The Best Running Shoes for Spring 2019

Photo credit: Staff
Photo credit: Staff

From Runner's World

The 25 shoes in this guide represent the best of what you’ll find this spring, and can help you achieve your training and racing goals this year. We tested 104 models in our lab and on the feet of more than 250 runners to find the top-performing road and trail models. In the lab, we measure each shoe’s cushioning ability and forefoot flexibility, while in the real world our test team log a month’s worth of mileage to assess how the shoe interacts with their feet and strides. We put in the sweat so you can buy with confidence.

We begin with the class standouts, the shoes our wear-testers couldn’t stop raving about.


Skechers GOrun Razor 3 Hyper

The Razor is the first example of a new buzz-worthy midsole Skechers developed, dubbed Hyper Burst. How exciting is it? At The Running Event in Austin, Texas, in late November, talk of the trade show was about the brand and its new foam. Seriously. The industry was curious what Skechers was up to. Hyper Burst is a new EVA foam with an irregular cell structure that differs from more conventional manufacturing techniques. The result is a lighter and more resilient foam. Added to the Razor, which was Meb’s training shoe of choice when he was actively racing, it makes for a high-speed trainer or racing shoe for the rest of us.

In testing, we found the Razor likes to be pushed hard and go fast. The foam underfoot is relatively firm, but at the same time feels protective and takes the harshness out of the pavement when you’re cranking. The thin, breathable upper and a web of rubber outsole boost its speediness.—Jeff Dengate, runner-in-chief

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Under Armour Hovr Infinite

Under Armour looked to dial up the underfoot cush of this plush neutral trainer. Targeting pillowy soft trainers like the Asics Gel-Nimbus and Brooks Glycerin, the shoe uses UA’s latest midsole foam, Hovr, a compound the company claims is more cushioned and returns more energy than previous versions. The extremely soft material is surrounded by an “energy web,” a net-like container that helps boost the foam’s responsiveness. The shoe doesn’t necessarily feel plush underfoot—tests at the RW Shoe Lab show it to be fairly firm—but we liked how it felt comfortably protective on longer road runs and recovery days.

Where this shoe diverges from the Cadillac-type trainers mentioned above is in the upper. The Nimbus and Glycerin utilize insanely soft memory-foam collars and satiny linings. This shoe has a more basic, workhorse-like build. The anklelining is a little scratchy, the heel counter a bit hard. Then again, the Infinite costs $30 to $40 less than those premium shoes, so it’s a small compromise.—J.D.

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Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19

The Adrenaline GTS has undergone a major transformation, now using guide rails for a less intrusive way of delivering stability. If you need it, it’s there. If you don’t, you won’t feel it. That’s different than in previous models, which used a three-layer medial post (firmer foams under the arch) that Brooks called a Progressive Diagonal Rollbar. Replacing the support system of the most beloved of Brooks’s stability shoes (we’ve given it 10 awards in its 20-plus-year history) is a daring, even risky, move. But views have shifted on stability, especially whether a medial post is needed in shoes. Brooks took a more holistic approach to stabilizing the knee by reducing foot rotation. Let’s use a bowling analogy to explain how it works: Imagine your foot as the ball and the shoe’s guide rails as the lane’s bumpers. As your foot twists, your heel bumps into the rails and is directed back to center, limiting how much torque is felt at your knee.

It’s too early to tell if the 19th iteration will reduce the number of knee injuries, but there are other reasons to love the latest Adrenaline GTS. First, it feels shockingly light on runs, despite our shoe lab finding it on the heavy end of the shoe spectrum. Plus, the moderate cushioning provides a soft ride for Clydesdales, yet has enough give to satisfy lighter runners, as well. And finally, our tired legs did not feel beat up when we ran long in the shoe.—Amanda Furrer, test editor

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Asics Gel-DS Trainer 24

There are times when shoemakers update a model seemingly for the sake of change alone. The appeal of newness might, at times, blind designers and manufacturers of the good they could have maintained by leaving it alone altogether. But, not so with the DS Trainer—the new features improve the shoe, and worthy holdovers from previous models remain high-performing. The all-new knit upper—a first for any Asics shoe—is breathable, lightweight, and comfortable, enabling you to focus on your run, not the fit of your shoes.

