Best Road-Running Shoes 2023: Tested

Pound the pavement with our field-tester favorites.

Heather Balogh Rochfort|Updated October 27, 2022

12 reviews with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars
A runner in full flight across a bridge in the black Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 road-running shoe

Overview

Let’s talk logistics: At its core, road running doesn’t require much. Sure, you can add in fancy watches and high-tech apparel, but really it’s you, the road and a pair of shoes. So, which kicks should you choose? That really depends on what type of runner you are and what design features you prefer. Between cushion, support, drop and traction, there are lots of choices to make.

Enter our favorite road-running shoes of 2023. We teamed up with 32 testers from a variety of running backgrounds to simplify your selection process without sacrificing rigor. These testers endured more than a couple blisters to bring you the best of the best available at REI this season. Whether you like to run fast, plod daily, or go long, we have options for you below.

Note: New models of running shoes come out very often, yet there’s no industry-wide cadence for releases. If a new version of a shoe on this list launches before the field testing for the next update to this article begins, we’ll aim to publish a first-person single-shoe review and link to it under the previous model here. Our standards remain high with these single-shoe reviews: Reviewers spend several weeks testing the shoe before they write about it, and incorporate notes from other testers, too. More on gear guide methodology.

Our Top Picks
Check out the results of our field test here or scroll down for in-depth reviews.
Best All-Around Shoe & REI Co-op Editors' Choice Award Winner
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Road-Running Shoes
Best Long Distance Shoe
On Cloudflyer Road-Running Shoes

Test Results

Best All-Around Shoe & REI Co-op Editors' Choice Award Winner

Saucony managed to make a great shoe even better. The Endorphin Speed 3 fit our mojo whether we were racing on Saturday, enduring tempo runs on Tuesday, or going long on Friday. And so much, that we crowned it an Editors' Choice Award Winner in 2023. The brand widened the base in both the heel and the forefoot, increasing stability for daily runs but leaving the weight the same as the previous iteration, keeping the featherweight svelte enough for speed days. The Endorphin Speed 3 still has a flexible nylon plate, but Saucony also added lateral wings to uptick the stability to work alongside the soft foam midsole. 

Speaking of which: Our testers loved the forgiving PWRRUN PB, Saucony’s foam midsole that’s mixed with a rubbery elastomer for added pep and durability. One self-described “plodder” proclaimed his kicks “bouncy” after a track workout in Arkansas. Another Colorado-based, 8-minute miler agreed: “They’ve got some propulsion.” 

The breathable mesh upper performs exactly as hoped, and our wide-footed brethren reported “total comfort” with the slightly expanded forefoot width. These don’t have Altra-style spacious toe boxes, but they’ll make most feet happy. Turns out, we don’t need to always fear change!

Watch: REI senior store manager Alan Ortega reviews the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 on the Run with REI Co-op YouTube Channel. 

Bottom Line: A responsive midsole, smooth ride and lightweight stability makes the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 our top choice for almost any runner out there.

Testing stats:

  • Total distance run: 140 miles
  • Testing states: Arkansas and Colorado
  • Best testing story: Our Arkansas tester went big with a day at the track, but didn’t see a slick spot after a previous day's rainfall. “I pushed off and I went down,” he laughs. “Next thing you know, I’m on my belly. But there were a few other folks there doing some burpees, so I threw out a dozen in the hopes of blending in.”

Best Daily Trainer

Everybody loves a good underdog story, and the Mach 5 has one of the best. Prior to last year, practically no one knew about this shoe and now it’s one of our favorite picks as a daily trainer thanks to this trifecta of perfection: it’s comfortable, it’s lightweight, and it’s cushioned. HOKA managed to slash weight by forgoing a standard rubber outsole in favor of a layer of rubberized EVA foam. This sits beneath a stacked layer of Profly+ foam that one of our Colorado testers called “quite lively” after her first 20 miles in the shoes. These aren’t as soft as other HOKA shoes (like the Cliftons below) so they’re snappy enough for daily jaunts and speedy tempo upticks.

The Mach 5 also fits like a dream. The new mesh upper is lighter and more breathable than before, and the gusseted tongue is thinner so it doesn’t feel bulky against your ankle. One of our bunion-laden testers is convinced the toe box is a bit roomier too: “Just enough room to spread my toes but still a secure fit through the midfoot,” she reports.

