Supportive Long-Distance Sneakers
A more substantial shoe takes the pounding out of your feet and onto the pavement.
Winner: Wave Creation 13; $150; MizunoRunning.com. They have a double-decker plastic midsole separated by shock absorbers, which act like a springboard. "I barely felt the road," one high-miler said. Fit tip: Go up a half size.
Runner-up: Trance 11, $140; BrooksRunning.com. A dense foam midsole makes it durable. This category of so-called stability shoes is ideal for heavier gals. Plus, "the arch support is great," testers agreed.
Editor's pick: GEL-Kayano 18, $150; Asics.com. "If you run for an hour or more at a pop, you'll love these. Light enough to be quick and soft enough to feel sweet to your feet, they're great training shoes for a marathon or a half."—Lucy Danziger, editor-in-chief.
Minimalist Running Shoes
Light-as-a feather minimalist shoes encourage a more natural forefoot strike, which lessens the load on your joints.
Winner: GEL-Neo33, $105; Asics.com. Designed to allow all 33 joints in your foot to move freely, these are minimalist without being too minimal, with a thicker sole. "I felt energized. My feet weren't constricted," a tester said.
Runner-up: Avi-Release A5305W, $60; Avia.com. What this lightweight lacks in traditional cushioning, it makes up for with shock-absorbing rubber soles. It's a smart entry point to the minimal trend. "My feet felt naked in a good way!"
Editor's pick: Under Armour Charge RC, $120; UA.com. "There's hardly any padding, but the way the wide-set laces grip my foot makes me feel protected."—Jaclyn Emerick, editorial assistant.