Best running shoes for supination 2026: Find the perfect fit for your feet

Never mind the start of the year — spring is really the perfect time to take up running. The weather is kinder, you'll be improving your cardiovascular health, and you'll also be inspired by great running events like London and Boston marathons.

But to enjoy running in comfort, you really need a good pair of running shoes. And how do you define good? It's a running shoe that is suited to your own unique style of running, also known as your 'gait'. The best running shoe is simply the one that suits your gait best.

Many runners — perhaps as many as half — overpronate. This is when your foot rolls outwards on landing. It can be a mild movement or it can be quite severe, and this would require particular shoes to stop the exagerated movement from causing injury. The best way to work out your gait is to have an expert look at it — a service many running stores offer, often for free.

The 'opposite' of overpronation is — no surprises — underpronation. That's when the foot rolls inwards on landing. Again, that might require a particular type of shoe.

And finally some runners will have a 'neutral' gait and need comfortable cushioning but no particular support or structure. The important thing is to get a pair of shoes that works for you. Once you have a good idea of your gait, you can then shop around online to get the best shoes for you.

It's also important to periodically replace your shoes. There's no definite rule on how long a pair of running shoes can be worn for, as it really depends both on the runner and the shoe, but over time any pair will get worn down. If you look at the soles of your shoes and see that the treads are worn to nothing, it's definitely time for a new pair, but bear in mind that damage to the foam of a shoe can be less obvious to the naked eye.

Alongside sorting out the best footwear for your runs, you can also use one of the best fitness trackers to log your runs or check out the best foam rollers to help ease any post-run aches and pains.

The quick list

See the quick list below for a summary of our favorite running shoes, or scroll further down for more detailed reviews of each product.

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The best running shoes we recommend in 2026: Tried and tested by pro runners

The best running shoes for supination overall

The Saucony Ride 16 is a great neutral running shoe. It will see you through long slow runs, easy jogs and even the odd shorter faster run. In a running shoe market now seemingly dominated by carbon plates and high tech wizardry, this is one of the simplest options available. Saucony have stuck to basics, and executed that superbly — meriting hefty 4.5 stars in our full Saucony Ride 16 review.

The shoe has a wedge of PWRRUN foam stack at the heel and a flared midsole around the forefoot, which can give an element of stability to an otherwise neutral shoe. While it's soft enough to be comfortable over long distances, it does have enough firmness to push the pace a little.

However, runners who want something responsive for intervals and speed work sessions will definitely want a more responsive shoe.

As a relatively older model (Saucony have recently bought out the Ride 18) the Ride 16 is relatively affordable, too. It tends to cost less than $75, and it is often discounted on Amazon and other major retailers. It may not be the newest Ride on the block, but it's still a fantastic staple of the running shoe line up.

• Read our full Saucony Ride 16 review

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Best running shoes for faster training

The original FuelCell Rebel models gained something of a cult following amongst runners looking for a super speedy training shoe. And while version 5 may have tamed the speedy feel a bit, it does so by adding cushioning and comfort. The result is a great every day training shoe that can handle your fast sessions too.

The FuelCell midsole feels supportive but reactive underfoot, while the upper feels extremely light and comfortable. The tongue, updated from previous models, is particularly well-designed.

While New Balance shoes sometimes come up a little small, the Rebel v5 has a roomy toe-box so may fit true to size in most runners.

While the Rebel may not be an obvious race day shoe, as it's not one of the carbon plated 'super shoes' many runners now prefer, it still offers some pace. And perhaps most importantly, it's a lot more versatile than your average cushioned daily trainer. This is a shoe that can do pretty much everything - and it looks great, too.

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Best running shoes for beginners

When a flagship model reaches its 23rd version, you know it truly is a staple in the running community. What the Glycerin 23 offers is a stable, premium ride that feels noticeably more balanced than its predecessors.

