Best Racing Shoes
The shoes for sale rated highest by real, experienced, and knowledgeable reviewers.
All racing shoes
21 shoes
Prices updated daily. Last checked Oct 9.
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#1 Nike
Vaporfly 497 97 Excellent Excellent · 3 reviews · Confidence 77/100
Racing · Neutral · 5.4 oz · 6mm drop
At 4.9 oz with 36mm heel stack, light and highly cushioned.
Comfort 82 Cushioning 94$110 $260 Buy now ↗ As of Oct 9, 8:33 AM UTCOverall97Appearance96Cushioning94Comfort82Value70Durability54Confidence77Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $165 37% offNike $165 37% offDick's $204 22% offMSRP $260
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Pros
At 4.9 oz with 36mm heel stack, light and highly cushioned.
Reviewers describe a springy, propulsive ride best at fast paces.
Cons
Durability is the lowest-rated dimension in the few reviews so far.
One reviewer says it offers little support.
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#2 Nike
Alphafly 395 95 Excellent Excellent · 22 reviews · Confidence 86/100
Racing · Neutral · 6.6 oz · 40mm stack · 8mm drop
Reviewers like the snug heel hold and roomy forefoot fit.
Comfort 85 Cushioning 90$143 $295 Buy now ↗ As of Oct 9, 8:31 AM UTCOverall95Cushioning90Appearance86Comfort85Value72Durability60Confidence86Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $180 39% offNike $222 25% offDick's $259 12% offMSRP $295
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Pros
Reviewers like the snug heel hold and roomy forefoot fit.
Runners report fast efforts with feet less beat up afterwards.
Cons
Several reviewers rate durability weakly; one reported roughly 240 miles.
Several reviewers flag the price, even those who call it worth it.
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#3 Saucony
Endorphin Pro 492 92 Very good Very good · 15 reviews · Confidence 88/100
Racing · Neutral · 6.5 oz · 40mm stack · 7mm drop
At 6.5 oz, reviewers find it fast and responsive at speed.
Comfort 81 Cushioning 79$105 Buy now ↗ As of Oct 9, 8:31 AM UTCOverall92Appearance92Value90Comfort81Cushioning79Durability74Confidence88Pros
At 6.5 oz, reviewers find it fast and responsive at speed.
Reviewers consider it good value next to other carbon-plated racers.
Cons
One reviewer's heel layer peeled before 100 miles, and durability is the lowest-rated dimension.
Some reviewers find the fit runs small.
Three of fourteen reviewers reported an injury while running in it.
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#4 HOKA
Rocket X 290 90 Very good Very good · 18 reviews · Confidence 80/100
Racing · Neutral · 7.5 oz · 37mm stack · 5mm drop
Reviewers report durability holding up well past 100 miles.
Comfort 90 Cushioning 89Overall90Durability93Comfort90Cushioning89Value87Appearance78Confidence80Pros
Reviewers report durability holding up well past 100 miles.
Runners use it from 5k races to marathons and tempo workouts.
At 7.5 oz on a 37mm heel stack.
Cons
At 7.5 oz it is heavier than most carbon-plated racers.
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#5 HOKA
Rocket X 384 84 Good Good · 2 reviews · Confidence 55/100
Racing · Neutral · 7mm drop
Both reviewers so far rate comfort and cushioning 5 out of 5.
Comfort 80 Cushioning 84Overall84Cushioning84Comfort80Durability74Value71Appearance68Confidence55Pros
Both reviewers so far rate comfort and cushioning 5 out of 5.
The Rocket X 2 before it scores 97 on eighteen reviews.
Cons
Durability and appearance draw 3 out of 5 from the two reviews so far.
Value draws 2 out of 5 from the two reviews so far, against a $250 list price.
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#6 adidas
adizero Adios Pro 480 80 Decent Decent · 5 reviews · Confidence 71/100
Racing · Neutral · 6.4 oz (men's) · 6mm drop
A 39mm heel stack at 6.4 oz.
