Best Running Shoes

Stability shoes are best for those with normal arches

Stability shoes are designed to discourage overpronation (too much inward roll of the foot) through the use of a firm dual-density midsole or a medial post that prevents the foot from rolling inward excessively. These shoes are recommended for runners with normal arches or mild to moderate overpronators. (Severe overpronators will need more support than stability shoes provide, and should look in the motion-control category.)

The Asics Gel-Kayano 15 (*Est. $145) is the clear favorite in the stability category, praised by experts and consumers alike. It wins the Runner's World Editor's Choice award for 2009 and receives the same distinction from Women's Adventure magazine. The Asics Gel-Kayano 15 running shoe has been updated with a new midsole platform and more cushioning in the gel inserts, which increases the weight of the shoe to 13 ounces for men and 10.6 ounces for women. The addition of memory foam into the heel collar provides a snugger fit than previous versions, so if you have work earlier versions of this shoe, it's a good idea to try on the most recent version before you buy.

Consumers praise the Gel-Kayano 15 running shoes on sites like Buzzillions.com and RoadRunnerSports.com. The smooth ride impresses the majority of owners, especially heavier runners who value the cushioning and stability. Critics find the update stiffer than previous models, and several runners complain of toe numbness after a long run. Those who like the shoe acknowledge that it needs a breaking-in period to reduce this initial stiffness.

The Gel-Kayano 15 is the first in the Kayano series of running shoes to feature asymmetrical lacing, which receives mixed reactions. Testers from Runner's World and Women's Adventure magazine like the off-center laces, but testers for Running Times found them difficult to tighten.

Asics offers another well-reviewed stability running shoe in the Asics GT-2140 (*Est. $100). Like the Gel-Kayano 15, the GT-2140 received an Editor's Choice rating from Runner's World magazine in December 2008 and RunTex.com singles it out as one of the best updates of the year. The upper on the Asics GT-2140 running shoe has received a complete makeover, but the interior components have not changed much except for the addition of a memory foam sock liner. Still, testing by RunTex.com shows improved stability compared to previous models in the series.

Consumers are also fans of the Asics GT-2140, with nearly 60 reviewers giving the running shoe an average of 4.8 stars in reviews on Buzzillions.com. Reviewers are generally happy with the latest update to the GT series and praise the plush cushioning. Several runners also mention that the shoe fits well for narrow feet.

Another good choice in the stability category is the Brooks Infiniti 2 (*Est. $125). Shape magazine editors pick this shoe as the best option for distance running, and the magazine's testers praise the shock absorption and smooth transition. The Brooks Infiniti 2 is also an Editor's Choice winner from Women's Adventure magazine, who find it a good choice for slight overpronators and distance runners. They praise the Hydroflow fluid cushioning in the heel and forefoot, which provides ample support for heavy mileage. The new Infiniti running shoe is lighter than several other picks in the stability category, coming in at 12 ounces for men and 10 ounces for women.

The Karhu Strong Fulcrum Ride (*Est. $140) is another option in a stability running shoe. It tops the Runner's World list as the Best Debut for 2009, and testers for the magazine find it exceedingly comfortable. However, testers at Running Times magazine think the Strong Fulcrum Ride is seriously overpriced with insufficient cushioning.

Other good choices in this category include the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 9 (*Est. $105), the New Balance 769 ST (*Est. $100) and the Nike Zoom Equalon +3 (*Est. $135).

Motion-control shoes for overpronators

Motion-control shoes are designed for severe overpronators or large runners with heavy builds. Shoes in this category are typically heavier and more rigid than other shoes, due to the extra materials required to correct overpronation (too much inward roll of the foot). These shoes are not recommended for neutral runners or underpronators (those with high arches whose feet don't roll inward at all).

The Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS (*Est. $115) receives Runner's World magazine's Best Update award for 2009 in the motion-control category of running shoes. Lab testing and user feedback shows that Saucony has made the latest version less stiff and more responsive. ProGrid cushioning in the heel absorbs impact with a smooth transition. Testers find that the shoe provides adequate flexibility while still offering serious pronation control.

Motion-control shoes are anything but lightweight, and the ProGrid Stabil CS is no exception. The women's version weighs in at 11.7 ounces, while the men's version rings up at 13.8 ounces.

