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People are passionate about their sneakers.
When a pair works for you, they really work.
Finding your next favorite kicks, then, is no small feat.
Explore all of our 2022 winnerswell see you at the finish line.
How We Picked the Best Sneakers
Throughout the year our editors test dozens of sneakers.
From there, we called in about 100 pairs to test.
Our 28 judges consisted of SELF editors, experienced exercisers, certified personal trainers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Thats why this pair from Skechers was named the best shoe for newbies.
You just might find yourself keeping these on long after your run is overtrust us.
Read our full review of the Skechers GoRun Maxroad 5here.
Our testers report that these shoes really help you pick up the pace on tempo runs.
Plus they come in a variety of colorways22, to be exact.
Read our full review of the Adidas Ultraboost 22here.
Its not too snug and not too loose; not too minimalist and not too cushioned.
Thats what these shoes felt like.
Agile and sprightly, this carbon-plate sneaker helps get you those speedy results without too much added effort.
Read our full review of the Brooks Hyperion Elite 3here.
Read our full review of the Hoka Bondi 8here.
(Most brands model running shoes after mens foot specifications and adapt the line to womens sizing after.)
They hug your feet, are extremely flexible, and have a barely-there weightlessness that doesnt compromise on support.
But to toss them on and go for a few at-your-own-pace miles?
Shop these if youre looking for a running-on-clouds experience but without the clunk and height of a high-cushioned shoe.
(See last years writeuphere.)
Read our full review of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39here.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39
Nike
Race day is upon youso what should you wear?
First and foremost, your sneakers should be ones youve already broken in.
But that doesnt mean they need to be the same sneakers youve been doing all your training in.
In these, you are too unstable for those activities.
Read our full review of the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% 2here.
It feels like youre walking or running on socially acceptable moon shoes, one tester said.
Read our full review of the On Cloudmonsterhere.
The sole is so bouncy and responsive to its environmentthe perfect hybrid of a hiking and running shoe!
The easy-adjust laces are also a bonusyoull never have to worry about them coming undone on uneven terrain.
Salomon Pulsar Trail
Backcountry
Ever wondered what it might feel like to run on springs?
Read our full review of the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3here.
Columbia Montrail Trinity AG Trail Running Shoe
Columbia Sportswear
The fit?
Read our full review of the Hoka Speedgoat 5here.
Plus they look cool too: I think this is literally as stylish as a hiking shoe can get!
It looked like I didnt come to mess around.
On the slipperiest of days, your ankles will be grateful you chose to trek in these.
The mesh upper helps give the shoes a second-skin feel, and our testers reported excellentthough non-obtrusivearch support.
Overall, these come with a natural ease that most other hiking shoes dont.
Butsurprisethey have the soles to withstand a day hike too.
On Cloudtrax
Float up your next trail, why dont you?
I barely realized I had walked 10 miles, she said.
And you will in these, thanks to their supportive arches and wide, forgiving toe box.
They get bonus points for being waterproof too.
Read our full review of the FootJoy Flex XPhere.
Theyre comfortable, breathable, and neutral enough to dress up or down.
City walkers, ready your walletsfrom the office to happy hour, these are for you.
Hush Puppies The Good Low Top
Hush Puppies
K-Swiss has entered the chat.
(Anyone whos previously tried a leather tennis shoe knows this is a rare feat.)
I have probably worn them about a billion times because they are so incredibly comfortable, she said.
The shoes dont necessarily feel cushioned but they are somehow so supportive.
I wear them several times a week now.
These trainers from the models debut collection with the iconic sneaker brand.
Theyre sporty, normcore, and classic all at once.
They really feel like they can go with anything.
Pair it with bike shorts and a sweatshirt for a Princess Dianaesque look.
Superga 4089 Training 9TS Slim White Multi
Shopbop
Want to level up your fashion game?
Trade your Air Force 1s for this modern take on the court sneaker from Veja.
Plus Zella is a Nordstrom-exclusive brand, which makes these sneakers easy to shop and return.
APL TechLoom Zipline
Reebok announced the release of their first-ever adaptive collection in May.
Our testers loved these featuresand said the shoe was lightweight and springy with a structured heel for added support.
They provided soft support and a bouncy feel.
Im glad these are now on my radar.
Now that Ive tried Ryka, my standards for sneakers have exponentially risen.
Heres one testers take: I stan the Frank.
I would and do wear them for style reasons all the time.
Fine, yes, I feel like an influencer when I wear them.
Some cycling shoes really crunch the toes and feel rigid in the heel.
Tiem Athletic Slipstream Cycling Shoe
TIEM Athletic
