Gear

Are you excited about your running goals in 2024 but aren’t sure what running shoes are the best to get you there? Every running shoe company has new models and versions of running shoes to suit your needs and your feet. Read on to read about the best dozen running shoes of 2024. My favorites? The Hoka Rincon 4, Hoka Mach 5, and Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 because they promise to enhance biomechanics so you can run faster.

It is an exciting time of year—when running shoe companies release their new running shoes and new shoe models in the pipeline. The running community got a sneak peek of what’s to come in 2024 at The Running Event in Texas last month. And now, I am sharing the 12 best running shoes of 2024.

To create this list, I watched dozens of reviews from those at The Running Event (maybe I can sneak away next year and go!), scoured online reviews and articles, and tallied a list of the ones that excited me the most or improved slightly upon models that were already great.

The best running shoes of 2024 list include road running shoes—no trail shoes (sorry..). Most of these shoes are daily trainers (most neutral shoes but a couple of stability shoes), though I do feature one super shoe (Mizuno) because it really piqued my interest.

I include most major running shoe brands except for On Cloud because their new shoe models are under embargo.

How can I tell what running shoe is the right pair for me?

You’ll notice similarities in what many of these shoes offer. Most running shoes boast their own version of foam, traction, and rocker for propulsion. When trying to find the right running shoe for you, I recommend thinking about what you want first and then going to a running store to try them on or ordering them from an online retailer like Zappos or Running Warehouse that offers free shipping and returns.

For example, if you like light and fast—then the Hoka Rincon, Hoka Mach, or Endorphin Pro 4 may be for you. If you want cushion, then the Brooks Ghost or Asics Gel-Nimbus may be for you. Stability? Think about the Hoka Arahi or Wave Rider.

Try all or order all, and then return what you don’t like. Most of the time, it’s like meeting your future partner—or mom friend. You can tell right away if you are going to like it. You can tell if you will love a shoe after spending some time with it.

 

Related: When to Replace Your Running Shoes

The 12 Best Running Shoes of 2024 include:

1. Hoka Mach 6
2. Hoka Arahi 7
3. Hoka Rincon 4
4. Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
5. Asics Gel Nimbus 26
6. Brooks Ghost 16
7. Brooks Glycerin 21
8. Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2
9. Mizuno Wave Rider 27
10. Adidas Supernova Rise
11. New Balance Fresh Foam More v4
12. Nike Pegasus 40

Before I get into the best running shoes of 2024, here are some terms to know:

• Super critical foam: Supercritical foam is a type of foam material created using what’s called the supercritical fluid foaming process. In the processing, gas is exposed to high pressure and temperature conditions, surpassing its critical point (the highest temperature and pressure at which a pure material can exist in vapor/liquid equilibrium). This process makes the foam more “responsive.”
• EVA foam and PEVA foam: EVA stands for ethylene-vinyl acetate (also known as PEVA, which stands for polyethylene-vinyl acetate) and is a thermoplastic more commonly known as foam rubber or expanded rubber that is soft and flexible.
• Drop: The drop in a running shoe is the difference in height between the heel and forefoot. A shoe with a higher drop will be easier on the foot, ankle, Achilles, calf and harder on the knees and hips. A lower-drop shoe will be easier on the hips and knees but more demanding on the lower leg.
• Stack height: Stack height is the amount of shoe material between your foot and the ground. If you like a cushion, you want a higher stack height.
• Rocker: The rocker in a running shoe acts a cradle that gives forward propulsion in each step. Running shoes meant for speedwork and race day will have a pronounced rocker.
• Carbon plate: Carbon-fiber plates in the midsole of running shoes, aka super shoes, give runners a competitive advantage in races, reduce fatigue and increase energy return in each stride. Super shoes don’t last long and some studies show running in them regularly can lead to injuries over time.

Okay, let’s go!

Related: The 7 Best Hokas for Long-Distance Running

The 12 Best Running Shoes of 2024

Hoka Mach 6

I am starting with the best because I love Hoka so much. SO. MUCH. I credit Hoka with me getting back to running every time healthily. The Hoka Mach is its speed trainer—not a carbon fiber shoe but with lots of responsive foam and Hoka patented meta-rocker to make you fast. The newest Mach trades in the dual-layer foam for a single layer of the simple yet effective EVA foam.

