9 Best Treadmill Running Shoes

Whether you do the majority of your runs on the treadmill or it’s just a stopping point for bad weather days, it always helps to have the best treadmill running shoe. I’ve found that super high stack height shoes can be a problem for many folks and of course we all have brands that fit us best. From tons of testing, I’ve rounded up popular models from different brands to help you pick a winning shoe for your workouts.

Treadmill running is an incredible way to stay on top of your fitness. It’s often more convenient for mimicking a race course, helps avoid major weather issues and provides safety through many dark mornings. Regardless of the why, the best treadmill running shoes will help you make the most of your time.

As with any running shoe recommendations around here, they come from over two decades as a runner and running coach. Personally, I’ve always loved including the treadmill in my training so it’s always been important to have a great treadmill shoe in my rotation.

 

9 Best Treadmill Running Shoes

Now that we know what to look for in a treadmill shoe, let’s jump in to some specific recommendations.  My current treadmill has over 14,000 miles, so I think it’s safe to say I’ve put in a few testing miles to make these selections.

Best Overall Treadmill Running Shoe – Saucony Kinvara 14

I’ve truly run in so many of models of this and often recommend it for the low heel to toe drop if anyone has dealt with IT band issues.

For me it feels like a shoe you can’t go wrong with if you don’t want something overly built up, need a little cushion, but want to feel fast. As noted, you don’t always need as much cushion on the treadmill because it’s designed to decrease the impact of your landing.

The first thing I noticed when I put them on was that it’s taller than the previous versions. I’ve loved Kinvara for its low profile while providing enough cushion for my long runs. But, this new model seemed to be taking on the current trend of the more cushion the better and it does feel pretty great without losing the snap.

They’re especially great for mid-distance runs where comfort and adaptability are crucial.

• Weight: Men’s 6.8 oz, Women’s 6.2 oz
• Heel Drop: 4 mm
• Price: $120
• Read my full Saucony Kinvara 14 review

Runner Up: Moderate Cushion

A similar option would be the Nike Vomero, which is also a lower stack height and still has a really nice cushion to it. I recommend this over the Pegagus because it has an outsole that I think will wear down more from the treadmill miles.

You’ll also see the Brooks Ghost mentioned below for high arches, but it’s a fantastic moderate cushioned options as well.

Best Cushioned Treadmill Running Shoe – HOKA Skyflow

All right, I know I started by saying don’t pick a high stack cushion…but this one felt so stable, I just had to include it. Particularly if you’ve been running in the Bondi, as this is much better.

While the Hoka Bondi is still one of the plushest shoes I’ve ever used, I now believe it’s best suited for walking or standing all day. Which is why it appears in those articles, but has dropped off other lists.

I would also so I greatly prefer the Skyflow to the Clifton!

The Skyflow will not have that issue and you’ll be getting an even better quality foam! In fact, you’re getting the same supercritical foam that we see in top end shoes. That means cushion with a little bounce.

Due to the weight, this is definitely not a fast tempo run kind of shoe and yet with the same cushion as the Mach, it’s 100% a shoe that I could a lot of runners using on race day for the half or marathon. It just feels good underfoot and has enough room in the shoe for your foot to swell a bit on those long runs.

• Heel drop: 5 mm (41 mm stack on men’s)
• Weight: 8.6 oz women’s, 10 oz men’s
• Available in wide
• Available in the most sizes and colors on HOKA.com for $160
• Read my review of the Hoka Skyflow>>

Best Cross Training Treadmill Shoe – On Cloud Flyer

When you want to do a HIIT workout or combine your strength and running workout, it’s ideal to have a shoe with enough stability for both.

Cloudflyer running shoes are known for their comfort and style. They feel super nice on your feet, due to their soft cushioning, but they also have the stability you need thanks to both a speedboard and built in stability. Having run in these, I’d label them as a firmer shoe providing more support and less of that plush cushion.

Great if you need some additional stability or arch support.

Admittedly, this is not my favorite On shoe. I am partial to the On Cloudmonster and it’s what I use for indoor and treadmill runs because I like a bit more cushion.

• Stability running shoe
• Moderate cushion
• Heel drop: 11 mm
• Weight: 9 oz women’s, 10.5 oz
•  $159.99
• Checkout the colors and wide options >>

PSSSTTT if you want my personal opinion…and you do. The Cloudmonster is a far superior shoe, it feels so much better and should still provide enough stability for most of you.

Best Speed Workout Treadmill Shoe – Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

Those looking for speed are often drawn to the carbon plate fiber shoes for that extra boost. The Speed is considered their training version with a Nylon plate, so it’s still not their top end racing shoe and will save you $50 over the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 (which I love so dearly).

