| Adrenaline GTS 25 |
| You want modern foam feel or low drop |
| Overpronators, durability-focused runners, runners needing widest width options |
| e174c003-ba40-4601-a640-178a9dd4561f |
| Stability |
| 10 |
| Dated feel for modern runners, Not exciting or bouncy, Heavy, 12mm drop is highest in major running shoes |
| 7.8 |
| The classic stability workhorse. Outsole durability is exceptional (0.8mm wear in lab tests). 12mm drop is traditional. GuideRails stability system is gentle. Best width options in the industry. |
| 12 |
| Aero Glide 3 | You need wide widths or want cutting-edge foam | Daily training, runners wanting to try Salomon on roads | 1ee67a62-1941-4275-beda-d953789c653a | Daily Trainer, Max Cushion | 5 | Less responsive than PEBA shoes, Not as widely available, Limited width options | 8 | Surprisingly great upgrade. Salomon continuing to improve on road. Doctors of Running praised it highly. Good for runners wanting something different from the big brands. | 8 |
| Alphafly 3 | You're on a budget or prefer a snappier ride (use Vaporfly) | Marathon race day, half marathon for those who like max cushion racers | 929cd213-1c32-40cd-bff8-e169aa8fa72e | Racing / Super Shoe | 4 | Air pods divisive - some love, some hate, Narrow fit, Very limited durability, Extremely expensive | 8.5 | Lighter and faster than Alphafly 2. Still the marathon super shoe of choice for many. Great for runners who want max propulsion at distance. Now competes with Endorphin Elite and Adios Pro 4. | 6 |
| Bondi 9 | You want lightweight speed or long-term foam durability | Recovery runs, heavy runners, all-day comfort, walking | 91b7d330-d15c-4e08-9cf7-be9b104d510b | Daily Trainer, Max Cushion | 10 | Expensive at $165 for EVA, Narrow midfoot for some feet, EVA foam longevity questions vs PEBA, Still heavy compared to competitors | 8 | Big improvement over Bondi 8 thanks to supercritical EVA foam - more bounce and lighter. Still Hoka's plushest shoe. Popular for recovery runs and walking. Made Supwell's top 5 max cushion shoes of 20... | 6 |
| Cielo X1 3.0 | You prefer low-stack racing or find tall stacks unstable | Long distance racing, ultra-cushioned race experience | 91b7d330-d15c-4e08-9cf7-be9b104d510b | Racing / Super Shoe | 3 | Spec stack height vs legal measurement confusion, Expensive, Very tall stack feels unstable for some | 8.5 | Hoka's lofty super shoe with massive 48mm/41mm spec stack. World Athletics legal because heel measurement at 12.5% from back = 40mm. Aggressive carbon plate. Lighter than predecessors. | 7 |
| Clifton 10 | You want a bouncy or soft ride, or need 500+ mile durability | Daily miles, runners wanting mild stability, wide foot friendly | 91b7d330-d15c-4e08-9cf7-be9b104d510b | Daily Trainer | 9 | Less durable outsole than Asics, Non-gusseted tongue slides, Firm ride - not as bouncy as Novablast, EVA foam goes dead around 300 miles | 7.8 | Reliable workhorse but EVA foam feels firm and dated compared to competitors. Now at 8mm drop (up from 5mm). Wider toebox than previous Cliftons. Good for runners who want mild stability without a GTS... | 8 |
| Cloudboom Echo 3 | You want a proven race-day super shoe with extensive real-world results | On brand loyalists racing marathons, low-drop racer seekers | 8539fc7d-fa48-498e-ad63-7fcebfc3174c | Racing / Super Shoe | 3 | 4mm drop may not suit everyone, Unproven race-day track record vs Vaporfly/Alphafly, Expensive | 8 | On's first real super shoe. Low 4mm drop is unusual for the category. Full Helion HF PEBA foam. A genuine competitor now, though still needs to prove itself vs established super shoes. | 4 |
| Cloudeclipse | You need reliable customer service or long-term durability assurance | On fans wanting max cushion with mild stability | 8539fc7d-fa48-498e-ad63-7fcebfc3174c | Stability, Max Cushion | 8 | Warranty issues with On customer service, Heavy for On shoe, Toebox tearing within months, Squeaking (well-documented) | 7.5 | On's highest-stacked trainer. Comfortable but developed squeaking issues and toebox tearing reported within months. On warranty often doesn't cover these complaints. | 6 |
