Road Running Essentials
Gearhead® Expertise and top picks to get you moving.
The best road running gear keeps you light on your toes, absorbs shock to boost comfort, and keeps your body charging with positive energy. If you’re looking for gear picks to find your way through paved terrain in comfort, you’re in the right place.
Road Running Shoes
Pacing up to a new PR ranks among our favorite feelings, and road running offers the accessibility for runners of all levels to get out and pursue their own individual goals. Covering paved ground means our shoes should be built to chase after our goals—whether they’re about speed or simply about being outside.
We look for lightweight, breathable shoes with non-aggressive soles that pair with paved surfaces, and midsoles that prioritize responsiveness and energy return for an efficient ride on flat surfaces.
Keep scrolling for a road running shoe spec rundown and our top picks. Or, if you’re looking for a deep dive on shoe anatomy, check out the article below.
Moderate Cushion Running Shoes
Moderate cushion shoes are the most common type; we think of them as all-rounders or daily-drivers. Featuring a stack range of about 17–32mm, they’re a good bet for beginners and best for people who pace with a neutral gait. As for all road running shoes, we look for lightweight options that don’t drag us down. The picks below are geared towards runners who want some cushion but not so much that it’s overly plush.
Best Men’s Moderate Cushion Shoes
On Running Cloudrunner 2 Waterproof Shoe
The Cloudrunner 2 has 10mm of drop to reduce fatigue and On’s Cloudtec cushioning to boost comfort without the feeling of walking on skyscrapers. It’s versatile enough for long and short runs alike, and equally comfortable in the gym as it is on the road.
It’s a light, airy, spry-feeling shoe with a bit of a wider platform for solid, sure-footed landings. We recommend it for runners who like a little cushion and are looking for a single pair that shines in iffy weather.
On Running
Cloud X 3 Running Shoe - Men's
1 color
Out Of Stock
Brooks
Ghost 15 Running Shoe - Men's
1 color
Out Of Stock
On Running
Cloudswift 3 Running Shoe - Men's
3 colors
+2
HOKA
Arahi 7 Running Shoe - Men's
6 colors
Brooks
Adrenaline GTS 23 Running Shoe - Men's
1 color
Out Of Stock
Brooks
Glycerin 21 Shoe - Men's
3 colors
Nike
InfinityRN 4 Running Shoe - Men's
1 color
Out Of Stock
Best Women’s Moderate Cushion Shoes
Brooks Ghost 16 GTX
If you’re looking for a long-distance shoe that goes the distance comfort-wise—the Ghost hits that mark. It has built-in lateral supports to provide just enough nudge to correct overpronation, and while it’s slightly more cushioned with 12mm of drop, that added comfort and reduced strain is something we appreciate on longer runs.
At 8.9oz in a size 9 it’s fairly light, and we’ve found its outsole fosters smooth transitions and adequate grip. If you’re a runner looking for stability, high drop, and reliable waterproofing for wintery running, we recommend giving these a close look.
Brooks
Ghost 15 Running Shoe - Women's
1 color
Out Of Stock
On Running
Cloud X 3 Running Shoe - Women's
1 color
Out Of Stock
HOKA
Arahi 7 Running Shoe - Women's
5 colors
On Running
Cloudswift 3 Running Shoe - Women's
2 colors
Brooks
Adrenaline GTS 23 Running Shoe - Women's
1 color
Out Of Stock
Nike
Air Zoom Pegasus 40 Running Shoe - Women's
4 colors
Brooks
Glycerin 21 Shoe - Women's
4 colors
Altra
Torin 7 Shoe - Women's
2 colors
Maximal Cushion Running Shoes
Maximal cushion shoes have a large stack of foam to give the most amount of cushion and run-up the plushness. Their stack heights are usually greater than 32mm, making them a great option for long distance runners to lock in their flow with comfort, or trainers looking for a softer option than what they’ll be racing in. The best shoes in this field will deliver fantastic levels of cushion for those who need it. Fits that soften our impact on the road and deliver comfort that keeps the pace up for miles are what impressed us most with the picks below.
