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The 10 Best Treadmill Running Shoes for Indoor Cardio Workouts, According to Experts

Support your stride with these picks from Nike, Hoka, Brooks, and more.

By Gabrielle Hondorp

Gabrielle Hondorp

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Since treadmills offer a smooth, flat surface during the entirety of your run, you don’t have to worry too much about the tread and outsole like you do when you’re jogging on craggy city streets or trail running on rocky paths. Many prefer cushioned running shoes for the treadmill, because the machine’s hard surface can be tough on the shins and knees. Firm cushioning will soften the impact, which can help to prevent overuse and stress injuries. Depending on your workout though — i.e. interval training vs. power walking — you may want to seek out specific features in the shoes that are tailored to your exercise type and gait. Sprinters will want a sneaker with propulsive energy return, while those running upwards of six miles on the machine at a time should slip into a pair of long-distance running shoes.

For advice on selecting the right pair of treadmill running shoe for you, we spoke to Whittaker and board-certified podiatrist Dr. Suzanne Fuchs. We also used our own expertise in testing running gear to determine the top 10 treadmill workout shoes to lace up before you hit the gym.

10 Best Treadmill Running Shoes 2023, Tested & Reviewed

Best Stability Shoe for Treadmill Running

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Shoes

Size range: 5 to 13 women’s; 7 to 15 men’s
Materials: DNA Loft foam, mesh upper, rubber outsole
Colorways available: 15 womens, 13 mens
Special features: GuideRail support works for all gait types
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Brooks Top-Quality Store Badge on Google

$140 Buy women’s Now at amazon

$140 Buy men’s now at Amazon

$140 Buy women’s Now at brooks

$140 Buy men’s Now at brooks

The Adrenaline has been a go-to shoe for runners for its excellent fit, comfortable feel, and serious stability for overpronators. This stability running shoe has a unique system called GuideRails, which consists of two foam pieces that hug around the heel through to the arch, preventing your foot from rolling inward and assisting with proper alignment through your ankles, shins, and knees. That supportive feature makes this shoe super adaptive and great for all types of runners, no matter your arch height or strength. This shoe also has excellent grip, and is pretty lightweight so it won’t weigh you down as you walk on the treadmill or off.

What testers say: “Most comfortable shoe I have ever walked in and I walk 14,000 steps a day.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $139.99

Hoka Clifton 9 Shoes

Size range: 5 to 12 women’s; 7 to 16 men’s
Materials: Mesh upper, EVA foam midsole, rubber outsole
Colorways available: 16 women’s, 19 men’s
Special features: Early-stage meta rocker helps you roll through the foot
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Hoka Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars

$145 Buy women’s Now at zappos

$145 Buy men’s Now at zappos

$145 Buy women’s Now at hoka

$145 Buy men’s Now at hoka

Hokas have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to their plush cushioning and lightweight feel. The Clifton is their mid-cushion model — though since it is a Hoka sneaker, it still feels softer than most mid-cushioned shoes — and has a springy, lightweight feel that makes it one of the best women’s and men’s running shoes for the treadmill. It also has a meta-rocker which forces you to roll through your feet, propelling you from heel to toe. This improves the efficiency of your gait and is particularly great for heel strikers as it disperses shock more evenly through the foot. Hoka Cliftons are also a popular comfortable shoe for men and women for everyday wear, so you’ll get plenty of wear out of the sneakers.

What testers say: “These are the best! I’m now on my third pair. Won’t wear anything else! I had a knee replacement a year ago and it’s made walking so much easier!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $145

Best Shoes for Treadmill and Weights

Nike Free Metcon 5 Shoes

Size range: 5 to 15 women’s; 7 to 15 men’s
Materials: Foam midsole, mesh upper, internal webbing
Colorways available: 8 women’s, 16 men’s
Special features: Flexible midsole moves with the feet
Nike Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars

$120 Buy Now at nike

If you want a cross-training shoe that can handle both your lifting and cardio workouts, the Nike Free Metcon is a great option. This shoe has some flexibility to it, but it’s stable enough to keep you on solid footing when you’re running, walking, and jumping. A dual density midsole with a soft core absorbs shock, and a firm insole provides durability for months of use. These Nike workout shoes also have a lightweight, breathable upper that’s comfortable on the foot, and a heel cup for additional support. As far as grip, the shoe has rubber treads in high traction areas so you have ample grip without unnecessary weight.