Comfort 70 Cushioning 76Overall80Appearance87Durability82Value82Cushioning76Comfort70Confidence71Buy it now
Dick's Sporting Goods
$141 $255 45% off
Best price · lowest in 90 days
Buy at Dick's Sporting Goods ↗Other retailers
Dick's $141 45% offRunning Warehouse $200 22% offMSRP $255
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Pros
A 39mm heel stack at 6.4 oz.
Cons
The Adios Pro 3 before it scores 99 on thirty reviews against its 82.
It lists at $255, above the $250 median for racing shoes for sale.
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#7 PUMA
Deviate Nitro 377 77 Decent Decent · 1 review · Confidence 45/100
Racing · Neutral · 8.1 oz (men's) · 10mm drop
A 44mm heel stack, above the 38mm median for racing shoes for sale.
Comfort 72 Cushioning 69$95 $160 Buy now ↗ As of Oct 9, 8:35 AM UTCOverall77Appearance78Durability77Value74Comfort72Cushioning69Confidence45Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $115 28% offMSRP $160
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Pros
A 44mm heel stack, above the 38mm median for racing shoes for sale.
It lists at $160, well below the $250 median for racing shoes for sale.
Cons
At 8.1 oz it is well above the 6.5 oz median for racing shoes for sale.
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#8 PUMA
Fast-R Nitro Elite 377 77 Decent Decent · 4 reviews · Confidence 30/100
Racing · Neutral · 5.6 oz · 40mm stack · 8mm drop
One reviewer describes a poppy, aggressive ride built for fast running.
Comfort 66 Cushioning 74$200 Buy now ↗ As of Oct 9, 8:33 AM UTCOverall77Appearance77Value74Cushioning74Comfort66Durability61Confidence30Pros
One reviewer describes a poppy, aggressive ride built for fast running.
One of four reviewers calls it the best racing shoe since the Vaporfly.
Cons
Durability draws 2.3 out of 5 in the four reviews so far, the lowest mark of any dimension.
Comfort rates 3.3 out of 5 across the same four reviewers.
One reviewer says it does not suit slow runners or heel strikers.
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#9 Mount to Coast
R176 76 Decent Decent · 2 reviews · Confidence 28/100
Racing · Neutral · 7.5 oz (men's) · 8mm drop
A 36mm heel stack at 7.5 oz, light for the cushioning.
Comfort 85 Cushioning 71Overall76Comfort85Durability77Appearance76Value72Cushioning71Confidence28Pros
A 36mm heel stack at 7.5 oz, light for the cushioning.
Both reviewers so far rate comfort 5 out of 5.
Cons
Cushioning and value draw the lowest ratings of the two reviews so far, both at 4.0 out of 5.
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#10 On
Cloudboom Strike76 76 Decent Decent · 1 review · Confidence 16/100
Racing · Neutral · 6.1 oz (men's) · 4mm drop
Light at 6.1 oz on a 43mm heel stack.
Comfort 76 Cushioning 80$212 $280 Buy now ↗ As of Oct 9, 8:35 AM UTCOverall76Appearance86Cushioning80Durability79Comfort76Value69Confidence16Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $220 21% offDick's $280MSRP $280
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Pros
Light at 6.1 oz on a 43mm heel stack.
The one reviewer so far ran long runs in it and calls the cushioning great.
Cons
It lists at $280, above the $250 median for racing shoes, and the one reviewer so far rates appearance 3 out of 5.
At 43mm the stack sits above the 40mm World Athletics limit, so it is not eligible for records in official road races.
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#11 Brooks
Adrenaline GTS 2575 75 Decent Decent · 5 reviews · Confidence 85/100
Racing · Stability · 9.1 oz (men's) · 39mm stack · 10mm drop
Reviewers praise the comfort and support.
