Running Awards 2023: The Best Shoes and Gear of the Year

Introduction

Every year we keep a running tally of what actually worked, and 2023 produced some genuinely impressive releases alongside a few brands that drifted. This roundup collects our picks for the most improved brand, the shoes that defined the year, and the smaller accessories that quietly earned daily-use status.

Most Improved Brand: On

The biggest turnaround of 2023 belongs to On. Earlier models in the lineup left us underwhelmed, with an ill-fitting upper, thin padding in key areas, and a speed board that sat too close to the foot, making things feel rigid. Fast shipping was the one clear win. In 2023, though, On improved almost the entire lineup, from max-cushion to responsive daily trainers.

The Cloudmonster returned as a far more convincing max-cushion option, the Cloudstratus pushed CloudTec to its limit, and the Cloudflow 4 delivered a lower-stack, more nimble and responsive ride suited to everyday use.

The Max-Cushion Standout: On Cloud Eclipse

The real game changer is CloudTec Phase, and nowhere is it better showcased than in the Cloud Eclipse. It delivers a beautifully propulsive cushioning that feels genuinely different from everything else on the market, and sometimes that left-field option is exactly what the category needs.

Everyday and Fast Options from On

Not everyone wants maximum cushion, and On’s broader 2023 lineup covers the rest of the spectrum well.

View more details for On Cloudflow 4

Accessories of the Year

Running shoes get the headlines, but the smaller gear matters just as much. Three items stood out over the year: a heart rate monitor from CHOROS, a pair of toe socks from UYN, and a set of wireless earbuds from EarFun.

The CHOROS heart rate monitor charges quickly and lasts for days, with a claimed 38 hours per charge that matches our experience. There are no buttons to accidentally leave switched on, the arm strap adjusts easily, and readings tested identical to a stick-on chest-based monitor. Anyone with bony wrists who struggles with optical wrist sensors will appreciate the difference.

The EarFun Air Pro 3 punches well above its size with an 11 mm wool driver, smooth bass without being overblown, and an articulate midrange. Active noise cancellation is highly effective, though runners are better off adding ambient sound back in to stay aware of traffic and hazards. Battery life never became a problem thanks to the charging case.

The UYN Runners 5 socks, however, take the top accessory prize. They are the best socks we tried all year, superbly made, washing hundreds of times without complaint, with an almost seamless toe design that covers each toe individually. They also fix the fit of slightly generous uppers, making them a smart pairing for roomier shoes.

Brand of the Year: Saucony

Saucony was on point across its full 2023 running lineup, with options that each occupy a clear niche and weights that hit the mark. Where other brands’ foams behave unpredictably, Saucony’s materials feel consistently dialed in, and you simply get more shoe for your money.

The Endorphin Elite is the standout: it perfects the super shoe formula with new foam, a striking and unusual upper, and an overall design that screams innovation.

View more details for Saucony Endorphin Pro 3

The Everyday Workhorses: Triumph 21, Kinvara 14 and Ride 17

The Triumph 21 is a hugely usable daily trainer suited to almost any run type aside from high-speed training, with broad appeal across all kinds of runners. The Kinvara 14 keeps the lighter, faster daily niche covered, and the Ride 17 continues to impress with more miles in it.

Also Impressing: Adidas Boston 12

Adidas had a hit-and-miss year overall, with the Prime X Strung and Adios 8 disappointing and the Supernova Rise closer to fine. The Boston 12, however, was an absolute banger and ranks among the best shoes of the year.

Honorable Mention and Brands to Watch

A special mention goes to Be Lenka-style independent barefoot children’s footwear companies focused on healthy foot development, whose barefoot kids’ trainers wear well, provide comfort, and let feet move naturally. On the flip side, Nike and New Balance are the brands we most want to see improve in 2024: Nike’s daily models feel flat, heavy, and overlapping, while New Balance’s recent foam consistency varies wildly between models. The good news is that 2024 updates from both look genuinely promising.

Conclusion

2023 rewarded brands that refined their whole lineup rather than chasing single hero shoes. On made the most dramatic comeback, Saucony earned brand of the year with a remarkably consistent range, and the Boston 12 proved Adidas can still deliver when it counts. For accessories, the UYN Runners 5 socks were the most used and most loved item of the year. If your current rotation needs a refresh, the shoes above are the safest place to start.