In this product guide:
- 1. Supportive trainer for treadmill: Nike Pegasus 41
- 2. Versatile cushioning for treadmill: Saucony Ride 18
- 3. Treadmill shoe for mild overpronators: Asics GT-2000 13
- 4. Soft and bouncy racer for treadmill: adidas adizero EVO SL
- 5. Lightweight trainer for treadmill: Hoka Mach 6
- 6. Tempo trainer for treadmill: Brooks Hyperion 2
- 7. Lightweight cushioning for treadmill: adidas Adizero SL2
- How we selected
The Pegasus’s ReactX midsole is nowhere as soft as the Asics Cumulus 26; it’s even firmer than the Saucony Ride 17. When on the treadmill, that’s a good thing. Also, the forefoot stack is much lower than the heel – it’s 27 mm tall versus the 37 mm heel.
The firm and low-profile forefoot keeps the foot planted on the treadmill.
The sleeved upper keeps the foot securely locked down over the midsole for better stability; the fit is snug like the last version.
The Pegasus scores well on outsole performance. The rubber coverage is excellent under the forefoot and heel, leading to reliable traction.
Bringing everything together is a supportive ride character. Dated as may they seem, Zoom Air bags add stability through their firmness. The Pegasus 41 is also a good gym shoe for mild weight training sessions.
- Nike’s marketing pitch: An energized ride for everyday road running.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, sleeved upper.
- Midsole: Two Zoom Air bags inside ReactX foam, 10 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Carbon rubber.
- Weight: 297 gms/ 10.4 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 37 mm (heel), 27 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 4E – extra wide.
- Previous model: Nike Pegasus 40.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Daily training, tempo runs, half-marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: Slower than 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile).
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Versatile comfort
- Supportive ride
- Secure fit
- Outsole grip
- Multiple widths
Cons
- React behavior is temperature dependent
- Better for heel strikers than forefoot strikers
- Boring ride when compared to peers
- Fewer/wider lacing rows add top-down pressure
- Scarce reflectivity
Saucony has updated the Ride 18 with a softer and lighter Pwrrun+ midsole, so it’s no surprise that it behaves slightly differently than the Ride 17.
There’s more bounce in the midsole, but with the familiar resilience of the Pwrrun+ foam. The midsole delivers excellent feedback without being too squishy.
Rocker assist is unavailable on the Saucony Ride 18.
This ride character makes the shoe a good fit for treadmill runs, as the cushioning blends comfort with support. The XT-900 rubber outsole grips well on the rubber belt.
The Ride 18’s upper is exactly what it needs to be – comfortable, conforming, and near seamless. The breathable interior is ideal for running in an indoor environment.
The added padding in the heel collar and tongue improves interior comfort and fit security.
The redesigned upper does a better job of locking the foot down, and that’s a good thing to have on a treadmill-friendly shoe.
- Saucony’s marketing pitch:Your perfect partner for every run.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, internal gusset.
- Midsole: Expanded Polyurethane (Pwrrun+) foam. 8 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Carbon rubber in high-wear areas.
- Weight: 259 gms/ 9.1 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 35 mm (heel), 27 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E – Wide.
- Previous model: Saucony Ride 17.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Daily training, tempo runs, half-marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Recommended paces: 4:30 min/km (7:30 min/mile) and slower.
- Median lifespan: 500 miles.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Just-right upper fit
- Neutral and supportive ride
- Smooth cushioning
- Versatile ride character
- Optional widths
- Comfortable interiors
Cons
- Sizing consistency versus the Ride 17
- Low reflectivity
On the surface, the GT-2000 13 bears a close resemblance to the GT-2000 12. The mild gait-corrective behavior comes from the sloped transition groove (under the heel) and the easier-to-compress outer sidewall.
By making the outer midsole easier to compress, the GT-2000 limits the rate of pronation. The sloped channel under the heel works in tandem. This effect is very mild, even less so than the Kayano 31.
