person runs on a treadmill

The Best Running Shoes for Treadmill | Indoor Workout Must-Haves

Whether you love using a treadmill in winter or like it more than the ground, you know how different it is to run outside. While jogging on a treadmill has numerous benefits, you know that you cannot use your outdoor running shoes with this machine. And that is because running on a treadmill is quite different.

On roads, when you stop jogging, you stop while on treadmills you don’t. Plus, people run faster on treadmills than on the road. To account for these factors, you need a stable and firm pair that grips well. And unless you are walking on this machine, heavy or ultra-soft footwear is a no.

But with the many running shoes available, choosing the right one can be quite tricky. We have prepared this list of the best running shoes for treadmills.

So, let’s dive right in…

Our favorite is Adidas Adizero Adios 4, as it is lightweight and has splendid cushioning.

The Best Running Shoes for Treadmills Are…

ProductDetails
1. Adidas Adizero Adios 4

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Material: Synthetic, mesh and textile
  • Size: 4-13.5 (US)
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2. Brooks Ghost 11 Running Shoes

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Material: Synthetic
  • Size: 5-13 (US)
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3. Saucony Kinvara 11 Running Shoes

  • Material: Synthetic-and-mesh
  • Sole: Rubber
  • Size: 3-16 (US)
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4. ASICS Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoes

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Material: Synthetic
  • Size: 4-12 (US)
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5. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 Running Shoes

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Material: Synthetic
  • Size: 5-13 (US)
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6. NIKE Tanjun Sneakers

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Material: Mesh
  • Size: 3.5-18 (US)
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7. Brooks Launch 5 Running Shoes

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Material: Mesh
  • Size: 5-13
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8. Nike Free RN Flyknit 2018

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Material: Synthetic
  • Size: 7.5-14
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9. Mizuno Wave Sonic Running Shoes

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Material: Synthetic
  • Size: 5-17 (US)
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1. Adidas Adizero Adios 4 — Best Shoes for Treadmill Running, Men’s

adidas Men's Adizero Adios 4 Running Shoe, Black/White/Black, 10 M US

Designed by Omori, a Japanese shoemaker, Adios 4 is a sleek shoe that was meant to be used by the world’s best marathon runners. Even though it has a locked-down fit, its lightweight construction and unique cushioning make it an ideal option. This shoe is supportive in all the right spots.

Adios 4 upper is made from synthetic materials, textile and mesh to provide breathability and snug support. Like most Adidas designs, Adios 4 features the Boost technology. Therefore, it can deliver a pillowy-like feel and a fantastic rebound. For superior traction on dry and wet surfaces, the outsole of this footwear is made from continental rubber. So, you can take this treadmill footwear to the road as well.

It also features a soft mesh lining for extra comfort and a responsive midsole. Adios 4 is available in several color combinations. So you can find a fitting pair that matches your style. However, some wearers have complained about its durability.

Specs

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Material: Synthetic, mesh and textile
  • Size: 4-13.5 (US)

Pros

  • Well-cushioned
  • It has a unique lock-down fit
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • It has a sleek design
  • It can serve as both indoor and outdoor running shoes

Cons

  • Some wearers have complained about its durability

Overall Rating – 4.5 out of 5

Conclusion

Adios 4 is a lightweight shoe with exceptional cushioning. And the fact that it has a continental rubber sole makes it ideal for treadmill running.

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2. Brooks Ghost 11 Running Shoes — Best Treadmill Running Shoes for Women

Brooks Men's Ghost 12, Navy/Gold, 11 D

Ghost 11 is an excellent option for people looking for a neutral running design that provides a smooth ride. This is an excellent option for environmentally conscious people since its midsole is made from BioMoGo, which is highly degradable.

The BioMoGo midsole delivers a soft feel, plus it adapts to your strides. With an additional layer in its midsole, Ghost 11 is more comfortable than Ghost 10. Instead of an engineered mesh upper, Ghost 11 uses 3D printed outlay to help with foot support.

The 3D printed outlay also provides an adaptive, supportive, and consistent fit. This shoe comes with segmented crash pads that are engineered to offer smooth footfalls. Even though this pair is quite costly, it can be a great investment.

Specs

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Material: Synthetic
  • Size: 5-13 (US)

Pros

  • It is available in a wide range of color combinations
  • It provides great traction
  • Ideal for people with wide feet
  • Well-cushioned
  • It provides ample arch support

Cons

  • It is quite costly

Overall Rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

Ghost 11 is a great shoe that provides the needed support and comfort. It is a great option for women with wide feet or bunions.