Comfort 80 Cushioning 74$125 $155 Buy now ↗ As of Oct 9, 8:32 AM UTCOverall75Comfort80Durability77Cushioning74Appearance65Value60Confidence85Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $125 19% offDick's $125 19% offMSRP $155
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Pros
Reviewers praise the comfort and support.
At 8.9 oz one reviewer calls it a lighter version of an old friend.
The four Adrenaline GTS versions before it score 91 to 97.
Cons
Value draws the lowest ratings of the four reviews so far, at 3.3 out of 5.
One reviewer says the cushioning degrades fast, and durability rates 3.5 out of 5.
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#12 New Balance
FuelCell SuperComp Pacer75 75 Decent Decent · 4 reviews · Confidence 44/100
Racing · Neutral · 6.3 oz · 25mm stack · 8mm drop
Reviewers call it light and nimble at 6.7 oz.
Comfort 72 Cushioning 68$109 Buy now ↗ As of Oct 9, 8:33 AM UTCOverall75Appearance86Value84Durability75Comfort72Cushioning68Confidence44Pros
Reviewers call it light and nimble at 6.7 oz.
One reviewer calls it incredibly durable and good for ground feel.
Cons
Reviewers describe firm cushioning suited to road racing and fast intervals rather than easy or long runs.
Cushioning draws the lowest ratings of the four reviews so far at 4.0 out of 5, and one reviewer notices less energy return from the plate than expected.
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#13 Saucony
Endorphin Elite 275 75 Decent Decent · 1 review · Confidence 24/100
Racing · Neutral · 7mm drop
The one reviewer so far, at 70 miles a week, says it is far more durable than its mesh construction suggests and the response is excellent.
Comfort 72 Cushioning 65Overall75Value72Appearance72Comfort72Durability70Cushioning65Confidence24Buy it now
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Pros
The one reviewer so far, at 70 miles a week, says it is far more durable than its mesh construction suggests and the response is excellent.
Cons
Value draws 2 out of 5 in the single review so far, and that reviewer calls it way too expensive.
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#14 adidas
adizero Adios 973 73 Decent Decent · 3 reviews · Confidence 73/100
Racing · Neutral · 5.6 oz · 28mm stack · 7mm drop
It lists at $140, well below the $250 median for racing shoes for sale.
Comfort 66 Cushioning 55Overall73Appearance78Value76Durability74Comfort66Cushioning55Confidence73Pros
It lists at $140, well below the $250 median for racing shoes for sale.
Comfort and value both average 4.7 out of 5 across the three reviewers so far.
Cons
The Adios 8 before it scores 87 on sixteen reviews, against 67 for this version.
One of three reviewers rates its looks 1 out of 5.
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#15 New Balance
FuelCell SuperComp Elite v372 72 Decent Decent · 3 reviews · Confidence 66/100
Racing · Neutral · 7.5 oz · 40mm stack · 4mm drop
One reviewer calls it the best shoe for intervals and affordable next to other race shoes.
Comfort 79 Cushioning 79$139 Buy now ↗ As of Oct 9, 8:33 AM UTCOverall72Comfort79Cushioning79Value76Appearance75Durability75Confidence66Pros
One reviewer calls it the best shoe for intervals and affordable next to other race shoes.
All three reviewers so far rate value 4 or 5 out of 5.
All three reviewers so far rate durability 4 or 5 out of 5.
Cons
Averaging 7.5 oz across the men's and women's builds, it is heavier than the 6.6 oz median for racing shoes for sale.
Two newer versions have followed it, and the SuperComp Elite v5 is for sale now.
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#16 Nike
Streakfly 272 72 Decent Decent · 4 reviews · Confidence 42/100
Racing · Neutral · 4.5 oz (men's) · 27mm stack · 4mm drop
One reviewer calls it by far the fastest flat he has run in.
Comfort 68 Cushioning 67Overall72Appearance85Comfort68Cushioning67Value56Durability56Confidence42Pros
One reviewer calls it by far the fastest flat he has run in.
