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salomon xt 4 advanced sneakers | Best Neutral Running Shoes

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Best Neutral Running Shoes

Our Best Neutral Running Shoes list was created because not every shoe is made for every runner. Neutral running shoes are for runners with a “correct” running pattern or stride. They’re the people that don’t overpronate or underpronate too much.

The shoes featured on the best neutral running shoes list will not have any out-of-the-ordinary support features because they’re built to let your feet do the job. They’re often flexible so the foot can move naturally. You’ll also notice they tend to be well-cushioned…but that’s a more recent development as certain newer foams really help runners recover better and protect their joints.

Finding the best neutral running shoes isn’t that simple because it’s a super crowded market with tons of options. Luckily, the team here at JuzsportsShops has spent thousands of hours testing running shoes and can provide you with the Best Neutral Running Shoes list as part of their process. Ideally, you can use this list, our other lists, and our performance reviews to help you choose the best shoe for you.

If you wish to browse all of our detailed running shoe performance reviews, you can view our Running Shoe reviews page. You like shoes with a robust silhouette our Best Running Shoes list, where we collect the very best of all the running shoes we test in one place.

We use the categories below so you can easily find the shoes you need. If you already know what you need, you can simply click the category of the shoe. If not, feel free to browse the entire list.

We’d also like to hear your thoughts on this list and your best neutral running shoes lists in the comments below.

Updated: 02.28.2024

Best Neutral Running Shoes

Asics Novablast 4

salomon xt 4 advanced sneakers | Asics Novablast 4

The Asics Novablast 4 improves almost everything from the awesome Novablast 3 (now on sale) but pulls back a bit on the fun factor in order to give the shoe more mass appeal. It’s more comfortable with improved stability and better traction. It still picks up speed nicely but isn’t as energetic as the original. At $140, it’s a high value do-everything shoe. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $140

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Asics Novablast 4 Buy Women's Asics Novablast 4

New Balance 1080v13

New Balance 1080v13

The New Balance 1080v13 is a big departure from previous 1080 models with the squishiness and bounciness of Fresh Foam X midsole reaching new levels. The fit is great for most people and in true New Balance form there’s a wide version available for wide footers. It’s also a versatile and fun ride that can go fast or slow as needed. The only issue is the price point is higher than most daily trainers. But that said, the 1080v13 is easy to recommend if you’re not too price-sensitive. Read the full review. Price: $165

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's New Balance 1080v13 Buy Women's New Balance 1080v13

Hoka Clifton 9

Hoka Clifton 9

The Hoka Clifton 9 is the best, most versatile Clifton to date. It’s the same great neutral cushioned shoe with added bounce and elasticity in the midsole and increased durability in the outsole. The upper is, as usual, super comfy and the fit is accommodating. There’s also a wide version for those that need it. Improved arch support will excite flat footers, but some may find it a bit distracting. It’s a great shoe for everyone from beginners to seasoned vets and can handle jogging, easy running, recovery runs, and long runs. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $145

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Hoka Clifton 9 Buy Women's Hoka Clifton 9

Puma Magnify Nitro 2

salomon xt 4 advanced sneakers | Puma Magnify Nitro 2

The Puma Magnify Nitro 2 is one of our favorite daily runners. At $140, it’s priced right for a high-end cushioned running shoe and has the most cushion of any Puma shoe. The super comfortable knit upper provides an accommodating fit and molds to your foot over time. You also get lots of Puma Grip on the bottom that will provide top-tier traction. Your knees and feet will thank you for putting these shoes on for a run. Read the full review. 

Fit: True to size, Drop: 10mm, Price $140

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Puma Magnify Nitro 2 Buy Women's Puma Magnify Nitro 2


Puma Deviate Nitro 2

Puma Deviate Nitro 2

The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 is a great all-around neutral running shoe with the only concern being a narrower fit (though we hear there may be a wide version coming soon). The Deviate Nitro 2 doesn’t have the initial step-in squish but feels amazing the more you run, and the faster you run. It’s a smooth ride with a cushion/plate combo that feels great during workouts and helps the legs recover quicker. The upper is extremely breathable and very comfortable. And the outsole uses Puma Grip, the best rubber outsole compound currently available. The Deviate Nitro 2 is a neutral shoe that can do it all. Buy it with confidence because you can use it for both training and races. See the full review.

