F0HIGHNEW05 DIA sneakers with wedge | 7 Best Neutral Running Shoes in 2024

The ASICS Novablast 4 reveals itself as the ultimate neutral running shoe in our lab and run tests. This decadent marvel exhibits a stable and energetic ride across different run workouts and exudes pure comfort beyond our imagination.

Running with the Novablast 4 feels like we can run endlessly without leg strain. The midsole has top-tier cushioning, combining an above-average stack with buttery goodness. While this feels ultra-soft underfoot, there’s still a lot of spring for faster efforts. Our durometer reveals that the FF Blast+ ECO foam is 28.7% softer than the average road running shoe. 

Surprisingly, our runs feel stable despite landing on the chunky platform. Novablast provides generous width in the midsole to enhance our surefootedness with every stride. 

Another unexpected feature of Novablast 4 is its lightness on foot. At 9.1 oz (259g), it's lighter than the 9.4 oz (266g) average. Adding to the airy feeling is the unresisting midsole that flows naturally with our motions. Our bend test confirms it’s 13.5% more flexible than average.

While Novablast 4 is a great all-rounder that can go fast, it still lacks the pop needed for zapatillas. Those aiming for new PBs might want to explore other options.

The Nike Pegasus, now on its 41st edition, continues to be an iconic workhorse. It’s a reliable, durable, and comfortable shoe for burning daily mileage. With 40 years of iterations behind it, the Pegasus 41 stands as our undisputed front-runner for the best neutral daily trainer.

Having a good amount of rubber coverage and the classic waffle pattern, this shoe can handle several training blocks and even the occasional off-road adventure. Our durometer confirms this with a high reading of 89.0 HC, meaning it’s made of tougher rubber.

The 41st Peg has the upgraded ReactX foam and retains the Air Zoom technology for some responsiveness. The moderate stack height keeps the ride balanced, while the lighter foam boosts comfort for prolonged wear. As our durometer confirms, the cushion is 26.2% softer than average.

This version is Pegasus’ most rockered version yet but still retains the flexibility and versatility it’s loved for. Our bend test reveals it’s 34.0% more adaptive than average, which means it retains the natural running experience. It’s also comfortable enough for activities beyond running!

However, the drop feels quite harsh. At 11.4 mm, it’s more suited for runners who heel strikes or have lower leg issues.

With energy flowing through its veins, Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is our super speed trainer among neutral running shoes in the lab. It feels extremely light all around as it offers a fluid and forgiving ride that performs superbly at any distance and pace.

ES4 is weightless and peppy. At 8.4 oz (237g), it’s 10.9% lighter than average. Its nylon plate and bouncy midsole feel responsive, giving us the runner’s high we’re craving. Despite its energy rebound, each stride feels effortless since the midsole doesn’t resist our movements. Our 90-degree test confirms it’s as flexible as our current lab average (29.4N).

The PWRRUN PB midsole tempted us to gobble more miles as it spoiled us with bounce and comfort through its 36.2/27.5 mm stack. To boost stability, it makes the cushion a balanced 22.3 HA so that it doesn’t compress unevenly no matter where we strike our foot.

ES4 is a good place to be in all day. No sweat and blisters with its ultra-breezy upper. The constant airflow provided by the ventilation holes keeps our feet fresh, which our breathability tests confirm with a remarkable 5/5 rating.

While ES4 feels comfortable, some runners still prefer the ultra-soft sensation. If plush cushioning is a priority, we recommend checking other options.

The Alphafly 3 is a lightweight marvel of running engineering, boasting exceptional energy return, luxurious comfort, and remarkable stability. After intense testing in the lab and on the streets, it emerges as our top racer among neutral running shoes.

This shoe is meant to race as it truly comes alive at a faster pace. It integrates the rigid FlyPlate and Air Pods into the midsole to provide consistent power and responsiveness. Our bend test revealed its exceptional 144.7% higher stiffness than average, exhaling limitless energy with every stride. What sets the Alphafly 3 apart is its dynamic ZoomX midsole, featuring a dual-density setup for enhanced stability and impact protection. The top layer is a firm 29.3 HA for surefootedness, while the bottom is a plush 18.1 HA for added comfort. This is Ankle for preventing fatigue, especially in the later stages of a race.

