Top Running Shoes of 2023: Five Picks Worth Lacing Up

Introduction

Every year brings a wave of new running shoes, and 2023 delivered a mix of surprises: brands rebuilding old favourites from scratch, racers pushing carbon plate design to new extremes, and daily trainers that finally got the softness right. This listicle counts down five picks that earned a spot through genuine, mileage-backed enthusiasm rather than hype.

The Shortlist

The shoes below cover a wide range of needs. Two are all-out or near-race options, one is a high-stack trainer that doubles as a race-day weapon, and two are cushioned daily workhorses. Each earned its place for a specific reason, and each comes with honest trade-offs worth knowing before you buy.

On Cloudsurfer 7

The Cloudsurfer 7 represents a major change of direction. Previous models were often too firm for runners who prefer a soft, sink-in feel, but this version drops the speedboard and uses a new CloudTec Phase midsole design that delivers genuinely soft cushioning. It is surprisingly plush for the brand and makes easy runs feel fun, with the midsole absorbing impact as your feet settle into the ground.

It is not the most versatile shoe. The foam is soft without being bouncy, so picking up the pace is a struggle, and it lacks responsiveness for faster sessions. But for recovery runs, easy miles, and daily ticking-off of kilometres, it is hard to beat, and it stands out as the most appealing On shoe yet for fans of soft cushioning.

Saucony Endorphin Elite

This is a shoe with a love-hate dynamic. It is far firmer and much more aggressive than the Endorphin Pro 3, locking the foot into a position that forces fast running. That aggression pays off: a half marathon personal best of 1:22 came in this shoe, well ahead of expectations, and it is arguably the best-performing carbon plate shoe of the year.

The trade-off is comfort. Over longer distances the aggressive geometry starts to feel cramped, with the foot squeezed into an unnatural position, and by 15K of a marathon it became genuinely uncomfortable. As a result, it works best as a short-distance race shoe for 5K and 10K, where the speed benefits outweigh the comfort costs.

Saucony Triumph 21

If one shoe had to do everything, this would be a strong candidate. The Triumph 21 is a fantastically versatile cushioned daily trainer with great midsole foam that is slightly bouncy, comfortable on long runs, and still quick enough for when you want to push the pace. It is the kind of shoe you reach for constantly without thinking twice.

The main caveat is value. It has changed very little from the Triumph 20, with the updates largely confined to a slightly more breathable upper. If budget matters, the Triumph 20 delivers almost the same experience for less money. As a complete package, though, the Triumph 21 remains a superb do-everything trainer.

Adidas Prime X2 Strung

The original Prime X Strung was a difficult shoe: heel rub that caused cuts during races, plus a wobbly ride that felt out of control on anything but flat ground. The Prime X2 Strung fixes those problems. It is beefier and heavier, with a wider base and a much improved upper that eliminates the heel irritation entirely.

Despite the chunky build, it still feels fast. It was energetic all the way through a full marathon paced in it, delivering a fun, powerful ride that keeps pushing you forward. It has also become a go-to pick for tempo training runs, making it a rare high-stack shoe that works for both hard training and long, enjoyable miles.

New Balance 1080 v13

After two versions that felt firm and unremarkable, the 1080 v13 is a complete revamp. The new structured upper replaces the old stretchy sock design with reinforced areas, generous padding, and good breathability, making it a genuinely plush shoe to wear. But the real change is the midsole: far softer than before, it delivers the sink-in, slightly bouncy feel that easy-run enthusiasts love.

It does sap some energy over long distances, with limited foam return, so a firmer or bouncier shoe may serve you better for big long runs. For the easy and recovery runs that make up most of a weekly training plan, though, it is a superb companion and a standout shoe of the year.

Overall Buying Advice

Pick based on how you actually run. If most of your week is easy mileage, the New Balance 1080 v13 and On Cloudsurfer 7 are the comfort picks. If you want one shoe for everything, the Saucony Triumph 21 is the safest all-rounder, with the Triumph 20 as a value alternative. For race days, the Saucony Endorphin Elite is the fastest option over short distances, while the Adidas Prime X2 Strung covers both fast training and long-distance racing.

Conclusion

These five shoes show how varied a strong year of running footwear can be: a soft-shoed brand finally going plush, an aggressive carbon racer setting personal bests, a reliable daily trainer, a reworked high-stack powerhouse, and a plush revamp that won the top spot. Match the shoe to your runs and any of them can earn a lasting place in your rotation.