Lightweight Support
On Cloudflyer
Traditional support shoes have a reputation for being a bit clunky, but the Cloudflyer, which features On’s trademark CloudTec pods with Helion foam, is anything but traditional. The unique cushioning system creates a soft feel, and it’s paired with a stability tube, a wide outsole, and a heel clip for extra support that won’t weigh you down.
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Key Specs
Weight | 9.9 oz (M), 7.4 oz (W) |
Drop | 7 mm |
Cushioned Trainer
Adidas Ultraboost 22
Cushioned, bouncy, grippy—there’s a lot to like about the Ultraboost 22. The latest version features a stiffer torsion system in the sole for increased responsiveness, and women’s sizes are made with a redesigned last for an improved fit on female feet. The Boost midsole offers dependable cushioning, and the full Continental rubber outsole gives this shoe good durability and traction, too.
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Key Specs
Weight | 11.9 oz (M), 10 oz (W) |
Drop | 10 mm |
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Best Daily Trainer
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39
The Pegasus needs no introduction: This reliable trainer has been a top pick for decades, and it’s one of RW’s favorite Nike shoes. The latest version features a more lightweight upper compared to the 38, and it now features Zoom Air units at the forefoot and the heel for even more responsiveness.
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Key Specs
Weight | 9.59 oz (M), 8.15 oz (W) |
Drop | 10mm (M), 9.6mm (W) |
Best for Racing
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2
Training for a 10K or a marathon? Consider lacing up the Vaporfly NEXT% 2 on race day. Although not quite as radical as the Alphafly, Nike’s elite racer, the Vaporfly features the brand’s cutting-edge ZoomX foam, a full-length carbon fiber plate in the midsole, and a minimalist, breezy upper. The result is a lightweight, cushioned, highly responsive ride—exactly what you need to set a new PR.
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Key Specs
Weight | 7.4 oz (M), 5.8 oz (W) |
Drop | 8 mm |
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Best for Maximum Cushioning
Hoka Bondi 7
For runners who prize a soft, pillowy feel in their shoes, Hoka is always a safe bet, and the Bondi is the epitome of the brand’s maximalist approach to shoe design. (Hoka has also released the Bondi 8, but the 7 is still plenty capable.) The Bondi is the brand’s most cushioned shoe, and it features a hefty, full-length slice of EVA foam for a plush ride that, in the words of one tester, feels like “running on clouds.”
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Key Specs
Weight | 10.7 oz (M), 8.9 oz (W) |
Drop | 4 mm |
Best Value Trainer
Brooks Revel 5
Quality running shoes are rarely this cheap. The Revel is already a bargain with its normal $100 price tag, but it’s even more of a deal now that it’s on sale. One of our favorites from Brooks, it’s a lightweight trainer with a breathable mesh upper and plenty of energy return thanks to its springy BioMoGo DNA cushioning—a great pick for speedwork.
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Key Specs
Weight | 8.8 oz (M), 8 oz (W) |
Drop | 8 mm |
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Best for Road-to-Trail
Hoka Challenger ATR 6
Need a shoe that can handle a variety of surfaces? Consider Hoka’s Challenger ATR 6. With its somewhat firm EVA cushioning and small 4mm outsole lugs, it occupies the versatile middle ground between trail and road shoes—and works well on the trail and pavement alike. Testers also loved its comfortable fit and generous toe box.
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Key Specs
Weight | 9.8 oz (M), 8.1 oz (W) |
Drop | 5 mm |
Cushioned Stability Shoe
Asics Gel-Kayano 28
Like the Pegasus above, the Gel-Kayano is a tried-and-true model with decades of history behind it. Designed for both neutral runners and overpronators, it offers a combo of support tech, like a dual-density midsole and a medial plate, with plenty of cushioning, including Gel pods at the heel and forefoot.
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Key Specs
Weight | 10.9 oz (M), 9.1 oz (W) |
Drop | 10 mm (M), 13 mm (W) |
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Cushioned Trail Shoe
Nike Wildhorse 7
The Wildhorse offers reliable grip and a pleasantly cushioned ride, and it’s a great all-around trail shoe. The midsole’s React foam provides a soft feel and soaks up impact forces, and the outsole is made of durable high-abrasion rubber with widely spaced lugs for plenty of bite. I own a pair and love them for trail running and hiking; their traction is excellent and the wide toe box and cushioning make them very comfy.
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Key Specs
Weight | 11.6 oz (M), 9.5 oz (W) |
Drop | 8 mm |
Best for Cross Training
Reebok Nano X2
On gym days, trade your running shoes for the Nano X2, Reebok’s esteemed cross-trainer. With its wide toe box, nearly flat rubber outsole, heel clip, and firm ride, it’s designed to give you a solid base for all kinds of workouts. When you need stable footing and a good feel for the ground, this is the shoe to reach for.
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Key Specs
Weight | 10.2 oz (M), 8.3 oz (W) |
Drop | 7 mm |
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Durable Long-Distance Trail Shoe
inov 8 Trailfly G 270 Men's
The Trailfly G 270 is one of the best shoes Inov-8 makes. It’s a rugged, highly durable trail shoe designed to meet the needs of ultrarunners. The latest version features an improved midsole for a softer, bouncier ride and a new upper for a better fit. The outsole utilizes Inov-8’s proprietary graphene rubber compound, which creates exceptional grip and stands up to serious abuse.
Weight | 9.5 oz (M & W) |
Drop | 0 mm |
Best for Maximum Stability
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v12
Unlike the Gel-Kayano above, the 860v12 is aimed squarely at overpronators. The shoe features a medial post in the midsole and an Ultra Heel to support your feet and keep them in place; embroidery and a double knit construction on the upper add even more support. The 860’s medial post creates a firm ride, but testers appreciated the shoe’s wide toe box and accommodating fit.
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Key Specs
Weight | 11.4 oz (M), 9 oz (W) |
Drop | 10 mm |

Michael is a freelance writer with years of experience covering gear and the outdoors for Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives.
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