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Running Shoe Brands Explained: A Guide To The Biggest Names And Specialist Brands
Updated: Oct 2
Buying running shoes often starts with a familiar brand name, but the name on the box tells you only so much. One brand may offer a comfortable shoe for everyday road runs and a very different model for racing, while another specialises in grip for muddy trails or rocky mountain paths.
This guide looks at the major running shoe brands and some less familiar names worth knowing. For each, we explain what the brand is known for and highlight shoes that show the range of its approach. If one catches your interest, you can follow through to our full guide to explore its models in more detail.
Asics
Asics is one of the world's most respected running shoe brands and has been producing high-quality footwear for more than 75 years. The company is renowned for combining comfort, durability and support, making it a favourite among everyone from first time runners to experienced marathon athletes.
Its most popular neutral shoe is the Gel-Nimbus, which is widely regarded as one of the best cushioned shoes available. For runners who need extra support, the Gel-Kayano remains one of the most popular stability shoes ever produced.
Read our full guide: Asics Explained
Brooks
Brooks focuses almost exclusively on running, allowing the company to refine its range around the needs of runners. The brand has built an excellent reputation for producing comfortable, reliable shoes that perform consistently over many miles.
The Ghost is Brooks' best-selling neutral running shoe and is often recommended for runners looking for a dependable daily running shoe. The Adrenaline GTS has become one of the world's best-known stability shoes thanks to its supportive yet comfortable ride.
Read our full guide: Brooks Explained
Hoka
Hoka revolutionised the running shoe market with its highly cushioned midsoles and lightweight designs. Once associated mainly with ultra runners, the brand is now worn by runners of every ability and has become one of the fastest growing names in running.
The Clifton is Hoka's most popular neutral shoe, offering lightweight cushioning for everyday training. Runners requiring additional support often choose the Arahi, which combines stability with the brand's signature cushioning.
Read our full guide: Hoka Explained
New Balance
New Balance has become one of the world's leading running shoe manufacturers by combining innovative cushioning with excellent comfort. The brand is particularly popular among runners who need shoes available in different widths.
Its flagship neutral model is the Fresh Foam X 1080, while the Fresh Foam X 860 is the company's best known stability shoe and remains a popular choice for runners seeking additional support.
Read our full guide: New Balance Explained
Nike
Nike has helped shape modern distance running through continual innovation and the development of some of the most recognisable running shoes ever produced. While many runners associate the brand with elite racing, Nike also offers an excellent range of everyday running shoes.
The Pegasus has been Nike's most popular neutral running shoe for decades, providing versatility for almost every type of run. The Structure is the brand's long-standing stability model, offering additional support without sacrificing comfort.
Read our full guide: Nike Explained
adidas
adidas has remained one of the biggest names in running through continuous innovation in cushioning and performance technology. Its shoes are equally popular with recreational runners and elite athletes competing around the world.
The Supernova Rise has become adidas' leading neutral shoe, while the Supernova Solution offers extra support for runners who benefit from stability features.
Read our full guide: adidas Explained
Saucony
Saucony has earned a loyal following by producing comfortable, versatile running shoes suitable for almost every type of runner. Its range includes highly cushioned shoes as well as some of the most respected racing shoes on the market.
The Ride is Saucony's best-selling neutral shoe and is admired for its balanced cushioning and durability. The Guide provides additional support for runners who require a stability shoe without feeling overly restrictive.
Read our full guide: Saucony Explained
Mizuno
Mizuno combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern running technology. The company's Wave Plate system has become one of the most recognisable stability technologies in the industry and continues to evolve with every generation.
The Wave Rider remains Mizuno's most popular neutral shoe, while the Wave Inspire is its leading stability model and has developed a loyal following among runners seeking additional support.
Read our full guide: Mizuno Explained
On
Swiss brand On has grown rapidly thanks to its distinctive CloudTec cushioning system and premium build quality. The company has attracted runners looking for a lightweight, responsive shoe that performs equally well during training and everyday wear.
The Cloudsurfer is currently the brand's most popular neutral running shoe, while the Cloudrunner is designed for runners who need additional stability and support.