Thanks to the updated DNA Tuned nitrogen-infused foam, the ride is plush and protective without feeling you are sinking into a sponge. This is a shoe designed to keep your feet blister-free and in luxurious comfort. It excels at any pace, including walking - indeed, it's notable that the box even describes it now as a shoe for 'run/walk'.

Runners who have used previous version fo the Glycerin will definitely appreciate the improved energy return from the dual-cell midsole.

However some might find that the ultra-plush upper, while beautifully comfortable (and - as noted - wonderful for walking) - does get quite warm, so those in hotter climates might want to consider that.

While the Glycerin 23 is definitely a neutral shoe, the wider platform and refined geometry do offer a solid element of inherent stability. Many runners, not just beginner ones, will find towards the end of a run that their form starts to disintegrate a little, and the Glycerin can really help here.

That new upper also provides a secure, locked-in fit with a bit more forefoot volume than the v21. The RoadTack rubber outsole also provides really good traction on wet pavement, maintaining Brooks' reputation for durability.

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Best running shoes for women

Unlike many running shoes on the market, the adidas Ultraboost 22 has been designed solely for women.

Most running shoes come in male and female versions, but the womens one can often simply be a slightly narrow smaller version of the mens. But using an enormous data set of more than one million feet, the female design team found distinct differences between male and female feet, with women on average displaying a thinner heel and shorter instep.

During our Adidas Ultraboost 22 review, we found this latest iteration of the popular Ultraboost series felt snug and form-fitting, without being too tight.

The Continental rubber outsole offers particularly brilliant grip, as you might expect from a tire rubber, making them a great choice if you run in sometimes slippery conditions. When it comes to cushioning, they are top of the range, with the Adidas Boost foam providing a soft, bouncy ride. You can feel the 22mm of cushioning in the heel, and the 10mm drop helps your foot move through the heel-to-toe transition smoothly.

What the adidas Ultraboost 24 isn’t is a superlight responsive shoe. While we found the cushioning soft and comfortable, we didn’t feel a huge amount of energy return from them. This is a shoe best kept for longer distances and easy runs – something they do brilliantly.

• Read our full adidas Ultraboost 22 review

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Best day-to-day running shoes

The 1080 v15 has officially transitioned from a "slow recovery shoe" to a "do-it-all" daily trainer. The headline change is the brand new Infinion midsole, a supercritical TPEE/EVA blend that is apparently 29% softer than the v14, yet offers much higher energy return.

This means the shoe no longer feels "mushy" at the end of long runs as its predecessor sometimes did, remaining resilient and springy throughout. Combined with a considerable 1.3 oz (37g) weight drop, the v15 now genuinely feels surprisingly nimble for a shoe with a 40mm stack height.

This also means you can now genuinely use the 1080 for marathon-pace efforts or for steady runs, whereas before (v14 and previously) it really was just an easy run shoe. It now feels like a daily trainer that can handle almost any run you care to throw at it.

Despite being lighter, New Balance have actually increased the stack height to a massive 40mm in the heel (40mm being actually the legal limit for professional racing shoes!) which really does provide an enormous amount of vibration dampening.

For everyday runners, this means less muscle fatigue the next day, and fewer "heavy leg" days overall, as the shoe works to absorb a serious chunk of the impact from your runs.

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Best running shoes for long runs

Looking for running shoes that can help you conquer strenuous marathons and gruelling 10k runs in the summer heat? Then the Asics Megablast is a perfect option for you. Thanks to its lightweight, breathable design, it will keep your feet cool and dry, while its bouncy midsole helps propel you forward when the first signs of fatigue start to set in. These running shoes are also very versatile — they can be used for anything from gentle recovery runs to moderate-intensity speedwork, without compromising on comfort and running performance. They grip the surface well, too.

We tested the Asics Megablast across a range of paces and training styles, and at no point have we experienced any blisters, skin irritation, "shoe fatigue" or discomfort. That said, these running shoes may not suit everyone. For example, people with wide feet may not like its relatively narrow toe box, while some users may not be too keen on its relatively rigid upper.

