Best Treadmill Running Shoes – The Only Gear You Need

In comparison to the Brooks Ghost, the Rebel feels more lively. It’s the daily trainer I would choose for a more experienced runner who wants something with a little more energy return for tempo runs or HIIT workouts. Yet, it doesn’t feel too soft and cushioned that it feels clunky when combined with a cushioned treadmill.

The Rebel is lightweight (even if this version weighs a little more with the added foam) and has a very breathable upper. I like the more minimalistic design because it keeps my feet from getting hot when the AC turns off while running indoors.

My only con for this shoe is that it doesn’t feel like the same shoe when you are running slower. I found it comfortable enough for easy runs, but when I picked up the pace, it really came to life. If you are running slower than 9:00/mile for most of your runs, it might not feel as fun.

I recommend this shoe for runners looking for a fun and lively shoe to get them through treadmill workouts and even longer runs.

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I phoned a friend for advice on this one. When I asked my friend, who currently works at a running shoe store, what she recommended for running on an incline, she picked the On Cloudmonster 2. We worked together in a running store years ago, back when On was a newer brand. We liked On’s style but were skeptical of On’s performance. I think it’s safe to say our opinions have changed.

On will always be at the top of my list when I think of stylish running shoes. They make you want to wear them around after you hit the treadmill or the road. The Cloudmonster brings more than just good looks to your next incline workout. The dual-density foam under the midfoot, the Nylon plate underfoot, and the wider toe box are all great features for toeing up those hills.

With a stack height of 35mm at the heel and 29mm at the forefoot, the Cloudmonster has a moderate drop of 6mm. I like this for incline running because it’s going to cushion your forefoot (which will take more of the impact at a steeper incline), while not overly straining your Achilles.

I recommend the On Cloudmonster 2 for runners who want a stable base for their incline runs and don’t mind a wider fit.

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I’ve used my share of Saucony running shoes, dating back to my sophomore season in high school when I had my first pair of Kinvara (2s, I think). They were some of my favorite shoes ever, though shoe technology has changed a lot since then. As the name of the Ride 18 suggests, it has had eighteen iterations.

The 18 has a PWRRun+ midsole, which is made of beaded TPU. This material is known for being bouncy, but it’s firmer than some of the newer fast foams we’ve seen in recent years. While some of you may be looking for a little bit softer cushioning, I like that the firmer midsole provides a little more stability. It’s a neutral shoe, but a good option for someone still working on their running form.

The only downside to the Saucony Ride 18, in my opinion, is the outsole. While there is a good amount of rubber there, Saucony has a problem with the traction of its running shoes in wet conditions. I vividly remember cornering in my Saucony Freedoms while it was raining and slipping (though not falling). It seems the Ride 18 suffers from the same issue.

Fortunately, these make excellent treadmill running shoes, as your treadmill should not be outside in the rain! I recommend the Saucony Ride 18 for new runners who need something versatile and a little more stable than your average neutral trainer. It also comes in a wide range of sizes, which is always nice.

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The Hoka Clifton 10 deserves a spot on this list because it’s a good high-cushion shoe that keeps things simple. The rocker geometry is as comfortable for walking as it is for running and will help those treadmill miles fly by. The Clifton doesn’t have many fancy bells and whistles designed for just running, making it a good shoe for going slower.

I like to recommend the Clifton 10 to walkers (and runners) who are interested in trying Hoka out but unsure of where to start. The Clifton 10 also has a higher heel-to-toe drop than previous Cliftons, moving up to 8mm instead of 5mm. This design may be more comfortable for beginner runners and walkers because it supports landing on your heel.

To get a little more technical, the Clifton 10 has an EVA midsole, which I really like for walking. It’s lightweight and prioritizes cushioning over energy return. I recommend this shoe for anyone who has a step goal in mind and needs a good shoe to help them get there.

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I started running in the seventh grade, and my mom took me to the local shoe store to pick up my first pair of running shoes. They were probably under $70, if not even cheaper. I had been a runner for a decade before I purchased my first running shoes for over $180, though now that’s getting to be a normal price. That’s all to say, when you are starting out, you don’t need the most expensive shoe.

The Brooks Trace 4 is the blank slate of running shoes. It has a lightweight EVA midsole that’s only a little more technologically advanced than the shoes of yesteryear. It has a 12mm drop and a stack height that we could almost call minimalist these days (34mm/22mm). It’s good for heel striking (which most runners do), but may not provide enough cushioning in the forefoot if you don’t heel strike.

