The Best Road Running Shoes of 2021

The Asics Gel Pulse 11 is a comfortable and effective road shoe. It's in the mid-range of the Asics running shoe collection with a simple and sturdy build at an affordable price. This new version offers more padding with a stack height of 31 mm under the heel instead of 21 mm previously. Unfortunately, while the cushioning is more comfortable and will appeal to runners looking for good shock absorption, the downside is that the shoe is much heavier. It now weighs 322 grams for men and 272 grams for women, almost 100 grams more than the 10. The Gel Pulse 11 is a comfortable shoe overall, although it has a slightly narrow forefoot. The sole provides comfortable and responsive cushioning, especially with the help of its Gel. Then, the upper offers good lockdown while increasing airflow. In summary, the Asics Gel Pulse 11 is a good road running shoe, but its new configuration may be confusing for fans of previous models.

The Rocket X is Hoka One One's new carbon-fiber plate running shoe. It features a classic, simple, and sleek design with the marathon in mind. As we'll see, its specific configuration can be very effective but not necessarily suitable for everyone.

First of all, the Hoka Rocket X is closer to a classic racing shoe than a carbon plate model. The semi-rigid carbon-fiber unit is unobtrusive and offers good bounce without the "trampoline" effect of other carbon shoes—many testers compare the Rocket X to the Saucony Endorphin Pro in terms of the ride but find the latter smoother overall. The CMEVA midsole has a stack height of 32 mm under the heel and 27 mm under the forefoot and offers a simple and effective cushioning, described by testers as firm and moderately springy. It doesn't have much to do with the signature Hoka plush cushioning. However, it seems that the platform's firmness and the low drop (5 mm) limit the shoe's versatility. According to the runners, it takes a quick pace to "activate" the carbon plate's propulsion benefit. The Rocket X is equipped with Meta-Rocker technology, but it's not very effective on this model. According to several testers, it's best to forefoot strike to get the most out of this shoe. However, most runners are heel strikers, which reduces the potential audience of the Rocket X.

Next, the lightweight and breathable mesh of the upper offers precise and flexible foot lockdown: the ideal configuration to combine comfort and race-ready fit. Also, the heel counter is soft and not too high, which will please runners with Achilles problems. The toe box is moderately spacious and should not be a concern for runners with wider feet.

Finally, the rubber outsole is grippy enough despite its seemingly smooth texture and is sturdy enough to withstand wear and tear.

To summarize, the Hoka Rocket X is a good carbon-fiber plate racing running shoe. Still, its particular configuration—which favors forefoot strikers—isn't versatile enough to rival carbon plate champions like the Nike AlphaFly or the Adidas Adios Pro, especially over long distances. However, it can be an interesting option if you are looking for a simple yet edgy carbon plate competition shoe for short or medium distances.

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.

The Hoka Bondi is one of those shoes that popularized the brand with its massive high-stack sole that offers soft and comfortable cushioning. The seventh model in the series continues this trend with little change from the previous version.

The sole is slightly thinner with now 33 mm under the heel for men and 31 mm for women. The drop remains low at 4 mm. The sole uses a simple and efficient configuration: EVA foam combined with Hi-Abrasion rubber on some important areas of the outsole to protect the shoe and improve grip.

The testers found this configuration comfortable while noting a lack of bounce and flexibility. Indeed, the platform doesn't flex with the movement of the foot. Also, the shoe is rather heavy with 323 g/11.4 oz for men, 252 g/8.9 oz for women, which doesn't help for speed training that requires good agility (e.g. tempo runs). Thus, the Bondi 7 is primarily intended for daily workouts and recovery runs. Some testers even said that they liked this shoe but for walking...

As for the rest, the upper offers fits well and effectively locks down the foot. The mesh is denser than before while still allowing some airflow.

In short, the Hoka Bondi 7 is a good road running shoe with comfortable cushioning but it lacks some 'pop' and flexibility to be remarkable. To be honest, the Bondi seems like an aging collection that, in 2020, is struggling to compete with shoes that are as cushioned but much more responsive.