In the critical processing of the super foam, Hoka aimed to enhance the cushion, resiliency (aka bounce back) and reduce weight. This sets Mach wearers up to be faster than ever–making it one of the best running shoes of 2024. If you love the Mach, in fall 2024 the Mach X2 with a carbon fiber plate and higher stack height comes out in the fall.

• Release Date: June 2024
• Cost: $140
• Best for: fast runs like fartleks, tempo runs, pick-ups, and progressions
• Weight: 6.8 oz
• Drop: 5 mm

What’s new:

• Single foam: the newest Mach trades in dual-density foam for a single stack for a snappier, bouncier, lightweight ride
• Better grip: traded in rubber instead of the injection molded detail outsole
• Better toe-off: blown rubber helps with toe off and responsiveness

Related: My Full Review of the Hoka Bondi 7 vs. 8

Hoka Arahi 7

The goal of the Hoka Arahi 7 is Hoka’s sleek stability shoe starring Hoka’s advanced J-Frame™ technology which facilitates dynamic stability without the weight and rigidity of traditional materials. This cushioned shoe also has a dual density foam that gives bounce in one foam and stiffness in other. The Arahi also has the meta-rocker for a smooth transition from heel to toe in each step.

The new Arahi 7 is even sleeker than previous models with a flat-knit tongue and gusseted fit, enhanced breathability, reduced weight, and improved traction for slippery terrain. It definintely earned its spot on my best running shoes of 2024 list!

• Release Date: December 2023
• Cost: $145
• Best for: everyday runs
• Weight: 8.1 oz
• Drop: 5mm

 What’s new:

• Color options: a new array of color options with vibrant shades
• Sleek look: a sleeker look with a firm foothold
• More traction: more rubber in intuitive zones for better traction
• Lighter: slightly lighter than previous models for an easier ride

Related: Hoka Rincon 3: The Best Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis

Hoka Rincon 4

Ahh, the Hoka Rincon. My old friend. The Hoka Rincon is my favorite running shoe. It’s lightweight, nimble, and yet so soft. My biggest complaint (and I honestly thought it was just me!) was it slacked in durability.

I wear my Rincons out in 125-50 miles—not good! Well, Hoka tackled this issue in the latest version of the Rincon: trying to find the right materials that wouldn’t compromise what we love about the Rincon while improving its longevity.

The main difference in the new Hoka Rincon 4 is not the feel but the durability. The Rincon 4 features two foams (similar to the Hoka Clifton) instead of one foam layer with rubber pods. The second layer of foam is rubberized adding durability without the weight—maintaining its soft, light ride.

• Release Date: February 2024
• Cost: $125
• Best for: everyday easy runs
• Weight: 7 oz
• Drop: 4 mm

What’s new:

• Durability: a heel-to-toe change in the foam to add durability

Watch a full review of these shoes by Believe in the Run here.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 features a fast and smooth ride, whether training or racing, especially for longer distances. This shoe leverages Saucony’s foam technology in a carefully crafted plate plus a cushy yet snug fit to make you feel fast, cradled, and responsive on your training runs or race day. The shoe’s design is meant to improve biomechanics so no movement is wasted. It’s lightweight but definitely not cushioned underfoot.

• Release Date: March 2024
• Cost: $180
• Best for: fast running and race day

• Weight: 8 oz (based on a women’s US size 8)

• Drop: 8mm

What’s new:

• Snugger fit: a redesigned knit and mesh upper with a padded knit tongue.
• More bounce: The midsole will include Saucony’s high-performance PwrRUNPB foam and the foam in the Endorphin Elite racing shoe, PwrRUNHG, that promotes a rebound.
• More grip: The outsole will feature more rubber pods for grip and durability plus flex grooves for responsiveness.
• Better toe-off: plate design is meant to support heel-to-toe off transition in most efficient manner.
• Heavier: the additions of the foam and padded tongue make this shoe slightly heavier.

Related: Can Running Shoe Wear Pattern Predict Injuries?

Asics Gel Nimbus 26

This is the 26^th anniversary of the Asics Gel Nimbus shoe. This latest edition of

The Gel Nimbus features incremental changes that secure this training shoe’s spot as a comfortable mainstay in the running shoe world.