What testers say: “Love these shoes, they are perfect for working out and everyday wear. Also the delivery time was sooner than expected.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $120

Related:
Best Nike Shoes
Best Nike Running Shoes
Best Nike Walking Shoes

Best Shoes for Treadmill Walking

Brooks Glycerin GTS 20 Shoes

Size range: 5 to 12 women’s; 7 to 15 men’s
Materials: Mesh upper, DNA Loft v3 foam, rubber outsole
Colorways available: 7 women’s, 7 men’s
Special features: GuideRails gently promote proper running form
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Brooks Top-Quality Store Badge on Google

$160 Buy women’s Now at amazon

$160 Buy men’s Now at amazon

$160 Buy women’s Now at brooks

$160 Buy men’s Now at brooks

If you’re hitting the treadmill for a recovery walk between big runs, we recommend lacing into the Brooks’ Glycerin GTS sneakers. The neutral sneaker has a plush but low-profile midsole so it feels soft but not bulky. And the rubber outsole is particularly grippy and durable, so it will wear well over the miles. Like the Brooks’ Adrenaline sneakers, this shoe also uses Brooks’ GuideRail system to keep you in proper alignment with each step — just note that the Adrenaline sneakers are best for major stability, while the Glycerin sneakers are better suited for those with a neutral gait.

What testers say: “I ordered these shoes because of my plantar fasciitis. My foot has complete support without the feeling of a chunky clunky shoe. I’m on my feet a minimum 12 to 14 hours a day between my health care job and my delivery driver job and these shoes get me through the day.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $160

Best Shoes for Treadmill Walking and Running

Adidas Ultra 4d Shoes

Size range: 5 to 16 women’s; 4 to 15 men’s
Materials: 3D printed midsole, Primeknit upper, rubber outsole
Colorways available: 7 womens, 7 mens
Special features: 3D printed midsole
Adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars

$220 Buy Now at adidas

Lightweight, flexible and responsive, the Adidas Ultra 4D is a great option for those that want a versatile shoe for both running and walking. Despite being called the 4D, these Adidas gym shoes have a 3D printed midsole that deliver a super unique look and a propulsive feel. They also have a knit upper which stretches a bit for a sock-like feel. Unlike some shoes which have zonal outsole, these have a full rubber outsole which provides especially great grip on a treadmill.

What testers say: “Looks better than in the pics. Toe box has just a little more room than the normal knit uppers, which I like actually. I like that I can slip them on and off and still workout in them.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $220

Related:
Best Adidas Walking Shoes
Best Adidas Running Shoes
Best Adidas Sneakers

Best Treadmill Shoes for Wide Feet

Altra Torin 7 Shoes

Size range: 5.5 to 12 women’s; 7 to 15 men’s
Materials: Altra Ego max foam, mesh upper, rubber outsole
Colorways available: 5 womens, 5 mens
Special features: foot shaped last flares at toe box
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

$149.95 Buy men’s Now at amazon

$149.95 Buy women’s Now at amazon

$149.95 Buy men’s Now at altra

$149.95 Buy women’s Now at altra

Those with wide feet — particularly a wide forefoot due to bunions or plain-old genetics — know that it can be incredibly difficult to find a shoe that fits correctly without sliding off the heel. Altra shoes are a great fix for this problem: The shoes have a foot-shaped last that’s narrow at the heel and flared out at the toe box, which allows more room for comfortable toe splay. These shoes are also zero drop which gives them a more natural running feel. But despite a more minimalist design, they have a decent amount of cushioning so they still feel soft, comfortable, and plush underfoot.

