Our topmost choices for the best treadmill running shoes:
- Neutral: ASICS Novablast 3 — a good-looking shoe, which offers a more responsive ride and maxed-out support on key areas of the foot.
- Stability: ASICS GEL-Kayano 29 — a stable shoe that some consider the most comfortable running shoe for overpronators.
The treadmill has a unique running surface, and to succeed in your workout on this running deck, you will need shoes that can be effective on a moving platform.
The treadmill resists your movement, and you need to push to run. So choosing performance over style in shoes has been the key to a successful workout on a treadmill. Although with today’s running shoes, it is now easier to find both performance and style in one great shoe.
Treadmill running is more effortless than road running because of the help of the treadmill belt. So you can go faster than your usual running speed. It makes an excellent training tool for speed work (or tempo runs). However, the hardening of muscles and tissues is minimal compared to road running because of the softer surface of the treadmill. But there is a low possibility that you will suffer lower body pain because of the cushioned impact.
Since treadmill running doesn’t have any wind resistance because you’re inside a gym, increase the treadmill’s incline to the desired angle to do your indoor workout as hard as running outdoors.
What are the best running shoes for treadmill?
The best running shoes for treadmills are lightweight road running shoes. If you run only up to 5 miles on a treadmill, you can choose your favorite cross trainer so you can complete your other gym workouts with just one pair of shoes. But if you run over 5 miles in a single workout on a treadmill, you will need a serious pair of road running shoes to have a meaningful workout.
Training shoes vs Running shoes
Training shoes are useful for a variety of workouts that can improve strength, speed, and flexibility. They’ll have more support for side-to-side movement than running shoes. You can use training shoes for speedwork on short-medium runs.
On the other hand, running shoes have their best support for the propulsion of the athlete. Although you may use some running shoes for other workouts in the gym, they usually lack the ideal support for side-to-side movement.
Table of Contents
1. The Best Running Shoes for Treadmill (Neutral Cushioning)
2. The Best Shoes for Treadmill Running (Stability)
3. Final Thoughts
Runderwear – Have a chafe-free running!
The Best Treadmill Running Shoes (Neutral Cushioning)
If you are a neutral runner, you’ll have no problem choosing any of these lightweight shoes. But if you over-supinate and have a history of nerve injury or foot pain, you must stay away from a minimalist design.
ASICS Novablast 3
ASICS Novablast 3 only weighs 7.8 oz, but it has a level 5 cushioning, a maxed-out cushion in comfort and technology. This fast shoe now has FF BLAST PLUS technology, a super bouncy and resilient midsole foam that can propel your forward for an energized run.
The Novablast 3 also has a higher stack height than the previous model. And it has a breathable mesh upper with an improved fit, which offers superb airflow so you can stay cool and dry when the gym temperature becomes hotter.
Shop On ZapposBrooks Ghost 15
This running shoe is Brooks’ best-selling neutral road running shoe designed for long runs. It weighs 10.1 oz and has a level 4 cushioning with tons of energy and comfort for longer runs. It has a 12 mm heel-to-toe drop, which is very gentle on your foot.
The Ghost 15 has a DNA LOFT V2 technology, which extends from heel to forefoot. This midsole foam offers smooth transitions and more cushioning than the previous foam. This shoe also has a breathable engineered air mesh upper, which conforms to the shape of your foot for a comfortable, enhanced locked-in fit.
Shop On ZapposHoka Rincon 3
If you are looking for a fast shoe that sits between a daily trainer and a racer, Hoka Rincon 3 is one of your best options. This running shoe is super lightweight and can give you options for speed. It’s a versatile shoe that can perform other gym workouts after running on a treadmill.
While the previous model was super popular, this new model has tweaks that can make running more efficient. The Rincon 3 has better sizing than its predecessor. And it has an upper construction that now offers a more secure and supportive fit.
Shop On ZapposOn Cloudswift
We know On Running for its unique CloudTec technology, which is a midsole foam made up of tiny stability clouds, which offers a soft landing through every stride, even if your foot doesn’t land correctly on the surface. The CloudTec midsole strengthens and helps you deliver an explosive take-off. This technology also helps regulate the temperature inside your shoe.
On Cloudswift has CloudTec in Helion super foam, which offers an excellent energy return and durability. It has a breathable engineered mesh upper, which can keep your foot cool and dry. If you run not more than 5k on a treadmill, this is the shoe for you.
On Cloudswift has balanced cushioning, but if you need a shoe for longer runs, go for On Cloudflow, a neutral running shoe with direct and more responsive support.
Saucony Endorphin Speed
Saucony Endorphin Speed weighs much less than many running shoes, but it has a level 5 cushioning, a maxed-out cushion in comfort and technology. This shoe will make you run faster, suffering no foot fatigue.
Saucony built the Endorphin Speed for speed, having three famous technologies that work together to help you run faster – PWRRUN PB cushioning, SPEEDROLL, and a responsive nylon plate. This running shoe has a breathable engineered mesh upper, which helps keep your foot cool and dry.
Did you know you can burn up to 1,000 calories in just one hour of running? Running can give you rapid weight loss (even melt down the “belly fat”) because it forces your entire body to work. Running has always been one of the best choices in physical fitness because it has a link to longevity, according to experts.
