benefits of different running shoe brands

Choosing the best running shoes can be a daunting task given the variety of brands and styles available. Here's a guide to some of the most popular and highly-regarded running shoe brands, based on the opinions and experiences of Redditors.

ASICS

ASICS is frequently praised for its consistent quality and innovative designs.

Popular Models:

Gel-Nimbus 25: "New runner - love my asics Nimbus gel 25’s"

Novablast and Superblast: "I've been running in Asics novablasts and superblast they have been awesome."

GT 2000: "ASICS GT 2000"

Overall Perception:

"Asics (at the moment) has the best overall lineup and it’s not even close"

"ASICS is so far ahead of everyone right now"

Nike

Nike offers a range of shoes that are both popular and highly functional, especially for competitive running.

Popular Models:

Vomero 18: "I also loved my Vomero 18s! I think theyre amazing for the price and especially for beginners"

Pegasus: "Good list. Pegasus is my go to."

Alphafly 3: "Nike Alphafly 3"

Overall Perception:

"I wouldn’t say Nike is over rated, I’d just say their good selection is overpriced."

"Nike shoes are cheaper than comparable ASICS shoes. And plenty get rave reviews (Vomero line, AFs/VFs, Structure line)."

Saucony

Saucony is known for its consistent quality and a wide range of shoes that fit different needs.

Popular Models:

Endorphin Line: "Most people seem to love the Endorphin line for all sorts of training and racing."

Ride Glide 3s: "Not OP but im liking my wide RideGlide 3s"

Overall Perception:

"For me it's Saucony. In most cases I deviate from this, it usually ends in regret."

"Saucony shoes will last. If they fit your feet, they are a solid option."

Hoka

Hoka is famous for its maximum cushioned shoes, which are particularly popular among trail runners and those who need extra comfort.

Popular Models:

Clifton: "The Clifton has been one of the best selling daily trainers over the past 5 years."

Speedgoat: "The Speedgoat and the Carbon X are both extremely popular with elite ultra/trail/marathon runners."

Overall Perception:

"Hoka is overrated IMO. Most of their daily trainers are outdated and have terrible durability."

"Hoka is great. They stormed running world with great success and gained tremendous popularity around the world for a very short period of time."

New Balance

New Balance is appreciated for its reliable and high-quality shoes, especially the 1080 series.

Popular Models:

1080: "New Balance (reliable and great qualit. 1080 👍"

Rebel v4's: "I logged over 400 miles on them and they honestly felt pretty good; never had an issue with them."

Overall Perception:

"If there was a running shoe brand 'for the people,' this would be it."

"Love the new balance 1080’s"

Brooks

Brooks is a go-to brand for many beginner runners and is known for its comfortable and supportive shoes.

Popular Models:

Ghost Max: "Brooks Ghost Max is a very good beginner shoe - very stable, both for running AND walking."

Adrenaline GTS 25's: "They feel amazing but gave me some irritation on the sides of my feet because I failed to break them in properly."

Overall Perception:

"Brooks has strong marketing but I absolutely hate their shoes"

"Not surprised at all. The sales associates at my local running store recommend Brooks and Hoka more than any other brand."

Altra

Altra is known for its zero-drop and wide toe box designs, which can be a game-changer for some runners.

Popular Models:

Torin 4.5: "They discontinued the best pair ever made, the Torin 4.5."

Lone Peak: "I love my no drop altras. I think the model is 'Lone Peak'?"

Overall Perception:

"I feel like I’m potentially in the minority but I personally love altras"

"Altras are super popular. Love my zero drop clown shoes"

Adidas

Adidas offers some high-performance shoes, especially in the racing category.

Popular Models:

Adizero Adios Boost: "Best: Adizero Adios Boost - prior to Nike's Vaporfly this was the shoe being worn by the fastest marathoners in the world, and for good reason."

Ultra Boost: "You'll pry my ultra boosts from my cold, dead hands"

Overall Perception:

"IMO Asics and Adidas are doing it the best rn"

"Adidas has a few high performance shoes that are great, but really lacks in a solid plain Jane daily trainer and/or anything for people who want something that isn’t firm."

Mizuno

Mizuno is praised for its durability and quality, although it may not be as popular in some regions.

Popular Models:

Wave Rebellion Pro: "I have liked the Mizuno Wave Rebellion but haven’t tried anything else."

Overall Perception:

"I'm a firm believer that mizunos are pretty awesome shoes and I swear by them."

"Mizuno may not offer the same variety in terms of rotation as Saucony or Adidas, but their build quality is top notch, even better than more popular brands."

Puma

Puma has been making strides in the running shoe market with some impressive models.

Popular Models:

Deviate Nitro 2’s: "Puma Deviate Nitro 2’s. Now on my second pair."

Overall Perception:

"Puma, Li-Ning and ASICS have good selections at the moment"

"Puma top tier for me while nike mid tier. Agree with the rest."

Li-Ning

Li-Ning is a lesser-known brand that has received positive feedback for its performance.

Overall Perception:

"Li-Ning."

"Puma, Li-Ning and ASICS have good selections at the moment"

Salomon

Salomon is well-regarded for its trail running shoes, although it has a more limited selection for road running.

Overall Perception:

"Salomon is mostly a trail shoe company but they are starting to try to get more into road shoes."

"Up here in Canada Salomon stuff are more known for outdoor stuff like hiking."

On Running

On Running has a mixed reputation, with some runners appreciating its design and comfort, while others criticize its durability and price.

Overall Perception:

"The best running for On shoes is either a grocery or coffee run"

"Surprised On is so low, I see a lot of amateur runners wearing them."

Under Armour

Under Armour is generally not recommended for running shoes, with one Redditor noting it as the "worst" brand.

Overall Perception:

"Under Armor shoes are terrible don’t even think about it."

"Under Armor (lol velociti is the only good shoe"

Topo

Topo is appreciated for its size options and consistent quality.

Overall Perception:

"Topo (great size options and cyclone/spectre is fun"

Atreyu

Atreyu is noted for offering great products at low prices.

Overall Perception:

"Atreyu (great products for low prices!"

Skechers

Skechers has some surprisingly good running shoes, but they may not be as durable as other brands.

Overall Perception:

"I also run in Sketchers Go Meb (also not full price). Enjoy them too but they wear down real quick and because of that I've been reluctant to purchase any more."

Karhu and Reebok

These brands are less popular but still have some dedicated followers.

Overall Perception:

"Karhu — 1%"

"Reebok — 1%"

Conclusion

When choosing running shoes, it's essential to consider your foot type, pronation, and personal preferences. Visiting a local running store for a gait analysis and trying on different brands and models is highly recommended. While brands like ASICS, Nike, Saucony, Hoka, New Balance, and Brooks are frequently praised, the best shoe for you will ultimately depend on your individual needs and experiences.