Running Shoe Brands Explained: Which One Is Right For You?

Choosing a new pair of running shoes has never been more difficult. There are many well known brands, each offering shoes designed for different types of runners and some not so well known brands. Some focus on maximum cushioning, others prioritise speed, while several have built their reputation around support and stability.

The good news is that there is no single best running shoe brand. Every runner has different biomechanics, preferences and goals, so the right brand for one person may not be the best choice for another. Understanding what each manufacturer is known for is the first step towards finding the perfect pair.

This guide introduces the major running shoe brands, highlights their most popular neutral and stability shoes and explains what makes each one unique. We then look at some of the brands you may not have heard of. You can then follow the links to our individual brand guides for a more detailed look at their history, technologies and full range of models.

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.

Read our full guide: Under Armour Explained

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 trainer, 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

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.

If you naturally have a neutral running gait, choosing a neutral shoe is usually the best option. If you overpronate and genuinely require extra support, a stability shoe should improve comfort and reduce unnecessary stress on your feet and lower legs. A gait assessment at a specialist running shop can help identify which type of shoe is most appropriate.

Read more about gait analysis here.

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.