As a distance runner and running coach, I’ve learned to appreciate the benefits of treadmill running—such as being able to easily control your pace and not having to worry about staying safe while running in the dark or in adverse weather conditions. And running on a treadmill is easier on your joints, so you can wear a less cushioned shoe than you would for outdoor running, says certified personal trainer April Gatlin, ACE-CPT. The best treadmill running shoes are also lightweight, breathable, supportive, and responsive.
As part of the team testing treadmill running shoes, I was excited to find potential new shoes to wear and recommend to trainees for indoor runs. We evaluated over 150 expert-approved shoes at home, running on the treadmill at least three times a week during the testing period. Our final selections received high scores for fit, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, comfort, quality, and value.
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Wide toe box allows toes to splay
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Plush, cloud-like cushioning
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Soft, springy feel
Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (medium, wide, extra-wide), Men’s 7-15 (medium, wide, extra-wide) | Weight: Women’s 9.6 ounces, Men’s 10.8 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Maximum | Arch Support: Neutral, stability | Drop: 8 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best for runners or walkers with neutral arches who want a comfortable shoe they can wear every day.
Why We Love Them
Saucony’s Echelon 10 Sneaker is our top overall pick due to its exceptional comfort, responsiveness, and support. During testing, these shoes cradled our feet, providing ample support in the arch and a secure fit around the heel. But what really makes this pair stand out is its cloud-like cushioning, which kept our feet and joints pain-free during and after runs. They felt soft and springy while also providing dependable shock absorption.
These shoes feature a wide toe box, providing plenty of room for our toes to splay. The mesh upper provides a glove-like fit and is very breathable. Plus, we didn’t experience any uncomfortable blisters or hot spots. We also appreciate that they come in three widths, allowing you to find the perfect fit.
Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Saucony.
Potential Flaws
- While we love this pair for running and walking, the wide base may not appeal to those who prefer a more streamlined appearance.
Most Valuable Insight
“The cushioning in this pair is outstanding. It truly felt like walking or running on clouds. The padded collar and tongue enhanced the shoe’s overall comfort. My feet felt really locked in.” —Christine L., Verywell Fit product tester
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Flexible and breathable mesh upper
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Soft, thick foam cushioning
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APMA Seal of Acceptance
Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (medium, wide, extra-wide), Men’s 7-15 (medium, wide, extra-wide) | Weight: Women’s 9.5 ounces, Men’s 10.7 ounces | Materials: Fabric knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Soft, responsive | Arch Support: Stability | Drop: 10 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best for runners seeking a stable and comfortable Brooks shoe with ample arch support.
Why We Love Them
Featuring soft, adaptive cushioning and excellent arch support, Brooks’ Glycerin GTS 22 Running Shoe is our top pick for treadmill runners who need extra stability. When testing a previous model, this shoe provided great support, especially for our ankles and arches, and a locked-in feel. It features Brooks’ signature GuideRails technology along the heel and midfoot, which helps prevent overpronation and promotes a natural stride.
We were impressed by the shoe’s soft, thick foam cushioning, which absorbs shock well to protect our joints. We also love how the plush, padded collar protects our ankles. The stretchy mesh upper, which covers the wide toe box, is flexible and breathable, a crucial feature when running indoors, where there’s no natural airflow. Even better? These shoes have earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, indicating that a group of podiatrists has determined that wearing these sneakers helps improve foot health.
Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Fleet Feet, and Brooks.
Potential Flaws
- Because we love these shoes so much, we wish more colors were available in the wide widths.
Most Valuable Insight
“I’m so much more apt to extend my runs while wearing these shoes. There’s a lot of spring to the cushion, and the cushioning is foamy without being too spongy. They’re truly fantastic.” —Kimberly S., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 5-12 (narrow, medium, wide), Men’s 6-16 (narrow, medium, wide) | Weight: Women’s 8.1 ounces, Men’s 9.3 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Moderate | Arch Support: Neutral | Drop: 8 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Best for those who want a plush but lightweight shoe with excellent shock absorption for treadmill running, walking, or everyday wear.