This is a model you’ll want to run fast in, thanks to its overall light weight and its FlyteFoam Lyte midsole, which offers a solid ground feel and nice pop. “The energy return I felt each time my foot hit the ground was empowering,” one wear-tester said. “It’s been great for fun group runs and speedwork.” Beware that while this shoe is great for faster, shorter efforts, it may not be the best choice for runners who throw down big mileage each week. Here, the benefits of a light shoe come at the cost of cushioning suitable for multi-hour runs.—Gabriel Lodge, test editor

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Saucony Peregrine ISO

The Saucony Peregrine won our Editors’ Choice award in 2016, and this update follows its winning formula: Deep lugs cover the outsole for fantastic traction at any speed. Faster trail runners loved the confidence-inspiring grip when running over muddy, snowy, icy, or slippery terrain that can turn into a wipeout event with only a minor misstep. Credit that to the 78 lugs—a ridiculously high number for any model—that cover the sole. The lugs even extend out from the side of the shoe a bit, ensuring steady footing when running laterally along steep terrain.

This latest version features Saucony’s ISOFit upper, which offers a nearly customized fit with the help of wings on each side of the shoe that attach to the laces. We appreciated that fit most on long trail runs when our feet started to swell and needed an upper that could accommodate their changing shape. Underfoot, the Peregrine ISO features a full Everun topsole. It’s a thin layer of material beneath the sockliner and above the midsole, which is more durable than EVA yet is bouncier and more plush.—G.L.

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Salomon Predict RA

Trail-running powerhouse Salomon has been hitting the roads hard the past year, with a whole new line that launched early in 2018. The latest and most ambitious model so far is the Predict RA, which takes a different approach to stability. You won’t find any medial posts, multiple densities of foam, or a bulky, stiff shoe. Instead, the Predict has a unique midsole with grooves on the top and bottom of the foam that mirror the major joints of the foot, segmenting the shoe into the areas where your foot moves. The shoe’s 10 outsole pillars adapt to how your foot rolls from heel strike to toe-off, guiding your foot for a smooth transition.

Now, don’t be confused: This isn’t a shoe like the Nike Free. It’s about giving you support where you need it. When I put on this shoe for the first time, my reaction was “Whoa, that is firm!” Tests at the RW Shoe Lab confirm that the foam used in this shoe is harder than average. But once I took it out for a run, I noticed that the shoe really starts to shine when it’s in motion. Even though the EVA midsole is firm for support, the ride of the shoe allows you to hit cruise control on your runs.—Pat Heine, video producer

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Reebok Forever Floatride Energy

I consider myself a thrifty person, at times to a point of fault. I know how to appreciate great gear, but I’m always looking for the best possible deal, searching for low cost and high quality. The Reebok Forever Floatride Energy is that equilibrium point. It’s light enough to work as a road-racing shoe, soft enough to keep you comfortable through long runs, and attractive enough to garner a few compliments when you wear them on your next group run. What’s more, it’s only $100, making it accessible to more runners than similarly impressive, though more expensive, everyday trainers.

But the best part of this shoe is undoubtedly the midsole, a singular piece of Floatride Energy foam that keeps you feeling fresh late in your long runs. This foam isn’t quite as light and springy as the Float foam Reebok has used in its Run Fast shoe recently, but it’s lighter and bouncier than EVA alternatives. Some of us found this shoe close to perfect, despite being an entry-level offering. The ride is supple, yet there’s loads of energy return. That makes it feel fast and smooth, and works really well whether we are running easy miles or threshold pace.—G.L.