Even if it falls in the max-cushioned range, the Alphafly 3 surprises us with its lightness at 7.1 oz (201g). It delivers a refreshing ride with its well-ventilated Atomknit upper, scoring a perfect 5/5 on our breathability test. 

However, enjoying this shoe’s high performance comes with a hefty $285 price tag. Those on a budget should explore other options.

The ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 sets a new standard for all-encompassing comfort, establishing itself as a standout choice among neutral running shoes we ran with and lab-tested. From its generously padded and well-ventilated upper to its ultra-soft yet supportive platform, this shoe exudes nothing but comfort and support, earning the well-deserved title for best plush cushioning.

The lavish midsole foam and skyscraper build complement each other to create unparalleled plushness, providing a sensation of pure bliss with every step. Our durometer quantifies this and reveals a remarkable softness rating that's 21.6% higher than the average road running shoe. With an impressive stack height measuring 40.4/32.0 mm at the heel and forefoot, respectively, Gel Nimbus 26 is an ultimate maximalist shoe.

Moreover, comfort isn't confined to the shoe's midsole; the upper ensures our comfort and protection, even during extensive double-digit runs, with breathability preventing blisters and hotspots. Our lab tests affirm this with a high 4/5 rating, ensuring comfort across seasons.

Surprisingly, the Gel Nimbus 26 is a supportive shoe that inspires confidence and balance. With a substantial base measuring 118.4 mm on the forefoot and 101.7 mm on the heel, stable landings are assured.

However, the trade-off for such indulgent comfort is weight. With the shoe's bulkiness at 10.7 oz (303g), we found it difficult to speed up.

The Nike Zegama 2 excels on off-beaten paths with its grippy Vibram outsole, superior ZoomX midsole, and overall robust build. During our test runs, it offered a comfortable and dynamic experience that enhanced smooth transitions and endurance on trails. Even in the lab, it's our top trail shoe for neutral running.

The Vibram outsole is outstanding, providing excellent grip and durability. Even after navigating rough terrain, there were no signs of damage. Even against our Dremel, it only sustained a 0.8 mm dent. Its Traction Lugs are reliable across surfaces like loose trails, mud, and frozen ground, thanks to its high-quality rubber and well-spaced, 4-mm depth.

The rocker structure and the energetic ZoomX midsole create springy toe-offs and smooth transitions. Upon landing, the pleasantly plush foam catches us, which our durometer measures to be 36.1% softer than average. This leg-saving feature allows us to fully enjoy our outdoor adventures and last longer.

Besides the outsole, the breathable upper and supportive heel both display remarkable toughness in our abrasion tests. With high remarks of 4/5 and 5/5, the shoe excelled in all our durability tests—a rare achievement in our lab.

However, Zegama 2 tips the scales to a hefty 10.7 oz (302g), which may slow the pace of runners who want to race fiercely. If weightlessness is a priority, we recommend exploring elsewhere.

At only $100, Saucony Axon 3 is our best budget neutral running shoe, delivering next-level comfort and world-class durability—qualities that some steeper-priced counterparts can’t even provide. For reference, the average pair costs $137. Adding to the feathers to its cap is its refreshing aura due to its light build and breezy upper. 

Axon 3 kept our runs smooth and cozy with its abundance of cushioning. Its 33.6/27.9 mm stack has a velvet foam that allows us to forget the ground's harshness. Our durometer confirms it’s 22.1% softer than average.

Surprisingly, this pair feels light on foot even with its generous padding. Our scales reveal a mere 8.6 oz (244g), 8.3% lighter than the average running shoe. What keeps it all light is the perforated and unobstructed upper that allows air to flow freely. Axon 3 scored an impressive 4/5 result on our breathability test.

Axon 3 deviates from the expected quality of affordable shoes by ensuring the outsole's durability. The Carbon Rubber did not disappoint in all our lab tests by showing less indentation than average in our Dremel test, scoring a tough 82.8 HC, and measuring 0.7 mm thicker than usual.

We felt this shoe might be too stiff for relaxed paces, as confirmed by above-average results in our torsional rigidity and bend tests. Those who prefer a higher level of flexibility should check elsewhere.