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No one loves sneakers like we do. And we have the unique opportunity—which we don’t take for granted—to test the best workout shoes throughout the year, keeping track of all the greatest brands and releases. That’s where our annual SELF Certified Sneaker Awards come in. Once a year we reflect on all the shoes we’ve tried, bought, and loved to determine the best of the best.
Finding a new pair of sneakers can be overwhelming to say the least, and while experts say the best way to shop for a sport-specific sneaker is to head to a specialty store—where you can try things on, walk around, and ask staff any questions you might have—online shopping is convenient and, for some, more accessible. Whether you’re a trail runner or a cul de sac walker, whether you’re speed training for your next race or looking for a trendy pair of sneakers to throw on with some jeans, we’ve got a recommendation for you. Our goal is to make your life a little bit easier—and with our shoppable guide to the best sneakers of this year, we’re planning on doing just that.
How We Picked the Best Workout Shoes
Hundreds of sneakers come out over the course of a year, and determining the best of them is no easy task. So the first thing we do is set standards. For anything to get a SELF Certified seal of approval, it needs to meet our expert-informed criteria, which you can read here.
Next, the testing phase begins. Our group of almost 50 testers—all of whom are exercise experts and enthusiasts across a variety of skill levels and interests—tested more than 100 of the newest sneakers (all released between October 2020 and September 2021) for running, walking, hiking, HIIT and cross-training, weight lifting, and leisure. After poring through tester reviews, averaging scores for each shoe, and eliminating any that didn’t make the cut, we ended up with 29 pairs that were awarded the SELF Certified seal.
See all winners of the 2021 SELF Certified Sneaker Awards below, and be sure to check out more in-depth reviews of select picks here.
Best Road-Running Shoes
This year Adidas added yet another great sneaker to its Ultraboost collection. The Ultraboost 21 is perfectly cushioned, responsive, and up for any task. For example, you can take these for a quick warm-up run and then head right into the gym for a strength-training session, and your feet will love you for it. They’re a little on the heavy side for a race, but if you’re talking everyday miles—and lots of them—these will get you far.
Read our full review of the Adidas Ultraboost 21 here.
Look to Allbirds’ new all-weather Dasher Mizzle style for a sneaker that feels like a warm hug. Our testers said these felt extremely secure, which comes in high on the list of important qualities when running on dirt paths or in unpredictable weather conditions. Plus, their function doesn’t come at the cost of comfort—one tester said the following: “I am extremely attuned to arch support given my past ankle surgery, and these pass the test with flying colors. There was no wear-in period because they felt like Tempur-Pedic mattresses that kept me light on my feet and moving swiftly.”
You can’t go wrong with the Asics Gel-Kayano Lite 2. Whether you’ve got a goal to run your first mile or you’re training for a marathon, this style from Asics is a sturdy, reliable, and comfortable option. With its roomy toe box and adaptable sole, newer runners will love how easy these feel on their feet for their first few miles. Distance runners or those training for a race will love how beautifully the Kayano Lite 2 maps to their feet. These sneakers are easy to take right from box to run, and once you get into your stride, you won’t even notice they’re there.
If you’ve got flat feet and are looking for arch support that won’t add extra weight and clunk to your stride, check out the Asics GT-2000 10. The gel soles are hard not to love, and the toe box leaves room for people with feet on the wider side (or folks with bunions—we see you too!). Of course, the biggest selling point here is how lightweight these are. You won’t have to sacrifice support in order to get an easy, breezy run. “I find this shoe to feel completely natural,” one tester wrote. “The gel insoles were cushy enough to be comfortable but not so padded as to interfere with my natural stride, and the arch has just the right amount of support. Overall, I felt like I both had contact with the road but also adequate protection from it.”
A bit of cushioning, medium width, medium toe drop, and neutral support—they all make the Brooks Ghost 14 an excellent standard shoe for your everyday run. The shoe was made with smooth transitions in mind, ensuring you flow seamlessly from start to finish, no matter your speed or goal. All in all, the Ghost is extremely reliable, so if you’re looking for a new sneaker that will help you get the job done, we’d recommend ordering a pair of these.
The Levitate 5 is made with cushioning to make your runs more energy-efficient and your feet happier at the end of the day. “Most of the time my feet are super achy after a long shift at the gym,” one of our testers, a certified personal trainer, wrote. “But these shoes kept my hips, knees, and ankles happy all day long.” If you spend lots of time on your feet, have flat feet, or get achy arches easily, snag a pair of these, stat.
Hoka’s previous version of this shoe, the Clifton 7, won a SELF Certified Sneaker Award last year—and the cult-favorite brand has done it again this year with the Clifton 8. It seems almost everyone loves running in a pair of Hokas—their cushiony foam soles do wonders to keep knees and hips happy—and the latest version of the Clifton provides an even smoother knit upper and slightly more cushion than the previous iteration.
