With so many running shoe brands available, you may wonder which one is the absolute best.
The truth is that no one brand is optimal for everyone.
Many of the industry’s most popular running shoe brands offer shoes for every running style. Different running shoe companies design and manufacture varying types of running shoes. Some specialize in ultra-cushioned shoes for long-distance running, while others specialize in trail running or track shoes.
Our experts have outlined the best running shoe brand names for 2024, so you can narrow your search and get into the right shoes faster.
Our Expert Opinion
Marathon Sports is a company dedicated to running. Our team has over 40 years of experience helping walkers and runners find the best shoes for their needs.
We research, test, and retest the running shoes we sell to ensure we always deliver the highest-quality and best-fitting products. We stand behind the brands we sell, many of which are in this list of the top 12 running shoe brands for 2024.
12 Best Running Shoe Companies for 2024
Our review of the 12 best running shoe companies for 2024 includes essential information about the brands, their top shoe models, and the technologies that set them apart.
Brooks
Brooks has been in the footwear industry since 1914 and developed their first running shoe in 1974. They turned their focus to creating the world’s best running shoes in 2001.
Some of the best Brooks running shoes include the Ghost, Adrenaline GTS, and the Addiction. The brand is famous for manufacturing comfortable and supportive shoes made from materials that last. They’re designed by runners for runners, and that’s what makes Brooks one of the most trusted names in running shoes.
Brooks running shoes are for everyone. They offer models with pillow-like cushioning for walkers and long-distance runners, as well as ultra-high-performance models for competitive racers.
Most Popular Models: Ghost, Adrenaline GTS, Glycerin, Hyperion (Tempo and Elite)
Top Brooks Shoes
HOKA
HOKA is another athletic shoe brand dedicated to running. They may have a slightly higher price tag on some models, but that’s because the shoes are made from premium materials and built to last.
Those at the HOKA company dedicate themselves to innovation, including extensive research and development that many other brands don’t do. The result is a collection of the highest-quality running shoes for those who want to maximize every run.
HOKA’s shoes generally have a wide toe box, which runners with wide feet will appreciate. They minimize common foot issues among runners, like ingrown toenails, toe pain, and bunions.
HOKA was first famous for making top-quality, comfortable, and supportive trail running shoes, but runners of all disciplines can now find what they seek.
Most Popular Models: Clifton, Speedgoat, Arahi, Bondi, and Challenger
Top HOKA Shoes
ASICS
ASICS sits alongside Brooks as one of the industry’s most famous running shoe brands. The brand was founded in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka with a founding philosophy of “Sound Mind, Sound Body.” The company’s mission remains to help people around the world live healthier and happier lives.
Known for their revolutionary GEL™ Technology, ASICS utilizes this advancement for enhanced comfort, shock absorption, and improved comfort.
The company fulfills its mission through high-quality running shoes for all runners, from track stars and marathon runners to neighborhood walkers and trail runners. Whichever running discipline you prefer, Asics makes a durable, comfortable, and high-quality running shoe for you.
Most Popular Models: Gel-Cumulus, Gel-Kayano, Gel-Nimbus, GT-2000, Novablast, and Metaspeed (Sky and Edge)
Top Asics Shoes
Nike
There’s no denying that Nike makes some of the best athletic footwear available for all disciplines and at all price points. The Nike Swoosh is on track spikes, walking shoes, trail runners, long-distance running shoes, and every style of walking or running shoe in between.
Our team appreciates Nike running shoes for the Zoom Air and Nike ZoomX technologies. Zoom Air technology provides unique cushioning that absorbs impact while promoting agility and speed. ZoomX foam is another cushioning system in Nike’s performance shoes and is designed for maximum energy return.
Most Popular Models: Pegasus, Invincible, Vomero
Top Nike Shoes
On Running
On Running is another brand founded in the pursuit of building a better running shoe. The company is relatively new to the running industry, as it started making its top-quality, high-performance running shoes in 2010.
On Running is widely known throughout the running community for its innovative CloudTec® technology. This unique cushioning technology is in every On Running shoe. It compresses vertically and horizontally for optimal impact absorption and reacts to each runner’s unique movements.
On Running shoes are favorites among long-distance runners who appreciate cloud-like cushioning and stability.
Most Popular Models: Cloudmonster, Cloudsurfer, Cloudflyer, and Cloud X
Top On Running Shoes
Adidas
Adidas stands alongside Nike as one of the most iconic names in athletic footwear. Like Nike, Adidas manufactures shoes for every type of runner, from walkers to track stars. Shoes for different disciplines feature varying technologies to suit the runner’s needs.
