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No one lovessneakerslike we do.

SELF 2021 Sneaker Awards

Images courtesy of Altra, Asics, Nike, Saucony, Brooks, Ryka, Adidas, and Hoka/Lisa Moses

Thats where our annualSELF Certified Sneaker Awardscome in.

So the first thing we do is set standards.

Next, the testing phase begins.

Adidas Ultraboost 21

Best Road-Running Shoes

This year Adidas added yet another great sneaker to its Ultraboost collection.

The Ultraboost 21 is perfectly cushioned, responsive, and up for any task.

Read our full review of the Adidas Ultraboost 21here.

Allbirds Dasher Mizzle

Allbirds Dasher Mizzle

Allbirds

You cant go wrong with the Asics Gel-Kayano Lite 2.

Of course, the biggest selling point here is how lightweight these are.

You wont have to sacrifice support for get an easy, breezy run.

ASICS GEL-Kayano Lite 2

I find this shoe to feel completely natural, one tester wrote.

Overall, I felt like I both had contact with the road but also adequate protection from it.

But these shoes kept my hips, knees, and ankles happy all day long.

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See our full review of the Hoka Clifton 8here.

Seriously the most comfortable running shoe Ive ever tried!

Felt like I was running on clouds.

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I also felt very fast in these shoes, like the foam technology was springing me forward.

All of our testers agreed: They loved the way their bodies felt while running in these.

This tester said it best: My feet really feel so at ease in these shoes.

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Theyre springy and cushioned, yet remain extremely lightweightlike, freakishly so.

Read our full review of the Nike ZoomX Invincible Runhere.

Read our full review of the Nike Pegasus 38here.

HOKA Clifton 8

Read our full review of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2here.

Read our full review of the Altra Lone Peak 5here.

The Merrell brand has a great reputation, and for good reason.

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Plus, both testers noted the comfortable toe box and stable heel.

Read our full review of the Merrell Moab Flighthere.

The style is comfortable and fairly minimalist.

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In short: One less thing to worry about when youre lifting heavy weights.

Reeboks laceless DailyFit DMXs combine cushion and arch support for the perfect walking sneaker.

These fit like a glove, one tester said.

New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo v5

They are so squishy and stretchy that they dont really feel like sneakers.

They honestly might even be a little too comfy.

Walk a mile in these, why dont you!

Nike Zoom Vaporfly NEXT% 2

These shoes offer comfortable, unobtrusive arch support, an attribute that is key for those with flat feet.

The fEmpower Journeys are responsive enough to feel like an extension of your footbut better.

Finding a rhythm was natural.

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run

Low-cut shoes are also versatileand thats why we love these Teva Gateway Lows.

After trail runs, hikes, and varying levels of outdoor activity, our testers gave these rave reviews.

Theyre light with low cushioning, which makes them better suited for walks and speed training.

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Their thin, flexible feel and roomy toe box will make your outdoor adventures a walk in the park.

And these no-frills classics from Everlane take the cake.

As many of us know all too well, canvas sneakers can be tough to break in.

On Running FW21 Cloudstratus

Style aside, these are super comfortable.

Everlane The Forever Platform Sneaker

Everlane

Speaking of chunky sneakers, meet the Fila Electrove.

You might have seen these on Instagram, TikTok, or just about anywhere this summer.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2

The design is reminiscent of dad sneakers (or Baby Spice) circa Y2K, for a sportyandfashionable look.

That all being said, these Filas still manage to be utilitarian.

This is definitely a supportive, responsive shoe, one tester wrote.

Altra Lone Peak 5 Trail Running Sneaker

Not too cushiony, but my feet felt comfortable standing in them for long periods of time.

FILA Electrove

FILA

Is it an exercise sneaker?

Read our full review of the Nike Waffle Onehere.

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Nike Waffle One

Fancy folks, this ones for you.

If you like your sneakers clean-looking and a little less subtle, give these a go.

I didnt feel like I was fighting the shoe at all, one tester wrote.

Merrell Moab Flight

It went with me.

Its really incredible how such a fitted shoe can be so comfy, one tester wrote.

I chalk it up to the material.

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Its fabulous, and Im guessing the stretch is key!

The sole feels cushioned, supportive, and yet unobtrusive.

They can even double as a work shoe.

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Rothy’s The Sneaker

Rothy’s

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Ryka fEMPOWER Journey Sneaker

Skechers Trego – Rocky Mountain

Teva Gateway Low

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Nike Waffle One running shoes on white background

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Rothy’s The Sneaker