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What Are the Best Kinds of Shoes Treadmill Running? We Logged Serious Miles to Find the 7 Winners
These shoes were made for treads
Expert consulted: Brett Williams, NASM and Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S.Reviewed by Charles Thorp, NASMFitness and Reviews Editor
Runners have their own preferences about the best place to rack up the miles. But plenty opt for the treadmill – or at least begrudgingly use it when the weather isn’t cooperating. Unlike some versions of cardio, a treadmill run has you doing something you've done many times in your life – run – and it has you doing so in the most controlled setting possible (on a motorised device, with no cars in the way, rocks to trip on, or people to run into). That makes it one of the easiest, simplest ways to jump into cardio.
Treadmill running also allows for a more controlled workout, whether you’re into doing incline work or logging long distances at a comfortable clip. Whether you’re pro treadmill or hop on only due to outdoor conditions, a dedicated treadmill running shoe is worth considering.
Best Running Shoes for Treadmill
The right shoes to support you on outdoor runs have different requirements for running shoes you’ll wear on the treadmill, like shallower lugs for a smoother ride, along with less cushioning (the treadmill provides some), and a more breathable upper, points out Cody Hodgins, an ACE-certified personal trainer and running coach in Arlington, Virginia. That all translates to a lighter-weight shoe. Hodgins does admit the specialisation isn't totally necessary; you don’t technically need a different shoe for the treadmill.
'Even though the environment is different, you generally don't want to make a drastic change to your footwear,' he says. But if you’re a tread warrior or in a season where outdoor running is tough, it’s worth considering a shoe that’s better-suited for the belt than the road. Given the increased popularity and reduced cost of quality treadmills, brands are even starting to introduce treadmill-specific shoes like Reebok's FloatZig Tread and the Adidas' Treadflow.
Whether you’re looking for an uber-cushioned pair to support your flat arches or want a more minimalist shoe with zero-drop, we have you covered. We’ve tested and evaluated over 30 running shoes, taking into consideration factors like price, durability, traction, and fit. We then further broke this list down to seven specific pairs we dig–and think you will, too.
What to Consider
Fit
Look for a treadmill running shoe that delivers a foothug, where your foot feels secure and supported but not squished. This allows you to have better control over your foot and its movements. However, a secure foothug doesn’t mean an overly cramped toe box. Look for a shoe with tapered sides but a larger toe box so that your toes can naturally splay.
Tread
The tread and outsole you’ll need in a treadmill shoe is different from what will serve you best on outdoor runs. 'Fewer lugs or a thinner outsole are preferred for the treadmill because you don't need significant traction on the belt,' Hodgins says. This also helps you to save on weight, he points out.
Upper Material
Breathability is always a nice element with a shoe’s upper material, but a highly breathable upper can backfire in an outdoor shoe when you’re faced with rain, snow or frigid conditions. That’s all off the table with a shoe you’ll wear on a treadmill. Look for shoes with mesh uppers (perforated or knit works), as it’ll allow the heat to escape rather than trapping it inside.
Stability
Stability is important in any running shoe, and that doesn’t necessarily change with a treadmill shoe. If you have an issue like overpronation or underpronation and do well with a stable road shoe, you’ll also appreciate that level of balance in a treadmill shoe.
How We Chose
Over the past few years, we've been researching and testing new running shoe models from a wide range of brands. For this story, we consulted with Men's Health's fitness editors and writers on the top treadmill running shoes for men.
We evaluated each contender on features like weight, fit, cushioning, stability, and overall comfort. We also considered price point, as some treadmill running shoes offer a better overall value than others.
Pros
- Good all-day trainer
- Soft energy return
- Very breathable mesh upper
- Waffle-inspired outsole
Cons
- Narrower fit
The Nike Pegasus 41 is a shoe that works for nearly anyone, and over most surfaces, including the treadmill. This shoe has a waffle-inspired tread that provides solid grip and flexibility on the belt as you grind it out. It also has dual Air Zoom units and a ReactX foam midsole strategically positioned under the shoe to give you a nice energy return.
This shoe is considered moderately bouncy, so it’ll provide a little boost underfoot without feeling like you’re going to rocket off your machine. A plush collar, tongue, and sockliner help your foot feel cushioned and secure, lowering the risk of uncomfortable chafing in the process. Engineered mesh up top creates a highly breathable feel that lowers the risk your socks will end up soaked at the end of your journey. (This is lighter than previous Pegasus versions, by the way.)
Just be aware that this shoe has a narrower toebox than some of the competition. If you like a little more room in that area, consider getting a wide size. At 297g, this isn’t the lightest shoe you’ll find, but it’s a workhorse that will see you through speed work and distance runs seamlessly.
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 297g |
|---|---|
| Arch Support | Moderate |
| Size Range | 5.5–14 |
| Drop | 10 mm |
Pros
- Good for different paces
- Energetic feel
- Smooth but grippy outsole
- Sleek design
Cons
- Limited stability
The Adidas Adizero EVO SL is one of the lighter daily trainers you’ll find, clocking in at roughly 225 g. This shoe 'provides the support needed for long runs without feeling bulky during speed work,' Hodgins says. The shoe features a Lightstrike Pro midsole cushion to deliver solid energy return and comfort every day.