What testers say: “I have never written an online review until these shoes… I LOVE them. I run 30 miles a week and these serve as my easy running / every day training shoes. I was nervous about going into a zero drop but have had no issues. Will be repeat buying these.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $149.95

Best Treadmill Running Shoes for Flat Feet

Asics Gel Kayano 30 Shoes

Size range: 5 to 13 women’s; 6 to 16 men’s
Materials: PureGel and FF Blast Plus eco foam, mesh upper, rubber outsole
Colorways available: 11 women’s, 11 men’s
Special features: Gel heel pad and bevel is great for heel strikers
Asics Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.3/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

$160 Buy women’s Now at asics

$160 Buy men’s Now at asics

$159.95 Buy women’s now at zappos

If you have flat feet, you’ll want to make sure that you have ample support in your shoes. The Gel-Kayano is one of the most popular stability shoes on the market. What’s the secret to its success? This Asics running shoe is highly cushioned for a comfortable feel, but it also delivers arch support to keep your foot in a neutral, supported position. Launching just this past summer, this generation of the Kayano is the lightest and softest one yet, but it also has a flared base for additional stability and a responsive foam with excellent energy return. This is also a great option for heel strikers because it has a sculpted heel bevel which helps you to smoothly roll through to the midfoot.

What testers say: “I get every version of the Kayano’s and these are nice and comfortable. They have a bit more cushion then prior versions. Great for running, walking and doing activities.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $160

Best Treadmill Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Brooks Ghost Max Shoes

Size range: 6 to 12 women’s; 7 to 15 men’s
Materials: DNA Loft foam, mesh upper, rubber outsole
Colorways available: 5 womens, 5 mens
Special features: Glideroll rocker promotes smooth heel to toe transitions
Brooks Top-Quality Store Badge on Google
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

$150 Buy women’s Now at nordstrom

$150 Buy men’s now at nordstrom

$150 Buy women’s Now at brooks

$150 BUY MEN’S NOW AT BROOKS

Plantar fasciitis is painful and often tricky to get rid of, but a proper pair of shoes can help prevent and heal pain, especially when you are attempting to exercise through it. The Ghost Max is one of Brooks’ newest models, and it happens to be a great pair of running shoes for plantar fasciitis. It has a super cushioned midsole as well as a deep heel cup which keeps the feet feeling comfortable and supported. It also has a slight rocker to it which prevents you from having to flex your foot too much when running and walking which can irritate the plantar fascia.

What testers say: “Love the extra support in these super comfortable shoes. They have extra cushion and a thick shock absorbing sole.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $150

Related:
Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis

Best High Cushion Treadmill Shoes

Hoka Bondi 8 Shoes

Size range: 5 to 12 women’s; 7 to 16 men’s
Materials: EVA midsole, mesh upper, rubber outsole
Colorways available: 21 womens, 25 mens
Special features: Plush cushioned midsole
Hoka Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

$165 Buy men’s Now at rei

$165 Buy women’s Now at zappos

$165 Buy men’s Now at hoka

$165 Buy women’s now at hoka

If high cushion is what you’re after, then the Bondi is the way to go. This Hoka treadmill shoe has an incredibly plush feel with a super thick EVA foam midsole. Despite being quite chunky, the Bondi doesn’t feel heavy on the foot, and it has a slight rocker shape which helps you to roll through the foot with a smooth, even gait. This shoe also has a memory foam collar that gives you comfortable support, and since you sink down in the foam a bit it, actually provides a decent amount of stability despite being classified as a neutral shoe.

What testers say: “I bought the Bondi 8 specifically for a vacation that would be a lot of walking. These hands down are the best walking shoes I’ve ever bought. No foot or leg pain, when averaging 5 miles a day of walking. I loved the stability of the shoe and my foot was held in place.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $165

Best Lightweight Treadmill Running Shoe

Saucony Kinvara 14 Shoes

Size range: 5 to 12 women’s; 7 to 15 men’s
Materials: Mesh upper, Pwrrun foam, strategically placed rubber outsole
Colorways available: 15 women’s, 16 men’s
Special features: Incredibly lightweight and flexible
DSW Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars

$120 Buy women’s Now at dsw

$120 Buy women’s Now at saucony

$120 Buy men’s Now at saucony

If you’re someone that likes a super fast, lightweight running shoe, the Kinvara is a fantastic option for you. This Saucony shoe is impressively light and breathable, but also has a soft, flexible midsole that feels comfortable and natural on the foot. It weighs in at only 6.2 ounces, which is lighter than most racing shoes, and has a slight rocker shape which helps to propel you forward. Despite being feather-light, it’s designed as a daily trainer, so it can handle your weekly mileage while maintaining its plump, plush feel.