Best Men’s & Women's Maximal Cushion Shoes
HOKA Clifton 9
With ultra-soft cushioning for cruising through innumerable miles in comfort, the Clifton delivers the dreamy, pillow-like experience maximally-cushioned shoes promise. The plushness continues through the sole and into the upper materials and collar, too, making it wildly comfortable throughout.
This shoe’s rocker promotes an efficient transition from heel strike to toe-off, enhancing overall power and reducing stress on the legs. For a shoe in this class its surprisingly responsive and energetic. And the weight savings HOKA achieved here is worth noting. To put it simply, light, soft, and bouncy feelings are present in the Clifton.
Get The Men’s Clifton 9
Get The Women’s Clifton 9
Gearhead® Top Picks
Shock-absorbing shoes we’re running with
+2
HOKA
Clifton 9 Running Shoe - Women's
6 colors
+2
HOKA
Clifton 9 Running Shoe - Men's
6 colors
On Running
Cloudmonster 2 Shoe - Women's
5 colors
+4
On Running
Cloudmonster 2 Shoe - Men's
8 colors
HOKA
Bondi 8 Running Shoe - Men's
1 color
On Running
Cloudsurfer Shoe - Women's
5 colors
+2
On Running
Cloudsurfer Running Shoe - Men's
6 colors
Minimal Cushion Running Shoes
Minimalist running shoes have the least amount of foam cushion, and the most amount of ground feel. Designed to deliver a barefoot-like experience, these shoes feature zero-drop designs and a toe box that fosters natural toe splay instead of restricting width. Running in these shoes allows your kinetic chain (muscle network) to act more naturally, but it’ll put a lot more stress on your feet, ankles, and calves. If you’re buying your first pair of minimalist shoes, acclimate slowly to prevent injury.
The best minimalist road running shoes offer that near-barefoot feeling with a thin, durable, and flexible sole that achieves ground feel without taking it too far. We look for a fit that promotes natural toe dexterity and durable upper materials, too.
Best Men’s & Women’s Minimal Cushion Shoes
VIVOBAREFOOT Primus Lite III
Known as a pack leader in the barefoot shoe game, VIVOBAREFOOT’s Primus Lite III surpasses expectations across the board. This shoe presents the perfect balance of ground feel with enough cushion to stay moving all day. The wider toe box offers ample room for toes to splay and play out in a natural position, too. Made for running but surprisingly ideal for just about any activity you can dream up, the Primus Lite III shoe took our breath away in all the right ways.
Gearhead® Top Picks
More shoes that stay in touch with the terrain.
+4
On Running
Cloud 5 Shoe - Men's
8 colors
Altra
Torin 7 Shoe - Men's
3 colors
Altra
Paradigm 7 Shoe - Men's
2 colors
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Road Running Apparel
Our shoes provide the foundation of our run, but the right apparel helps keep our bodies cool and our minds collected.
Jackets: We like to bring a lightweight, packable, breathable shell to stay prepared for however the scenery, weather, and pace changes. GORE-TEX layers or DWR (durable water-repellent) coatings are our top choices to stay moving through inclement weather.
Shirts & Shorts: During the main heat, we prefer low amounts of lightweight, breathable, and sweat-wicking coverage that lets our bodies’ temperature stay regulated and conditioned for success.
Best Men’s Road Running Apparel
Ciele Athletics DLYLongsleeve Shirt & District Vision Full-Length Tight
As temps drop, we add layers for versatile warmth and comfort, starting with the Ciele Athletics DLYLongsleeve as the foundation of our layering equation. This shirt provides the lightweight, wicking comfort necessary for long-distance smiles. Coupled with the District Vision Full-Length Tight—which is warm, breathable, and wicking—consistent freedom of movement is ensured.