Brooks is known for making “shoe lasts” that complement a lot of runners’ feet. They have a nice contoured shape that feels comfortable. I recommend this shoe for beginners who want something affordable but well-designed for their first venture into running.

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The Altra Escalante and I go way back. I’m talking 2017, the first release of the Escalante. I’ve been running in them on and off ever since. Most recently, I had a pair in my rotation while I was training for the Boston Marathon. It’s a shoe that lets me take control of the workout. My feet do the work, as the shoe and its cushioning are pretty minimal for modern running shoes.

As a quintessential Altra shoe, the Escalante 4 is zero-drop. It has no lift to the heel, which means you get a more natural foot position that encourages more of a forefoot/midfoot strike. The shoe probably won’t change your foot strike, but it can be a tool in a more comprehensive program for doing so.

I picked the Altra Escalante 4 as the best shoe for manual treadmill running because I think manual treadmill runners are generally drawn toward a more functional and minimalist style. I like that the Escalante is flexible and helps me get a good grip on the belt, too.

From long runs to sprints, the Escalante has been my companion for years, and I think it could be yours, too.

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Brooks earns a third spot on this list with the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24. Why do I recommend Brooks so much? Because it’s one of the easiest brands to recommend when you know nothing about a runner’s history, needs, or shoe preferences. When it comes to shopping online for a stability shoe, the Adrenaline GTS 24 is a good option when you can’t try on multiple.

I am happy to say that the days of traditional stability shoes are over. Brands used to stick medial posts into shoes to prevent pronation, and then a bunch of researchers said, “Hey, just because the shoe isn’t overpronating now doesn’t mean the foot isn’t. Also, who thought pronation was always bad, anyway?”

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is a stability shoe that aligns with what we know about pronating runners’ needs. It also has the same DNA Loft v3 cushioning as the Ghost, ensuring you get the same cushioned and responsive ride that you can wear for every run. Better yet, it has a 12mm drop, ensuring you won’t place additional stress on your Achilles while pronating.

I recommend the Adrenaline GTS 24 for runners in the market for a stability shoe that they can wear for any run. It’s also a good shoe for a runner who typically runs neutral to add into the rotation for days they are very fatigued.

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If you are looking for a good zero-drop shoe, the Altra Torin 8 deserves your attention. It has 30mm of cushion under the heel and forefoot for a balanced platform. If you’ve never worn zero-drop shoes before, you may need to slowly transition into the Torin 8 over a couple of weeks. However, if you are used to zero-drop, this shoe is one you want in your repertoire.

The Torin 8 is notoriously soft. It uses Altra’s Ego Max cushioning, which feels kinda squishy to me but with some energy return. The Torin 8 is a daily trainer, so you can take it on any run you would like, from easy runs to workouts to long runs.

An Altra feature I love is the wide toe box. This design gives your toes the proper room to splay and absorb the force of every foot strike. I regularly run in Altras, and I’m currently dealing with blisters from another shoe brand I use in my rotation. There aren’t many brands that have the anatomical fit that Altra does.

I recommend the Torin 8 for runners who want a shoe that provides a more natural fit and alignment. Yet, the Torin 8 still preserves the cushion you need to get through high mileage weeks or long walks.

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I am 81 days into yearning for this shoe at the time of writing this page. Seriously, somebody needs to buy me the Adidas Evo SL. This past weekend, I almost bought it, never mind the fact that I currently have six perfectly suitable shoes that can do the same exact thing in my rotation. I tried it on two months ago, and it lived up to my expectations. Now it lives rent-free in my head.

This shoe is my top pick for running fast on the treadmill because it has the same fast-feeling foam that Adidas’s race shoes have. It feels soft and cushioned but also ready to fly. A lot of people really enjoy wearing the Evo SL as a daily shoe, and I think that is a testament to how comfortable it is.

When training indoors, it’s important to have a breathable shoe because you aren’t getting as much airflow as you would get outside. The Evo SL has a very minimal upper that could get cold in the winter, which will only be a problem if your treadmill is in your garage.

I’ve often overlooked Adidas shoes, especially when it comes to their daily trainers. With the Evo SL, I think the hype is real. I tried this shoe on and fell in love. Get your hands on a pair of these if you want to run fast and feel good!

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