Best Shoes For Forefoot Strikers

Best Shoes For Forefoot Strikers

We rank the best running shoes on the market by their quality and performance according to experienced forefoot-foot striking runners.

Our rankings reflect the fair and accurate judgments of real runners by applying data science to thousands of verified shoe reviews. Our reviews are collected from the most knowledgeable and experienced runners in the world.

Click through to each shoe page below to view a full set of ratings, pros, cons, and written reviews for each shoe.

Select men or women above.

These Rankings Are For Forefoot Strikers

The below rankings and LRC grades are calculated using data specific to forefoot strikers. Ratings and review counts will differ from shoes' overall numbers.

  1. HOKA ONE ONE Mach 5
    Trainer Neutral
    9.2 4 reviews
    A popular HOKA shoe that gets great marks in fit, comfort, cushioning, and appearance with lower marks in durability.
    8 oz. (men's), 7 oz. (women's), neutral pronation, 30mm stack height
    $140 $97
    Running Warehouse 1 color

  2. Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3
    Trainer Neutral
    9.1 3 reviews
    A responsive trainer with Nike's famous ZoomX foam gets amazing marks for cushioning but some complaints on comfort.
    10.9 oz. (men's), 9.1 oz. (women's), neutral pronation, 40mm stack height
    $180 $125.97
    Nike 3 colors
    $180 $132.97
    Nike 2 colors
    $180 $153.97
    Nike 3 colors
    $179
    Running Warehouse 11 colors
    $180
    Nike 8 colors
    $189
    Running Warehouse 1 color
    $190
    Nike 2 colors

  3. ASICS GEL-Nimbus 25
    Trainer Neutral
    9.1 5 reviews
    The GEL-Nimbus 25 unbelievably ranks #1 in both comfort and cushioning as of September 2023, and gets praised for its durability.
    10.2 oz. (men's), 9 oz. (women's), neutral pronation, 42mm stack height
    $160 $119
    Running Warehouse 7 colors

  4. ASICS Novablast 3
    Trainer Neutral
    9.1 6 reviews
    The ASICS Novablast 3 is a popular all-around trainer that gets gets great marks in cushioning and value. Cam Levins and Deena Kastor both use this shoe for easy runs.
    8.7 oz. (men's), 7.7 oz. (women's), neutral pronation, 41mm stack height
    $140 $99
    Running Warehouse 1 color

  5. HOKA ONE ONE Mach X
    Trainer
    9.1 3 reviews
    9.4 oz. (men's), 8 oz. (women's), 39mm stack height
    $179
    Running Warehouse 6 colors

  6. Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
    Trainer Neutral Lightweight
    9.0 5 reviews
    The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is a popular uptempo training shoe that can be used for racing.
    7.9 oz. (men's), 6.9 oz. (women's), neutral pronation, 38mm stack height
    $170 $89
    Running Warehouse 1 color
    $170 $119
    Running Warehouse 13 colors

  7. adidas adizero Boston 12
    Trainer Neutral
    9.0 3 reviews
    adidas highest rated shoe as of September 2023, the adizero Boston 12 is a trainer with super foam and carbon rods to be very performance oriented.
    9.4 oz. (men's), 8 oz. (women's), neutral pronation, 37mm stack height
    $159
    Running Warehouse 6 colors
    $159.95
    Holabird Sports 1 color
    Zappos 1 color

  8. Brooks Ghost 15
    Trainer Neutral
    9.0 3 reviews
    Lightweight all-around training shoe highly rated on comfort, cushioning, durability, and value.
    9.6 oz. (men's), 8.4 oz. (women's), neutral pronation, 35mm stack height
    $140 $109
    Running Warehouse 14 colors
    $140 $109.95
    Brooks 49 colors
    Holabird Sports 41 colors
    $140 $119.95
    Brooks 3 colors
    Holabird Sports 2 colors

  9. HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 8
    Trainer Neutral
    9.0 4 reviews
    The Clifton 8 gets good marks in cushioning and comfort, but reviewers prefer the Clifton 9.
    8.9 oz. (men's), 8 oz. (women's), neutral pronation, 37mm stack height
    $140 $111.95
    Holabird Sports 1 color

  10. ASICS GEL-Kayano 30
    Trainer Stability
    9.0 4 reviews
    ASICS' flagship stability shoe, this revision stands out for its high ratings on comfort and durability.
    10.7 oz. (men's), 9.3 oz. (women's), moderate stability pronation, 40mm stack height
    $159
    Running Warehouse 22 colors
    $159.95
    Holabird Sports 24 colors