| Cloudmonster 2 | You want traditional smooth transitions or are durability-focused | On brand fans, lifestyle-running crossover, unique ride feel seekers | 8539fc7d-fa48-498e-ad63-7fcebfc3174c | Daily Trainer, Max Cushion | 12 | Limited width options, Upper tearing issues reported, Clunky transition for some, CloudTec pods collect debris, Squeaking issues (insole friction) | 7 | Wider upper is an improvement. CloudTec ride is divisive - some love the distinct heel-forefoot transition, others find it clunky. On had a tough 2025 overall per Supwell. | 6 |
| Endorphin Elite | You're not racing or on a budget | Marathon and half marathon race day for competitive runners | e1fc912a-cffa-432e-b2ef-49a44dd60b3d | Racing / Super Shoe | 3 | Not for easy runs, Narrow fit, Minimal durability, Very expensive | 8.8 | Saucony's flagship super shoe. IncrediRun TPEE foam is one of the bounciest race foams on market. Rivals Alphafly in performance. Saucony's best racer ever according to Doctors of Running. | 8 |
| Endorphin Pro 4 | You're a slower runner or want a versatile shoe | Half marathon and marathon race day, sub-3:30 marathoners | e1fc912a-cffa-432e-b2ef-49a44dd60b3d | Racing / Super Shoe | 4 | Not as versatile as Speed, Outsole wears quickly, Aggressive geometry not for everyone, Narrow fit | 7.8 | More aggressive than Pro 3. Dual PEBA compound adds complexity to the ride. Some love the snappy toe-off; others found it too narrow and aggressive. Best for faster runners. | 8 |
| Endorphin Speed 5 | You want pure race-day performance (get the Pro or Elite instead) | Tempo runs, race-day training, versatile speed work, marathon prep | e1fc912a-cffa-432e-b2ef-49a44dd60b3d | Performance Trainer | 7 | Not soft enough for recovery runs, Nylon plate less snappy than carbon, Outsole wears fast | 8.5 | Return to form after the divisive Speed 4. PEBA foam with nylon plate makes it the gold standard for plated trainers. Versatile enough for daily use through tempo runs. Saucony's best-selling performa... | 8 |
| Escalante 4 | You want cushion or have wide feet expecting Altra's traditional width | Zero-drop runners, minimalist training, foot-strengthening | 0a319f2b-a66c-47d6-9ae6-bd8de77b1135 | Daily Trainer, Zero Drop | 5 | Ego foam lacks bounce, Low stack not protective enough for longer runs, Narrower than v3 | 7.5 | Low-stack zero-drop trainer. Narrower fit than Escalante 3 which disappointed some fans. Good for minimalist-leaning runners who want some cushion. | 0 |
| Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 | You're not racing or prefer proven PEBA technology | Race day for competitive runners, A-TPU early adopters | 3c268be2-f061-436c-88a9-cb8333ed3c4a | Racing / Super Shoe | 3 | Narrow fit, Expensive, Limited availability | 9 | The fastest and most iconic race shoe of 2025 per Supwell. A-TPU foam outperforms PEBA in energy return while being lighter. Game-changing foam technology that may define the next era of super shoes. | 8 |
| Floatride Energy 5 | You want the latest foam tech or have wide feet | Budget-conscious runners, gym-to-road crossover, durable daily training | cf2a403f-533a-43be-a96b-dab72312c265 | Budget, Daily Trainer | 5 | Limited brand presence in running, Less bouncy than PEBA shoes, Narrow fit | 7.8 | Major changes to the series with a new torsion system. Excellent value at $100. TPU-based foam is durable. One of the best budget options available. | 8 |
| Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 | You want cutting-edge foam technology or lightweight feel | Wide-footed runners, comfort-focused daily training | f6f3a87c-5f93-4b24-aa8a-afd6430f1b76 | Max Cushion, Daily Trainer | 10 | Less bouncy than Novablast or Triumph, Heavier than alternatives at same price, Foam technology falling behind competitors | 7.5 | Reliable premium daily trainer with excellent width options. Fresh Foam X feels dated compared to PEBA/POE competitors. Supwell noted NB's foam stagnation in 2025. | 8 |
