20 Best Shoes For Distance Running (2023 Updated)

These shoes didn’t need to be broken in. I threw them on and went shopping. I’m glad they are offering these as the “new” Transcends – I loved those as well. The support is phenomenal – my knees are in proper alignment now, which is helping me be able to walk with tri-compartmental osteoarthritis.

These shoes are truly like walking on clouds. The toe box is slightly wide than the 19 making it just a little more comfortable. The navy is quite attractive. Love these shoes. I have 2 knee replacements and many foot issues, use these for everyday.

This is the shoe I have been dreaming about. I have worn Fresh Foam shoes from New Balance for the past 12 years. since they first came out. Every version is better than the previous one. The fit is perfect and good to go out of the box.

Recently, I have had severe back issues and been unable to tie my shoes. I turned to the new age slip-on (Kiziks) which served the purpose but NO support. Enter Fresh Foam X 1080! I ordered a pair the moment I heard about them.

And they are fabulous. No need to bend down to tie them and wearing them really feels like you are walking on a cloud. The support that I needed is there. They are truly a dream come true. My only complaints would be: (1) the tongue piece folds under itself when slipping my foot into the shoe and has to be pried out.

I think this could be a minor design change. and (2) more color choices. Highly recommended. Thank you New Balance!.

I had 1080v10 shoes before this and had planned to just replace them with the latest 1080 revision since I loved the comfort of that shoe, but then I saw this new Unlaced variant. In short, I love the clean and streamlined look of the unlaced design, as well as the black/white color variant that I wished had been available on my previous 1080s (and still isn’t available on the laced version today).

But most of all of course, the quick and easy slip on and slip off experience is magical. I don’t run aggressively in these, but my feet are held securely in place without any discomfort. So as long as they don’t loosen up over their lifetime, this will become my new favorite shoe.

Total home run!.

I am facing a full ankle replacement and need excellent shoes in order to walk without pain. These shoes are magnificent for that purpose and, when paired with appropriate inserts, they allow me to walk normally and nearly pain free.

Because of their comfort I am able to delay the full ankle replacement surgery and manage the pain within tolerable limits. They are a Godsend and I would strongly recommend them for this specialized purpose.

If I were still able to run, I have little doubt that they would be excellent for that purpose as well. As it is I’m still able to walk a couple of miles a day with a bad ankle on one leg and a bad knee on the other.

My first time buying UA shoes. Read the positive reviews and decided to give it a try. Wow I was really surprised with the comfort that it provides. I wore it straight out of the box for a 5 km run and it felt well balanced and comfortable.

There is no need for any break in period. The colour red gave it an extra style and is an eye catcher. Suitable for daily run or walk. And for the price it is really worth it. Definitely recommend it for casual and even serious runners.

Well done UA! Look forward to try other models and see how well it performs. Already recommended UA to friends and relatives. I am sure they will enjoy the same experience.

Fits perfectly and hold the foot really well. I’ve tried a big range of sport shoes and spent a fortune trying to find the right pair. I highly recommend under armour shoes to everyone because they make you feel like you’re walking on clouds.

They are the ultimate pair of shoes. Can wear them all day long without a doubt. Excellent quality and definitely worth your money.

First pair of Under Armour shoes, so I had no idea what to expect — just thought they looked cool. Holy crow these have to be the most comfortable pair of shoes I’ve ever purchased — and right out of the box.

Planning on buying a second pair really soon. I use them mostly for work (office job) and running errands. Can’t go wrong with these. The fit is perfect, look cool, cushy/comfortable. Can’t go wrong.

Decent price too.

At REI, I stumbled upon a pair of “one off” Altra Men’s size 9. 5 Olympus 4 model, in the black and steel color. Apparently REI don’t usually get this color model, unlike the other multi colored Altra models.

I tried this pair shoes on and they fit well and felt amazing. Not familiar with the brand, I asked the REI salesperson who was Altra? She actually explained the design philosophy that described the functionality of the shoes behind the brand.

