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If you want to nab that legendary “runner’s high,” you’ll need to lace up some of the best jogging shoes. The right sneakers will give your joints the cushion and support they crave, and prevent you from heading home with achy, blistered feet. Trust me: As a longtime runner and certified running coach, I’ve tried at least five dozen different pairs while training for marathons and ultramarathons, and have learned firsthand just how big of a role shoes can play in how much you enjoy your walks or runs. But with so many options out there and all kinds of fancy tech (Zero-drop! Carbon plate! Rocker bottom!), it’s easy to get lost in a sea of jargon.
To help you find the right jogging shoe for your feet, I tapped podiatrists to learn what makes a great pair and get their top recs. I also chatted with a number of runners who’ve worn those recommended shoes—sometimes for hundreds of miles—to find what they actually feel like when, well, rubber literally hits the road. Our top pick is the New Balance 1080v14 because they’re backed by experts and runners alike, and have just the right amount of bounce and cushion for all types of joggers. Whether you’re heading out for a marathon, short jog, or anything in between, these expert-approved picks below will make the miles fly by.
The best jogging shoes, at a glanceBest Overall: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14, $160Best for Beginners: Adidas Ultraboost 5X, $180Best for Wide Feet: Hoka Bondi 9, $170Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24, $140Best for High Arches: Saucony Ride 18, $140Best for Flat Feet: Nike Structure 25, $105How we chose the best jogging shoesWhat to look for in jogging shoes
Fit: When it comes to jogging shoes, what’s most important is getting a proper fit. “It should feel snug, but not tight,” says Anne Sharkey, DPM, a podiatrist based in Texas. “Kind of like you’re getting a gentle hug or a squeeze, and you should always have enough room to wiggle your toes.”Arch support: You want to make sure to get the right arch support to match your foot type. If you’ve got low arches—a.k.a. flat feet—you’ll want stability shoes that guide your feet into proper alignment. (How to tell? Your bare footprint will look like one big oval with no hole where your arch is.) Normal or high-arched feet can reach for neutral shoes.Cushion: Dr. Tine says that most of us (and especially anyone over age 30) can benefit from wearing well-cushioned shoes. Whether you’re on pavement or a treadmill, running is pretty high impact, which can do a number on our joints when the miles add up. Having a good amount of foam in your shoes can help to minimize all the wear and tear of daily running.Traction: Keep in mind the conditions you’ll be running in: If you’re heading to the trails, or live in a rainy climate where the streets are often wet and slick, the best shoe will have more traction on the outsole—check out a trail running shoe with lugs on the bottom like the Nike Pegasus or a road running shoe with an extra-grippy rubber outsole like the Puma Velocity Nitro. These will help you finish your run still standing upright.How we selected the best jogging shoes
To find you the best jogging shoes available today, we consulted podiatrists who work with runners to learn more about what to look for in a good pair for various foot types and preferences. We also got their suggestions for specific models to check out. Then, to learn what those recs actually feel like to jog in, we chatted with everyday runners who keep these shoes in their own closets and have worn them for all kinds of runs, from easy morning miles to major marathon races. I’m a certified running coach so I vetted the picks myself and spoked with other certified trainers for their recs. Those that made our cut not only got a podiatrist seal of approval for foot health, but also passed the vibe check with real joggers who happily slip them on over and over again—some for hundreds of miles.
Best Overall: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14
Original image by Glamour contributor Jennifer Heimlich
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14
These soft, reliable sneakers are just what the foot doctor ordered—literally. Stephanie Tine, DPM, a podiatric physician who specializes in sports medicine, says that most of her patients who try the Fresh Foam 1080s find them to be super comfy. “They’re just really great shoes,” she says. “They’re well-made. And they’re cushioned, too.” These New Balances even earned a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), and have a loyal following among runners who love the supportive Fresh Foam X cushioning that has just the right amount of bounce. Honestly, I always keep a pair in my closet. The foam is soft enough to create a gentle buffer between my feet and the road, but not so pillowy that I feel like I’m sinking into them. Instead, they just give my stride a light, lively perkiness. Whether I’m using them as training shoes or walking shoes, they’re the kind of kicks that are so comfortable I can just forget about them altogether.
Widths: Narrow, standard, wide, and extra wide | Cushioning: Extra | Support: Neutral
Pros: Balanced cushioning; lightweight; comes in four widthsCons: Run a little bigBest Jogging Shoes for Long Distances: On CloudmonsterOriginal image by Glamour contributor Jennifer Heimlich
On Cloudmonster Running Shoe
Looking for shoes that’ll soak up the shock of your strides for miles on end? Check out the On Cloudmonster. It’s the Swiss brand’s most cushioned model, and many people love its top-notch impact absorption, says Anne Sharkey, DPM, a podiatrist based in Texas. Here, On’s signature pods on the sole are set beneath a stiff plate that helps drive you forward and cushy foam in the midsole that gives you an extra dose of padding. Runner Meagan Brooks says these shoes “feel like running on a bouncy house.” She recently wore them to race the Every Woman’s Marathon, and loves how lightweight but supportive they are. “My toes also don’t get squished, which was my problem with my previous brand,” she adds. They give her enough traction on wet, even slightly snowy roads, so she can keep up her training no matter the weather. Plus, cushy runners are a hot 2025 sneaker trend right now.
