Top 10 shoes our testers are loving in January

Best for runners seeking a responsive, cushioned shoe for fast workouts and longer runs

The new Hyperion Max 2 manages to hit a compelling running sweet spot by delivering enough responsiveness and propulsion for fast workouts while still retaining the cushioning necessary for longer daily runs. Brooks has achieved this by updating the Hyperion Max 2 with a new midsole construction that features a Pebax SpeedVault plate for additional propulsion. The midsole also employs Brooks’ DNA Flash v2 foam, which is 10 percent more responsive. These updates, combined with the shoe’s RapidRoll Rocker geometry, deliver exceptional cushioning, increased responsiveness and faster heel-to-toe transitions. The stack height has also been increased by 4 mm in the heel and 6 mm in the forefoot for extra softness and protection. While midsole updates may get most of the attention, it would be unfair to ignore the Hyperion Max 2’s new upper. Constructed with an engineered mesh, the new upper offers exceptional fit and breathability. If you are looking for a versatile shoe for fast workouts and longer runs, look no further.

Best for runners seeking a versatile, non-carbon-plated, propulsive shoe

With its sophisticated foam midsole that combines peba and EVA, the Rebel V4 delivers a propulsive ride without the cost associated with traditional carbon-plated supershoes. The result is a responsive shoe that is suitable for tempo runs, daily training and long runs–it really is that versatile. The Rebel v4’s performance is further enhanced thanks to its low weight (168 g for a women’s 7 and 212 g for a men’s 9.5). Many runners will also appreciate the additional 2.5 mm of stack height (30 mm in the heel and 24 mm in the forefoot), which provides more protection and cushioning that’s especially welcome during longer runs. New Balance should also be commended for bringing back the Fantom Fit upper. Consisting of an engineered mesh that’s made by fusing two pieces of thin material, the Fantom Fit upper provides a lightweight and supportive foot-hugging fit. Finally, for the outsole, New Balance has wisely chosen to use durable rubber in strategically chosen high-wear areas. The approach ensures excellent wear without excessive weight.

Best for runners seeking an affordable super shoe for training and racing

Runners who are looking to improve their PB or just want a fast training shoe should seriously consider the Rebellion Flash 2. The shoe features a glass fibre-reinforced wave plate that’s sandwiched between an upper layer of soft PEBA-based foam and a bottom layer of firmer Mizuno Enerzy foam. This construction delivers incredible energy return and responsiveness while retaining the durability required for fast daily training. Up top, Mizuno has updated the upper for an improved fit and less weight. From a numbers perspective, the Rebellion Flash 2 has a 0.5 mm drop with a 35 mm heel height and a 34.5 mm forefoot stack. Clearly, these numbers are not ideal for heel-strikers, but if you are a midfoot/forefoot runner wanting super shoe performance at a reasonable price, check out the Rebellion Flash 2.

Daily Trainers

Most likely to suit a variety of runners

The New Balance 1080 V14 is the shoe you’ll want to put on to cruise through daily miles or as a do-it-all covering different paces. The Fresh Foam X midsole cushioning is built for smooth transitions from landing to push-off, while a soft premium upper provides support and breathability.  

There’s 38 mm of soft Fresh Foam X to cushion your stride, and, combined with the rocker design, the shoe still feels as lively as ever. Updates to v14 compared to its predecessor include a more breathable triple jacquard mesh upper and an updated outsole with additional rubber to provide traction and durability through winter training. 

Everyday running meets supreme comfort with this workhorse shoe that you’ll want to put tons of miles on.

Best for neutral runners seeking cushioning, responsiveness, low weight, and wet-weather protection

Constructed with a waterproof/breathable Gore-Tex membrane, the Clifton 9 GTX is perfect for wet and slushy winter running. With this version of the Clifton, Hoka has also used a unique creel jacquard knit upper that delivers 360-degree reflectivity for additional visibility and safety when running in low-light winter conditions. Like the non-GTX Clifton 9, the shoe delivers the same low weight, improved cushioning and stack height. Hoka also employs the same foam midsole and outsole, resulting in a shoe that, combined with an early-stage rocker, delivers a responsive and efficient ride. If you’re planning on logging some training miles this winter, consider the Clifton 9 GTX–your dry feet will thank you!