The fourth in the famous Skechers line of stability shoes, the GOrun Forza 4 is surprisingly lightweight given its chunky yet vibrant style. It's considered one of the "workhorse trainers" of Skechers. While its design makes it more likely to be used as a road shoe, some runners also used it on easy trails. The Forza 4 features two types of midsole material: UltraFlight and Hyperburst, which work in conjunction to ensure runners "bounce" through every stride, while their feet are well-supported by the denser, firmer fabric that UltraFlight provides. The entire midsole section is thick, cushioned, and exceedingly stable, making it fantastic for moderate to longer runs. Meanwhile, the upper part of the Forza 4 is a mix of mono mesh and polyester, which adds to a soft, comfortable ride from heel to toe. The outsole features Goodyear rubber, which — although it appears excessive and thick — runners appreciate for its durability and traction. With the many elements of comfort, support, stability, and style that runners have noted, the Forza 4 wasn't notable for many downsides. However, some users stated that the tongue sits relatively lower on the foot, making tight lacing a bit uncomfortable (and challenging to get snug). Additionally, while the sturdiness of the shoe is a plus, the Forza 4 seems to retain its rigidity over time, even after the break-in process. Unfortunately, this minimizes the ability of the foot to "roll" through each step, according to the testers. Coupled with this response is also the remark that the shoe is "too firm," despite its cushioned midsole and flexible upper. Primarily intended for overpronators, the Forza 4 is suitable for runners of all profiles, including neutral runners. Overall, the Skechers GOrun Forza 4 is a good stability road shoe: lightweight and comfortable despite a relatively firm and somewhat rigid platform.

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 second model in New Balance's FuelCell Propel line will take you anywhere you want to go! Its snappy toe-off response and supportive design make the V2 a practical (and affordable) daily trainer. This new version marks a significant shift that could disconcert fans of the first iteration.

The midsole of the V2 lends itself to a smooth ride that performs on fast days. In fact, the "pop" of this shoe calls to mind the phrase, "...a spring in your step!" Drastically different from its V1 forerunner—no pun intended—this midsole is an entirely different beast. Where its soft, cushiony midsole characterized the V1, the firmer design of the V2 has true rocker appeal. Another noticeable modification is the upper's new design, which has meant a thinner tongue and a stiffer fit for runners. While it still gets the job done, users of the V2 say that the new upper is a step in the wrong direction. Fortunately, the outsole is engineered with NDurance rubber, which provides enhanced durability. The V2 is a road shoe but provides enough traction to grip terrain well on light trails.

While the V2 has many strong qualities for its price point, there are a few downsides to Propel's latest model. For one thing, while it's a great shoe for normal to fast days, it may not be the best recovery option. If shoes were a race, the V1 would be a marathon, and the V2 would be a sprint. However, that's not necessarily a bad thing—it all depends on what you're looking for. Also, as mentioned, the upper is described as a "definite step backward" by users, who preferred the more comfortable V1 design. The overall engineering of the V2 is less flexible and clunkier than its predecessor.

Ultimately, with a very affordable price point of $100, the attractive Propel V2 performs in all the ways it should. For those seeking a shoe that performs well at a value, the V2 might be a fantastic option. However, runners seeking shoes for longer rides should consider other options, as should runners who prefer a softer, more flexible design. Maybe a future V3 model will combine the best of both the V1 and V2!

The Paradigm 5 is Altra's plush zero-drop stability running shoe. True to the line's reputation, some things never change: the 5 lends itself to a supremely padded ride. Its thick foam and oversized design are a nod to previous models, with one important modification: a reinvention of the upper. Engineered to go the distance, Paradigm 5 makes for a quality and stable ride.

At 12.2 oz/346 grams, the Paradigm 5 has gained nearly half an ounce from last year's model. Runners remarked that they could feel the added weight, referring to the 5 as a "beefy" road shoe. Indeed, with sizing that runs very large (by half-size to a full size), the 5 is definitely not for faster runs. This added weight is owed partially to the EGO foam midsole, which some runners believe is enough to sell the shoe. It's responsive without losing stability, thanks to the addition of Guide Rail and StabiliPods to keep the padding in check. Perhaps the most notable improvement, though, is the 5's new-and-improved upper, designed with more breathable mesh compared with previous models. Still, some runners say the toe bumper is a bit much for a road shoe, adding to the clunky design. Finally, the outsole is similar to preceding Paradigm shoes, with five rubber pods that are good for traction and durability.

It seems that runners have a lot to say about the Paradigm 5, and many of those comments are critiques. The biggest complaint seems to be the shoe's overall size, which simply feels too unwieldy for practical runs. There were also comments about the toe bumper, which is overly reinforced for a standard road shoe and adds unnecessary weight.

Overall, the Paradigm 5 continues to appeal to its fans. Still, many runners don't understand the appeal of this shoe, which is decidedly too heavy to go beyond easy daily workouts and recovery sessions. A good shoe, therefore, but reserved for runners who want to combine XL cushioning, zero drop, and stability.

Every year, the Adidas UltraBoost is much anticipated but eventually leads to plenty of mixed reviews. The UB21 is no exception and proposes the same formula: a model halfway between a sneaker and a running shoe that tries to combine style and performance.

The sleek design is an achievement on its own and will please runners who like good-looking shoes on their feet. The Primeknit upper and its bootie conception offer great comfort and impeccable foot lockdown, according to the testers. It's both breathable and stretchy for a precise and adaptive fit. Also, the Primeblue material uses 50% of recycled plastic from the oceans. The UB21 also marks the midfoot plastic cage's return that many runners decried in the past on previous versions. However, luckily it's barely noticeable this time.

