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JOIN NOWBest Neutral Running Shoes: Autumn 2024
What are neutral running shoes?
Neutral running shoes are designed for runners who do not overpronate (i.e. the feet do not roll inwards too much), in other words they have a naturally stable foot strike. The midsole doesn't feature any form of support for stability – like medial posts or guide rails – as a neutral gait doesn't need any correction.
In our experience only 20% to 30% of runners need neutral shoes for road running. A very small percentage of those are supinators – i.e. runners whose feet roll outwards. A supinator would also usually a neutral shoe with plenty of flexibility. Here’s the pick of this season's neutral running shoes from our range...
Most Cushioned / Most Flexible / Lightest Weight / Zero Drop
The benefits of a specialist neutral road running shoe
- Promotes soft, responsive cushioning for comfort
- Absorbs shock from running
- Enhances neutral foot strike
- Encourages smooth transition from foot strike to toe off
- Offers flexibility for natural, easy ride
- Uppers hold the foot securely
- Lightweight feel
Get the best running shoes for YOU
It's very important to get the right level of support and flexibility when running on road. If possible, come into our store for Natural Gait Analysis and a proper fitting, so we can make sure you end up with suitable shoes for your foot strike and foot shape. It also gives you a chance to try out different brands and types of cushioning. We also offer Online Gait Analysis.
Most Cushioned Neutral Shoes
The shoes in this category would suit a long-distance runner (such as marathons or ultras) a heavier runner, those prone to aches and pains in the feet or legs, or simply those loving the extra comfort of soft, bouncy cushioning.
Asics Gel Cumulus / Hoka Clifton / Hoka Skyflow / Hoka Bondi / New Balance 1080 / Saucony Triumph / Brooks Glycerin / Brooks Glycerin Max
Asics Gel Cumulus
An improved fit, now more secured with ample cushioning for tackling the extra miles with comfort and confidence. Asics have introduced this edition featuring 2mm more cushioning for responsiveness, a reshaped tongue and heel collar. It'll have to running with bliss mile after mile!
Hoka Clifton
This highly regarded running shoe is known for its comfort, cushioning and lightweight design. With meta-rocker geometry technology helps in smooth transitions and overall a more efficient stride. Breathable upper mesh material is engineered to offer improved ventilation and a fairly snug fit – wide option available. The Clifton 9 is a top choice for runners looking for reliable and comfortable shoe for various running activities.
Hoka Skyflow
It’s always exciting when a brand introduces a new style to their range. Hoka’s Skyflow is like a softer version of Clifton with the supportive foot-hold of Bondi. It features an inventive new midsole of super-critical-foam EVA which is plush and energetic. A great addition to Hoka’s range of neutral running shoes.
Hoka Bondi
The Hoka Bondi is the ultimate in softness. All Hoka shoes feature double the amount of cushioning in comparison with any other running shoes. The Bondi has a 4mm heel drop, compared to 14mm in standard shoes. (This is the difference between the height of the heel and forefoot.) A low heel drop encourages you to land on your midfoot rather than your heel, which means significantly less impact on your knees, hips or Achilles. The double EVA cushioning in the midsole comforts and protects your feet. The early stage Meta-Rocker rocks you forward from midfoot to forefoot and toe-off. This can feel very different to other shoes, especially in the beginning. Start the transition slowly and give yourself enough time to get to used to it. There is no limit to the distance: you can use the Bondi on your short, or long runs, for distance running or walking, or even ultras.
New Balance 1080
Top of the New Balance neutral range. Fresh Foam X technology in the midsole delivers outstandingly soft cushioning to take away the impact forces from your running. The lightweight upper is breathable and seamless to hold your foot in comfort. This latest design has been made according to the data collected from hundreds of runners to make it fit very precisely, alongside of the soft materials used, so it offers you security and comfort. The 1080 has a very similar feel to the Hoka Bondi, with its ultimately soft cushioning and the rocking feeling, even though the 1080 is built on a higher (6mm) heel drop. Also available in extra wide fit for Men's.
Saucony Triumph
Saucony’s Triumph RFG (Run For Good) is running shoe designed with comfort and responsiveness. An eco-conscious and high performance running shoe, geared for runners seeking comfort and durability while minimising environmental impact.
Brooks Glycerin
The Glycerin is Brooks’ plushest neutral road running shoe. It has a softer feel than the Ghost due to the full-length innovative nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 midsole, which is also super-light. Even though the midsole is super soft and bouncy it still gives you a responsive feel. The double jacquard mesh upper is incredibly soft and breathable, and stretches where needed, enhancing the comfort this superior running shoe offers. Comes in a wide fitting – 2E for men, and D for women.
Brooks Glycerin Max
Often you have to choose: super soft cushioning that feels a comfy but a little plodding, or firmer cushioning that’s more energised. Now Brooks introduces a new neutral running shoe that combines plush cushioning, “airy landings”, and an electric toe-off. The DNA Tuned technology features larger cells in the heel, which translates to a plusher landing, while smaller cells in the forefoot give a responsive toe-off. So you get the best of both worlds.