Best for neutral runners who want comfort and cushion without too much softness

Max cushion doesn’t have to mean soft and mushy, as proven by Under Armour’s Infinite Elite. It has 36 mm of Extra-springy UA HOVR+ cushioning, but feels just as cushioned as some higher stack competitors with better stability, thanks to its extra wide base.  

The 3D-moulded sockliner cradles the foot for enhanced step-in comfort, and it comes equipped with a TPU heel clip, for added support and lockdown. The knit upper feels comfortable on foot, so you’ll feel good from the time you put it on and well into your run. 

If you’re looking for a highly stable and well-cushioned daily trainer, you’ve come to the right place. 

Stability Shoes

Best for neutral runners seeking maximum cushioning for daily training and easy recovery runs

The original Ghost Max was a popular maximal cushioning shoe, thanks to its plush ride and relatively low weight. The new Max 2 builds on that legacy by updating the midsole with a nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam. This new midsole delivers exceptional cushioning without the squishy feel of some high-stack shoes. Brooks also employs its GlideRoll Rocker, which encourages a smooth transition and toe-off. The upper has now also been updated with a double-layer mesh for a more secure fit and greater durability. The Max 2 rides on a slightly wider base with raised side walls that provide additional stability and security during long runs. It’s worth noting that the upper and base changes have created a slight weight increase, but runners using the Max 2 for easy daily training are not likely to notice the change and will benefit from the improved cushion and stability. From a numbers perspective, the Max 2 has not changed, offering a stack height of 39 mm in the heel and 33 mm in the forefoot, resulting in a 6 mm drop.

Best for runners seeking a neutral cushioned shoe for daily training

With its PureGEL cushioning in the heel and new FluidRide outsole (more on this later), the Gel Cumulus 26 delivers the plush ride that many runners have come to expect from this classic neutral cushioning shoe. In this iteration, Asics has employed a new FluidRide outsole that consists of an EVA and rubber blend. This outsole provides greater cushioning than traditional rubber outsoles while retaining better durability than conventional exposed foam soles. Cushioning is further enhanced thanks to the shoe’s generous stack height: 37.5 mm in the heel and 29.5 mm in the forefoot for the women’s model, while the men’s features 38.5 mm in the heel and 30.5 mm in the forefoot. For the upper, Asics has updated the Gel Cumulus with an engineered mesh that offers better abrasion resistance and improved fit. If you are looking for a versatile well-cushioned shoe for daily training that won’t break the bank, consider the Gel Cumulus 26.

Trail Shoes

Best for runners seeking a responsive, moderately cushioned shoe for technical trails

With the current iteration of the Sense Ride, Salomon has upped the cushioning with an Energy Foam midsole while still retaining the responsive ride that runners appreciated in the fourth edition of this shoe. Underfoot Salomon has spec’d its All Terrain Contagrip outsole with 3.5 mm lugs for solid and consistent traction in a variety of wet and rocky trail conditions. Salomon also includes a Profeel Film in the forefoot for additional foot protection against rocks and roots. Up top, the Sense Ride 5 has a breathable 3D mesh upper, as well as Salomon’s Quicklace closure. This time-tested combination provides a secure, foot-hugging fit that inspires confidence when running on challenging trails. Finally, the Sense 5, with its 21.3 mm forefoot stack height and 29.6 mm heel stack, offers an 8 mm drop, which many consider to be the sweet spot for most runners.

Best for runners seeking exceptional traction and protection on rugged trails

If you want solid traction and protection on challenging trails, the Peregrine 14 may be the shoe for you. Constructed with a softer blend of Saucony’s PWRRUN foam for the midsole, and featuring a forefoot rock plate, the Peregrine 14 provides the ideal blend of cushioning and protection on uneven ground. With the Peregrine 14, Saucony has reworked the upper for a better overall fit, greater durability, and improved resistance to debris. Underneath, the Peregrine 14 sports a grippy rubber outsole with 5 mm lugs that ensure solid traction even in sloppy conditions. Unlike some more maximal trail shoes, the Peregrine 14 sports a more conventional 28 mm heel stack and a 24 mm forefoot height, resulting in 4 mm of drop. The dimensions provide proven performance in a variety of conditions, making this a top choice for many trail runners.

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