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3. Saucony Kinvara 11 Running Shoes

Saucony Men's S20551-25 Kinvara 11 Running Shoe, Blue/Black - 11 M US

Kinvara is an excellent low-drop running shoe that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Just like its predecessor, Kinvara 11 is lightweight, well-cushioned, and reliable footwear. Kinvara 11 comes with a jacquard mesh upper that can help keep your feet dry while working out.

Kinvara 11 is a little bit softer than Kinvara 10 thanks to its unique PWRRUN cushioning. PWRRUN cushioning helps maintain the lightweight responsiveness of Kinvara. Kinvara 11’s firm undertone makes it an excellent option for your treadmill sessions. It’s breathable upper sits softly over your foot while the inner sleeves help keep this footwear locked in when running.

The Kinvara 11 has a flexible sole designed to help you transition from take-off to landing quickly. The FormFIT featured in this shoe conforms to your feet, providing a perfect feel and fit from all angles. However, its low drop heel isn’t ideal for heel strikers.

Specs

  • Material: Synthetic-and-mesh
  • Sole: Rubber
  • Size: 3-16 (US)

Pros

  • It has a breathable upper
  • It is available in a wide array of color combinations
  • It has a wide toe-box
  • Well-cushioned
  • Lightweight

Overall Rating – 4.4 out of 5

Conclusion

Kinvara 11 is a great treadmill running shoe for people with narrow feet. It is a highly durable pair that can serve you for a very long time.

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4. ASICS Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoes

ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 6 Running-Shoes,Carbon/Black/Pink Peacock,8.5 Medium US

Asics has produced several shoes that give you breathability, traction, and support, and Gel-Venture 6 is no exception. Gel-Venture 6 is an excellent representation of all the features Asics has to offer. This pair can be used on the treadmill, for hitting the nature trails or running outdoors.

Gel-Venture 6 comes with a unique Gel technology that makes it supportive and comfortable. Gel technology helps with the transition between stride by absorbing shock when running. Gel-Venture 6’s has a removable sockliner that helps protect your feet.

So, you can use your orthotic or customized sockliner with this shoe. Its sturdy lug pattern helps keep your feet secured when working out on a treadmill, loose trail, and wet pavement. Gel-Venture 6 is available in a wide range of colors, so you can get a pair that fits your style. However, Gel-Venture 6 is quite wide for some users.

Specs

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Material: Synthetic
  • Size: 4-12 (US)

Pros

  • It is available in multiple colors
  • It is extremely durable
  • Well-cushioned
  • Lightweight
  • It can be used for both outdoor and indoor running

Cons

  • It can be quite wide for some runners

Overall Rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

Asics Gel-Venture 6 is an excellent representation of all the great features Asics has to offer. It is a great pair that can guarantee comfort and keeps you safe while working out.

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5. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 Running Shoes

Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 20, Grey/Blue, 11 Medium

GTS 20 is a great treadmill running shoe that focuses on comfort and support. It is a great option for people who require a perfect blend of reliability, flexibility and cushioning. It has a unique streamlined design that is ideal for individuals looking for a low-profile looking shoe.

Its unique 3D fit mesh upper offers a proven fit and structure that the Adrenaline line is known for. It’s unique breathable upper helps keep your feet dry while running on a treadmill.  Adrenaline GTS 20 provides the right amount of support and stability that is ideal for runners with overpronation issues.

It provides high energizing cushioning that is ideal to treadmill running thanks to the DNA LOFT pad cushioning. And thanks to their guiderails support system, GTS 20 shifted its focus from your feet to your knees.

By keeping excess movements in check, the guiderails keeps you comfortable while walking. GTS 20 is available in a wide array of colors; therefore, you can find a pair that matches your style. However, it can be quite wide for some wearers.

Specs

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Material: Synthetic
  • Size: 5-13 (US)

Pros

  • It has a sturdy construction
  • It can provide the needed ankle support
  • It provides ample traction
  • Well-cushioned
  • Available in a wide range of color combination

Cons

  • It can feel wide for some users

Overall Rating – 4.7 out of 5

Conclusion

The extra cushioning on this shoe helps with shock absorption while keeping your feet safe.

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6. NIKE Tanjun Sneakers

Nike Men's Tanjun Running Sneaker Black/White 11.5

Nike is a famous brand that has been a leader in the athletic shoe industry for a long time. Nike has produced many high-quality shoes for years, and Nike Tanjun is no exception. It’s unique design and breathable upper are what gave this footwear its name. Tanjun is a Japanese term that stands for simplicity.

