Tired of soggy socks and sweaty feet? Whether you're returning to the pavement after a long hiatus or simply seeking a fresh pair of kicks, now is the ideal time to invest in new running shoes.
Our expert team of runners, including seasoned veterans from ACTIVE, has meticulously tested a wide range of shoes to bring you this comprehensive guide. Each pair was subjected to at least 20 miles of rigorous testing, with our testers evaluating factors such as comfort, fit, weight, breathability, flexibility, and overall ride.
From beloved classics that have stood the test of time to innovative newcomers designed to inspire your miles well into summer, you're sure to discover the perfect shoe to match your unique needs and preferences. While we understand that budgets can be tight, we encourage you to consider investing in yourself. Your feet will thank you.
Spring Shoe Guides
Asics | Astral | Brooks | HOKA | Mammut | Merrell | New Balance | Nike | On | Pearl iZUMi | Reebok | Roll Recovery | Saucony | Skechers | Under Armour
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts, including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure that the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature highly rated products.
Nike Pegasus Plus
Nike Structure 25
Nike Vomero 16
Nike Vaperfly 3
Nike Free Metcon 6
Nike Motiva
Nike Metcon 9
Nike Pegasus Plus
About: The Nike Pegasus Plus Running Shoes is a versatile and comfortable running shoe designed for a wide range of runners. With their responsive cushioning and breathable upper, the Pegasus Plus shoes offer a comfortable and supportive ride. The shoe's durable outsole provides excellent traction on various surfaces, making it suitable for both road and light trail running. Ideal for runners seeking a reliable and versatile shoe for daily training or casual runs, the Pegasus Plus delivers a comfortable and enjoyable running experience.
No seams...no emphasized arch...this is the perfect daily shoe for neutral runners!
Things We Liked:
"I'm a sucker for Flyknit uppers and was excited to see (and feel!) the Pegasus adopt them for this model!"
"The Flyknit upper changed my mind about all knit uppers; it is light, flexible, and not as sloppy as I find most knit.">
Areas for Improvement:
"I really like the flat tongue, but 1-2 more loops across the top would really help to secure the fit a bit more across the midfoot."
"As a runner who prefers a lower heel-to-toe drop, 10mm just doesn't suit me. I found myself longing for more cushioning in the midsole and a less aggressive offset."
Final Thoughts
The legendary Pegasus Turbo makes a comeback, now rebranded as the Nike Pegasus Plus, delivering the same high-performance feel with exciting new upgrades. This lightweight trainer is perfect for runners seeking a firmer yet responsive ride for daily training and uptempo workouts. Its ZoomX midsole provides the ideal balance of softness and stability, ensuring a comfortable run without feeling overly cushioned. Though the forefoot is flexible, making it best suited for easy runs, the Pegasus Plus still transitions smoothly into faster paces, making it a versatile choice for varied training efforts. One of the standout features of the Pegasus Plus is its redesigned Flyknit upper, which offers a secure, breathable fit that’s especially accommodating for runners with higher-volume midfeet. While the shoe’s price is higher than the standard Pegasus 41, the added versatility, sleek design, and lightweight feel more than justify the investment. Whether you're going for easy miles or pushing the pace, the Pegasus Plus is a reliable, dynamic trainer that will help you perform at your best, making it a welcome addition to any runner’s rotation.
Specs:
- Drop: 10 mm
- Weight: 7.2 oz (women) 8.6 oz (men)
- Price: $180
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Road Runner
- Fit: True to Size
- Ideal For: Long Distance, Daily Trainer
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Nike Structure 25
About: The Nike Structure 25 Running Shoes is a stability running shoe designed to provide a comfortable and supportive ride for runners with mild to moderate overpronation. With its responsive cushioning and Dynamic Support technology, the Structure 25 offers a stable and balanced feel. The shoe's engineered mesh upper provides excellent breathability, while the durable outsole ensures traction on various surfaces. Ideal for runners seeking a supportive and reliable shoe for daily training or racing, the Structure 25 delivers a comfortable and enjoyable running experience.
Things We Liked:
"Comfortable neutral runner, however I think my favorite part of the shoe might be the aesthetic, it's a really nice looking shoe!"
"The durability of the foam will make it a reliable choice for regular training and races."