Why We Love Them
Asics’ Gel-Cumulus 27 Shoe is a solid choice for neutral runners who want a well-cushioned, lightweight shoe that doesn’t feel bulky or heavy. When testing this running shoe, the foam midsole delivered excellent shock absorption. Plus, the extra gel cushioning in the heel helped us avoid foot pain that we typically experience after running or walking.
With a breathable mesh upper, the shoe feels very flexible, allowing for natural movement. It provided solid support while remaining bouncy and responsive, helping to propel us forward with each step. We love this pair for treadmill runs, but it’s also a versatile option for outdoor running, walking, and everyday wear.
Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Fleet Feet, and Asics.
Potential Flaws
- We found that these shoes run a bit big, so you may not need to size up if you typically do that for running shoes.
- During testing, we noted the ankle support could be improved, so this pair may not be a good option if you’re prone to rolling your ankles.
Most Valuable Insight
“The cushioning in the heel really helps me avoid the severe pains I usually get in my heels after walking and running.” —Sydney M., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 6-12, Men’s 7-14 | Weight: Women’s 7.1 ounces, Men’s 8.5 ounces | Materials: Knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Maximum | Arch Support: Neutral | Drop: 6 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Best for neutral runners who want a lightweight and responsive shoe with good shock absorption.
Why We Love Them
Mizuno’s Neo Zen Running Shoe offers the plush comfort of a maximum-cushioned sneaker without a bulky, heavy feel. During testing, we found this pair to be ultra-lightweight and very responsive, propelling us forward with a bouncy stride. The cloud-like cushioning effectively absorbed impact, taking pressure off our joints and keeping them pain-free.
With a flexible outsole, this pair is perfect for running on the treadmill. The shoe’s one-piece upper hugged our feet for a comfortable, sock-like fit. Additionally, the seamless design and breathable materials kept our feet cool, comfortable, and free from blisters or irritation.
Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Mizuno.
Potential Flaws
- We found that the shoe’s small opening and lack of a tongue made it tough to get the shoes on and off. However, when we pulled on the heel tab, they were easier to get on.
- The shoe’s minimalist collar is neither stiff nor padded, which may not be supportive enough for those with weaker ankles.
Most Valuable Insight
“The shoes were very effective at propelling me to the next stride. The combination of maximum cushioning with an ultra-lightweight upper resulted in a bouncy shoe that’s not bulky and doesn’t weigh you down.” —Christine L., Verywell Fit product tester
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Grippy traction on the treadmill and outdoors
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Good ankle support
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Lightweight, with plush comfort
Key Specs
Sizes: Women’s 6-11 (medium, wide), Men’s 8-13 (medium, wide) | Weight: Women’s 7.6 ounces, Men’s 9.3 ounces | Materials: Fabric mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Maximum | Arch Support: Neutral | Drop: 5 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Best for runners with wide feet who want a lightweight, but well-cushioned shoe for runs on the treadmill, roads, or light trails.
Why We Love Them
Topo Athletic’s Phantom 4 Sneaker is a comfortable and supportive option that accommodates wide feet, making it perfect for treadmill running. During test runs, we found that the thick cushioning effectively absorbed the impact of running and kept our feet and joints pain-free. And they felt surprisingly lightweight, despite the plush comfort.
The shoe’s roomy toe box allowed our toes to splay naturally, keeping them from feeling cramped. Plus, they’re available in wide sizes if you need more space. We also appreciated the design of the shoe’s collar and heel tab, which provided good ankle support and helped prevent irritation. With a durable, grippy rubber outsole, these sneakers felt stable and sturdy, whether we were running on the treadmill or outdoors.
Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, REI, and Topo Athletic.
Potential Flaws
- We liked this pair’s plush cushioning in the heel, but we wish there were more padding in the tongue and ball of the foot for additional comfort.
- During testing, we noted that these shoes aren’t very responsive, so we think they’re ideal for distance or easy-paced running, not speedwork.
Most Valuable Insight
“Running in these shoes helped support my joints, and the additional cushioning helped prevent post-run stiffness and soreness. The way the weight was so evenly distributed across the entirety of the sole helped my foot feel more stable and supported.” —Sydney M., Verywell Fit product tester
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Highly responsive
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Ultra-lightweight
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Breathable mesh upper
Key Specs
Sizes: Men’s 7-15 (medium, wide), Women’s 5-12 (medium, wide) | Weight: Men’s 7 ounces, Women’s 6.2 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Moderate | Arch Support: Neutral | Drop: 4 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Best for runners who want a lightweight, high-quality sneaker built for speed that doesn’t have the feel or steep price of carbon-plated running shoes.
