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 WearTesters 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 could also start with 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: 07.17.2024
Best Neutral Running Shoes
Best Neutral Running Shoes
Asics Superblast 2
The Asics Superblast 2 is an all around improvement from last year’s cult classic. It’s versatile enough to handle anything a runner needs to do including easy runs, tempo runs, speed work, and race days. It’s wide foot friendly with an accommodating engineered woven mesh upper that molds to your feet. The traction, stability, durability, and breathability are all top notch. And the great upper sits on top of a soft yet bouncy FF Turbo+/FF Blast Plus Eco midsole that delivers a fantastic ride. The Superblast 2 doesn’t have any glaring negatives (a rare occurrence in the shoe reviewing business). It’s one of the best shoes on the market. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $200
Hoka Mach 6
The Hoka Mach 6 is the best the Hoka Mach series has ever been. The Mach 6 and its bouncy super critical EVA midsole can do daily miles, speed sessions, and long runs while providing very good durability and fantastic impact protection.
If you’re a wide footer you’ll need to choose the wide version but otherwise the upper and its gully gusseted tongue is comfortable. The Durabrasion rubber outsole is both great in all conditions and durable. The Mach 6 is a shoe that does everything well and is well worth it’s $140 price. tag. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $140
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is New Balance’s most versatile and useful daily running shoe despite not featuring a higher end stack height. The Peba/EVA blend of FuelCell is bouncy and makes it easy to pick the pace (maybe too easy). The upper is accommodating and breathable. The Rebel v4 is also lightweight and stable with durable traction. It’s more shoe than previous Rebels but that makes it accessible to more foot types, and ultimately, more people. It’s one of 2024’s best all around running shoes. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $140
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 continues to be the best shoe in Saucony’s line despite a full aesthetic overhaul. There’s something about the way the TPU plate, Saucony’s Speedroll rocker, and the PWRRUN PB work together. It’s magic on speed days and really earns the Speed name. Despite a more narrow toebox, the Endorphin Speed 4 is one of the most versatile shoes on the market. And, if you don’t like carbon-plated shoes, the Speed 4 is a great option for race day. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price $170
Puma Velocity Nitro 3
The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is the best Velocity Nitro yet. The upper is improved and much more locked in than version 2 but still not wide footer friendly. The bounce from the Puma Nitro midsole feels great underfoot and can handle a lot of miles. The PumaGrip outsole is, as always, elite. The Velocity Nitro 3 provides great value and is a great shoe to recommend to friends and family that come to you for running shoe advice.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 10mm, Price $135
Brooks Glycerin 21
The Brooks Glycerin 21 is a clear upgrade from the Glycerin 20 with signature Brooks comfort and fit. The DNA Loft v3 midsole is bouncy and the upper is plush all around. The ride and the traction also get high marks for this versatile trainer. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price $160
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
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
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
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
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
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
Best Budget Neutral Running Shoes
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
Best Neutral Running Shoes Now on Sale
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
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
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
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
Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best neutral running shoes list? Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
Your list of “The Best Neutral Running Shoes” doesn’t make sense…other than the first shoe listed, the majority of the shoes on your list are not “Neutral” at all, having offsets of 6mm or more.
That’s not the definition of neutral in this context. In running shoes, neutral means built with normal support and including no extra support or motion control features. Basically, cushioned running shoes that don’t affect the motion of the foot.