Though this new model is not as plush of a ride as the Asics Gel Nimbus 25, it still has max cushion. The 26^thmodel has a wide and stable base but the plate feels a bit firmer, taking away some of the marshmallow feel.

• Release Date: January 1, 2024

• Cost: $160

• Best for: easy miles and long runs

• Weight: 9.2 oz (based on a women’s US size 8)

• Drop: 8mm

Related: What Are the Best Super Shoes?

What’s new:

• More shock absorption: Its classic Puregel unit sits in the heel for enhanced shock absorption and comfort when striking.
• Better durability: There is a bit more rubber on the outsole which gives better responsiveness and durability. Rubber construction has also been upgraded to a gripper material.
• Firmer midsole: the midsole feels firmer, trading cushiness for stability—less of a pillowy feel.
• Heavier: The additions of the rubber in particular make this shoe a bit heavier. It is definitely not a shoe to wear for speed work or races.

Related: How I Healed My Plantar Fasciitis

Brooks Ghost 16

The Brooks Ghost shoe is one of the most popular running shoes on the market. This shoe’s personality is one of versatility. It is a neutral shoe that is both cushioned and responsive. The Ghost is also durable and good for base-building miles as well as long runs.

You won’t love doing speed in these shoes but you will love doing long and easy runs as you feel supported and not weighed down. The Ghost truly is one of the best all-around shoes. The new Brooks Ghost makes minor refinements to improve upon what is already good in the shoe including stability and durability. 

• Release Date: May, 2024
• Cost: $150
• Best for: most training runs minus fast interval work
• Weight: N/K Brooks Ghost 15 — 8.4 oz (based on a women’s US size 8)
• Drop: N/K Brooks Ghost 15 — 12mm

What’s changed:

• Firmer ride: a firmer and more responsive ride thanks to a DNA loft v3 in the midsole.
• More stability: a wider base and tighter heel counter improves foot and ankle stability.
• Improved durability: Like the other shoes, this one features a new rubber to improve durability and traction.

• Lighter feel: unlike the other shoes on this list, a streamlined upper and midsole make this shoe a bit lighter than its predecessor.

Related: 6 Best Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis 

Brooks Glycerin 21

I had to include the newest model of the Brooks Glycerin—a cousin or the Brooks Ghost. If you like the Brooks Ghost but want more comfort and a less stiff feel, then the Brooks Glycerin is your shoe.

This neutral shoe with maximum cushioning includes a wider midsole with more of the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 (released in the Glycerin 20) and a small increase of 2mm in stack height. These small changes make the Glycerin 21 have more plushness and propulsion.

• Release Date: Feb. 2024
• Cost: $160
• Best for: any run but especially long runs
• Weight: 10 oz
• Stack: 10 mm

What’s changed:

• Higher stack height: 2mm increase in stack height for added cushion

• Softer ride: more DNA loft nitrogen underfoot means a plusher feel

• Heel flexibility: A decoupled heel translates to more responsiveness on the run

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2

The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 is a racing shoe or super shoe that can also be worn for faster running (or try its training companion Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 2 which is like the Rebellion Pro 2 lite). This shoe rocks a unique geometry in which the heel looks like it was sliced off. It’s impossible not to see how this design propels you forward, giving you a biomechanical advantage.

The new version of the Rebellion Pro 2 features more of Mizuno’s softest foam EnerzyLyte+, giving the shoe a cush yet responsive feel. It also features Mizuno’s patented carbon-infused wave midsole construction for a soft and stable landing.

Related: Do Carbon Fiber Shoes Make a Difference?

 

• Release Date: Jan 2024
• Cost: $250
• Best for: race day and important speedwork
• Weight: N/K 6.9 oz last model
• Drop: N/K 4 mm last model

What’s new:

• Crazier geometrics: a bigger cut under the heel for bigger propulsion
• Softer ride: more foam underfoot lends itself to a softer ride.

Related: The Best Recovery Shoes for Runners

Mizuno Wave Rider 27

Already released, the Mizuno Wave Rider deserves a spot on this list as it was one of my first running shoes—only because I got a free pair while working at a running store in Georgetown during college. I loved them and they became go-to running shoe for years to come.

