Best for most people
96%of 52 owners rate it 4 or 5 starsASICS Novablast 5
- Light, soft and bouncy
- Roomy toe box
- Easy and faster runs
- Loose for narrow feet
Best running shoes
Most runners should get the ASICS Novablast 5: light, soft, bouncy and roomy for a fair price. Want the most cushioning for long, easy runs? The Nike Vomero 18. Feet that roll in? The ASICS Gel-Kayano 32.
Based on 526 verified owner ratings and 24 expert reviewsUpdated 3 Nov 2026
If you need something specific
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Best max cushion
Nike Vomero 18
- Very soft, thick cushioning
- Stable for a max-cushion shoe
- Great for long walks too
- Narrow toe box
Best stability
ASICS Gel-Kayano 32
- Very stable for feet that roll in
- Plenty of cushioning
- Excellent grip
- Heavy at the heel, and not lively
Best classic daily
Brooks Ghost 17
- Smooth, cushioned ride
- Very breathable
- Flexible and easy to wear
- Dependable, but not exciting
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Head to head
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RunRepeat: ASICS Novablast 5, RunRepeat: Nike Vomero 18, RunRepeat: ASICS Gel-Kayano 32, RunRepeat: HOKA Clifton 10, RunRepeat: Brooks Ghost 17, Believe in the Run: ASICS Novablast 5, Believe in the Run: Nike Vomero 18, Believe in the Run: ASICS Gel-Kayano 32, manufacturer specifications.
What 526 verified buyers say about their running shoes: every model compared in our buyer ratings study.
Updated 3 Nov 2026How we decide