Top Running Shoes of 2022: 10 Favorites Plus 2 That Just Missed Out

Introduction

After twelve months of running in all sorts of weather conditions and grinding outsoles into the floor, this ranking draws on the miles actually collected in each shoe. It covers a whole menagerie of midsoles, some outstanding outsoles, and some utterly stupendous uppers.

The list leans on enjoyment as much as raw performance: how much a shoe makes you want to reach for it, and how it might work for other runners too. Here are the top running shoes of 2022, with a couple of near-misses first.

Just Outside the Top 10

Two tested shoes narrowly missed the cut. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is a great shoe that felt a little too squashy, with a heel counter that sits a bit high around the Achilles and some visible midsole wear after testing. It remains a light and nimble option, though the winged plate in the midsole is harder to love.

The Reebok Floatride Energy X is genuinely likeable at a steady cruising pace, but there is just a little too much bulk here. A weight reduction and more Floatride Plus foam in the midsole would improve a future iteration considerably. Both shoes are worth a look if their strengths match your running.

Number 10: Puma Velocity Nitro 2

The Velocity Nitro 2, in both standard and First Mile versions, is a great daily shoe that doubles as a casual option. The midsole combo pairs a slightly more responsive EVA with Puma’s softer, cushioned Nitro foam, and the outsole delivers considerable grip.

Hard to beat in terms of value for money, and it looks fantastic too. Call it Old Reliable and be done with it.

Number 9: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39

The Pegasus 39 has a React midsole that feels a touch softer than the 37 and 38, softening up further over time. The upper fit is back on point after two slightly off versions, closer to the feel of the 35 and 36 era, and the dual Air units remain resilient where some super shoe foams have aged less gracefully.

It is also the kind of shoe you can simply walk into a store and pick up, which counts for something these days.

Number 8: Reebok Floatride Energy 4

A fantastic daily option with an incredibly lightweight upper, top-notch looks, and a midsole balancing cushion, flexibility, and responsiveness just right. Pricing is darn good, as is typical for Reebok models.

There is also a beefier outsole on the Adventure version, which handled dreadful UK conditions of puddles, ice patches, and very cold temperatures perfectly. Listed at £75 and £85 respectively and often discounted to around £50, this is the best value running shoe pick of 2022.

Number 7: Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite

The first super shoe on the list is an amazing looking and performing shoe. It works brilliantly as an aggressive tempo and faster-pace shoe, perhaps not quite the marathon shoe Puma intended.

The two foams create a really smooth transition from heel to forefoot, with a very responsive and lively mid-forefoot section, strong Puma grip on the outsole, and a super light flexible upper. It recalls the original Vaporfly Next% in spirit and stands as one of the most innovative shoes of the last twelve months. Nothing quite like it.

Number 6: Adidas Adios 7

The sleek, nimble, and great-value Adios 7 was the best daily running shoe pickup of 2022. It takes a little time to break in, but once done, the cushion combination of Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro is unmatched in its amounts and positions.

It is responsive enough to make you want to push the pace, with no bulky heel profile, wonderful flexibility, structure in the toe box, and outsole grip that puts many more expensive shoes to shame. Think of it as a lighter version of the Adios 6. Best for narrower feet, though a wide version now exists. Often discounted too.

Number 5: Saucony Endorphin Pro 3

A big update over versions one and two, with a more compressive midsole and more of it, plus a weight reduction. The upper design shares clear similarities with what Nike used for the Vaporfly Next% 3.

The outsole is really improved, the upper is flexible and stylish, and the shoe feels superb out of the box and after more miles. The low weight is especially impressive given the amount of cushion on offer, and it stands out for both racing and training. A bit of a maverick, and one of the best this year in a crowded field.

Number 4: Nike Invincible Run Flyknit 2

The second version of a shoe the original already did very well, now with a much better upper and a design more on point, with no rubbing around the toe box. The midsole is a super squashy pillow of cushion that works for easy miles, recovery efforts, longer runs, and even walking.

It held up surprisingly well over time with no separation issues at the heel, and it earned plenty of casual wear too. For the retail price, it delivered its money’s worth many times over.

Number 3: Asics Metaspeed Sky Plus

The shoe that brought the most racing enjoyment this year. It sits low profile around the foot with a bouncy, brittle-like midsole feel not dissimilar to the original ZoomX in the Vaporfly 4%.

The enlarged midfoot-to-forefoot area and the ping pong bat style rubber on the outsole grip like no other running shoe. It feels aggressive and puts you in exactly the right mindset at a start line. A superb update from Asics and highly recommended if you can test it.

Number 2: Adidas Adizero Prime X Strung

Rated highly after 100 miles, yet landing at number two. This shoe either works for you or it does not, with no real middle ground, and there is no escaping the huge price, which makes it too much of a gamble for some.

The upper design is insanely good and deserves to spread across other models. The midsole and outsole continue from the original Prime X, it is tremendous across the pace ranges, and it is a brilliant, fun trainer that leaves your legs feeling fantastic. If a shoe helps you stay consistent in training alongside a busy life, that is a win. Only the price keeps it from the top spot.

Number 1: Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8

A real update over the 6 and 7: insanely light, with real propulsion from the energy rods and the trademark glove-like Takumi Sen upper with minimal materials. Lightstrike Pro only in the midsole, everything minimized, a shoe built for speed like a hot rod dragster.

The ride is engaging, partly thanks to the lower drop, which rewards a fast cadence leaning less on the heel and more on the very grippy mid-to-forefoot. The main reason for the top spot is value: often found for just under £100, which is incredible for this performance. Yes, the fit feels very narrow, but this is close to perfection and little comes close on cost versus performance.

Buying Advice

If you want maximum value, the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 and the Adidas Adios 7 deliver the most performance per pound, especially when discounted. For daily mileage with a fun edge, the Prime X Strung is superb if the price does not scare you off. For race day, the Metaspeed Sky Plus and the Takumi Sen 8 are the picks, with the Takumi Sen 8 the standout overall. For easy miles and recovery, the Invincible Run Flyknit 2 and Velocity Nitro 2 keep things comfortable.

Conclusion

The common thread across this list is enjoyment: the shoes you constantly want to grab are the ones worth buying, whether or not they set a personal best. The Takumi Sen 8 tops the year on that measure, but nearly every shoe here earned its place through genuine miles and genuine enthusiasm.