| Fresh Foam X More v5 | You want modern responsive foam or lightweight shoe | Recovery runs, heavy runners wanting max cushion, walking | f6f3a87c-5f93-4b24-aa8a-afd6430f1b76 | Max Cushion | 6 | Can feel bottom-heavy, Expensive for EVA foam, Fresh Foam X feels dated vs PEBA/POE, Heavy | 7.5 | One of the tallest stacks on market. Smooth transitions despite height. Recovery favorite. Supwell noted NB's foam feels stale vs competitors in 2025. | 6 |
| FuelCell Rebel v4 | You're a heavy heel striker or need max stability | Uptempo training, daily runs for faster runners, plateless speed | f6f3a87c-5f93-4b24-aa8a-afd6430f1b76 | Performance Trainer | 7 | Some find it too soft without a plate, Can feel unstable at slow paces, Outsole durability below average | 8.7 | Full-length PEBA with no plate at $140 is exceptional value. Light, bouncy, versatile. Great for uptempo runs and daily training. One of the best performance trainers available. | 6 |
| FuelCell SC Elite v4 | You weigh under 150lbs or race shorter distances | Heavier runners racing marathons, wide-footed racers, mid-pack marathoners | f6f3a87c-5f93-4b24-aa8a-afd6430f1b76 | Racing / Super Shoe | 4 | Forefoot stack is overkill for lighter runners, Needs fast pace to activate full potential, Heavy for a super shoe, Odd tongue and lacing design | 8.5 | Switch to 100% PEBA was transformative. Massive forefoot stack (nearly 40mm at ball of foot) creates a unique plush ride. More stable than most super shoes. Better for wider feet than Vaporfly. | 8 |
| Gel-Cumulus 27 | You want responsive or modern foam feel | Budget daily training, beginners, wide-footed runners on a budget | 533780f7-b3f4-464b-a7ae-2487c2f64640 | Budget, Daily Trainer | 8 | 10mm drop, Heavier than price competitors, Not bouncy or exciting | 7.5 | No-frills daily driver. Solid value at $130. Good width options. Not exciting but reliable. Doctors of Running calls it a solid daily driver. | 10 |
| Gel-Kayano 32 | You're a neutral runner or want lightweight speed | Moderate overpronators, stability seekers, wide-footed runners | 533780f7-b3f4-464b-a7ae-2487c2f64640 | Stability | 8 | May be too much shoe for mild overpronators, Premium price, Still heavy | 8.5 | Major refinement - dropped to 8mm from higher offset. 4D Guidance System provides modern stability without heavy medial post. One of the best stability shoes on market. Doctors of Running highly rated... | 8 |
| Gel-Nimbus 27 | You want responsiveness or lightweight feel | Easy/recovery runs, comfort-focused runners, eco-conscious buyers | 533780f7-b3f4-464b-a7ae-2487c2f64640 | Daily Trainer, Max Cushion | 10 | Some find collar too padded, Pricey at $160, Not responsive enough for speed work, Heavy | 8 | Premium plush daily trainer. Softer than Nimbus 26 with eco-friendly foam. Great for easy and recovery miles. High stack but smooth ride. One of ASICS' most popular shoes. | 8 |
| Ghost 17 | You want a responsive bouncy ride or lightweight shoe | Beginners, durability-focused runners, wet surface traction, wide feet | e174c003-ba40-4601-a640-178a9dd4561f | Daily Trainer | 14 | Thick upper reduces breathability, Tapered toebox despite wide options, Rigid heel counter can irritate Achilles, Low energy return - absorbs rather than rebounds, Heavier than competitors | 7.5 | The tank of daily trainers. Unmatched outsole durability and width options. Softer than Ghost 16 thanks to DNA Loft v3. Lacks energy return of modern foams but is the most reliable workhorse. Best for... | 10 |
Model | Brand | Avoid If | Best For | Category | Colorways Available | Common Complaints | Community Rating | Community Sentiment | Drop (mm) | Durability (miles) | Foam Base Chemistry | Foam Type | Forefoot Stack (mm) | Heel Stack (mm) | MSRP USD | Outsole | Plate | Reflective Elements | Release Date | Removable Insole | Stability | Terrain | Upper | Vegan | Weight (g) | Weight (oz) | Width Options | World Athletics Approved | Year |
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