Unlike the Endorphin Speed 3 shoes (above), there isn’t any plate so we noticed that the pickup is a bit sluggish (but they also feel a touch softer). We also have durability concerns thanks to the lack of rubber outsole, especially for those who occasionally venture onto gritty terrain.

Read more: Still mulling over the HOKA Mach 5? For more perspective, check out runner Kamilah Journét's in-depth review here.

Bottom Line: Minimal weight, decent cushioning and maximum comfort solidify the HOKA Mach 5 as our top choice for a daily trainer.

Testing stats:

  • Total distance run: 192 miles
  • Testing states: Colorado, Oregon, Washington, California
  • Best testing story: Our Rocky Mountain tester was out for morning miles before the sun when she heard a rustling in the bushes. “Tons of bears are out for hyperphagia now so I immediately freaked out,” she laughs. But her concern was for nought: It was the neighbor’s dog, but the subsequent adrenaline gave her added incentive. “I hit a 7:00 pace on the way back—that’s way faster than I usually run!”

Best Speed Training Shoe

If you’re ready to cruise with the elements on your side, reach for the Hyperion Tempos and their nitrogen-infused midsole. Like every other shoe brand out there, Brooks took the basic EVA-foam midsole and added their own twist: small injected nitrogen cells to slash weight and increase energy return, especially during speed workouts like tempo runs. But, don’t expect plushness. Our Montana tester loved the firm toe-off: “They feel a bit stiff but I snagged a 7-second PR at my local 5K!”

Brooks keeps the weight low by ditching added support and overlays on the upper, creating a streamlined and breathable mesh that hugs your foot. The secure lockdown helps with propulsion—“I couldn’t run away from these shoes if I tried!”—but also creates a snugger toe box than some testers preferred. “Once I hit double digit mileage, I worried my pinky toe would pop through the side,” explains our Washington runner who averages 50-mile weeks. Bummer: The thin, stretchy laces slide around more than we’d prefer.

Although highly competitive runners may still wish for a carbon-plated shoe to reach that upper echelon of ultralight speediness on race day, we’ll still put our money on the Hyperion Tempo as a fast workhorse. Bonus: It’ll save a few pennies in your wallet, too.

Bottom Line: The Brooks Hyperion Tempo slashes weight and increases bounciness for a snappy turnover during tempo, interval and race-day endeavors.

Testing stats:

  • Total distance run: 175 miles
  • Testing states: Montana and Washington
  • Best testing story: Thanks to a staff shortage, our Montana tester got called into work last-minute at Glacier National Park with only her Hyperion Tempos on her feet. She covered 75 miles on busted asphalt and gravel roads, but was pleasantly surprised at the outsole durability: “They look great, and I never once stopped for gathered pebbles in the cracks.”

Best Recovery Shoe

For the heroes among us whose recovery days include a couple miles at an easy pace, the Ultraboost 22 is for you. Foam upon foam creates a thick midsole built with adidas’s special Boost technology: thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) particles formed into cells around tiny air pockets. These pellets work with the plastic midsole shank to create noticeable rebound with every step rather than marshmallowy-soft cushioning. The slight rocker gently guides even the worst of heel strikers toward the forefoot, creating a perfect blend of easy, forward motion that feels great on tired legs. 

Thanks to the brand’s Parley Ocean Plastic program, the seamless knit upper is made from recycled plastic and polyester. While many shoes proclaim a “sock-like fit,” we’re here to say that the Ultraboost does hug your feet like a favorite pair of cozy stockings. Of course, that comes with a tradeoff: “They are almost too much like a sock,” reports our Maryland tester who is training for the Honolulu Marathon. “I could barely wiggle my toes with such a low-volume toe box.”

The dense midsole and luxe upper materials add to the weight of the Ultraboost; these kicks aren’t meant for speed work. But, if you’re out to physically (and mentally) recover from yesterday’s long run, we think the easy gait more than makes up for a few extra ounces.

Read more: Want to learn more about the Ultraboost 22? I dig more into my own experience with the shoe in this review.

