Wellbeing-guide

Photo:

Shape / Joy Kim

Racking up that step count is undoubtedly good for you. But your feet can take a beating if you’re wearing the wrong shoes. I know this all too well, since I used to walk two miles to work every day in the flimsiest flats, and ended up with achy ankles, sore bunions, and toes covered in blisters. Now, as a fitness writer and certified running coach who tests all kinds of shoes and interviews podiatrists on the regular, I know that wearing the best sneakers will keep my feet healthier — and a whole lot happier.

But what should you look for? “A healthy pair of sneakers should have a durable outsole with adequate grip, appropriate cushioning and shock absorption, and a firm heel counter for stability,” says New York-based podiatrist and foot surgeon Bruce Pinker, D.P.M. He also recommends looking for a pair with a durable upper, a roomy toe box that won’t cramp your feet, and some ventilation so you don’t get swamp foot. The team at Shape considers all these factors and more during our extensive sneaker tests, in which we put each pair through the ringer for at least a month to see how they perform. Out of all the hundreds of shoes we’ve tested in the last two years, we can confidently say these are the best sneakers your money can buy right now.

Our Top PicksMost Versatile Sneakers:Hoka Clifton 9 at Zappos ($145) Jump to ReviewBest Running Shoes for Beginners:New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 at Amazon ($165) Jump to ReviewBest Cushioned Running Shoes:Asics Gel-Cumulus 26 at Amazon ($140) Jump to ReviewBest Sneakers with Arch Support:Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 at Amazon ($160) Jump to ReviewBest Sneakers for Bad Knees:On Women's Cloudrunner 2 at Zappos ($150) Jump to ReviewBest Sneakers for Plantar Fasciitis:Asics Waterproof Running Shoe at Amazon ($90) Jump to ReviewBest Sneakers for Flat Feet:Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 at Zappos ($140) Jump to ReviewBest Sneakers for Wide Feet:Brooks Women's Ghost 16 Running Shoes at Amazon ($140) Jump to ReviewBest Sneakers for Standing All Day:Nike Structure 25 Women's Road Running Shoes at Nordstrom (See Price) Jump to ReviewBest Sneakers for Weightlifting:Nike Women's Metcon 9 at Amazon ($150) Jump to Review

Most Versatile Sneakers

Hoka Clifton 9

PHOTO:

Hoka

$145 at Zappos$145 at Nordstrom$145 at Dick's

Why We Like It: Say hello to major cushioning with minimal weight.
It’s Worth Noting: The latest iteration of the Clifton seems to fit a little wider than previous versions.

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Heel Drop: 5 mm

If you’re looking for a do-it-all sneaker, the Clifton has you covered. With a luxurious 32mm of shock-absorbing foam under the heel, this pair will keep you comfortable whether you’re standing for hours or pounding the pavement on a long run. Yet they weigh only 7.3 ounces so you’ll barely feel them on your feet. Meanwhile, the heel drop is a minimal 5mm, encouraging a more natural gait. I’ve found that, no matter what pace I’m going, the bouncy cushioning and slightly rocker-shaped outsole make all my steps feel a little easier, even on days when my legs are extra tired.

It’s no surprise that these kicks keep racking up the accolades, from Shape’s own Sneaker Awards to the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance. Just know that the Clifton 9 seems to run a little wider through both the midfoot and the toe box than the Clifton 8 did, which can lead to some sliding around if your feet are on the narrow side.

Best Running Shoes for Beginners

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13

PHOTO:

Amazon

$165 at Amazon$165 at Zappos$165 at Nordstrom

Why We Like It: The soft cushioning, ample padding, and mesh upper make for an extremely comfortable running shoe.
It’s Worth Noting: Four width options mean this pair can fit a variety of foot shapes.

Sizes: 5–13, narrow to extra-wide | Heel Drop: 6 mm

I test a lot of shoes as a fitness writer, but one pair I keep coming back to is the 1080 — this lightweight sneaker just feels good to slip on. “New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 is an excellent shoe in terms of cushioning and shock absorption and durability,” Dr. Pinker says. Shape chose it as the best running shoe for beginners and the best all-around crowd pleaser in our 2024 Fitness Awards because of its exceptional comfort; it gives us just enough foam to soften our landings but it’s not so squishy that we feel unstable. With an APMA Seal of Acceptance, this daily trainer is ideal for new runners in particular — it can handle both runs and walks, and is so comfortable we actually want to keep logging mile after mile.

• Shape / Chantia Murphy

• Shape / Chantia Murphy

• Shape / Chantia Murphy

Best Cushioned Running Shoes

Asics Gel-Cumulus 26

PHOTO:

Zappos

$140 at Amazon$140 at ZapposView on Asics.com

Why We Like It: The springy cushioning gets a 10 out of 10 for both comfort and responsiveness.

