Best Neutral Running Shoes for Men and Women

A neutral running gait involves a slight amount of pronation.The foot contacts the outsole of the heel rotates inward toward the midfoot, then your weight is transferred to the ball of the foot.

The least amount of injuries are associated with this running gait because neutral shoes are lightweight, cushioning, and flexible. You’ve probably been running and walking in neutral shoes your whole life, but do you know how to choose the best model.

In my top nine selections, I have taken into account all the important design features you would want the best neutral running shoes to have.

The Best Neutral Running Shoes Are:

Product	Details
1. Brooks Men’s Glycerin 18 Running Shoe	Top Pick	Neutral support 10 mm midsole drop Cushion level 3 of 3 Medium arch 3D Fit Print	Check Current Price
2. Brooks Men’s Ghost 12 Running Shoe		Cushion level 2 of 3 Neutral support 12 mm midsole drop Soft and protective BioMoGo DNA and DNA loft cushioning	Check Current Price
3. Brooks Women’s Glycerin 18 Running Shoe		Neutral support 10 mm midsole drop Medium, high arch Cushion experience Road surface design	Check Current Price
4. Adidas Women’s Edge Lux W Running Shoe		Neutral runner type 10 mm midsole drop 100 percent textile Heavy-duty rubber sole Energy filled comfort	Check Current Price
5. Mizuno Men’s Wave Rider 22 Knit Running Shoe		Neutral to underpronation support Cloudwave technology Lightweight construction U4icx midsole cushioning 100 percent synthetic	Check Current Price
6. Brooks Men’s Revel 3 Running Shoe		Neutral support BioMoGo DNA cushioning Heat-activated yarns Redesigned flat-knit upper Lace-up closure	Check Current Price
7. Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 22 Running Shoe		Neutral support Proven cloud wave platform Articulated heel zone Engineered stretch mesh U4icx midsole	Check Current Price
8. New Balance Women’s 680v6 Cushioning Running Shoe		Neutral to underpronation support 10 mm differential Lightweight, flexible response cushioning Breathable engineered mesh upper ABZORB midsole	Check Current Price
9. Skechers Men’s Go Run Ride 7 Shoe		Neutral support 6mm toe to heel drop Superior reflective details FLIGHT GEN midsole Breathable two-toned knit upper	Check Current Price

1. Brooks Men’s Glycerin 18 Running Shoe — Best Neutral Running Shoes, Men’s

Glycerin 18 is the best running shoes for neutral runners who don’t over- or underpronate. This shoe will keep you running as efficiently as possible.

This shoe is designed to provide neutral support, which is great because they absorb shock, allowing you to run comfortably and efficiently. The increased DNA loft cushioning is super-soft for superior responsiveness.

The add-on OrthoLite sock liner offers the finest step-in comfort. The upper has a balanced stretch and comfort. It has flex grooves on the bottom and a lot of rubber on the outsole to give you that good road stability when you are out there running on a wet or dry road.

The lining of the shoes isn’t slippery, and your feet just slide right into place. Your heels are going to be locked in with the loft cushion for firm lockdown support.

When doing speed workouts, the DNA loft cushioning allows you to transition from mid-foot to the toe seamlessly. What I don’t like; however, is the fact that this shoe isn’t truly high arch as advertised but medium. So, they may not be the best choice for heel pain.

Verdict

You don’t just get neutral support with this shoe, you also get supreme softness, plush fit, and smooth transition.

Overall Rating – 4.7

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2. Brooks Men’s Ghost 12 Running Shoe

Ghost 12 is one of the ultimate training shoes out on the market with neutral support, extra heel support, plenty of cushioning, and superior responsiveness.

This shoe has a 3D print mesh upper. So, it’s a one-piece with no overlays, which is great because there’s nothing to rub your foot and it fits very comfortably like a glove. It’s a great choice for daily road running, treadmill training, cross-training, and long-distance running.

You get BioMoGo DNA in the forefoot and DNA loft in the heel. This cushioning combination provides a soft crash pad and a very cushy and responsive toe box.