Read our full guide: On Explained
Altra
Altra is best known for its FootShape toe box and zero drop philosophy, encouraging a more natural foot position during running. The brand has become particularly popular among trail runners and those who enjoy a more natural running experience.
The Torin is Altra's flagship neutral road running shoe, while the Provision offers additional guidance for runners who require extra stability without losing the brand's natural feel.
Read our full guide: Altra Explained
Puma
Puma has re-established itself as a serious player in the running shoe market thanks to its successful Nitro foam technology. The brand now produces highly regarded shoes for training, racing and everyday running.
The Velocity Nitro is Puma's most popular neutral shoe and provides an excellent balance of cushioning and responsiveness. The ForeverRun Nitro is its leading stability model, designed to provide extra support while maintaining a smooth ride.
Read our full guide: Puma Explained
Under Armour
Under Armour continues to invest heavily in running footwear, producing shoes designed for comfort, durability and everyday performance. While it may not have the same heritage as some older brands, it has built a loyal following among many runners.
The Infinite is the company's leading neutral running shoe, while the Infinite Pro provides additional support for runners seeking greater stability during training.
Salomon
Salomon is best known for trail running shoes, with a wide range covering everything from easier mixed terrain to technical mountain running. The brand also produces an expanding selection of road running shoes.
The Speedcross is one of Salomon's best-known trail shoes, while the Sense Ride provides a more versatile option across different surfaces. Its road range includes models designed for everyday training and faster running.
Read our full guide: Salomon Explained
Running Shoe Brands You Might Be Less Familiar With
There are also several running shoe brands that may be less familiar but are well worth considering. Some have a long history in running, while others are becoming increasingly visible as their ranges expand into everyday training and performance footwear.
361°
361° is a major Chinese sportswear brand with a growing presence in international running. Its range covers everyday training, cushioning and performance shoes, making it an interesting alternative to the more familiar global brands.
The Centauri is one of its everyday neutral running shoes, while the Flame range includes the brand's faster performance and carbon-plated racing models.
Read our full guide: 361° Explained
Diadora
Italian brand Diadora has a long sporting heritage and has become increasingly serious about performance running footwear. Its modern range combines Italian design with contemporary cushioning technologies for training and faster running.
The Nucleo is one of its cushioned everyday running shoes, while models in the Gara range are designed for faster running and racing.
Read our full guide: Diadora Explained
Topo Athletic
Topo Athletic is known for combining a roomy anatomical toe box with a secure midfoot and heel. The brand also uses relatively low heel-to-toe drops across much of its range and produces shoes for both road and trail running.
The Phantom is one of Topo's cushioned neutral road shoes, while the Ultrafly provides additional guidance and support for runners who want a more stable ride.
Read our full guide: Topo Athletic Explained
Craft
Craft is a Swedish endurance sports brand that has developed a growing range of running shoes for road, racing and trail running. Its footwear uses technologies including Px Foam and Cr Foam Pro, while several models are designed to work across a mixture of road, gravel and trail surfaces.
The Endurance is one of Craft's main everyday road running shoes, while the Nordlite range covers faster training and racing. Craft also produces the Xplor for mixed terrain running and Pure Trail models for more dedicated off road use.
Read our full guide: Craft Explained
True Motion
True Motion is a German running shoe brand known for its distinctive U-Tech technology, which uses a U-shaped midsole construction rather than dividing its range into traditional neutral and stability shoes.
The Nevos 4 is the brand's versatile everyday running shoe, while the Aion 4 provides additional cushioning for longer runs and the Solo 2 is designed for faster training and racing.
Read our full guide: True Motion Explained
Inov8
Inov8 is a British running shoe brand founded in the Lake District, with a particularly strong reputation for trail, fell and mountain running. Its shoes are designed around different types of terrain, from hard packed trails and rocky paths to deep mud and soft ground.
The range now extends beyond specialist trail shoes, with Roadfly providing options for road runners alongside Trailfly, Trailtalon and Mudtalon for off road running. Inov8 is also known for technologies including its NaturalFit shoe shape and graphene enhanced outsole rubber.
Read our full guide: Inov8 Explained
Kiprun
Kiprun is Decathlon’s running brand, with shoes for road, trail and track. Its range stretches from everyday training shoes to carbon plated racing models, giving runners options for both regular miles and faster efforts.