Fits: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $160

9.5/10
Total Score
Shop Men's Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Shop Women's Puma Deviate Nitro 2

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is a near-perfect everyday neutral running shoe. It’s versatile enough to handle easy running, track work, tempo runs, and even races. The fit is excellent with impressive lockdown and stealthy but solid midfoot/arch support. The PWRRUN PB in the midsole is both plush and bouncy. It’s a well-cushioned, long-lasting ride ideal for any distance. The only small issue is some slippage in wet conditions. But that can be easily overlooked because the Endorphin Speed 3 is comfortable top-to-bottom and a true do-everything neutral running shoe. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price $170

9.5/10
Total Score
Shop Men's Endorphin Speed 3 Shop Women's Endorphin Speed 3

Brooks Ghost Max

Brooks Ghost Max

The Brooks Ghost Max has soft, fluffy cushion, a smooth feel, good stability, and a super comfortable upper that’s also very wide and flat foot ready. Even with lower-than-average durability thanks to a soft outsole, it packs a lot of value. And it’s the only current Brooks road shoe with a drop lower than 8mm. It’s a different feel than what Brooks fans are used to but that’s not a bad thing. The Ghost Max is ready to protect your feet and legs as you pound the pavement. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price $150

9/10
Total Score
Shop Men's Brooks Ghost Max Shop Women's Brooks Ghost Max

Asics Novablast 3

Asics Novablast 3

The Asics Novablast 3 is close to the perfect neutral running shoe. There are many reasons it currently sits atop our rankings as the best running shoe of 2022. The bounce and impact protection provided by the FF Blast+ midsole makes this shoe an extremely comfortable daily trainer that can pick up the pace as needed. The Novablast 3 is also plenty stable for neutral runners. In addition, the upper is breathable and comfortable, while the overall ride is super smooth. There are essentially no weaknesses, and it doesn’t hurt that the Novablast 3 looks spectacular. Grab it and enjoy an extremely good all-around neutral running shoe. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price $140

9.9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Asics Novablast 3 Shop Women's Asics Novablast 3

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 is a comfortable, affordable, and excellently executed running shoe. The upper’s fit is super accommodating, and any foot shape will enjoy it, especially wide footers and flat footers. The Fresh Foam X feels great on foot for any amount of miles or household chores. The stability is great due to the midsole’s geometry and sitting inside the midsole walls. The lockdown is solid, so even narrow footers can be confident their foot will stay in place on the sharpest of turns or bumpiest of roads. And the chunktastic style is in these days, so this shoe will work as well casually as it does for running. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 4mm, Price: $150

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Fresh Foam X More v4 Shop Women's Fresh Foam X More v4

Asics Superblast

Asics Superblast

The Asics Superblast is a high-stack, fun, and versatile neutral running shoe useful for anything from easy miles to workouts to long runs. It’s so light, it feels like a race day shoe. It’s soft but stable, and even without a carbon fiber plate in the middle of all that foam, it’s got a nice pop.

While you may do a double take at the price, the shoe delivers enough value to nik the price. If you’re price sensitive, there are other shoes for you on this list. But know that you’re getting a really good shoe for the money. You’re also getting a shoe with a ride that will make you want to run more often. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $220

9/10
Total Score
Buy Asics Superblast

New Balance SC Trainer v2

New Balance SC Trainer v2

The New Balance SC Trainer v2 isn’t groundbreaking like the original but it’s an extremely well-cushioned, bouncy, and comfortable, leg-saving running machine. It’s perfect for high-mileage runners and long run days because it’ll protect your legs. The SC Trainer v2 will feel a bit heavy to some but the trade-off is worth it. Plus, it’s built on an accommodating, stable platform. The build plus all that cushion and comfort will make the SC Trainer v2 worth the price as you rack up the miles. Read the full review. 

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $180

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's SC Trainer v2 Buy Women's SC Trainer v2

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Tracksmith Eliot Runner

The Tracksmith Eliot Runner is easily the best-looking running shoe on the market. It’s got a casual aesthetic that only running shoes from the 80s and 90s can truly match. The great colorways and spectacular craftsmanship make it that much better. And the engineered mesh upper is extremely comfortable.

