The 10 Best Running Sneakers

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 2–3 years, you’ve probably noticed the hype surrounding running. The lone joggers of yesteryear are now part of massive running clubs at the center of pop culture. Sending DMs is so yesterday—these days, people add each other on Strava.

And of course, our favorite sportswear brands are fueling this movement with the right footwear. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of releases and can’t figure out which sneaker is best for running right now, pay close attention. We’ve put together a list of our 10 favorite running sneakers that both beginners and experienced runners swear by.

Adidas Adizero Evo SL

In recent years, several brands have proven that running shoes don’t have to be brightly colored and bulky. But the adidas Adizero Evo SL is arguably one of the most beautiful running sneakers on the market. Its sleek design with an oversized sole not only looks great but also boasts impressive technical features. The Lightstrike Pro foam—which was actually developed by adidas for competition—covers the entire sole and promises higher energy return, feather-light weight, and less strain on the legs. Thanks to its construction, the sneaker delivers a dynamic feel even without a carbon plate, making it the ideal shoe for fast endurance runs and tempo training. Here You can still find the adidas Adizero Evo SL in various sizes.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5

No less impressive—and even more suitable for everyday use—is the fastest little runner in the New Balance stable. The FuelCell Rebel v5 is arguably one of the most fun lightweight trainers on the market, remaining extremely versatile despite its light weight. The FuelCell midsole, combined with an innovative blend of PEBA/EVA foam, ensures a smooth roll-through while remaining responsive enough for fast runs. Because the foam is also extremely soft, the sneaker is also suitable for relaxed days with minimal activity. Thanks to its construction, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 is very responsive and therefore particularly well-suited for runners who prefer a direct running feel. At €160, it’s also a bit of a hidden gem in terms of value for money in the performance segment. Here You’ll find this model in various colorways.

Merrell Agility Peak 5 GTX

While most brands are currently trying to build the perfect sneaker for jogging, Merrell stays true to its roots. The Agility Peak 5 GTX is a trail runner for anyone who follows the call of the wilderness—even in rain, mud, and uneven terrain. Thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane, your feet stay dry even in heavy rain, while a grippy Vibram outsole promises reliable traction even on loose surfaces. At the same time, the shoe looks significantly more modern and less clunky than many classic trail running models from competitors. So if you regularly switch between forest trails, gravel, and asphalt, you’ll find a versatile sneaker here for almost any situation (and any terrain). Here You’ll also find various other models from the Merrell brand.

Nike Pegasus Premium

The Pegasus is a classic in Nike’s lineup, but that doesn’t mean the sneaker is outdated. Nike is committed to regularly introducing updated versions of this running shoe. The current model combines three key technologies: a full-length Air Zoom unit is paired with ZoomX and ReactX foam, designed to deliver a particularly springy running experience. The Pegasus Premium is designed to bridge the gap between running sneakers and lifestyle models. Its futuristic design makes it a standout even off the running track, while its cushioning really shines during longer runs. If you’re looking for a running shoe that stands out from the crowd both technically and visually, you’ll likely love this heritage model from Nike. Here You’ll find the Nike Pegasus Premium in various colorways.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5

Long before there were running clubs in Europe and Satisfy Moth-Tech crop tops adorned the bodies of Berlin hipsters, Saucony was already synonymous with running. The Endorphin series, in particular, has already achieved cult status among connoisseurs. The latest addition to the line, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, combines a lightweight nylon plate with the proven Speedroll technology, ensuring a comfortable and dynamic running experience. Unlike many other carbon-fiber racing shoes, this sneaker never feels too aggressive or strenuous, but remains comfortable even during everyday training sessions. It’s precisely this versatility that makes it so popular. Whether it’s tempo runs, longer routes, or easy workouts, the Endorphin Speed 5 feels comfortable almost all the time. For many runners, it’s therefore the one sneaker that really does it all. Here You can find this all-around sneaker from Saucony in various sizes.