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Road


361 Degrees 361-Meraki 2

The Meraki 2 is a versatile everyday shoe that’s sturdy enough for marathon training, but light enough for a tempo run. Our test staff piled on the road miles at the end of marathon training season, sharpening up for race day. A very soft forefoot feels great on easy days, but it also masks the shoe’s stiffness. Credit the brand’s Qu!kfoam midsole, which does an excellent job damping impact for long runs and is extremely durable. The result is a shoe that delivers the same cushioning power after a few hundred miles as when you first cracked open the box.

Testers also raved about the shoe’s overall comfort, especially from the wide tongue. It’s exceptionally thin, mostly, but a microfiber lining and soft padding near the top boost comfort and relieve lace pressure for runners with high insteps.—J.D.

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Mizuno Wave Inspire 15

The Wave Inspire 15 debuts a new upper, although the midsole and outsole remain unchanged from version 14. Underfoot, Mizuno still uses a combination of highly responsive U4ic foam and its softer U4icX midsole compound, which it places below the heel’s Wave plate to soften up the back half of the shoe. Indeed, the shoe’s heel registered extremely soft scores in tests at the Runner’s World Shoe Lab, and testers lauded its plush feel.

The outsole is grippy on roads, and we enjoyed its durability over months of pavement pounding. The shoe’s new engineered mesh is designed for a softer fit, while its toned-down aesthetic isn’t too aggressive for casual wear. The new upper aids breathability, although its lightness means you’ll want to wear thicker socks for cold-weather runs. Thankfully, the toebox is roomy enough to accommodate wide feet and wool socks.—Dan Roe, test editor

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Nike Air Zoom Vomero 14

Maybe you had to look twice, but, yes, this shoe is the Vomero, not the Pegasus. Nike’s longtime plush trainer got a sporty overhaul and the changes are more than cosmetic. The Vomero is still all about maximum cushioning for high mileage, but now that plush ride comes in a responsive shoe that feels alive underfoot, thanks to a redesigned midsole. That change bothered some testers, who said they missed the soft Vomero they knew and loved. But quicker runners appreciated the change.

The shoe now uses React foam to deliver more pep than Lunarlon, and rather than burying separate forefoot and heel Zoom Air units (as Nike did in the Vomero 13), the company layered a single, full-length unit just beneath the footbed. (We cut one in half to check—it’s there.) The design makes the air cushioning more evident and provides a firm underfoot feeling. The upper is also new: Foam pods line the heel collar to cradle the foot, and the bottom half of the padded tongue is sewn to the upper for a secure, 360-degree fit.—D.R.

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Adidas UltraBoost 19

At long last, the UltraBoost gets a makeover for a better fit, better performance, and better traction. The highlight for runners is that damn plastic cage is gone. The original had a rigid plastic saddle that caused pain for some runners. It was also an eyesore for the fashion-conscious crowd—an uncaged version proved especially popular after YouTubers performed surgery on the original with an X-Acto knife. This new model still includes a midfoot wrap, but this time it’s a flexible mesh that better moves with your foot on the run.

The shoe’s DNA remains unchanged: The UltraBoost 19 is still the softest shoe in Adidas’s Boost lineup, built to handle your longest runs. The underfoot sensation remains plush, but it feels less bouncy and mushy than the earlier versions. That’s thanks to 20 percent more Boost packed into the midsole.—J.D.

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Saucony Guide ISO 2

In an environment increasingly dominated by neutral shoes, the Guide ISO 2 offers support without feeling heavy or clunky. The original Guide series had 10 iterations before Saucony introduced the ISOFit upper, which combines a plush inner sleeve with a supportive cage to better fit your foot and avoid bunching up as the shoe flexes. The two-layer jacquard mesh upper remains in this version, and our wear-testers gave it high marks for comfort but weren’t as impressed by the shoe’s ability to dissipate heat or repel water.