But it’s also imminently runnable. Putting the Eliot Runner on foot you get soft step-in feedback from the overly thick supercritical Pebax insole. And while the Pebax midsole is firmer, it delivers a consistent ride. It’s easy to pick up speed in the Eliot Runner but you won’t get energy return like a carbon-plated shoe. The Eliot Runner is a throwback that efficient runners will love.

It’s also the perfect shoe for walking around all day. The type of shoe you take on vacation because it’ll look and feel great for all-day sightseeing while also allowing you to log your miles in the mornings or evenings.

The price and experience are premium. This isn’t a shoe for everyone but it sure is fun to wear. See the full review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 9mm, Price $198

8.5/10
Total Score
Buy Men's & Women's at Tracksmith

Brooks Glycerin 20

Brooks Glycerin 20

The Brooks Glycerin 20 features Brooks’ DNA Loft v3 midsole, and it’s one of the best in the market today. The smooth experience helps your legs avoid getting thrashed by daily runs. We have to warn you that the StealthFit version isn’t any better, and everybody should opt for the regular edition.  Read the full review. 

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price $160

9.5/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Brooks Glycerin 20 Buy Women's Brooks Glycerin 20

Puma Velocity Nitro 2

Puma Velocity Nitro 2

The Puma Velocity Nitro 2 is bouncy underfoot, especially in the forefoot. The Nitro foam used by Puma almost feels like Nike’s Zoom Air. The Puma Grip outsole provides the best traction on the market so, no matter the conditions, you won’t slip and will feel secure with every footstrike. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $120

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Puma Velocity Nitro 2 Buy Women's Puma Velocity Nitro 2

Hoka Rincon 3 vs Rincon 2

Hoka Rincon 3

The Hoka Rincon 3 is for those days where you either want to run fast or the days when your legs feel heaviest. At 7.3oz, it’s one of the lightest everyday neutral running shoes we’ve tested. As a bonus, most foot shapes will enjoy how these fit. And, Hoka’s meta rocker outsole shape will make this one of the smoother riding shoes in your closet.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $125

9/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Hoka Rincon 3 Buy Women's Hoka Rincon 3

Best Budget Neutral Running Shoes

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New Balance FuelCell Propel v4

The New Balance FuelCell Propel v4 has the best value proposition of any neutral cushioned running shoe on the market. $110 for a bouncy Fuelcell midsole and a TPU plate? That alone raises my eyebrows.

The upper isn’t spectacular but it’s comfortable. The tongue can be slippy, it’s a little on the heavy side, and the traction is solid. Durability is a big question mark because there’s not a ton of rubber on the outsole and it wears down pretty fast. But, at $110, a price serviceable daily running shoes don’t touch anymore, sacrificing some durability and comfort is expected.

The end result is a shoe that’s perfect for a wide range of runners. It’s also great for cost-conscious parents that need solid running shoes for kids running track or cross country (and growing out of the shoes way too fast). I’d recommend the Propel v4 over Nike’s current Pegasus and several other $130-150 models. Watch Kofuzi’s review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price $110

8.5/10
Total Score
Buy Men's Propel v4 Buy Women's Propel v4

Best Neutral Running Shoes Now on Sale

Asics Gel-Nimbus 25

Asics Gel-Nimbus 25

The Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 isn’t a snappy shoe, but there’s plenty of soft FF Blast+ cushion underfoot. That, alongside an absolutely luxuriously comfortable upper, means the Gel-Nimbus 25 is ready for a ton of road miles. We don’t recommend using it for any of your speed work, but you can churn out miles in the Gel-Nimbus 25 while saving your legs from harsh asphalt and roads.

As an added bonus, the foam flares out from the foot, creating an incredibly stable platform. Oh, and it’s built to accommodate tons of foot types. Wide-footers, flat-footers, and beginners (who are likely still figuring out what their feet are) will all find a shoe that works for them. And for wide-footers that need even more room, Asics sells an extra wide version that may be perfect for you. See the full review.

Fits: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $160

8/10
Total Score
Shop Men's Nimbus 25 Shop Women's Nimbus 25

Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best neutral running shoes list? Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.

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