We Tested the Best Sneakers for Every Type of Exercise, These are the Top 12

Best Women's Sneaker

Hoka Women's Clifton 8

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Stability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

After testing 24 pairs of sneakers, Hoka’s Clifton 8 won out for their thick cushioning and podiatrist-approved design, all in a sleek shoe that’s perfect for walking the dog or long-distance running. We love that they’re soft and flexible, with a secure fit and a barely-there feel.

When it comes to support, these sneakers have a thick, molded foam insole and a wide heel crash pad. We noticed that all of the additional padding felt responsive underfoot, putting a spring in our step on the treadmill. And their symmetrical design is best for most people with neutral arches who need a shoe that’s light on stability. These features helped the Bondi 8 earn the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, meaning a group of podiatrists has determined that they help promote healthy feet. 

Even though they’re packed with cushioning (which we confirmed when we split them open), this pair is still easy to wear, weighing around 7 ounces each. This is less than most of our other top picks weigh—making the Bondi 8 an ideal shoe for long-distance runners, according to Valencia. We also like that they’re vegan and made with recycled materials, including a breathable mesh upper that increases airflow to keep your feet cool and dry. 

However, we did notice that the Bondi 8 has an unusually tall heel tab. While we didn’t experience any chafing or blisters during our test, we think the extra fabric could cause irritation for some wearers. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Hoka.

Price at time of publication: $140

^{Key Specs:
Type: Running and walking | Sizes: Women’s 5 to 12 | Materials: Mesh upper, molded foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 7.2 ounces | Drop: 5 millimeters}

Best Men's Sneaker

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Running Shoes

4.9

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Our other best overall spot goes to Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 22 for its flat feet-friendly features and stellar fit. Designed to stabilize not just your feet, but also your ankles and knees, these APMA Seal of Acceptance winners are both comfortable and stylish. 

We noticed a difference right after trying these sneakers on, from their spacious toe box to their comfortable midsoles. Later, while working out, we loved the side supports, which stabilized our feet and helped improve our balance during circuit workouts. 

Like Hoka’s Clifton 8, these sneakers also have soft cushioning that helps propel your foot forward while you walk or run—we even noticed that our box jumps were higher. And we found that the mesh upper, which is partially made from recycled plastic bottles, helped prevent sweaty feet and unpleasant odors. 

While they’re designed for road running, Tulpule notes that the Adrenaline GTS 22s are her favorite walking shoes for their excellent cushioning and support, which helps prevent her plantar fasciitis from returning. We also like that they’re available in four widths and over 20 different color combinations. But we noted that the lining caused some friction, which may lead to blisters on long runs. 

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and REI.

Price at time of publication: $140

^{Key Specs:
Type: Road running | Sizes: Men’s 7 to 15 | Materials: Recycled plastic bottle upper, foam cushioning, rubber outsole | Weight: 10.2 ounces | Drop: 12 millimeters}

Best Sneakers for Walking

Ryka Women's Devotion Plus 4 Walking Shoe

4.4

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Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.8/5
• Comfort
  4.7/5
• Stability
  4.2/5
• Value
  4.2/5

Rykä’s Devotion Plus 4 is our favorite walking shoe because its flexible midsole bends at the arch to offer gentle support while you walk. (Running shoes have stiffer arches and are more flexible under the ball of your foot to better protect your joints when your feet come into contact with hard surfaces, Valencia says.) 

When we slipped these on, we liked that they contoured to the curves of our feet, for a locked-in feel. We also noticed that the rubber outsole had good traction while we walked on the treadmill. And after cutting these sneakers open, we were impressed by all of the layers of cushy foam inside. But because the midsole is softer than others we tested, they aren’t as stable, so they’re not ideal for long walks on rough terrain. 

Since these shoes are stiffer at the toes, Valencia adds that they’ll help provide relief if you have arthritis in your big toe. Anyone with bunions will also appreciate the Devotion Plus 4’s wide toe box. But if you’re looking for a shoe with better stability, we recommend our top men’s pick, Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 22.

Price at time of publication: $110

^{Key Specs:
Type: Walking | Sizes: Women’s 5 to 12 | Materials: Mesh upper, partially recycled lining, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 7.4 ounces | Drop: 11 millimeters}

Best for Wide Feet

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39

4.6

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Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Stability
  4.5/5
• Value
  4.6/5

If you’re a runner with wide feet, we recommend Nike’s Air Zoom Pegasus 39. Our editor with narrow feet noted that these shoes run large, with plenty of space in the toe box. And the tongue is a separate piece from the rest of the upper, which creates even more room for your feet. We also liked the thick padding, which wasn’t too squishy but still felt plush underfoot. 