Bottom Line: Thanks to a maximum-cushioned midsole and a cozy-close upper, the adidas Ultraboost 22 is built to help your legs recover from long days on the road.

Testing stats:

  • Total distance run: 129 miles
  • Testing states: Colorado and Maryland
  • Best testing story: After nearly a year of physical therapy to solve some kinetic chain issues with her hips, our Colorado tester got the green light to return to running. “The Ultraboost just arrived, so they’ve been with me for my entire return-to-running progression,” she says. “The Ultraboost are giving me the boost I needed to get back out there.”

Best Long Distance Shoe

On Cloudflyer Road-Running Shoes

Score: 91 of 100

Weight 1 lb. 4 oz. (men’s 9); 14.8 oz. (women’s 7)

Heel-to-toe drop 7 mm

Stack height 27 mm

More options: Got some speedy long runs in that marathon training plan? Try our Best All-Around Shoe pick, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3. And if you're an On loyalist looking for a max-cushion option, REI senior store manager and experienced runner Alan Ortega reviews the Cloudmonsterhere.

On Cloudflyer Road-Running Shoes

Score: 91 of 100

Weight 1 lb. 4 oz. (men’s 9); 14.8 oz. (women’s 7)

Heel-to-toe drop 7 mm

Stack height 27 mm

More options: Got some speedy long runs in that marathon training plan? Try our Best All-Around Shoe pick, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3. And if you're an On loyalist looking for a max-cushion option, REI senior store manager and experienced runner Alan Ortega reviews the Cloudmonsterhere.

Color us surprised. Though its funky tubular sole and the word “cloud” in its name scream “plush and lush,” we discovered a firm-yet-snappy ride with just a hint of cushioning that proved to be perfection for testers running over 10 miles. Unlike all the other shoes in this guide, the On Cloudflyer uses 12 total rubber pods underneath the foam midsole on each shoe, with two especially large pods beneath the heel. These compress upon impact to absorb external force before locking into place and creating a firm-yet-smooth surface from which to rebound. End result: energy efficiency. “I alternated between my natural heel strike and midfoot strike, and the difference is noticeable,” reports one Colorado tester training for a half marathon. “It’s tough to get up on your toes.” Speed won’t be your friend, but staying back and easy will be.

Like a sandwich, there are layers to the Cloudflyer. Just above the EVA foam midsole sits the brand’s trademark polypropylene board that adds stiffness and springiness. This makes the heel transition a bit rough during faster runs, but if you’re settling into a longer ride, you’ll barely notice.  

On keeps the Cloudflyers at a manageable weight with strategically placed rubber, but the exposed hollow channels gobble up more rocks than we could count. Fit note: On shoes run tight in the toe so consider sizing up a half size.

Bottom Line: The On Cloudflyer has a smooth rocker and unique, pod-based cushioning that allows for an easy gait to make long distances fly by.

Testing stats:

  • Total distance run: 154 miles
  • Testing states: Colorado
  •  Best testing story: We know shoes aren’t about aesthetics, but the On Cloudflyers are tough to beat anyway. “A teenage girl actually stopped me while I was running so she could snap a photo of my shoes,” a Colorado tester reports. “She said she wanted to send it to her mom so she’d buy them for her.”

Other Top Performers

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Road-Running Shoes

Score: 87 of 100

Weight 1 lb. 1 oz. (women’s 7); 1 lb. 3 oz. (men’s 9)

Heel-to-toe drop 12 mm

Stack height 36 mm

More options: The HOKA Clifton 8 was a previous top performer for long runs with a score of 89, but is no longer in stock. HOKA's new version of the shoe, the Clifton 9 (featuring reduced weight and an additional 3mm in stack height) is available now in men's and women's sizes for $145.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Road-Running Shoes

Score: 87 of 100

Weight 1 lb. 1 oz. (women’s 7); 1 lb. 3 oz. (men’s 9)

Heel-to-toe drop 12 mm

Stack height 36 mm

More options: The HOKA Clifton 8 was a previous top performer for long runs with a score of 89, but is no longer in stock. HOKA's new version of the shoe, the Clifton 9 (featuring reduced weight and an additional 3mm in stack height) is available now in men's and women's sizes for $145.

