Stride in Style: Top Brands for Road Running Shoes

Running is not just a sport; it's a lifestyle, and choosing the right gear is essential for the best experience. Among the plethora of options available, certain brands have consistently stood out in crafting high-quality road running shoes that provide both comfort and durability. These brands have been meticulously designed with cutting-edge technology to cater to various foot types and running styles, ensuring that every stride is seamless and efficient. To explore the standout brands that are earning rave reviews from the running community, take a look below.

Illustration of road running shoes

Best brands of road running shoes in 2025

Nike

Nike is a dominant force in the road running shoe market, holding a significant share despite recent challenges. As of 2022, Nike garnered 30% of the athletic footwear market and 38.5% of the sneaker market, with a strong presence in innovation and customer engagement. The company has seen substantial growth, with its athletic footwear market share increasing from 17.9% in 2011 to 30% in 2023. Nike produces over 800 million pairs of shoes annually, with a notable presence in the running category, although it has faced competition from brands like Hoka and New Balance. Despite a slight decline in market share, Nike remains a leader in the industry. For more details on their running category, visit their <

Adidas

Adidas is a leading producer of road running shoes, known for its innovative technology and performance-driven products. In 2022, Adidas held a 15.4% market share in the global athletic footwear market and experienced a 3.1% growth in its footwear segment, reaching $13.2 billion in revenue. The company's Boost technology, which uses thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) beads, enhances cushioning and comfort, making it a favorite among athletes. Adidas also dominates the male market, with 73% of its sales dedicated to men. The brand's strong presence in the EMEA region, with $4.2 billion in net sales in 2022, further solidifies its position in the industry.

ASICS

ASICS, a leading producer of road running shoes, boasts a global market share of 8.1% in the athletic footwear industry and a significant 13.3% share in the running shoe market as of January 2020, surpassing Nike and Adidas. The brand is renowned for its high-performance products, such as the GEL-NIMBUS™, GEL-KAYANO™, and GT-2000™, which feature advanced technologies like FLYTEFOAM™ and GEL™ cushioning. In the United States, ASICS holds approximately 6.5% of the athletic footwear market share. The company's revenue from performance running shoes was $1,766 million in 2022, highlighting its strong presence in this segment. ASICS' commitment to innovation and customer-centric design has made it a favorite among athletes and casual runners alike.

Brooks

Brooks Running has solidified its position as a leading producer of road running shoes, maintaining the No. 1 market share in adult performance running footwear at U.S. national retail for the 11th consecutive quarter. The brand achieved a record $1 billion in global revenue by the end of the third quarter of 2024, driven by a 10% year-over-year increase in North America and a 30% growth in the Asia Pacific - Latin America region. Brooks also saw significant growth in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, with a 10% revenue increase and 24% growth in direct e-commerce sales. The brand's strong performance is further highlighted by its dominance in the U.S. specialty retail segment, where it held half of the top 10 shoe styles and posted a 22% year-over-year footwear revenue growth. Brooks was voted the top brand for both Training and Race Running Shoe categories by more than 20% of participants in the 2024 Running USA Global Runner Survey. For more information about Brooks Running, visit their official website.

New Balance

New Balance is poised to become a $10 billion sportswear giant, driven by its robust growth in the road running shoe market. With a 23% increase in sales to $6.5 billion in 2023, the brand has demonstrated significant momentum, particularly in the sportstyle sneaker segment. New Balance holds a 7.3% share of the global sneaker market, trailing behind Nike and Adidas but ahead of Puma and Asics. The company's focus on strengthening its direct-to-consumer business, increasing presence in sports like basketball and tennis, and innovative collaborations are key factors in its success. New Balance aims to reach $10 billion in sales in the next few years, leveraging its 117-year legacy and modern strategies. For more information about New Balance and their products, visit their official website.

Saucony

Saucony is a renowned brand in the running shoe industry, particularly excelling in road running shoes. With a brand awareness of 40% among sneaker owners in the United States, Saucony is well-known for its innovative products, such as the Endorphin Elite collection, which has been recognized by Runner's World in its Gear of the Year awards. The brand's usage share among U.S. sneaker owners stands at 5%, and 60% of its owners show loyalty to the brand by indicating a likelihood to purchase again. Saucony's revenue for 2023 totaled $495.8 million, although it saw a decline of 1.2% in constant currency. The brand continues to innovate, with plans to capitalize on its success in the casual running market and elevate its style for broader lifestyle adoption. For more details on Saucony's market presence, you can visit the brand profile in the United States.

Hoka One One

Hoka One One has emerged as a leading producer of road running shoes, known for its exceptional comfort, support, and innovative technology. Acquired by Deckers Outdoors in 2012, Hoka has achieved remarkable growth, crossing $1 billion in annual sales by 2023, with a compound annual growth rate of roughly 50% since 2018. The brand's maximalist cushioning and high-quality materials have made it a favorite among runners, with many athletes praising its balance of quality, performance, and comfort. Hoka's market share expansion has been significant, particularly at the expense of larger brands like Nike, which has seen sales declines. With its diverse footwear assortment and strong brand identity, Hoka continues to gain traction globally.

Mizuno

Mizuno is renowned as one of the top producers of road running shoes, known for its innovative technology and high-performance products. In the financial year of 2023, Mizuno generated significant sales from its footwear category, amounting to about $472 million. The brand has seen substantial growth, with a 25% increase in footwear sales for the six months ended September 30, 2023, and a 22.5% increase in H1 sales in the Americas region. Mizuno's Wave technology, particularly the Wave Rebellion Pro, has received high praise for its unique midsole geometry and bouncy, responsive ride. The brand's market share in specialty running retailers has also increased, reflecting its strong presence in the running shoe market.

On

On Running has established itself as a leading producer of road running shoes, marked by its impressive growth and market presence. In 2022, On achieved $1.31 billion in shoe sales, representing a 70.9% year-on-year growth, and captured a 0.34% global market share. The brand's footwear segment contributed 95.5% of its total sales in 2022. On Running is also notable for its strong presence in the US, with about 35% of American consumers familiar with the brand and 9% having owned and used On shoes. The brand's popularity is further highlighted by its average MSRP of $163.4, making it one of the more premium options in the market. For detailed statistics, visit their On Shoes statistics page.

Altra

Altra Running is a renowned brand in the athletic footwear industry, particularly distinguished for its innovative approach to road and trail running shoes. Founded in 2011 by Golden Harper and Brian Beckstead, Altra has rapidly grown, achieving a 300% annual growth rate by 2013 and doubling its sales revenue each year since its inception. The brand is known for its unique zero-drop design and foot-shaped toe box, which promotes a naturally balanced stride. Acquired by VF Corporation in 2018, Altra now operates alongside other prominent brands like Vans, Smartwool, and The North Face. With over 1,500 retailers selling its products, Altra has solidified its position as one of the top brands in the run specialty market. To explore more about Altra running shoes, visit their featured page.