The alignment of heel and toes, complimenting the plush cushioning, breathability and the traction of the Vibram soles. So I bought the shoes and wore them later the same afternoon, walking my dog on, hard surfaces and pathways as well as rough woodland trails.

I haven’t taken them off since, except for sleep and showers! These shoes are lightweight, have plenty of room for and don’t squash my toes, breathable, grippy and are well cushioned (even better than Hoka’s or New Balance Fresh Foam).

My feet don’t get fatigued as they do with some other cushioned brands. This is important to me, as I broke both my feet some years ago also causing plantar fasciitis. I can also use my Good Feet custom arch supports with the Altra shoes and the insoles they come with.

The upper fabric is breathable, great for the very hot and very humid weather where I live, so my feet stay comfortable in the heat. Without a doubt, these shoes are the most comfortable pair of shoes I’ve ever owned.

They are not clunky or chunky like some cushioned brands, they are stylish, streamlined and look good. I usually get a half to one size larger for my sports shoes and luckily these were the ideal size for me too, especially as they were the only pair of Altra available at my REI store in this model and color.

This model uses Altra’s Original Footshape which worked out for me. After doing some research, I discovered that Altra have alternative Footshape options in their other shoe models. For now I’m walking on the clouds!.

I am a typical trail runner build with typical feet size (6’/150lbs with not too skinny, not too fat size 12. 5 shoes). I always size up a half size for foot swelling but these shoes are a perfect fit overall and you have to embrace the toe splay concept.

Toe splay is a by far the best way to improve the connected trail feel, no other shoe allows for this type of connected running feel. This is the most stable and nimble Altra I have ever run in the past 10-years and I could not imagine running a 50/62/100 mile race without it.

The sole of the shoe is brilliantly designed, and it feels like you have independent Fox 2. 0 suspension in the rear (left and right sides absorb impact separately allowing you to sail the gnarly terrain).

Additionally, the traction the shoes achieves when it’s wet is simply the best in the market and the rubber hardens up to make the shoes Altra fast when it’s hot out (I jokingly say the rubber is magic flubber).

The shoes drain water perfectly and they are Altra comfortable, I never get blisters or busted nails. I can literally bomb the mountain like a freestyle skier because these shoes are so nimble and stable, they are incredible.

I am stock piling the 4. 0s because I got a preview of the 5. 0s and the upper on the 5. 0 is deal breaker. The material on the upper rises too high on the ankle and now cuts into the outer bumps on the Tibia and Fibula.

I am ok with some of the ticker material approach the upper must not come up as high (similar to the redesign of the TIMP4). You will get lots of complains for the normal size running community so keep making the 4.

0s and compare adoption. The 4. 0 is the best shoes Altra has made in 10-years IMO.

Purchased these for my flat, narrow feet that over pronate at least slightly when running. I’ve developed a good midfoot/forefoot (definition doesn’t seem so universal) strike over years and I’m not a lightweight guy either.

For me, a little stability goes a long way, and anything that slows down my pronation helps a lot (as far as I can tell, it is a debate). Was searching for a racier shoe than what I normally run in, which is elusive in the stability market.

I reached out to customer service who replied with a lot of detail about why certain Newton shoes are engineered the way they are to help guide me. Got these and and have honestly been impressed. Lightweight, well built, great fit and can really push tempo with them.

The response is fantastic and they don’t leave you feeling beat up after a run. Needless to say they’re what I was looking for and are still forgiving enough with cushion to make these a daily shoe. If you’ve never run in Newtons these seem to be a great place to start.

Our local running store held a workshop on Newton running shoes about a decade ago. That day changed my world. Until then I would get a lot of aches and pains, especially in my knees when I ran a lot.

I was fitted in a pair of Newton Gravity while at the workshop and, the following week, received a couple of free training sessions to help me alter my way of running. No longer did I have a raised heel on my shoe and no longer did I run heel toe.

From that day on I eliminated the nagging knee aches and stress fractures I used to get running in other brands of shoes and running heel toe. I will never run in any other shoe other than the Newton Gravity.