For road running, the Kipride and Kipstorm ranges cover different levels of cushioning and speed. Kiprun also makes trail shoes, including models designed for racing on more demanding terrain.
Read our full guide: Kiprun Explained
Karhu
Karhu is a Finnish sports brand with a road running range built around its Fulcrum technology. The design aims to help the foot roll smoothly from landing through to toe off.
The cushioned Mestari Run, versatile Ikoni and more responsive Fusion give runners different ways into the range. Karhu also offers some models in wider fitting versions.
Read our full guide: Karhu Explained
Skechers
Skechers makes more than everyday footwear. Its performance running range includes shoes for comfortable training miles and faster sessions, with the Aero collection now central to its road running offer.
Models such as Aero Burst and Aero Spark combine responsive cushioning with different levels of support and propulsion. The range is worth a look if you know Skechers for its casual shoes, but have not explored its running models.
Read our full guide: Skechers Explained
Icebug
Icebug is a Swedish footwear brand best known for grip in difficult conditions. Its running shoes cover trails, wet surfaces and winter terrain, including studded models designed for ice.
Grip varies across the range, so the right Icebug shoe depends on where you run. RB9X rubber appears on road and trail models, while BUGrip uses studs for icy conditions.
Read our full guide: Icebug Explained
Hylo
Hylo is a running shoe brand that puts material choices and environmental impact at the centre of its approach. Its road running shoes are designed to perform as everyday running footwear while using materials selected with a lower impact in mind.
The Impact range focuses on neutral road runners who want cushioning for regular training. Hylo’s approach may appeal to runners interested in how their shoes are made as well as how they feel on a run.
Read our full guide: Hylo Explained
Merrell
Merrell has a strong outdoor footwear background, and trail running is the main focus of its running shoe range. Its models cover everything from easier paths to rugged routes and longer days off road.
Agility Peak provides cushioning and protection for longer trail runs, while Merrell’s MTL range is developed for performance on more demanding terrain. The brand also offers shoes for runners who prefer a closer feel for the ground.
Read our full guide: Merrell Explained
Scarpa
Scarpa brings its mountain footwear experience to trail running. Its shoes are designed for varied terrain, from longer runs on established trails to rocky routes where a secure fit and precise footing matter.
The Spin Planet offers an option for longer distances, while the Ribelle Run range focuses more on protection and control over technical ground. Choosing between them starts with the terrain you run most often.
Read our full guide: Scarpa Explained
La Sportiva
La Sportiva is an Italian mountain sports brand with a strong reputation in trail and mountain running. Its shoes are built for surfaces that can change quickly, from firm paths to steep, rocky ground.
The Prodigio range provides more cushioning for longer outings, while Bushido is aimed at runners seeking a secure feel on technical terrain. Its FriXion outsole compounds are a distinctive part of the range.
Read our full guide: La Sportiva Explained
Mount To Coast
Mount to Coast has built its running shoe range around long distance comfort. Its road shoes include the R1 for racing and extended efforts, the S1 for daily training and the P1 for runners seeking additional guidance.
The range has since expanded beyond roads, with shoes for mixed surfaces and trails. That gives runners interested in the brand’s distance focused approach more options for where they run.
Read our full guide: Mount To Coast Explained
Which Running Shoe Brand Is Best?
There is no single brand that is best for every runner. The most important factor is finding a shoe that fits your feet properly, suits your running style and provides the right level of cushioning or support for your gait.
Some runners find stability features more comfortable, but overpronation alone does not mean you need a stability shoe. Try different models, pay attention to fit and comfort, and consider advice from a specialist running shop if you are unsure.
Final Thoughts
Every major running shoe brand offers excellent options for today's runners, and each has developed its own technologies and design philosophy. Rather than asking which brand is the best, it is often more useful to ask which brand produces the shoe that best matches your individual needs. You should also think about sustainability. You can find more about that here.
The brands featured here have earned their reputations by helping millions of runners enjoy their training. Explore our individual guides for each manufacturer to learn more about their history, latest technologies and the models that could become your next favourite pair of running shoes.
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, Sapphire Running Zone may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
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