See our full review of the Hoka Clifton 8 here.
Add a spring to your step with the new Wave Horizon 5’s from Mizuno. These shoes were created with an all new foam that's designed to be even more springy and responsive than previous styles. Mizuno also added a lighter, more cushioned midsole—meaning you get a smoother transition from landing to toe-off in each stride. A 10mm heel-to-toe drop also means this shoe might be a nice fit for heel strikers, and will give you a peppy run on asphalt and sidewalks mile after mile.
The Mizuno Wave Rider 25 is an excellent all-purpose running sneaker that will quickly adapt to your foot and speed. One tester took these on a variety of runs and activities—four-mile runs on concrete, circuit-training classes, and uphill hikes on dirt roads—and reported that they added a boost to his gait in each circumstance. Plus, our testers confirmed that these sneakers have all the usual perks: a well-spaced toe box, no slippage, and ideal arch support.
Even with its high-cushioning and supportive arch, these New Balances have a barely-there feel. “Seriously the most comfortable running shoe I’ve ever tried!” one tester wrote. “Felt like I was running on clouds. I also felt very fast in these shoes, like the foam technology was springing me forward.” All of our testers agreed: They loved the way their bodies felt while running in these. No one reported any hot spots, blisters, arch pain, joint aches, or any of the usual culprits after their runs. This tester said it best: “My feet really feel so at ease in these shoes.”
What sets these shoes apart—by far—is their ability to help you shave time off your miles. They’re springy and cushioned, yet remain extremely lightweight—like, freakishly so. However, take note: They're pricier than most other running shoes, and have a stacked heel that make them fairly impractical for anything other than speed work on asphalt. But if you’re training for a race and seriously focused on your time, these are the shoes that will get you a PR.
Whether you’re looking to log a quick mile or two, ramp up your mileage over time, or throw on a pair of sneakers for a quick HIIT finisher, these Nikes are a great go-to. They’re definitely a cushioned sneaker but still sleek and stylish, making them easy to wear for errands, a walk around the neighborhood, or school pick-up. If you're looking for a smooth ride and a shoe that molds to your feet, look no further than this durable and high-performance shoe.
Read our full review of the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run here.
Our digital director has declared the Nike Pegasus 38 her official marathon training sneaker. This shoe strikes a perfect balance of being cushioned with just the right amount of responsiveness to keep your legs from getting fatigued. Like some of the other shoes on this list, the Pegasus builds on a strong legacy with this latest iteration, introducing a new breathable mesh upper, durable outsole, and a wider fit at the toes than previous versions. They're ideal whether you’re jogging three miles while pushing a baby stroller or hitting the streets for a 12-mile run.
Read our full review of the Nike Pegasus 38 here.
OnRunning is known for its sleek Swiss design and lightweight feel—but that doesn’t mean the brand can’t pull off a great cushioned sneaker. The latest version of the Cloudstratus has ample cushioning but still feels like it transfers power well, thanks in part to the springy plastic “speedboard” running the length of the shoe between midsoles. If you’re looking for just the right amount of cushion, these are a very comfortable pick for long runs.
Grab these sneakers for speed drills or mid-distance runs—either way, you’re sure to love them. They're considered a neutral running shoe—meaning they have less guardrails in place to prevent pronation or supination—an attribute that can feel freeing to some runners. If you consider yourself someone who needs more than minimal cushioning but doesn’t want a bulky, marshmallow-y sneaker, Saucony provides an excellent middle ground here.
Read our full review of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 here.
Best Trail-Running Shoes
Altra shoes are known for their signature FootShape toe box and shoes and tend to have a minimal heel-to-toe drop. (You can read more about a zero drop in the full review below, but in general, Altra claims a minimal drop encourages a more natural running stride, though you may find your calves and ankles working harder.) The Lone Peak 5’s have no drop at all, which really makes the shoe feel like a natural extension of your foot. This was a feature our testers loved for a trail runner—it enabled them to be nimble on various terrains—along with the excellent sole traction.
Read our full review of the Altra Lone Peak 5 here.
Asics uses their patented foam midsole to give the updated version of their Fuji Lite trail runner a quick, springy feel. With its aggressive tread pattern and sticky rubber on the outsole, you won’t slip in these either, according to our tester who took them across gravel towpaths, muddy singletracks, and rocky, technical trails.
“I have owned many Merrells in the past, and these fit exactly as expected,” one tester wrote. “Comfortable and secure.” The Merrell brand has a great reputation, and for good reason. In the Moab Flights, you can run on trails, down a rocky hill, or through the woods and feel confident that the shoe will stay secure on your foot. Plus, both testers noted the comfortable toe box and stable heel.
Read our full review of the Merrell Moab Flight here.