One reviewer over 65 says the carbon plate gave real lift on 5k road runs.
Cons
Durability draws 2.5 out of 5 across four reviewers, the lowest mark of any dimension, and one had the upper break after about 20 miles.
Value rates 3.0 out of 5.
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#17 Nike
Pegasus Premium69 69 Below average Below average · 6 reviews · Confidence 51/100
Racing · Neutral · 10.3 oz · 45mm stack · 10mm drop
One reviewer running 70 miles a week wears it for everything but speed days and races.
Comfort 66 Cushioning 66Overall69Appearance75Cushioning66Comfort66Durability58Value55Confidence51Buy it now
Other retailers
Running Warehouse $143 35% offDick's $165 25% offMSRP $220
We share affiliate links. Learn more.
Pros
One reviewer running 70 miles a week wears it for everything but speed days and races.
Comfort and cushioning are the highest-rated dimensions, at 4.4 and 4.3 out of 5.
All six reviewers who rate it overall give it 4 or 5 out of 5.
Cons
Durability rates 3.6 out of 5, below comfort and cushioning, with two reviewers rating it 2 or 3.
Value draws the lowest ratings of any dimension, at 3.5 out of 5, running from a 5 down to a 1.
It lists at $220, well above the $150 median for daily trainers for sale.
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#18 adidas
adizero Adios Pro Evo 269 69 Below average Below average · 1 review · Confidence 4/100
Racing · Neutral · 3mm drop
The one reviewer so far rates cushioning and durability 5 out of 5 and says his feet feel good in it.
Comfort 69 Cushioning 78Overall69Durability86Appearance84Cushioning78Value74Comfort69Confidence4Buy it now
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Pros
The one reviewer so far rates cushioning and durability 5 out of 5 and says his feet feel good in it.
Cons
The same reviewer found the toe box too tight and got blisters on his big toe, with half a size up running large.
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#19 Salomon
S-Lab Spectur68 68 Below average Below average · 1 review · Confidence 4/100
Racing · Neutral · 8.2 oz
Carbon-plated at 8.2 oz for both sexes.
Comfort 71 Cushioning 60Overall68Appearance85Durability81Value74Comfort71Cushioning60Confidence4Buy it now
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Pros
Carbon-plated at 8.2 oz for both sexes.
Cons
Comfort and cushioning each draw 3 out of 5 in the single review so far, low for a racing shoe.
That review carries no written comment, so the reason for those marks is not recorded.
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#20 Mizuno
Wave Rebellion Pro 367 67 Below average Below average · 1 review · Confidence 30/100
Racing · Neutral · 3mm drop
It has a 3mm drop.
Comfort 69 Cushioning 70Overall67Cushioning70Comfort69Durability65Value63Appearance61Confidence30Buy it now
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Pros
It has a 3mm drop.
Its one reviewer rates comfort and cushioning 5 out of 5.
Cons
Its one reviewer rates appearance and value 3 out of 5, their lowest marks.
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#21 ASICS
METASPEED Sky Tokyo64 64 Below average Below average · 1 review · Confidence 18/100
Racing · Neutral · 5.6 oz · 5mm drop
A carbon plate under a maximal stack.
Comfort 55 Cushioning 65Overall64Cushioning65Durability60Value60Appearance58Comfort55Confidence18Pros
A carbon plate under a maximal stack.
The one reviewer so far rates it 5 out of 5 overall and 5 for cushioning.
Cons
It lists at $270, above the $250 median for racing shoes for sale.
How this ranking works
Ratings come from our statistical models of runner reviews: the score is our best estimate of how a shoe is rated, and the bar behind it in an expanded row is the range we consider plausible given how many reviews it has. Shoes with few reviews rank more cautiously rather than shooting to the top on a handful of glowing write-ups. Prices are the live prices at the retailers we track, and everything ranked here is a shoe you can buy today.