Best Neutral Running Shoes 2022

Runners looking for the best neutral running shoes are in luck: All of the best running shoe brands make outstanding neutral shoes as part of their lineups.

This list of neutral running shoes is not exhaustive, and there are other great running shoes out there for you. But if you’re new to running or unsure of what to look for, this is a good place to start.

Here are some of the best neutral running shoes for most people:

• Brooks Ghost 14
• Mizuno Wave Rider 25
• HOKA Clifton 8
• On Cloudflow 3.0
• New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12
• ASICS GEL-Nimbus 24
• Saucony Ride 15
• Altra Torin 6
• Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39
• Karhu Ikoni

[ This article is part of the Fleet Feet Buyer's Guide for The Best Running Shoes 2022. Find all the best running shoes from the top brands for all situations.]

It's no surprise the Brooks Ghost 14 is one of the best neutral running shoes—Brooks built it to be cushioned, comfortable and versatile.

The Brooks Ghost boasts an accommodating fit for a variety of foot shapes and sizes. An engineered upper is light and airy, but secure around the midfoot and heel for an instantly comfortable feeling as soon as you step into them.

Brooks uses DNA Loft foam to deliver the bounciest, softest ride yet. DNA Loft promotes smooth transitions and provides unbeatable cushioning that will last through daily mileage.

The neutral ride, comfortable fit and light overall weight make the Brooks Ghost 14 a great all-around running shoe for most people, and it's one of the best running shoes for beginners.

In the Brooks Ghost 14 review, Fleet Feet testers said the Ghost is an ideal choice for runners who are just starting out and experienced runners putting in big mileage.

The Wave Rider has long been a dependable training partner thanks to its responsive feel and durability.

The Wave Rider 25 is powered by Mizuno's poppy Enerzy foam that springs you forward with each step, and cushions landings mile after mile. A reshaped Wave plate helps disperse impact and promotes smooth transitions from heel to toe.

Whether you choose between an engineered mesh or Waveknit upper, you're going to love the balanced, neutral support of the Mizuno Wave Rider 25.

Read more in our Mizuno Wave Rider 25 review.

A new midsole compound and refreshed upper give the HOKA Clifton 8 a boost while maintaining its position as one of the best neutral running shoes you can find.

The original Clifton made waves with its blend of max cushioning and minimal weight, and the newest model retains those same characteristics. HOKA pumped the Clifton 8 full of a light and energetic EVA foam that's as capable at quick paces as it is for long, slow days.

Designers draped the shoe in a new engineered mesh upper for a soft feel and secure fit. But the soul of the Clifton remains the same: You get a protective ride and buttery transition while staying light on your feet.

Fleet Feet runners praised in the updated fit and ride, saying, “I think the Clifton loyalists will love the 8. It keeps everything that's great about previous iterations and addresses the previous shortcomings with improved fit and materials.”

Read more in our HOKA Clifton 8 review.

The On Cloudflow 3.0 is a fashionable shoe that’s also light and fast to perform on the run.

The Cloudflow’s look comes from On’s innovative CloudTec technology. Designers carved each Cloud element beneath the shoe to collapse on landing for precise, comfortable cushioning but spring back into shape for a firm, consistent response when you take off. Because of this unique design, the Cloudflow is not only great for running but for fitness classes and workouts where you’re changing direction quickly.

A bed of Helion foam above On’s signature CloudTec outsole absorbs impact upon landing and energizes toe-offs to deliver smooth, fast transitions on the run. The Helion foam works with the Speedboard to create a snappy ride that lasts over quick efforts and marathon-length races.

On updated the Cloudflow 3.0 to dial in the fit of the upper and reconfigured the CloudTec outsole for more traction. Overall, the meticulous design and outstanding performance make the On Cloudflow 3.0 one of the best neutral running shoes you can buy.

The New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12 is as dependable as a running shoe can be thanks to a straightforward fit and premium Fresh Foam X cushioning.

New Balance's premier dual cushioning gives the 880 an adaptable ride. Fresh Foam X feels soft when you land and the denser foam under the forefoot provides a smooth transition as you push off. Plus, it's proven itself in a variety of New Balance running shoes, meaning you can rely on it mile after mile.

The accommodating fit and responsive ride make it a great choice for new and experienced runners.

The 880 v12 is a true workhorse: It's cushioned enough to handle itself on long runs but light and responsive enough to pick up the pace. Whether you're just starting out or training for your next marathon, the Fresh Foam 880 v12 can keep up.

