In the quest for the ultimate summer running shoes, several standout brands have emerged, each with innovations and technologies designed to beat the heat, keep you stylish, and protect your body during the active season.
In no particular order, here are the best running shoes available on StockX, from Nike, On Running, Hoka, and New Balance. This list will consist of shoes for all levels of activity, regardless if you’re training for your next marathon, or want a comfortable, stylish runner for your trips to the grocery store.
On Running
On Running, renowned for its lightweight, cloud-like cushioning, ensures a smooth and responsive ride that makes every step feel like floating on air (the runners are also popular in the athletic-wear ecosystem as a stylish option).
In recent years, On Running has skyrocketed in popularity, transcending its role as a running shoe brand to become a coveted fashion statement. What sets On Running apart is its remarkable ability to seamlessly merge functionality and style, making the shoes perfect for both long-distance running and everyday wear.
At the forefront of On Running’s design is its technology dubbed CloudTec. According to their site, CloudTec is a complete cushioning system. “It absorbs impact, reduces strain, and adapts to your running style to create a sensation loved by runners around the world. We call it running on clouds,” On’s website reads.
From a marketing perspective, CloudTec has been instrumental in the rise of On Running across the globe. The unique perforations in the midsole have become synonymous with the brand. Without hesitation, On Running shoes are instantly recognizable in the wild, only adding to the allure of the brand.
If you’re a casual runner, or looking for a new shoe to keep your feet comfortable during the active months, On Running truly kills two birds with one stone. The shoes are easy to style, protect your body, and will keep you walking (or running) on clouds for the foreseeable future.
Hoka
If On is currently undergoing a meteoric rise in both the running and fashion communities, Hoka arguably did it first. Last year, we called the Hoka “the Jack of all trades,” and that statement still rings true today.
Despite the rise of On, Hoka remains one of the most popular runners on the market. Like the On runners, Hoka’s features an instantly recognizable midsole. Hoka runners are outfitted with a chunky, crescent moon-like shaped midsole. This design makes Hoka the perfect long distance runner, and you’ll undoubtedly see the shoes in droves at your local marathon.
On the contrary, Hoka runners are great everyday shoes. The midsole design protects your feet and legs from hard surfaces, even if you aren’t running. Celebrities from Britney Spears, Cameron Diaz, and Gwyneth Paltrow have all been seen sporting Hokas, and the shoes are a regular appearance throughout walkable cities across the world.
With a myriad of colorways to choose from, there is a Hoka out there for every mood, especially as vibrant colors typically are on-trend during the summer months. Hokas do it all. You can run 400 miles in them, or save the runners for trips to the park, running errands, and walking your dog.
New Balance
While New Balance has arguably ruled the sneaker world with the rise of silhouettes like the 550, the sneaker giant still makes great everyday jogging/running shoes. While New Balance runners might not have the most fashion-forward silhouette, designs like the Fresh Foam 1080 v12 will make a great staple in your rotation when you feel like getting active.
It’s easy to forget that in the sea of fashion-forward silhouettes for New Balance, the company still makes some of the most competitive running shoes on the market. Like Hoka, there are a plethora of colorways to choose from, perfect for exemplifying your personality during the summer.
Nike
It couldn’t be a complete running list without mentioning the arguably GOAT in the category — Nike. While we all know Nike for dominating the casual sneaker space, seldom do we give the company its flowers for producing some of the best running shoes ever made.
If you’re looking for an affordable option to get your feet and body acclimated to cardio, the Nike Revolution sneaker is a great entry point in your running journey. The shoes feature a flexible outsole, responsive cushioning, and lightweight construction.
For more seasoned runners, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus is a great shout to expand your running journey. The Pegasus has garnered a reputation for its versatility, comfort, and reliability. The midsole is plush, yet responsive and features a thick sole at the heel to protect your feet from impact. Like other runners on this list, the Pegasus is lightweight. The Pegasus 39 model in particular weighs an astounding 261 grams, a testament to how far technology enables us to be faster, more supported, and safer when running long distances.
If you’re a seasoned distant runner, the Nike Vaporfly needs no introduction. We covered the history of the sneaker last year, but to recap, the Nike Vaporfly is arguably the most important running shoe ever made. Eilud Kipchoge, the greatest marathon runner of all time, ran a sub-two-hour marathon wearing the shoe. Kipchoge’s historic run is arguably one of the most impressive athletic performances in human history, but not without controversy.
The prototype of the Vaporfly was famously banned by World Athletics in 2020 before the Tokyo Olympics after reports deemed the shoe “technological doping,” giving runners a mathematical competitive edge due to Nike’s design.
World Athletics required changes on midsole dimensions among other tweaks, paving the way to the Nike Vaporfly NEXT% 2. Today, this shoe is still considered one of the best, if not the best runner on the market. If you need the latest and greatest — if you chase to have the best of the best, look no further than the record-breaking Nike Vaporfly.
