7 Editor-Approved Treadmill Shoes for Every Type of Runner

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HERE'S OUR hot take: Treadmill running rocks. Let's pause for the collective gasp. But you know it's true, too. Unlike some versions of cardio, a treadmill run has you doing something you've done many times in your life—run—and it has you doing so in the safest way possible (on a motorized, controlled device, with no cars in the way, rocks to trip on, or people to run into). That makes it one of the easiest, simplest ways to jump into cardio. Our team of fitness editors and experts have spent a fair portion of training on a treadmill. We’ve logged multiple fitness tests, sprint sessions, and more long-haul runs than we even want to think about from a 60-inch-by-20-inch treadmill deck.

So, why are we telling you this, you may ask? Well, with so many years of treadmill running under our belt, we're uniquely qualified to help you get one thing right: treadmill running shoes. Whether you’re looking for an uber-cushioned pair to support your flat arches or want a more minimalist shoe with zero-drop, we have you covered.

To create this list, we've tested and evaluated over 30 running shoes, taking into consideration factors like price, durability, traction, and fit. We then further broke this list down to seven specific pairs we love–and think you will, too.

Best Stability Running Shoes | Best Minimalist Running Shoes | Most Cushioned Running Shoes | Best Lightweight Running Shoes

React Infinity 3 Road Running Shoes

Although often seen as a shoe for recovery runs, the Nike React Infinity 3 is also excellent for treadmill sprinting and interval work. I love the Flyknit upper, which gives a supportive, locked-in foothug. Additionally, I’ve found that it’s easy to strike mid-foot with these shoes, since the outsole is on the wider side.

Men’s Health’s Fitness Director, Ebenezer Samuel, is also a fan. “I've spent extensive time testing/using them in super-specialized sprint situations on a manual,” Samuel explains. “So it is a surprising pick, but it's one that comes with lots of miles.”

As someone who owns both a size up and her regular size in this shoe, I recommend sizing up. Although I love for my feet to feel locked in place during a sprint session, these are slightly too tight in my traditional size.

Read more: Best Nike Shoes

Hyperion Max

The Brooks Hyperion Max feels the need for speed–and so will you, once you’ve put them on. I felt like my turnover was excellent when going at faster paces, and the shape of the sole helps you push off the deck easier.

And as someone who loves a foot hug, I wasn’t disappointed. I forgot I was wearing the shoe (if that’s any indication) and was able to focus entirely on my increased pace.

Brooks customers agree. "I use them for fast runs (sprints, laps) and long runs (10+ miles) and you can't go wrong with these," said one zappos.com shopper. "Hyperion Max has definitely helped me shave off some time in my runs. They are awesome, and I highly recommend them!”

Clifton 9

Hokas may have turned mainstream thanks to TikTokers and celebs, but that doesn’t take away from just how dang good they are. The Hoka Clifton 9’s are a tried-and-true running shoe with thick, bouncy foam cushioning. I love the rocket shape, which propels the runner forwards with each step (in the most comfortable way possible).

For how cushioned the Clifton 9’s are, I was surprised by the 8.7-ounce weight. The shoe appears a lot bulkier than how it actually feels. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to pick my feet up with each stride.

If you’re someone with a wider foot, this shoe may not work for you, even in the wide size. Hoka loves to make their toe boxes particularly narrow, which can be tough for those with wide feet or who appreciate toe splay.

Read more: Best Hoka Running Shoes

Winflo 9 Premium Road Running Shoes

Want a great pair of treadmill running shoes that are relatively affordable? Enter the Nike Air Winflo 9. These comfortable shoes clock in at about $100, which is cheaper than comparable styles. I’ve used these for easy 20-30 minute runs on the treadmill, and found them to be supportive in the upper and well-cushioned in the heel.

The upper is lightweight and breathable, thanks to the single-panel mesh construction. I was happy to note that my foot didn’t sweat profusely, as the mesh is well ventilated.

I wouldn’t recommend using these shoes for running long distances, as they aren’t quite bouncy enough to propel you forward as you fatigue. However, if you’re looking for a shoe that will support you for easy runs or shorter distances, you’ll love these.

FuelCell Rebel v3

Weighing in at just 7.7 ounces, the New Balance Fuel Cell Rebel v3 is a lightweight running shoe just waiting to get off the (metaphorical) start line. These shoes have a thick layer of foam that compresses with each step. If you like a bouncy running shoe, the Rebel v3 is for you.

However, I will say that these are best for distances under 10K, as the foam becomes less responsive and more compressed over time if you go much further.

If you’re someone looking to work on your foot turnover/cadence, you’ll also like the Rebel v3. I found it very easy to pick my feet up throughout my run, even towards the end when my legs typically feel like Jello.

My biggest concern with these shoes is the durability. The foam used is lightweight and responsive, but it wears out quicker. Luckily, the effects are lessened if you’re mostly using the v3’s on the treadmill, but it is still worth noting.

Read more: Best New Balance Shoes

Adrenaline GTS 22

Craving a stable running shoe? Look no further. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is a long-standing favorite in the running community, partially because of its innovative GuideRails technology. The GuideRails help your feet stay within its natural motion path, but also curbs unneeded movement.