Not to mention, these running shoes are relatively expensive for what they have to offer. A pair of Asics Megablast will set you back a rather steep $224, which is almost twice as much as nearly every other model mentioned in this guide.

Still, we think these running shoes are worth the money. They perform well on long runs, while still delivering great performance in many other circumstances. The cherry on top? The Asics Megablast look great.

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Best running shoes for cushioning

Mizuno’s Neo line has gained quite the reputation for pushing the boundaries of stack height and foam technology. The Neo Zen 2 is the more accessible sibling to the plated Neo Vista, offering a massive 40mm heel stack that provides top-tier impact protection.

While the original version was criticized by some for being unstable and feeling 'wobbly,' the Zen 2 has been reworked with a denser foam and a more structured upper to make it a more reliable daily companion. This reworking has really paid dividends, with the Zen 2 really offering a super bouncy and comfortable ride.

The Neo Zen 2 feels a bit like a domesticated version of the wilder original. By switching from a supercritical TPU to a nitrogen-infused EVA (Enerzy NXT) foam, Mizuno has gone for a trade off. Instead of a trampoline-like bounce, which many users found a little too unstable, you get a bit more of a predictable run, with that crucial amount more of stability. This is particularly useful on uneven pavements, where you feel a lot less likely to roll an ankle.

The geometry of the shoe —it has a pronounced rocker—feels like it does some of the hard work for you, gently rolling the foot forward and making long, steady miles feel effortless.

The only real drawback is the fit, which could still polarize. The upper is really very snug, and while those with narrow feet will find this provides excellent lockdown, runners with wider feet or high arches may find the midfoot and the stiff edges around the eyelets to be restrictive over longer distances.

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Best running shoes for wide feet

Running shoes come in all shapes and sizes, but most models are not particularly well-suited for those with wider feet. Usually, the problem lies with their toe box — it is often too narrow and rigid for a comfortable fit. This can lead to discomfort, skin irritation and even painful blisters on your toes, and nothing ruins a race more than having to limp to the finish line. The good news is that you do not have to suffer discomfort every time you hit the track. Some shoes are indeed designed with wide-footed runners in mind — the Altra FWD VIA 2 is a perfect example here.

These road running shoes not only feature an unusually wide and spacious toe box, but they are also exceptionally well-cushioned, breathable and comfortable to wear. We have done multiple mid- to long-distance runs with the Altra FWD VIA 2, and we have never felt like they squished our toes or overheated our feet. We also liked how durable they were. These running shoes also did a great job of shielding our feet from excessive impact and resisting the wear-and-tear damage caused by gravel and uneven roads. The cherry on top? A wide range of colors to choose from. A perfect all-rounder trainer.

That said, the Altra FWD VIA 2 may not fit everyone. Most notably, they lack the bounce and responsiveness needed for speedwork. If you do not want to feel sluggish trying to hit your PB, you may need to consider a different model.

Price is another downside — a pair of the Altra FWD VIA 2 shoes will send you back around $155. While that is not particularly excessive, it is still more than what you would pay for most other models mentioned in this guide.

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Best all-rounder

The Hoka Mach X3 features some of the most top end technologies currently available in Hoka’s lineup. A responsive dual-foam midsole is paired with a Pebax plate that really helps deliver a smooth, efficient 'toe-off', resulting in a trainer that feels really confident at faster paces while still remaining approachable and comfortable enough for daily runs.

Opting for a Pebax plate rather than a full carbon one help keeps the Mach X3 slightly more affordable, and certainly more stable and easier to manage than Hoka’s top-tier race shoes, which can feel more 'aggressive'. The Mach X3 is definitely positioned as a performance trainer rather than a pure racer, and it ticks that box nicely.

The midsole remains the heart of the shoe. A softer PEBA-based top layer provides bounce and energy return, while the firmer EVA foam beneath adds structure, durability, and stability. Sandwiched between the two, the Pebax plate delivers forward momentum without the harsh rigidity of carbon plates, creating a ride that feels propulsive yet controlled.