Why We Love Them
Responsive, flexible, and extremely lightweight, Saucony’s Kinvara 15 Sneaker is our top pick for speedwork on the treadmill. With a combination of springy foam cushioning and a slight rocker shape, it offers a highly responsive feel. When we tested a previous model of this shoe, we noticed how effectively it propelled us to the next stride. Not only did we feel like we were able to pick up the pace, but our legs also felt fresher than usual after each run.
We also like that the shoe’s seamless mesh upper hugs our feet for a comfortable, locked-in fit. It’s also very breathable, which helps keep our feet cool and blister-free. The outsole features durable rubber in high-impact zones, but it isn’t thick or bulky—making it ideal for sprints or anyone looking to improve their running speed.
Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Fleet Feet, and Saucony.
Potential Flaws
- We found that the fit runs narrow, so you may want to consider sizing up or trying the wide width.
Most Valuable Insight
“These are my new favorite running shoes. I love how lightweight they are, and was both pleased and surprised to see noticeable gains in my pacing and endurance. The shoes offer a feeling of propulsion without being unbalanced.” —Jacob D., Verywell Fit product tester
Treadmill Running Shoes We Also Tested
We tested over 150 treadmill running shoes, but only six impressed us enough to make our final list of recommendations. Although we liked some aspects of these sneakers, they didn’t meet our rigorous testing requirements.
- While we love how stylish and responsive lululemon’s Blissfeel 2 Running Shoe is, it lacks stability compared to other sneakers we tested. We also wish it absorbed shock better.
- Brooks’ Hyperion Max Neutral Running Shoe is ultra-lightweight, weighing just 6.7 ounces. But its thick cushioning is better suited for hard, unforgiving outdoor terrain (like pavement). We found that the thick sole felt unstable while running on the treadmill.
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What We’ve Updated
- Since publishing our initial tested roundup of the best treadmill running shoes, we’ve tested dozens of new options, bringing our total to over 150 pairs tested. We evaluated each pair for its fit, stability, quality, cushioning, responsiveness, support, and value, and have included these new insights in this article.
- Based on our long-term testing and new testing insights, we’ve replaced our picks for two superlatives and added two new ones, including Most Responsive Treadmill Running Shoes and Best Treadmill Running Shoes With Wide Toe Box.
What to Look for When Shopping for Treadmill Running Shoes
- Weight: Since a treadmill belt is a softer surface than asphalt, concrete, or gravel, most runners won’t need a shoe with immense cushioning or bulky, grippy soles. Instead, you can wear lighter shoes than you would normally wear outside, especially for speedwork.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: Heel-to-toe drop is the difference between the height of the shoe at the heel and at the forefoot, measured in millimeters. A shoe’s drop can affect your foot strike and which areas take on the most impact while you run. Most running shoes’ drops fall between 8 and 12 millimeters—but some brands are known for having lower drops, in the 4- to 6-millimeter range. Runners who are heel strikers usually prefer shoes with a higher drop because they have more cushioning underneath the heel. A lower drop puts less pressure on your knees and hips and often works better for runners who have a midfoot or forefoot strike.
- Breathability: When running indoors, you don’t get the benefit of natural airflow, so it’s essential to choose a shoe that’s breathable. Not only will a well-ventilated shoe keep your feet cool and comfortable on the treadmill, but you’ll also reduce your risk of blisters. Look for shoes with a mesh upper for good breathability.
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How We Tested the Treadmill Running Shoes
To find the best treadmill running shoes, we tested over 150 pairs at home, completing at least three runs a week over the course of a month. Often, we have two different testers run in each shoe to account for differences in feet, running gaits, and personal preferences. When testing treadmill running shoes, we evaluate each pair while considering the following key attributes.
- Fit: Finding the right fit can improve your running form and reduce your risk of injury. First, we run an initial fit test by wearing each pair for a few minutes. Do they feel snug and secure around the heel and midfoot, or are our feet sliding around? Is there enough room to wiggle and splay out our toes? We also note if we feel any tingling or numbness in our toes. We use these observations to determine if the shoe feels true to size, too narrow, or too wide.
