We Tested Hundreds Of Sneakers To Find The Perfect Pairs For Every Type Of Exerciser

Dec 15, 2023

Shopping for the perfect sneaker can activate Goldilocks mode. Maybe you’re on the hunt for a running shoe that has enough cushioning for your tired soles. But it also can't smash your extra-long second toe. On the other hand, your workout buddy might be in the market for a structured sneak that keeps her rooted in the ground but still keeps away a nagging heel pain. And you both still want your picks to look cute enough with trousers when you quick-change for the office.

Simply put, everyone wants sneakers that fit, feel, and look juuuuust right for wherever their workouts (and life!) take them.

Highly personal, yes! A shoe that works for one person may be totally wrong for another.

Feet shape and alignment is different from person to person and from feet to feet, and can even be different based on age and time of life," says Lan Chen, MD, associate professor in clinical orthopedics at the University of California, San Francisco. Your own shoe preferences, too, can change over time (think: when your foot sizes up during pregnancy, adds Dr. Chen, or if you’re rehabbing an injury).

It's important not only to make sure that your sneaker picks match your personal anatomy and gait needs, but also to swap pairs in and out depending on your circumstances, such as what you're training for at that time, what type of workouts you’re doing most regularly, and more. (Psst, those flat-AF sneaks that help you squat nice and deep at the barbell likely won't do great things for you during a long run.)

For this year's WH Sneaker Awards, we got granular in our research and testing process to ID the as-close-to-perfect-as-possible pairs for the highest-searched sneaker queries—like finding the best running shoe for overpronators, the best sneaker for standing all day, or the best brand-specific shoes for different activity types. (A loyal Nike, Adidas, or Brooks wearer, for instance? Got you covered.)

We also had all of our testers and pros fill out a questionnaire about their personal sneaker needs and any physical ailments they factor in when purchasing so that you can hear directly from reviewers in a similar boat as you.

Pro tip: Try a Command+F keyword search for terms such as cushion, wide fit, plantar fasciitis, CrossFit—if you’re shopping for something super-specific.

Consider this your permission to treat yourself to the fresh pair (or pairs…) you’ve been eyeing. Your footsies deserve a solemate.

The 85 winners here stood out against hundreds of contenders. Each shoe—which was tested, vetted, and loved by a WH staffer or advisor—checked the following three boxes: fit and feel, quality, and style. (For new-to-market shoes, a WH team member and/or a fitness professional we trust tested the sneaker through a minimum of three substantial workouts applicable to the shoe type and says they would continue wearing the shoe.)

✓ Fit and feel: The silhouette fits snugly enough around the heel and midfoot without being overly constricting, and it hugs the back of your heel comfortably. There is also enough wiggle room in the toe box. Your movement while wearing the shoe feels natural, comfortable, and supported—without any rubbing or other discomfort.

✓ Quality: The sneaker materials hold up on their designated terrain/in the elements, the laces or fastenings are durable and reliable, and they do not get damaged or deformed when washed and dried.

✓ Style: The design and colors are fashion-forward and on trend (meaning: not sneakers you only want to wear on your basement treadmill and change out of before grocery shopping!). We would wear the sneaker for activities outside of workouts too.

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