9 Neutral Running Shoes That Are Great for All Types of Runners

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Top contenders to support a neutral stride from Brooks, Nike, and more.

STOP PUTTING off buying running shoes that actually work for your foot anatomy. For most people, that means sneakers designed for neutral feet.

“Neutral running shoes are designed for runners who have a neutral stance where the foot is neither excessively pronated (rolling inwardly on contact with the ground) or supinated (rolling outwardly on contact with the ground),” says Scott R. Lurie, DPM, founder of Park Avenue Podiatry Associates in New York City.

Read more: How Men's Health Thoroughly Tests and Reviews Fitness Products

These runners often require shock absorption, cushioning, and flexibility to allow for natural movement of the feet and toes, rather than support or control of motion, says Lurie, noting that there has to be a happy medium of sorts. Lurie explains that while some runners enjoy more ability to move the foot more freely inside the shoe, not enough support can have a negative impact on our knees, hips, and spine in the long-term.

Curious about how we got here? Our panel of fitness specialists and editors has meticulously assessed dozens of the best neutral running shoes available in the market, refining our list of top contenders along the way. We factored in attributes such as cushioning, weight, heel drop, toe box dimensions, breathability, comfort, and naturally, value, all of which contributed to our ultimate verdict. Below, we present to you our list of the 9 best neutral running shoes to shop this year.

Guys with neutral feet need running shoes with lace-ups that offer just enough lockdown through the midfoot, and footbeds that offer enough room to move and flex the feet and toes naturally. This option from Brooks Running does just that. It also comes in multiple sizes that can accommodate wider feet.

The Brooks Ghost 15 comes with a few upgrade from the Ghost 14, the most significant change being the new DNA Loft v2 midsole foam. A 12 mm drop sounds a little much, but when testing the shoe, the soft foam cushioning made it feel way less extreme. We would've preferred a little higher stack out of these, but after all, that isn't really Brooks' jam.

What do buyers say? "Super cool and comfortable. Helps ease foot and back pain while running and working out," says one reviewer on the Brooks Running site.

Read more: Brooks Hyperion Elite Review

HOKA's latest Clifton shoe release is the ninth version of the popular and award-winning franchise. This iteration is even lighter and provides more cushioning than previous models, meaning it's ideal for a range of running styles. The ultra-lightweight design was achieved by reducing the weight of the shoe itself, while increasing the stack height by 3 mm.

Running in these babies ourselves, we found the comfort and response to top previous iterations, thanks to a new foam and improved outsole design. The brand also made changes to the shoe's upper by removing unnecessary overlays and other features. Instead, a more streamlined look with a plusher heel, reflective heel panel, and a tongue with a single side medial gusset. All of what you want for speed work, daily training, and long distances, none of what you don't.

"I come back to the Clifton every year because it's such a solid shoe. The 9 is a great example of this: It's cushioned, but not overly soft; it feels snappy off the road, but it's not an overpowering energy return for an everyday running shoe," says Brett Williams, NASM, MH Senior Editor.

Read more: Best Hoka Running Shoes

If you find yourself reaching for sky-high stacks like New Balance Fresh Foams and HOKAs on the regular, know that the Cloudsurfer from On ranks up there with the high-stack, cushioned crème de la crème. As soon as we tried these, we were bouncing up and down–literally. The lightweight, bouncy cushioning combined with the metarocker outsole helps to propel you forward with each step.

With a legacy dating back to the original Cloudsurfer in 2012, this series captures the sensation floating–no doubt. This version of the model brings that feeling a step further with even more cushioning, comfort, and response than previous versions. We also love the engineered mesh upper, which feels light and breathable yet supportive for any type of run. For any HOKA Clifton fans in the audience, we highly recommend taking this shoe from On for a spin.

Read more: Best On Running Shoes

Just as you'd expect from Adidas, these trail running shoes are as durable as they are aesthetically-pleasing. Built to handle the rugged terrains with a protective midsole and Continental™ Rubber outsole, these shoes hold their own on both pavements and moderately tough trails.

Think of them as the Jack-of-all-trades in the moderate trail running realm—perfect for lightweight treks and laid back runs, and they double as a great casual hiking shoe, too. Offering a good dose of support for a neutral running shoe, they allow your feet just the right amount of security to maneuver trails safely but without feeling constricted.On the flip side, when the going gets muddy, they start struggling, and those lugs aren't the sharpest tools in the shed, often gathering rocks like souvenirs. They also hit the scale a bit harder than preferred for serious technical running. While they aren't the best choice out there for the super technical runs, they shine when it comes to being versatile on the trails.

The added touch of incorporating recycled materials wins extra brownie points for being eco-friendly, too.

Read more: Best Adidas Shoes

This iconic model from Vivobarefoot simulates the experience of being barefoot while protecting your feet from the risk involved with going shoe-free. It's designed to be foot shaped—not shoe shaped—with a super wide toe box that allows your feet to move how they would without the constraints of a traditional shoe. The benefit being you can grip the ground more effectively and exercise your foot's dexterity while working out.