Speaking of which, the GT-2000 13 receives a similar update as the Kayano 31 – a brand-new midsole foam that’s more resilient and responsive than before. It’s still firm, though – and that’s what makes the GT-2000 a good treadmill shoe.
Though the removable footbed and lasting add soft comfort close to the foot, the rest of the Flytefoam midsole has a firm ride. With a wide forefoot and grippy rubber outsole, the landings feel planted and secure.
The upper is comfortable and true-to-size; a minimally padded tongue and plush heel collar add comfort and fit security.
- Asics’s marketing pitch:Lightweight stability in every step.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, inner gusset.
- Midsole: Flytefoam Blast+ foam, heel Gel unit. 8 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: AHAR Lo carbon rubber.
- Weight: 275 gms/ 9.7 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 36.5 mm (heel), 28.5 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E (wide), 4E (extra-wide).
- Previous model: Asics GT-2000 12
- Country of origin: Indonesia.
- Recommended use: Everyday training, tempo runs, half-marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Median lifespan: 450 miles.
- Recommended paces: Slower than 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile).
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Versatile ride comfort for everyday runs to a half-marathon
- Upper fit is just right
- Improved Flytefoam Blast+ foam
- Pronation control is non-intrusive
- Optional wide, extra-wide sizes
Cons
- Average grip on wet roads
- Lack of reflective trims
A treadmill-friendly running shoe should have three things. The midsole should be cushioned without feeling slow. The outsole traction should be excellent. Lastly, a breathable upper is great for indoor runs.
The adizero EVO SL meets the criteria set. The full-length Lightstrike Pro midsole has a soft, bouncy, and quick ride. The LS Pro foam complements the rocker forefoot perfectly. The springy responsiveness of the foam keeps the runs peppy, whereas the rocker helps the foot quickly cycle through.
The outsole gets the Continental rubber treatment for the forefoot. A couple of clear rubber lugs help with the rearfoot grip. The flat texture is a near-perfect fit for the rubber treadmill belts.
Outside the gym, the adizero EVO SL is equally versatile. The midsole offers speed and comfort for runs up to a half-marathon, even longer. This shoe is like last year’s Adios Pro 3, but without the Energy Rods tubes.
- adidas’s marketing pitch: Experience the feeling of fast.
- Upper: Lightweight mesh, no inner sleeve.
- Midsole: Full-length Lightstrike Pro foam. 7 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Continental rubber (forefoot), Clear rubber (heel).
- Weight: 224 gms/ 7.9 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8.5/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 39 mm (heel), 32 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: Single, D – regular (reviewed)
- Country of origin: China.
- Recommended use: 5K, 10K, half-marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Orthotic compatibility: No.
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -0° C/32° F.
Pros
- Soft and bouncy comfort
- Effective midsole rocker
- Outsole traction
- Breathable, just-right fit
- Works well even at slow speeds and heel strikes
Cons
- No reflectivity
- No optional width(s)
While nothing like the previous version, the Hoka Mach 6 is an excellent update to the series.
It swaps the dual-density midsole of the Mach 5 with a single-density midsole made of a new supercritical foam. That completely changes the ride character; the new Mach is bouncy yet speed-friendly.
The foam has excellent feedback and cushioning comfort. The foam is quick to rebound and the high midsole stack ( 37 mm and 32 mm) protects the foot from the harsh treadmills landings. The thin outsole is effective on the rubber belt.
The upper fit helps make the Mach 6 speed-friendly. The tight fit excels at connecting the foot to the midsole and adding stability during faster runs.
Wide-footed runners have the option of getting a 2E (wide) version of the Mach 6.
- Hoka’s marketing pitch:Your gateway to everyday speed.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, elastic gusset.
- Midsole: Full-length Supercritical foam, 5 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Perforated Carbon rubber.
- Weight: 232 gms/ 8.2 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 37 mm (rear), 32 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E – wide.
- Previous model: Hoka Mach 5.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Easy runs, half-marathons, Fartleks, interval training, tempo runs.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: Slower than 3:30 min/km (5:30 min/mile).