Read more in our New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12 Review.

ASICS took the classic Nimbus and made it even softer.

The new GEL-Nimbus 24 maintains the comfortable fit and easy ride that so many runners love. Now lighter and with even more cushion, ASICS added their FF BLAST PLUS foam, which softens your landings. ASICS uses their signature gel-like pads in the heel and forefoot of the Nimbus to absorb impact, and Flytefoam cushioning in the midsole creates another layer of protection for your feet.

Fleet Feet runners said the premium cushioning makes the neutral running shoe ideal for easy miles, recovery runs or long days on your feet.

Read more in our ASICS GEL-Nimbus 24 review.

The Saucony Ride 15 is a classic, no-fuss neutral running shoe that's as good for beginners as it is for experienced marathoners.

Part of the mass appeal is the easy fit. Saucony built the Ride 15 around its FORMFIT system, which uses layers of cushioning to adapt to your specific weight and stride. Capped with a one-piece engineered mesh upper, the shoe is comfortable for a wide range of foot shapes.

Underfoot, Saucony redesigned its PWRRUN foam making it both softer and lighter in weight. The foam is soft when you land and responsive when you push off, making the ride as low maintenance as the fit.

Fleet Feet testers loved the new midsole geometry that allows you to sit into the shoe, as opposed to on top of it, giving you a more secure and supportive fit.

Read more in our Saucony Ride 15 review.

The Altra Torin 6 provides a springy, cushioned, zero-drop ride that’s perfect for walking, running or standing all day.

The Torin is one of the best-selling neutral running shoes from Altra because it delivers on its promise of a comfortable fit. Where some shoes taper toward the toe box, Altra’s FootShape toe box is more square to mimic the actual shape of a human foot. The shape lets your foot splay naturally when it lands and push off powerfully, so your feet stay comfortable for all the miles to come.

The Torin 6 has Altra’s EgoMax midsole foam, which provides a bouncy and soft feeling under foot. It also has Altra’s signature Balanced Cushioning (or zero drop), which puts the heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground to encourage better alignment and better form.

The Altra Torin 6 sports a roomy toe box and 0 mm heel-to-toe drop to give you a natural sense of control while on the run.

The Nike Pegasus is consistently one of the best running shoes every year. Because of its straightforward fit and versatility, it can be spotted not only toeing the starting line on race day but on athletes of all types.

Nike’s React foam in the midsole gives you a smooth and responsive ride while two Zoom Air units at the forefoot and heel add a pop to your step to keep you feeling energized for miles.

A breathable and lightweight upper has extra padding at the tongue and collar to keep your feet comfortable and blister-free. For fast turns and cross-training workouts, flexible engineered mesh works with Nike’s Flywire technology and an integrated midfoot band to hug your foot for total support during your run or workout.

If you’re looking for a neutral running shoe that you can use for just about anything, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 fits the bill. Its lightweight cushioning and a dialed-in fit make the Pegasus 39 an ideal choice as your go-to daily trainer.

The Karhu Ikoni may be one of the most slept-on daily trainers in the neutral running shoe category. Designed based on millions of 3D foot scans captured during Fleet Feet’s fit id® outfitting process, the Karhu Ikoni is one of the most comfortable fitting neutral running shoes you’ll put on.

A bed of lightweight Aerofoam feels super plush and responsive and is supported by a half-length Fulcrum rocker in the midfoot. This combination helps to roll the foot through its heel-to-toe transition and makes runs and walks feel effortless with each step.

A unique Ortix footbed gives the sensation of arch support underfoot, and Karhu’s M-Lock lacing system in the upper feels like the palm of a hand gently holding the top of your foot down.

Plus, it comes in a HiVo (high-volume) version for wider or taller feet so you can enjoy the Karhu Ikoni without your feet falling asleep on longer runs. In our review, testers loved how lightweight and cushioned the Ikoni is, and we think you will too.

How We Chose the Best Neutral Running Shoes

We used data from our fit id® outfitting process, interviews with designers and real-life wear testing to determine the best neutral running shoes.

You can shop with confidence at Fleet Feet: We offer free shipping on all orders over $99, and you have 60 days to return any gear if you don’t like the way it looks, fits or feels. Plus, with our price-match guarantee, you can make sure you never pay too much for a new pair of running shoes.