We’ve researched and tested hundreds of sneakers—everything from the best shoes for relieving back pain to the best shoes for CrossFit. But we were curious: With so many pairs on the market, which sneakers reign supreme? We set out to find shoes that not only look great, but also feel comfortable all day long. After all, buying the best sneakers requires investing in ones with the right cushioning and support for your feet.
After consulting experts and creating a list of our favorite sneakers across dozens of categories, we tested 24 expert-approved pairs from top brands. We walked and ran on the treadmill or completed a short circuit workout to see how the shoes felt. We even took a bandsaw and sliced each shoe in half so that we could compare their internal structures side by side. Then, we compared the sneakers' key features and evaluated them based on fit, cushioning, comfort, responsiveness, stability, blister protection, and value to create our final list of recommendations.
What Is a Sneaker’s Drop?
A sneaker’s drop—also called pitch—is the height difference between the forefoot and heel, says Saylee Tulpule, DPM, a podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic. The sneakers on our list have drops ranging from four to 12 millimeters. Studies have found that running in sneakers with a low drop (six millimeters or less) is better for runners with weak ankles, but can be risky for those with weak knees.
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