The best running shoes of 2024: our selection

Chances are, warm and sunny days are making you want to lace up your running shoes. While running is a sport that doesn’t require much gear, special attention must be paid to the shoes you wear. After all, they are the ones that will help you make the most out of your outings and rack up the kilometres without getting hurt! But it’s not always easy to choose when you’re faced with a sea of options. What are the best running shoes among all the brands and models available?

We share our selection with you to help you find the best pair to accompany you on your next runs.

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On, to feel like you’re running on clouds

Since its creation in 2010, On has carved out a place for itself among the biggest brands. Its ambition? To revolutionize the feeling of running. To achieve this, On has developed the Cloudtec® system, which provides strong shock absorption and forward propulsion. This unique cushioning gives the impression of running on clouds. You can definitely turn to this Swiss brand if you’re looking for the best running shoes for both men and women!

On Cloudsurfer

The Cloudsurfer is a perfect model for all road runners, for 5 km runs to marathons. With this shoe, On takes its technology a step further: Cloudtec Phase® provides superior cushioning and a smoother transition from heel to toe. The new-generation Cloudsurfer shoes have a 10-millimetre drop, a significant incline that you can barely feel once you put them on. They also stand out for their light weight when compared to the competition.

Features:

• Road running 
• For all distances 
• Maximum cushioning – Cloudtec Phase® technology
• 10 mm heel-to-toe drop
• Light weight (205 g for the women’s model, 245 g for the men’s model)

Salomon, for performance in the mountains and on the road

Salomon has established itself as a major player in the outdoor world. While it is best known for its trail running shoes, you can also trust it to find some of the best road running shoes, especially in its S/Lab range. The brand collaborates with international athletes to design high-performance, elegant models. These collaborations have led to the development of technologies such as the “Quick-Lace” easy lacing system and the innovative “Energy Blade,” which creates a springboard effect and eases propulsion thanks to composite plates.

Aero Glide 2

If you’re looking for the ultimate everyday running shoe with a focus on cushioning, Salomon’s Aero Glide 2 is a great option thanks to its high Energy Foam midsole. The padded tongue and soft collar zone add to the comfort of this model. Strides remain dynamic, making for pleasant running sessions two to three times a week. The drop is 10 millimetres, which is recommended for runners who tend to land on their heel first. 

Features:

• Road running, all distances
• 2 to 3 runs per week
• Ultra-soft cushioning – Energy Foam midsole
• Enhanced comfort – padded tongue and soft collar zone
• 10 mm heel-to-toe drop

New Balance, backed by over 100 years of innovation

Founded more than 100 years ago in Massachusetts, New Balance quickly started offering high-performance running shoes for all kinds of runners, without compromising on style. Initially specializing in orthopedic insoles, the company soon became the first to offer different widths of the same shoe model. Other innovations include Fresh Foam technology (ultra-cushioned midsole) and FuelCell (nitrogen-infused foam), which delivers comfort and high performance.

Fresh Foam Arishi V4

The New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 are versatile, lightweight running shoes, perfect for occasional short-distance runners. They are ideal for beginners who seek maximum comfort. The upper (the outer part of the shoe, attached to the sole) was designed for that purpose, without seams and in lightweight, breathable mesh. As a result, there is very little friction. Fresh Foam technology provides shock absorption with every stride. 

Features:

• Road running – occasional runners
• Short distances (up to 10 km)
• Strong cushioning – Fresh Foam technology
• Seamless mesh upper 
• Light weight (202 g for the women’s model, 246 g for the men’s model)

Asics, inspired by movement

“A sound mind in a sound body,” that’s what Asics is all about. From the outset, the Japanese brand has wanted to inspire the world to get moving. There are four pillars to the design of its running shoe models: user testing, science, innovation, and sustainability. Movement analysis is at the heart of Asics’s approach in its quest to offer the best running shoes for men and women. The Asics Gel technology provides long-lasting comfort for improved performance and optimal stability. 

Gel-Nimbus 26

The Gel-Nimbus 26 from Asics is the new version of a running shoe first released in… 1999! It is now a sure bet for road runners who value comfort and durability. With PureGel and FF Blast Plus Eco technologies, these shoes enable you to run for kilometres while protecting your joints. The cushioning is ultra-soft, guaranteeing a smooth landing and fluid transition. These are all reasons why the Gel-Nimbus 26 ranks among the best running shoes of 2024.

Features:

• Ideal for long-distance road runs
• Maximum cushioning – PureGel technology
• Smooth, responsive transition – FF Blast Plus Eco technology
• Upper made from 75% recycled materials

Altra, footwear with a natural feel

Since releasing its first running shoes in 2011, Altra has continuously innovated to provide runners with models that align with the natural movement of the foot, aiming for a fit that closely mimics natural contours for maximum comfort. That’s how this American brand developed its Core 3 technologies: FootShape (a special shoe shape that prevents toe compression), ZeroDrop (which eliminates the drop between the heel and forefoot), and Fit4Her (a design tailored specifically for women’s feet).

Torin 7

Altra’s Torin 7 is a running shoe with ultimate comfort, ideal for low-intensity training over any distance. This model features ZeroDrop technology (0 mm drop) for a more natural stride. The toebox is adapted to the natural position of the toes for increased stability. The Torin 7 offers a bit more bounce than the previous version, with an extra 2 millimetres of Altra EGO™ MAX foam in the midsole.

Features:

• For road runs of all distances
• Regular, mostly low-intensity training sessions
• Comfortable cushioning and high-performance bounce – Altra Ego Max foam
• 0 mm heel-to-toe drop
• Standard FootShape fit

Under Armour, combining versatility and breathability

Under Armour was founded by a former University of Maryland football player who wanted to finally develop training t-shirts that were suited to his sport. The brand quickly diversified to meet the needs of every type of athlete, and today offers lightweight, high-performance running shoes. It notably developed UA HOVR technology for optimal energy transfer and UA FLOW for improved grip.

Hovr Sonic 6

The Hovr Sonic 6 is a versatile, lightweight road running shoe ideal for everyday training. With a drop of 8 millimetres, this model will suit most runners. UA HOVR reactive cushioning ensures energy return and forward propulsion while reducing impact. The external heel counter has also been reinforced for maximum support. If you’re looking for the best running shoe to get back to running in 2024, the Hovr Sonic 6 is worth considering!

Features:

• Road running, all distances
• Regular training sessions
• UA HOVR cushioning for forward propulsion
• 8 mm heel-to-toe drop
• Good heel support