With added layers for warmth (and style) from The North Face Sunriser Short-Sleeve and Roark Alta 5in Short, we’re able to run toward our goals with all the lightweight coverage and pocket storage needed, no matter how the weather changes pace.
Get The Ciele Athletics DLYLongsleeve Shirt
Get The District Vision Full-Length Tight
+2
The North Face
Higher Run Wind Jacket - Men's
6 colors
Backcountry
MTN Air Ripstop Short - Men's
3 colors
Roark
Mathis Tie Dye T-Shirt - Men's
1 color
Out Of Stock
Roark
Alta 5in Short - Men's
5 colors
Adidas TERREX
Agravic T-Shirt - Men's
2 colors
Adidas TERREX
Agravic Shorts 9In- Men's
1 color
District Vision
Lightweight Short-Sleeve Shirt - Men's
2 colors
District Vision
Ultralight DWR Paneled Track Pant - Men's
1 color
Backcountry
Destination Tank - Men's
1 color
Backcountry
Destination Base Short - Men's
3 colors
Best Women’s Road Running Apparel
On Core Jacket & Nike Go 7/8 Leggings
We build the foundation of our cool-weather kit with On’s Performance Flex Bra for surefire all-day comfort. We love that it’s made with quick-drying and sweat-wicking materials, so all-day training sessions don’t end with a drenched layer. Paired with On’s versatile Core Jacket for breathable, wind-proof protection that’s both durable and lightweight, we’re ready for whatever elements we encounter.
The quick-drying tech is carried throughout our favorite leggings, too. Nike’s Go 7/8 Leggings conform to our bodies nicely without restricting our steps, and their high-waisted design ensures the perfect fit stays that way from start to finish. We’re especially impressed with their intelligent pocket design. They feature zippered storage for essentials and a pass-through pocket for extra layers, so we’re never going unprepared.
Get The Performance Flex Bra
Get The Nike Go 7/8 Legging
Backcountry
Destination Lightweight Tank - Women's
2 colors
District Vision
Pocketed 7in Half-Tight Short - Women's
1 color
Ciele Athletics
WNSBTank - Women's
2 colors
Ciele Athletics
TRNShort 4in Brief - Women's
3 colors
Nike
One Classic Dri-FIt Tank Top - Women's
2 colors
+2
Nike
One Dri-Fit 3in Brief Lined Short - Women's
6 colors
District Vision
Lightweight Singlet - Women's
1 color
District Vision
Pocketed 7in Half-Tight Short - Women's
1 color
On Running
Core T-Shirt - Women's
1 color
On Running
Weather Pant - Women's
2 colors
Backcountry
Destination Racerback Bra - Women's
5 colors
Backcountry
Destination Run Bike Short - Women's
3 colors
More Road Running Gear Picks
Garmin
Forerunner 165 Watch
1 color
Out Of Stock
Suunto
Race Sport Watch
1 color
CORE
CORE Sensor
1 color
Wahoo Fitness
TRACKR Heart Rate Monitor
1 color
Shokz
OpenFit Headphones
2 colors
Suunto
Sonic Bone Conduction Headphones
2 colors
Garmin
Forerunner 965 Watch
1 color
Out Of Stock
Suunto
Race Titanium Sport Watch
1 color
Garmin
HRM-Fit
1 color
Out Of Stock
Suunto
Smart Heart Rate Belt
1 color
Out Of Stock
Suunto
Wing Bone Conduction Headphones
1 color
Wahoo Fitness
TICKR FIT Optical Heart Rate Monitor Armband
1 color
Salomon
ADV Skin 12L Set Hydration Vest
1 color
Salomon
Pulse Hydration Belt
1 color
Out Of Stock
Nathan
QuickSqueeze 18oz Insulated Handheld Bottle
1 color
Out Of Stock
Salomon
Sense Pro 5L Hydration Vest
1 color
Out Of Stock
Ultimate Direction
Race 5.0 Hydration Belt
1 color
Out Of Stock
Ultimate Direction
Clutch Water Bottle
1 color
Out Of Stock
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