Updated October 16, 2026. Prices checked October 16, 2026.
Five shoes cost $170 or more: four max-cushion or super trainers and one stability shoe. The ASICS Megablast scores highest, ahead of the Nike Vomero Plus and the Saucony Hurricane 26, the stability shoe, whose shock absorption RunRepeat rates top tier. The Saucony Triumph 24 and the New Balance 1080 v15 are the safer choices for long, easy runs.
How these scores are built. Road shoes are judged mainly on cushioning and comfort, which counts for 45% of the score. Ride and energy return counts 25%, and the other two criteria count 15% each. Based on: Lab and wear tests by RunRepeat, manufacturer specifications and prices read on retailer or brand pages. Most shoes rest on one independent test source. We do not test products in person. 11 source pages are linked under the 5 products so you can check each finding. How we score.
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Product
Best for
Cushioning and comfort
Score
1
ASICS Megablast
Best performance, highest price
9
8.8
2
Saucony Hurricane 26
Best overall
9
8.3
3
Nike Vomero Plus
Most shock absorption
9.5
8.2
4
Saucony Triumph 24
Best for long easy runs
9
8.1
5
New Balance 1080 v15
Most comfortable overall
9
8
01
ASICS Megablast
Best performance, highest price, $225
8.8/10
Cushioning and comfort 45%
9/10
Ride and energy return 25%
9.5/10
Weight 15%
9/10
Durability 15%
6.5/10
Pros
RunRepeat found outstanding energy return and exceptional impact protection from a shoe it calls astonishingly light, with no carbon plate.
The outsole rubber is durable and grippy, and RunRepeat says it suits any pace, distance and footstrike.
Cons
RunRepeat calls it extremely expensive for a training shoe.
Outsole coverage is limited, and the toebox wears poorly.
Readers in Germany, Canada, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and Sweden are sent to their own Amazon store, where prices show in local currency. The prices on this page are US prices.
02
Saucony Hurricane 26
Best overall, $170
8.3/10
Standout strength. Stability shoe. RunRepeat found top-tier shock absorption, with a 38.3 mm heel against a 35.6 mm average.
Cushioning and comfort 45%
9/10
Ride and energy return 25%
8.5/10
Weight 15%
6.5/10
Durability 15%
7.5/10
Pros
RunRepeat found top-tier shock absorption, with a 38.3 mm heel against a 35.6 mm average, and excellent energy return from new foam.
The shoe is surprisingly light for its size, with good durability scores and better traction than before.
Cons
The midsole is very broad and may feel bulky, and the price can be a hurdle.
RunRepeat found it slightly less stable than top rivals.
Readers in Germany, Canada, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and Sweden are sent to their own Amazon store, where prices show in local currency. The prices on this page are US prices.
03
Nike Vomero Plus
Most shock absorption, $180
8.2/10
Cushioning and comfort 45%
9.5/10
Ride and energy return 25%
7.5/10
Weight 15%
6/10
Durability 15%
7.5/10
Pros
RunRepeat measured outstanding shock absorption in both heel and forefoot from a full ZoomX midsole, with strong durability.
The midsole resists cold well, and RunRepeat suggests it as a Nike alternative to the HOKA Bondi.
Cons
Breathability is low, and the fit is snug with a narrow toebox.
Traction still needs work, and the tongue has no gussets.
Readers in Germany, Canada, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and Sweden are sent to their own Amazon store, where prices show in local currency. The prices on this page are US prices.
04
Saucony Triumph 24
Best for long easy runs, $170
8.1/10
Cushioning and comfort 45%
9/10
Ride and energy return 25%
7.5/10
Weight 15%
7/10
Durability 15%
7.5/10
Pros
RunRepeat found incredible cushion for long runs from an exceptional foam, with excellent grip on all surfaces and a light build for its size.
The fit is secure with no heel slippage, and RunRepeat calls the value superb for the technology.