This shoe is rather stiff, thanks to its combination of foam, polyurethane, and rubber underfoot, but a 3mm TPU Everun topsole beneath the EVA foam sockliner helps put some spring in your step. The midsole is made of PWRFoam, an EVA derivative that delivers better energy return and durability. And finally there’s a high-density foam medial post that guides your foot as it pronates.

Despite the shoe’s stiffness, there’s plenty of cushioning for pounding out road miles—the Guide feels flat and stable underfoot. It also feels relatively light, is firm without being harsh, and is supportive without ruining a neutral runner’s fun. The classic stability shoe with the gray medial post is a dying breed, but Saucony hasn’t forgotten about the runners who like the design: They’ve just made it better with modern upgrades that keep the Guide ISO 2 competitive as a 2019 workhorse trainer.—D.R.

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Asics Gel-Nimbus 21

The Nimbus is now old enough to order a drink. A longtime favorite for its soft cushioning and long-distance durability, the Nimbus doesn’t undergo much of a model-year makeover, but it does maintain the elements that have made it such a perennial go-to. For starters, it has an ultrasmooth and supportive ride, thanks to loads of padding via three different kinds of midsole materials.

At the top, the Nimbus has what Asics calls FlyteFoam Lyte, a lower-density foam designed to feel great under the foot. Beneath that, Asics adds FlyteFoam Propel, which has a higher energy return for faster toe-off. And under the heel and forefoot, Asics, of course, injects its impact-reducing Gel—it’s less visible from the outside of the shoe than in previous models, but it’s still there. The combined effect is a ride that’s soft but not to the extreme—with enough responsiveness that your foot doesn’t feel like it’s being sucked down into a pillow. The shoe can stand up to miles of hard pavement without losing its rebound.—Caitlin Giddings, contributing writer

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Saucony Triumph ISO 5

With even more cushioning than its predecessor, this neutral trainer is a friend to all with tired legs or who are pounding out long runs during marathon training. The midsole is among the thickest you’ll find in this guide. It’s even thicker than the Hoka One One road shoes, and we appreciated the softness it delivers.

The full-length Everun midsole looks and feels the same as its predecessor, but Saucony added 2 millimeters of cushioning (the outsole is now 2mm thinner to keep stack heights the same). All that foam makes the Triumph bulky. Even so, it has a fluid ride that makes the weight disappear. Saucony tweaked the last, giving it a better hold on the heel and more flare in the forefoot. Testers were mixed on the change, with some saying the toebox felt too roomy. Wide-footed testers, on the other hand, loved the extra space.—Jacob Meschke, contributing writer

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Hoka One One Mach 2

The Mach looks a lot like the Cavu, and both are born from Hoka’s Fly line designed for quicker runs. But the Mach 2 has a slightly thicker and softer heel, for better long-run cushioning, plus a premium engineered-mesh upper. The shoe uses Hoka’s early stage meta-rocker, a design that combines a low heel lift with a sculpted outsole to create a smooth, rocking chair-like transition. Combined with denser cushioning in the heel, the shoe absorbs impact and delivers rebound after landing.

This updated iteration is slightly firmer than the original Mach, but that’s a fair trade-off for a lighter shoe. Even so, the Mach 2 is extremely responsive for racing and speed training. The outsole, like on the Cavu 2, uses a rubberized foam for a cushioned grip that holds tight on dry surfaces. Some of our wear-testers wished for actual rubber on slick surfaces, but most found it was sufficiently tacky.—A.F.

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Mizuno Waveknit R2

The Waveknit R2 is essentially Mizuno’s Wave Rider with a knit upper. The new stretchy construction embraces the foot for a snug and stable ride. It’s soft against the foot, while the foam underneath feels even cushier. One tester described the ride like “running on a soft track even when I’m actually running on asphalt for 8 to 10 miles.” That plush, comfy fit makes this shoe ideal for both short speed sessions and marathon long runs.

