Best Treadmill Running Shoes Tested for 2024

Anyone who runs on a treadmill knows it can get really old, really fast. (They did get their humble start as prison torture devices, after all.) 

You can make your treadmill workouts a bit more bearable by making yourself as comfortable as possible. A big part of comfort on a treadmill is the treadmill itself (features like deck cushioning and stride accommodation make a huge difference), but another important component is having the best running shoes for treadmill. 

The right shoes can propel you to new speeds, while the wrong ones can cause blisters; eff up your foot strike; and even contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis or joint pain. Luckily, our expert product testers have slipped more than a dozen pairs of sneakers onto their feet to find the best treadmill running shoes.

Enduring the “Dreadmill” So You Don’t Have To 

We’ve collectively spent more hours on a treadmill than you probably even want to think about. Among five product testers, our team put more than a dozen outsoles to tread belts to find the best treadmill shoes—so you can ditch the testing process and hit the ground (er, deck) running.

Best Treadmill Running Shoes in 2024

• Best Treadmill Running Shoes Overall: Brooks Ghost 14 
• Best Cushioned Treadmill Running Shoes: HOKA Clifton 8 
• Best Treadmill Running Shoes for Wide Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v12
• Best Minimalist Treadmill Running Shoes: Lululemon Chargefeel 
• Best Treadmill Running Shoes for Flat Feet: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
• Most Versatile Treadmill Running Shoes: On Cloud X
• Best Neutral Treadmill Running Shoes: Saucony Kinvara 13
• Best Cross-Training Shoes for Treadmill Running:Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39

Best Treadmill Running Shoes Overall: Brooks Ghost 14

Good for: Runners who want a durable daily trainer that will take them from sprint sessions to long-distance runs with no problem

Best Treadmill Running Shoes

Brooks Ghost 14

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Product Highlights

• Neutral running shoe from Brooks 
• Brooks’ first carbon-neutral shoe 
• 32 colorways 
• Moderate cushioning and heel-to-toe drop

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3 width options: Wide, Medium, Narrow
• American Podiatry Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for products that promote good foot health
• Brooks Run Happy Guarantee: Try for 90 days and return for no cost if you are not satisfied
• Many colorways

Cons

• Longtime Ghost wearers find these to be less comfortable than previous models
• Some buyers dislike the toe box
• New midsole construction: Switched from combination of DNA LOFT and BioMogo DNA Foam to all DNA LOFT

Bottom Line

Brooks has made some changes to the Ghost 14 so that it is softer than ever. This change has been received with mixed reviews among runners and longtime Ghost wearers.

Although I’ve tested nearly a dozen pairs of running shoes in the last two years—and many more before that—I always end up back in a pair of Brooks Ghost shoes. These have been my go-tos since high school cross country, and I’ve probably worn my way through at least six pairs of them.

I love the Ghosts because they feature neutral cushioning—not too much, not too little—and enough arch support for light assistance with pronation. They aren’t overly bouncy, but they still provide great feedback and energy return thanks to the 100% DNA LOFT (Brooks’ proprietary foam) midsole. 

I do think the outsole could be slightly thicker to accommodate more mileage, but for treadmill running, that shouldn’t be a problem. Wherever you wear these, you’ll appreciate the breathable knit upper and reinforced toe box. 

Best Cushioned Treadmill Running Shoes: HOKA Clifton 8 

Good for: Runners who desire extra cushioning to provide extreme shock absorption and soft landings

Best Cushioned Treadmill Shoes

Hoka Clifton 8

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Product Highlights

• Neutral running shoe
• Made with recycled and vegan materials 
• 16 colorways for women and 19 colorways for men
• 2 widths: Regular, Wide

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very cushioned and supportive
• Springy foam midsole
• Comfortable for all-day wear
• Wide range of sizes

Cons

• Expensive
• Too much cushion for some runners
• Not as versatile as other running shoe options

Bottom Line

The Hoka Clifton 8 has mixed reviews on comfort and many reviewers found the shoe to be too narrow.

HOKA One One is known for their ultra-cushioned running shoes, and the Clifton 8 fits that bill. Caroline Lubinsky, GGR staff writer and cardio queen, tested the HOKA Clifton 8 for this guide.

