Best Overall

Asics Novablast 4

$140

$130 at Amazon $140 at Zappos View on Roadrunnersports.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5–12 (medium, wide), Men’s 6–15 (medium, wide) Weight: Women’s 7.9 ounces, Men’s 9.2 ounces Drop: 8 millimeters Cushioning: Maximum Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Best for runners who want a supportive, well-cushioned shoe that works for outdoor or treadmill running, as well as for everyday wear. 

Why We Love Them

Asics’ Novablast 4 Running Shoes are our top overall pick because they’re durable with supportive cushioning, which is key for those prone to shin splint flare-ups. During testing, we immediately noticed their comfy but firm midsole, which made our runs and walks feel easier and put some extra spring in our steps. The cushioning also protected our joints from impact during treadmill and outdoor runs on pavement.

Despite its maximum cushioning, this lightweight shoe delivers a supportive, secure fit without feeling heavy or restrictive. During long periods of wear, our feet didn’t feel hot or confined, thanks to its soft, breathable upper. We also love that this pair is versatile for all types of runs and everyday wear.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon.

Potential Flaws 

• This shoe may feel narrow for some, so consider sizing up or selecting a wide-width size if you prefer more room in the toe box.
  

Best for Beginners

Saucony Ride 18

$145

$100 at Amazon View on Zappos $145 at Nordstrom

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5–12 (medium, wide), Men’s 7–15 (medium, wide) Weight: Women’s 8 ounces, Men’s 9.1 ounces Drop: 8 millimeters Cushioning: Plush and springy Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They're For

Best for runners and walkers who want supportive, comfy sneakers that absorb shock well.

Why We Love Them

If you’re new to running or getting started again after a break, Saucony’s Ride Running Shoe is a great option for a daily trainer. During testing (we tested the Saucony 17, which is the previous model), we found this shoe offered the perfect amount of cushioning, support, and propulsion. The shoes felt so breathable and comfortable that we didn’t want to take them off after our runs. The Saucony 18 adds padding to the tongue and is slightly lighter than the model we tested.

Runners will appreciate the full-length foam midsole, which provides a soft, smooth ride without feeling too squishy or bulky. The cushioning definitely helped propel us forward and made our outdoor runs feel easier. We also love how comfortable and supportive they are for walking, so much so that we regularly reach for these for our daily three-mile walks. We think they’re a solid option if you prefer a run/walk technique for your miles.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon, Saucony, and Zappos.

Potential Flaws

• This shoe’s tread is a bit shallow, so it may be best for running on roads, tracks, or treadmills rather than uneven or wet surfaces.
• While this pair’s support and cushioning are perfect for daily training, they may be too heavy for speedwork.

Best for Road Running

Brooks Ghost 17

$150 at Amazon View on Brooksrunning.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Men’s 7–15 (narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide), Women’s 5–13 (narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide) Weight: Men’s 10.1 ounces, Women’s 9 ounces Drop: 10 millimeters Cushioning: Moderate Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They're For

Best for neutral runners who need a well-cushioned, supportive shoe that can withstand the pounding of running on pavement.

Why We Love Them

Brooks' Ghost Road Running Shoe earned our top spot for road running thanks to its exceptional comfort, shock absorption, and performance. During testing, its soft but firm cushioning provided stellar support and shock absorption, keeping our feet, legs, and joints protected and pain-free. Plus, this shoe has earned the American Podiatric Medical Association's (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, meaning a group of podiatrists has determined that its design supports good foot health.

This pair features a spacious toe box and comes in wide sizes, making it a good choice if you have bunions (a painful growth on the big toe joint), ankle instabilities, or are prone to blisters. We also love that its soft, stretchy upper is breathable, keeping our feet comfortable and preventing overheating when we run outside, even after a six-mile loop. We think these shoes are durable, everyday trainers that can easily handle repeated pounding on asphalt and concrete.

Also available in women's sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Brooks.

Potential Flaws

• While this shoe’s cushioning provides exceptional impact protection, it doesn’t feel as responsive as other options on our list.

Best for Flat Feet

Saucony Guide 18

$150

$132 at Amazon View on Zappos $150 at Nordstrom

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5–12 (medium, wide, extra-wide), Men’s 7–16 (medium, wide, extra-wide) Weight: Women’s 8.6 ounces, Men’s 9.6 ounces Drop: 6 millimeters Cushioning: Plush and responsive Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They're For

Best for runners with flat feet who want a well-cushioned shoe with good impact protection and responsiveness.