The highlight, though, is the knit upper. It’s comfortable as you run, and snug but not too tight. “It felt like slipping my foot into another sock,” said one tester. “I loved how the knit material conforms to the shape of my foot, rather than rubbing against it.” The only complaint is that the fabric traps heat and absorbs moisture. “The second you get a little bit of water on the knit material, it goes straight to your socks,” said another tester. “Not a good shoe for runners in wet climates who don’t like having wet toes.”—A.F.

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Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 Shield

The versatile Pegasus can seemingly do it all. Easy jogs? Check. Marathon mileage? Yep. Speed day? Sure can. Wet and cold weather? Indeed, especially this “Shield” version of the dependable trainer. Clad in a water-repellent fabric and sporting a grippy rubber outsole, the Peg Shield will keep you dry as you splash through puddles or try to outrun a spring shower.

This latest version gets a few key updates that boost this shoe’s do-anything cred. Like the Vomero, the Peg 35 gets a full-length air unit—this is the first Peg to get that. Prior to the 33rd version, air had been limited to the heel, and the last two models used separate air bags in the heel and forefoot. This new, longer piece smooths out the transition from heel to toe. It’s still encased within Cushlon, the lightweight, responsive foam used in previous models. Plus the upper gets a sleek bootie-like fit, with a tall tongue and heel collar to keep the elements out.—J.D.

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Hoka One One Cavu 2

The Cavu might change your notion about a Hoka. It’s another exceptionally lightweight shoe that brings above-average cushioning power and punches above its class. This shoe, however, is all about the ride. It’s smooth rolling through marathon-paced runs and fast intervals. “This was a great track shoe, which surprises me since I haven’t thought of Hokas as being performance-oriented before,” said one longtime wear-tester. Credit the relatively firm heel that absorbs heavy footfalls and the softer forefoot that works well for efficient runners who land on their toes. The outsole eschews heavy rubber patches and instead uses a rubber-foam blend for traction and durability. In areas where traction isn’t required (the midfoot), more standard EVA foam is exposed to the road, reducing weight.—J.D.

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Brooks Glycerin 17

Brooks’s plushest trainer is the kind of shoe you wear all the time, even when you’re not running—it’s that comfortable. Compared to the previous model, the 17 kept everything we love, from its squishy DNA Loft midsole to its sleek engineered mesh upper. For even more cushioning, the new version has an OrthoLite sockliner, which ensures long-lasting softness. While it’s a little too heavy for speedy runs, the Glycerin 17 is well-suited for recovery and long runs, when your legs and feet need a break. The shoe’s upper is suitably comfortable for those days, too, thanks to a heavily padded lining and a bootie-like construction that hugs your foot.—A.F.

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New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v9

The 1080 v9 is all about max comfort, much like the Brooks Glycerin 17 and Saucony Triumph ISO 5 in this guide. But, somehow this shoe feels sportier than either of those luxurious trainers. Credit that to the molded upper and the soft-but-not-mushy Fresh Foam midsole. In fact, that midsole has gotten softer than in previous iterations, and still feels protective and lively underfoot. New Balance not only made the compound softer, but it also added a millimeter underfoot to boost comfort. The result can be felt on the road, as the shoe is a bit more forgiving than the previous model, yet it can still be turned over quickly when you get the itch to cruise.

Our test team appreciated the footprint of the shoe—long a feature of the 1080—with full ground contact giving you a stable platform, and a forefoot that flares wide for confident footing at any speed. The upper has seen some big changes, too, designed to improve fit and comfort. The most dramatic alteration is the new molded heel, which received mixed reviews from our wear-testers. Some of us liked the wrap and structure, but others felt that the lack of extra padding inside allowed them to slide a little after transitioning from mid-stance to forefoot.—J.D.

