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!

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Runner's World Fall Shoe Guide 2018
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
Trail Honorable Mentions:
Get More Out of Your Time in the Great Outdoors with adidas Terrex Shoes
Nature-loving adidas fans rejoice! The new adidas Terrex shoes bring classic adidas aesthetics and modern outdoorsy functionality together so you can light up the landscape and lock down the trails. Most of the shoes in this line are lightweight, water repellent, and comfortable, offering out-of-the-box wearability with little to no breaking-in period. While all of the Terrex shoes are made with durable materials and sturdy construction, some models kick things up a notch with outsoles inspired by Continentalâ„¢ mountain bike tires.
New inov-8 G-Series Shoes Offer Grip and Durability Without Compromise
Life is full of compromises. You compromise your diet for a decadent cupcake. You compromise a long gym session for extra time with family. You compromise traction for durability (or vice versa) in your athletic footwear. While we can’t swat the cupcake out of your hand or solve your work-life balance challenges, we can offer a solution to your shoe conundrum.
Introducing the inov-8 G-Series: the world’s first-ever line of training and running shoes to feature graphene-enhanced rubber outsoles for superior traction and longevity.

As the world’s strongest and thinnest material, graphene is often used in tennis racquets, squash racquets, golf balls, and skis. Graphene is produced using a specific type of graphite, it’s 200 times stronger than steel, and the scientists who first isolated it were awarded the Nobel Prize for physics. Yes, you read that right: You can rock shoes that feature Nobel Prize-winning technology!

