Best and Worst Running Shoes of 2023: What Runners Actually Voted For

Introduction

A large community poll asked runners which shoes they genuinely loved and loathed over 2023. With more than 200 different models mentioned, the results reflect what people are actually wearing for daily miles, speed sessions and races, rather than a single tester’s preferences. Some results were expected, and one shoe managed the rare feat of appearing on both the best and worst lists.

The Worst-Rated Shoes of 2023

Plenty of shoes split opinion, but a handful drew consistent criticism. In fifth place, the New Balance Fresh Foam More v4 divided voters: many runners wanted its plush cushioning but felt it was simply too soft underfoot, tipping past comfortable into mushy.

Joint fourth went to two very different shoes. The Asics Superblast drew criticism mainly on value: some felt it was fine, but the higher retail price made it hard to justify. The Adidas Prime X Strung was found far too bulky and clunky, and notably less well received than the original version.

Third place, with 8.8% of the vote, was the Asics Gel Nimbus 25. Voters found it comfortable enough but a bit clunky underfoot, and the plush upper ran warm and hot. Second place with 10.5% of the vote was the Asics Novablast 3. Voters liked the lightness, but the outsole grip and the feel of the midsole material, which some found too soft and brittle compared with the more rubbery first version, put them off.

And in first place on the worst list, with 17.5% of the vote, the Nike Invincible Run 3. It is a divisive offering: the upper design made it hard for some runners to dial in lockdown over the top of the foot, and heel slip was a common complaint. Even fans of the earlier versions described it as an energy sponge rather than something exciting to run in.

View more details for Asics Gel Nimbus 25

The Best-Rated Shoes of 2023

Now for the good stuff. These rankings count what runners are actually using on foot, whether the shoe launched this year or not.

Number 10: Saucony Endorphin Elite

Scraping in with 4% of the vote, the Endorphin Elite wins people over with its fit, lightness and a forgiving yet slightly firmer ride from the PWRRUN HG foam. It is a strong race-day option that leaves room for a fast turnover.

Number 9: Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

The Endorphin Speed 3 narrowly beat the Elite, continuing a popularity run the line has enjoyed for years. The appeal comes down to lightness and a genuinely fun, free-spirited ride. More refined and stable rivals exist at a similar price, but this one keeps its charm.

View more details for Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

Number 8: Nike Vaporfly 3

With around 5% of the vote, the Vaporfly 3 lands lower than its predecessors once did. The roomy upper, especially around the toebox, is a common complaint, but it remains a fun racing option, and recent discounting has made picking up a pair easier.

Number 7: Puma Deviate Nitro 2

At about 5.5% of the vote, the Deviate Nitro 2 just keeps on giving. There is enough cushioning for long runs, easy miles and speed sessions, the Puma grip on the outsole handles wet conditions, and the price is hard to argue with. A genuine do-it-all shoe.

Number 6: Saucony Endorphin Pro 3

The Endorphin Pro 3 took 6.2% of the vote. It is a solid race option, but the added durability of the PWRRUN PB foam means you can also use it in training without worrying, which makes it a more enticing everyday rotation member. Frequent discounts help too.

View more details for Saucony Endorphin Pro 3

Joint Number 4: Adidas Takumi Sen 9 and Adidas Adios Pro 3

Both shoes took about 7.4% of the vote, powered by Lightstrike Pro midsoles that combine a slightly firmer but very propulsive feel with excellent durability. The outsoles hold up well too, and these models saw real bargains during 2023, dropping to around £150 at one point, which is a steal for shoes at this level.

Number 3: Adidas Adizero Boston 12

After a couple of weaker generations, the Boston 12 is a real return to form. Its do-it-all nature and strong price point earned it a large share of votes, and it delivers those runs where you feel like you could smash through a brick wall.

Number 2: Saucony Triumph 21

The Triumph 21, with about 10.5% of the vote (and plenty of love for the Triumph series generally), nails the balance between squash and stability. The PWRRUN PLUS midsole is durable, the grip and lockdown are never a concern, and it is one of the better-looking shoes of the year. A stick-it-on-and-go daily trainer that many runners have taken hundreds of miles.

Number 1: Asics Superblast

The king of 2023, with a colossal 12.3% of the vote. Yes, it is one of the most expensive non-race shoes out there, and it is famously hard to find in your size. But those who own it report durable, super-light, beautifully cushioned running with no sense of heft despite a tall, wide midsole. It is genuinely fun to run in, and owners report hundreds of miles before it gives up. It also happens to appear on the worst list, proof that you cannot please everyone all of the time.

View more details for Asics Superblast

Buying Advice

If you want one shoe for everything, the Adizero Boston 12 and Puma Deviate Nitro 2 offer the best value and versatility. For pure daily-training comfort, the Saucony Triumph 21 is the safest bet. Racers should look at the Endorphin Elite, Takumi Sen 9 or Adios Pro 3 depending on distance and feel preference, while the Superblast rewards patience if you can actually find your size. Approach the most-criticised shoes knowing exactly why they divided opinion: excessive softness, bulk, or fit issues rather than outright failure.

Conclusion

The community’s verdict for 2023 rewards shoes that balance fun, durability and honest pricing, with the Asics Superblast taking the crown despite its price and scarcity. On the other side, plush cushioning pushed too far proved the fastest way to lose a runner’s goodwill.