Most Flexible Neutral Shoes
Neutral running shoes with the increased flexibility are designed to empower the runner who likes a natural ride. They would also suit a supinator (under-pronator).
Brooks Ghost / New Balance 880 / On Cloudflow / On Cloudmonster
Brooks Ghost
Brooks implements the best technologies for a balance of softness and responsiveness in their cushioning. Brooks’ most popular neutral running shoe, the Ghost, combines firmer DNA and the softer DNA LOFT 2 to deliver great shock absorption and a smooth ride. In addition, the Ghost has an amazing fit. The engineered, breathable mesh upper gives your foot space to breath, but the structure also holds your foot. The outsole rubber is very durable, with a bit of grip, just in case you need to use it for occasional off-road runs. Available in wide fittings – 2E or 4E for men, and D for women.
New Balance 880
New Balance have introduced their FreshFoam super soft cushioning into the midsole of the 880 to deliver you a bouncier ride. The newest upgrade makes this neutral running shoe more comfortable, and with better shock absorption, than ever before. It has a responsive feel, very similar to that of the Brooks Ghost but the heel counter in the 880 is deeper to hold your ankle more securely. Available in standard width (D for men / B for women), wide (2E for men / D for women) and extra wide (4E for men).
On Cloudflow
This is the most popular neutral On running shoe ever. The Cloudflow 4 has a natural, responsive, close-to-the-ground feel. The Clouds – the rounded white bubbles on the outsole has been raised slightly with more cushioning, incredibly it's still very lightweight!
The 8mm heel drop makes it closer to the ground and stable. It also encourages you to midfoot strike for a more natural landing and to decrease impact. With new and improved upper material that feels more snug, nothing really compares to how light and seamless these feel when you're on the go.
On Cloudmonster
This is your maximum cushioned, neutral-gait, protective training shoe for packing in those miles. The CloudTec®, inspired by marshmallow-like clouds, is designed to deliver unparalleled cushioning and a soft landing. The new dual-density Helion™ superfoam provides bounce and responsiveness. So you get a luscious blend of plush, soft feel underfoot combined with exceptional energy return and rebound.
Altra Experience Flow
The Altra Experience Flow is designed for optimal performance and comfort. A newly-constructed lightweight upper and heel counter support offer great wear for long distances. Altra has released another shoe that does not feature a zero-drop platform – instead this shoe has a 4mm heel drop.
Fully cushioned footbed to provide a natural and comfortable running experience. The FootShape toe-box allows for toe splay while running. They're also made with recycled materials for a more sustainable approach. A perfect choice for runners who want a comfortable and natural feel.
Saucony Ride
New and upgraded features to the Ride 17. This shoe appeals to runners who lands on their mid-foot or forefoot. The PWRRUN+ midsole foam combines cushioning with even more responsive bounce, so it feels very balanced. The smooth ride makes it super easy to use in every day training. As with majority of Saucony road running shoes, the Ride is built on an 8mm heel drop, to keep your body in more natural alignment by encouraging a midfoot strike rather than heel strike.
Zero-Drop Neutral Shoes
Zero-drop shoes are very specialised. Runners landing on their forefoot or midfoot will appreciate the natural, close-to-the-ground feel. Forefoot or midfoot landing has less impact on your body and decreases stress that can lead to injury. These are also a great option for runners who are transitioning to midfoot landing. If you are not used to a zero-drop shoe, it can take time to adjust. Make sure you build up your mileage gradually, or you may encounter calf or Achilles problems.
Altra Escalante
A natural foot shape and a zero-drop midsole are the two main characteristic of all Altra shoes. The forefoot shape of the Escalante is broader, to give your toes more space and allow them to spread naturally. The zero-drop platform encourages you to land on your midfoot or forefoot rather than your heel. There is still plenty of energy return cushioning in the Escalante's midsole for a smooth, energised ride and rebound. It can be use for any distance – from short up to ultra runs.
How do I know my foot strike when running?
Knowing your foot strike and gait is crucial when choosing running shoes. Find out if you're neutral, overpronating or supinating, and what to do next.
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Best Running Shoes for Supination: 2024
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Debbie McDonaldMay 8, 2020 at 8:29pm
Do you have any advice on what trainers would be next best for me to get? I usually wear Gel Foundation Motion Control Asics trainers and have done for years. I also need a lot of support and I wear insoles. I have been looking for these kind of trainers or trainers similar as I know you can’t get them anymore. Could you tell me which trainers would be next best to get? Thank you. ReplyNandanti MartaskovaMay 12, 2020 at 3:34pm
Hi Debbie,
Thank you for your comment. The shoes on this blog post are neutral. If the Asics Foundation worked for you well I would suggest you to look at our blog post with the supportive shoes for over-pronation, as they are closer to your Asics Foundation– strong support to reduce the over-pronation in the foot.
Within different brands there are few options. The closer in our range would be Brooks Addiction, Mizuno Paradox, or Saucony Omni.
Each brand is different. They shape their shoes in a different way, they put different type of cushioning in their shoe. The best would be to try the shoes on for a comparison and see how they fit and feel on your feet.
I hope that this helps. Please let me know if you have any questions. All the best with your running.
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