It’s Worth Noting: The back of the heel is only lightly padded, so it can sometimes lead to blisters on long runs.

Sizes: 5–12, medium and wide | Heel Drop: 8 mm

Running in uber-cushioned shoes can sometimes feel a bit like falling into quicksand — you might land softly, but you sink in so far that it’s difficult to pick up your foot again to take the next step. The Gel-Cumulus, one of Shape’s 2023 Sneaker Awards winners, is designed with two different kinds of cushioning to ensure that never happens. It absorbs plenty of impact but is still super bouncy, giving you a satisfyingly propulsive toe-off.

Personally, I find faster paces come to me just a little bit easier in these shoes, and love wearing them when I’m trying to work on my speed with some intervals. I’m far from the first runner to feel this way. “Asics Gel-Cumulus has been an excellent shoe for many years,” Dr. Pinker says. “It is very supportive and durable.”

Best Sneakers with Arch Support

Brooks Glycerin GTS 21

PHOTO:

Zappos

$160 at Amazon$160 at Zappos$160 at Nordstrom

Why We Like It: These sneakers offer the support we crave when we’re on our feet for hours.

It’s Worth Noting: Despite solid arch support, the Glycerin is a neutral trainer so it might not offer enough stability if you struggle with overpronation.

Sizes: 5–12, medium and wide | Heel Drop: 10 mm

Whenever I slip my feet into these Brooks, the first word that comes to mind is “secure.” The dense cushion makes me feel super stable and supported, while the fit hugs my foot just right. Shape named these the best shoes for arch support because they cradled our feet through hours and hours of wear without any pain and fatigue. (Apparently, Brooks fan Jennifer Garner agrees, and sports the shoe often.)

Note: Arch support exists on a spectrum, and the extra boost of cushioning underneath the arch in the Glycerin sits on the gentler end of it. If you’ve got medium-high arches, it will help to keep your foot in a comfy position. Those with flat feet or high arches, however, might need something a little more pronounced.

• Shape / Kimberly Souza

• Shape / Kimberly Souza

• Shape / Kimberly Souza

• Shape / Kimberly Souza

Best Sneakers for Bad Knees

On Women's Cloudrunner 2

PHOTO:

Zappos

$150 at Zappos$150 at Nordstrom$150 at REI

Why We Like It: Solid support helps to keep your joints in proper alignment.

It’s Worth Noting: The fit runs narrow.

Sizes: 5–11 | Heel Drop: 10 mm

Don’t be fooled by the airy soles on these shoes: They offer up serious support. This popular stability shoe from On got some upgraded foam in the newly-released model, and I’ve found that it makes my feet feel cupped and held from every direction — like the best little spoon cuddle. The cushioning absorbs impact while the firm arch support keeps your foot in the ideal alignment to prevent strain on your joints, making them the best shoe for bad knees. Bonus: Unlike other On shoes, the redesigned outsole won’t trap small rocks and debris.

Best Sneakers for Plantar Fasciitis

Asics Waterproof Running Shoe

PHOTO:

Amazon

$70 at Amazon$60 at ZapposView on Asics.com

Why We Like It: The solid arch and heel support keep our feet pain-free.

It’s Worth Noting: These come in a whopping 24 color options.

Sizes: 5–12 | Heel Drop: 10 mm

If you’re seeking some relief from the stabbing heel pain that characterizes running with plantar fasciitis, we highly recommend you check out these Asics. Designed to smoothly transition from concrete sidewalks to dirt trails, the Gel-Venture features top-notch arch and heel support no matter what surface you're stepping on, making them ideal for an inflamed plantar fascia that needs a little extra love. (Don’t worry if you get them dirty—they clean up pretty easily.) We found the extra support doesn’t make these sneakers stiff or clunky. They’ve got springy cushioning that puts a satisfying pep in our step while keeping us pain-free. We especially appreciate the extra shock absorption in our heels, right where we need it.

Best Sneakers for Flat Feet

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

PHOTO:

Amazon

$140 at Zappos$140 at Nordstrom$140 at Brooksrunning.com

Why We Like It: Solid arch support keeps overpronation in check.
It’s Worth Noting: The fit may feel a bit tight at first.

Sizes: 5–13, narrow to extra wide | Heel Drop: 12 mm

Flat feet call for sneakers with serious arch support and stability to help prevent overpronation. They can also benefit from a roomy toe box that allows your tootsies to splay out as wide as they want to. These Brooks fit the bill on all counts, and has the APMA Seal of Acceptance to boot. The GuideRails support system keeps any foot rolling in check so you’re not stressing out your joints even when you’re on your feet for hours. And with four width options to choose from, your toes never have to feel cramped. We found them roomy enough and cushy enough to run comfortably for miles.