Areas for Improvement:
"I personally prefer a bit more arch support, however for someone with a flatter foot profile, this could be the perfect fit for someone looking for an everyday runner."
"Would love for the shoe to be a bit lighter."
Final Thoughts
he Nike Structure 25 offers a blend of plush cushioning and subtle support, making it a standout for runners seeking comfort and stability. While it may not be built for speed, its stability and cushioning shine during long, slow-distance runs and recovery sessions. Its warm upper and consistent performance in colder conditions ensure it's a reliable year-round option.
With a roomy toe-box and durable upper, it excels in both comfort and longevity. However, the shoe's weight and limited breathability may not appeal to those seeking a lighter option. For easy-paced runs, the Structure 25 provides a dependable, stable ride and reliable performance across various conditions.
Specs:
- Drop: 10 mm
- Weight: 9.3 oz (women) 11.4 oz (men)
- Price: $140
- Category: Stability
- Type: Road Running
- Fit: Runs Small (recommend 1/2 size up)
- Ideal For: Recovery, Long Distance
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Nike Vaperfly 3
About: The Nike Vaporfly 3 Running Shoes is a high-performance running shoe designed for speed and efficiency. With their ZoomX midsole and carbon fiber plate, the Vaporfly 3 shoes offer a propulsive and responsive ride. The shoe's engineered mesh upper provides excellent breathability, while the rubber outsole ensures durability. Ideal for runners seeking a fast and efficient shoe for racing or tempo runs, the Vaporfly 3 delivers exceptional performance and a dynamic running experience.
The third iteration of the now-legendary Vaporfly continues to provide lightweight performance and speed to help runners perform at their best on race day.
Things We Liked:
"The Vaporfly is the punchiest and fastest shoe that just feels like it was designed specifically for my feet."
"I love how speed comes effortlessly in this light of a shoe: If I hadn't felt the foam underneath, I would not have known I was wearing a running shoe."
Areas for Improvement:
"I'd sacrifice a fraction of an ounce for shoelaces that didn't look like and have the structural integrity of a doily. Regular laces that don't require double knotting would be a nice improvement."
"The tongue can be a bit abrasive, and without heel locking my laces, I felt a bit of slipping of the fabric at the outside of my heel."
Final Thoughts
The Vaporfly 3 carries the torch in the revered line and continues to provide the lightweight speed and punchiness for which the Vaporfly has become synonymous. The Vaporfly 3 is slightly wider in the toe box than the previous iterations, and the upper is more breathable, making it lighter than the Vaporfly 2 despite being more cushioned. While the full-length carbon fiber plate is present, the shoe is a little less aggressive giving way to the bounciness with the ZoomX foam. But this shoe still screams and should be in the repertoire for those gunning for a PR in the longer road races.
Specs:
- Drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 5.6 oz (women); 7.05 oz (men)
- Price: $260
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Road Running
- Fit: True to Size
- Ideal For: Spped, Race
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Nike Free Metcon 6
About: The Nike Free Metcon 6 is a versatile, durable training shoe designed for CrossFit, weightlifting, and other high-intensity workouts. With its sturdy construction and supportive midsole, the Free Metcon 6 offers stability and comfort during demanding activities. The shoe's flexible outsole provides excellent grip on various surfaces, while the breathable upper ensures your feet stay cool and dry. Ideal for athletes seeking a reliable and versatile training shoe, the Nike Free Metcon 6 delivers performance and durability.
The Nike Free Metcon 6 is the perfect combination of flexibility and power.
Things We Liked:
"The shoe has the perfect balance of stability and flexibility, making it ideal for both heavy lifts and dynamic movements."
"The Free Metcon 6's gave me a stable base while at the gym lifting. My new favorite gym shoes!"
Areas for Improvement:
"While the cushioning is great for standard strength training workouts, it's not amazing for running specifically. But it's not necessarily a show made specifically for running anyway."
Final Thoughts
The Nike Free Metcon 6 is a versatile training shoe designed for strength training and high-intensity workouts. It features a flexible upper that promotes breathability and comfort while the sturdy heel provides excellent stability for lifting. The shoe also has a responsive midsole that enhances agility during various movements. Its durable outsole offers great traction, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor training sessions. Overall, the Metcon 6 is great because of it’s combination of support and flexibility, making it a strong choice for athletes looking for a reliable all-around training shoe.
