Best Running Shoes
17 products ranked across 526 cited reviews, videos and discussions · Updated 13 Sept 2026
On the stierproducts running shoes board, ASICS Novablast 5 ranks #1 in S tier, ahead of Adidas Adizero EVO SL (#2, S tier) and Brooks Ghost 18 (#3, A tier). The board ranks 17 running shoes from S (best) to F (avoid), last researched 13 Sept 2026, drawing on 526 cited reviews, videos and discussions. Placed in the bottom tiers as ones to avoid: Adidas Duramo Speed 2, Hoka Clifton 9, New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14, and 4 others.
#11 1 of 2 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Adidas Duramo Speed 2
Moved down from C to D on 13 Sept 2026 #12 2 of 6 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Hoka Clifton 9
Moved down from C to D on 13 Sept 2026 #13 1 of 8 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14
#14 3 of 4 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Nike Pegasus Premium
Moved down from D to F on 13 Sept 2026 #15 3 of 6 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. adidas Ultraboost 5
#16 3 of 6 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3
#17 4 of 7 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. On Cloud 6
What moved on this board
25 tier changes recorded between 22 Jul 2026 and 14 Sept 2026. The 5 most recent are below.
- 13 Sept 2026 adidas Ultraboost 5 moved down from D to F. 1 more research game. 1 source added.
- 13 Sept 2026 New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 moved down from C to D. 2 more research games. 2 sources added.
- 13 Sept 2026 Hoka Clifton 9 moved down from C to D. 1 more research game. 2 sources added.
- 13 Sept 2026 Nike Alphafly 3 moved up from D to C. 1 more research game. 2 sources added.
- 13 Sept 2026 Hoka Mach 6 moved up from C to B. 2 more research games. 2 sources added.
Each line shows what else changed at the same publish. It is not a statement of cause.
Frequently asked questions
ASICS Novablast 5 sits at #1 in the S tier of our consolidated board, ranked across independent research runs over 526 cited reviews, videos and discussions. The Novablast 5 is consistently ranked as the best neutral shoe for speed and comfort, offering high energy return and a great fit, as noted by Runner’s World and Wirecutter.
Adidas Adizero EVO SL ranks #2 (S tier). The Adizero EVO SL is a fast, lightweight shoe that feels natural and offers a responsive feel and good traction, as cited by Runner’s World and RTINGS.
Our research places Adidas Duramo Speed 2, Hoka Clifton 9, New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14, Nike Pegasus Premium, adidas Ultraboost 5, Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3, On Cloud 6 in the bottom tiers (D/F). Adidas Duramo Speed 2: The Duramo Speed 2 is marketed as a budget trainer but is criticized for being too soft and lacking long-term durability.
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