The outsole and midsole of this pair are made using EVA foam. This shoe also has a flexible outsole thanks to the Nike flex grooves. Other than being lightweight, the textile upper offers superior breathability. Ever since it was released in 2015, this shoe has proven to be a highly famous addition to Nike collection.

This shoe is all foam, which makes it one of Nike’s lightest shoes, which is a major selling point. Nike kept this shoe lightweight using light materials that function well and helps reduce its weight.

And this includes the use of lightweight, breathable upper mesh, and EVA foam. This shoe was available in multiple color combinations. Nike has proven that you don’t need to splash a lot of cash for high-quality running shoes over the years. However, it’s not ideal for people with wide feet.

Specs

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Material: Mesh
  • Size: 3.5-18 (US)

Pros

  • It is highly durable footwear
  • Well-cushioned
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • It is well-designed

Cons

  • It is not ideal for people with wide feet

Overall Rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

Nike Tanjun Sneaker is a lightweight shoe that is for runners who love simplicity.

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7. Brooks Launch 5 Running Shoes

Brooks Launch 7 Pink/Beetroot/Majolica 9.5

Brooks launch 5 continues to satisfy runners with its unique updates. And just like Launch 4, this pair provides an excellent balance of comfort, durability, and performance. Instead of the breezy and lightweight air mesh used with launch 4, Brooks used a one-piece mesh. The single-piece upper mesh offers your feet a comfortable and breathable coverage.

It also molds and stretches to your feet’ shape. The shoe also features an internal bootie construction that is engineered to offer all-day comfort. Just like Launch 4, this shoe uses both blown rubber and HPR plus materials on its outsole. The toe and heel region utilize the HPR Plus material, which offers the needed durability when running.

The blown rubber covers the forefoot region, providing flexibility, responsiveness, and durability. The perfect combination of blown rubber and HPR Plus materials boosts your run, making it possible for you to run for an extended period. The outsole gives you the spring and cushioning; you will need to run through tough courses on your treadmill.

Launch 5’s midsole uses BioMoGo DNA technology to deliver luxurious cushioning to all runners. The single-density midsole material is responsive, light, and easily adapts to your foot’s natural movement. This pair is designed to improve your treadmill running experience while protecting your feet. However, it’s not ideal for runners prone to ankle rolling. It is also not the best option for people with wide feet.

Specs

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Material: Mesh
  • Size: 5-13

Pros

  • It is ideal for high arches
  • It has a durable sole
  • Well-cushioned
  • Lightweight
  • It has a breathable knit upper

Cons

  • It is not ideal for runners with wide feet
  • It isn’t the best option for individuals prone to ankle rolling

Overall Rating – 4.4 out of 5

Conclusion

Brooks Launch 5 is an upgraded version of Launch 4. This shoe provides a perfect blend of comfort, durability, and performance.

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8. Nike Free RN Flyknit 2018

Nike Women's Free Rn Flyknit 2018 Running Shoe 9 - White/Black

Flyknit 2018 took the world by storm when it was launched thanks to its flexible, supportive, and breathable capabilities. Nike designed this pair based on runners’ feedback, and they made sure that it fits perfectly to your feet. It is a unique shoe that can be great for both indoor and outdoor running.

Flyknit’s outsole is made from a durable rubber that provides splendid traction for treadmill running. The sole features a Tri-Star pattern that offers the runners maximum grip with each movement. Flyknit 2018’s midsole features a Phylon foam core and a firm carrier system.

The Phylon foam is designed to offer your additional protection. With Flyknit 2018, most wearers have claimed that they feel like they are wearing their socks instead of shoes. And that is because Nike made this shoe’s upper using single-seam Flyknit material.

The Flyknit material features more spaced-out weave and stretch zones for maximum breathability. But, this doesn’t mean that they lack support. However, its width is narrower, making it a great option for people with narrow feet.

Specs

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Material: Synthetic
  • Size: 7.5-14

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • It has a highly breathable upper
  • It has rounded heels
  • It offers excellent cushioning
  • Great traction
  • It is available in multiple color combinations

Cons

  • It is not ideal for runners with wide feet

Overall Rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

Flyknit 2018 is lightweight footwear that is breathable, extremely flexible, and supportive. It is every runner’s dream wrapped up in a single beautiful package.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp5hRVcXDjI

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9. Mizuno Wave Sonic Running Shoes

Mizuno Women's Wave Sonic Running Shoes, Turquoise/Yucca, 9.5 B US

Mizuno wave sonic is durable footwear that is more stable than most running shoes in the market. This footwear doesn’t have the plastic wave plate like most Mizuno shoes; instead, it features different density foams.