I particularly like this shoe because it makes my ankles and feet feel stable and held, but still allows my toes to move around. The Adrenaline is easy to lace and fits well around my more narrow feet. Besides the excellent stability, the shoe is also very durable. I haven’t noticed much damage to the upper over time, likely because it’s made of a thicker, less breathable material.

The Adrenaline doesn’t have the cloud-like cushioning seen in popular running shoes within the last two years, but it doesn't claim to, either. If you prefer more minimal cushioning (I would consider this cushioning a softish foam), these shoes will be right up your alley.

Paradigm 6

Altra is a brand known for making excellent running shoes for wide feet (if the extra-large toe box was any indication), and the Paradigm 6 is no exception. Even if you don’t have particularly wide feet, the larger toe box allows your toes to comfortably splay during your run, which in turn means better arch support. The midsole foam is responsive and cushioned, yet still feels supportive during tough treadmill runs.

We also love the Paradigm’s zero-drop, as it can increase your overall foot and ankle strength since it helps keep everything in alignment. Not sure what zero-drop means? Essentially, a shoe's drop is the angle between the heel and toe. Zero-drop shoes force your foot to adapt to the workout rather than relying too heavily on the shoe itself. Translation? Your foot, arch, and ankle could get stronger over time if you wear shoes with zero-drop.

And if you’re gearing up for a particularly sweaty run, the Paradigm is ready for the task, thanks to the breathable and well-ventilated mesh upper. Although I was initially a little wary of the shoes’ durability, I was impressed to note the mesh has held up well over time with no holes to speak of.

Read more: Best Running Shoes for Arch Support

Differences Between Treadmill vs. Road Running

Although running on the road and on a standard motorized treadmill are both excellent forms of cardio, they are different. Check out these three main contrasts:

Shock Absorption: One of the biggest differences between running on a treadmill versus outside is the impact. Most treadmills have shock-absorbing decks, which means they’ll reduce the overall impact your joints feel during the run. If you suffer from chronic injury, running on a treadmill deck may actually feel better to you.

Muscle Activation: Although some particularly innovative treadmills (like the NordicTrack X32i) have decline options, most do not. This means you’ll be unable to work some of the smaller stabilizer muscles that you typically would when running downhill on a treadmill.

Stride Differences: The industry standard for a treadmill deck is between 55 to 60 inches in length. However, plenty of at-home treadmills have even shorter deck lengths (and widths), which can change your stride length. And although using a treadmill frequently for runs may result in shorter strides, it can also lead to quicker foot turnover, which is desirable.

Read more: Best Workout Shoes

What to Look For in the Best Treadmill Running Shoes

Need a little extra guidance when choosing the best treadmill running shoes? Don’t fret–we have you covered.

Secure Fit: And no, we don’t mean secure as in crushing the crap out of your foot. Look for a treadmill running shoe that delivers a foothug, where your foot feels secure and supported but not squished. This allows you to have better control over your foot and its movements. However, a secure foothug doesn’t mean an overly cramped toe box. Look for a shoe with tapered sides but a larger toe box so that your toes can naturally splay.

Balanced Cushioning: Although treadmill decks have better shock absorption than the great outdoors, you’ll still want a running shoe with decent cushioning. This is because your foot will continue to strike in the same spot without much variation on a treadmill. When you’re running on the road or a trail, you have to navigate obstacles and move laterally, which aren’t factors on a treadmill. Therefore, you’ll want a treadmill running shoe with some sort of cushioning.

Breathability: If you don’t want your toes to feel like roasted weenies over the fire, make sure your new running shoes are breathable. Look for shoes with mesh uppers (perforated or knit works), as it’ll allow the heat to escape rather than trapping it inside.

Do You Need Different Shoes for Treadmill Running?

Not necessarily, but some running shoes do perform better on a treadmill than others. I recommend checking the bottom sole of your shoes before deciding to take them on a treadmill. For example, consider the Asics Metaspeed Sky+, which include a specialized grip on the outsole for outdoor running. When we've worn these shoes on the treadmill, they wouldn't stop squeaking for the entirety of a 45 minute run. Our point? The sole of your running shoes can be problematic on some treadmill decks, so tread (pun intended) with caution.

Best Folding Treadmills | Best Curved Treadmills | Best Under Desk Treadmills

Can Running Shoes Last Longer on a Treadmill?

Running shoes can actually last longer if you're running primarily on treadmills compared to outside. If you think about it, running on the road, a greenway trail, or even the sidewalk is quite a bit more abrasive than a lightly ribbed treadmill deck. For that reason, the sole of your shoes may wear down quicker when running primarily outside versus on a treadmill.

Why You Can Trust Us

At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. Our writers and editors are also experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality.

Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage. Which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.

How We Selected

Over the past few years, we've been researching and testing new running shoe models from a wide range of brands. For this story, we consulted with Men's Health's Fitness editors and writers on the top treadmill running shoes for men. Experts including our MH Fitness Director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., MH Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM, and podiatry experts weighed in to evaluate contenders for their comfort, support, and response. We also considered price point, as some treadmill running shoes offer a better overall value than others.

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