Here’s what she had to say about them: “TikTok girlies go wild about these, and for good reason. If you need more cushioning, you’ll probably really enjoy these. If you’re a part of the club that believes your foot should be as close to the ground as possible and should have very little support, you’ll absolutely hate these.”

However, she continues, “If you want a less painful way to walk or run because of arch issues or an injury, the Hoka Clifton 8 will probably serve you well.” 

As for the aesthetics…They aren’t really there. “I think they look slightly dorky, but plenty of people disagree with me on that,” Caroline says. “It’s totally personal preference. The bottom of the shoes are so thick; I feel like I’m wearing orthopedic shoes.”

But, we’re not rating running shoes purely on looks. Function first!

Best Treadmill Running Shoes for Wide Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v12

Good for: Runners with wide feet who struggle to find a good pair of shoes with ample room in the toe box, midfoot, and heel 

Best Treadmill Shoes for Wide Feet

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v12

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Product Highlights

• Neutral road-running shoe 
• 7 colorways for men and women 
• Sizes 5.0-13.0 for women and 7.0-16.0 for men

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Large size range
• 3 widths available: Standard, Wide, X-Wide
• Larger heel-to-toe drop than many competitors at 10 mm
• 45-day free returns in new condition

Cons

• Heavier than counterparts at 8.4 oz and 10.5 oz
• Limited colorways
• Runs small
• No trial period

Bottom Line

The New Balance Fresh Foam 880v12 is a very soft shoe that people enjoy using as an everyday runner. Reviewers also noted that the shoes run small.

It’s tough finding good shoes for wide feet, regardless of the specific style you’re looking for. We love that New Balance offers their Fresh Foam X 880v12 in four (yes, four!) different width options: narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide. 

These are definitely a more traditional running shoe, says tester Caroline Lubinsky. “They feel well-cushioned but are a little chunky, although I must say these feel the most durable out of the shoes I tested. It likely has to do with how thick and substantial these feel.”

“There are a bunch of cool colorways,” she continues, “and I think these are well-cushioned shoes. However, there isn’t anything particularly special about them. If you’re into the more minimalist running shoes, you won’t like these. If you need more support and a more comfy run, these are excellent.”

Customer reviews indicate that the New Balance Fresh Foam shoes may run small, but Caroline says they’re true-to-size. 

Best Minimalist Treadmill Running Shoes: Lululemon Chargefeel Mid

Good for: Runners who want minimal cushioning and soft ankle support

Best Minimalist Treadmill Shoes

Lululemon Chargefeel Women’s Workout Shoe

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Product Highlights

The Chargefeel Women’s Shoe was created by Canadian fitness powerhouse Lululemon and released in the summer of 2023. This is their second foray into women’s shoes with their first effort being the Lululemon Blissfeel Women’s Shoe.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Variety of colors
• 30-day trial
• Financing is available
• Lightweight at 8.6 oz
• Flexible

Cons

• Sizes may not be expansive enough
• Expensive
• May not have enough support for those with flat arches

Bottom Line

The Lululemon Chargefeel Women's Shoe could be a good option for you if you enjoy HIIT or running.

The Chargefeels are activewear giant Lululemon’s first foray into footwear. Honestly, we didn’t have high expectations, but our product tester who wore these was pleasantly surprised. 

“I ended up loving these a lot more than I thought I would,” Caroline says. “I picked up the Mids, but there is also a low option. The Mids hug my ankle like my soccer cleats did, which gives them a little extra support. They’re super easy to slip on and off and look good with a lot of things. 

They seem to have a propensity for blistering due to the high ankle fabric: “I would recommend wearing taller socks (not no-shows) so you don’t get a wicked blister,” Caroline deadpans.

We dubbed these “best minimalist” since the cushioning is much more moderate than other shoes on this list. With a modest 9-millimeter heel-to-toe drop and the added ankle support, the Chargefeel Mids can take you from treadmill to trail without screwing up your stride.