I wear the neutral support version. I order my shoes online and they always arrive true to size and fit. I can also get close to 500 miles in them before having to buy a new shoe. Also, I like the recent colors they’ve chosen, both for last year’s and this year’s shoe.

From comfort to fit this is the best running shoe, hands down!.

I purchased this as my first pair of Hoka’s ever, it was amazing just how lightweight they are of course. But I also thought I would be able to train for a marathon for these and this is testament to how much I didn’t know about the brand.

However I just purchased the Mach 4 which will be arriving soon to use for my long runs anything over 7-10 miles. This is a perfect everyday trainer. Immediately felt comfortable and felt one with this shoe for sure.

I enjoy the response which I thought would be too much regarding roll over but not the case since I hit relatively flat across. Great for the neutral runner, and the size was accurate. Love what they have so far and that they don’t make a million different models but each has a purpose.

Next will be my trail selection since after this marathon it will be a long break from the road. Been running for awhile but this was the most I ever spent on a shoe and it was well worth it. Con is the bottom will wear rather fast, either I am really burning rubber or my 180lbs frame is too much for them.

Feels a little tighter fitting than my previous HOKA experiences (size 10). No other daily runners come close to how light this shoe feels but this comes at a cost. It feels unstable on turns or on rainy days.

It’s a not a shoe I feel comfortable pushing to the limit. There is little feedback to the road surface without the comfort and cushioning HOKAs usually provide. Very much a mid foot landing shoe. I’ve found myself shortening my stride and increasing my cadence in this shoe which isn’t a bad thing, just an adjustment.

(Mach 4 was my previous benchmark). Heel strike isn’t responsive nor does it feel very cushioned. The slightly angular tongue took some getting use to but works well. A great short runs or junk miles shoe, however.

I find that 8+ miles start to get uncomfortable and blistery even after 100 miles in the shoe.

Bottom line: the Carbon X 2 is a running shoe with an identity crisis. Fit: Honestly, the fit of the upper, while imperfect, is the best feature of this shoe. It’s easy to achieve a good lock down. The heel flare is a great feature and the ankle padding is super comfortable.

The biggest issue I have is that the upper is just too narrow in the mid-foot and toe box (also I don’t like the minimalist tongue). That said, the narrow fit didn’t give me any issues when I took it out on the road.

Ride: I disliked running in this shoe because of the clunky ride. The issue is that the lightweight upper is carrying a comparatively heavy slab of foam underfoot. It felt like weights strapped under my feet.

The ride felt stiff and unnatural with absolutely no noticeable propulsion from the carbon fiber plate. The transitions are smooth, though, because the meta-rocker is very pronounced. Overall: I’m boxing these up and returning them.

I just can’t see a place for these in my rotation. What would they be used for? Racing? I have lighter, faster options. Long runs? I have more cushioned, comfortable options. Speed days? Not a chance! I wanted to like these a lot more than I did.

As far as carbon racers go, I definitely recommend the Rocket X over these for just about every kind of run.

I bought this shoe originally as a “Why Not?” because I have never owned a shoe with a carbon plate in it, and thought this would scratch that curiosity itch. I have to stress that these shoes are IDEAL for running, and each step feels so energized, as I felt like I was gliding with each step.

These have easily moved to the top of my favorites list of running shoes, and I always get excited when I put these babies on my feet for the next run. I will note: these shoes do look stylish and look to be a good choice for a ‘Lifestyle’ shoe, but the carbon plates are very, very noticeable when walking.

It isn’t uncomfortable by any means, but it’s annoying when walking long distances in them. It doesn’t ruin the experience since these are labeled running shoes, but they are meant to only be that: running shoes.

I have been a Hoka advocate, lover, and supporter for 3 years. I would send them back, but unfortunately I threw away the box, because I had no reason to believe that I wouldn’t love these as I have my former Hoka’s.

