Choosing the right running shoe is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Each brand has unique characteristics in fit, width, cushioning, and style. Below is a guide to how popular running shoe brands fit, so you can make an informed choice.
Adidas
Adidas running shoes often feature a snug, sock-like fit due to their Primeknit uppers. Many models use Boost cushioning, which is highly responsive and ideal for long distances.
- Best for: Standard-width feet or those who prefer a close-to-skin fit
- Notes: Models with Boost cushioning can run true to size but may feel narrow in the forefoot.
- Top models: Ultraboost, Adizero Adios Pro
Altra
Altra shoes are designed with a zero-drop platform and a FootShape™ toe box to promote natural foot movement and alignment.
- Best for: Wide feet, forefoot strikers, or minimalist runners
- Notes: True to size, but the unique fit may require an adjustment period.
- Top models: Lone Peak, Torin
Asics
Asics shoes are recognized for their structured fit and Gel cushioning, which provides excellent shock absorption. They often cater to runners needing stability or motion control.
- Best for: Standard-width feet or runners needing added stability
- Notes: Asics shoes typically run true to size but may feel slightly snug in the toe box.
- Top models: Gel-Nimbus, Gel-Kayano
Brooks
Brooks is known for its focus on comfort and durability. Their shoes often have a roomy toe box and excellent arch support, making them a favorite among runners with wider feet or high arches.
- Best for: Wide feet, flat feet, or high arches
- Notes: Most Brooks models run true to size, with various width options available.
- Top models: Ghost, Adrenaline GTS
Hoka One One
Hoka is famous for its maximum cushioning and rocker-shaped soles, which promote a smooth stride and reduce impact on joints.
- Best for: Runners seeking extra cushioning or those with joint pain
- Notes: Shoes tend to run true to size but may feel bulky to some.
- Top models: Clifton, Bondi
La Sportiva
La Sportiva specializes in trail and mountain running shoes, with durable designs and excellent grip for challenging environments.
- Best for: Trail runners or those running on rugged terrain
- Notes: Fit tends to run narrow, especially in the forefoot.
- Top models: Bushido II, Ultra Raptor
New Balance
New Balance offers a diverse range of shoes, known for their generous width options and accommodating fits. Their Fresh Foam cushioning provides a plush ride for various running styles.
- Best for: Runners needing wide or extra-wide shoes
- Notes: True to size with multiple width options (narrow, standard, wide, extra-wide).
- Top models: Fresh Foam 1080, FuelCell Rebel
Nike
Nike running shoes tend to have a snug fit, especially around the midfoot and heel. They are popular for their lightweight designs and responsive cushioning, making them great for speed-focused runners.
- Best for: Narrow to standard-width feet
- Notes: Some models may feel tight; consider sizing up half a size.
- Top models: Pegasus, ZoomX Vaporfly
Mizuno
Mizuno running shoes are known for their Wave Plate technology, which enhances responsiveness and support. They generally provide a snug midfoot fit and a slightly roomy toe box.
- Best for: Standard-width feet or runners preferring a firmer ride
- Notes: True to size but may feel stiff for those preferring softer cushioning.
- Top models: Wave Rider, Wave Inspire
Newton
Newton running shoes are designed for natural running mechanics, emphasizing forefoot striking with their unique lugs under the forefoot.
- Best for: Forefoot strikers or experienced runners
- Notes: Shoes may feel snug initially but are true to size once broken in.
- Top models: Gravity, Distance Elite
On Running
On shoes are known for their CloudTec® technology, which provides a unique combination of cushioning and firm takeoffs.
- Best for: Runners seeking lightweight shoes for short or medium distances
- Notes: Can run narrow; consider sizing up for wider feet.
- Top models: Cloudflow, Cloudmonster
Puma
Puma running shoes are known for their lightweight and stylish designs. Many models incorporate Nitro Foam cushioning, which provides a springy, responsive feel.
- Best for: Standard-width feet or runners who prioritize style and speed
- Notes: Puma shoes generally run small; sizing up half a size is often recommended.