Why We Love Them

Saucony’s Guide Sneaker offers exceptional impact protection on a variety of surfaces, making it a good pick for runners who have a history of shin splints. With extra-supportive cushioning in the midfoot, it’s also ideal if you have flat feet and need more arch support in your running shoes. During test runs on pavement and gravel, our feet and arches were well-supported, and we didn’t notice any pain in our knees or other joints. While we tested Saucony's Guide 17 model, the updated Guide 18 is almost the same, with some added durability.

We were concerned that such a well-cushioned shoe would feel too heavy or squishy, but that wasn’t the case. Its midsole feels plush but responsive, helping us easily and quickly transition to our next stride. Plus, its cushioning performed well and held up during our back-to-back running days—a testament to its durability and quality materials.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon, Saucony, and Zappos.

Potential Flaws

• Some wearers have noted that this shoe feels narrower than earlier models. However, it does come in wide and extra-wide sizes if your feet are wide or tend to swell when running. 

Best Lightweight

On Women's Cloudsurfer 2

View on Amazon View on Zappos View on On.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5–11, Men’s 7–14 Weight: Women’s 7.9 ounces, Men’s 9.2 ounces Drop: Women's 9 millimeters, Men's 8 millimeters Cushioning: Plush Materials: Recycled polyester upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They're For

Best for beginner runners who want a lightweight yet well-cushioned shoe for running on pavement or concrete.

Why We Love Them

On’s Cloudsurfer Running Shoe features soft but not too spongy cushioning, providing a supportive, responsive feel and solid shock absorption. As avid runners who run nearly every day, we were pleasantly surprised by its lightweight design, given its thick cushioning. We also noticed no pain, foot cramping, or tightness in our calves after runs, which we’ve experienced with other shoes. And we never experienced any chafing or irritation during testing. We tested the original Cloudsurfer Running Shoe, but the Cloudsurfer 2, the newest version of this shoe, has a slightly lower heel-to-toe drop and may feel firmer.

This shoe’s neutral arch support and plush midsole helped with smooth strides and dependable impact protection, especially when we ran on asphalt or concrete. We wore this pair for some longer runs, and our feet, legs, and joints felt well-supported and stable the entire time. Plus, its fit is snug and secure, and the soft, cushioned tongue and collar add to its exceptional comfort. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon.

Potential Flaws

• We’d love to see this shoe in more than one width to fit runners with wide feet.
• We noticed its toe box is a little narrower than other shoes we’ve tested, which might be an issue if you have bunions, blisters, or other foot issues.
  

Best for Pronation Control

Brooks Launch GTS 10

$100

$70 at Amazon View on Marathonsports.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 5–12 (medium, wide), Men’s 7–15 (medium, wide) Weight: Women’s 8.2 ounces, Men’s 8.6 ounces Drop: 10 millimeters Cushioning: Firm and responsive Materials: Recycled nylon upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for runners with flat feet or flexible arches (when the foot is flat when standing on it) who want a supportive, lightweight shoe.

Why We Love Them

If you have flat feet and a history of shin splints, you’ll appreciate the exceptional cushioning and support in Brooks’ Launch GTS 10. During test runs on pavement, concrete, and a treadmill, we were impressed by how stable and supportive they felt despite their lightweight design. Plus, their support system helps align the foot to promote a natural walking and running gait–a great feature for anyone who tends to overpronate (when the ankle rolls too far downward and inward).

This shoe’s cushioning feels springy, propelling us to the next step and effectively absorbing shock to protect our joints. We also found it helped keep leg and joint pain at bay during and after runs. With its exceptional comfort and support, we think its quality exceeds its budget-friendly price. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Brooks. 

Potential Flaws

• While this shoe feels lightweight, its thick sole is on the bulkier side, which may take some getting used to. 
  

Best for Trail Running

Altra Timp 5

$109 at Amazon

$155

$140 at Zappos $155 at REI

Key Specs

Sizes: Men’s 7–15, Women’s 5.5–12 Weight: Men’s 9.8 ounces, Women’s 8.6 ounces Drop: 0 millimeters Cushioning: Maximum Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for neutral runners who want a light, nimble trail running shoe that’s well-cushioned for short or long trail runs or hikes.

Why We Love Them

Trail running, especially when going up and down hills, can be tough on your shins, so it’s crucial to have a durable shoe like Altra’s Timp 5 Trail Running Shoe for good protection. When we wore these while running on rocky, rugged New England terrain, the cushioning was very responsive and could easily withstand long distances. They felt lightweight, especially for a trail runner, and delivered good energy return, propelling us to our next stride. We never felt like we were slogging through a run and didn’t notice any leg or knee pain.

