The Best Running Shoes, According to Podiatrists

When there are so many options on the market, shopping for something you need, such as comfortable gym shoes, can feel like a daunting task. And as running shoe technology gets smarter, the options are increasing each season. Plus, sporty sneakers are in style these days with regular everyday outfits, giving you even more choices. Brands including New Balance, Nike, and Solomon are being lauded for shoes you can wear anytime with any look.

But if you’re actually looking for foot-friendly shoes for your next gym workout or jog, there are a few factors to consider. “The best type of running shoes are ones that have a firm, yet accommodating sole, that allow for even landing pressure when your heel strikes, and then enough flexibility to allow for propulsion with toe-off,” says Dr. Sanjna Sanghvi, board-certified podiatrist, foot and ankle surgeon, and owner of PS Foot and Ankle. 

Below are five running shoe recommendations that podiatrists recommend to their patients every day. Don’t worry — you can wear these with your trendy ’fits, too.

1. HOKA Skyflow

If you check out the HOKA website, you’ll notice the brand breaks down its running shoes into four different categories: everyday running, race running, trail running, and cold-weather running. There’s a whole different list for walking-focused sneakers. 

“The substantial cushioning in HOKA shoes reduces stress on your ankles, knees, and hips with every stride,” Dr. Sanghvi says. “HOKA is certainly more so for the experienced runners as the stacked midsole and heel rocker can really allow greater float time between each stride.”

Dr. Brad Schaeffer, board-certified podiatrist, foot surgeon at Central Park SOLE, and star of the TLC show My Feet Are Killing Me, agrees, noting that HOKA has emerged as a leader in the athletic shoe industry. “They have room to accommodate most foot types and provide a perfect mix of cushion versus stability,” he says.

2. On Cloudflow 4

Dr. Sanghvi says that On is a great running shoe option for people of all running skill levels. “Their sneaker designs allow for compression upon impact, absorbing shock and minimizing stress on your joints,” she says. Plus, “unlike bulkier foams of HOKAs, they return energy efficiently, propelling you forward with a trampoline effect.”

We also love how lightweight On sneakers (especially the Cloudflow 4) are, making them comfortable for long walks with a bunch of stairs. 

3. Brooks Ghost 16 

Brooks running shoes are so comfortable, even doctors wear them. Dr. Schaeffer is a fan of Brooks’ Ghost running shoe line. “Brooks have been my go-to shoe to run with for a long time,” he says. “I feel like Brooks has created one of the best running shoes on the market.” 

Dr. Schaeffer recommends wearing insoles made specifically for runners for even more comfort and protection as you hit the pavement. 

4. MBT Women's Simba ATR 2 SYM In White

This lesser-known brand is another favorite of Dr. Schaeffer’s. “MBT is a physiological footwear brand with rocker-bottom, curved soles,” he says. The most notable aspect of MBT? The shoes are actually recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Dr. Schaeffer says they’re “great for pain prevention, rehabilitation, performance improvement, general well-being, and a modern, healthy lifestyle.” The brand even makes foot-friendly dress shoes, sandals, Mary Janes, and more. 

5. Asics Gel-Cumulus 26 Limited Edition

Asics — specifically, the Gel-Cumulus line of sneakers — is another running shoe brand recommended by the APMA. The sneaker styles in this line are made for different types of arches, how your foot pronates, and even how much you prefer your shoes to weigh. The colorway options are pretty cool, too, and we hear they feel like “walking on clouds.”