- Top models: Deviate Nitro, Velocity Nitro
Salomon
Salomon specializes in trail running shoes, with aggressive outsoles and durable uppers designed for rough terrain.
- Best for: Trail runners or those who need stability and grip
- Notes: Fit is generally snug, and some models may run small.
- Top models: Speedcross, Sense Ride
Saucony
Known for its PWRRUN cushioning and focus on comfort and performance, Saucony running shoes often cater to a wide range of runners, from beginners to elite athletes.
- Best for: Standard-width feet or those looking for a balance of cushioning and responsiveness
- Notes: Generally true to size with a slightly wider toe box.
- Top models: Endorphin Speed, Ride
Topo Athletic
Topo Athletic shoes focus on a natural running experience, with a roomy toe box and a low-drop design.
- Best for: Wide feet or runners transitioning to minimalist footwear
- Notes: True to size with a natural foot shape design.
- Top models: Ultraventure, Magnifly
Under Armour
Under Armour’s running shoes often feature a precision fit with engineered mesh uppers. They also incorporate HOVR cushioning, which balances energy return and comfort.
- Best for: Standard-width feet or those wanting a balance of comfort and responsiveness
- Notes: Consider sizing up if you have wider feet, as some models can feel narrow.
- Top models: HOVR Infinite, Machina
Summary: Fit for Brands of Running Shoes
| Brand | Fit Characteristics | Best For | Popular Models | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adidas | Sock-like fit with Primeknit uppers | Standard-width feet | Ultraboost, Adizero Adios Pro | Narrow forefoot; true to size for Boost models. |
| Altra | Zero-drop, roomy FootShape™ toe box | Wide feet, forefoot strikers | Lone Peak, Torin | True to size; natural fit requires adjustment. |
| Asics | Structured fit, Gel cushioning | Standard-width feet, stability needs | Gel-Nimbus, Gel-Kayano | Slightly snug toe box; true to size. |
| Brooks | Roomy toe box, excellent arch support | Wide feet, flat feet, or high arches | Ghost, Adrenaline GTS | True to size; offers multiple width options. |
| Hoka One One | Maximum cushioning, rocker soles | Runners seeking joint impact reduction | Clifton, Bondi | True to size; can feel bulky to some. |
| La Sportiva | Durable, narrow fit, excellent trail grip | Trail runners, mountain running | Bushido II, Ultra Raptor | Runs narrow; suitable for rugged terrain. |
| Mizuno | Snug midfoot, slightly roomy toe box | Standard-width feet, firmer cushioning | Wave Rider, Wave Inspire | May feel stiff; true to size. |
| New Balance | Generous width options and accommodating fit | Wide or extra-wide feet | Fresh Foam 1080, FuelCell Rebel | True to size; available in narrow to extra-wide. |
| Newton | Forefoot-focused lugs, natural mechanics | Forefoot strikers, experienced runners | Gravity, Distance Elite | Snug fit; requires break-in period. |
| Nike | Snug fit, especially midfoot and heel | Narrow to standard-width feet | Pegasus, ZoomX Vaporfly | Consider sizing up; some models feel tight. |
| On Running | Lightweight, CloudTec® cushioning | Lightweight shoes for short/medium runs | Cloudflow, Cloudmonster | Runs narrow; size up for wide feet. |
| Puma | Lightweight, responsive, stylish | Standard-width feet, speed-focused runners | Deviate Nitro, Velocity Nitro | Shoes run small; size up half a size. |
| Salomon | Durable, snug fit, aggressive outsoles | Trail runners, rugged terrain | Speedcross, Sense Ride | Runs small; snug fit. |
| Saucony | Balanced cushioning and responsiveness | Standard-width feet | Endorphin Speed, Ride | Slightly wider toe box; true to size. |
| Topo Athletic | Roomy toe box, low-drop design | Wide feet, minimalist runners | Ultraventure, Magnifly | True to size; natural foot shape. |
| Under Armour | Precision fit, responsive HOVR cushioning | Standard-width feet | HOVR Infinite, Machina | Narrow fit; consider sizing up. |
