Aug26
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Most runners are constantly searching for the “perfect” shoe. Or, they’re in the other camp where they only buy one brand/model over and over. I fall somewhere in the middle. For the last 5-6 years, I’ve really liked Brooks, but I went through an Adidas Bostons phase, then a New Balance phase, and I also raced in Nike Vaporfly for a while.
But what works for one person may not work for you. So, it’s important to pay attention to how a pair feels while running. Comfort is key (and don’t buy for looks alone!!!). Another quick tip: size up in running shoes. You’ll need to go 1/2 to a full size up from your usual size. I wear a 6.5 in my normal shoes and heels and a size 7.5 in running shoes.
While I’m not training for long distances like I used to (I’ve run the Boston Marathon twice and over 50 half marathons), I still run a couple times a week. However, I’ve had joint issues since having my boys so I can’t run daily, and I can’t run very long. So, my three main pairs of shoes are best for short, easy runs (I’ve also started sprinting to help navigate perimenopause). However, I included the running shoes I used in previous years below, in case its helpful for your shoe shopping. I also have a post dedicated to the best running shoes for pregnancy, if that fits your life stage.
I have multiple pairs of running shoes since my body craves different things on different days, and different types of runs require different types of shoes. Additionally, rotating shoes is one way to help make running shoes last longer. If you want more details on how to evaluate running shoes and pick the best ones for you, there’s a video in my running course that covers exactly that.
Alright, let’s get into my favorite pairs.
My Current Favorite Runing Shoes
1. Brooks Ghost 16
I grab the Brooks Ghosts more than running shoe these days because it strikes the perfect Goldilocks balance—plush enough to feel supportive and smooth on every run, but not so soft that I lose ground feel or stability. The midsole gives a cushioned yet responsive ride, making them perfect for easy runs as well as pushing the pace. Since they aren’t heavy, I can run fast in them, but they aren’t my go-to if I’m doing any sort of progression run or intervals (the Hyperion Tempo is – more on that below). I haven’t bought the Brooks Ghost 17 because they have horrible reviews.
I wrote a full review of the Brooks Ghost, so read that if you’re considering these shoes.
2. Brooks Hyperion
For years, the Brooks Hyperion Tempo were my favorite running shoes by a long shot. They are light and fast so they work well for tempo runs (especially when running in the summer since they don’t trap too much heat), but they also have enough cushion that they’re appropriate for daily training runs. However, they were discontinued and replaced with the Brooks Hyperion, which I don’t like quite as much since they’re much bulkier, but for a lighter option, they’re fine.
There is also now a Brooks Hyperion Max. I haven’t tried the Max yet, but it has a rocker shape, which Brooks calls their Rapid Roll technology. You can read more about about the Max here (and how it compares to the Tempo). If you try it, let me know!
The Brooks Hyperion Tempos have been discontinued, but you can still get the the Tempos from Amazon from time to time.
3. Brooks Ghost Max
I’ve never liked max-cushion shoes (and actually ran in barefoot-style shoes for years) but the Brooks Ghost Max has changed my mind. They’re cushy without being squishy, thanks to the higher stack and rocker sole that makes running (and walking) feel super smooth. (This post explains running vs. walking shoes.)
I also appreciate that the Ghost Max are more stable than a lot of plush shoes I’ve tried (looking at you Hokas, which made me feel like I was going to roll my anke.). There’s also plenty of room for my foot to breathe and since I favor a wider toe box, that’s a plus for me. It’s not a shoe I grab for speed workouts, but for easy miles or recovery runs, it’s kind of perfect.
Other shoes I’ve run in
The below shoes are ones that I have previously used for a run but don’t have in my current rotation. I noted what I liked about them and why I stopped running in them, in case it’s helpful for you!
New Balance 1080
While I don’t typically like cushioned running shoes (they tend to feel like marshmallows; I feel like they absorb my stride), I do love the New Balance 1080s. It’s instant relief on my feet when I put them on and they’re my go-to’s for easy runs, recovery runs or if my body is just feeling a bit worn out. I think they’d be a great option for marathon training, since they have enough cushion to support distance running.
I tried these Sauconys when I was looking to find something similar to the Hyperion Tempo but I ended up returning them. I have a three-strike rule with running shoes – if I don’t like them after 3 runs, they go back. So many people love these, but I found they cramped my toes so much that they were crossing over each other. I also found the heel to be very heavy, especially when going uphill, despite the shoes being very lightweight. It’s a shame because they did make me very fast (they have a winged plate to help with a fast toe-off), but they were too uncomfortable to justify. This is the third style of Sauconys I haven’t liked, so it just doesn’t seem to be a brand that works for me.
Brooks Launch
I loved the Brooks Launch for easy or recovery runs, but I found them heavier than the Brooks Ghost. They also gave me heel blisters, which is why I stopped running in them. I had three different versions of the Launch give me heel blisters, but no other style of Brooks shoes have done that.
Nike Pegasus
I loved these for years since they’re springy but still cushioned AND they are cute. I stopped running in these because when I was returning to running after my first pregnancy, I needed more cushion than they offered (and that’s when I bought the New Balance 1080). However, I want to give these another try since my running is doing better now.
Adidas Boston
I had eight pairs of these over the years and even ran the 2018 Boston Marathon in them. Again, I stopped running in these when I was dealing with chronic injuries after having my son and needed more cushion. These two run a tad narrow (especially in the toe box) so that created problems as well. Read my full review of the Adidas Adizero here.