Best Sneakers for Wide Feet

Brooks Women's Ghost 16 Running Shoes

PHOTO:

Brooks Running

$140 at Amazon$140 at Zappos$140 at Nordstrom

Why We Like It: A wide base and flexible upper give your toes plenty of room to spread out.
It’s Worth Noting: The Ghost comes in four width options, but even the medium feels spacious.

Sizes: 5–13, narrow to extra wide | Heel Drop: 12 mm

One of Shape’s 2024 Sneaker Awards winners, these Brooks bestsellers are longtime favorites among all kinds of runners. “Brooks Ghost is very well-designed and shock absorbing, which makes it an excellent choice for runners,” Dr. Pinker says. We’ve found that they especially come in handy for anyone with wide feet: With four width options, even the biggest bunions have no problem fitting into these kicks. The design features a roomy toe box and a flexible mesh upper that forms to your foot. We had no blisters, chafing, or irritation, no matter how many miles we racked up. Meanwhile, the lightweight cushioning gave us a nice, snappy stride.

• Shape / Stella Yu

• Shape / Stella Yu

• Shape / Stella Yu

Best Sneakers for Standing All Day

Nike Structure 25 Women's Road Running Shoes

PHOTO:

Nike

View on Nordstrom$127 at Nike.comView on Fleetfeet.com

Why We Like It: The ample cushioning and ace arch support are very much appreciated during long hours on our feet.
It’s Worth Noting: It feels a little heavy if you’re walking or running.

Sizes: 5–12 | Heel Drop: 10 mm

When you’re standing all day, you want to feel both stable and supported. These Nikes have got your back. There’s firm cushioning in the midsole, with extra underneath your arch — right where you need it when your legs get tired. Meanwhile, the wide toe box lets your feet fully spread out which helps with both your balance and body weight distribution. And a soft, durable inner lining means your skin won’t get irritated, even when you’re on your feet for hours. One underrated feature we especially appreciate is the ribbed laces, which tie together securely so you don’t have to keep bending down to redo them.

• Shape / Rachel Marek

• Shape / Rachel Marek

• Shape / Rachel Marek

Best Sneakers for Weightlifting

Nike Women's Metcon 9

PHOTO:

Nike

$150 at AmazonView on Nordstrom$99 at Nike.com

Why We Like It: They’re stable enough for kettlebell swings and deadlifts, but flexible enough for short runs during bootcamp classes.
It’s Worth Noting: They feel a bit tight out of the box, but break in over time.

Sizes: 5–12 | Heel Drop: 4 mm

When you’re pumping iron, you want a flat, hard sole and minimal cushioning so that your feet feel as sturdy as possible on the ground. With that in mind, we’ve found the Nike Metcon 9 to be the best of the best when it comes to shoes for weightlifting. "The shoe is able to expand in every direction, which allows you to really spread out your foot and get a solid foundation on the floor also while providing some stability for heavy lifting," New York-based strength coach Chris Crowthers previously told Shape. We also love that the sole is just flexible enough to intersperse some running into your workout, so it’s perfect for a bootcamp-style class or CrossFit.

Best Walking Sneakers

Adidas Ultraboost Light Running Shoe

PHOTO:

Amazon

$105 at Amazon$128 at Zappos$190 at Dick's

Why We Like It: Light, bouncy cushion feels comfortable mile after mile.

It’s Worth Noting: Even though it has good grip, this shoe is on the flexible side, so reach for something sturdier if you’re hitting the trails.

Sizes: 5–12 | Heel Drop: 10 mm

The best walking shoes not only look good enough to make you want to lace up, but also feel comfortable enough that you want to keep going. Honestly, we love the Adidas Ultraboost Light for both their style and their substance. They feel like slipping into airy clouds, and never give us foot pain (even among those of us dealing with foot issues like bunions). At 9.2 ounces, these sneakers are lighter than Adidas’ traditional Ultraboosts, but they still boast that same smooth responsiveness that propels each step forward. Meanwhile, the breathable, stretchy knit upper keeps our feet feeling cool and cozy even on hot summer walks.

• Shape / Joy Kim

• Shape / Sarah Felbin

Best Sneakers for Bunions

Hoka Ora Recovery 2

PHOTO:

Hoka

$90 at Hoka.com

Why We Like It: The upper of this slip-on is flexible enough to immediately accommodate wide bunions.

It’s Worth Noting: Color options are limited.

Sizes: 5–11 | Heel Drop: 5 mm

There’s no break-in period necessary for these sneakers from Hoka — even if you have large bunions that typically fight against your shoes until they stretch out. That’s because the material of this slip-on is plenty flexible, and the base is wide enough for extra wiggle room. Although there are no laces to adjust the fit, we found the soft, stretchy upper hugged our feet just right, standing up to long walks and long days with no irritation or rubbing. Plus, these have max cushioning and even a memory foam heel for all the softness you could ask for.