BUT do you really need a carbon plate on the treadmill or is it overkill?? I think you’ll get everything you need from a lightweight fast shoe with the Speed, which has a great bouncy foam and that forward roll.

No, it’s not a zippy as the Pro or or elite, so again it’s about what you need for treadmill training.They will also say it’s best for up to the half marathon, but it had everything I needed for 26.2 miles.

I’ve always liked the moderate cushion of Saucony shoes, so this felt fantastic to me.

• Moderate Cushion with Nylon Plate
• Narrow fit
• Lightweight and very breathable
• Drop: 8mm
• Weight: 7.2 oz women’s, 8.2 oz men’s
• $170
• See available sizes and colors on Saucony.com >>

Runner Up: Treadmill Speed Work

I know that means I’ve now put 2 Saucony shoes in the line up, so if you want a different brand option I think the New Balance Rebel V4 is a lightweight option without a plate to consider.

That and the Hoka Mach are two lightweight shoes, that are going to give you that quick turnover without any plates involved which means a lower cost! Both are also a more moderate rather than a max cushion shoe, which again I find is better for the treadmill stride for most people.

Best Treadmill Shoe for Men’s Flat Feet – Brooks Beast

Brooks has several running shoes that offer great stability including the super popular Brooks Adrenaline GTS, but specifically for flat feet, there’s a lot of hype around the Brooks Beast.

The Brooks Beast GTS 23 provides maximum cushioning and motion control to keep your feet stable without limiting your natural gait.

It can be classified as a cushioned shoe with sufficient arch support, and a filled-up under-arch area or high midsole sidewall.

There is no medial post in these shoes. Instead, there is the Brook’s GuideRails®, which are a set of raised barriers on either side of the midsole that support throughout to provide stability.

Its broad midsole provides plenty of support and the insole is thick enough to be replaced with a custom-made orthotic if that’s something you’re planning to do.

Its 12 mm heel drop makes it higher than others. I generally do not recommend shoes that are over 8mm because it leads to heel striking and IT Band issues. However, if you have Achilles issues it can be beneficial.

It’s important to note that the Brooks Beast is probably not one of their most stylish shoes if that matters to you. Personally, I just want to stay injury-free, so I care very little about the look.

• Stability shoe, moderate cushion
• Heel Drop: 12 mm
• Weight: 11.7 oz  – only available in men’s
• $160
• Available on Brooksrunng.com  (I’m all about buying old models for less!)

Best Treadmill Running Shoe for Arch Support – Asics Gel-Kayano 29

This is the only shoe on the list I haven’t run in because I don’t need this much arch support. I do however like the more neutral and cushioned Asics Novablast!

But back to this shoe!

The GEL Kayano is now in its 29th iteration and known as one of the best stability shoes on the market. Great for overpronators seeking stability, the GEL Kayano is an ideal shoe for marathons.

Read my in- depth review of the Kayano!

• Stability running shoe
• Moderate cushion
• Heel Drop: 10 mm
• Weight: 9.3 oz women’s, 10.7 oz men’s
• $160
• See current colors available now >> (yes, you should totally buy the last year version to save!)

Best Treadmill Shoe for Wide Feet – New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v13 Wide

This shoe made my list of best long distance running shoes because I personal love training in it. Now you get the benefit of all these features simply in a wide size!

New Balance’s Fresh Foam is every bit as lovely as it sounds. These shoes feel fabulous when you slip them on and yet maintain good responsiveness. Unlike the super plush HOKA Bondi that you can sink in to, you’ll remain quick off the ground in these shoes.

These shoes do not have a padded collar which some runners may dislike, but I didn’t notice any issues with that. I did the normal heel lock lacing as will all my shoes and they felt great.

• Neutral running shoe
• 8 mm heel drop
• Cushioned and responsive
• 8.3 oz for women’s
• $129.99
• Read my full review of the NB 1080V13

Best High Arches Treadmill Running Shoe – Brooks Ghost

If you have high arches, you need the Brooks Ghost. These are a dream to wear. This shoe’s cushioned feel has made it a runner’s favorite for years, and the revised midsole features 100% DNA loft cushioning to enhance the shoe’s smoothness.

DNA loft foam provides plush support that now extends throughout the midsole, elevating the foot with a 12mm offset to prevent Achilles irritation, while the BioMoGo DNA cushion lines the arch profile for a soft and springy feel.

You can take advantage of the Ghost’s responsiveness when running long distances every day, doing tempo training, or running faster. It has just the right amount of bounce to make your hips, knees, and arches feel good.