On Cloudmonster 3

From a brand that’s over 100 years old to a Swiss brand that, despite its youth, has risen to become one of the fastest-growing players in the competitive running market. In recent years, On has drawn the spotlight through collaborations with Post Archive Faction, Loewe, FKA Twigs, and Zendaya. But the Swiss brand has only achieved this growth because its products are beyond reproach. The On Cloudmonster 3 embodies everything the Swiss brand has become known for. The distinctive CloudTec elements are larger than on almost any other model from the brand and, together with the integrated Speedboard, provide a surprisingly comfortable feel while running. Despite the generous cushioning, however, the sneaker never feels sluggish but rolls forward effortlessly. At the same time, it’s one of the few running shoes that also looks great and can be easily styled with shorts or jeans. Once again, the perfect symbiosis of comfort, performance, and design has been brought together in a single model. Here You’ll find the On Cloudmonster 3 in various colorways.

Asics Novablast 5

When it comes to versatile sneakers that need to perform on the running track, hardly any brand can measure up to the tiger stripes from Kobe. Asics’ entire DNA is rooted in running—and has been for decades. Without this brand, there wouldn’t even have been a Nike (then still known as Blue Ribbon Sports) back in the day. One of our current favorites from the brand is the Asics Novablast 5. This sneaker is considered one of the most versatile everyday running shoes on the market and impresses us above all with its pleasantly springy ride. This is thanks to the redesigned midsole, which returns a lot of energy without becoming unstable. This makes the Novablast 5 ideal for casual after-work runs, but also for longer endurance runs—even at a slightly faster pace. Especially for those of you who want to start running and don’t own a single pair of running shoes yet: the Asics Novablast 5 is the perfect starting point—one where, in theory, you’ll never need another model. Here You can find this sneaker in various sizes.

Asics Gel-Nimbus 28

Runners don’t always have to go for high-performance shoes. Sometimes it’s enough to simply have a sneaker that makes running fun. And anyone who’s ever enjoyed the comfort of an Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 will know that feeling. The combination of proven Gel technology and the exceptionally soft “FF Blast Plus Eco” cushioning delivers one of the most comfortable running experiences on the market. The shoe really shines on longer distances or on recovery days, noticeably reducing strain on your feet and joints. So if you’re not concerned with setting new running records and are primarily looking for unparalleled comfort, this is the right sneaker for you. Here You’ll find the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 in various colorways.

Hoka Clifton 10

Two former Salomon employees, Jean-Luc Diard and Nicolas “Nico” Mermoud (who was even the brand’s CEO at the time), realized during a trail run that running downhill, in particular, puts immense strain on the legs. Since Salomon wasn’t willing to address the issue, the two founded their own brand, Hoka, to bring the mountain to the prophet—or rather, the runner. The Hoka Clifton is a model that appears on the “best-of” lists of many established runners. Now in its 10th version, it stays true to the original’s recipe for success, combining generous cushioning with extremely light weight. Thanks to its signature “rocker” construction, the shoe rolls off the ground particularly smoothly and provides a comfortable running experience even over longer distances. The Clifton feels just right for both beginners and experienced marathon runners alike. It is precisely this versatility that has made it one of the most popular running sneakers for years and a safe choice for many runners—and those who aspire to become one. Here You can find the Hoka Clifton 10 in various sizes.

Nike Vomero Plus

We’ve covered the Nike Vomero 5 here before: stylish, timeless, versatile, and incredibly comfortable. The Nike Vomero Plus is an evolution of this silhouette designed for runners who want to embrace one of the biggest trends of recent years: maximum cushioning combined with high energy return. The entire midsole is made of ZoomX foam, delivering an exceptionally soft yet responsive running experience. This sneaker really shines during longer runs or when training for a marathon, helping to keep your legs as fresh as possible. Compared to many more aggressive performance models, the Vomero Plus feels significantly more accessible and comfortable. If you want to rack up as many kilometers as possible without sacrificing comfort, this is the perfect choice for you. Here You can find the Nike Vomero Plus in various sizes.

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