This APMA-approved shoe features a well-shaped design, comfortably accommodating our feet and ensuring a secure fit without excessive roominess or sliding. We were also impressed with its solid traction and reliable protection, thanks to its exceptionally grippy outsole that extends up the front of this shoe. They were a dream to wear on uneven terrain, keeping us confident that we wouldn’t roll an ankle or buckle a knee.

Also available in women's sizes at Amazon, Zappos, Altra, and REI.

Potential Flaws

• This shoe runs small, so you may want to size up, especially if you’re in between sizes.
• If you’re used to running in a higher heel-to-toe drop, this shoe’s zero drop may take some time to get used to.
  

Best for Wide Feet

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X 1080 V14

$165

$113 at Amazon

$140

$140 at Zappos $140 at Nordstrom

Key Specs

Sizes: Men’s 7–16 (medium, wide, extra-wide), Women’s 5–13 (narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide) Weight: Men’s 10.5 ounces, Women’s 8.3 ounces Drop: 6 millimeters Cushioning: Moderate Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They're For

Best for runners with neutral arches who want a versatile shoe that works well on various surfaces and in wet conditions.

Why We Love Them

If you’re looking for a high-quality, well-cushioned, and durable shoe for wide feet, look no further than New Balance’s Fresh Foam 1080 Running Shoe. Like many of New Balance’s other models, it comes in four widths for a precise fit. During testing, the soft upper and wide toebox provided plenty of room and comfort for our forefoot, which is crucial for those who have experienced shin splints. While we tested New Balance’s Fresh Foam 1080v13, the 1080v14, the newer version of the shoe, has a slightly firmer feel.

We love that it offers the perfect balance of soft comfort, responsiveness, and shock absorption for even more protection from shin splints. Its plush padding around the collar, heel, and tongue boosted its ankle support. Plus, its rubber outsole delivers good traction and stability when we run in wet conditions and on different surfaces, including pavement, concrete, track, and a treadmill.

Also available in women's sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and New Balance.

Potential Flaws

• During testing, we noticed some wear and tear on its outsole, so you may need to replace these shoes more often than others, depending how often you wear them.

Best Cushioned

Hoka Clifton 10

View on Zappos $155 at Nordstrom $155 at Nordstrom

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 4–12 (medium, wide, extra-wide), Men’s 7–16 (medium, wide, extra-wide) Weight: Women’s 8.8 ounces, Men’s 9.8 ounces Drop: 8 millimeters Cushioning: Maximum Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They're For

Best for neutral runners who want a lightweight shoe that’s plush and supportive.

Why We Love Them

If you want a running shoe with maximum cushioning, you can’t go wrong with Hoka's Clifton Running Shoe. Its superior plush foam midsole provides excellent shock absorption and helps decrease the pressure under the heel and ball of the foot, making it a great running shoe for those prone to shin splints. We tested Hoka's Clifton 9, but the Clifton 10, the newest model of this shoe, adds even more cushioning. However, it also loses some of the responsiveness of the Clifton 9.

They’re fairly lightweight and didn’t weigh us down, even during double-digit mileage runs or long walks. We love the extra-padded design and soft, breathable mesh upper, which gently hugs the foot, offering a secure fit. Even better, it has also received the APMA Seal of Acceptance.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Zappos, and Hoka.

Potential Flaws

• Although lightweight, this pair has thick cushioning and a wide base, so it may not be the best choice for speedwork.

Best for Bad Knees

MBT MTR-1500 II

$179 at Amazon View on Mbt.com

Key Specs

Sizes: Women’s 6–10, Men’s 7–13.5 Weight: Women’s 11.3 ounces, Men’s 12.2 ounces Drop: 8 millimeters Cushioning: Moderate Materials: Knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for runners prone to knee pain who want to invest in a high-quality, well-cushioned, and supportive shoe.

Why We Love Them

MBT's MTR-1500 II Running Shoe features a supportive, well-cushioned midsole that effectively absorbs shock, making it a good option if you’re prone to knee pain. During testing, its solid arch support and thick cushioning helped minimize our shin splints while alleviating knee stress and pain. 

We like that its curved sole promotes a more natural, efficient stride, which also helps to relieve pressure on our joints. As runners who run up to 35 miles a week, we love that it provides excellent stability and great traction, thanks to its durable rubber outsole, which keeps us from sliding without feeling too sticky. Plus, these shoes have earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and MBT.  

Potential Flaws

• These shoes are very supportive and well-cushioned, so they may feel bulky and heavy if you’re used to lighter shoes.
• Although they're pricier than some other pairs on our list, we think their impact protection and support are worth investing in if you’re prone to shin splints and knee pain.