Running Shoes: Reviews

Updated July 2011

FONT
PRINT

Compare All

Stability running shoe; best for most feet

*Est. $100 Learn More

Stability running shoes are best for those with normal arches and neutral to mildly overpronating feet (your feet tend to roll inward when you run). The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11 offers more stability than most, making it… expandan ideal choice for moderate overpronators, according to reviews. The editors at Runner's World, Shape, Self and Women's Health magazines pick the Adrenaline as one of the best bets in the stability category, thanks to a high-density post along the arch that prevents overpronation. The shoe is breathable and has a plush feel. The cushioning is responsive and these shoes feature Brooks' BioMoGo midsole, which biodegrades faster than a traditional midsole so it's a bit more eco-friendly. collapse

See Our Full Review

Expert & User Review Sources:

RunnersWorld.com: The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11 earns the distinction of Best Update in the Winter 2010 Running Shoe Guide from Runner's World.

Shape: Thirteen shoes are selected in Shape magazine's recent annual guide to women's athletic shoes.

Ransacker.co.uk: The U.K.-based site Ransacker provides a superb database of running-shoe reviews.

RunTheLine.com: This blog provides a very detailed, balanced, wear-tested review of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11.

Runner's World U.K.: Like its stateside sister, the U.K.-edition of Runner's World magazine provides detailed, balanced reviews of many top-selling running-shoe models.

Self Magazine: Self magazine editors select eight new models for their February roundup of the best new running sneakers.

Women's Health magazine: A dozen different running shoes are selected by the editors of Women's Health for their Shoe Finder Shopping Guide.

Amazon.com: Amazon.com users provide more than 30 user reviews of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11, fairly evenly divided between the men's and women's models.

$100.00 at Zappos.com

Best lightweight stability running shoe

Saucony ProGrid Mirage

*Est. $100 Learn More

Recently, the running-shoe market has become fond of minimal and zero-drop running shoes (discussed in a separate ConsumerSearch.com report). For those who aren't ready to transition fully to a minimalist shoe, experts… expandand users recommend the Saucony ProGrid Mirage. At just 9.3 ounces and with a low 4mm drop, this shoe provides the responsiveness of a minimalist shoe but still features stellar support for mild overpronators. collapse

See Our Full Review

Expert & User Review Sources:

Runner's World U.K.: The U.K. edition of Runner's World features an online guide to the newest running shoes.

Runner's World: Runner's World consistently provides the most complete and credible reviews of running shoes.

Women's Running Magazine: Sixteen wear-tested winners are picked in this Spring 2011 shoe review from Women's Running Magazine.

RunningTimes.com: Running Times magazine features wear-tested reviews of many new and popular running shoes.

RunningShoesGuru.com: RunningShoesGuru.com offers more than 60 reviews of running shoes.

Men's Fitness: Editors of Men's Fitness select nine running shoes for their 2011 shoe guide but provide little information about each.

Outside: In Outside magazine's 2011 Summer Buyer's Guide, editors select eight models as top picks for road-running shoes.

$100.00 at Zappos.com

Best motion-control running shoe

Brooks Beast 11

*Est. $130 Learn More

Motion-control shoes are designed for severe overpronators who need rigid support. The Brooks Beast 11 (and Ariel 11 for women) is a favorite among users. While admittedly bulky -- each shoe weighs 14.4 ounces -- and… expandaesthetically lacking, users say that few shoes rival the support and comfort provided by the Brooks Beast. Reviewers say the shoe is particularly well-suited for heavier runners or overpronators who have suffered an injury. The wide base and maximum medial supports make this a good pick for those in need of a seriously stable running shoe. Those looking for a lighter shoe with exceptional motion control should consider the Saucony ProGrid Stabil 2 (*Est. $110). collapse

See Our Full Review

Expert & User Review Sources:

RoadRunnerSports.com: Nearly 50 users provide feedback for the Brooks Beast 11 at this popular online retail store.

Amazon.com: More than 40 customers weigh in on the merits of the Brooks Beast 11 at Amazon.com.

Zappos.com: More than 100 Zappos.com users provide short but insightful reviews of the Brooks Beast.

DailyMile.com: DailyMile.com features several reviews of popular running shoes, written and tested by real-life runners.

$130.00 at Zappos.com

Best running shoe for high arches

New Balance 890

*Est. $100 Learn More

Neutral-cushioning shoes are a good choice for underpronators -- those with high arches whose feet don't absorb enough of the impact during running, which can lead to injury. Experts and users say the New Balance 890 is a… expandgreat choice for high-arched runners looking for a well-cushioned shoe that promotes pronation but is still responsive. The newly released shoe also incorporates a more minimalist design than traditional neutral shoes. Reviewers adore the lightweight yet still-comfortable feel of the 890, which is firmer than other neutral running shoes. Those looking for a softer shoe with more protection should consider the Saucony ProGrid Triumph 8 (*Est. $130). collapse

See Our Full Review

Expert & User Review Sources:

Self Magazine: Self magazine editors select eight new models for their February roundup of the best new running sneakers.

Men's Fitness: For their 2011 shoe guide, editors of Men's Fitness review nine running shoes selected to address a variety of needs ranging from speed to cushioning to agility.

Women's Health magazine: A dozen different running shoes are selected by the editors of Women's Health for their Shoe Finder Shopping Guide.

Outside: In Outside magazine's 2011 Summer Buyer's Guide, editors select eight models as top picks for road-running shoes.

ActiveGearReview.com: ActiveGearReview.com provides more than 100 reviews of popular road-running shoes.

Amazon.com: Ten users provide feedback on the New Balance 890 at this top online retailer, giving the shoe an average 4.5 out of 5 stars and posting generally positive remarks.

$100.00 at Zappos.com