New Balance offers a popular motion-control shoe in the New Balance 1123 (*Est. $150). Designed for high-mileage runners, the men's version of the New Balance 1123 gets nearly perfect five-star reviews from 30 reviewers on Buzzillions.com. Several runners praise the generous sizing, which accommodates wide feet and leaves plenty of room for orthotics. A majority find that the cushioning and support hold up well during their long runs. The women's version of the New Balance 1123 also receives positive reviews on Buzzillions.com, although most reviewers use the shoe for walking instead of running.

New Balance also scores in reviews with the New Balance 1011 (*Est. $120), which is rated the best shoe for overpronators by National Geographic Adventure magazine. The magazine finds that the New Balance 1011 is relatively light for a motion-control running shoe, even though the men's version weighs in at 14.2 ounces and is heavier than the other models mentioned here. National Geographic gives the New Balance running shoe five stars for both cushioning and stability. It's not hard to see why this shoe is designed for severe overpronators -- an interior rollbar and full-length strobel board help keep feet from rolling inward excessively.

The Newton All Weather Trainer (*est. $175) is another interesting choice in this category. Rated as "excellent" by triathlete Mathew Honan in his review for Wired.com, this running shoe claims to fit every type of gait -- from neutral runners to overpronators -- by mimicking barefoot running. Without the support and cushioning of a running shoe, Newton believes most runners naturally strike the ground with their mid- or forefoot, rather than their heel. Actuator lugs on the bottom of the All Weather Trainer guide the foot to strike first with the midfoot, which decreases pronation compared to a heel strike.

Honan tested the All Weather Trainer over two months and 200 miles. He notes that while the All Weather Trainer is comfortable, it does take a few runs to get used to landing on your midfoot. Overall, he thinks the shoe is "exceptional" and he gives it an excellent rating, but the high cost is a serious drawback.

Neutral-cushioning running shoes for high-arched runners

Neutral running shoes are designed for runners with high arches and underpronators. They are typically lighter and less rigid than motion control or stability shoes, and will encourage the foot to pronate naturally.

The New Balance 1063 (*Est. $125) is the top pick in the neutral category for 2009. It receives the Best Update award from Runner's World, and it also impresses reviewers at Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, Maine Running Today and Running Times magazine. Runner's World finds that a redesigned last improves fit and cushioning, but the New Balance 1063 is still one of the firmest options in the neutral category. Testers at Running Times find it snug, but it is recommended for both speed workouts and long runs.

The editors at Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine are impressed with the heel cushioning and midsole foam on the 1063 running shoe. The shoe feels lightweight, according to the magazine, even though the cushioning is appropriate for high mileage. Jim Rogers, running coach and owner of Maine Running Company, labels it one of the best updates of 2009, and Joe Nuss, the managing editor of Endurance Magazine, thinks New Balance has a winner with the 1063. Nuss praises the spacious toebox, snug fit and fluid heel-to-toe transition of this running shoe.

The Mizuno Wave Rider 12 (*Est. $100) is a runner-up in the neutral category. It was a Runner's World Editor's Choice in December 2008, and it also receives positive feedback on Buzzillions.com. Mizuno did not make many major changes from the Wave Rider 11, but the addition of an Ortholite sockliner is intended to improve responsiveness. Over a dozen consumers give the 2009 Wave Rider 12 positive reviews so far, with most agreeing that the shoe is lightweight and good for speed work. One runner notes that the cushioning did not hold up for a long run.

Another Runner's World award winner, the Karhu Fluid Fulcrum Ride (*Est. $105), is deemed "excellent" by the magazine's panel of testers. The interior fulcrum is designed to increase running efficiency by transferring energy from the heel to the midfoot for a more powerful toe-off. This neutral running shoe is softer than other Karhu models, and Runner's World cautions that this is a no-frills shoe. One tester found that the traction was insubstantial.

The Saucony ProGrid Echelon (*Est. $110) also ranks as a Best Debut from Runner's World in the neutral category. This new running shoe is best for larger runners and the redesigned last helps accommodate orthotics. One of the Runner's World testers likes having extra room for orthotics, but another finds the shoe too bulky. The editors at Running Times also note that the cushioning is substantial for a neutral shoe.

Shape magazine picks the Under Armour Apparition (*Est. $110) as the best neutral shoe for speed work. It rates well on style, comfort and stability among the magazine's testers. Runner's World names it a good choice for runners with high arches, but some runners might find it too bouncy. A reviewer at RoadRunnerSports.com finds the heel-to-transition slightly awkward, which stresses the lower legs.

The Saucony ProGrid Triumph 6 (*Est. $125), picked by Women's Adventure magazine as best in the neutral category, is another good choice. The magazine likes the midfoot fit and finds that the lightweight ride is best for speed workouts.