10 Best Running Shoes 2026 in the United States

The Brooks Women’s Ghost 17 is a strong choice for women looking for a reliable everyday running or walking shoe. It stands out with its soft and dynamic cushioning thanks to the upgraded DNA Loft v3 foam, which adds a bit more comfort under both the heel and the forefoot. This makes each step feel smooth and reduces impact, which is great if you run or walk regularly. The shoe offers neutral arch support, which suits runners who don’t need extra correction for their feet.

Fit-wise, the double jacquard air mesh upper provides good breathability to keep your feet cool and dry, and the design adapts well to natural foot movements for a comfortable, snug feel. The heel drop is moderate, supporting a natural running stride and smooth transitions helped by flex grooves in the midsole, which encourage a fluid toe-off. On the outsole, Brooks uses a rubber compound with recycled silica that balances durability and lightweight responsiveness, providing solid grip on various road surfaces. One notable plus is the shoe’s certification as diabetic-friendly and APMA-approved, which highlights its attention to foot health.

The shoe is designed with a medium width, so those with wider feet might find it a bit tight. While it’s built mostly for road running and daily wear, it may not be ideal for trail running or very rugged terrain. The Ghost 17 delivers dependable cushioning, comfort, and breathability, making it suited for runners and walkers who want a cushioned, neutral shoe for everyday use.

The Brooks Men’s Glycerin 22 is designed for runners who want maximum cushioning and a smooth ride, making it a great choice for road running or gym workouts. Its standout feature is the DNA Tuned midsole technology, which uses different sized cells to deliver soft landings in the heel and a responsive push-off in the toe, ensuring your feet feel comfortable and energized throughout your run. The shoe supports a neutral foot type, so it’s best if you don’t overpronate (roll your foot inward too much). The upper is made from a flexible double jacquard knit fabric that offers good breathability to keep your feet cool and a roomy fit that adapts well to different foot shapes. However, it doesn’t have adjustable straps beyond standard laces, which might limit fine-tuning the fit for some.

The broad platform and tuned heel help stabilize your foot and make heel-to-toe transitions smooth, which is helpful for maintaining balance and reducing fatigue. The outsole is made of durable rubber, providing reliable grip on roads and gym floors. Plus, it has earned certifications like the APMA Seal and is approved as a diabetic-friendly shoe, highlighting its comfort and foot health benefits. Weighing around 1.7 pounds, it offers plush cushioning that many will appreciate.

If you need extra arch support or a wider width, you might want to explore other Brooks models or brands, as this shoe is focused on a medium width and neutral arch profile. The Glycerin 22 is a solid pick for those seeking soft cushioning, breathability, and stability for everyday running or fitness activities without specialized support needs.

The New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 is designed to offer a comfortable running experience, mainly thanks to its Fresh Foam midsole cushioning. This cushioning is engineered to be both soft and lightweight, which helps reduce impact and makes it easier on your feet during runs. The mesh upper promotes breathability, helping keep your feet cool, while the no-sew overlays provide a smooth, snug fit without adding extra bulk.

The rubber outsole looks durable and should offer reliable grip, suitable for various running surfaces. The shoe’s fit and width appear standard, so those needing wider or narrower options might want to try them on first.

This shoe is a solid choice for runners looking for lightweight cushioning and breathability, especially if you have a neutral foot type and don’t require specialized support.