18 pairs of kicks to amp up your workout whether you’re hitting the treadmill or the trail
By: Jen Ator
We've spared you the endless hours of try-ons by bringing you the best kicks for every fitness routine and foot factor. Behold the latest and greatest in athletic shoes.
But wait! Before you begin your search for the perfect pair of sneakers, it’s helpful to know your foot type. Take this 30-second foot test to determine what kind of shoes are best for you.
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File Under: Best Debuts
$100, newbalance.com
Thanks to a brand-new foam compound called RevLite, these stylish sneakers are cushiony and super-lightweight. Built for runners who underpronate (their feet roll outward), the soft midsoles prompt pronation instead of limiting it like stability shoes would.
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File Under: Best Debuts
$130, nike.com
These universally appealing kicks complement all foot types and are suitable for everyone, from underpronators to severe overpronators (those whose feet roll inward).
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File Under: Best Debuts
$130, salomon.com for stores
Hitting the pavement in most trail runners can feel like jogging with bricks duct-taped to your feet. This featherweight pair works equally well on the trail or the street.
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File Under: Best Updates
$100, asics.com for stores
These best sellers have been reinvented once again. Now in their 16th incarnation, the latest Asics GTs feature a Guidance Line system that reduces fatigue by streamlining your footfalls. They're best for runners with mild to moderate overpronation.
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File Under: Best Updates
$130, saucony.com
An ounce lighter than their predecessor, these "neutral" shoes (i.e., the arch support is ideal for normal pronators) have more forefoot flexibility and additional cushioning around the toes.
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File Under: Best Updates
$100, brooksrunning.com
These are as kind to the earth as they are to your feet: A new type of cushioning not only disperses impact to minimize foot pain but also breaks down faster in landfills.
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File Under: Best Running Shoes
$100, mizunousa.com for stores
The outsole technology in these moderate-support shoes helps prevent foot fatigue, and enhanced midsole cushioning offers a bouncier ride while keeping you light on your feet. They're perfect for mild overpronators who need some support.
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File Under: Best Running Shoes
$130, karhu.com
If you want to increase your speed, tie these on. "Fulcrum points" are strategically positioned in the midfoot for faster toe-off and better forward efficiency.
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File Under: Best Running Shoes
$125, reebok.com
A new foam-based compound in the heel makes these cushioning shoes lighter without compromising their support, which keeps overpronators in line.
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File Under: Best Price
$65, shopadidas.com
Because they can be slipped on and off quickly, these cross trainers are ideal for time-crunched types who zip in and out of the gym. Plus, enhanced ventilation technology in the upper and sock liner helps keep feet dry—no matter how much you sweat.
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File Under: Best Price
$70, saucony.com
Super durable and light, these running shoes are geared toward women with normal, low-maintenance feet who'd rather spend their extra cash on stilettos.
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File Under: Best Price
$80, ryka.com
The uppers of these low-profile stability shoes have straps that lock your feet in place for a secure ride. Your feet land properly (no sliding around!) with each step you take.
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File Under: Best Cross Trainers
$145, eccousa.com
These offer the biomechanical benefits of barefoot running shoes—they strengthen smaller muscles and ligaments while encouraging a more natural gait—without the safety concerns (some experts say runners need more support).
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File Under: Best Cross Trainers
$85, nike.com
Amped-up midfoot flexibility allows for smooth transitions between moves during a cardio class. And extra traction ensures you won't slip and fall flat on your face.
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File Under: Best Cross Trainers
$85, newbalance.com
Responsive cushioning absorbs shock on any surface, making these supportive boot-camp trainers a great option for high-intensity workouts in and out of the gym.
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File Under: Best Trail Shoes
$100, vasque.com for stores
These woman-specific trail shoes are built for flat feet, which tend to overpronate. The shoes feature a wide toe box (no hammertoes or bunions!), plus a narrower heel pocket and adjusted heel-to-ball ratio for a snug fit (zero blisters!).
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File Under: Best Trail Shoes
$90, keenfootwear.com
Keen's eye-catching, lightweight trail runners are tough enough to tackle the roughest terrain but sleek enough to wear around town. What more can you ask for?
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File Under: Best Trail Shoes
$110, thenorthface.com
The X Dome cradle technology corrects overpronation, while the revolutionary shoe platform provides the stability you need to navigate rocky or root-covered trails.
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