23 Best Running Shoe Brands

When it comes to athletic footwear, running shoes have become essential gear for amateur and professional athletes. Quality running shoes are made with premium materials and engineered to maximize comfort, support and performance. These running shoe brands have designed functional and comfortable footwear with innovative technology, creating shoes that offer a cushioned sole to protect your joints, mesh uppers for excellent breathability and enhanced stability to give you a superior ride. Whether you’re going to the gym to run on the treadmills or jogging on the road in the early evening, there are several popular sports shoes companies to consider.

Some men will want high-quality athletic shoes that provide extreme protection, cushioning and flexibility for intense training, while some women may prefer stylish road running footwear made with lightweight responsive foam for advanced shock absorption and constructed to deliver speed. With so many different companies and designs to choose from, it can be a challenge finding the right footwear.

To help you with your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best running shoe brands. From Nike to Asics, Brooks and Saucony, explore these top-rated athletic shoe companies to get high-performance footwear you’ll love!

 

Running Shoe Brands

Nike

Nike is the largest and most popular athletic footwear brand in the world, making them a reliable choice for any runner who demands performance and quality. With expert cushioning, a variety of colorways and a lightweight feel, Nike running shoes are suitable for amateurs and professionals alike. Constantly innovating, the company’s high-performance footwear incorporates their unique FlyKnit technology to offer lightweight and breathable uppers, while the tightly-woven pattern provides support and stability. If you want footwear that transitions well from running errands to hitting trails, Nike has got your back.

 

Asics

With some of the best running shoes on the market, Asics is a leading designer of footwear for athletes who demand superior build quality and reliable performance. Their acronym translates from Latin to reveal the company’s ethos: “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body”. Asics athletic shoes provide plenty of support and their exceptional shock absorption technology makes them an obvious choice for long-distance runners. Featuring patented FlyteFoam technology that reduces muscle strain, a pair of Asics shoes is sure to boost your performance.

 

New Balance

New Balance is an American sports footwear and apparel brand that aims to take you further with every run. Since its early days, this brand has focused on specialist orthopedic workout shoes that provide unmatched support for your arches. Typically made from heavy-duty leather, fabric and the company’s signature Fresh Foam, these shoes are both comfortable and durable. If you want to level up your fitness, improve run times or increase your step count, New Balance will see you through.

 

Hoka One One

Blending comfort with outstanding joint protection, Hoka One One is a prolific athletic shoe brand that makes quality products for runners of every level. Being runners themselves, founders Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard knew that the perfect running shoe needed to feel light but offer enough support for long-distance runs and lateral movement. This company offers incredible shock absorption and a low heel drop in every design for maximum comfort. Serious runners can take advantage of Hoka One One’s curved sole construction to keep their momentum high and push them forward. With several stylish options available, this name brand is sure to get you noticed.

 

On-Running

On-Running is recognized around the world for its Swiss-engineered sports gear and revolutionary footwear. With a patented cushioning system that protects against tough concrete, On-Running athletic shoes are an ideal choice for urban runners. Able to overcome rocky trails, mountainous regions and temperature variations with ease, they are some of the most durable in the industry. The On Cloud collection’s lightweight sole and Zero-Gravity foam disperse pressure evenly throughout the foot, allowing you to move freely without any issues. With a focus on quality materials and reliable performance, this specialist footwear is among the most coveted in the world.

 

Altra Footwear

Altra Footwear is an American manufacturing company that creates specialized athletic shoes for road runners. While the brand was only established in 2009, the company’s expert engineering has created sports shoes that work with your natural cadence for a personalized experience. With FootShape toe box technology in every pair to maximize stability, balance and alignment, Altra running shoes deliver amazing performance. When it comes to the best footwear for active men and women, these top-rated shoes are designed to work and offer optimal support with every stride.

 

Brooks

When it comes to producing high-performance athletic shoes, Brooks is an American sporting equipment company at the top of its game. Each pair of running shoes has exceptional grip on the heel and long-lasting cushioning on the midsole and arch, allowing you to stay safe and supported with every step. Using BioMoGo and LOFT DNA foams, this brand’s footwear will mold to the underfoot and adjust to your stride pattern over time. Dedicated to creating the best athletic shoes on the market, Brooks can help every runner find their perfect match.

 

Saucony

Saucony is a leading designer of athletic shoes, accessories and apparel that has been making waves in the industry since 1898. Coming a long way from a single local factory in Philadelphia, this global brand prides itself on using advanced materials and top-of-the-line technology. The cushioning and shock absorption from the company’s PWRRUN insoles are top selling points, but Saucony shoes are also praised for their sleek and contemporary appearance. With plenty of stylish options available, your next run will be one to remember.

 

Adidas

Hailing from Germany, Adidas is a multinational corporation that manufactures running shoes, clothing and athletic accessories. This brand has remained popular since its founding in 1949, as creates footwear that effortlessly meets the needs of professional athletes. For ultimate comfort, try their UltraBoost product line. Offering unparalleled support to the arches and midfoot, muscle strain will soon be a thing of the past. Undeniably fashionable and fit for any athletic endeavor, Adidas running shoes will make your next workout one for the books.

