My 12 Favorite Pairs of Running Shoes

4 years, 300+ pairs of sneakers, I believe this is what they call "trial and error."

Over the past few years, my social media following has gone from under 3K to somewhere closer to 20K. Because of this influx, I probably get at least 30 DMs from individuals I’ve never met in my life on a day-to-day basis. I’m regularly having conversations with strangers, which can certainly be entertaining (it’s very likely you’re reading this and we don’t know each other IRL, either). The topics of these convos differ. If I were to share some of the insane messages I get, well, we could be here for a while. On a positive, very few crude photos/awkward date requests. Mostly, a good chunk of them are asking for recommendations. 

Do you have shorts you like that don’t ride up?
What sneakers do you run long distances in?
Would you recommend Garmin over Apple Watch?
What do you think about the WHOOP?
Where did you get [tank top/socks/fanny pack] from?

… you get the point.

I’m always happy to chime in and be helpful whenever I can find the time. I recently realized that I have over 200 unread DMs, and a lot of them are looking for the answers to some versions of the above questions. So, I made a decision. On the first Friday of every month, I’m going to pick one category and do a deep dive, offering up some of my all-time best-of picks. This way, my favorites are compiled in a single spot, and I can send the question-askers to this wonderful one-stop shop.

This week, I’m talking sneakers.

Specifically, the sneakers that are in my rotation right this very moment.

Some background, so you and I are on the same page about what puts me in the place to offer up the below recommendations. I’ve been a health and fitness writer and editor for almost 8 years now. In that role, I test a lot of great gear. Specifically, a lot of sneakers. I write about many of them. If I had to guess, I test about 50 to 100 pairs a year. So, over the past four, I’ve likely tried at least 300 pairs. My bread and butter from a fitness perspective is running, but I’ve done every workout under the sun from Pilates and Pure Barre to CrossFit and Spin (because, research). Thus, I’ve sweat in sneakers designed for every specific activity.

While it could be fun to tell you my favorites from over the years, I also want this to be useful/functional. So, below you’ll find the sneakers in my current rotation. Of note: I have a neutral foot. These cater to that gait. If you require a stability sneaker and want recommendations, I definitely have some feedback I can provide if you leave a comment below. Otherwise, you can always get custom inserts that slip into a neutral sneaker.

Also of note: I donate A LOT of gently worn sneakers to charity.

And lastly: Your feet are worth investing in. Want a pair below, but don’t want to pony up the money? I get it. Some of my favorites are definitely expensive. My strategy has always been to put aside a small amount of money each week, and save up for the ones I really want (instead of buying an older model or something else). This way, when I eventually buy (and wear) them, it feels extra special.

Without further delay, here are my current favorite sneaker picks:

Best for: Everyday running
Nike Pegasus 37, $120
[women, men]
I use this sneaker for everything up to and around a half marathon. This newest iteration is my favorite Peg so far, but I know some people who feel otherwise. I feel as though it has just the right amount of cushioning, and I’m on my second pair since they came out earlier this year. I think of the Pegasus like my workhorse sneaker. Good for going a bit longer during the week, but I can also pick up the pace in them fairly easily if I want to throw some speed work into the mix. 

Best for: Everyday running
Asics DynaFlyte 4
[women, men]
I was a religious DynaFlyte runner for a while, and I still reach for them regularly. The 4, their latest model, is my favorite. It feels roomy enough in the toe box that I’m never worried about my neuromas acting up (cute I know), and really it’s just such a high quality, comfortable sneaker that feels great underfoot. 

Best for: Everyday running
Nike Vomero, $140
[women, men]
In my eyes, the Pegasus and the Vomero are interchangeable, quality neutral options. I’d lean Vomero before Pegasus when it comes to picking a sneaker for longer distances, since the Vomero has what Nike refers to as a “Zoom Air Unit” that spans the entire length of the sole (it’s only in the forefront of the Peg). It’s super cozy, and it often gets overlooked in favor of the Peg. If you’re someone who likes a high-cushion neutral shoe, this one is for you.

Best for: Everyday running
Brook Ghost 13, $129.95
[women, men]
Another classic here. The Ghost has always just felt like a foot hug to me — super plush. Great for everyday miles when you don’t want to think about what’s on your foot, zone out, and enjoy the run for what it is.