Built on a curved last with loads of cushioning to provide neutral support. The goal of this shoe is to provide cushioning and flexibility without tipping the scales. The energizing cushioning doesn’t just add comfort but also makes the shoe lightweight.

What I appreciate the most about this shoe is the segmented crash pad, which is good at absorbing shock and allows for a smooth heel to toe transition. But the thing is, the shoe may be too narrow for some people, and it’s possible to receive a pair with damaged insoles.

Verdict

Ghost 12 is plush, smooth, and soft, making it extremely nice for road running, treadmill, cross-training, and long-distance. But make sure the narrow fit is ideal for your foot.

Overall Rating – 4.7

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3. Brooks Women’s Glycerin 18 Running Shoe — Best Running Shoes for Neutral Runners, Women’s

Brooks Women’s Glycerin 18 wraps every stride in softness and comfort with its DNA loft midsole technology.

The shoe has a reconfigured midsole, which is great because it packs increased DNA loft cushioning for added softness without compromising responsiveness.

Improved flex grooves and ingenious rubber placement makes transitioning from heel to toe feel amazingly smooth and soft. I also appreciate the plush fit, considering how smoothly the interior liner surrounds expand and move with every stride.

Another good thing is the engineered mesh on the upper that allows for strategic structure, flexibility, and breathability. But the fit of the updated structure might be too tight for some runners.

Verdict

Ladies, this shoe is exactly what you need for road running, gym, and cross-training, thanks to its neutral support and superior cushion experience.

Overall Rating – 4.7

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4. Adidas Women’s Edge Lux W Running Shoe — Best Energy Filled Comfort

From workouts to wearing around town, Adidas Women’s Edge Lux W is a great choice for almost any woman.

It’s designed specifically for women to fit better and move with you as you run and train. The shoe has a nifty air mesh upper, which is great because it is highly breathable and allows for superior airflow. This keeps your foot dry and comfortable.

The sleek sock line construction moves with your foot. The bounce midsole gives you responsive cushioning that will make you want to keep this shoe on your feet. Another good thing about the midsole is the energy-filled comfort that keeps on getting better as you break in the shoe.

You will also appreciate the sleek styling and on-trend bootie construction means you’ll look great whether you are in the gym or running errands. As much as I like the neutral support and comfort, the upper may be a little bit thinner for some women’s comfort.

Verdict

Women’s Edge Lux W is the perfect shoe for running and its bootie design makes it ideal for the gym and running errands.

Overall Rating – 4.7

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5. Mizuno Men’s Wave Rider 22 Knit Running Shoe — Best Optimal Shock Attenuation

This shoe provides the new wave in running with high breathability and a natural sock-like fit for run-free performance.

The midsole uses cloud wave technology that uses thermoplastic, which is great because it provides a much firmer ride than conventional models. This provides you with more responsiveness. So, picking up the pace is pretty easy.

The shock absorption in the heel is pretty good because it is cushioned without feeling sloppy. It’s fitted with an engineered mesh that wraps your foot in place and strategically holds your foot in a comfortable location. On the forefoot area, we’ve got flex grooves to provide a very soft natural range of motion.

Another good feature is the U4icx strobe lasting board under the sock-liner that provides you with an unmatched underfoot feel. But the thing is, the midsole doesn’t have enough give.

Verdict

You get a natural and dynamic fit with the Wave Rider 22, but the ride may feel a little bit stiff for some people.

Overall Rating – 4.7

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6. Brooks Men’s Revel 3 Running Shoe

This is an updated men’s running shoe that features a lower profile with a street-ready upper for workouts and running errands.

Features a redesigned flat-knit upper, which is great because it is very breathable and feels like you’re wearing a sock. There are underlays at the toe area and the top of the heel for added protection during intense workouts.

It does have a seamless design that’s going to help with less irritation against your feet. The traditional lace-up design provides a secure fit. I appreciate the padding on the tongue and collar for additional comfort.

The BioMoGo DNA cushioned midsole helps absorb shock. Another good feature is the removable cushioned footbed. The superior cushioning of the footbed provides excellent comfort with each step. The shoe features some of the latest technologies, but the arch support feels less decent for me.