I am not the only one who loves the Mizuno Wave Rider—it is heralded as one of Mizuno’s best running shoes. A classic without any particularly outstanding qualities—if you want a training shoe that’s like a comforting old friend, this is it.

This is a stability shoe so great for supinators. It offers a plush feel and soft ride, with a smooth transition from heel to toe thanks to the Mizuno Enerzy midsole and Wave plate without a rocker feel.

The biggest difference of the newest version is a roomier toe box which was a complaint many had of Mizuno Wave Rider 26. The outsole is the X10 rubber which is smartly placed in high-wear zones. The blown rubber accentuates the toe-off.

• Release Date: June 2023
• Cost: $140
• Best for: daily runs
• Weight: 8.3 oz
• Drop: 12 mm

What’s new

• More room: roomier toe box for wider feet and more toe space
• Better toe off: blown rubber helps with toe off

adidas Supernova Collection (BRAND NEW!)

(just released!)

The new Adidas Supernova Rise is the first of three new shoes in adidas’ Supernova Collection, designed as “everyday running shoes” aka not just for the elites and professional runners and special races.

The first released, the Supernova Rise is a neutral shoe and daily trainer with the features of a super shoe. It includes adidas’ all new PEVA-based Dreamstrike+ super foam on the midsole which is lightweight, soft, and responsive underfoot.

 It also has the new Energy Rods system includes a series of EVA-based rods in the outsole that run alongside your feet and move with your foot to provide support as you run. This system makes the shoe feel a bit more stable even though it is a neutral shoe. Wearers say it is comfortable though and delays leg fatigue.

The upper is comfortable, stylish, and durable. The heel is perfect for heel strikers, with a comfort feel fit that uses a combination of its new foam and soft textile for cushion and durability. adidas also reportedly focused heavily on women runners in their research for making this shoe, so there’s that! It’s a super shoe but in everyday trainer clothing.

• Release Date: Dec. 2023
• Cost: $140
• Best for: any run but especially long runs
• Weight: 8.6 oz
• Drop: 10 mm

Forthcoming, the adidas Supernova Solution which is more of a stability shoe with the energy rods closer underfoot and the adidas Supernova Stride—both coming out in February, 2024.

New Balance Fresh Foam More v4

If you want a bit of stability and cushion without feeling clunky, the new New Balance Fresh Foam More v4 is your shoe. This shoe is cushy yet streamlined for a slim fit. It features lots of Fresh Foam underfoot that you can see from heel to toe.

Its data driven outsole has cushion zones and flex zones so the shoe moves with you. A rocker promotes a smooth ride. There is increased stack height in this shoe and a cleaned up upper so that your foot is softly cradled in a gusset. The tongue and heel tab make it an easy on and off.

• Release Date: Aug. 2024
• Cost: $155
• Best for: everyday wear – daily runs and walks

• Weight: 8.4 oz

• Drop: 4 mm

What’s new:

• Higher stack height: slight increase in stack height
• Softer ride: more foam means more cushion
• Sleeker fit: cleaned up upper and gusset, plus heel tab, means the shoe slides on easily, stays put, and feels smooth

Nike Pegasus 40

The Nike Pegasus is Nike’s do-everything shoe—so this shoe is best for daily runs and even racing up to the half marathon (if you aren’t lured by carbon fiber shoes). The Pegasus is known for its responsiveness and comfortable detailing in the toes and arch, so if you have high arches or metatarsal pain, this shoe could be a good choice.

What’s new over the previous version of the Pegasus is—you guessed it—more foam and an improved collar for a snugger and sleeker fit.

• Release Date: select retailers Sept. 2023, all in 2024

• Cost: $130

• Best for: daily runs

• Weight: 8.5 oz

• Drop: 10 mm

What’s new:

• Softer feel: More foam underfoot for a more forgiving stride
• Flexible fit: more mesh on the upper for an easier and adjustable fit
• More propulsion: Nike boasts this shoe has more propulsive cushioning, marrying foam with a propulsive design

I hope this list helps you find the best running shoes of 2024 for you. I don’t know about you but reading about these new shoes makes me fired up to tackle running goals in the new year! 

If you want a custom plan to fit your running goals this year, check out my run coaching services. Also, be sure to check out my free training plans:

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