When a shoe is on its twenty-second version, you know it's a fan-favorite. “I was running in these shoes in college!” raves one tester. The Adrenaline GTS 22 (GTS stands for go-to support) is still a crowd favorite among runners seeking stability and a workhorse of a shoe for long and easy runs. With the 22, Brooks swapped in a 100% DNA Loft midsole, a plush mixture of EVA foam, rubber and air. The shoe still has guide rails on either side to prevent overpronating or supinating, but the lack of a real medial post keeps them soft underfoot. The engineered mesh upper is also breathable and adds additional structure to the forefoot than previous iterations.

Buying Advice

A location image of runners jogging along a paved road with a pride motif painted on it in the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22s.

Ultimately, the best shoes for you are the ones that fit your feet best. Beyond fit, consider these three factors when choosing the best road runners for you.

Profile

When you run, how do you land? Unless you’ve trained yourself, you likely hit the ground heel first, then roll forward to the ball of your foot. This is called heel striking. (Not sure where you foot strike? Ask a friend or family member to film your stride so you can see whether your heel or toe hits the ground first.) Heel strikers will want a running shoe with a traditional profile, meaning a taller heel and a forefoot closer to the ground. The term for the difference in height between the heel and forefooot is “drop.” Heel strikers should look for shoes with a drop between 10 mm and 12 mm, like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 or adidas Ultraboost 22. Due to its unique pod design, the On Cloudflyer is also a good choice for heel strikers.

If, however, you’re a midfoot striker, look for a shoe with a more minimalist profile, indicated by a heel drop in the ballpark of 4 mm to 8 mm, like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3HOKA Mach 5Brooks Hyperion Tempo or HOKA Clifton 8.

Cushion

All of the shoes in this roundup are cushioned (meaning there are no barefoot-style shoes). They all have midsoles or layers of some sort of foam material between the insole and outsole that absorb shock. Some shoes here are considered maximalist (like the adidas Ultraboost 22) because they have maximum cushion and protection, which often comes at the expense of weight and nimbleness.

Support

Runners fall into one of three support categories: supinators (your feet roll outward), overpronators (your feet roll inward) or neutral runners (your feet stay roughly in the middle).

If you're unsure which category of shoes you fit into, flip your shoes over and analyze the wear pattern on your outsoles. Most runners’ shoes will show the most wear in one of three places: medial wear, neutral wear or lateral wear. If the most wear occurs on the inside (medial) of your outsoles, you may be overpronating and benefit from a support shoe. If the wear is most visible in the center, this likely means you’re a neutral runner. Finally, worn patches on the outside of the outsoles (lateral) mean you may be underpronating, or supinating. This is less common. 

If you supinate, look for a more neutral running shoe that lacks structure like posts and arch devices like the On Cloudflyer, or a more cushioned shoe that will help prevent you from feeling the road more than you want like the HOKA Clifton 8. Overpronators should look for shoes with added structure to prevent your feet from rolling too far inward and creating stress on the ankle or knee joints, like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22. Not surprisingly, neutral runners can comfort in neutral shoes like the Brooks Hyperion TempoSaucony Endorphin Speed 3HOKA Mach 5 or adidas Ultraboost 22.

Methodology

In the summer of 2022, we asked 32 co-op members from around the country to pound the pavement for some good ol’ fashioned testing. They tried out the best road-running shoes available at REI, suffered through some blisters, and then ran some more. The seven shoes listed here are the kicks that rated the highest in our field test; the scores are the averages as provided by our testing crew.

After we busted out our calculators and did the math, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 received nearly perfect scores in every category, earning our REI Co-op Editors’ Choice Award. The HOKA Mach 5, Brooks Hyperion Tempo, adidas Ultraboost 22 and On Cloudflyer also took top spots with high scores in all categories. The HOKA Clifton 8 and Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 scored high in most of the categories, still hitting solid numbers in specific niches.

We’d like to thank our crew of testers for safely and responsibly getting after it, even if it meant a few blisters.

About the Author

Heather Balogh Rochfort

Heather is a freelance writer and author specializing in the outdoors and adventure travel, particularly as they apply to women and families. Her organization WildKind educates and empowers families to find their wild. REI member since 2008.