Top-Rated Running Shoe Brands for Peak Performance

Running enthusiasts and athletes alike understand the importance of investing in a quality pair of running shoes. With countless brands and models to choose from, finding the perfect fit can be overwhelming. High-performance running shoes not only enhance your performance but also provide the necessary support and comfort to prevent injuries. Explore our top picks of the best running shoe brands available today to help you find just the right pair for your needs below.

Illustration of running shoe

Best brands of running shoe in 2025

Nike

Nike is one of the most dominant and influential brands in the running shoe and sportswear industry, holding a significant 38.2% of the total footwear market and 30% of the athletic footwear market as of 2023. The company has seen a 67.6% increase in its athletic footwear market share since 2011 and produces over 800 million pairs of shoes annually, with 60% of its footwear revenue coming from the international market. Nike's strong market presence is also evident in its basketball shoe segment, where it holds an 86% market share as of 2019. The brand's success is further highlighted by its revenue, which exceeded $50 billion in the fiscal year 2023, with footwear being the largest segment, contributing about 64.5% of the company's total revenue from 2017 to 2022. Nike's innovative supply chain management and digital transformation have been key factors in its sustained success. For more detailed statistics about their impact, visit Nike shoes statistics.

Adidas

Adidas is one of the leading producers of running shoes, renowned for its innovative and performance-driven designs. In 2022, Adidas held a 15.4% market share in the global athletic footwear market and a 14.7% share in the sneaker segment, solidifying its position as the second-largest sportswear manufacturer globally. The brand's footwear segment generated $13.2 billion in revenue in 2022, with a 3.1% growth from the previous year. Adidas' proprietary Boost Foam technology, introduced in 2013, has been a significant factor in its success, providing responsive and durable cushioning. The company's commitment to innovation is evident in its latest models, such as the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1, the lightest carbon fiber-plated shoe in the world. For more details on their best models, check out the best Adidas shoes review.

ASICS

ASICS is a leading athletic footwear brand, particularly renowned for its high-performance running shoes, holding 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. In 2022, ASICS generated $3 billion in footwear revenues, with performance running shoes contributing $1,766 million. The brand's commitment to innovative technologies, such as GEL™️, and its human-centric approach to sports science have made it a favorite among athletes and amateurs. ASICS also maintains a strong presence in various regions, including the EMEA market which accounts for 30% of its footwear sales. The brand's focus on delivering high-quality products has ensured its continuous growth and market success.

Brooks

Brooks Running has solidified its position as a leading producer of running shoes, maintaining the No. 1 market share in adult performance running footwear at U.S. national retail for the 11th consecutive quarter, with a 21.4% market share. The brand achieved a new revenue record, surpassing $1 billion in global revenue by September 2024, driven by a 10% year-over-year increase in North America and a 30% increase 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% direct e-commerce sales growth. The launch of the Ghost Max shoe in late 2023 was a key factor in this momentum, marking the best retail adoption of a new style in Brooks' history. Brooks holds half of the top 10 shoe styles at U.S. specialty retail, including the popular Ghost, Glycerin, and Adrenaline GTS models. Discover more about their innovative products on their official website: Brooks Running.

Saucony

Saucony is a renowned brand in the running shoe industry, known for its high-performance and innovative products. With a market share of 5% in the US athletic footwear market, Saucony has established itself as a significant player, particularly with its Endorphin Elite collection recognized by Runner's World in its Gear of the Year awards. The brand has a strong presence globally, selling its products in over 50 countries and through approximately 21 Saucony outlet stores in the United States. Despite a 1.2% decline in sales in 2023, Saucony continues to innovate, with recent improvements in its supply chain allowing for faster replenishment of fast-moving styles. Saucony's brand awareness stands at 40% among sneaker owners in the US, with 5% of these owners actually using the brand's products.

New Balance

New Balance is a prominent player in the athletic footwear industry, particularly renowned for its high-quality running shoes. The brand has seen significant growth, reporting over $5 billion in revenue in 2022 with a 21% increase from the previous year. New Balance enjoys a favorable perception among U.S. adults, with 42% expressing a positive view, and it has consistently ranked ahead of Nike in favorability since March 2023. The brand's popularity is also evident among Gen Z, with favorability jumping from 34% to 52% between September 2022 and September 2023. New Balance holds a 5% market share in the U.S. athletic footwear sector, with 27% of sneaker owners in the U.S. owning New Balance shoes. For more information, visit their official website.

Hoka One One

Hoka One One has emerged as a leading brand in the running shoe market, known for its exceptional growth and innovative products. The brand, acquired by Deckers in 2012, has experienced remarkable expansion, reaching $1.8 billion in revenue for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, with a 28% annual growth rate. Hoka's unique marketing strategy, focusing on comfort, support, and a distinctive aesthetic, has captured a significant market share, with 13% of U.S. adults owning a pair and another 9% intending to buy one. The brand's products are favored for their cushioned design, appealing to both performance runners and lifestyle consumers. Hoka's strategy of intentional under-supply and thoughtful distribution has maintained high demand and distinct product offerings across different channels. To learn more about Hoka's growth and impact in the athleisure global footwear market, visit this detailed analysis.

Mizuno

Mizuno is renowned as one of the top producers of running shoes, having achieved significant market share gains and accolades in the industry. In 2005, Mizuno reported a 26% increase in running footwear and apparel sales and a 12% growth in market share, reaching 10.3% of the served market in specialty running retailers. The brand's Wave Technology was ranked the #1 technology for the fifth consecutive season by specialty retailers, and Mizuno was rated among the top brands for sales rep support, product line, and product delivery. More recently, Mizuno's footwear sales rose nearly 25% to $237.5 million for the six months ended September 30, 2023, reflecting continued growth and improvement in their results. Mizuno's commitment to performance technology, customer service, and product innovation has solidified its position as a leading brand in the running shoe market. For more details, explore Mizuno's market share gains in the latest specialty survey.

Under Armour

Under Armour has emerged as a formidable player in the running shoe market, surpassing Adidas to become the second-largest sports brand in the U.S. in 2024, with U.S. apparel and footwear sales reaching $1.2 billion through August. The brand's apparel sales account for 14% of the U.S. market, significantly outpacing Adidas' 6% share. Under Armour's global footwear sales have shown significant growth, reaching $1.455 billion in 2023, and the company anticipates nearly $3 billion in total sales for 2024. The UA HOVR Machina 3, a recent release, features advanced technology with a firmer and more responsive forefront, catering to both speed and comfort for runners. This growth underscores Under Armour's commitment to innovation and market expansion.

Altra

Altra Running is a renowned brand in the athletic footwear industry, known for its innovative designs and rapid growth, having doubled its sales revenue every year since 2011. Founded by two runners, Altra focuses on natural running with its FootShape™ toe box and ZeroDrop™ platform, ensuring a wider, ergonomically designed forefoot area and equal heel-to-toe height. By 2013, Altra achieved a 300% annual growth rate and expanded into 25 to 30 new markets. The brand is now owned by VF Corporation and is ranked among the top 10 in "run specialty" and number 4 for trail running. Altra's products are sold by over 1500 retailers, including Outdoor recreation gear and sporting goods retailer REI.