The best running shoes: The top recommendations for beginners and professionals

If you want to buy running shoes, you are often spoiled for choice: As a recreational athlete, do you get a neutral shoe (cushioned shoe for runners with normal rolling behavior) or directly a professional stability or stable shoe that attaches great importance to the guidance and posture of the foot?

In the test, our partner AllesBeste tested a total of 24 running shoes. These included neutral shoes, training shoes, competition shoes, barefoot shoes, trail running shoes and much more. The shoes had to prove themselves in their respective areas of use on more than 200 km of running distances – partly on trails, over hill and dale, partly on asphalt. The test winner was a classic for just under 100 euros, which has been reissued again and again for 20 years. But there are also cheap models from Nike that are definitely worth it.

For detailed purchase advice

The price tip: Nike Revolution 5

In addition to the test winner, the Adrenaline GTS from Brooks for just under 100 euros, which is also a good choice for beginners, one inexpensive model is particularly convincing: The Revolution 5 from Nike costs around 50 euros on average and thus turns out to be a real price tip. Instead of high-tech frills, functional minimalism is used here: A secure fit and purposeful running characterize the running shoe.

Technically, however, it is one of the more demanding models in the test. Those who know what they are doing when running will get the most out of themselves with these shoes. The structure is simple, the damping is only moderate. The weight of the runner is thus better transferred to the ground than with other models. So that this is not at the expense of the joints, you should already have sufficient muscle mass and a certain amount of know-how. At Nike, you can get an elegant, modern running shoe for experienced runners for little money.

All further details, numerous models in the test as well as general tips can be found in our comprehensive purchase advice.

These are the top models at a glance