Choosing the right running shoe is crucial for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. As the seasons change, it’s an excellent time to evaluate your current footwear and consider an upgrade. Our team of experienced runners has put the latest models to the test to help you find the perfect pair for your autumn miles.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the top running shoes available this fall. We cover the rigorous testing process our team undertook and explain why investing in quality footwear is one of the best decisions you can make for your running journey. You will find clear, structured information to help you select a shoe that aligns with your specific needs.
Why Invest in a Quality Running Shoe This Fall?
A good pair of running shoes is more than just a piece of gear; it's a vital tool that directly impacts your experience on the road or trail. As temperatures cool and conditions change, having the right shoe becomes even more important. Quality footwear provides essential support, cushioning, and stability, which helps reduce the risk of common running-related injuries.
Furthermore, a well-designed shoe enhances your performance. Modern shoe technology is engineered to improve energy return, promote a natural stride, and provide a comfortable ride, allowing you to run longer and more efficiently. Investing in yourself and your running means equipping your feet with the support they need to carry you through every mile. Your feet will thank you for it.
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 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.
Asics | Astral | Brooks | CEP | Craft | Diadora | Hoka | Kane | KURU | La Sportiva | Merrell | New Balance | Nike | Reebok | Roll Recovery | Salomon | Saucony | Scarpa | Skechers | Speedland | The North Face | Under Armour | Velous
Saucony Zodus Ultra 4
The Saucony Zodus Ultra 4 is built for ultra-distance runners who demand comfort and durability over long miles. Featuring PWRRUN+ cushioning, this shoe provides a plush yet responsive ride, while the rugged outsole with deep lugs ensures superior traction on technical trails. The breathable upper keeps your feet cool, and the reinforced overlays add durability for challenging conditions. Whether you're tackling an ultra-marathon or a long trail run, the Zodus Ultra 4 is designed to go the distance.
The perfect balance between soft cushioning and stable support, keeps my legs feeling fresh even after hours on the trail.
First Impressions:
The Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 is a durable, long-distance trail shoe with a secure midfoot/heel fit and roomy toe box. The midsole offers plush yet controlled cushioning, making it comfortable for ultras and steady runs, though not especially light or snappy for speed work. The outsole has excellent traction and durability, but feels a bit heavy and stiff at first. Comfort is good overall. Breathability is fair given the hot PHX temperatures due to the robust upper.
Things We Liked:
What I like most about this shoe is the comfort it delivers. The dual-density midsole is a good balance between soft cushioning and stable support on the trail. It absorbs impact without feeling overly squishy, so I get protection without losing control on technical terrain.
Areas for Improvement:
An area that could be improved is its breathability. While the upper is durable and protective, it can feel a bit warm on hot days. A lighter, more ventilated mesh would help keep feet cooler without sacrificing the shoe’s toughness.
Final Thoughts
The Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 stands out as a highly reliable trail shoe designed for long-distance comfort and durability. Its dual-density midsole construction blends plush cushioning with firm stability, creating a ride that is protective over rugged terrain while still offering enough responsiveness to prevent it from feeling dull. The roomy toe box allows for natural toe splay, which is particularly beneficial on extended runs, while the secure mid-foot and heel design provide confidence on uneven ground. Comfort is the shoe’s strongest attribute, with the cushioning system being ideal for longer distances. The Vibram Megagrip outsole further enhances its appeal, offering excellent traction across a wide variety of surfaces and conditions.
However, the shoe does have a few areas where improvement could elevate its performance. At times, the upper can feel warm, especially in hot or humid climates, due to its thick and protective construction, which limits airflow. The shoe is also on the heavier side compared to some other trail options, making it less ideal for runners seeking agility or speed on the trails. Overall, the Xodus Ultra 4 excels as a durable, comfortable, and confidence-inspiring choice for ultra distances and long training days, with only minor tradeoffs in weight and ventilation.
Specs:
- Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 10.9 oz
- Price: $170
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Running - Trail
- Fit:
- Ideal for: Trail
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Saucony Hurricane 25
The Saucony Hurricane 25 is a stability-focused running shoe that offers premium cushioning and support for overpronators. Featuring PWRRUN+ foam for a soft yet responsive feel, this shoe ensures smooth transitions and reduces strain on your feet. The structured upper provides a secure fit, while the durable outsole offers reliable traction on various surfaces. Perfect for long runs and daily training, the Hurricane 25 delivers a stable and comfortable ride every time.
Marshmallows strapped to your feet, so soft.
First Impressions:
First impressions were very positive, as soon as I slipped on the shoe I could automatically tell that no break-in period was needed. I was able to slip these on and instantly feel the soft cradle of my foot in comfort.
Things We Liked:
I enjoyed the feel of the shoe when my foot hit the pavement. There was no harsh impact, just soft comfort, much like walking on marshmallows.
Areas for Improvement:
I think there needs to be more variety of color-ways. So people can express themselves through their footwear.
Final Thoughts
The Saucony Hurricane 25 delivers a cushioned, stable ride that feels soft without being sluggish. It’s a solid option for runners who need support for overpronation but don’t want to sacrifice comfort. The PWRRUN+ foam gives a plush feel underfoot, and the rocker-like shape helps with smooth transitions during runs. The upper is breathable and fits snugly without causing pressure points, making it a reliable pick for both short runs and longer distances.