A mesh upper encourages airflow to keep your feet cool, while a padded tongue and collar enhance this sneaker’s comfort. We noticed that the Pegasus has a highly textured outsole with good traction—plus reflective details, to keep you visible while running in the dark. And although there are over 15 color combinations to choose from, Nike also offers the option to customize your own pair from scratch. 

According to Valencia, these sneakers don’t have the right support for wearers with Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis. They’re also not as responsive as other shoes we tested, meaning they don’t feel as springy. But if you don’t have these conditions and don’t need an overly bouncy midsole, we think the Pegasus is a reliable choice for daily walks and runs. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Dick’s Sporting Goods and REI.

Price at time of publication: $130

^{Key Specs:
Type: Road running | Sizes: Women’s 5 to 12 | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 9.6 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters}

Best for Narrow Feet

Asics Women's Gel-Excite 9

4.6

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Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Stability
  3.5/5
• Value
  5/5

With a toe box that’s true to size and gentle support for neutral arches, Asics’ Gel-Excite 9 is our top pick for runners with narrow feet. We loved how comfortable they were from the minute we slipped them on, and how they stayed secure no matter what incline level we walked on or how fast we ran. 

Weighing less than 8 ounces each, we also noticed these sneakers’ barely-there feel right away, despite their well-cushioned midsole. But while the Gel-Excite 9 is designed to support runners with neutral feet, it may not have enough stability for runners who over- or underpronate. And long-distance runners may want a heavier shoe, although this depends on personal preference. 

Still, we like that you get an impressive array of features in a sneaker that’s almost half the price of our top women’s pick, Hoka’s Clifton 8. We also think the lower upfront cost makes these sneakers a good choice for casual or beginner runners looking for something that’s easy to wear. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Asics. 

Price at time of publication: $75

^{Key Specs:
Type: Road running | Sizes: Women’s 5 to 12 | Materials: Mesh upper, foam and gel midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 7.7 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters}

Best Sneakers for Plantar Fasciitis

Hoka Women's Bondi 8

4.8

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Plantar fasciitis is no match for Hoka’s Bondi 8. The midsole has the thickest, softest cushioning Hoka has to offer—plus extra padding in the heel, for added comfort and blister protection. These design features help the Bondi 8 absorb shock well and reduce the load on your plantar fascia, Valencia says. 

As we walked on the treadmill, we noticed that the Bondi 8’s mesh upper helped circulate air to keep our feet cool and dry. We also loved the wide toe box and secure fit, which felt stable even on steep inclines. A durable rubber outsole and a heel pull tab make these shoes as practical as they are supportive. 

We also like that this sneaker doesn’t bend in half easily, which makes it a great choice for anyone with arthritis in their big toe. And the APMA Seal of Acceptance means you can be confident they’ll provide plenty of relief. But with so much thick, stiff foam, this pair isn’t as responsive as others we tested, like the Clifton 8. They’re also some of the most expensive sneakers on our list, although we feel their thoughtful, high-tech construction is worth it. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Hoka, and REI. 

Price at time of publication: $165

^{Key Specs:
Type: Running, walking | Sizes: Women’s 5 to 12 | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 8.9 ounces | Drop: 4 millimeters}

Best Sneakers for Flat Feet

ASICS Women's GT-2000 10 Running Shoes

4.5

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Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Stability
  5/5
• Value
  4.5/5

Flat feet and overpronation are often related. Together, these conditions can affect your entire lower body’s range of motion, including your running mechanics. For a sneaker that gently corrects both at the same time, we recommend Asics’ GT-2000 10. 

The inside of each shoe has additional support to prevent your arch from collapsing inward, improving your stance and stride. Slicing into the sneaker confirmed the brand’s claims—we could easily see how the foam midsole climbed up the shoe’s inner wall, to better align your feet. 

In the lab, this pair stood out for its comfortable, stable fit. The midsole combines foam and gel to offer a fairly responsive ride with good shock absorption. While we ran on the treadmill, we also loved how breathable the upper was, even though it doesn’t have any mesh (like many of our other top picks do). And the soft lining didn’t create any irritation or hot spots, leaving our feet blister-free. 

We also think this sneaker is a great investment for new runners since it’s both sturdy and stylish. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Asics.

