Running is one of my favorite ways to improve my overall health. Maintaining foot, ankle, and knee health is critical to sustaining a running routine, and footwear selection is an important variable. One way to simplify the choice is to look only at running shoes recommended by podiatrists.
Are you looking for the perfect running shoe? We’ve compiled a list of the 18 best running shoes recommended by podiatrists in 2024, including both neutral and stability options. These top-rated shoes have earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance and great ratings on RunRepeat. Let’s explore the best options for all types of runners.
Neutral vs. Stability Running Shoes
Neutral running shoes are designed for runners with normal pronation or slight supination. They provide cushioning and support without correcting your gait.
For those unfamiliar with the terms:
Pronation refers to the natural inward roll of the foot as it strikes the ground during running or walking. Normal pronation helps absorb shock and distribute impact.
Supination is the opposite motion, where the foot rolls outward. Slight supination is normal, but excessive supination can increase the risk of injuries.
Stability running shoes offer additional support to help correct overpronation, where the foot rolls inward excessively. They typically feature firmer materials on the medial side of the midsole to guide the foot into a more neutral position. Excessive wear on the inside edge of your shoe’s sole, particularly near the heel and ball of the foot, can be an indication of overpronation.
Top 10 Neutral Running Shoes Recommended by Podiatrists
1. Saucony Triumph 20
Price: $104-160
Best for: Plush long-distance running
Key features:
– Excellent cushioning
– Comfortable for extended runs
2. Hoka Clifton 8
Price: $112-165
Best for: Lightweight cushioning
Key features:
– Surprisingly light
– Well-cushioned
3. Brooks Ghost 15
Price: $100-140
Best for: Reliable daily training
Key features:
– Smooth ride
– Comfortable fit
4. Brooks Glycerin 20
Price: $96-160
Best for: Premium cushioning
Key features:
– Plush cushioning
– Soft, comfortable fit
5. Saucony Ride 15
Price: $105-140
Best for: Versatile daily training
Key features:
– Balanced cushioning
– Accommodates various distances and paces
6. New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4
Price: $100-150
Best for: More cushioning
Key features:
– Extremely cushioned
– Great for recovery runs
7. Brooks Ghost Max
Price: $120-150
Best for: Maximum cushioning
Key features:
– Enhanced cushioning
– More padding than legendary Brooks Ghost
8. Asics GEL-NIMBUS 26
Price: $160
Best for: Premium cushioned running
Key features:
– Excellent shock absorption
– Durable construction
9. Asics GEL-CUMULUS 25
Price: $90-140
Best for: Versatile daily running
Key features:
– Good balance of cushioning and responsiveness
– More stable than many neutral shoes
10. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13
Price: $125-165
Best for: Plush daily training
Key features:
– Exceptionally soft
– Ultimate comfort
Top 8 Stability Running Shoes Recommended by Podiatrists
For runners who need extra support, here are the top stability running shoes recommended by podiatrists:
1. Hoka Arahi 6
Price: $112-140
Best for: Lightweight stability
Key features:
– Supportive yet light
– Essentially the Hoka Clifton for overpronators
2. Brooks Glycerin GTS 20
Price: $100-160
Best for: Plush stability
Key features:
– Premium cushioning with support
– Overpronator version of Brooks Glycerin
3. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
Price: $140
Best for: Reliable stability
Key features:
– Excellent support
– Personal favorite of my son with plantar-fasciitis
4. Saucony Guide 15
Price: $66-140
Best for: Lightweight stability
Key features:
– Good balance of support and cushioning
– May be appropriate for some neutral runners
5. Saucony Tempus
Price: $140-160
Best for: Versatile stability
Key features:
– Accommodates various distances and paces
– May be appropriate for some neutral runners
6. Asics GT-2000
Price: $140
Best for: Classic stability
Key features:
– Reliable support
– Good for everyday training
7. New Balance Fresh Foam X Vongo v6
Price: $130-165
Best for: Cushioned stability
Key features:
– Similar to New Balance 1080 for overpronators
– May be appropriate for some neutral runners
8. Asics GEL-KAYANO 31
Price: $165
Best for: Maximum stability
Key features:
– Superior support
– Excellent cushioning
Considerations
Although all of the above shoes are recommended by podiatrists, personal comfort is key. When choosing running shoes, consider trying on multiple brands and models to find the best fit for your feet and running style. If purchasing online, be sure to carefully review the return policies.
Additionally, there are newer models of several of the shoes listed above that are not (yet) reflected on APMA’s site. For example, Saucony Triumph 20 is the latest model with APMA’s Seal, though Triumph 21 and 22 are also on the market. Pro tip: prior models can be a great way to save money.
While the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance can be a helpful guide, many runners find satisfaction with shoes that don’t carry this designation. For example, my favorite trail-running shoes don’t carry the APMA Seal. Personal fit and comfort are crucial factors. Individual experiences can vary.
The decision of whether to pursue APMA’s Seal of Acceptance is up to individual manufacturers. As a result, there are presumably many high-quality shoes that could qualify for the APMA Seal if the manufacturer prioritized pursuit of the recognition.
Conclusion
Finding the best running shoe can significantly improve your running experience and help prevent injuries. This post identifies running shoes recommended by podiatrists for both neutral runners and those needing extra stability, from plush cushioning to responsive performance.
Remember, the best shoe is the one that feels most comfortable to you and supports your individual running style. Don’t hesitate to consult with a podiatrist or running specialist if you have specific concerns or needs.
Happy running, and may your miles be joyful and injury-free!
Disclaimer:
The prices listed in this article are accurate as of the time of writing but may be subject to change. We recommend checking current prices before making a purchase decision. While these shoes are recommended by podiatrists, individual needs may vary. For the best results, we advise getting a professional fitting and consulting with a podiatrist or running specialist, especially if you have specific foot conditions or concerns. The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice.
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