Design-wise, the Hurricane 25 has a clean, modern look with color options that are stylish but not over-the-top. The padded heel and tongue add to the overall comfort, and the shoe holds up well over time. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a high-mileage trainer that combines softness, support, and durability. While it’s on the pricier side, the quality and performance make it worth considering for runners who prioritize comfort and stability.
Specs:
- Drop: 6 mm
- Weight: 10 oz
- Price: $170
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Road Running
- Fit:
- Ideal for: Recovery, Long Distance, Race, Cross Training
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Saucony Triumph 23
The Saucony Triumph 23 is a neutral running shoe that combines luxurious comfort with a lightweight design. Featuring PWRRUN+ cushioning for a plush underfoot feel, this shoe is perfect for long-distance runs and recovery days. The engineered mesh upper enhances breathability, while the durable outsole ensures a smooth and stable ride. Whether you're logging miles or enjoying a casual jog, the Triumph 23 offers a premium running experience.
A smooth ride for days when you need a little more cushion and protection.
First Impressions:
This shoe was comfortable out of the box and provided a surprisingly responsive feel despite the large amount of cushion. It was quite springy and bouncy and I didn't notice the weight, though I think it was a bit heavier than other cushioned shoes I've tested.
The shoes were very cushioned but still felt secure. I did not find them very light & responsive, but tthey still were fairly breathable. I did find them super comfortable over the several hours that I tested them for.
Things We Liked:
I did like the cushioning-- truly comfortable, especially for weighted vest walks. I ran 25 in them and did my weighted vest walks (20lbs) for the other 10 miles. I was able to keep my walking pace and stay truly comfortable and stable.
The cushioning is very springy and has a very comfortable upper.
Areas for Improvement:
I noticed the heel to toe drop. Not sure if that's because I am used to a smaller drop but I think a more even footbed would provide a smoother ride.
Would love to see more propulsion (rocker or fulcrum). While running, they often felt heavy so I had to make concentrated effort in my turnover.
Final Thoughts
This shoe was surprisingly responsive for one that is so cushioned. It was hardly noticeable when running on smooth pavement and gravel trails. The upper was breathable and also hardly noticeable while running. The shoe is lightweight and springy. In short, this shoe seems like a set it and forget it daily trainer for those pushing longer miles.
The fit was as expected compared with other Saucony models. The 10 mm heel drop was noticeable, but that could be because the tester was used to smaller offsets. The price point does seem a bit high for a shoe like this. Did not have any issues with durability during the testing period.
Specs:
- Drop: 10mm
- Weight: 8.4 oz
- Price: $170
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Road Running
- Fit: True to Size
- Ideal for: Recovery, Long Distance, weighted vest walk
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is a performance-driven shoe designed for runners who want to go fast. Featuring a lightweight PWRRUN PB midsole and a nylon plate for added propulsion, this shoe is perfect for tempo runs, interval training, and race day. The breathable upper ensures a secure fit, while the grippy outsole provides reliable traction. Whether you're chasing a personal best or pushing your limits, the Endorphin Speed 5 is built to keep up.
This is the ideal shoe for training on hot days and peak training cycles. They are super lightweight and keep your feet cool.
First Impressions:
These shoes are very light and very breathable!
Things We Liked:
Light, Shoes Dry Fast after long runs, Great for Summer Runs
Areas for Improvement:
The outsole is a bit thin, easily wears out and is not ideal for wet surfaces
Final Thoughts
These shoes are a must have for training for long races. The shoes optimal weight and design will provide the support needed in the middle to end of ramp up before a half/full marathon. The shoe is optimized for roads and track and would not perform well on unstable terrain. While that may sound like a knock on the shoe, that may be the only thing the shoe lacks. Overall its a fantastic shoe.
Specs:
- Drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 8.3 oz
- Price: $175
- Category: Cusion
- Type: Road Running
- Fit:
- Ideal for: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Our Comprehensive Testing Process
To bring you this guide, our expert team, comprised of seasoned runners and footwear specialists, conducted extensive testing on a wide array of shoes. We are committed to providing reliable and unbiased recommendations based on real-world performance.
Each pair of shoes was subjected to a minimum of 20 miles of running across varied terrains, from city pavements to park trails. Our testers meticulously evaluated each shoe based on a set of key criteria to ensure a thorough and balanced assessment.
Key Evaluation Criteria:
- Comfort: We assessed the initial feel and long-run comfort, noting any pressure points or areas of discomfort.
- Fit: Testers evaluated how the shoe conformed to the foot, including the security of the heel, the width of the toebox, and the overall lockdown.
- Weight: We considered the physical weight of the shoe and how it felt during a run—whether it felt light and nimble or heavy and cumbersome.
- Breathability: The upper materials were tested for airflow to determine how well they managed heat and moisture during a run.
- Flexibility: We analyzed the shoe's flexibility in the forefoot and its overall ability to move naturally with the runner's stride.
- Overall Ride: This is a comprehensive assessment of the shoe's performance. It includes the quality of the cushioning, the smoothness of the heel-to-toe transition, and the general feeling of the shoe in motion.
Asics | Astral | Brooks | CEP | Craft | Diadora | Hoka | Kane | KURU | La Sportiva | Merrell | New Balance | Nike | Reebok | Roll Recovery | Salomon | Saucony | Scarpa | Skechers | Speedland | The North Face | Under Armour | Velous
About the Author
Stephen is the editor-in-chief of ACTIVE.com. He has been involved in the fitness industry for over twelve years but has been running or playing sports for most of his life.
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