It's urban-environment approved, with a 4mm sole to protect your foot from whatever may be in your path and extra lamination around the toe for an added buffer from the environment. We love that the upper is constructed of eco mesh, made from recycled plastic bottles. It's also 70% plant-based and uses an algae foam.

What do buyers say? People who wear these say they hold up to more abuse than shoes twice their weight, and can stay in great condition no matter what you put them through.

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Let's talk about the Escalante 3s, which is a confusing name, given it's actually the 5th version of the model since 2017. Aside from Altra's signature zero-drop, roomy toebox design you'll find throughout the brand's offerings, the star of the Escalante 3 show is the EGOTM midsole material. We'd still call the level of cushioning 'moderate', but the midsole is incredibly responsive.

Slipping into these feels is also just flat out comfortable. The sock-like upper hugs the foot to give a gentle lock-down feel without added movement control. Even if you don't have wide feet, the ability to move and flex your feet and toes that the shape and construction of this shoe provides is easy to love.

But, we've got a few speed bumps. This shoe put on a few grams since its last version (likely thanks to added cushioning through the midsole, which we do love) and it runs a bit longer than expected, so you might want to size down.

Designed with neutral runners in mind, these kicks deliver a featherlight feel ideal for fast-paced training mode.

This third-gen Velociti has all the best bits from the previous versions, but the secret sauce here is the UA Flow tech. The rubberless cushioning is lightweight and incredibly responsive, but we found the foam grinds down more easily than rubber-topped outsoles with high mileage. (Which is why we prefer these shoes for shorter distances.)

The flat-knit upper is all about comfort and stretch, with a tailored fit that feels snug without suffocating your foot.

And if you've been tapped in to the Velociti line for a while, you may remember the tongue hassle from earlier versions, which has also been fixed here with a new design. The new and improved winged tongue takes pressure off the top of your foot, and extra padding adds to the comfort.

Read more: Best Under Armour Running Shoes

The Kinvara line has a fan club for a reason, and this latest edition keeps the legacy alive. The original version used to be a trusty race-day buddy before the Super Shoes took the spotlight. Now, more cushioned than most daily trainers but not as high-tech as those flashy carbon-plated kicks, it's somewhere in the middle. That being said, if you're not hopping on the carbon plate train, the Kinvara 14 could be your match for longer distances.

The upper is race-day ready thanks to a secure locked-down feel, but with just enough coziness to make it an option for your regular runs, too. The mesh is airy and light, and a padded collar and heel counter add some extra TLC. The tongue is minimal and gusseted to keep things streamlined, but we could imagine some runners may prefer a more padded feel for as the miles rack up.

Since the 13, the midsole got a boost with an extra 3 mm of PWRRUN foam, offering considerably more bounce with each step. Plus, a little metarocker action means this shoe rolls like a pro to encourage each stride.

At 8.4-ounces for a US size 10.5, these aren't the lightest shoes on this list, but they're surely not on the heavy side, either. On the lighter side and with moderate cushioning, the Pegasus Turbos offer a bit more firmness than your average neutral shoe. Which might catch you off guard, but don't knock it yet; if you want a neutral trainer that brings the bounce but can offer quick transitions, this is a good option. While it offers a slightly firmer rife than most neutral shoes, that added toughness through the midsole performs exceptionally well for the demands of quickly changing pace. You'll feel the love during those interval runs.

But let's not skip the quirks. The laces need a little trim; they're like the marathon runners of laces–they just keep going. If breathability is your top concerns, keep in mind that we found the upper to run on the warm side.

Plus, if you're the Earth-conscious type, know that these are partially made from recycled materials.

Read more: Best Nike Shoes

Uncertain about how to decide on your next set of neutral running shoes? Consider these key factors before making a purchase:

Cushioning and responsiveness: Decide if you prefer maximum cushioning for impact absorption and comfort or a more responsive feel for speed. Some shoes offer a balance between the two, so choose based on your preferences and running goals."Cushioning absorbs shock and helps to avoid tissue irritation and damage," explains Dr. Schaeffer.

Though neutral feet are a good fit for barefoot shoes because they don't require corrective arch support, there's a debate about running in these ultra minimalists models. “Our bodies need to find a way to attenuate shock and impact with each foot strike," explains Dr. Lurie.

Barefoot running, or shoes that mimic it, may feel comfortable for some. But, according to Dr. Lurie, the lack of cushioning may ultimately lead to degenerative changes in our bones and joints, as well as the potential for stress injuries to muscles, tendon, and ligaments.

Weight: If you're in the market for a neutral running shoe, be sure the models you're considering are lightweight. Unless we're talking about a trail shoe, that means under 10.5 ounces.

Drop and stack height: The drop refers to the height difference between the heel and forefoot. Consider your preference for a lower or higher drop (higher drop will pitch you forward more with each step), as well as the stack height for cushioning and impact absorption.

Comfort and fit: "The shoe should have ample space for your toes to have room to move in the forefoot and have a mesh upper that will allow for breathability," explains Dr. Mendeszoon.