Cons
It is less stable than the Triumph 23, and the fit can be snug.
Readers in Germany, Canada, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and Sweden are sent to their own Amazon store, where prices show in local currency. The prices on this page are US prices.
05
New Balance 1080 v15
Most comfortable overall, $170
8/10
Cushioning and comfort 45%
9/10
Ride and energy return 25%
7/10
Weight 15%
7.5/10
Durability 15%
7/10
Pros
RunRepeat calls the comfort exceptional from top to bottom, with a foam upgrade, noticeable weight reduction and several width options.
The shoe feels more capable at faster paces than before, with dependable traction.
Cons
The ultra-plush foam will not suit everyone, and stability is limited.
Breathability disappoints, and the price rose slightly.
Readers in Germany, Canada, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and Sweden are sent to their own Amazon store, where prices show in local currency. The prices on this page are US prices.
How we picked
Each score comes from RunRepeat’s lab and wear tests, manufacturer specifications and the price on a retailer or brand page. RunRepeat earns commissions on shoes it recommends, so most shoes here rest on one independent source. We do not test shoes in person. Ratings are our assessment and fit varies by foot, so treat the scores as a guide and try shoes on when you can.
Every shoe is scored on the same four road criteria. The energy return score of the stability shoe comes from RunRepeat’s notes on it.
What we left out
Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 ($240), Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 ($175), ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28 ($170), ASICS GEL-Kayano 33 ($170), HOKA Gaviota 6 ($180), Nike Zoom Fly 6 ($190), Nike Vaporfly 4 ($280), Nike Alphafly 3 ($305), New Balance SuperComp Elite v6 ($275) and ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo ($270): lab-tested and priced, but they scored lower than the five shoes above. Each ranking keeps its five best scores.
Nike Streakfly 2 ($190), HOKA Rocket X 3 ($250) and ASICS Metaspeed Ray ($300): lab-tested racers that score below 7 here, because they give up comfort and cushioning for light weight or speed.
Nike Vomero 18 ($165) and Brooks Glycerin 23 ($175): lab-tested, but scored below the shoes above.
HOKA Bondi 9 ($175) and Brooks Ghost Max 4 ($165): very cushioned and heavy, with lower combined scores.
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 ($275): not lab-tested by RunRepeat.
HOKA Cielo X1 3.0, PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4, Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 and Mizuno Neo Vista 3: strong lab scores, no US price read.
adidas Ultraboost 5X ($180): RunRepeat calls it a neutral shoe with stability features.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 ($180) and Brooks Beast GTS 26 ($170): priced, no lab test found.
What to look for
Your pace: max-cushion shoes suit easy runs, and super trainers handle faster days too
Weight, because a bigger stack often means a heavier shoe
Support that fits your foot, since extreme overpronators need more than most stability shoes give
A return policy, since this price makes a wrong size expensive
Questions
Where are the carbon-plated racers?
This ranking weighs cushioning and comfort most, and race shoes trade comfort for speed. The Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 came closest, at 8.1, but the five shoes here scored higher. Each ranking keeps its five best scores.
Which lab-tested shoes were cut?
Ten shoes in this price range scored lower: the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 ($240), Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 ($175), ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28 ($170), Nike Vaporfly 4 ($280), Nike Alphafly 3 ($305), New Balance SuperComp Elite v6 ($275), ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo ($270), ASICS GEL-Kayano 33 ($170), Nike Zoom Fly 6 ($190) and HOKA Gaviota 6 ($180).
How is the energy return of the Hurricane 26 scored?
RunRepeat reports excellent energy return for it, which we scored 8.5.
Why are the Nike Vomero 18 and Brooks Glycerin 23 missing?
Both scored 85 to 90 in RunRepeat tests, but the shoes here rated higher on our combined score. They still cost $165 and $175.
Where do the prices come from?
The regular price on REI, Nike, ASICS or Saucony on October 15 and 16, 2026. Sale and outlet prices are ignored.