Then, the cushioning shifts gear with a heel stack height of 31 mm instead of 27 mm the year before. Adidas announces 6% more Boost, and it shows: the small white TPU granules give a massive sole, especially in the heel area. Another significant change, the Linear Energy Push plastic plate, replaces the Torsion System of the previous models. It gives structure to the platform for better stability and a snappier toe-off. However, in practice, testers found the cushioning to be firm and clunky, with little bounce, although the shoe does provide a stable ride. The weight doesn't help with 12.3 oz (348 g) (even more than the previous model), limiting its speed ambitions.

Finally, the outsole also boasts a new design and succumbs to the exposed foam trend (only in the center) without limiting durability or grip, both of which are very good.

In summary, unless you're a fan of the UltraBoost collection, there's little reason to opt for the UB21 other than its comfortable lockdown, good shock absorption, and sleek design. Otherwise, the Ultraboost is too heavy and too stiff for an enjoyable ride, even for daily runs.

The third model in the brand's Sonic series, the Salomon Sonic 3 Confidence, is all about added cushioning, support, and traction. The Confidence gives users an added "spring" in their step with its forward-propelling design, serving to energize runners and make it that much easier for them to achieve their desired speed. The Confidence also provides reliable traction for navigating a variety of terrains —though it is probably best for standard road use. Compared with its siblings, the Accelerate, and the Balance, the Confidence stands out for its optimal padding, which better accommodates long-distance runners with this added cushioning. Also, despite the thick stack height of 31 mm for the heel and 21 mm for the forefoot, the cushioning is rather firm to offer a good pop for a more responsive ride. Confidence also commented that the lacing area and tongue have an elastic quality, which means that the shoe can be molded to each user's uniquely-shaped foot. Overall, it's a supportive and reliable running shoe that works perfectly for most longer outdoor excursions and activities. There are a few potential drawbacks to the Confidence's design, including a restrictive midfoot area and an insecure heel collar, which isn't as supportive as the rest of the shoe. Users also noted that the Confidence's design is much clunkier than the Accelerate or the Balance. Perhaps because of this overall big design, the shoe itself tends to run on the larger side, so it's a good idea for users to size down when purchasing. In addition, the unusually-dense mesh fabric of the Confidence combined with its gusseted tongue takes away from foot breathability, especially when compared with other Sonic options. Pricing for the Salomon Sonic 3 Confidence is $130, which is decent, but perhaps not an excellent value given some of the downsides of the shoe. Ultimately, the Sonic 3 Confidence is a good choice for beginner to moderate runners planning to run medium to long distances, due to its extra padding for absorbing the shock of pounding.

The New Balance FuelCell 890 v8 is a lightweight running shoe made for speed. This new version uses New Balance's latest cushioning technology: FuelCell. It replaces Revlite but testers are mixed on the result. Indeed, the cushioning is very firm. According to them, it's not stiff but lacks some spring to truly feel good. This impression fades during fast sessions such as tempo or Fartlek but, at slower speeds, the lack of responsiveness is much more obvious according to the runners who tested the shoe. For the rest, the 890 v8's platform is wide and stable, which proves comfortable. As for the upper, the testers appreciated the precise and comfortable (true to size) fit of the shoe. Also, the gusseted tongue is ingenious and the toe box is spacious without hindering the fit. However, it should be noted that several runners noticed signs of early wear in the rubber under the forefoot. Finally, the shoe has gained weight with nearly 30 grams since the last model. This is a pity even if it remains light compared to the competition with only 238 grams on the scale for men and 204 for women. In summary, the New Balance FuelCell 890 v8 is a good light running shoe but the lack of responsiveness of its cushioning and the fragility of its sole disappoint.

The Nike Zoom Gravity is a running shoe that features the bold futuristic design of the latest Nike models but at a lower price. The Gravity looks indeed a lot like the Nike Zoom Fly 3 but costs almost half as much. So what is it really worth? The Zoom Gravity offers a comfortable cushioning with a stack height of 31 mm under the heel and 21 mm under the forefoot (the drop is 10 mm). It includes the famous Zoom Air technology at the front of the shoe. According to the runners who tested it, the cushioning absorbs efficiently shocks while being a little firm. The upper is also comfortable and provides a precise support for the foot. However, it’s important to note that the shoe is rather narrow which may not be suitable for runners with wide feet. Generally, a size up is advised so to be safe it may be better to try it in a shop if possible. Finally, regarding quality, the Nike Zoom Gravity is well made and represents good value for money. However, some testers noted traces of early wear. Therefore, it would seem that the Gravity is less resistant than the more high-end shoes of Nike. To summarize, the Nike Zoom Gravity is a good running shoe with an ambitious design and a comfortable overall fit overall but not solid enough.