Mizuno used U4icX foam throughout this footwear to create a similar effect. This foam delivers a cushioned ride with an extremely high rebound for an energized ride. Wave Sonic’s upper has a seamless overlay that is supposed to have a sock-like construction.

The upper creates a comfortable fit with extra room for your feet to expand and toes to splay while running. It has a zig-zag shaped outsole and increased toe-spring midsole for a faster transition from toe to heel. However, it is narrower than most Mizuno footwear.

Specs

  • Sole: Rubber
  • Material: Synthetic
  • Size: 5-17 (US)

Pros

  • It has a breathable upper
  • Affordable
  • Great traction
  • Durable
  • Well-cushioned

Cons

  • It is narrower than other Mizuno footwear

Overall Rating – 4.4 out of 5

Conclusion

Mizuno wave sonic is a lightweight shoe with comfortable cushioning and great support.

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Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Shoes For Treadmill Running

person runs on a treadmill

Running on a treadmill is a popular activity that has numerous health benefits. And people who have jogged both outdoors and on a treadmill know the difference between the two. With a treadmill, people tend to run faster than outdoors, and you can’t stop instantly when running on this machine. Therefore, you need comfortable footwear with great traction.

However, choosing the right footwear can be tricky, especially with the many options available. Remember, a great pair of treadmill running shoes should be lightweight and comfortable. So here are some key factors to consider when looking for the best running shoes for treadmills.

Comfort

The cushioning on your shoes can mean the difference between achieving your daily target and skipping the workout. And even the most expensive shoes with the latest technology can be useless if they are not comfortable.

Therefore, make sure it’s well-cushioned footwear. There are numerous cushioning types in athletic footwear, with some being ideal for running and others for walking. Some of the best cushioning material to look out for include:

  • Blown rubber
  • Fresh foam
  • EVA foam

Some cushioning materials like Dual Density EVA and polyurethane are excellent, but they add weight to the shoe. After all, long-distance runners and treadmill runners need lightweight shoes.

Flexibility

Running on this machine is quite different than walking or running outdoors. Therefore, knowing your feet can help you buy the right footwear. One of the main factors to consider when purchasing treadmill running shoes is flexibility.

The arch of the right shoe should have ample support while the heel and toe must offer substantial movement. The best shoe should flex naturally with your foot. Working out with a pair that is not flexible can be very dangerous.

Outsole

The sole is what makes direct contact with the treadmill and ground while supporting your entire body. So, the quality and flexibility of the outsole play a key role when buying treadmill running shoes. Remember, a poorly constructed sole can cause discomfort, slipping, and even bodily harm.

Therefore, all top brands use materials that are water, impact, heat, and even weather-resistant. Most soles are made from rubber and PVC. These materials have numerous advantages, and they are flexible enough.

Midsole

The material used to make the midsole plays a key role in the overall comfort of your shoe. Luckily, the midsole of most running shoes is made of EVA foam. EVA foam provides a perfect balance between durability and softness. This material can provide ample arch support and protect your feet from hard surfaces.

Weight

Professional runners know that when training for a marathon, the weight of your footwear matters a lot. After all, keeping your shoe light will help you keep running. The best treadmill running shoe must be lightweight. Heavy shoes can make jogging a little bit hard for you to achieve your target.

However, ultra-light shoes lack proper cushioning. So, do your research and find the right balance between weight and cushioning. If you have any feet problems, make sure you put that into consideration.

Breathability

Running is a great workout that can leave you sweating, so you need shoes with a breathable upper. Shoes with breathable uppers can keep your feet dry. Luckily, most running shoes have a mesh upper that allows fresh air to flow through your feet while jogging.

However, the mesh upper used by most brands varies, so look for one that is smooth and soft against your skin. Look for one with a bootie inside that will make it fit like a sock.

Final Thoughts

Running on a treadmill has numerous benefits, and it is one of the best ways to work out during winter. However, there is a big difference between running outdoors and on a treadmill. People tend to run faster on treadmills than on the road.

So, you need the best treadmill running shoes when doing your daily treadmill workout. But, buying the best treadmill running shoe can be quite tricky, especially with the numerous options available. The best shoes for treadmill running incorporate numerous unique features.

These shoes must be lightweight and have great traction. So, we have created this list of the best 9 treadmill running shoes in the market. From our research, we have concluded that Adidas Adizero Adios 4 is the best treadmill running shoe. This lightweight footwear has responsive cushioning, which makes it the best option.