Specs:
- Drop: 4 mm
- Weight: 10.8 oz
- Price: $120
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Cross Trainers
- Fit: True to Size
- Ideal For: Cross Training, Gym, Lifting
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Nike Motiva
About: The Nike Motiva is a versatile, comfortable training shoe for various fitness activities. With its flexible sole and breathable upper, the Motiva offers a natural feel and support during workouts. The shoe's durable construction ensures long-lasting wear, making it a reliable choice for athletes seeking a versatile training shoe. Ideal for activities like running, gym workouts, or cross-training, the Nike Motiva delivers a comfortable and supportive experience.
Like trampolines on your feet, so bouncy!
Things We Liked:
"These are great running shoes for beginners; they feel great right out of the box."
"No break in time required here. Knowing your feet won't hurt while or after my long walks is a great feeling."
Areas for Improvement:
"If I had to find something to pick about with these shoes, the heel is thicker than I am used to; however, it's comfortable, and you will forget about it three steps in."
"I would stay away from the gym in these shoes since they have the rocker feature and do not offer secure footing unless you're walking around the track. I did have to double knot these because the laces are slippy and kept coming undone."
Final Thoughts:
The Nike Motiva’s grooved rocker sole looks good and delivers, uniquely absorbing the bumps along the way for cushioned comfort day to night. This feature was an overwhelming positive delight and an unexpected surprise that I look forward to each time I put these shoes on.
The fabric used on the upper shoe allowed plenty of breathability. No break-in period needed; the shoe felt great directly out of the box. The shoe felt really bouncy but stable. The soft foam relieved our pain when walking, making this shoe a great all-around fit.
Specs:
- Drop: 12mm
- Weight: 8.9oz
- Price: $110
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Walking
- Fit: True To Size
- Ideal For: Walking, Light Hiking, Light jog
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Nike Metcon 9
About: The Nike Metcon 9 is a versatile, durable training shoe designed for CrossFit, weightlifting, and other high-intensity workouts. Its sturdy construction and supportive midsole offer stability and comfort during demanding activities. The shoe's flexible outsole provides excellent grip on various surfaces, while the breathable upper ensures your feet stay cool and dry. Ideal for athletes seeking a reliable and versatile training shoe, the Nike Metcon 9 delivers performance and durability.
These are attractive-looking shoes, and with a few color combinations available, these could be coordinated with your gym outfit. If you look good, you feel good!
Things We Liked:
"These shoes provide wonderful stability and grip, so they provide support for activities without worrying about rolling ankles."
"The shoe is very stable. When doing squats, I feel I have a solid base underneath me."
Areas for Improvement:
"The heel plate in this shoe is awkward and makes walking in them slightly uncomfortable, so I would prefer this to be altered to make the shoe more of an option for additional cross-training as well as weightlifting."
"Comfort, the shoe does not have much support. I would not run in these shoes, but no intended to run in them anyway."
Final Thoughts
The Nike Metcon 9 is a stable, durable shoe primarily built for weightlifting and light cross-training. The toe box is wide, allowing for plenty of room for toe splaying, and the foot feels very well supported. There is little risk of the foot moving around within the shoe, and the grip and traction of the shoe are fantastic, allowing for intentional movements without rolling an ankle. The gusseted tongue stays in place, and the velcro lace lock is a nice feature so that the laces do not get in the way.
While not a running shoe, the Nike Metcon 9 could easily allow for short runs incorporated as part of a weightlifting regime where foot support for lifting is the primary goal. Due to the shoe's primary intention, it is stiff and flat. Add to that the heel plate and the shoe is rather uncomfortable for any running sessions longer than 1200 meters to a mile.
Specs:
- Drop: 4 mm
- Weight: 10.3 oz (women); 13.5 oz (men)
- Price: $150
- Category: Stability
- Type: Cross Trainers
- Fit: True to Size
- Ideal For: Weightlifting; Light Cross Training
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Check out the other shoes in the Fall Shoe Guide.
Fall Shoe Guides
Asics | Astral | Brooks | HOKA | Mammut | Merrell | New Balance | Nike | On | Pearl iZUMi | Reebok | Roll Recovery | Saucony | Skechers | Under Armour
About the Author
Stephen is the Editor in Chief for ACTIVE.com. He has been running been involved in the fitness industry for more than 10 years but has been running or playing sports for most of his life.
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