Widths: Standard | Cushioning: Maximum | Support: Neutral
Pros: Major cushioning with great bounce; lightweight; wide toe boxCons: Small rocks can get caught in the soleBest Cushioned Jogging Shoes: Hoka Clifton 9Original image by Glamour contributor Stacy Smith
Hoka Clifton 9
Hoka is the king of cushion. And the Cliftons—which also boast the APMA Seal of Acceptance—are a regular podiatrist recommendation. Dr. Tine herself rocks them both at work and on runs. “I can wear them all day and not have foot pain or back pain,” she says. The plush EVA foam softens the impact of your strides while the aggressive rocker bottom makes it easy to roll through your feet from landing to takeoff. The result? Your feet and legs just might feel a bit fresher than usual when the miles add up. Runner Stacy Smith compares the sensation to “running on clouds” and adds that they don’t feel as bulky as they look. Although, she does get lots of comments about their beefy stack height (38 millimeters between your feet and the ground, to be exact), which can make a pretty bold statement.
Widths: Standard | Cushioning: Extra | Support: Neutral
Pros: Tons of cushioning; durableCons: Bulky; foam can feel too soft for someBest Jogging Shoes for Beginners: Adidas Ultraboost 5X
Original image by Glamour contributor Jennifer Heimlich
Adidas Ultraboost 5X
When you first start running, it helps to have a shoe that both feels good and looks good enough to make you wanna lace up. The Adidas Ultraboost 5X checks both boxes. I find it honestly makes running more fun, with springy cushion and a fast, easy push-off as you propel your body into the air. Meanwhile, the stretchy mesh upper conforms right to your feet, which is very helpful because it minimizes unwanted friction and keeps blisters at bay. Bonus: The cute styling and cushy sole also makes this no-fuss daily trainer great to wear for standing all day.
Widths: Standard | Cushioning: Moderate | Support: Neutral
Pros: Bouncy ride; stretchy, breathable upper; made with recycled materialsCons: Can be too wide for narrow feetBest Jogging Shoes for Seniors: Brooks Ghost 16Original image by Glamour contributor Pamela Stahl
Brooks Ghost 16
Although mature joints can benefit from extra cushioning, Dr. Tine finds that seniors can sometimes struggle with super-thick soles. “Sometimes they trip or just don’t feel stable,” she says. That’s why she suggests the APMA-approved Brooks Ghost. With Goldilocks levels of soft foam, this longtime runner fave absorbs shock without making you feel like you’re teetering on top of stilts.
“I’m 70 years old, and because of the Ghost I can still run,” says Pamela Stahl, who struggles with a neuroma (benign tumor) and a displaced toe. “The cushion and the support just keeps everything from hurting.” That said, if you need more stability, Dr. Tine recommends trying the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21.
Widths: Narrow, standard, wide, and extra wide | Cushioning: Moderate | Support: Neutral
Pros: Great cushion and support; made with recycled materials; comes in four widthsCons: Limited colorways in alternate width optionsBest Jogging Shoes for Wide Feet: Hoka Bondi 9
Original image by Glamour contributor Uma Staehler
Hoka Bondi 9
Just when you thought Hoka couldn’t possibly add more foam to its shoes, they released the Hoka Bondi 9 with the thickest stack height yet: It’s got a whopping 42 millimeters of chunky cushion underneath the heel. But the Bondi’s got more to offer than just XXL vibes. Personally, I find the ultra-padded tongue and heel make this sneaker feel downright cozy, while the rocker bottom helps push me forward to keep up the pace. Dr. Tine also recommends the Bondi to anyone with wide feet, since the toe box offers plenty of room. Need even more space? This style comes in wide and extra wide.
Width: Standard, wide, and extra wide | Cushioning: Maximum | Support: Neutral
Pros: Major cushion; tons of padding around the ankle; snappy transitions; wide toe boxCons: Can feel like a lot of shoe underfootBest Jogging Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 2
Original image by Glamour contributor Antoinette Chatmon
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
Plantar fasciitis (a condition when the band of tissue on the sole of your foot gets inflamed) is one of those pesky injuries that can make you wince with every step—if you don’t have the right shoes, that is. Runners who want to keep logging miles through a flare-up should look for a pair that’s going to keep your fascia as comfy as possible—that means sneakers with strong arch support, a sturdy midsole, ample cushioning, and a high heel-to-toe drop so that your heel sits a bit higher than your toes in the shoes, Dr. Sharkey says. In particular, she recommends the Brooks Adrenaline GTS for its luxurious 12 mm drop, which can help take some pressure off the arch. Dr. Tine adds that this shoe also boasts supportive cushioning to cradle every footfall.