Hoka have also refined several key areas compared to previous versions. The outsole grip has been improved, offering better traction on wet roads and mixed surfaces, which is also reassuring when you do want to run faster in the rain. The updated upper also gives a more secure, polished fit with improved lockdown and comfort, while still maintaining good breathability over longer efforts.

The Mach X3 does come in slightly heavier than its predecessor, but in practice this extra weight really isn't noticeable on the run. The ride remains smooth and responsive, and the shoe never feels cumbersome or clunky underfoot.

While some plated trainers (like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 or the Adidas Boston 12) still prioritise outright speed, the Mach X3 has the advantage of comfort and versatility from easy plods to faster efforts. It’s a particularly good choice for runners looking for a first plated shoe, or anyone looking for a single trainer that can handle both workouts and steadier runs.

As with most plated models, it can feel less natural at very slow speeds, but overall the Mach X3 strikes a well-judged balance between performance, comfort, and usability.

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Best for run/walkers

The chunky cushioning of Hoka's shoes is beloved of many runners, particularly those who spend a long time on their feet. That might be ultramarathoners, who those whose jobs involve a lot of time on foot. And the Bondi 8 offers this comfort to the extreme.

During our Hoka Bondi 8 review our reviewer found the shoes to be extremely comfortable straight out of the box, with no rubbing or chafing at all.

Our reviewer also liked the locked-in feel given by the partially gusseted tongue and the excellent lace system. However the weight of the shoe and the wide footbed does lend itself more towards slower runs and walking more than picking up the pace.

• Read our full Hoka Bondi 8 review

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Best racing shoes

Racing shoes should be super-light, highly breathable, well-cushioned and exceptionally springy — and this is exactly how we would describe the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo. Weighing just 5.7 oz (163g), it is one of the lightest carbon-plated running shoes on the market. If our experiences are anything to go by, also one of the most comfortable.

While the thick foam in the midsole makes it feel somewhat wonky and unstable, it does a superb job of shielding your foot from excessive impact. At the same time, the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo boast arguably the best energy return of all the models mentioned in this guide. All in all, we are more than confident that these running shoes can help you smash your PBs and carry you to the finish line.

That said, the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo may not suit everyone. Most notably, they have a relatively narrow toe box, so those with wider feet are bound to find them slightly uncomfortable to wear. Price is another major downside — these running shoes cost a rather steep $270. Lastly, they are only available in three colorways, all of which are relatively bright and intense. If you want a classic black or white racer, the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo may not be the best option for you.

However, these are still relatively minor infractions. These running shoes offer everything a marathon runner may need or want, and we can't think of a better pair to wear during the upcoming summer marathons.

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Running shoes: Comparison

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Our Expert

Frequently asked questions

What is supination?

Supination (or underpronation) of the foot is where the ankle rolls outwards, putting greater stress on the outer edge of the foot with each step. Over-supination can put excessive stress on the ankle, toes and the outer edge of your foot, causing the ankle to roll or strain. The opposite, overpronation when the foot rolls too far inward, can make it hard for the arch to absorb the impact of the stride. If you don’t wear the right type of footwear to support either of these, you can end up in pain or injured.

“Supination of the foot and ankle occurs at the subtalar joint, which controls the movement of supination and pronation. A supinated foot profile is when the subtalar joint has a lack of range in pronation, so the foot is generally high-arched and rigid. The forces on the feet are therefore generally on the outer edges”, a musculoskeletal podiatrist Anne-Marie O’Connor told Live Science. (You can learn more about these terms through our feature on supination vs pronation.)

How common is supination of the ankle?

To find out if you experience supination of the ankle, most running shops will perform a gait analysis in store by having you jog on a treadmill then analyzing your form. However, O’Connor said supinated running mechanics aren’t particularly common.