Verdict

Keep it lightweight, keep it comfortable, and pick up this great shoe from Brooks.

Overall Rating – 4.7

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7. Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 22 Running Shoe — Best Articulated Heel Zone

An all reliable daily trainer year after year, the Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 22 is engineered to perform on the road and at the gym.

This is going to be your cushion level four neutral running shoe, making it one of the best middle-of-the-road trainers. The upper of the Wave Rider 22 has a redesigned mesh, which is great because it provides a more adaptable fit and superior breathability.

Cloud wave cushioning offers a softened and responsive running experience. The smooth-ride design also creates a seamless heel to toe transition on every step.

In the midsole, U4icx cushioning is featured under the heel for a softer impact. The U4icx is also used to wrap the rest of the midsole for lightweight and resilient durability to help absorb impact and deliver a little extra spring. There’s a plastic wave plate that extends from the heel to the mid-foot for added underfoot feel.

For traction and durability, the shoe features a modified outsole that uses a combination of blown and carbon rubber. But the thing is, the seam or band between the bottom of the toe box and the top of the laces may be too tight and painful for some ladies.

Verdict

The neutral cushioned design is perfect for women who don’t pronate excessively. Just make sure you get the right size and fit.

Overall Rating – 4.7

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8. New Balance Women’s 680v6 Cushioning Running Shoe

Whether it’s intense training or low-key jogging, this incredible shoe from New Balance can help you achieve your goals.

This running shoe is great for the neutral to underpronator. It has a heel to toe drop of 10 millimeters. So, if you run with the main focus being the heel strike, this is going to be a good shoe for you. It is going to give you the extra cushioning that you need for soft impact and comfort.

The upper is a breathable, engineered mesh and lightweight synthetic material. That offers a great fit with superior comfort. It’s easy to lace up, too. You’ve got no-sew construction, which helps to reduce the likelihood of irritation.

There’s also padding around the ankle and a removable New Balance response 2.0 performance insert for added comfort. But it is possible to receive a pair without enough cushioning in the front or at the heel.

Verdict

New Balance 680v6 will help you keep your fitness goals on track. But make sure the toe box isn’t too narrow for your feet.

Overall Rating – 4.6

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9. Skechers Men’s Go Run Ride 7 Shoe — Best Reflective Details

Cushy, breathable, and fit like socks, Skechers Men’s Go Run Ride 7 will help you cover 10+ miles in a week with no issues.

This shoe is very lightweight for the amount of cushion it provides and it favors those who run neutral or look to develop more of a mid-foot strike.

It uses FLIGHT GEN midsole cushioning to provide a soft ride that is great for runs. The Ride 7 has a very breathable knit fabric upper with 3D printed overlays. It is formed with a nearly seamless design for a comfortable fit with a padded gusseted tongue that helps to properly secure your foot.

I appreciate the heavy-duty rubber plate on the outsole that helps create high traction on different surfaces. But the thing is, the exact size may be too tight. You might have to order a slightly larger size.

Verdict

This is an innovative, lightweight, and well-cushioned neutral shoe with superior reflective details. But the exact size might be too tight.

Overall Rating – 4.4

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Buying Guide: Things To Look For In Neutral Running Shoes

When selecting the best neutral running shoes, you should make certain to obtain the proper pair. Here are the most important features I strongly urge you to take into account.

Type of Running Experience

Neutral running shoes can have different types of experience, including cushioned, energized, speed, and connected.

Cushioned Experience

This type of running experience is suitable for runners who need minimum medial support and maximum midsole cushioning. These shoes are best for biomechanically efficient runners and midfoot or forefoot strikers with high or normal arches.

There are three levels of cushioning you can consider: minimal, medium, and high. You should consider minimal cushioning if you are looking for a softer road running without the need for too much cushion.

Energized Experience

This type of running experience is usually springy and responsive, adding extra lift with every stride. Shoes that provide this kind of experience give back more energy compared to other performance shoes.

