Running shoe companies continue to push the limits of performance and innovation. In 2024, the market offered a wide range of high-quality options across all price points and categories, giving runners plenty of choices. In this article, we’ll highlight our top picks in five key categories: the best neutral runner, the best high-cushioned runner, the best supportive runner, the best stiff high-stack runner, and, lastly, the best overall running shoe of 2024.
There are a couple of things you should keep in mind while reading this article. For one, talking about “the best” is always subjective, but especially so with running shoes. Fit, performance, and comfort can vary significantly depending on the person, so even if it sounds like a shoe might work for you, it’s still better to try it on.
Of course, we also need to carry these shoes at the store. While we do try to bring in as many as possible, the sheer number of great running shoes makes it impossible for us to stock them all.
The Best Soft Runner
Neutral, high-cushioned runners have become very popular recently, and brands are keeping up with the demand by consistently improving their lines with the latest and greatest cushioning tech. New Balance livened up their high-cushioned runner this year, the 1080 v14, making it stiffer, snappier, and more responsive compared to the ultra-soft v13. It was a necessary update that made it more well-rounded and accessible to a wider variety of runners. You can read our review here or check out the video below for more information.
As good as the new 1080 is, though, no high-cushioned runner can compare with the Brooks Glycerin Max this year. While it comes in at a lofty price, its performance backs it up by combining the soft cushioning you want from a high-kilometre shoe with much of the springy performance you find in race-day shoes. It’s not a race shoe—I don’t want to confuse anyone—but for how much comfort and cushioning it offers, it’s remarkably fast. It was an instant hit with reviewers and runners alike, and it’s no surprise that Brooks’ stock went up tremendously this year, because they didn’t stop there—more on that later.
Brooks Glycerin Max Running
women's
The Best Supportive Runner
Supportive running shoes are made for runners who overpronate and prefer not to wear over-the-counter insoles or custom orthotics. Of course, they’ll never be as tailored as custom orthotics, but the New Balance 860 has always been a shoe that works for a large number of runners. In 2024, the v14 built off the previous version’s success but implemented New Balance’s Stability Plane technology. This EVA stability plate adds a bit more flexibility than what they’ve used in the past, while still providing the support that overpronators require.
The end result is a shoe that’s more compliant and comfortable without sacrificing any of its supportive DNA that has made it so popular. It’s an easy Rundie to hand out—the 860 has been our most popular supportive shoe for years now, and that certainly didn’t change this year. Of course, as usual with New Balance, the 860 v14 comes in a wide variety of widths and is built to accommodate many different foot types.
The Best Quintessential Neutral Runner
If you could own just one running shoe, the classic neutral runner is what we would suggest. Neutral shoes have incredible versatility because they are comfortable, durable, and responsive. While they may not blow you away with any one trait, they will work in almost every situation, be it a casual run, endurance run, or even a race. As you might imagine, every brand has their own quintessential neutral runner, so the competition is high, and preferences vary which is why this is probably the most subjective Rundie we’ll be handing out today.
Still, we’ve loved the New Balance 880 since its inception, and it’s no different with the v14. It was one of our best-sellers this year, and with good reason. New Balance has a way of making it so that most people throw this shoe on and instantly fall in love. It’s soft, but not too soft, and comfortable without being sloppy, so it works well right out of the box. The 880 also seems to get better with age (to a certain extent). The Fresh Foam midsole is quite durable and doesn’t pack down as quickly as some other foams. On the v14 in particular, the upper is sturdy while maintaining flexibility in key areas.
We’re glad that New Balance keeps subtly refining it to keep up with modern running needs, without ever swaying too far from being the ideal quintessential runner.
The Best High-Stack Rockered Runner
High-stack, rockered running shoes burst onto the scene when Hoka released their first lineup. At first, a lot of people viewed them as too extreme: “Surely no one is taking those gargantuan running shoes seriously.” And then, people did.
These became go-to options for industry specialists like shoe fitters, physios, and even doctors since their maximalist design efficiently alleviates stress on the foot and even the joints farther up your leg. They are easy to work with as well; they usually have a neutral flex to accommodate orthotics. It’s no surprise that so many runners, walkers, and people who stand for long periods have taken to them so fondly.
While Hoka was the unanimous “best in class” for a number of years, the rest of the industry has since caught up, but this year, there was no match for their Bondi 8. They actually softened it up a bit (don’t worry, it’s still got plenty of that signature rigidity), but they significantly improved the fit, making it even more comfortable than it already was. It’s a great shoe and has sold almost as well as the 880 I just mentioned, which is impressive since that runner hasn’t seen much competition since we first brought it in. Also, while the Bondi will never win a beauty contest, it has slowly gotten more elegant over time. It definitely still has a unique look but is less in-your-face than it was when it first came out—or maybe we’ve just gotten used to it.
With the imminent arrival of the Bondi 9 in January, the 8 is now on sale. The new version will have some big shoes to fill but we're sure Hoka will knock it out of the park as they always do. Stand by for a written and video review.
The Best Runner of 2024
With the sheer amount of great runners that came out this year, it’s admittedly quite difficult to say which is “the best” of the year. So, I want to remind you that while this shoe is very good, it may not work for everyone. Our pick for the best running shoe of 2024 is the Brooks Ghost Max 2.
The Ghost Max 2 is a stiff, rockered, maximalist shoe—Brooks’ take on the Hoka Bondi—but it’s much sleeker overall. Despite the high stack and sheer amount of foam, they’ve managed to make the design less in-your-face than rival maximalist shoes. This has been much appreciated by those of us who want this level of performance without attracting too much attention.
The main reason we’ve picked the Max 2 as the shoe of the year is because of how much it improved on a shoe that was already very good. Brooks introduced their DNA Loft v3 midsole foam to the Max 2, making it noticeably plusher while still maintaining a firmer overall feel than comparable supercritical foams. This isn’t a shoe for those craving a pillowy ride, but if you like a little bit of firmness and the extra zing and support it provides, the Max 2 is one of the best options right now. It’s also remarkably stable considering its neutral profile. Its torsional rigidity and stable platform mean that it’ll pound through rough ground, although keep in mind that the high stack means you’ll lose a bit of ground feel.
As the Ghost Max 2 is a maximalist shoe, the fit is quite wide. This is necessary to maintain a stable platform relative to the high stack, so it will work great for those of you with a wide foot. Of course, it comes in a number of widths as well.
Brooks really knocked it out of the park this year with some eye-catching releases that veered away from the brand’s usually discreet lineup. Their maximalist designs have really taken off this year, and we can’t wait to see what comes next from them in the future.
Brooks Ghost Max 2 Running
women's
That wraps up our 2024 Running Rundies. Hopefully, you can use it as a guide if you’re shopping around for a new pair of runners, either for yourself or as a gift this holiday period. Happy holidays!