Running shoes, ranked by critic score
13 ranked by critic score · 1 more not yet ranked · 98 professional reviews
Running shoes, judged on cushioning, stability and durability.
Image: HokaHoka Skyflow
4 professional reviewers tested the Hoka Skyflow, and 4 recommend it. Most praised: comfort and cushioning and performance.
The catch: It is heavy-ish and not built for speed.
Early score: only 4 professional reviews so far. Expect it to move as more reviews come in.
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score.
- 1Hoka SkyflowTop pick, narrowly4 reviews · early score88Image: Hoka
- 2Asics Novablast 5Runner-up11 reviews86
Image: Asics - 3Hoka Challenger 8Best for runs that mix road and trail5 reviews86
Image: Hoka - 4Saucony Endorphin Speed 5Best for faster paces9 reviews85
Image: Saucony - 5Nike Vomero PremiumBest for a bouncy max-cushion trainer6 reviews85
Image: Nike - 6Salomon Speedcross 6Best for grip on muddy, soft trails5 reviews84
Image: Salomon - 7New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14Best plush daily trainer8 reviews81
Image: New Balance - 8Hoka Clifton 10Best for a roomy fit13 reviews81
Image: Hoka - 9Hoka Bondi 9Best for maximum cushioning on easy miles6 reviews81
Image: Hoka - 10Asics Gel-Nimbus 27Best for recovery runs7 reviews80
Image: Asics - 11Nike Vomero 18Best for plush daily cushioning7 reviews80
Image: Nike - 12Nike Pegasus 41Best for heel strikers6 reviews80
Image: Nike - 13Brooks Ghost 17Best for beginners9 reviews79
Image: Brooks
The highest-rated pair of running shoes so far, on an early score, is the Hoka Skyflow: critic score 88 out of 100 from 4 reviews, 4 of them positive. Most praised: comfort and cushioning and performance.
Early reads · 1 not yet ranked
Not ranked, listed A to Z. We publish a critic score once at least 4 professional reviews of the exact model exist; with 2 or 3 we show a provisional average.
- Asics Megablast · provisional 80 from 2 reviews
Common questions
What is the best pair of running shoes?
Narrowly, the Hoka Skyflow, with a critic score of 88 from 4 professional reviews. Most praised: comfort and cushioning and performance.
Hoka Skyflow vs Asics Novablast 5: which is better?
Critics score the Hoka Skyflow 88 and the Asics Novablast 5 86. We list the Asics Novablast 5 under “Runner-up”. Its main drawback: wet-weather grip is poor.
Which pair of running shoess do critics disagree on?
The Hoka Bondi 9 (scores from 59 to 90); The Brooks Ghost 17 (scores from 54 to 90).