Nike Vaporfly
These were unlike ANY shoe I’ve ever ran in. I set PRs in both my half marathon and full marathon when wearing them! (Here’s the blog post about my half PR and here’s the one about my marathon PR.) You can read my full review of the Vaporflys here. Carbon-plated shoes were and are a bit controversial, but they seem to be the new technology that all running shoe brands are going for now, so if you’re looking to PR in races, you’ll want to invest in a pair.
What is your current favorite pair of running shoes and why?
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17 responses to “My Favorite Running Shoes”
New Balance 1080. Not very sexy, but they are great for my combination of high arches and high instep, combined with inserts for high arches. They roomy toe box is very comfortable (for my hammer toe 🙁 ) and my podiatrist recommended them for that reason. They have seen me through a lot of half marathons (all done since age 60). I have worn them through a bunch of half marathons (not the same pair!). I used to visit the New Balance factory store in Skowhegan when I lived in Maine.
I also have Saucony Xodus 6.0 for trail running and speed walking. Saucony shoes are also very comfortable for my feet.
Good to know about the NB working well for hammertoes! I also have a hammertoe – it’s not too bad yet, and hoping it doesn’t get worse!
I know SO many people who love Saucony’s! I’ve tried them 3x and I just don’t! I like the width but they don’t feel springy enough for me.
Saucony Rides are my go to and I’ve been mixing in Addidas or Nikes (I feel the same way you do about the Pegasus – I like them more for wearing with jeans and tshirts lol). But I’m thinking I need to replace my Saucony, not sure that they’re still working for me. Past few years I’ve just been replacing without though. Planning on going into Fleet Feet and talking to someone and letting them know my issues, etc. Nothing beats talking to someone at a specialty store 🙂
Someone told me that the older Pegs are a lot better than the Peg 35! I may try to hunt down a pair or try the next model.
And totally agree about talking with someone – Tommy and I went to Fleet Feet to buy his first pair of running shoes last week!
This is super helpful! I’m recovering from plantar fasciitis and haven’t run since November to give my feet a break. I was running anywhere from 4 – 9 miles a day before i stopped due to needed to let them recover and am typically a fan of Brooks, Asics, Adidas and don’t like Nike. I have a wide foot so Nike’s don’t work for me. I’ve recently purchased new shoes since the plantar based off a running store recommendation and have a new pair of New Balances and Hoka’s which I rotate. I was wondering which shoes, for a wider foot and recovering plantar fasciitis feet, you’d recommend for a half marathon as i’m hoping to get back to a running point where I can do a half in September. Any suggestions would be great!
Hi Eileen. While my foot isn’t officially wide, it’s on the wider side of normal. Saucony’s are great! The Ride is a neutral shoe, the Guide is a stability shoe. I also do well in Addidas Solar Boost and whichever Brooks model is similar to the Saucony Ride.
Eileen – you may have already seen them but I wrote a number of posts about dealing with Plantar Fasciitis. It’s SO frustrating. Hopefully some of the things I’ve tried will help you too!! https://terilynadams.com/?s=plantar
I like the super light feel, so I have been running for the last year in either NIke Free RN Flyknits or the Nike Sock Racers. I’d love to try the Vaporfly 4%, but I think I will hold off for a while because of the price point. I’m also considering the Brooks Hyperion…have you ever run in those? I have only run up to a half marathon distance, although I put my name in the lottery for the NYC marathon so who knows!
I’m dying to try the Nike Free RN Flyknits!! I haven’t tried the Brooks Hyperion…
Apparently Hoka has a new shoe coming out that’s similar to the 4% – I guess the lead designer from hoka left and went to nike and then the 4% came out and the technology was eerily similar. Interesting…
I actually like the Pegasus! Although the older versions…like 31 and 32…I just got the 35 and it’s “okay.” Not my favorite shoe, but Brooks are where it’s at for me. If I had to pick one shoe it’d be the Brooks Ghost, great for speed but also good on my long run workouts. Glycerins are a close second!
That is SO interested about the older pegs!! Have you tried the new version of the Pegs? the Turbos? Curious how those are.
I really like my Brooks Launch! I used to run in Brooks 5+ years ago and didn’t like them after they got rid of my go-to (the Pure Flow). Happy to find another model I like since I like the company!
That is SO interesting about the older pegs!! Have you tried the new version of the Pegs? the Turbos? Curious how those are.
I really like my Brooks Launch! I used to run in Brooks 5+ years ago and didn’t like them after they got rid of my go-to (the Pure Flow). Happy to find another model I like since I like the company!
Oh my goodness how I love my Brooks Ravennas! I am a diehard Brooks fan. Like you discuss with the Adidas Adizeros, I feel like they just get better. I have two pairs of Ravennas 9 and I am terrified to order the 10s because I don’t want to be disappointed. I am really working on speed this year so I am trying a lighter shoe. I just ordered the Boston Adizero Boston 7’s and am so excited to try them. Thanks for the recommendation Teri!
I really hope you love the Adidas Bostons!! Let me know!!!
Big Pegasus fan here–just about to retire my 36’s and move to the 37’s, so hoping for another great shoe! I also got the Turbo 2’s on a GREAT sale at Nike.com just i time for my 15K and half marathon last spring–I don’t really have anything to compare to, since they were my first races longer than a 5K, but I did much better than my goal time in both races. They felt like a lighter version of the normal Pegasus and seemed to fit my foot even more closely. Went to a running store recently to try some others, but the Pegasus just seem to fit my foot best!
Ooooh that is good to hear! I’ve been wanting to try the Turbo’s! Thanks for sharing!! Congrats on beating your goal race times!!
Fantastic post on running shoes! The shoes you highlight look top-notch. I’m excited to test out your recommendations for a better running experience.