Price at time of publication: $130

^{Key Specs:
Type: Road running | Sizes: Women’s 5 to 13 | Materials: Knit upper, foam and gel midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 8.4 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters}

Best Lightweight

On Running Women's Cloud X Running Shoe

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Stability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Weighing just 7 ounces, we were shocked to find that one of the lightest shoes we tested felt so supportive, stable, and cushioned while we ran. On Running’s Cloud X sneakers have ultra-thin midsoles—the bright turquoise and orange layers were easy to spot when we cut them open. We loved how the paper-thin foam still felt impressively soft and squishy underfoot. 

Unlike all of the other sneakers on our list, these have additional molded pads in the midsole underneath the ball of the foot. This feature provides added cushioning where it’s needed the most, which results in a lighter shoe that isn’t as bulky as our New Balance or Hoka picks are. 

The Cloud X’s close fit provided a locked-in feel as we ran on the treadmill. And we like the shoe’s stylish, low-profile design, which comes in a range of bright and neutral color combinations. But since the midsole is so thin, this sneaker isn’t as responsive as some we tested. The molded cushioning may also take time to get used to: Once we got over feeling like there was something stuck in the shoe, we appreciated the targeted padding. 

Also available in men’s sizes at On Running. 

Price at time of publication: $110

^{Key Specs:
Type: Running | Sizes: Women’s 5 to 11 | Materials: Mesh upper, foam and rubber outsole | Weight: 7 ounces | Drop: 6 millimeters}

Best for Training

Reebok Nano X2 Training Shoes

4.4

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Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Stability
  4.5/5
• Value
  4.4/5

No matter how you like to train, Reebok’s Nano X2 Cross Trainer supports your feet, ankles, and knees, so you can focus on your workout (not your shoes). When we tried these on in the lab, we were pleasantly surprised by their wide toe box and snug heel. Dense foam cushioning helped us move through box jumps and squats without feeling any pain in our knees. 

After slicing these shoes open, we found multiple layers of padding, all with different thicknesses to help absorb shock. We also found that the heels are flat to promote proper weightlifting form, which took the stress off of our lower back. 

While there was still enough room in these sneakers for our feet to move around, we noticed the solid stability that makes this shoe a good choice for HIIT, cardio, plyometrics, and more. And the rubber outsole has deep lugs that offer great traction on all kinds of floors. However, some wearers have found that the laces are shorter and a little slippery, meaning they may not stay tied very well. 

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Reebok. 

Price at time of publication: $80

^{Key Specs:
Type: Training | Sizes: Men’s 6.5 to 14 | Materials: Textile upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: Not listed | Drop: Not listed}

Best Cushioned

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X More v4

4.7

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Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Stability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

If you’re searching for a shoe that’s comfortable, without high-tech features you don’t need, New Balance’s Fresh Foam X More v4 is for you. These sneakers have 1.5 inches of pure foam padding, uninterrupted by gel or other kinds of support. When we tried them on, we couldn’t believe how comfortable they were—and after we cut them open, the padding and support were clear. 

As we ran on the treadmill, we noticed that these sneakers felt light and springy. We enjoyed how responsive the midsoles were, and we also like that the insoles are removable, in case you need to add your own for more arch support. Wearers with wide feet will appreciate the roomy fit and three available widths. 

The breathable mesh upper has reflective details, so you’ll stay visible to other pedestrians and motorists in low-light conditions. But similar to Hoka’s Bondi 8 and Clifton 8, the extra-thick soles may look and feel too bulky for some. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and New Balance. 

Price at time of publication: $150

^{Key Specs:
Type: Running | Sizes: Women’s 5 to 13 | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole | Weight: 8.4 ounces | Drop: 4 millimeters}

Best for Trail Runs

Brooks Men's Glycerin 20 Running Shoe

4.9

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Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Stability
  4.5/5
• Value
  4.6/5

When it comes to running on dirt, gravel, or uneven terrain, Brooks’ Glycerin GTS 20 is our top pick. In the lab, we loved how comfortable these sneakers were. The mesh upper kept our feet cool and dry and the shoes’ construction kept our feet firmly in place, even after 20 minutes of running. 

The springy midsole is packed with the most cushioning Brooks offers in a shoe and provides good energy return. We also weren’t expecting these shoes to feel so light on our feet, based on how stable they are. And we noticed additional padding around the ankle, which helped us feel secure in our footing on the treadmill. 

Although the soft upper and lining didn’t create any hot spots or blisters, some wearers have found that the mesh lacks durability. Trail runners should be prepared to replace these shoes more often, as water and debris may cause the uppers to wear quickly. 

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Brooks. 

Price at time of publication: $160

^{Key Specs:
Type: Trail and road running, walking | Sizes: Men’s 7 to 15 | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, manmade outsole | Weight: 10.1 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters}