The good people over at Runner's World magazine tested a whopping 62 different shoes in consideration for their 2018 Fall Shoe Guide. Contenders were evaluated in the lab as well as by more than 250 wear-testers. They whittled the list down to the top 25 shoes across various categories, but five particular shoes were given additional honors. Without further ado, here are the top five shoes for fall 2018, plus the remaining honorable mentions by category. Incorporate a pair into your running gear rotation today!
Gear of the Year: Reebok Floatride Run Fast
(featured in the Next-Gen Tech category)
The folks at Runner's World loved the Reebok Floatride Run Fast so much they proclaimed it to be "the fastest shoe you can buy in 2018." The Run Fast features Pebax-based foam for an ultralight, ultra-bouncy ride that isn't short on cushiness.
Hot List: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus Turbo
(featured in the Next-Gen Tech category)
Thanks to the runaway success of the Vaporfly 4%, Nike incorporated its ZoomX foam into the Air Zoom Pegasus Turbo. This lightweight version of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 is well cushioned and perfect for speedwork.
Hot List: inov-8 TerraUltra G 260
(featured in the Next-Gen Tech category)
This innovative shoe brings the strength and traction of graphene to the masses. Read all about the TerraUltra G 260 in our previous blog post about it.
Editor's Choice: Brooks Ghost 11
(featured in the Legends category)
This year marks the seventh time the Ghost by Brooks has been named a Runner's World Editor's Choice--and for good reason! The shoe appeals to running novices and veterans alike with its durable cushioning that lasts mile after mile and its quick, smooth ride.
Editor's Choice: Salomon Ultra Pro
(featured in the Trail category)
A second Runner's World Editor's Choice winner on this list, the Salomon Ultra Pro is a shoe that can handle even the harshest of trail runs: the ultramarathon. This shoe delivers long-lasting comfort and the traction you'd expect from a trailblazer like Salomon.
Next-Gen Tech Honorable Mention:
Legends Honorable Mentions:
So Soft Honorable Mentions:
Wild Cards Honorable Mentions:
Puma Hybrid Runner Unrest
Topo Athletic Ultrafly 2
Salomon Sonic RA Nocturne
Under Armour HOVR Phantom Connected