“A properly defined supinated foot type where the foot has minimal or underpronation, is rare, (affecting) only 10% of the population,” she said. “It is possible to have a very high arched foot that has adequate pronation or overpronation, not all high arched foot types have underpronation or can be described as a 'supinated' foot type.”

What injuries can supination cause?

Running with the feet in a supinated position can lead to an increased chance of injury, O’Connor said.

“If the foot has a tendency to stay in the supinated position, it means the foot will have less propensity to absorb shock,” she said. “This is because the forces when running will be on the outer border of the foot when landing, and they will stay on the outer border through the whole of the loading phase of running. The surface area of loading will be on the heel of the outer border of the foot and the outside of the forefoot. This is where the runner can have injuries; the heel fat pad, planterfasciitus and metatarsal stress fractures of the foot. Common injuries higher up the chain will include lateral knee and ITB friction syndrome."

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How to choose the best running shoes

It's easy to think a running shoe is just a running shoe but there are differences between the styles and brands on the market. Most people have heard of the main brands such as Hoka, Adidas, Nike and New Balance but each of these brings different things to the running shoe market. For example, Saucony caters for performance whereas Adidas offer more versatile options. Brands like Brooks offer a blend of options for amateur runners but are particularly good at comfort and support while Hoka focuses on the latest technology, with them offering a Pebax plate on the Hoka Mach X, for example. It's important to consider this when looking for the right running shoe for you. Consider the types of runs you do and take some time to look at what the brands offer and if it'll suit your needs.

Another thing to consider is the technology used in the soles. For example, many running shoes now have carbon plates in the outsole which increase running efficiency and can see you get better times. Others, like our best overall, Saucony Ride 16, keep things simple using PWRRUN foam at the heel and a flared midsole. This gives stability to those who are prone to supination. You want to look for good comfort and support from the sole of the shoe and focus on maximalist trainers. Maximalist trainers will offer you a thicker midsole that can help to reduce impact while also offering a lower offset to ensure fuller foot contact. However, many shoes that are labelled as "neutral" can also be suitable for those with mild pronation issues, due to the support they offer and the maximal cushioning that is now very popular. This is something to bear in mind when looking for a running shoe to adequately support your foot.

How we test

All models in this guide were thoroughly tested by our in-house fitness experts: experienced runners, exercise professionals and health coaches who love sharing their passion for top-class activewear. We can say with confidence which running shoes are the best in their respective classes.

We got our feet into each pair listed and put them through their paces, following the same testing protocol to ensure a thorough and objective assessment. After wearing the running shoes over the course of a few weeks, we score them across the following criteria:

1) Design and features. We assess the build, cushioning, design, upper and outsole of the running shoe in question, and we put on trial any innovations and key features boasted by the brand. We want to know if it is made of durable materials, how many sizes and colorways it comes in, and which runners it would suit the most (supinated? with narrow or wide feet? beginner or advanced?) and who may need to avoid it.

2) Comfort. We assess if it is comfortable to wear (on and off the running trail), how easy it is to put on and whether it pulls through intense workout sessions without causing discomfort. How cushioned are they?

3) Performance. The shoes were tasked with keeping our testing team comfortable and supported through easy kilometers, distance runs, speedwork, sprint intervals, fast-paced 5Ks and more. The Brooks Glycerin 19 even saw one of our testers through a marathon.

Verdict. Should you buy or is it better to give it a miss? After testing, we give the running shoes an overall rating out of five and we summarize each model's strengths and weaknesses.

Latest updates

March 29. 2026: We added the New Balance 1080 v15, and the Brooks Glycerin 23 (replacing reviews of earlier models) and added the the Mizuno New Zen 2

March 4, 2026: We added the Altra FWD VIA 2 as the best running shoe for wide feet.

February 10, 2026: We added the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo as the best racing shoe.

February 6, 2026: We added the Hoka Mach X3 as the best all-rounder running shoe.

December 18, 2025: We added the Asics Megablast as the best option for long runs.

November 17, 2025: We added the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 as the best option for speedwork.