Best for: Intervals/Speed work
New Balance 890v8, $99.95
[women, men]
I feel like I can fly in these, which is fun because they don’t have a carbon plate (more on that in a second). The newest version looks really sleek, and feels like a second-skin with just the right amount of bounce. They’re my go-to for tempo and track work, but I’ve also slipped them on for an 8-miler or two, and they’ve been more than fine. 

Best for: Intervals/Speed work 
Asics Metaracer, $199
[women, men]
This is brand new from Asics, and it’s a really fun option that I’ve been leaning into a lot since I got them about a month ago. The neon color way that’s currently on the market is absolute fire. While some people may reach for this option to race a marathon, I’m more into it for shorter stints and track work. For me, I want something for 26.2 with a bit more cushion. This offers a carbon fiber plate in the midsole, and the upper is really light and breezy. 

Unfamiliar with the carbon fiber plate? It really got buzzy within the last few years, and its purpose is to propel runners forward with less effort to pick up more speed. More on that here.

Best for: Long distance running
New Balance 1080v10, $149.95
[women, men]
High-cushion, quality sneaker that I reach for when I’m not trying to run fast on my long runs. I started wearing this a lot when I fell out of love with the Asics Nimbus — which I ran at least four or five full marathons in. The Nimbus is a great sneaker, but over the years as I started wearing lighter options, it just felt like … a lot. For some more insight, the Nimbus is 9.3 ounces versus this comparable NB pick at 8.4 ounces. A full ounce feels like a big difference after 10+ miles. 

Best for: Long distance running
Saucony Endorphin Pro, $200
[women, men]
When I do want to run fast on my long runs, I’ve been loving the Saucony Endorphin Pro. This is the shoe that Molly Seidel famously wore to crush the trials earlier this year, and it’s probably one of my favorite releases of 2020. It’s got a Goldilocks amount of cushion with the added boost from a carbon plate. Of note: My feet do feel a little sore next-day after a longer (read: 13+) run in these. 

Best for: Racing
Nike ZoomX NEXT %, $270
[unisex]
I was frightened when I first tried on the NEXT% before Chicago last year. It was just so hyped up, I really wanted to love it, and was nervous to mix up my routine. This sneaker lives up to the hype, and even though the company has innovated with the AlphaFly (which I’ve run in, as well) — I’m a diehard NEXT% fan.

Running in the NEXT% feels like you’re springing on baby trampolines. I feel both supported and also like I’m my best self, a modern-day superhero. Heads up: The only way to get your hands on new NEXT% right now are to customize your own via the above link (this opened up to Nike+ members yesterday — anyone can be a Nike+ member). Hey, could be fun.

Best for: Racing
Brooks Hyperion Elite 2, $250
[unisex]
The best way I can describe this sneaker is like a firmer version of the NEXT%. The second iteration of the Hyperion Elite — which originally debuted earlier this year in Atlanta — is radically different and better than the first. It’s got a well-cushioned “DNA Flash” midsole, which feels bouncy (but again, not as bouncy as the NEXT%). If you’re looking to feel a little bit more grounded on the run, you can still get the benefits of the carbon plate with this pick. 

Best for: HIIT and lifting
Reebok Nano X, $130
[women, men]
This Nano definitely has a roomier toe box that previous models, which I like. Perfect for HIIT workouts that involve jumping and lifting weights alike, I use these for the moments when I’m doing fitness on my roof or in my apartment and don’t feel comfortable going barefoot. If you want an even more locked-in feel, the Nano x Froning option has a velcro strap across the midsole which I dig.

Best for: Kicking around
APL Techloom Bliss, $200
[unisex]
I wear this sneaker almost every day to bop around the neighborhood, go for my morning coffee walk, and run errands. It’s the most comfortable slip-on option I own, complete with a high-elastic stretch TechLoom upper (I often rock them without socks). Plus, it comes in dozens of different color options. I personally own … four.

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PROMPT: What’s your favorite sneaker? Why?
* (I love this question, because a lot of people’s answers revolve around a specific event that they wore said sneaker for.)