The Segmented Crash Pad and the cushier midsole work together to make it easier to move from landing to toe-off. Add in the 100% DNA loft foam and it does a great job of absorbing shock at the heel and forefoot.

• Neutral running shoe
• Moderate Cushion
• Heel Drop: 12mm drop
• Weight: 8.8 oz women’s, 9.8 oz men’s
• $140
• Find Current Model and Colors on BrooksRunning.com

Ready my complete Brooks Ghost 16 review >>

Best Zero Drop Treadmill Running Shoe – Altra Torrin 7

Considered their most cushioned shoe, I’m going to say it doesn’t feel wildly different than the Paradigm to me. The main difference here is it’s a neutral shoe.

The Torrin is also one of their most popular models, so they have continued to create new versions or offer different styles from leather to waterproof. After taking the 7 out for some runs, I can see why this model has remained so popular.

It’s that sweet spot of cushioning and makes it really easy to transition from your standard running shoes with the padded tongue and heel collar. I could easily see this being a favorite for long runs, once I’ve built up my body to do more zero drop miles.

• 0mm drop
• 8.3 oz women’s, 9.9 oz men’s
•  $150
• See my full review of the Altra Torin 7
• If you want something with just a little stability, I also like the Altra Provision

Can You Wear Road Running Shoes On the Treadmill?

Absolutely.

In fact, we know that treadmill running may prolong the life of your shoes. The added absorption of the treadmill deck seems to help lessen the damage to the shoe cushion. So look at that, your indoor miles are saving you money!!

As noted initially, I have seen where some of the new high stack height shoes are a problem. I think this happens when people are heel striking and on the treadmill it just becomes more uncomfortable. Remember heel striking isn’t really an issue, it’s overstriding.

The only other thing to consider is the tread of the shoe.

So while some people have recommended the Nike Pegasus for the treadmill, I disagree because it’s a road to trail shoe with a lot of extra grip.

What to Look For In Treadmill Running Shoes?

The truth is much of what you’re looking for applies to ALL road running shoes. Specifically around the treadmill we know that it’s best to avoid the large tread of a trail shoe, as you’ll simply wear down the shoe.

In general we want treadmill running shoes that are a comfortable fit, feel lightweight, breathable and protect your foot from the hard surface.

Overall Shoe Fit

Everyone’s feet are different. There are many different factors that together make our feet unique compared to others. This includes the length of your feet, how wide they are, your arch type, foot strike, and more.

• Ensure that you buy up a size from your normal shoes to allow for foot swelling as you run.
• You should have a finger tip width in front of your toes to avoid getting a black toenail.
• You’ll want to know your arch type to ensure if you high arches or flat feet, you get a shoe with enough arch support.
• Wider feet need to look at shoes with more room in the toebox for overall comfort.
• Wear your running socks when trying on shoes to make sure you get the best fit. And go try on shoes late in the day when your feet are a little swollen.

Read more on how to choose the right running shoe >>

Cushion Level

You may find that you can enjoy a shoe with a little less cushion on the treadmill because it’s providing some give with each step. You most certainly don’t have to give up cushion, but there are benefits to not always running in the most plush shoe.

You change the level of impact and how your foot strikes by changing the level of cushion.

In fact, the treadmill is a great place to play with transitioning to a zero drop or lower heel drop shoe. You can always use it for part of the run and then switch to your normal shoe.

Type of Treadmill Run

Indeed you may want to have different shoes depending on the goal of your run.

Carbon fiber plate shoes have become the rage for marathon runners, but also for doing speed workouts. In most cases, we don’t recommend using these for your everyday training run because the shoes breakdown so much faster.

Which means you might want to have:

• a neutral pair of trainers for HIIT running workouts, jumping on and off the treadmill.
• carbon fiber shoes for big speed workouts and a cushioned pair for long runs.
• shoes for your long runs or everyday easy runs

Runner’s who have issues with Achilles pain will want to pick a higher heel drop shoe (12mm) when running on the treadmill. This helps prevent some of the lengthening and prevents pain.

Like I said, I’ve tested A LOT of running shoes in the last decade of writing articles and more in the 20+ years I’ve been running. So it’s always fun to put together a guide to help you find what’s going to work best. Hopefully now you’ve got some treadmill running shoe ideas to save time and find the brand that works for you.

Looking for more running shoe tips?

• How often to replace your running shoes
• How to clean your running shoes
• Brooks vs On Cloud running shoes
• Adidas Vs Nike Running shoes
• Treadmill Pace Chart

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