10 Best Running Shoes 2026 in the United States

The Brooks Men’s Glycerin 22 is designed for runners who want maximum cushioning and a smooth ride, making it a great choice for road running or gym workouts. Its standout feature is the DNA Tuned midsole technology, which uses different sized cells to deliver soft landings in the heel and a responsive push-off in the toe, ensuring your feet feel comfortable and energized throughout your run. The shoe supports a neutral foot type, so it’s best if you don’t overpronate (roll your foot inward too much). The upper is made from a flexible double jacquard knit fabric that offers good breathability to keep your feet cool and a roomy fit that adapts well to different foot shapes. However, it doesn’t have adjustable straps beyond standard laces, which might limit fine-tuning the fit for some.

The broad platform and tuned heel help stabilize your foot and make heel-to-toe transitions smooth, which is helpful for maintaining balance and reducing fatigue. The outsole is made of durable rubber, providing reliable grip on roads and gym floors. Plus, it has earned certifications like the APMA Seal and is approved as a diabetic-friendly shoe, highlighting its comfort and foot health benefits. Weighing around 1.7 pounds, it offers plush cushioning that many will appreciate.

If you need extra arch support or a wider width, you might want to explore other Brooks models or brands, as this shoe is focused on a medium width and neutral arch profile. The Glycerin 22 is a solid pick for those seeking soft cushioning, breathability, and stability for everyday running or fitness activities without specialized support needs.

The Brooks Women’s Ghost 17 is a strong choice for women looking for a reliable everyday running or walking shoe. It stands out with its soft and dynamic cushioning thanks to the upgraded DNA Loft v3 foam, which adds a bit more comfort under both the heel and the forefoot. This makes each step feel smooth and reduces impact, which is great if you run or walk regularly. The shoe offers neutral arch support, which suits runners who don’t need extra correction for their feet.

Fit-wise, the double jacquard air mesh upper provides good breathability to keep your feet cool and dry, and the design adapts well to natural foot movements for a comfortable, snug feel. The heel drop is moderate, supporting a natural running stride and smooth transitions helped by flex grooves in the midsole, which encourage a fluid toe-off. On the outsole, Brooks uses a rubber compound with recycled silica that balances durability and lightweight responsiveness, providing solid grip on various road surfaces. One notable plus is the shoe’s certification as diabetic-friendly and APMA-approved, which highlights its attention to foot health.

The shoe is designed with a medium width, so those with wider feet might find it a bit tight. While it’s built mostly for road running and daily wear, it may not be ideal for trail running or very rugged terrain. The Ghost 17 delivers dependable cushioning, comfort, and breathability, making it suited for runners and walkers who want a cushioned, neutral shoe for everyday use.

The Brooks Women’s Glycerin 22 is designed for runners who want a highly cushioned, neutral running shoe that feels soft yet responsive. Its innovative DNA Tuned midsole uses different cell sizes to create plush heel cushioning combined with energetic toe-offs, making it great for smooth, comfortable runs on roads or in the gym. The shoe offers a stable ride thanks to a broad platform and a tuned heel, which helps with smooth transitions from heel to toe.

The fit is accommodating and flexible due to the double jacquard knit upper, which also provides good breathability to keep your feet cool. The outsole is made of durable rubber, suitable for road surfaces, but it is not designed for trail running where aggressive grip is needed. The shoe is certified as diabetic-friendly and accepted by the APMA, indicating strong attention to foot health and comfort.

This shoe suits runners prioritizing plush comfort, stable support, and breathable fit. Those who require strong arch support or trail-specific grip should consider alternative options.