Choosing the right pair of running shoes is a highly personal experience. Since everybody has differently shaped feet, different running form mechanics and different underfoot feel preferences, it's no surprise most brands offer a wide selection. Application also matters, and shoes are picked depending on if you're more of a trail runner, sprinter or distance runner.
Here at ACTIVE Network we're fortunate enough to try most of the new releases on a yearly basis, especially when we create our annual spring running shoe guide. We reached out to some of our former editors to see what stood out over the years, and what pair they'd pick above all else.
Do you agree with our picks? List your go-to running shoe make and model in the comment section below!
New Balance 860v4
Michael Nystrom
Online Content Editor — Triathlon/Cycling
Instagram
"It's a straightforward running shoe—stable, not too narrow or too wide and has excelled any anything I've thrown at it, from trail runs to IRONMAN triathlons."
Type: Stability
Price: $115
Weight: 10.6 oz
Drop: 11.3mm
Mizuno Wave Rider 20
Mark Bauer
Online Content Editor — Triathlon/Cycling
LinkedIn
"They're durable and comfortable. The biggest thing for me though was the wide toe box."
Type: Cushioning
Price: $120
Weight: 9.6
Drop: 12mm
Under Armour HOVR Sonic
Erica Moore (Schuckies)
Online Content Editor — Running/Triathlon
Instagram
"It's supportive and cushioned enough for longer runs, but light and responsive enough for shorter outings where I want to pick up the pace. Plus, they are stylish enough to wear casually when I'm not running. I regularly get compliments on how good-looking they are!"
Type: Neutral
Price: $100
Weight: 8 oz
Drop: 8mm
Nike LunarGlide 7
Scott Brown
Senior Editor — ACTIVEkids.com
Instagram
"They fit my feet perfectly and are breathable, so no matter which shoes I try, I always reach back out for these."
Type: Stability
Price: $125
Weight: 9.6
Drop: 10mm
Asics GT-1000 6
Taylor Adams
Senior Editor — Running/Cycling
Facebook
"I've loved this shoe for years—not a single one has felt as perfect as this one for me. They always last me about 12 months and never fail me."
Type: Stability
Price: $90
Weight: 8.3 oz
Drop: 10mm
HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 4
Melanie J. Clancy
Editor-in-Chief — ACTIVE.com
Instagram
"Hoka made the Clifton 4 lighter weight, and they fixed the toe box—the Clifton 3 had a narrow toe box and made my feet go numb."
Type: Neutral Cushion
Price: $130
Weight: 7.5 oz
Drop: 5mm
Brooks Glycerin 16
Sam Guzman
Online Content Editor/Photographer — Nutrition
Instagram
"I'm a big fan of cushion, but I feel like these are better than other brands I've tried—right in the sweet spot, not too much and not too little. They're also pretty versatile."
Type: Neutral
Price: $150
Weight: 9.4 oz
Drop: 10mm
New Balance 1080 v8
Brian Kendall
Online Content Editor — Cycling/Outdoors
Instagram
"I dig it because of its fit. I have a narrow foot, and it's more snug around the midfoot than other brands."
Type: Neutral
Price: $150
Weight: 10.6 oz
Drop: 8mm
Mizuno Wave Rider 20
Jackie Veling
Online Content Editor — Running/Fitness
Instagram
"It's very comfy-cozy inside the shoe and conforms to my foot perfectly while still being light and breathable. For me it's been the kind of shoe you put on and think 'oh this is great' and then never have to think about it again."
Type: Neutral
Price: $120
Weight: 8.1 oz
Drop: 12mm
Saucony Guide ISO
Elizabeth Grimsley
Online Content Editor — ACTIVE.com and ACTIVEkids.com
Instagram
"These shoes are part of the reason I went from running once every few weeks to becoming a full-fledged runner. They got me through my first half marathon and many miles after."
Type: Cushioning
Price: $120
Weight: 9.1 oz
Drop: 8mm
READ THIS NEXT: The ACTIVE Spring 2019 Running Shoe Guide
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article