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Trail


Altra Superior 4.0

The new Superior shed more than 2 ounces and feels better all around. In fact, this is the lightest trail shoe Altra’s ever made. Unboxing a pair, you’ll still find the removable stone guards that you can insert under the sockliner for runs on rocky, technical trails—or go without them when you’re cruising buffed singletrack. In either case, the underfoot sensation is lively without hindering ground feel. Credit that to the brand’s new Quantic midsole, which Altra says has the performance of its previous Ego midsole, yet weighs less. After a month of testing the shoe, we agree. For steep and loose terrain, the Superior has a toothy outsole similar to the Lone Peak 4. Its claw-like, beveled lugs grip wet rocks but get bogged down in muddy conditions.—A.F.

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Inov-8 Parkclaw 275

The Inov-8 Parkclaw 275 is more of a Swiss Army knife than a spork—a hybrid object with multiple strengths rather than just performing two tasks badly. Designed to transition from road to trail and back, the Parkclaw is a trail-running shoe that is ideal for curious newcomers or groomed-trail runners, thanks to a firm midsole and relatively stubby lugs. The Parkclaw really excels on hard-packed trails, grabbing dirt and rocks and delivering a smooth ride. It’s only on more technical terrain where the shoe can feel in over its head—it’s a tad too firm and stiff to really tame uneven terrain. But for those of us who spend most of our trail runs on smoother ground, the Parkclaw is a versatile neutral shoe.—C.G.

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Topo Athletic Terraventure 2

The Terraventure underwent quite a few changes with its second edition. We liked the original’s versatility on and off the trail, and how its flat lugs provided sticky traction and a smooth transition onto paved surfaces. The 2 follows suit but now has a Vibram outsole, which delivers even stickier grip and better durability. Plus, it gets a more pronounced lug pattern, which translates to better hold in sloppy conditions.

The new shoe is slightly heavier and firmer than its predecessor, but manages to feel light on the move. Our test team couldn’t help wishing for just a little more cushioning on our runs, though. The upper delivers ample room in the toebox to accommodate wider feet, but some of our female testers reported that the low heel collar creates a slightly loose fit, so you may have to use the top eyelet.—A.F.

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Hoke One One Speedgoat 3

The name “Speedgoat” doesn’t get thrown around lightly when it comes to trail running. Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer is the definition of solid performance, especially when it comes to the 100-mile distance. This Speedgoat is no different—it’s solid from construction to comfort to performance. Our testers appreciated the lightweight cushioning and noted that, while the shoe doesn’t have a rock plate, its tall stack height and thick EVA foam protects you from rocks and roots.

The fit maintains what Hoka did with the Speedgoat 2, with a wider toebox and a snug yet not constricting fit around the midfoot and heel. It provides a great platform for landing on your forefoot when racing friends down the trail. Underneath it all, Hoka stuck with the Vibram Megagrip rubber and 5mm-deep lugs that stick to big slabs of rock.—P.H.

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Brooks Caldera 3

Take a couple of details in a shoe and change them—a lace keeper here, a heel tab there, some sticky rubber—and you have a shoe, like the updated Caldera 3, that hints at what it was, but is better, stronger. This new version gets a “TrailTack” outsole, a sticky rubber compound designed for more sure footing on wet rocks. Even on dry ground, the shoe grips confidently, thanks to the large surface area of the lugs and lots of edges to hold fast onto dirt. The shoe’s tread is not like the pronounced lugs of Brooks’s more rugged trail shoe, the Cascadia, but our test team appreciated the sole as we logged miles on pavement to get to the trailhead—it’s a worthy hybrid shoe to have in your quiver.

Another update is the Ariaprene mesh upper. It’s not waterproof, as our wet socks can confirm, but the EVA foam in the mesh won’t absorb water and, thus, won’t get heavy after you cross a stream. The open construction also means that any water that does get in will easily drain out. The shoe has a wide fit on the sides, which may require tighter lacing. Pulling them snug means longer laces, of course, but the lace keeper on the tongue ensures your knots are secure and won’t snag on low-hanging brush.—A.F.

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