There are three levels of energized experience you can consider. The first one is the minimal energized experience, which is ideal for a neutral runner who is looking for a minimal spring in his or her stride without the damp feeling.

The second level is the medium energized experience that’s perfect for a neutral runner looking for a responsive and springy stride. The third level is the high energized experience, which befits a neutral runner who favors a very responsive and springy stride.

Speed Experience

The best neutral running shoes designed for speed are normally streamlined, lightweight, and fast. They are intended to add extra speed with each stride.

There are three levels of speed experience you can choose from. The first level is minimal speed experience, which is what you need if you are looking for speed in your stride, but with minimal cushion.

The second level is medium speed experience that’s recommended for neutral runners in need of a responsive and fast feeling stride. The third level is the high-speed experience that befits a runner looking for the most responsive and most lightweight feeling stride.

Connected Experience

This type of experience usually offers a flexible, lightweight, and natural feel. There are also three levels you can consider.The first level is minimal connect, which is ideal for a more natural feeling run, but with little cushioning.

The second level is medium connect that’s recommended for a neutral runner looking for a lightweight shoe with a natural-feeling run. The third level is the highly connected experience that’s suitable for a runner who wants to feel connected to each stride for an extremely natural feeling run.

Last Shape

Once you have decided on the type and level of running experience you want, the next important element is the last shape. The last shape refers to the actual shape of the shoe, and there are three basic lasts: curved, straight, and semi-curved.

Each of these varieties is correlated with a different foot type. The best shoes for neutral runners can be curved last or semi-curved last. The curved last is flared inwards from heel to toe to varying degrees with the medial outsole curved toward the arch.

In the curved last shoe, the line doesn’t pass through the toe and the inner half of the sole is different from the outer half. This last shape gives the least support but follows the natural curve of the foot, making it suitable for neutral runners.

Cushion, Transition, and Comfort

A neutral running shoe is supposed to provide cushioning and less foot control. It needs to have softer and more shock-absorbent material in the heel to better cushion at heel strike and provide a superior transition from heel to the midfoot and toe. The objective is to smooth out the transition from heel-strike to toe-off, since most neutral runners associated this with a better feel.

It isn’t easy to tell if a new neutral shoe will truly achieve a good underfoot feel until you try it on. A well-cushioned heel provides sufficient comfort for a neutral runner; so, is the toe box structure. You might have thick or narrow toes.

Arch Support

The raised part of the insole of your running shoes is what we refer to as an arch. There are three basic types of arch support: normal, medium, and high.

The most common type of foot requires normal or medium arch support. You have this arch if you can see half of your arch in the footprint. With a normal arch, you can wear almost any type of shoes without problems. If you are a light runner with a normal or medium arch, I recommend you wear neutral-cushioned shoes.

A high arch; on the other hand, is defined by a footprint that shows the heel and the ball of the foot. This is not a very common foot type. Runners with a high arch supinate or underpronate. This means that the arch does not collapse enough to absorb shock that travels in the body at impact with the road. Stability isn’t the most important factor for runners who underpronate, but cushioning and stability are.

The Outsole

Different brands use different types of materials for the outsole, but the most common ones for neutral shoes are blow and carbon rubber.

Blown rubber is air-injected, making the outsole softer and lighter to provide cushioning and flexibility. But it wears out pretty fast, making it less durable compared to carbon rubber. Carbon rubber; on the other hand, is both light and durable.

You should also consider neutral running shoes with flex grooves. They make a neutral running shoe more flexible at toe-off. This allows for a seamlessly smooth transition from the back to the front of your feet with each stride.

Final Thoughts

The Brooks Men’s Glycerin 18 Running Shoe is the overall winner of this roundup. It beats the competition with its super-soft cushioning and superior responsiveness. Its plush fit allows your foot to move and expand with every stride you make. Not to mention that the heel to toe transition is seamlessly smooth.

This amazing shoe offers you a level three cushioned running experience. It provides you very soft and protective cushioning with every step you take, making it ideal for road running, long-distance running, and treadmill. The medium, high arch support is ideal for most runners and the flex grooves on the outsole make the shoe more flexible at toe-off.