This trainer has a relatively smooth outsole that makes it perfect for treadmill runs, along with a breezy mesh upper. It’s also designed to suit a wide range of runners and running styles. Be aware that the Adizero EVO SL has limited stability, so you’ll want to keep scrolling if that’s an important element to you. But it’s a solid trainer that’s good for nearly everyone else. While you’re probably not judging a treadmill running shoe by its cover, it doesn’t hurt that this has a sleek look, too.
Features at a Glance
| Average Weight | 224 g |
|---|---|
| Arch Support | Minimal |
| Size Range | 6–17 |
| Drop | 6 mm |
Pros
- Provides stability without feeling overbearing
- Excellent shock absorption
- Solid arch support
- Good cushioning in the heel
Cons
- Heavier for a daily trainer
ASICS released the most recent version of its popular Gel Kayano in June, and it continues on the line’s tradition of delivering maximum stability while still supporting a smooth stride. The Gel Kayano 32 delivers high cushioning and stability thanks to the brand’s adaptive 4D Guidance System that gently balances and supports your step as you go.
A plush foam midsole and higher stack height helps minimise weight as much as possible (for a stability shoe) for maximum comfort. There’s also a reinforced wing to keep your shoe’s tongue from sliding around as you run. The tread provides plenty of grip without obnoxiously large lugs, making it an excellent fit for indoor runs.
Because this is a stability shoe, it’s going to be heavier than some other, less balanced options. But it’s one of the lighter options in this category, making it a good fit for people who need a little more support.
Features at a Glance
| Average Weight | 300 g |
|---|---|
| Arch Support | Moderate-to-High |
| Size Range | 5 – 15 |
| Drop | 8 mm |
Pros
- Maximum cushioning
- Smooth transition
- Lightweight for the cushioning you get
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
Cons
- Common sizes and colourways sell out fast
The Hoka Clifton 10 delivers on this brand’s reputation for being the King of Cushioning. This shoe provides plush comfort with a high-stack CMEVA foam for a cloud-like feel as you run. Hoka manages to provide ample cushioning without dragging you down, serving up a shoe that’s still under 280g.
The Clifton 10 features a Metarocker geometry for a smoother stride with less effort, making your stride feel seamless. The shoe boasts the American Podiatric Medical Association’s coveted Seal of Acceptance to support good foot health, too. A refined jacquard knit upper creates a soft, breathable, and almost sweater-like feel on top, only adding to your comfort. While this shoe is lightweight for all the cushioning you get, just be aware that it’s not the lightest shoe you’ll find. But if a comfortable, highly cushioned ride is what you’re after, look no further.
Features at a Glance
| Average Weight | 278 g |
|---|---|
| Arch Support | Moderate |
| Size Range | 6.5–14.5 |
| Drop | 8 mm |
Pros
- Specifically designed for treadmill running
- Comfortable, cushioned feel
- Lower stack for controlled ride
- Breezy upper
Cons
- Not overly cushioned
If the only place you plan to run is on the treadmill, it’s worth considering a treadmill-specific shoe like the Reebok FloatZig Tread. This trainer is designed around treadmill workouts with a dual-density midsole for stability and cushioning, with a lower stack height to give you a controlled feel as you run.
This shoe has an airy upper to keep you comfortable, even when the gym is hot. There’s also a heel bevel to support a seamless stride. The trainer features a special Griptonite Traction full-length rubber outsole with a grippy checkerboard pattern that’s made for treadmill surfaces.
If you’re used to a highly cushioned running shoe, this grounded option may take a little getting used to. But it’s got all the elements most people need to support solid treadmill running, whether you’re doing distance or tempo runs.
Features at a Glance
| Average Weight | 258 g |
|---|---|
| Arch Support | Moderate |
| Size Range | 6–13 |
| Drop | 8 mm |
Pros
- Ultralight weight
- Second-skin fit
- Provides a grounded sensation
- Very breathable upper
Cons
- Very little cushioning
Barefoot shoes aren’t for everyone, but those craving a barely-there feel will appreciate the Vivo Barefoot Primus Flow. This shoe is extremely lightweight at 159g and manages to deliver some midsole cushioning while still retaining its barefoot status.
The shoe offers a wide toebox and flexible fit that underscores its grounded feel. An engineered recycled mesh upper provides plenty of airflow as you stride. While the construction may not hold up as well with regular road use, it’s highly durable across gym sessions. A secure heel structure helps to keep you locked in on runs, too. If you’re new to barefoot running, just ease into using this shoe to give your feet time to adjust.
Features at a Glance
| Average Weight | 159 g |
|---|---|
| Arch Support | Minimal |
| Size Range | 6–14 |
| Drop | 4 mm |
More of the Best Running Gear
The Best Running Shoes | Best Running Jackets | Best Trail Running Shoes for Men | Best Gym Shoes for Men | Best Barefoot Shoes | Best Recovery Shoes
Brett Williams, NASM-CPT, PES, a senior editor at Men's Health, is a certified trainer and former pro football player and tech reporter. You can find his work elsewhere at Mashable, Thrillist, and other outlets.
Charles Thorp is the Fitness and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world. Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.
Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men's Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience. He's logged training time with NFL athletes and track athletes and his current training regimen includes weight training, HIIT conditioning, and yoga. Before joining Men's Health, he served as a sports columnist and tech columnist for the New York Daily News.
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