Best Treadmill Running Shoes for Flat Feet: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

Good for: Runners who need targeted cushioning to prevent overpronation and collapsing of the arch

Best Treadmill Shoes for Flat Feet

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Brooks supportive road running shoe
• 15 colorways
• Four widths available
• Sizes: 7-15

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4 widths: Narrow, Medium, Wide and Extra Wide
• American Podiatry Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for products that promote good foot health
• Brooks Run Happy Guarantee: Try for 90 days and return for no cost if you are not satisfied
• Numerous colorways

Cons

• Heavy shoe compared to counterparts at 10.2 oz
• Less durable than previous Adrenaline models according to customer reviews
• Customers report fit is narrower than previous models
• Users experiencing discomfort and even blisters around the heel

Bottom Line

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is a supportive shoe that has mixed reviews on comfort. Additionally, many users have had issues with the durability of the shoe, with parts failing within weeks of use.

Since I’m a Brooks gal for life, I opted to test the Adrenaline GTS 22  for this guide to see if I’d like them better than my trusty Ghosts. The Adrenalines didn’t quite usurp my favorite pair of shoes, but I did really enjoy running and walking in them. 

These have a bit too much cushioning in the midfoot for my liking, and I suspect that’s probably going to be the case for most runners who don’t have overpronation issues. However, if you do struggle with collapsing arches, I recommend the Adrenaline GTS 22.

Equipped with a 100% DNA LOFT foam midsole, knit mesh upper, and 12-millimeter heel-to-toe-drop, these shoes help promote a natural striking and transition pattern to keep joints aligned. They also have a reinforced toe box and heel cup, as well as guide rails in the midfoot for additional support. 

Most Versatile Treadmill Running Shoes: On Cloud X

Good for: People who want a good running shoe they can also use for other activities

Most Versatile Treadmill Shoes

On Cloud X

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Product Highlights

• Mixed-sport training shoe 
• 9 colorways for women, 8 colorways for men 
• Unique CloudTec sole

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great aesthetic
• 30-day return policy with original packaging
• Light, supportive, and grippy
• Free shipping

Cons

• Limited colorways
• Limited size range: women 5.0-11.0, men 7.0-14.0
• Reportedly squeaky in wet conditions
• Difficult to clean

Bottom Line

The Cloud X is a shoe with a unique look that can be used for a variety of activities but not great at any one thing.

As the company says, “The Cloud X is for those who refuse to define themselves by one activity.” I’m much obliged to agree, as is Kate Meier, GGR Head of Content and the runner who tested these shoes. 

Importantly, they “have a super springy outsole that’s cute AF.” 

Kate says they’re ideal for anyone doing speed training, since they have some serious bounce to them. But that also makes them great for everyday activities and plyometrics. Kate has taken them from the treadmill to the coaching floor near-daily since receiving them, mainly because she loves the extra pep in her step and clean athletic look of the shoes. 

“They’re really comfortable without being overly cushioned,” Kate says. “They still give you some stability in case you want to use them for cross-training.”

RELATED: Treadmill Buying Guide

Unfortunately, the low-cut heel and ankle rub against the skin and kind of requires you to wear high socks, which Kate isn’t fond of. Also, they developed a squeak—”only when I heel-strike, which is annoying but I suppose a good reminder to land with a neutral foot.”

Best Neutral Treadmill Running Shoes: Saucony Kinvara 13

Good for: Runners who want something lightweight, stable, and dependable

Best Neutral Treadmill Shoes

Saucony Kinvara 13

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Product Highlights

• Neutral road running shoe 
• 14 colorways 
• 2 widths: Regular, Wide

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Free shipping
• Lightweight at 6.8 oz
• Numerous colorways
• 2 width options: Regular and Wide

Cons

• No trial period: 30 day returns for unworn shoes
• Users state that Kinvara 13s feel less supportive than 12s1

Bottom Line

The Saucony Kinvara is a very light shoe built for speed. If you’re planning on doing speed work, check out the Kinvaras. You might have to size up one half size as reviewers found them to run small.

Nicole, GGR editor and product tester, tried the Saucony Kinvara 13. 

“I love the look of these and they’re super light,” she says. “The first time I wore them, I got a HUGE blister on the back of my ankle, which was a bummer. They’re not uber cushion-y, but I think that comes down to personal preference.”

