The Best Running Shoes According to Reddit: 10 Top Picks from the Front Page of the Internet
If you‘re on the hunt for your next perfect pair of running shoes, you could spend hours scouring reviews from various experts and still feel unsure about what to choose. But have you considered turning to Reddit for advice? While it may seem unconventional, Reddit‘s running community is a gold mine of highly knowledgeable and passionate athletes who are eager to share their footwear wisdom.
From cult favorite shoes with thousands of upvotes to hidden gems that Redditors can‘t stop raving about, we‘ve scoured the top running subreddits to identify and research the 10 models that come most highly recommended. Whether you‘re a beginner just getting into running or a veteran putting in 50+ miles per week, there‘s a Reddit-approved shoe for you.
We‘ll take an in-depth look at each shoe‘s standout features, ideal use cases, price range, and of course, the Redditors‘ takes—both the good and the bad. Plus, we‘ll provide a helpful buyer‘s guide for choosing the right shoe based on your unique needs and a peek at a few up-and-comers that are generating buzz in the Reddit running sphere.
Ready to step into the fascinating world of Reddit running shoe geekdom and find your sole mate? Let‘s break down the top contenders:
- Saucony Endorphin Speed: The Goldilocks shoe
Overview: The Saucony Endorphin Speed is the running shoe that Redditors recommend more than any other. It‘s often described as the "Goldilocks" shoe because it‘s not too soft or too firm—it‘s just right. Redditors gush over its versatility as both a daily trainer and a speed shoe.
Features:
- PWRRUN PB cushioning for a responsive, propulsive feel
- Nylon plate for increased energy return without being too rigid
- Lightweight, breathable upper
- Durable outsole suitable for up to 500 miles
Best for: Everyday training, tempo runs, road racing
Price: $160
Reddit says: "I reach for the Speeds more than anything else. Can‘t think of a shoe that is a better Jack of all trades." – u/BPKaiser23
- Nike Pegasus 39: Reliable workhorse with a smooth ride
Overview: Redditors praise the Nike Pegasus line as a consistently dependable daily trainer that gets the job done mile after mile. The latest iteration, the Peg 39, is often recommended for its accommodating fit and smooth transition.
Features:
- React foam for a cushioned yet responsive feel
- Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for extra pop
- Durable, full rubber outsole with excellent traction
- Padded tongue and collar for a plush step-in feel
Best for: Easy runs, long runs, recovery days
Price: $130
Reddit says: "If you want something that‘s just easy to run in, will last a long time, and feel good at most paces, the Pegasus is always the answer." – u/ckim715
- Hoka Clifton 8: Maximum cushion, minimal weight
Overview: Diehard fans of Hoka‘s signature maximal cushioning flock to the Clifton line for a supremely soft, pillowy ride that doesn‘t feel too clunky or bottom-heavy. The Clifton 8 gets love on Reddit for its improved upper and geometry.
Features:
- Plush EVA foam for high-stack cushioning
- Early stage Meta-Rocker for smooth heel-to-toe transitions
- Breathable mesh upper with plush tongue
- Beveled heel for a smooth landing
Best for: Long runs, recovery days, marathons
Price: $140
Reddit says: "Clifton 8 is the best Clifton since the 1 IMO. Great upper and midsole. Super light for how much cushion you get." – u/TakayamaYoshi
- Saucony Kinvara 13: Speed meets lightness
Overview: Redditors rave about the Kinvara as a versatile speed training shoe that Saucony somehow keeps improving with each update. The Kinvara 13 gets praise for its secure fit and snappy ride.
Features:
- PWRRUN cushioning for a responsive feel
- Stripped-down upper with minimal overlays
- Flexible sole with good ground feel
- Lightweight at only 7.2 oz (men‘s size 9)
Best for: Tempo runs, interval workouts, road racing
Price: $120
Reddit says: "Kinvara is love. Kinvara is life. But really though, it‘s the best do it all shoe in my opinion… They pick up the pace really well but have enough cushion to daily train." – u/Shiny_Zoura79
- New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v12: Luxurious trainer for eating up miles
Overview: For Redditors who like a premium, high-cushion daily trainer, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v12 is a top pick. Its plush and bouncy Fresh Foam X midsole provides a cloud-like ride.