The Best Shoes for Treadmill Running (Support/Stability)
If you only have mild overpronation and no known foot issues, you can choose either neutral or support shoes.
Brooks Launch GTS 9
This recent addition to Brooks’ support lineup has not only a ton of energy and comfort but is also very affordable (probably the support shoe with the best value for money). Having a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop, which is the go-to drop in shoes, Brooks Launch GTS 9 is gentle on your foot, ankle, Achilles, and calf. It has GuideRails technology that prevents excess side-to-side movement of the foot and helps protect your knee from pain and injury.
This running shoe has BioMoGo DNA technology, which adapts to your speed. It has a new air mesh upper, which hugs your foot and offers breathability during high-paced running.
Another excellent option is Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22, which is a best seller in support shoes. This running shoe also has GuideRails technology, which will be there to give correction if your foot rolls too far inward or outward.
ASICS GEL-Kayano 29
This running shoe is ASICS’ flagship stability shoe. It has a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop, which is very gentle on your foot. It uses LITETRUSS Construction for stability and foot guidance, a new material that helps give you a more efficient toe-off. The midsole now uses FF BLAST PLUS, a foam lighter and bouncier than the previous FF BLAST. The new midsole also has a higher stack height.
ASICS GEL-Kayano 29 has a Rearfoot GEL cushioning, which allows a smooth transition from heel strike through toe-off. It has a breathable Engineered Stretch-Knit upper, a recycled knit material designed to be soft, supportive, breathable, and comfortable. This new model feels bouncier and more flexible than its predecessor.
Hoka Arahi 6
This running shoe is Hoka’s top recommended stability shoe. It’s a low-profile shoe with level 5 cushioning, which offers a maxed-out cushion in comfort and stability. Having a 5 mm heel-to-toe drop, this shoe is gentle on your knee and hip.
Hoka Arahi 6 uses an EVA J-Frame technology, which is a firmer foam cushion that prevents your foot from rolling inward at an increased angle. It has an early-stage Meta-Rocker, which offers a smooth ride. The Arahi 6 uses an engineered mesh upper, which can help keep your foot cool and dry when the gym temperature rises.
Shop On ZapposMizuno Wave Inspire 19
If you love the Mizuno brand, this is your best support shoe. This latest item of the Wave Inspire now comes with ENERZY technology at the top and bottom of the midsole, designed for superior rebound and performance. The ENERZY foam also feels softer than its predecessor. And when combined with the improved MIZUNO WAVE plate, the transition from heel to toe becomes much smoother.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 19 has a 12 mm heel-to-toe drop, which is very gentle on your foot. It has level 4 cushioning that offers tons of energy and comfort. And a soft engineered mesh upper with excellent breathability and locked-in fit.
Shop On ZapposSaucony Endorphin Shift 3
This running shoe is Saucony’s best-selling stability shoe. It offers more stability around the heel and arch. Designed to make you run faster with less foot fatigue, it uses a 4 mm heel-to-toe drop that is gentle on your knee and hip. It now has a slightly higher stack height than its predecessor.
Saucony built the Endorphin Shift 3 for speed, having famous technologies that work together to help you run faster – PWRRUN+ cushioning and SPEEDROLL. This new midsole foam feels lighter and softer.
The Endorphin Shift 3 also has a breathable FORMFIT upper, which conforms to your foot for a versatile and comfortable fit. It is the best-looking upper design (so far) among Endorphin Shift models.
Shop On ZapposFinal Thoughts
Whether you run indoors or outdoors, the health benefits of running remain the same: healthy heart and lungs, strong bones and muscles, a healthy mind and a powerful brain, a strong immune system, improved complexion, and younger looks. Running is also a good stress reliever and can give you a pleasant sleep. So keep running even indoors.
Best Treadmill Running Shoes: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best shoes for running on a treadmill?
The best shoes for running on a treadmill are fast road running shoes. If you run only up to 5 miles on a treadmill, you can choose your favorite cross trainer so you can complete your other gym workout with just one pair of shoes. But if you run over 5 miles in a single workout on a treadmill, you’ll need a pair of fast road running shoes to have a successful workout. Great examples of these shoes are New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Mizuno Wave Rider 24, On Cloudflow, Nike Pegasus 39, and Hoka Rincon 3.
Can I wear trail running shoes on a treadmill?
One of the impressive features of a trail running shoe is its adaptability on the road. Although trail running shoes can work well on a treadmill, their traction will not be ideal for the smooth treadmill belt.
Do I need running shoes for treadmill?
If you walk only and don’t run, you can use an athletic walking shoe for your treadmill workout. If you run up to 5 miles per workout on a treadmill, you can use either a cross-trainer (so you can proceed with your other gym workouts with just one pair of shoes) or a running shoe. But if you run over 5 miles in a single workout on a treadmill, you will need a serious pair of road running shoes to have a meaningful workout.
Are trail running shoes good for treadmill?
If you’re not doing tempo runs, trail running shoes will work well on a treadmill. Today’s trail shoes are more versatile and can take on pavement and treadmill decks with no issue. However, your running experience may be different because of the lugs on the trail shoe. But if you are doing speed work or tempo runs, you will need a fast road running shoe.
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