“I wanted to give these a 5 out of 5 because they’re so light yet feel so supportive,” Nicole continues, “but I can’t get over the huge blister I got. It still rubs when I wear them, but it’s fine now that I’ve broken them in. I hate that I had to break in a $120 pair of shoes, though…”

We’re aware that everyone’s foot anatomy is different, so we can’t say that everyone will get blisters wearing these. We’re looking past it to focus on the phenomenal neutral cushioning and breathable knit upper, as well as the unusually small 4-millimeter heel-to-toe drop. 

The Saucony Kinvara 13s are definitely designed for runners who don’t need too much support in one way or another, and people who feel confident in their typical gait. And, despite the blister, Nicole loved the sheer subtlety of these shoes: They’re an impressive blend of durable, supportive, and lightweight.

Best Cross-Training Shoes for Treadmill Running: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39

Good for: Runners who want a twofer of a running shoe and training shoe

Best Cross-Training Shoes for Runners

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus

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Product Highlights

• Nike’s neutral road running shoe
• 15 colorways 
• 2 widths available: Regular, Extra Wide

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Large variety of colorways
• 60-day return policy regardless of wear
• Reviewers enjoy the extra padding at tongue and collar

Cons

• Larger 10 mm heel-to-toe drop than many competitors
• Only offered in 2 widths
• Customers dislike that the 39 has less cushioning than 38

Bottom Line

Overall, the Nike Zoom Air Pegasus 39 is popular among customers. They enjoy the more breathable upper and improved energy return. Reviewers disagree on the level of cushioning.

Nike is known for much more than its shoes nowadays, but we’d be remiss not to include the Air Zoom Pegasus on our list. This versatile shoe is great for treadmill running and HIIT treadmill workouts alike. 

It has a waffle-like outsole (not quite what you see on Vans, but Vans adjacent), and they performed well on just about every surface, including the treadmill, road, grass, and gravel.

The upper is an engineered mesh that gives extra breathability, flexibility, and durability. “I haven’t had problems on hotter days so I’d say it’s doing its job,” Anthony quips. 

“After about two weeks they still feel and look new,” Anthony says. “The heel tab allows me to take them on and off pretty easily (even when I don’t unlace them; don’t yell at me).”

The footing feels pretty secure, even during longer runs, he says, and they boast a lot of features that supposedly help with heel-to-toe transition—but Anthony didn’t feel a drastic difference compared to other shoes.

His bottom line? “I really like this shoe, but if I’m being honest there’s just nothing spectacular about it. If you want something that will feel supportive, keep your feet cool and comfortable, and looks good, this is it. If you’re looking for the crème de la crème, look elsewhere.”

Other Treadmill Running Shoes We Researched

Though the above running shoes are our top picks, we have tested many other pairs that we think are worth calling out in case they’re right for you. 

NOBULL Mesh Runner: Our testers generally like these as an everyday lifestyle shoe, but the upper is not very durable. 

NOBULL Runner+: I was not impressed with the Runner+ and felt unstable during runs, as if the shoe lurched me too far forward. However, I love them for walking and casual wear.

ASICS Gel-Kayano: I’ve tried a few pairs of ASICS and generally find the gel cushioning to have too much give. For people who want less feedback and energy return, I think they’re a good fit. 

ASICS Gel-Nimbus: Ditto. The gel midsole is right for specific types of runners. 

ASICS GT 2000 10: These feature ASICS’ FLYTEFOAM, which is different from their gel midsole material, and is much more responsive. 

Nike Free Runs: GGR Head of Content loves her Nike Free Runs and recommends them to people looking for a lightweight, minimalist running shoe. 

Lululemon Blissfeel: I tested these and wasn’t impressed with them for running. For walking, they’re great, but I don’t see them holding up for very long if you’re a daily runner. 

Adidas Ultraboost: These are some of the most expensive shoes we tested at almost $200 a pop. We think there are better options at and below that price point.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Treadmill Running Shoes

After sifting through dozens of product listings on Amazon, and manufacturer and other retail sites, we created a shortlist of running shoes we thought could be top picks for treadmill running. From there, we sent pairs out to five product testers on our team (hello, Caroline, Anthony, Nicole, and Kate!) and spent several weeks wearing them for treadmill workouts and other goings-on. 