inov-8 collaborated with The National Graphene Institute at The University of Manchester to create graphene-infused rubber outsoles that are 50 percent stronger, 50 percent more elastic, and 50 percent more durable than industry standards.
Ready for footwear as tough as you are? Join the graphene shoe revolution! Â
Currently, the G-Series comprises three unisex shoes, each designed for a different environment. They feature EXTEROFLOW midsoles, which absorb, store, and release energy to help push you through the movement cycle. The G-Series shoes also have lightweight Kevlar uppers for durability and breathability.
F-Lite G 290
The F-Lite G 290 brings the gripping power of graphene-enhanced rubber soles indoors with a shoe that’s perfect for strength training, CrossFit, or any other physically demanding gym workout. META-FLEX grooves in the outsole offer optimum maneuverability while the POWERHEEL supports lifting activities with material that’s 40 percent denser than the midsole. The F-Lite G 290 has a 4-millimeter drop and weighs in at 10.15 ounces (290 grams).
TerraUltra G 260
The TerraUltra G 260Â is primarily for long-distance running on smooth or hard trails. Its graphene-enhanced rubber outsole features multidirectional grooves for ultimate flex as you run. Updated underfoot technology makes the shoe as comfortable as it is responsive, and the shoe was engineered to enable natural foot movement. The TerraUltra G 260 has a zero drop and is quite light at 9.17 ounces (260 grams).
MudClaw G 260
For those looking to go a little farther off the beaten path, the MudClaw G 260 is the way to go. Boasting 8-millimeter cleats in addition to the extreme grip of the graphene-infused rubber outsole, this shoe is perfect for soft, muddy, or mountainous terrain. The MudClaw G 260 has a 4-millimeter drop, weighs just 9.17 ounces (260 grams), and is perfect for mud runs and obstacle courses.
Saucony Fall 2017 Running, Trail and Racing Shoes Preview
For Fall 2017, Saucony updated its TRI-FLEX outsole design for six of its shoes: Ride 10 and Ride 10 GTX, Redeemer ISO2, Zealot ISO3, Echelon 6 and Omni 16.
What does an updated TRI-FLEX mean though?
Well, the TRI-FLEX groove itself increases force dispersion over a greater surface area while also delivering optimal flexibility and traction. Saucony improved the groove of the outsole in the above-mentioned Fall 2017 models, something that has been in place since Spring 2016 actually.
The updates? More ground coverage (thicker) for more protection and durability. "The original TRI-FLEX patterns were a little too thin and seemed to wear down quickly; however, the benefits of the specific design stays the same," says Saucony Shadow Representative Michael Knestout.
The TRI-FLEX pattern is now shaped similar to a triangle. You get more protection and stability with two points at the base of the triangle and when you go to toe off (in a forward motion) the one point of the triangle is more efficient for flexing and a quicker turnover. The TRI-FLEX Groove pattern plays to Saucony's heritage of "Geometry Matters," keeping things in line with one another with shapes and even numbers, such as their 8mm offsets and our 4mm offsets. The old models used more of a butterfly wing design.
Also, TRI-FLEX works with the new Everun cushioning, giving optimal flexibility and cushioning at the same time. The TRI-FLEX is only located in the forefoot in the Road shoes (but is in heel and forefoot in Xodus ISO) to allow the foot to flex and push off evenly. That is why the flex grooves go across the full length of the outsole. Now there are some variations to this from the neutral and stability models. Less connectivity between the TRI-FLEX grooves in the neutral shoes gives the neutral runner more freedom and efficiency in the toe off. In the stability models, the TRI-FLEX grooves are connected more to give more stability and firmness. A stability runner still needs toe flexibility but not as much as a neutral runner.
So now let's see the 6 shoes with the new update!
UPDATED SHOES
The Ride 10 and Ride 10 GTX
A Saucony favorite now in its 10th edition now comes in the Endless Summer and Heathered Chroma packs as well as its Reflex Series coming in September.
The Reflex Series is designed with fully reflective midsoles and 360-degrees of reflectivity throughout, so you can take your runs out into the night.
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Redeemer ISO2 and Echelon 6
These two foundation series shoes with Saucony Foundation sockliners for supreme cushioning have new colors! Along with the updated TRI-FLEX outsole.
The Redeemer ISO2 with its 8mm drop offers uncompromised support and sensational cushioning.
The Echelon 6, the high-volume neutral trainer, has a wide platform and expansive upper to accommodate a range of foot types.
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SHOP THE LATEST ECHELON
Zealot ISO 3
The neutral cushioned Zealot ISO 3 delivers Saucony's very best running innovations into a streamlined, energized package. Its 4 new colors arrived in June and its REFLEX Series for men and women (two colors) comes to light in September 2017.
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Omni 16
For those who love the stability of the Omni, the 16th iteration of this support shoe released in 4 new colors in June.
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NEW COLORS
Kinvara 8
The Saucony Kinvara 8 running shoes are the most exciting version to date. Now with a full-length EVERUN cushioning topsole and a truly minimal upper design, runners achieve the fast and free feel all throughout their run. This supremely responsive and flexible shoe promotes excellent turnover for speed demons looking to beat that next PR.
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Kinvara 8 Runshield
The Runshield series provides weather protection and durability, so you can take your runs through the gamut. Its FLEXSHELL-protected upper is highly water-resistant, lightweight and flexible; you’ll be protected wherever the run takes you. Emerging in September, the Kinvara 8 Runshield comes in Mens black/red and Womens black/pink. It's $10 more than Kinvara 8, if you're someone who needs that extra protection.
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Freedom ISO
Neutral shoes with new looks! An engineered, flexible and ultra-lightweight upper gives runners a totally adaptive fit and feel. Neutral runners will feel the natural freedom of movement enhanced with immense energy return. The Freedom ISO reveals its Endless Summer and Heathered Chroma packs in addition to two new colorways, Slime/Black for men and Purple/Citron in women's.
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TRAIL SHOES
XODUS ISO 2
The XODUS ISO2 is built for the toughest terrains. Its predecessor earned the Runner’s World Editor’s Choice Award, so we can expect more of that award-winning construction with a few enhancements. The PWRTRAC outsole will continue to offer sufficient traction across a variety of trail surfaces, and on the upper, slight changes to its ISOFIT wrap will improve durability. Minor aesthetic changes will give the XODUS ISO 2 a revamped look for your long runs across the trail. And they are now released!
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Peregrine 7
Koa TR and Koa ST
ALL NEW for 2017! These neutral trail running shoes both offer something different for their runner types. The Koa TR is the perfect hybrid for your runs allowing you to go from road to trail easily and effectively. Its lower lug heights give a great underfoot feeling on hard surfaces but have enough "teeth" and grip to keep you sure-footed on uneven terrain.
The Koa ST is perfect for tough conditions. Its aggressive PWRTRAC outsole pattern with 8mm lugs keeps you on your feet and moving quickly across soft, muddy terrains. The upper sheds mud and moisture and its toggle lacing system lets you quickly adjust your fit throughout the run.
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RACING
TYPE A8
The Type A has a lower profile perfect for higher intensity runs, while a firm midsole allows for a faster turnover as you chase your next best time. Its the ultimate road flat designed to be lightweight and responsive, ideal for distances anywhere from 5K to the half-marathon.