Best Weight-Lifting, Cross-Training, and HIIT Shoes
Picky weight lifters: This one’s for you. This weight-lifting sneaker from Ryka manages to feel both hearty and thick in the sole without adding too much weight or obtrusive support. The shoe maps nicely onto the foot with a wide, roomy toe box, and it kept our testers steady and secure without any foot cramping or pain during their strength-training workouts. The style is comfortable and fairly minimalist. In short: One less thing to worry about when you’re lifting heavy weights.
You can sport the sneakers from this popular Veja x Rick Owens collab all the way from the track to the grocery store—and you’ll be sure to get a slew of compliments on the way. They’re super light and flexible, with a stretchy sock-like upper material that keeps your heel from sliding out of place. While these Runners aren’t cheap, they combine fashion and function for anyone looking for a multipurpose, minimalist cross-trainer (that’s also suitable for a short jog, according to our testers).
Best Walking Sneakers
Slip these on before your next stroll. Reebok’s laceless DailyFit DMXs combine cushion and arch support for the perfect walking sneaker. “These fit like a glove,” one tester said. “They are so squishy and stretchy that they don’t really feel like sneakers. They honestly might even be a little too comfy.” While both testers said the cushy nature of these may take a bit to get used to, it paid off—there were no blisters or hot spots, even during the first few wears. Walk a mile in these, why don’t you!
These Rykas have a wide toe box and terrific arch support—the latter of which is especially important for folks with flat feet. All of our flat-footed testers loved these sneakers, wearing them during travel, exercise walks around the neighborhood, and days where they spent a lot of time standing. These shoes offer comfortable, unobtrusive arch support, an attribute that is key for those with flat feet. The fEmpower Journeys are responsive enough to feel like an extension of your foot—but better.
Best Hiking Shoes
These shoes were unequivocally loved by our testers for how they weather hours-long hikes, wet and swampy terrain, and slippery areas. “The shoe has a lot of cushion and is very responsive,” one tester wrote of her hikes in the Skechers Relaxed Fit: Trego—RM boots. “Finding a rhythm was natural.” Even though the Trego—RM has a high and sturdy build, our testers said they avoided any pressure areas, hot spots, or blisters.
Low-cut hiking shoes can be more comfortable when you’re on a casual nature walk or on a hike where ankle mobility and agility are key. Low-cut shoes are also versatile—and that’s why we love these Teva Gateway Lows. After trail runs, hikes, and varying levels of outdoor activity, our testers gave these rave reviews. They’re light with low cushioning, which makes them better suited for walks and speed training. Their thin, flexible feel and roomy toe box will make your outdoor adventures a walk in the park.
Best Lifestyle Sneakers
A quick scroll of Instagram will let you know: Platforms are in. And these no-frills classics from Everlane take the cake. A pair of platform lace-ups can elevate your outfit (literally), dressing up a pair of leggings or adding some comfort to a dress or skirt. As many of us know all too well, canvas sneakers can be tough to break in. Style aside, these are super comfortable. They are a bit clunky, but that’s par for the course with platforms—and as far as platforms go, our testers reported that these were easy and comfortable to wear on the daily.
Speaking of chunky sneakers, meet the Fila Electrove. You might have seen these on Instagram, TikTok, or just about anywhere this summer. The design is reminiscent of dad sneakers (or Baby Spice) circa Y2K, for a sporty and fashionable look. That all being said, these Filas still manage to be utilitarian. “This is definitely a supportive, responsive shoe,” one tester wrote. “Not too cushiony, but my feet felt comfortable standing in them for long periods of time.” Win-win.
Is it an exercise sneaker? A lifestyle sneaker? It’s hard to tell—and truth be told, you can pretty much wear this for both. The Nike Waffle Ones were designed in homage to the brand’s old-school racer, and while our tester took these for active days around the city—and also out to dinner—if you had to run a mile in these, let’s just say you could. They’re an excellent, comfortable alternative to the chunky lifestyle sneakers on the market if you’re set on a sleeker, low-profile look.
Read our full review of the Nike Waffle One here.
Fancy folks, this one’s for you. A lace-up platform sneaker, these streamlined kicks from Puma offer a small gold detail and come in a bright white leather. If you like your sneakers clean-looking and a little less subtle, give these a go. Unlike many leather sneakers, our testers reported, these felt wide and roomy (while still secure), making the wear-in period a breeze. “I didn’t feel like I was fighting the shoe at all,” one tester wrote. “It went with me.”
When it comes to fit, these slip-ons from Rothy clearly take the cake. Putting them on feels almost like putting on a pair of gloves—they stretch, and then mold to your feet in a way that will never rub or blister. “It’s really incredible how such a fitted shoe can be so comfy,” one tester wrote. “I chalk it up to the material. It’s fabulous, and I’m guessing the stretch is key!” The sole feels cushioned, supportive, and yet unobtrusive. We should also note that while they’re the easiest pair of shoes to throw on and walk out the door in, they still look neat, nice, and put-together. They can even double as a work shoe.