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Versatile, speed-friendly ride
- Bouncy cushioning
- Quick transitions
- Ultra-secure upper
- Optional width
Cons
- Less stable than the Mach 5
- Sizing differs from the Mach 5
- Lack of reflective elements
- Average grip on wet roads
Despite what people might think, the Hyperion 2 isn’t a direct replacement for the Hyperion 1. The midsole of the updated Hyperion is taller than the H1 and is very close to the Hyperion Max from last year.
The H-Max 1 was excellent, and so is the Hyperion 2. Both shoes have a similar midsole molded out of the lightweight DNA Flash foam.
Unlike PEBA foams (eg. Nike ZoomX, Saucony Pwrrun PB), this Nitrogen-infused foam has a firm overtone. So you won’t get the soft bounciness of other superfoams – that includes the adidas Lightstrike Pro as well.
Non-EVA compounds like the Brooks DNA Flash fares well under heavy loads.
The firm and lightweight character makes the Hyperion 2 ideal for treadmill runs.
The midsole loads efficiently during the transition while cushioning the foot from the impact forces. The forefoot has a large, single-piece rubber outsole for reliable traction.
- Brooks’s marketing pitch: Tap into that punchy, speedy feeling.
- Upper: Perforated engineered mesh, no sleeve or gusset.
- Upper fit: True to size.
- Midsole: Supercritical DNA Flash v2 foam. 8 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Harder rubber under the heel with softer forefoot blown foam.
- Weight: 201 gms/ 7.1 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 36 mm (heel), 24 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular.
- Previous model: Brooks Hyperion Max v1 (not a typo).
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Everyday training, 10K, half-marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: All types (heel/midfoot/forefoot).
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: 4:00 min/km (8:00 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Lightweight and speed-friendly ride
- Stable midsole
- Good for all footstrike positions and speeds
- Upper fit and ventilation
- Value for money
- Outsole grip
Cons
- Not as soft as Brooks claims
- No reflectivity
The adizero SL has always been an underrated model in adidas’s lineup. It doesn’t get the attention that shoes like the adios 8 and Boston 12 receive, but it’s pretty versatile – be it on the road or treadmill.
While the SL2 lacks the Energy Rods from the premium adizero assortment, it does a couple of things differently.
The first feature is the ribbed rubber outsole that we loved on the previous-gen adizero shoes. Though the outsole isn’t made of Continental rubber, there’s nothing to complain about the grip quality.
The unique midsole architecture adds comfort and stability to treadmill training. The softer Lightstrike Pro foam inside adds bouncy cushioning, while the firmer EVA foam covering keeps the foot supported during a run.
The upper fit is typical of adizero models – a no-nonsense exterior that locks the foot for efficient power delivery.
How we selected
Most people run on treadmills only if they have to. Maybe you’re a business traveler trying to catch a quick workout between meetings. Or you live in one of these cities where the polluted air turns the lungs black.
Perhaps it’s a snowy winter, or there are no sidewalks or parks nearby. Or it could be the opposite, with the outside temperatures hot enough to fry an egg.
Whatever the reason, you’ve finally decided to embrace treadmill running, and guess what, you need a pair of running shoes. Finding one sounds easy, right? Not exactly.
There are two important differences between road and treadmill runs.
We’ll begin by stating the very, very obvious:
On the road, if you stop running, you stop. On the treadmill, if you stop running, you don’t. Also, people tend to run slightly faster on treadmills as compared to road running. This makes sense; considering how boring it is to run on a treadmill, you want to get it over with as soon as possible.
To account for both of these factors, a treadmill-friendly running shoe needs to be firm, stable, and grip well. Unless you’re walking on a treadmill (why on earth, though?), an ultra-soft shoe is a big no. There’s a good reason why the Nike Invincible 3 is excluded from this list.
Most treadmills are located inside a gym, so pre/post-run stretching with some lightweight training is likely a part of the workout. Under the circumstances, a stable shoe that isn’t overly soft is effective. Also, a shoe that’s suitable for treadmill runs works very well on the open road.