The Best Running Shoe Uppers of 2021 and Early 2022

Introduction

Uppers rarely get the attention that midsole foams and carbon plates do, but they decide how a shoe actually feels on your foot. An upper keeps your foot on the platform, and small fit issues like heel slippage, midfoot translation, or too much forefoot volume multiply over hundreds of miles.

Why Uppers Matter

The upper creates security, stability, and lockdown over the platform. When it does not lock down well, the entire ride can change: the foot flexes over the platform instead of moving with it, and even a “just an upper update” release can transform a shoe.

Comfort is the other half of the story. Feet carry a dense network of nerves and blood vessels, so compression in the wrong areas can cause numbness and tingling that makes a shoe unwearable. The best uppers balance a snug, secure hold with enough room and compliance for the foot to swell over long runs.

Best Knit Daily Trainer Upper: Mizuno Wave Rider 25

The Wave Knit upper on the Mizuno Wave Rider 25 stands out for its balanced, comfortable feel through the whole shoe. It holds a relatively normal width throughout, dials in snugly on the foot, and still offers a little give, almost like swelling accommodation, without ever feeling sloppy. The knit feels more robust and locked in than the mesh version, which led to a smoother transition off the toe and a more connected ride.

The gusseted tongue is well padded, neither too thin nor too bulky, and the flat laces are a welcome touch. For runners who found the mesh version loose, the knit is a clear upgrade.

Best Mesh Daily Trainer Uppers

Two mesh uppers tied for the year. The Topo Magnifly 4 delivers a dialed-in, anatomical fit with a soft, comfortable interior. Its elastic lacing elements stretch over the tongue when locked down, pulling the foot in securely, and a wrap around the medial side holds everything in place. Despite a genuinely wide anatomical toe box, there is virtually no foot movement, which is rare for that shape.

The Newton Gravity Plus takes a different approach with a thin, soft, one-piece air mesh that feels almost luxurious over the foot. It flows continuously into the platform, dials in well with the lacing system, stays breathable thanks to perforations, and pairs with a lightly padded tongue and a secure, non-irritating heel counter.

Best Racing Uppers

The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite earns top marks for its last and fit. Many performance racing uppers narrow sharply through the midfoot for an aggressive feel, but Puma widened it slightly while still allowing a tight lock-down, with a medial strap that integrates with the lacing system if you want it. The forefoot is relatively wide for a racing shoe, good for swelling accommodation, and the heel is reinforced enough to avoid irritation without a true counter. Multiple runs over 20 miles confirmed the fit held up.

On the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, the upper adjustment matters even more because the shoe is carbon plated. With stiff-sole shoes, a heel popping out of the platform wastes the mechanical advantage the foam and plate are designed to deliver. Moving the lacing system slightly to the side and narrowing the heel improved lockdown noticeably over the first version, keeping the foot connected so the system under it can work properly.

Best Trail Uppers

For a lightweight, nimble trail option, the Brooks Caldera does the fundamentals well on a challenging platform: high stack, soft foam, full-contact outsole, and a sharp rocker. The upper integrates tightly with the platform, locking the shoe down while still allowing some ground feel. It runs a little narrow, so runners with narrow feet are the natural fit.

The Altra Lone Peak 5 shines for trail running, hiking, and thru-hiking. Its non-waterproof synthetic upper with a cloth lining dries out quickly and breathes well, which keeps socks drying over long hiking miles. It locks down well despite no heel counter, though the very wide heel opening can let small pebbles slide in. That trade-off is part of why it is a favorite among Appalachian Trail thru-hikers.

Buying Advice

The right upper is personal. The Endorphin Shift 2 illustrates the point: seams added along the sides gave some runners extra stability while others experienced foot compression and numbness. What works for one runner may not work for another, so trying shoes on and paying attention to how the upper compresses or holds your foot matters as much as any midsole spec.

Conclusion

Uppers are the underrated half of a running shoe. Whether you want the cozy Wave Knit hold of the Wave Rider 25, the anatomical precision of the Magnifly 4, the plush air mesh of the Gravity Plus, the locked-in race fit of the Deviate Nitro Elite or Endorphin Pro 2, or the quick-drying roominess of the Lone Peak 5, the upper you choose shapes every mile you run.