(A harder-feeling shoe won’t necessarily lack cushioning, and according to some biomechanical research, a midsole that’s too soft can actually increase peak impact forces.) In addition to those key stats, we also look at the running shoe’s stability features, flexibility, and energy return to help you find one you’ll love. The cushioning scores are given on a scale of 1 to 100, with one being the firmest. To test softness, we go to our Shoe Lab to take individual measurements of both the heel and forefoot, since the overall experience can vary based on where a runner touches down and toes off.

If you’re going long distances, some extra cushioning might be a better option, as it provides impact absorption.īecome a Runner's World+ member for exclusive access to product testing opportunities. Lighter shoes typically have less cushioning, which can make them feel faster, but new midsole foams now make a plush ride possible without adding much heft to the shoe. Some runners care a lot about weight, and research shows that you expend more aerobic energy with heavier shoes. Trevor Raab How to Choose the Best Running Shoe In addition to running hundreds of miles in each test model, we measure shoes in our lab and cut them apart to see how they’re constructed.

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