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Youre not just imagining it: Sneakers areeverywhere right now.
Ryan Segedi. Prop styling by Andrea Bonin.
There are manyperhaps too manyoptions to choose from when shopping.
So whendecision paralysisstrikes, how do you know whatsgood?
They hike, dance, walk, race, and treksome in the mountains, others in the city.
Ryan Segedi. Prop styling by Andrea Bonin.
They wore these sneakers across three different continents and dozens of states.
Together, their insight determined which new pairs are the best of the best.
Youll see that our 2023 winners span four overarching categories:running,hikingandadventuring,walking, andtraining.
Ryan Segedi. Prop styling by Andrea Bonin.
(you’re able to read those submission guidelineshere.)
We received 160 submissions from 44 brandsthe most weve ever gotten.
Ultimately, we called in 139 pairs of shoes to test.
Ryan Segedi. Prop styling by Andrea Bonin.
No matter your level of experience or preferred method of doing things, theres a pick for you here.
One tester said:I can’t say enough about how good these shoes feel.
These are the ones!
Ryan Segedi. Prop styling by Andrea Bonin.
No pain at all!
Who its for:Pretty much anyone whos a recreational runner.
These are beginner-friendly and can take you through short jogs, harder paces, and longer shakeouts.
Good to know:These, like many Nike styles, run a bit narrow.
Read our full review of the Nike Invincible 3 Women’s Road Running Shoeshere.
The 15 has a less dense midsole than its previous iteration, which means more cushioning.
Who its for:Experienced runners who will appreciate how smooth and easy this shoe makes miles feel.
That said, the plush cushioning makes it well suited for beginners as well.
One tester said:These genuinely may be the best running shoes I have ever worn.
I would recommend these to any runner, from the casual jogger to the marathon trainer.
Who its for:Beginner and experienced runners alike who are looking to improve their speed and skill.
How we tested:On several road runs that ranged from two to three miles in distance.
Read our full review of the Puma Deviate Nitro 2here.
We also love its futuristic, fashion-forward design.
Who its for:Anyone hoping to hit a PR on race day.
How we tested:On road runs with varying elevations and tempos, lasting 35 to 60 minutes.
It feels like the perfect 10K shoe.
Good to know:One tester recommends saving these for important training runs and big race days.
(This isnt unheard of with super shoes, which tend to be less durable than everyday trainers.)
While this pair nails speed and comfort, they arent necessarily well suited for withstanding months of training.
Read our full review of the Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite Running Shoeshere.
Im not usually a cushion fan, but these have converted me.
Its super plush and springy but also feels supportive and stable.
I couldnt wait to wear them again.
Read our full review of the Salomon Ultra Glide 2here.
Who its for:Anyone who wants one functional, comfortable, and dependable shoe for every outdoor adventure.
How we tested:During multiple three-mile dirt-trail hikes, hour-long trail runs, and while setting up camp.
One tester said:I love the feel of these.
I can easily change activities or surfaces while still feeling in tune with the ground.
They raved about the fit of the Blissfeel Trail, which hugs each curve of the foot.
you could see this in its streamlined design, but testers said they felt it too.
On top of all that, our testers said its a really nice-looking shoe.
Who its for:General runners who like to occasionally hit the trail or mixed terrain.
Runs went from 20 minutes to one hour, all at a comfortable pace.
Testers also wore these on long city walks.
Read our full review of the Lululemon Blissfeel Trail Women’s Running Shoehere.
Plus, these shoes passed the waterproof test with flying colors.
They dont skimp on comfort either.
One tester raved about how they supported her flat feet.
The soles also assisted in that by providing a nice grip.
I would buy more pairs to add to my everyday sneaker collectionIm obsessed with these.
Read our full review of the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEXhere.
You might recognize the midsole on theseits the same technology Adidas uses for its popular and comfyUltraboost running styles.
Meanwhile, the rubber outsole provides dependable traction.
Also notable: The sock-like mesh upper offers protection from the elements and gentle stabilization.
One tester said:I could for sure backpack in this boot.
I had no blisters or hot spotsmy feet felt great.