Popular Adidas technologies include the PRIMEKNIT+ breathable yet supportive fabric for a perfect fit and Adidas Boost™ technology for pillow-like comfort. Whether you’re seeking stability, high cushioning, or ultimate responsiveness, Adidas offers a running shoe for you.
Most Popular Models: Ultraboost Light, Adizero Boston, Solarglide, and Adizero Adios Pro
Top Adidas Shoes
Saucony
Saucony is a brand that prides itself on being the original running brand. Founded in 1898, the company offers an array of top-quality running shoes, clothing, gear, and more. Saucony running shoes are for maximum performance with unique technologies and high-quality materials.
Saucony is known for its powerful PWRRUN and PWRRUN++ EVA foam cushioning that’s lightweight, responsive, and ultra-soft for logging mile after mile. Carbon fiber midsole plates, sock liners, and other innovative features prove that Saucony stays at the cutting edge of running technology even after over 100 years in business.
Most Popular Models: Ride, Guide, Kinvara, Triumph, Endorphin (Speed, Pro, Elite)
Top Saucony Shoes
Altra
Altra is another relatively new brand in the running industry. Founded in 2009, the company didn’t take long to become a favorite name in road and trail running.
Altra is widely known for its FootShape™ design which includes a wider toe box allowing your feet more space to sit naturally. They’re ideal shoes for runners with wide feet or those who like more breathability and space in the toe area. Altra’s
Altra shoes are also built on Balance Cushioning™ platforms, meaning there’s no heel-to-toe height difference. Their goal with this technology is to provide a more natural and comfortable feel that promotes better running form.
Most Popular Models: Torin, Lone Peak, Olympus, Rivera, Escalante, Superior
Top Altra Shoes
New Balance
New Balance is another time-tested name in the running industry that’s as popular for its walking shoes as for its high-tech running shoes. The brand was founded in 1906 but made its first running shoe in 1938.
Since then, New Balance has been known for designing and manufacturing high-quality athletic footwear, including shoes for athletes with specific requirements. The company offers a variety of classic running shoe styles as well as track spikes and technical long-distance running shoes.
Some of the latest and most impressive technologies from New Balance include the brand’s Fresh Foam X ultra-soft cushioning and FuelCell cushioning for optimal energy return.
Most Popular Models: Fresh Foam X 880, Fresh Foam X More, Fresh Foam X 860, Rebel, SuperComp Trainer
Top New Balance Shoes
Mizuno
Our team of experts returns to Mizuno time and time again for the brand’s unrivaled reliability and consistency. The iconic Wave Rider has been a favorite running shoe for decades, and it only continues to improve.
Mizuno running shoes are known for their ultra-responsive Enerzy foam and Wave technology that offers stability and dynamic cushioning. All Mizuno running shoes feature innovative technologies to help runners go the distance in comfort and style.
Most Popular Models: Wave Rider, Wave Sky, Wave Inspire, Wave Horizon, Wave Rebellion
Top Mizuno Shoes
Topo Athletic
Topo Athletic is the newest brand on our list. Founded in 2013, Topo is dedicated to running shoes with specializations in road running, trail running, and hiking shoes.
Topo Athletic may be newer to the game, but the brand’s running shoe technologies never fall behind. Our team continuously praises Topo Athletic for its wide, comfortable toe box, Vibram grip on some trail models, and breathable mesh uppers. Other notable technologies include the lightweight Pebax® core cushioning and the antimicrobial OrthoLite® insole.
Most Popular Models: Specter, Phantom, Ultrafly, MTN Racer, Ultraventure
Top Topo Athletic Shoes
Puma
The famed sportswear company Puma designs running shoes for speed and comfort. They’re known for optimal cushioning, traction, and a lightweight structure.
Puma designs and manufactures shoes for every type of runner, including elite racers, trail runners, long-distance runners, track stars, and novices. New technologies include Puma’s Nitro Elite midsole made from performance nitrogen-infused foam, the carbon fiber PWRPlate, and the PUMAGRIP-LT high-traction rubber for racing shoes.
Puma offers state-of-the-art athletic shoes for numerous sports, and their running shoes are some of the best in the business.
Most popular models: Velocity Nitro, ForeverRun Nitro, Deviate Nitro, Deviate Nitro Elite
Top Puma Shoes
Find the Best Brand for You
Marathon Sports is the number one destination for running shoes. Whether you’re shopping online or in one of our brick-and-mortar stores, our experts can help you choose the best running shoe style, brand, and fit for your specific needs. Shop our complete selection of the best running shoes for 2024 today!
