes who didn't like these other models.

Moving on to the upper, the stretch woven mesh is comfortable and well ventilated while providing precise foot lockdown. Moreover, it is remarkably roomy to please runners with wider feet. However, despite these pros, some testers did not like certain details. For example, the heel now features a moderately thick layer that some runners found irritating to the tendon. Similarly, the thin tongue tends to move while running, which is not convenient.

Overall, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 is a clear step up over the first model. Its comfort and springy cushioning make it a great running shoe for competition despite some flaws.

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 Running is undoubtedly among the most respected brands out there regarding daily trainers and stability models. The Glycerin 19—available in both GTS (go-to-support)—is no exception and embodies Brooks's DNA perfectly. Those who tried the 19 had only good things to report!

As was just mentioned, the Glycerin 19 comes in GTS (go-to-support) and regular or neutral. The GTS version provides stability with its GuideRails system, which Brooks has also used on previous stability models. Runners reported that both the standard shoe and the Glycerin with GTS share a fantastic fit, smooth ride, and responsiveness. Both versions' general features are also equally strong—the midsole, for instance, ensures a soft but supportive ride. Crafted with DNA Loft technology, runners were satisfied with the exceptional cushioning of the 19. The weight remains reasonable despite the high stack (31 mm under the heel and 21 mm under the forefoot). The toe box and upper are roomy and breathable even with a second layer of mesh and accommodate wide feet. Finally, the outsole offers a good grip for both the GTS and standard versions of the 19. Runners remarked that they felt little variation between the two. The real difference lies in the GuardRails on the GTS version, which tries to keep knees stable and aligned. However, this technology works behind the scenes—it's not something that users noticed excessively throughout a run, which is rare enough to be mentioned as most support medial posts tend to be quite perceptible.

Ultimately, the Glycerin 19 is a good option for any long-distance runner seeking a cushioned and stable ride. Overall, it's not much different from its predecessors and ranks comparably in comfort and ride. The 19 certainly gets the job done but isn't a groundbreaking or fantastic trainer. The main disadvantage reported by testers is that this new Glycerin featured less rubber, which translates into more exposed foam and, unfortunately, signs of premature wear.

In conclusion, if you're a Brooks fan and are keen to try the latest in the Glycerin line-up, the 19 is a reliable, smooth, and no-frills option for daily runs. The GTS version can be appealing to runners looking for enhanced support.

The Mizuno Wave Ultima 11 is a road shoe that offers more cushioning than the brand's other flagship model, the Wave Rider 23. The Ultima 11 features a 32 mm thick outsole with a 12 mm heel to toe drop. Cushioning is comfortable and offers an excellent running feel. The shoe is versatile and, therefore, suitable for all types of workouts. It was the official shoe of the Amsterdam Marathon in 2019 and is therefore designed especially for long road distances. However, despite good general comfort, it's a rather heavy shoe with 320 grams for men and 265 grams for women. Also, the toe area is a bit tight and might not be suitable for runners with wide feet. All in all, the Mizuno Wave Ultima 11 is a good, comfortable, reliable, and versatile road shoe despite its stocky build.

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.

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!

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 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.

The Nike Revolution 5 is an entry-level road shoe with a stylish design. It offers a simple and functional configuration with a basic sole using rubber on the outside and EVA foam on the inside. The result is comfortable cushioning with all the responsive cushioning you need to have fun. The upper is also stripped down with a simple layer of knit. The ventilation is thus optimal but several runners have noted that the upper is unfortunately a little fragile. As you can see, the Nike Revolution 5 is a basic model that represents good value for money at around 50 pounds (60 dollars). Moreover, with 255 grams (men's version), it's a relatively lightweight model. It can be interesting to alternate with your main shoes during easy recovery workouts or to run at the gym on a treadmill. If you're looking for an inexpensive but slightly more advanced model, the Nike Legend React may also be a good choice.