Just know that some runners say the Adrenalines can take time to get used to. “They can seem a little hard when you first wear them, but after running in them a few days (and tying them properly), they feel comfortable and sturdy,” says runner Antoinette Chatmon, who uses them to help keep her feet from overpronating on long runs while training for both half marathons and full marathons. If the Adrenalines are too stiff for your feet, Dr. Sharkey recommends opting for the Asics Gel-Kayano.
Width: Narrow, standard, wide, and extra wide | Cushioning: Extra | Support: Stability
Pros: Tons of support and stability; smooth ride; great shock absorption; comes in four widthsCons: A bit stiff at first; laces run shortBest Jogging Shoes for High Arches: Saucony Ride 18
Saucony Ride 18
If you’ve got the kind of high arches that would make a ballet dancer jealous, then you’ll want to wear a pair of shoes on the cushy side. “Someone with high arches has a really stable, but poor shock-absorbing, foot,” Dr. Sharkey says. “So they need a lot of cushioning, and a little more of a flexible shoe.” One of her top picks is the Saucony Ride. It’s got a solid dose of Saucony’s extra-durable PWRRUN+ foam to give your stride a satisfying “pop” for hundreds of miles, whether you’re doing faster workouts or easy jogs. “The Saucony Ride is probably one of the most comfortable running shoes I’ve ever worn,” says Andrea Bettendorf Jordan, who recently ran in them during the New York City and Disney marathons. “I’m probably on my 20th pair since I started wearing them.” Need even more support for your high arches? Dr. Tine suggests slipping in a custom insole.
Width: Standard and wide | Cushioning: Moderate | Support: Neutral
Pros: Light, springy cushioning; breathable mesh upper; plush padding around the heel and tongueCons: Run a bit narrowBest Jogging Shoes for Flat Feet: Nike Structure 25
Nike Structure 25
Let’s be honest: Stability shoes designed for people with flat feet can often look a bit…orthopedic. But this pair from Nike is plenty chic. If you’ve got flat feet, Dr. Sharkey recommends choosing a stability shoe, with features like a thick midsole and some overall stiffness—and these Nike sneakers deliver on all fronts. I’ve been wearing these comfy and versatile shoes for three months, and they’ve now become my go-to travel shoes because they pair well with outfits but also give me tons of support on jogs. My feet sometimes roll inwards when I get tired, but these Nikes keep that overpronation in check. It’s worth noting that most running shoe brands offer at least one stability option in their lineup, so if the Nike Structures don’t feel great on your feet, Dr. Sharkey recommends trying the Hoka Arahi, New Balance 860, or Asics GT-2000.
Width: Standard and extra wide | Cushioning: Extra | Support: Stability
Pros: Gently guides the feet into alignment; supportive cushioning; chic aesthetic; durableCons: Can feel a bit stiff and heavyBest Lightweight Jogging Shoes: Nike Vaporfly 3Original image by Glamour contributor Lori Eidson-Riggles
Nike Vaporfly 3
Don’t like feeling too much shoe on your feet? Slip on a pair of Nike Vaporflys. They clock in at a light 5.8 ounces, while most jogging shoes hover closer to 8 or 9 ounces. That’s because these are designed to help runners zoom along as fast as possible on race day, with a rigid carbon plate inside the shoe that creates a springy platform to drive you forward. If you’ve never run in carbon plate “super shoes” before, be prepared for a ride that’s way bouncier—it can feel a bit like running with mini trampolines strapped to your feet. And don’t be surprised when your pace drops. “The Vaporfly 3 makes you feel like you are literally flying to the finish line!” says runner Lori Edison-Riggles. Admittedly, these race shoes can be a bit unstable when you’re just walking around. But once you’re ready to unleash your inner speed demon, they’re just the pair for the job.
Width: Standard | Cushioning: Maximum | Support: Neutral
Pros: Super bouncy; lightweight; speedyCons: Fits small and narrow—size upBest Zero-Drop Jogging Shoes: Altra Escalante 4
Altra Escalante 4
Altra’s minimalist Escalante 4 is a popular pick among runners who want to mimic the feel of barefoot running without actually leaving their shoes behind. Like all Altras, it features zero heel-to-toe drop, which means your toes and heel sit at the same height. “The lower drop [facilitates] a more natural running cycle, versus a higher heel-toe drop helps absorb some of the impact,” Dr. Sharkey says. She recommends the style as long as you’ve got a standard arch and don’t struggle with foot conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.
And runners who like these shoes really like them. “The combination of zero drop and an ample toe box gives me running dynamics similar to running in sandals or barefoot, where my toes get to expand and I have some feel for the surface that I’m running on,” says José R. Cordones, who admits to having a stockpile of the racing version of this shoe in his closet. However, he warns, “They are definitely an acquired taste.”
Width: Standard | Cushioning: Minimal | Support: Neutral
Pros: Wide, foot-shaped toe box; sock-like upperCons: Require an adjustment period if you’ve never worn zero-drop
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