During testing, we judged the shoes against a variety of criteria, including: 

• Purchasing process and delivery
• Aesthetics/appearance
• Sizing availability 
• Construction, materials, and durability 
• Midsole contour 
• Stability and support 
• Energy return, responsiveness, and feedback 
• Outsole traction
• Customer reviews 
• Return and exchange policies
• Value 

Our testers took detailed notes on all of these factors and together, we decided on the best treadmill running shoes above. 

Benefits of Treadmill Running Shoes

Among fitness novices, it’s common to think that any shoe will do for any activity. Allow us to spare your joints from this mistake. 

Buying a pair of shoes specifically designed for a particular activity is a top way to maximize performance and limit discomfort (aside from the general discomfort that occurs when exercising, which is unavoidable if you’re pushing yourself). 

Running shoes are designed the way they are in order to promote optimal foot striking, heel-to-toe transitions, joint alignment throughout the stride, and reduced joint impact. 

Conversely, weightlifting shoes are designed to maximize ground contact, promote stability through the midfoot, and enhance barbell receiving positions. So, you certainly wouldn’t wear this type of shoe on a run—and you wouldn’t wear a running shoe to max out your clean-and-jerk, either. 

A good pair of running shoes, whether your primary terrain is road, trail, or treadmill, will allow you to run farther and faster for longer distances. 

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Treadmill Running Shoes

Not quite ready to buy? No problem. Here’s some more information to help you decide on the best treadmill running shoes for you.

Fit, Sizing, and Comfort

• Available sizes: Obviously, you need a pair of shoes that is available in your size. Some brands, typically the larger ones, like Nike, New Balance, and Adidas, have larger size ranges. 
• Width options: Some shoes are only available in standard width, while other brands offer shoes in narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide sizes. 
• Toe box: Pay particular attention to the shape of the toe box. A narrow forefoot won’t allow your toes to naturally splay, which can cause discomfort and, over time, chronic pain in the feet. 

Materials and Durability 

• Upper: Most running shoes feature a knit mesh upper for optimal breathability. If you like a pair that has something other than a knit or mesh fabric, investigate the material to see if it provides enough breathability for your liking. 
• Midsole: The middle layer of the shoe is where the support lies. Many shoes use some type of EVA foam, but many brands have also developed proprietary foams with particular features. For example, Nike’s React foam is known for its great energy response and feedback, while Brooks’ DNA LOFT is known for its softness and shock-absorbing properties. 
• Outsole: I’ve never known a running shoe that didn’t feature a rubber outsole. The differences, you’ll find, lie in the lug pattern and thickness of the outsole. For treadmill running, you don’t need a super thick outsole like you might for trail running. 

Heel-to-Toe Drop 

This is one of the most important factors in running shoes. Generally, the bigger the heel-to-toe drop, the more cushioning a shoe has. A large heel-to-toe drop will lurch you forward, unlike a smaller drop, which provides minimal-to-moderate support. 

Cushioning and Arch Support 

• Overpronation: Overpronation is when your arch collapses during your stride. This is also known as flat foot syndrome. Shoes with a lot of arch support will help prevent overpronation. 
• Underpronation: Under pronation is when your foot overly rolls outward, so the majority of the pressure lies on the outer ridge of your foot from your pinky toe to your heel. Neutral and minimalist shoes are best for combatting underpronation. Too much arch support can exacerbate the problem. 

Best Treadmill Running Shoes FAQs

Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC

Amanda is a content writer and journalist with extensive experience in the health, fitness, lifestyle, and nutrition niches. Before joining Garage Gym Reviews, she worked as an independent writer for various brands and outlets.Her work has appeared in national and global digital publications, including Health.com and Shape.com (Meredith Corporation), CNET (Red Ventures, formerly ViacomCBS), LIVESTRONG (Leaf Group), Verywell Fit and The Balance (DotDash), SlickDeals (Goldman Sachs/Hearst), Health Journal, and more.Now, Amanda brings her expertise in fitness to the GGR team by testing equipment and writing authentic, honest reviews on everything you might need to stock your home gym.

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