The Best Running Shoes of 2020
Updated June 2020
The Best Cushioned Running Shoe
A soft and highly cushioned daily trainer, the Saucony Triumph 17 is a go-to pick for the runner seeking a plush and premium underfoot feel. With the introduction of version 17, the Triumph has been given a substantial upgrade that makes it worthy of our best cushioned shoe of the year. It offers a pleasant squish at impact, along with a smooth and responsive toe off. Paired with an ultra soft engineered mesh upper, the shoe delivers a luxurious feel from top to bottom.
Honorable Mention: ASICS Gel Nimbus 22
The ASICS Gel Nimbus 22 also deserves some recognition in the best cushioned shoe category. The newest update brings a completely redesigned shoe that is both softer and more flexible than the previous version. Along with a more lively ride, the Gel Nimbus 22 delivers a pleasant running experience for high-mileage training.
Most Versatile Running Shoe
The Kinvara has been a fan favorite for years and it continues to be known as our favorite versatile running shoe. It offers the perfect blend of cushioning and responsiveness while maintaining an ultra lightweight design. While the shoe offers a very similar sensation to its predecessor, the Kinvara 11 does receive a small cushioning upgrade, which helps create an even more light and springy ride.
Honorable Mention: ON Cloudflow
The innovative ON Cloudflow stands out thanks to a unique design. Its cushioning system consists of individual "Cloudtec Elements", delivering impact absorption with a responsive toe-off. This allows the shoe to be used for anything from easy miles to faster workouts.
Best Racing/Fast Day Shoe
Built for speed, the Nike Streak 7 is in a class of its own. With proven versatility and durability, the Streak 7 has enough cushioning to go the distance while being able to handle the abuse of training and racing. Its lightweight, responsive ride will help the miles go by with ruthless efficiency. Fast doesn't have to be complicated.
Honorable Mention: adidas adizero adios 5
A longtime athlete favorite, the adios 5 brings a fast, efficient experience to your runs, whether in training or in competition. From the lightweight yet supportive upper, to the reliable grip of the Continental Rubber outsole, the adios 5 won't let you down when you pick up the pace.
Best Marathon Racing Shoe
Carbon fiber plate running shoes have ruled the Marathon racing scene in 2020 due to their highly efficient design. While there are many options on the market, Nike stands out with the Zoom Fly 3. Featuring a thickly cushioned React midsole paired with a finely tuned carbon fiber plate, you get the best of both worlds: leg-saving cushioning with forward propulsion. No stone was left unturned, which is why the upper is also among the best in its class.
Honorable Mention: adidas adizero Boston 8
The adidas adizero Boston 8 is another great choice for racing the marathon. Though more traditional in design when compared to today's ultra-cushioned racers, the Boston 8 shines when you pick up the pace. Lower to the ground than the Zoom Fly 3, it features bouncy cushioning with a snappy ride.
Best Stability Running Shoe
As one of the lightest and softest stability shoes on the market, the HOKA ONE ONE Arahi 4 offers a breath of fresh air for the overpronators used to running in bulky, rigid stability shoes. Featuring the unique J-frame design, the Arahi does not feature a traditional medial post but is still able to deliver a high level of stability as well as the protective underfoot cushioning you'd expect from HOKA.
Honorable Mention: Saucony Guide 13
Forget the clunky, stiff stability shoes of yesteryear. The Saucony Guide 13 takes a different approach by using a translucent TPU guidance frame for natural-feeling support. This gentle support system is paired with a softer midsole for one of the best rides in a stability shoe.
Best Trail Running Shoe
Carrying the nickname of Karl Meltzer, the record holder for the most 100-mile trail race wins, the HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 will help you comfortably conquer a wide variety of trails. Mixing a high level of cushioning with an ultra sticky vibram mega grip outsole, the shoe can handle the most rugged terrain while also having the ability to smoothly run across fire roads. Whether you want a reliable daily trail shoe or a highly cushioned workhorse for your next 100 mile race, the HOKA Speedgoat 4 has you covered.
Honorable Mention: Nike Zoom Wildhorse 6
Offering reliable cushioning and traction on a variety of trails, the Nike Wildhorse series has quickly become a favorite of trail runners everywhere. While the shoe has remained relatively unchanged for a few years, the Wildhorse 6 boasts some major overhauls which should give the shoe an upgraded onfoot experience while still maintaining the protective experience trail runners love.
Best Looking Running Shoe
The Nike Zoom Vomero 14 offers performance to match its good looks. Featuring a beautifully sculped React midsole with a full-length Air Zoom unit, the Vomero 14 delivers responsive cushioning in every stride. With a highly durable yet grippy outsole, this is a shoe that will last for miles and miles.
Honorable Mention: HOKA ONE ONE Elevon 2
While performance is generally of utmost importance, a shoe with top notch aesthetics can help you feel more confident every time you head out for a run. The HOKA ONE ONE Elevon 2 delivers on both fronts with good looks and a highly cushioned yet responsive ride.