My Favorite Running Shoes

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Most runners are constantly searching for the “perfect” shoe. Or, they’re in the other camp where they only buy one brand/model over and over. I fall somewhere in the middle. For the last 5-6 years, I’ve really liked Brooks, but I went through an Adidas Bostons phase, then a New Balance phase, and I also raced in Nike Vaporfly for a while.

But what works for one person may not work for you. So, it’s important to pay attention to how a pair feels while running. Comfort is key (and don’t buy for looks alone!!!). Another quick tip: size up in running shoes. You’ll need to go 1/2 to a full size up from your usual size. I wear a 6.5 in my normal shoes and heels and a size 7.5 in running shoes.

While I’m not training for long distances like I used to (I’ve run the Boston Marathon twice and over 50 half marathons), I still run a couple times a week. However, I’ve had joint issues since having my boys so I can’t run daily and I can’t run very long. So, my three main pairs of shoes are best for short, easy runs. However, I included below the running shoes I used in previous years, in case its helpful for your shoe shopping. I also have a post dedicated to the best running shoes for pregnancy, if that fits your life stage.

I have multiple pairs of running shoes since my body craves different things on different days, and different types of runs require different types of shoes. Additionally, rotating shoes is one way to help make running shoes last longer. If you want more details on how to evaluate running shoes and pick the best ones for you, there’s a video in my running course that covers exactly that.

Alright, let’s get into my favorite pairs.

My Current Favorite Runing Shoes

1. Brooks Ghost 16

I grab the Brooks Ghosts for more than anything these days because it strikes the perfect Goldilocks balance—plush enough to feel supportive and smooth on every run, but not so soft that I lose ground feel or stability. The nitrogen?infused DNA?Loft?v3 midsole gives a cushioned yet responsive ride, making them perfect for easy runs as well as pushing the pace. Since they aren’t heavy, I can run fast in them, but they aren’t my go-to if I’m doing any sort of progression run or intervals (the Hyperion Tempo is – more on that below). I haven’t bought the Brooks Ghost 17 because they have horrible reviews.

I wrote a full review of the Brooks Ghost, so read that if you’re considering these shoes.

2. Brooks Hyperion

For years, the Brooks Hyperion Tempo were my favorite running shoes by a long shot. They are light and fast so they work well for tempo runs (especially when running in the summer since they don’t trap too much heat), but they also have enough cushion that they’re appropriate for daily training runs. However, they were discontinued and replace with the Brooks Hyperion, which I don’t like quite as much since they’re much bulkier but for a lighter option, they’re fine.

There is also now a Brooks Hyperion Max. I haven’t tried the Max yet, but it has a rocker shape, which Brooks calls their Rapid Roll technology. You can read more about about the Max here (and how it compares to the Tempo). If you try it, let me know!

The Brooks Hyperion Tempos have been discontinued, but you can still get the the Tempos from Amazon from time to time.

3. Brooks Ghost Max

I’ve never liked max-cushion shoes (and actually ran in barefoot-style shoes for years) but the Brooks Ghost Max has changed my mind. They’re cushy without being squishy, thanks to the higher stack and rocker sole that makes running (and walking) feel super smooth. (This post explains running vs. walking shoes.)

I also appreciate that the Ghost Max are more stable than a lot of plush shoes I’ve tried (looking at you Hokas, which made me feel like I was going to roll my anke.). There’s also plenty of room for my foot to breathe and since I favor a wider toe box, that’s a plus for me. It’s not a shoe I grab for speed workouts, but for easy miles or recovery runs, it’s kind of perfect.

Other shoes I’ve run in

The below shoes are ones that I have previously used for a run but don’t have in my current rotation. I noted what I liked about them and why I stopped running in them, in case it’s helpful for you!

New Balance 1080

While I don’t typically like cushioned running shoes (they tend to feel like marshmallows; I feel like they absorb my stride), I do love the New Balance 1080s. It’s instant relief on my feet when I put them on and they’re my go-to’s for easy runs, recovery runs or if my body is just feeling a bit worn out. I think they’d be a great option for marathon training, since they have enough cushion to support distance running.

Saucony Endorphin Speed

I tried these Sauconys when I was looking to find something similar to the Hyperion Tempo but I ended up returning them. I have a three-strike rule with running shoes – if I don’t like them after 3 runs, they go back. So many people love these, but I found they cramped my toes so much that they were crossing over each other. I also found the heel to be very heavy, especially when going uphill, despite the shoes being very lightweight. It’s a shame because they did make me very fast (they have a winged plate to help with a fast toe-off), but they were too uncomfortable to justify. This is the third style of Sauconys I haven’t liked, so it just doesn’t seem to be a brand that works for me.

Brooks Launch

I loved the Brooks Launch for easy or recovery runs, but I found them heavier than the Brooks Ghost. They also gave me heel blisters, which is why I stopped running in them. I had three different versions of the Launch give me heel blisters, but no other style of Brooks shoes have done that.

Nike Pegasus

I loved these for years since they’re springy but still cushioned AND they are cute. I stopped running in these because when I was returning to running after my first pregnancy, I needed more cushion than they offered (and that’s when I bought the New Balance 1080). However, I want to give these another try since my running is doing better now.

Adidas Boston

I had eight pairs of these over the years and even ran the 2018 Boston Marathon in them. Again, I stopped running in these when I was dealing with chronic injuries after having my son and needed more cushion. These two run a tad narrow (especially in the toe box) so that created problems as well. Read my full review of the Adidas Adizero here.

Nike Vaporfly

These were unlike ANY shoe I’ve ever ran in. I set PRs in both my half marathon and full marathon when wearing them! (Here’s the blog post about my half PR and here’s the one about my marathon PR.) You can read my full review of the Vaporflys here. Carbon-plated shoes were and are a bit controversial, but they seem to be the new technology that all running shoe brands are going for now, so if you’re looking to PR in races, you’ll want to invest in a pair.

What is your current favorite pair of running shoes and why?

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