What testers say: “I absolutely love these. They’re forgiving enough that I’ll take them out for easy miles often, but also a really fast option. At a sub-6 min/mile pace they almost feel plated; might be unique to my cadence or form, but they’ve definitely become my anything shoes. I’m seeing signs of an impending blowout on the inside of one, but I probably have close to 400 miles in them so no biggie. I’ll buy again.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $120

What to Look for in the Best Treadmill Running Shoes

Cushioning: Unless you prefer a super lightweight or minimalist shoe, it’s often best to opt for a higher cushion model when it comes to treadmill shoes. Look for soft foams like EVA which are lightweight but offer a high level of plush cushioning. The shape of the midsole is also important; consider models with a curved shape or at least an upturned toe as this will help with turnover and allow you to run more smoothly and efficiently.

Durable outsole: Though not as important as on a road shoe, you still want to make sure that your treadmill shoe has a decent, well, tread. Look for shoes that have moderately thick rubber outsoles. You don’t want them so thick that they weigh the shoe down, but the thicker the rubber, the longer the grip will last. Some shoes also opt for outsole only in high slip areas like the toe and heel, which will give you traction where you need it most.
Breathability: Whether in a treadmill shoe or an all around running shoe, you want an upper that will allow your foot to breathe. Breathability not only keeps your feet more comfortable, but it will also help keep them dry and reduce the risk of blistering. Look for mesh uppers without a ton of plastic overlays.
Responsive midsole: Responsiveness is the amount of energy returned to the body with each step. The more responsive a shoe is, generally the easier it is to run in, and the springier it feels. This is great on a treadmill as it helps to propel you forward and help reduce fatigue especially if you do not change elevation.

The Best Treadmill Sneakers for Different Foot Types and Conditions

Treadmill shoes for flat feet: “Shoes that offer stability and support to prevent overpronation (when your feet roll inward) are best,” says Dr. Fuchs. “They should have a firm midsole, a supportive arch, and a structured heel. The shoes should also have good shock absorption to reduce the impact on your feet and knees.”

Treadmill shoes for wide feet: “Look for shoes that come in wide sizes or have a wide toe box. They should provide enough room for your toes to move freely without feeling cramped. The shoes should also have a flexible upper material that can accommodate the width of your feet,” says Dr. Fuchs.

Treadmill running shoes for high arches: You can always add a running insole for bolstered arch support in any shoe, however, Dr. Fuchs recommends seeking out shoes that offer cushioning to absorb shock, and styles with a curved last to accommodate the shape of your foot.

Treadmill running shoes for plantar fasciitis: “Shoes that offer good arch support and cushioning will reduce pressure on the plantar fascia,” explains Dr. Fuchs. “They should also have a deep heel cup to help stabilize the foot and a firm heel counter for support.” The presence of a forefoot rocker is also useful for helping you to roll through the foot and prevent excessive flex in the arch.

Treadmill running shoes for bunions: “Look for shoes with a wide toe box to accommodate the bunion and prevent pressure on it. The shoes should also have a soft upper material to reduce irritation and a seamless interior to prevent rubbing against the bunion.” It can also be helpful to opt for a more supportive shoe as proper alignment can also prevent excessive pressure from being placed on a bunion.

How We Chose the Best Treadmill Running Shoes

For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.

To choose the 10 best treadmill running shoes of 2023, we gathered up a selection of shoes that would serve different budgets, needs, preferences, and common foot conditions. We reached out to experts in the field to get in-depth info on how to choose a treadmill running shoe and what exactly to look for. We also took into consideration reviews left by those that had purchased and worn these shoes. Finally, we looked to our own experience with years of testing and wearing running gear to create our list. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Experts

Kelly Whittaker is the Chief Curriculum Lead at Barry’s Bootcamp. She is also a 40 time marathoner, certified run coach, and maurten sponsored athlete.

Dr. Suzanne Fuchs is a board certified podiatrist and podiatric foot surgeon. She is also a health and fitness enthusiast and her career is focused on reconstructive foot surgery and sports medicine.

Meet the Author

Gabrielle Hondorp has worked as a fitness and wellness gear reviewer since 2019. She has written for publications like Runner’s World, Health, SELF, Women’s Running, Sports Illustrated and more. She was a collegiate track and cross country athlete and remains an avid outdoorswoman. Her firsthand experience as a runner informed this list of the best treadmill running shoes, many of which Hondorp has personally tested.

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