 

APL

By pairing minimalist designs with optimal comfort, APL has quickly become one of the most popular footwear and athletic apparel companies around. Their TechLoom Phantom 3D mesh provides breathability without unsightly bulk, making APL athletic sneakers a godsend for fashion-conscious athletes. Available in a range of shades from plain pastel to vibrant neon, you’ll be blown away by the versatility of this trendy name brand.

 

Reebok

Founded in Bolton, England by Joe and Jeff Foster, Reebok is a German-owned footwear and clothing company with over 60 years of experience in the industry. Balancing comfort, affordability and style with finesse, this brand deserves its loyal consumer base. Runners looking for a lightweight shoe will appreciate the Speed Rise collection, but the Nano collection is the brand’s most popular offering. With Floatride Energy Foam placed in the forefoot for a seamless strike, these adaptable athletic sneakers can cope with everything from distance running to sprint training.

 

Puma

Puma is a popular German sporting brand that produces athletic and casual footwear, creating stylish designs that work well for novice and professional runners. The brand’s Tazon line is among the best in the business and features mesh panels for ventilation and strategic support around the heel. This label will help you easily transition from a day walking around the mall to a night running miles on the street.

 

Diadora

Diadora is an Italian sportswear and footwear brand known for its durable and innovative running shoes. The team believes strongly in fairness and participation for all, meaning that runners of any ability will be able to find expertly designed products to suit them. Using their Blueshield technology for optimal cushioning and an ergonomic fit, this name brand offers great reactivity and balance during workouts. Whether you enjoy running marathons or prefer hikes, your ideal fit is just around the corner.

 

Newton Running

Newton Running is a trusted footwear brand that protects your feet while keeping your carbon footprint low. Despite undergoing restructuring in recent years, this high-quality company is back on track with company co-founder Jerry Lee at the helm. Ideal for fast-paced runs, this top-of-the-line footwear offers plenty of spring to propel you forward. In addition to being lightweight, airy and comfortable, this brand uses recyclable materials to reduce environmental impact. With enough cushioning for long distances and several vibrant designs to choose from, you can turn heads and feel amazing with this pioneering brand.

 

Mizuno

Mizuno is a Japanese sports equipment and apparel company that keeps innovation at the heart of its brand mission. Mizuno shoes are a top choice for athletes demanding quality jogging shoes that feature a smooth ride, shock absorption and an excellent fit. For maximum impact, each line uses a combination of Mizuno Wave, Mizuno ENERGY and Mizuno ENERZY CORE technology. Working together to absorb impact and increase energy return for runners, these materials make Mizuno sports shoes some of the most technologically advanced in the world.

 

Salomon

Salomon is a top sports equipment and footwear manufacturing brand based in Annecy, France that has an excellent reputation among runners. Each shoe’s midsole is composed of Salomon’s signature Optivibe material; the outcome of over six years of research, this dense cushioning offers a level of dynamic support that you’re unlikely to find in competing brands. Designed to be worn on uneven terrain, you’ll be able to push yourself to your limits on every run.

 

Under Armour

Under Armour is an American sports equipment brand that specializes in footwear, sportswear and athletic clothing. Dedicated to designing stylish activewear and running shoes that aid performance, this company will put a spring in your step. Under Armour’s use of SpeedForm and HOVR foam technology results in a comfortable shoe that can withstand the toughest runs. Lightweight and breathable, this is a running shoe company that will help you accomplish your fitness goals.

 

La Sportiva

La Sportiva is a highly-regarded Italian footwear company that continues to surprise runners with stylish and functional designs. Specializing in trail running shoes, most footwear from this brands features their MEMlex EVA insole, which gives maximum protection to the foot without constricting movement. Believing that running should be fluid and fun, La Sportiva remains one of highest-quality manufacturers in the industry.

 

Merrell

Merrell is an American manufacturing company that combines quality recycled materials with expert technology for athletic shoes that won’t quit. In addition to its signature protective cushioning, Merrell uses a Vibram MegaGrip outsole to increase stability on open trails. Perfect for runners who want eco-conscious kicks that look as great as they feel, you can’t go wrong with this sportswear label.

 

Veja

Selling everything from lifestyle sneakers to hardcore athletic shoes, Veja is one of the most successful French footwear brands in the world. The items available from this popular company are sleek and stylish, but they’re also environmentally friendly. Every piece is designed in Paris before being ethically produced in Brazil using fair trade materials to combat economic injustice. Their eco-efforts are impressive, but Veja’s use of superior L-FOAM cushioning and an impressive range of eye-catching colorways takes them to the next level.

 

Karhu

Blending gorgeous designs with practical features, Karhu is an established sports equipment brand that has changed the game for runners. Renowned for its excellent quality shoes, this Finnish company is constantly innovating to keep competitors on their toes. These high-quality athletic shoes use Fulcrum technology to improve stability and enhance forward movement. Boasting over a century of experience in the industry, Karhu is a solid choice for any seasoned athlete.

 

Skechers

Skechers is an American footwear company that excels at designing lifestyle and athletic gear for all ages. They may be relatively new to the sporting world, but the expert lacing system that Skechers has created to relieve top foot pressure makes them a brand to watch. All training shoes from this name brand feature lightweight cushioning, but the GOrun MaxRoad line keeps your foot secure with a stabilized carbon-fiber sole. Responsive and comfortable enough for long distances, these shoes are the ultimate companion for serious runners.

 

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