And those with wider feet are often met with even more of a challenge.
How we tested:On two-to-seven-mile hikes in the Appalachian Mountains and the west coast of Ireland.
One tester said:Sometimes hiking shoes can be clunky and clumsy; these are not.
I felt very connected to the terrain and very much in control of every step.
I found they worked well on most outdoor surfaces: gravel, mud, sand, and rocky terrain.
I never slippedand I was walking on some very slippery and mossy rocks in Ireland.
These cover all the bases.
How we tested:During treks on hilly forest trails and flat, sandy desert hikes.
Who its for:Anyone who wants a low-tech, versatile water shoe without sacrificing style.
I’m blown away by how soft and cushioned they are.
Who its for:Anyone who needs a comfortable, lightweight shoe (that also looks nice).
We recommend them for anyone going on an active trip or vacation.
How we tested:On neighborhood walks and during multiple hours-long air-travel days, both domestic and international.
It’s the closest to a no-shoe shoe Id ever (comfortably) get.
And the toe box is nice and widea common denominator among On sneakers that I appreciate.
Our testers had a unanimous admiration for thesethey found themselves reaching for them again and again.
Frequently, testers wore these all day long or for several hours at a time.
I’ve gotten compliments on them every time I’ve worn them.
If you want to be a little different and stand out, go for these.
They feel simple in construction, but sometimes, less really is more.
Who its for:Gym beginners, busy parents, and athleisure lovers.
Hoka
Bondi 8
What it does:Ah, the sneaker that launcheda thousand TikToks.
That said, the shoe comes with some added chunk (though notably, not weight).
Who its for:Anyone who loves a good walk or deals with knee or foot pain.
(Our executive editor, who hasplantar fasciitis, swears by these too.)
One tester said:I loved how these felt!
This was my first time wearing Hokas, and I was very impressed.
I can see why theyre so popular.
Who its for:Anyone who prioritizes a sensible walking shoe above all else.
These are very light, breathable, and springy, and mold to your foot effortlessly.
My finicky arches loved them.
The Saysh One is light, comfy, and easy to walk in.
It truly feels like walking on a cloud…light and easy!
Good to know:The brand recommends going up a half size from what you usually wear.
I don’t know if I will ever be able to find a better shoe for me.
Who its for:The casual skateror simply anyone who likes the look and enjoys a comfortable lifestyle sneaker.
How we tested:On walks, during days out and about, and for 30-minute skates.
They’re cushioned, but not like a Hoka where you might’t feel super-connected to your board.
I also started styling them with wide pants and tiny tops, or with summer dresses.
No blisters or other discomfort either.
Who its for:Anyone who likes to let loose and give their feet some room to breathe.
How we tested:While walking around the neighborhood, gardening, running errands, and after hiking.
One tester estimates she clocked over 100 hours in themthey were that good.
Ryan Segedi. Prop styling by Andrea Bonin.
One tester said:These sandals are beyond comfortable.
I’ve never owned a pair that feel this good.
My mom tried them on when I was visiting her and took a walk with her dog.
Ryan Segedi. Prop styling by Andrea Bonin.
She immediately came home and ordered a pair for herself and her partner.
Read our full review of the Merrell Women’s Hut Ultra Wraphere.
This shoe ticks all those boxes.
It also has a midfoot strap for a more custom fit, ensuring you stay secure and stable.
Who its for:Anyone who strength trains regularly, in or out of the gym.
If lifting weights is your thing, your feet (and body) will be happiest in these.
Theyre extremely light and easy to throw in my gym bag or bring along on a trip.
Perfect for all of my weightlifting workouts.
They’re really easy and do the job well.
Testers say they work great for everything from Crossfit to high-impact HIIT moves.
Its a reliable workhorse shoe for anyone looking for something lower-cushion.
Who its for:Gym-goers who like to feel light on their feet and ready to move.
One tester said:I really liked these for bursts of movement.
They werent heavy, and I felt like I could spring into an exercise very easily.
Theyre not super cushioned, which is fine for HIIT workoutsand they work great for strength training too.