"The heel should fit comfortably and not provide a lot of motion and there should be ample length on the laces to tie the shoes properly."

Running style and terrain: Do you primarily run on roads, trails, or a mix of both? Do you run races or long distances often? Different shoes are designed for different surfaces and distances, so choose accordingly.

Durability: Although neutral shoes may be a bit more stripped-down and less firm through the midsole, they should still offer durability and withstand regular running sessions. Look for shoes with reinforced areas in high-wear zones and durable outsole materials, as durability can be an issue with the more barebones neutral models.

Consider reviews and feedback: Read reviews from other runners to get an idea of the shoe's performance, durability, and overall quality. Look for feedback specifically from runners with similar foot types or running preferences.

Budget: While higher-priced models often offer advanced features, there are also affordable options available that can still meet your needs.

Plan to replace them after approximately 300-500 miles of use to maintain optimal performance and reduce the risk of injuries, and consider this when determining your budget.

Thankfully, it’s possible to find sneakers that strike a balance between barefoot-inspired styles and full-fledged stability sneakers. “Typically, neutral shoes are lighter than stability shoes. Generally the midsole will have a lighter color which resembles a better response during mid-foot strike,” says ankle surgeon/podiatrist Mark J. Mendeszoon, FACFAS, FACPM, a partner at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties Inc in Chardon, Ohio and the owner of Achilles Running Shop in Willoughby, Ohio and Erie, Pennsylvania.

As Mendeszoon highlights, since neutral shoes tend to be narrower in the forefoot, it’s key to make sure there’s ample space in the toe box so your toes aren’t cramped and have the ability to move. “Some neutral shoes will have eccentric lacing, so it is critical that the shoes are laced up properly and not too tightly as that may cause tingling or numbness on the top of the feet or in the toes,” he says. (Eccentric lacing is where the shoe eyelets are staggered and offset.) Most neutral shoes should be worn by runners who are midfoot or forefoot strikers and not heel strikers, he adds.

In terms of shelf-life, Mendeszoon says that neutral shoes may have a tendency to break down or wear out a bit quicker than stability shoes. “Thus, they may not always last for the typical 500-mile range,” he says.

One more thing: Neutral runners can wear stability shoes of varying degrees, but doing so should be carefully considered as too much control may lead to decreased shock absorption and create new problems that did not exist before, says Lurie. If you need more guidance on what shoes are right for you or if you might benefit from custom orthotics, see a podiatrist, fellas.

According to podiatrists Dr. Mark Mendeszoon and Dr. Bradley Schaeffer, a foot and ankle surgeon starring on TLC's 'My Feet Are Killing Me,' neutral running shoes are best suited for those who don't require correction for flat feet or high arch issues. In addition to those in need of additional arch support, those who are heavier on their feet when running due to running mechanics or weight should also steer clear of neutral running shoes.

Dr. Schaeffer highlights that these shoes excel in facilitating a more natural movement of the foot throughout the gait cycle, which encompasses heel strike to toe off. This means if your feet fall within the neutral arch category, these shoes can provide a harmonious and comfortable stride.

Dr. Mendeszoon elaborates on the target audience, noting that neutral running shoes are particularly well-suited for speed workouts, interval running, and road racing thanks to typically lightweight construction.

At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. For this story, we spent hours testing running shoes, researching design and performance specs, and interviewing top podiatrists Dr. Scott Lurie, Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, and Dr. Bradley Schaeffer. Our writers and editors are experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality.

Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage. Which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.

For the past two years, Men's Health's editors and writers have put dozens of the best neutral running shoes to the test for tempo, interval, easy, and long-distance runs. Experts, including Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM, and Fitness and Commerce Editor Talene Appleton, NASM, evaluated several pairs of running shoes and tested their level of support, cushioning, comfort, price point, and durability.

Best Long-Distance Running Shoes | Best Treadmill Running Shoes | Best Cushioned Running Shoes | Best Minimalist Running Shoes | Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet | Best Lightweight Running Shoes | Best Stability Running Shoes | Best Arch Support Shoes | Best Trail Running Shoes

Talene Appleton is a fitness and food writer and editor, certified personal trainer (NASM-CPT), and former professional dancer based in New York City. Passionate about both exercise and cuisine, she merges her fitness, nutrition and culinary expertise with the goal of motivating others to embrace balanced healthy living. Her work has appeared in Men’s Health, General Surgery News, The Food Institute, The Nessie, and more.

Dr Mark Mendeszoon is a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties in Chardon, Ohio and owner of Achilles Running Shops in Willoughby , Ohio and Erie, Pa. He still enjoys working out, running and coaching runners of all ages.

Scott R. Lurie, DPM, is a podiatry specialist and the founder of Park Avenue Podiatry Associates in New York City.

Bradley Schaeffer, DPM, is a board certified podiatrist and foot surgeon specializing in sports medicine, foot and ankle reconstructive surgery, regenerative medicine, and aesthetic procedures. He stars on the popular TLC show My Feet Are Killing.

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