Features:
- Fresh Foam X for luxurious, lightweight cushioning
- Knit upper with Ultra Heel design for a locked-in fit
- Ortholite sockliner for extra softness
- Blown rubber outsole for great rebound
Best for: Long runs, easy days, high-mileage training
Price: $150
Reddit says: "New Balance 1080v12. Perfect daily trainer with a great blend of cushion and responsiveness." – u/beware_oftheleopard
- Hoka Mach 5: Propulsive yet stable ride
Overview: The Mach 5 is quickly becoming a Reddit favorite for its unique dual-density midsole that provides a perfect balance of cushion and responsiveness. Redditors report that it performs well at all paces.
Features:
- Profly+ midsole with soft heel and firmer forefoot
- Creel mesh upper with extra padding in the heel collar
- Early stage Meta-Rocker for smooth transitions
- Rubberized EVA outsole for lightweight durability
Best for: Tempo runs, long runs, uptempo training
Price: $140
Reddit says: "Mach 5 for sure. Super versatile. Handles daily miles and tempo efforts. Has pop but is also stable." – u/ultrajeffff
- ASICS Novablast 3: Bouncy and fun
Overview: The Novablast has developed somewhat of a cult following on Reddit for its highly responsive and springy FlyteFoam Blast cushioning. The Novablast 3 is the most stable version yet, taming the bounce for a more controlled ride.
Features:
- FlyteFoam Blast+ for a bouncy, energetic feel
- Engineered mesh upper with improved midfoot lockdown
- FF Blast Plus foam for 15% more cushioning than V1
- AHAR (ASICS High-Abrasion Rubber) outsole for durability
Best for: Daily training, long runs, recovery runs
Price: $140
Reddit says: "ASICS Novablast 3 for that bouncy, trampoline-like feel. Super fun and responsive!" – u/Droiddoesyourmom
- Nike Zoom Fly 5: Carbon-plated speed demon
Overview: For Redditors looking to set PRs, the Nike Zoom Fly 5 gets a lot of love as a versatile and durable carbon-plated speed trainer. It‘s snappy yet stable geometry is great for uptempo efforts.
Features:
- Full-length carbon fiber plate for explosive energy return
- Zoom X foam for lightweight, responsive cushioning
- Engineered mesh upper with Flyknit tongue
- High foam stack height (40mm heel / 36mm forefoot)
Best for: Tempo runs, race training, half marathons
Price: $160
Reddit says: "Nike Zoom Fly 5 has been treating me well for workouts. Really smooth landing and transition with good pop." – u/btchmob
- Brooks Ghost 14: Reliable neutral daily driver
Overview: Sometimes you just want a running shoe that feels good, performs consistently, and requires zero thought. For Redditors, the Brooks Ghost 14 fills that role as a workhorse neutral trainer that does everything well.
Features:
- DNA Loft cushioning for a soft, smooth ride
- 3D Fit Print upper technology for structure without bulk
- Segmented Crash Pad for seamless heel-to-toe transitions
- Durable blown rubber in the forefoot
Best for: Easy runs, daily mileage, recovery days
Price: $140
Reddit says: "Brooks Ghost. No hype. No nonsense. Just a solid shoe I don‘t have to think about." – u/MarathonerGirl
- Puma Velocity Nitro 2: Reddit‘s favorite underrated gem
Overview: Redditors love geeking out about lesser-known shoe brands and models that can go toe-to-toe with the big dogs at a lower price point. The Puma Velocity Nitro 2 is a highly praised "underrated gem" thanks to its bouncy nitro foam and excellent value.
Features:
- Nitro foam midsole for exceptional responsiveness
- Pumagrip rubber outsole for all-surface traction
- Mono-mesh upper with reflective overlays
- Excellent outsole durability for high mileage
Best for: Daily training, speed workouts, road racing
Price: $120
Reddit says: "Puma Velocity Nitro 2 is the best kept secret in running shoes. Super versatile, great price, and they last forever." – u/xcrunner32
By leveraging the wisdom of the masses on Reddit, you can discover running shoes that have been put through their paces by hundreds of runners of all levels. Of course, the most important thing is finding a shoe that fits your specific needs.
Consider factors like your typical running mileage, preferred surfaces, foot shape, ideal cushion level, and budget. When possible, go to a specialty running store to get fitted by a professional. Read online reviews from a variety of sources and try on multiple brands and models to contrast how they feel.
While Reddit recommendations can be a fantastic starting point, nothing beats the confidence that comes with putting some miles on a shoe yourself. So use this curated list as a launching pad for your running shoe research, but don‘t be afraid to explore lesser-hyped options and discover your own unique favorites. Your feet (and PRs) will thank you!
