Trusted running brand Saucony managed to make a great shoe even better — again. We loved the previous version of the Endorphin Speed so much that we gave it an Editors' Choice Award in 2023. This latest version has topped it, earning it an Editors' Choice Award in 2025. In short, the Endorphin Speed 4 can do no wrong, whether you’re logging tempo runs, zooming around a track, or powering through high-mileage days. Saucony opts for their PWRRUN PB technology, a high-performance PEBA-based foam that is soft yet uber responsive. When combined with the nylon plate, the Endorphin Speed 4 is an unwitting speed machine — so much so that Cassie da Costa, Run editor for REI's Expert Advice, suggested avoiding these kicks for recovery runs. “This shoe is so smooth and responsive that it may encourage you to run too fast,” she reports from her testing experience. 

The redesigned upper uses zonal engineered mesh, which means it has mixed densities, flexibility, and breathability depending on the location on your foot, leading to maximum comfort. For those with mid- or narrow-wide feet, it was a dream fit. However, wide-footed brethren made need to size up a half size to get a comfortable ride. 

Speaking of change, this latest version includes an integrated tongue and an updated Super Responsive Sockliner (SRS). This is code for a fancy insole technology designed to enhance energy return by increasing propulsion and turnover. It’s a lot of tech jargon that’s tough to decipher in real-world testing, but our crew reported 10/10 for responsiveness. “It makes my runs feel easier and springier even without a full-on carbon plate,” says da Costa. However, Nikko S., a Washington-based tester, who logged hundreds of miles in the shoe while marathon training, noticed that springiness dampened somewhat over time. Buy here.

Those who love HOKA road-running shoes for their EVA midsole will be pleasantly surprised by the Mach 6. When testing, we found that its upgraded supercritical foam midsole boasts extra energy return in combination with a cushioned feel, earning it top marks for comfort and responsiveness. "These are pretty nice and soft without feeling like you are sinking into them," says Dani J., an Ohio-based tester. "There is just the right amount of firmness that [I felt] springy and light on [my] feet."

Some HOKAs are roomier than others, and the Mach 6 falls on the narrow side. Those looking for a more spacious toebox should select wide sizes or plan to size up a half size (it's best to try them on at your local REI before purchasing). The breathable upper doesn't add much bulk, allowing runners to "get good lockdown without adding any fancy lacing techniques," according to Braden V., a Washington-based tester. 

The Mach 6 features a revamped outsole, ditching the rubberized EVA seen in the Mach 5. "It’s enough to supply confident traction without messing up the feeling of the midsole," says Braden V. Other testers agreed this was an improvement, providing a grounded feel on a variety of road conditions, from slippery Pacific Northwest roads to treadmill runs. Similarly, stability ranked high for us at all paces, even with the 31 mm stack height. 

Durability also wins out with this shoe: If you're looking for a shoe that can hang tough for a full season of training, we highly recommend the Mach 6. Braden V. tested them on workouts, long runs, daily runs, speed days, and hills, sharing that “other than the midsole, the shoes look barely worn after 250 miles. I think I’ll get to 300 without any trouble."

When all is said and done, the Mach 6 offers a marked improvement on what was already a solid, adaptable and speedy HOKA road-running shoe. "What I like most about this shoe is its versatility," says Braden V. "I feel grounded, stable, and comfy during my warm-ups and cool downs, and when I switch into marathon pace or faster, that grounded feel becomes responsiveness. I never feel like I’m asking the shoe for more than it can give." Buy here.

The Rebel series continues its legacy as a versatile and lightweight road-running shoe with the fifth iteration of this New Balance favorite. The Rebel v5 improves on what we loved about the previous version, adding streamlined, race-inspired mesh uppers and redesigned heels and tongues for elevated comfort and a better fit. "The shoe was perfectly comfortable straight out of the box, as a shoe should be," says Micah H., a New York-based tester. 

The latest version of the Rebel continues to include a nitrogen-infused FuelCell midsole using a PEBA and EVA blend, offering a bouncier and smoother ride with enhanced energy return that helps propel you forward. "[It] has me feeling peppy while keeping my foot supported," says Cassie da Costa, Run editor for REI’s Expert Advice, who deems it "very responsive, especially for a speed-friendly shoe that has no plate."

Both of our testers found the Rebel v5 to have sufficient stability and traction on all sorts of terrain, from slick New York City streets to sandy beaches. "For a tempo shoe, I felt there was a really excellent balance between decent support, but also keeping the shoe lightweight and breathable," says Micah H. "I never felt unstable in this shoe." 

Our verdict: "This shoe surprised me every time I wore it," gushes Micah H. "It felt so contradictory to me: a shoe so soft it absorbed all my energy like memory foam, yet lightweight/responsive enough that I could get over the softness and increase my tempo anyway." Buy women's version. Buy men's version.

Swiss brand On is a relative newcomer to the running shoe world, but they continue to impress with the Cloudmonster 2. While the first iteration of this turned heads with its high-stack honeycomb midsole design, we found ourselves loving this latest version even more. The secret: a soft-yet-firm ride in the updated midsole was snappy enough for rogue speed workouts yet comfortable enough to keep feet happy as a daily driver. On managed this by using a dual-density, proprietary blend of foams with softer cushioning in the forefoot. Plus, they sandwiched a thin, semi-regid plate (they call it a Speedboard®) between the two foams. End result: “The experience is soft on the landing and firm on push-off — it kind of feels like a Goldilocks shoe in that way,” reports Washington-based tester Braden V., after logging over 100 miles in the Cloudmonster 2.

On also redesigned the upper this go ‘round, using engineered mesh made from 100% recycled polyester. There’s ample padding in the heel counter, but our testers still enjoyed a snug fit — no slipping here. Breathability was top shelf too, with Braden V. noting that he enjoyed these kicks on hot days and on wet runs thanks to their ample drainage. Narrow-footed runners be warned: there's a lot of room in the toe box. Our crew with mid-wide and wide feet found the Cloudmonster 2 to be quite comfortable, but they may feel sloppy if you have a slim foot, like REI Expert Advice Run editor Cassie da Costa. Fortunately, she points out, the lacing system helps with a solid lockdown.

The real highlight of these shoes is their versatility. Our testers say their sweet spot is as a daily trainer — roughly 6-10 miles a pop — but found them responsive enough for occasional intervals or even longer runs exceeding 12 miles. Bonus: They look darn good, too. Buy here.

When looking for a tried-and-true road-running shoe that's comfortable out of the box, we reach for the Brooks Ghost 17. This shoe still features Brooks’ nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 midsole, but the brand has added 3 mm of cushioning to the forefoot and 1 mm to the heel. Reducing the previous 12 mm drop to a 10 mm drop eliminates some of the firmness that was a common issue with the Ghost 16. "Super comfortable," deems Kristina V., a California-based tester. "I felt like no breaking in was needed, and I've yet to get a blister from this pair." 

Comfort continues in the double-jacquard, air-mesh upper that's been redesigned to add structure (the Ghost 16 only offered a single layer). "The material of the upper is comfortable and feels nice to the touch," says Catherine J., a Minnesota-based tester. Forefoot strikers might need more time to break these in: Micah H. says that it took him about 20 miles to rid the upper of its initial stiffness. 

The Ghost 17 stands out as a shoe that will weather the storm, and maybe even convert a trail runner to a road runner. "I've put this shoe through the ringer, and durability and comfort are where it really stands out," reports Kristina V. "I'm not a big road runner — mostly I train for trail races and avoid roads at all costs. But this shoe made roads not only doable, but dare I say, enjoyable. Love my park runs on pavement now." Buy women's version. Buy men's version.