• Shape / Sidney Burds

• Shape / Sidney Burds

• Shape / Sidney Burds

Best Hoka Sneakers

Hoka Women's Bondi 8

PHOTO:

Hoka

$165 at Zappos$165 at Nordstrom$165 at Hoka.com

Why We Like It: Major amounts of soft foam offer major shock absorption.
It’s Worth Noting: The rocker bottom and high stack height can take some getting used to if you’re new to max-cushioned shoes.

Sizes: 5–12, standard and wide | Heel Drop: 4 mm

Hokas have taken off in the past few years with their reputation for being exceptionally comfortable and exceptionally plush sneakers. Out of all the brand’s models, we’ve found the best Hoka shoe to be the Bondi 8. It’s the most cushioned road shoe in Hoka’s lineup, and won the APMA Seal of Acceptance. With a massive bed of foam underneath the heel, it feels more like you’re walking on marshmallows than solid ground. That sensation gets an assist from the rocker bottom, which helps you glide along with less effort. Personally, I find these shoes downright cuddly, with cushion and padding in every direction — even on the tongue. It’s like wrapping up your foot in a soft hug.

• Shape / Joy Kim

• Shape / Joy Kim

• Shape / Joy Kim

Best New Balance Sneakers

New Balance 550 Shoes

PHOTO:

New Balance

View on NordstromView on Newbalance.comView on Footlocker.com

Why We Like It: With throwback vibes, this pair is comfortable enough for all-day wear.

It’s Worth Noting: The unisex colorways fit a little on the larger size, while the women’s styles run small.

Sizes: 5–11 | Heel Drop: Unavailable

New Balance has been making comfy, supportive sneakers for more than a century. But which model should you go for? If you’re looking for the all-time best New Balance shoes, we recommend checking out the 550s. The retro low-top silhouette hugs your ankle while a durable outsole offers great traction and a breathable upper keeps you from getting sweaty. They’re meant as a lifestyle shoe (and became a classic on the basketball courts back in 1989), but we find them ideal for long days of walking — our flat feet never get achy or sore, even after hours of sightseeing on vacation.

Editor’s Pick

lululemon Women's Running Shoe

PHOTO:

lululemon

$128 at Lululemon

Why We Like It: These versatile sneaks are designed for running, but perform equally well during gym workouts.
It’s Worth Noting: The heel counter in the back comes up a bit high.

Sizes: 5–12 | Heel Drop: 9.5 mm

Shape gave the second iteration of the Lululemon Blissfeel a shoutout in our 2023 Sneaker Awards for its impressive redesign. With a fit made specifically for women’s feet (based on one million foot scans!), this neutral running shoe hugs your foot and moves with it so you’re never slipping and sliding around. Speaking of which: Excellent traction on the outsole helps keep you upright even when the pavement gets slick. We also found the design stable enough to easily transition from an outdoor run to a cross-training gym sesh.

• Shape / Alison Mango

• Shape / Alison Mango

• Shape / Alison Mango

• Shape / Alison Mango

What to Know About Sneakers

• Heel Drop: This number tells you the difference between the amount of cushion under your heel versus how much is underneath your forefoot and toes. Heel drops between eight to 10 millimeters are considered standard. “Too much heel drop encourages an unnatural gait pattern,” Dr. Pinker says. Too little, on the other hand, can put stress on the Achilles and make it harder to walk or run, he says. It often comes down to personal preference and what you’re used to.
• Support vs Cushioning: Some people throw around the running shoe terms “support” and “cushioning” interchangeably, but they’re really two separate things. “Cushioning often relates to shock absorption, whereas support can relate to stability,” Dr. Pinker says. Meaning: A sneaker with loads of support is typically designed specifically to help prevent overpronation, while a max cushioned sneaker just gives you extra padding so you feel like you’re walking on squishy pillows.
• Pronation: When our feet strike the ground, our arches naturally roll inward to help propel us forward — this is called pronation. But if the foot rolls more than about 15 percent, it could lead to injuries. “Overpronators should look for shoes with added medial arch support in the midsole,” Dr. Pinker says. This will help guide the foot into a more neutral position as you walk or run.

Why Trust Shape

Jennifer Heimlich is a fitness writer who has personally tested dozens of running shoes, including several that made this list: Hoka Clifton 9, New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080, Asics Gel Cumulus 26, Brooks Glycerin 21, On Cloudrunner 2, Nike Metcon 9, Hoka Bondi 8, Lululemon Blissfeel 2. A UESCA-certified running coach who’s completed multiple marathons and ultramarathons, she personally knows what to look for in terms of comfort, support, and fit.

For this piece, she spoke with podiatrist Bruce Pinker, D.P.M., to determine the most important factors to consider when looking for the best sneakers. The Shape team conducted extensive first-hand testing of every sneaker on this list. Heimlich reviewed all the previous methodologies and insights to curate this list of the best sneakers of 2024.

Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why!