- Cushioning: During test runs on the treadmill, we assess whether the cushioning feels plush or firm. Is it supportive and shock-absorbing? Does the midsole feel too thick, too thin, or just right? We also pay attention to how our feet and joints feel while running and if we notice any pain, discomfort, or fatigue.
- Comfort: Are the shoes immediately comfortable, or do our feet need to get used to them? Do our toes feel like they’re jammed at the front of the shoe? We pay close attention to the shoe’s upper, too—do our feet get too hot while we run? Do we notice any irritating seams or blisters?
- Stability: Although stability isn’t as crucial for treadmill running as it is for outdoor running, it’s still important to look for running shoes with a durable, stable heel and an even, supportive outsole. Runners who overpronate can benefit from a stability or motion control shoe, according to physical therapist Melissa Prestipino, PT, DPT. When evaluating stability, we note whether the shoe has adequate arch and ankle support. We pay attention to whether we feel unsteady or unbalanced in the shoes. We also note if the shoe conforms to our feet, so it feels like we’re running in the shoe, not on it.
- Responsiveness: We assess how effectively the shoe propels us to the next stride. How do the transitions feel? Does the sneaker give energy back to us as we land? We also note how our feet and legs feel after each run and if the shoes change our level of fatigue.
- Quality: We inspect the shoes for any manufacturing flaws and evaluate the durability of the construction and materials. At the end of each testing period, we inspect the shoes to see how they have held up. Are there any unexpected or unusual signs of wear, tear, or odor?
- Value: We wait to check the price of each running shoe until the end of the testing period, after we’ve rated it in all other key categories. How have they held up over time? Considering their overall performance, we determine whether the price seems too high, too low, or a fair value.
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Our Experts
We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts helped us understand what key features to look for in a quality pair of treadmill running shoes. While we choose products independently, expert input influences our choices.
- April Gatlin, ACE-CPT, certified personal trainer and master trainer for STRIDE Fitness
- Melissa Prestipino, PT, DPT, physical therapist in Sparta, New Jersey
- Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, podiatric surgeon at NYC Foot & Ankle Center
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my treadmill running shoes?
It depends on the type of shoes you wear and your weight, among other factors. Note that treadmill belts are softer and smoother than most outdoor surfaces, so they don’t wear your shoes’ soles down as quickly. You should replace your treadmill running shoes when you notice excessive wear or after approximately 450 to 550 miles, says Prestipino, to avoid injuries that can result from wearing worn-out shoes.
What running shoes are best for a treadmill?
The best shoes for running on the treadmill are lightweight, supportive, and responsive, with the right amount of cushioning. Keep in mind that a shoe that works for another runner may not be the best choice for you, so you may want to ask experts at a running shoe store for help finding a sneaker that’s suitable for your body, gait, and stride, says Gatlin.
Can I use my running shoes on a treadmill?
Yes, running shoes are the best choice for running on a treadmill because they have the right support and cushioning to protect your feet and joints. Walking shoes aren’t breathable or springy enough and may be too heavy for running, while gym shoes lack the arch support and energy return you need. And winter running shoes, with insulation and waterproofing, may be too warm for indoor running.
Is it okay to wear trail running shoes on a treadmill?
Yes, it’s generally okay to wear trail running shoes on a treadmill, as they provide adequate cushioning and support. However, they’re typically not as breathable or lightweight as road running shoes, and those with aggressive lugs on the outsole can actually damage some treadmill belts.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
As a running coach, certified personal trainer, marathon runner, and fitness writer for Verywell Fit, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has spent years researching and recommending running and walking shoes. She stays current with the latest shoe technology and has in-depth knowledge of top brands and models on the market. For treadmill running, she finds a shoe like Saucony’s Echelon 10 provides the perfect comfort and support for her neutral gait. For this article, Christine looked over the test results and hands-on tested treadmill running shoes to help compile our top picks.
Additional reporting contributed by Sarah Felbin
Sarah Felbin is a Verywell Fit writer and dancer who uses her fitness experience to inform her testing of fitness products for the brand. She writes about workout recovery, walking, running, and activewear, among other topics.