My feet are killing me after only 45 minutes into my run. My Problems: *forefoot and mid-foot have this uncomfortable “band” that rubs and hurts. I cannot figure out how to alleviate this. *the heel slips and lacing tight does not help, nor does the heal slip lacing *Forefoot is loose, the fabric is excessive and isn’t comfortable These are not the Hoka comfort that I am used to.

They have been my go-to’s, the shoe I always recommend to other runners. I have tried to adjust the lacing to tight and loose and everywhere in between because I love Hoka’s and nothing seems to improve the run.

These hurt my feet by mile 3.

After a long wait, I finally got a pair because it was out of stock on the ASICS website. Before purchasing, I watched some videos on Youtube to get to know METASPEED EDGE+ better. I purchased a pair of Kayano 24 years ago and loved the pair a lot.

It’s just about time to replace the Kayano 24. I don’t go for a run often, but running is part of my job description, and I wouldn’t say I like running with heavy running shoes. I tried it out earlier this afternoon when I went to do the beep test.

When I got this pair, it surprised me how light they weighed. The support and stability were good during the warm-ups when I just ran slowly, and it got better when I got into the beep test. I ran on a concrete surface and felt better about my knees and feet, as it caused less pain and fatigue after running.

I also felt like it helped me conserve more energy and could go further (a few more laps) with my training, which was excellent, and I absolutely loved that. I cannot wait to wear the pair for my weekly 5K run, and I believe the experience will be as great as, if not better, than the beep test experience.

Regarding sizing and fit, I got US Men’s size 9/42. 5 for Kayano 24 and based on the True Fit recommendation. I went with US Men’s size 9. 5/43. 5. I’m glad I followed the recommendation as the pair fitted me brilliantly.

I only regret that I didn’t buy one more pair while it was in stock.

I started running again just over 8 months ago, I was running on another brands shoes, I was happy enough with them, however I kept hitting a speed wall. So like anyone who wants to know answers, Idid some research into why I was not getting faster, I soon realised that my running mechanics & body structure where a limiting factor.

Being under 6ft and not having a long stride length meant I reached my limit & the only thing I could do is turn over faster. When I turned up to 184 SPM I soon realised that my speed increased a lot, that I needed to look into shoes that catered for this.

I saw a Asics Youtube video about series Meta Speed Edge (v1). Then earlier this year Asics had their Time Trial event where the Metaspeed Sky+ where the show. I studied everything about the Sky+ & Edge+ & I mean everything & knew that the Edge+ where for me.

I tried to purchase these before launch to no avail, on the day the launched I bought & I have not looked back since. I have PB’d my 5k, 10k & improved my average pace by around 1-1. 30 miles / Per Min, which is crazy.

I have done 3 runs so far, First was a 9 Miler Threshold, that I simply could not get to, it was too easy, hence 1. 30 miles / per min faster, 2nd was meant to be easy that ended up being a random fartlek & my 3rd run was my first race with my Athletics Club & I ran faster and easier than I have ever run before.

I cannot recommend these enough to someone who is a runner that simply cannot stride out & is looking for a long distance or fast shoe.

I received my Metaspeed with great excitement. I am not a great runner averaging about 9 min/miling, and I do have an issue which is Hallux Rigidus (stiffening of the big toe), which means I run in Carbon plated shoes for medical reasons not to be an elite.

So finding comfy shoes is an absolute nightmare. I have loved Asics since I don’t know when, so when the Metaspeed came out I was super excited, however, I owned a pair of Nike VaporFlies, and New Balance FuelCell.

So I didnt really need the first model of Metaspeed. Now both my shoes are old, I was able to get a pair of Metaspeed, only to find out there was a + version. I put them on, and within minutes my big toes were being forced up causing pain and discomfort.

Sadly there was no way I could run in these. However, I so wish I could. The upper felt amazing, the bounce amazing, no high arches, stable, and I imagine great for triathlon transition. It just felt a great shoe.

So my advice if you are keen to run in the metaspeed and you have HR like me, then go for the original Metaspeed. Which I did, and I absolutely love them. To me they have all the same as the new shoe, but just not the extreme curve at the end forcing your big toe up.