The Best Running Shoes of 2015

Award: Editor’s Choice, Winter 2015
Price: $110
Summary: The New Balance 1500v2 excels with its light, responsive ride combined with the support of the dual-density midsole and a plastic bridge under the arch. Testers loved the “Goldilocks” cushioning and improved fit.

Men’s Review · Women’s Review · New Balance site

Shown: Women’s version

Award: Editor’s Choice, Winter 2015
Price: $150
Summary: To update the successful Saucony Triumph ISO, Saucony added a thin layer of its new, bouncy Everun material beneath the insole, while a larger chunk was inserted into the sole under the heel. Our lab confirmed the increase in energy return from the midsole, and testers loved the ride.

Men’s Review · Women’s Review · Saucony site

Shown: Men’s version

Award: Best Update, Winter 2015
Price: $120
Summary: The Adidas Adizero Boston Boost was updated specifically for women. Adidas removed the aggressive toe-cap and forefoot overlays and replaced the see-through fabric with an engineered mesh that supports in some areas and stretches in others. The result is a shoe that fits better and makes your feet look smaller.

Men’s Review · Women’s Review · Adidas site

Shown: Women’s version

Award: Best Debut, Winter 2015
Price: $150
Summary: The Odyssey is a new premium stability shoe from Nike. A three-density, segmented midsole supports the entire arch side while an engineered mesh upper locks the foot down while letting it breathe. Testers appreciated the smooth, light ride it provides without sacrificing control.

Men’s Review · Women’s Review · Nike site

Shown: Men’s version

Award: Editor’s Choice, Fall 2015
Price: $120
Summary: The upper of the Ghost 8 has a new “engineered” mesh that is supportive in some areas and softer in others, making this stable and cushioned shoe more comfy.

Men’s Review · Women’s Review · Brooks site

Shown: Women’s version

Award: Best Buy, Fall 2015
Price: $100
Summary: This light stability model from Under Armour gives a unique ride from a thick, stable heel and a low, firm, flexible forefoot. Perfect on shorter, faster runs for a runner who needs motion control.

Men’s Review · Women’s Review · Under Armour site

Shown: Men’s version

Award: Best Update, Fall 2015
Price: $150
Summary: Brooks deepened the grooves in the midsole and significantly improved the flexibility, yet lost no cushioning. The Glycerin 13 is a shoe that coddles while delivering high performance.

Men’s Review · Women’s Review · Brooks site

Shown: Women’s version

Award: Best Debut, Fall 2015
Price: $110
Summary: Go fast and long in comfort with the lightweight Vazee Pace. A fast-feel roll off the toe and bouncy rubber under the ball propels you.

Men’s Review · Women’s Review · New Balance site

Shown: Men’s version

Award: Best Debut, Fall 2015
Price: $130
Summary: The Pearl Izumi N3 offers a plusher experience by putting in more midsole foam than in previous eMotion models. The printed upper overlays lend support without bulk.

Men’s Review · Women’s Review · Pearl Izumi site

Shown: Women’s version

Award: Editor’s Choice, Summer 2015
Price: $150
Summary: The Nimbus has long been the Cadillac of the Asics line: the plushest, most cushioned ride you can buy. The 17th edition is a luxury sport model, displaying nimble performance as the lightest and most flexible Nimbus yet.

Men’s Review · Women’s Review · Asics site

Shown: Men’s version

Award: Best Buy, Summer 2015
Price: $120
Summary: “One degree beyond” is the motto of this Chinese company newly marketing in the U.S. The Sensation is their high-mileage trainer, and it hits the sweet spot of being moderately cushioned and stable while also feeling responsive, offering high-end performance at moderate price.

Men’s Review · Women’s Review · 361° site

Shown: Men’s version

Award: Best Update, Summer 2015
Price: $150
Summary: Add Saucony’s new ISOfit adaptable upper to the popular Hurricane and you get an award winner. With more stability and added cushioning, this new Saucony is even more comfy. Testers swooned over the fit, cushioning, and support of this plush stability shoe.

Men’s Review · Women’s Review · Saucony site

Shown: Men’s version

Award: Best Debut, Summer 2015
Price: $110
Summary: This new model wowed our testers with its fit, stability, and ultralight performance. The lightest and most flexible shoe we tested this spring 1500v1 is ideal for racing and speedwork, though supportive enough for long runs.

Men’s Review · Women’s Review · New Balance site

Shown: Men’s version

Award: Editor’s Choice, Spring 2015
Price: $150
Summary: Remarkably light despite all its cushioning, the Triumph appeals to a range of runners who demand comfort and performance.

Men’s Review · Women’s Review · Saucony site

Shown: Men’s version

Award: Best Buy, Spring 2015
Price: $100
Summary: Updating the popular 2009 model, Brooks improved the groove under the heel that adapts to any landing style, added more cushioning in the forefoot and retooled the upper with modern materials.

Men’s Review · Women’s Review · Brooks site

Shown: Men’s version

Award: Best Update, Spring 2015
Price: $150
Summary: Nike removed the binding heel collar and opened up the forefoot in this smooth-running, feather-light favorite, making it more accommodating to a wider variety of feet.

Men’s Review · Women’s Review · Nike site

Shown: Men’s version

Award: Best Debut, Spring 2015
Price: $100
Summary: Testers loved the neutral, responsive ride underfoot, but the highest praise was reserved for the fit: A seamless internal layer topped with breathable mesh and surrounded by a supportive band provided a secure feel and freedom for toes.

Men’s Review · Women’s Review · Zoot site

Shown: Men’s version

Award: Editor’s Choice, Trail, Spring 2015
Price: $110
Summary: Great cushioning and exceptional traction set this light and flexible shoe apart for the runner who wants to dance over the trail. A simple, foot-wrapping upper and wide base of support provide a comfortable and stable ride.

Men’s Review · Women’s Review · Altra site

Shown: Men’s version

Award: Best Update, Trail, Spring 2015
Price $120
Summary: Exceptional stability and rugged durability have defined the Cascadia for a decade. This version has a better-fitting upper, which combines more pliable materials with a plastic midfoot saddle that comfortably wraps the foot and stabilizes it on variable terrain.

Men’s Review · Women’s Review · Brooks site

Shown: Men’s version

Award: Best Debut, Trail, Spring 2015
Price: $110
Summary: Versatile comfort for all but the gnarliest trails. A layer of foam in the midsole provides neutral cushioning that flexes well over uneven terrain, while a plastic cradle around the back of the shoe cups your heel.

Men’s Review · Women’s Review · The North Face site

Shown: Men’s version