Choosing the right running shoe is crucial for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. As the seasons change, it’s an excellent time to evaluate your current footwear and consider an upgrade. Our team of experienced runners has put the latest models to the test to help you find the perfect pair for your autumn miles.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the top running shoes available this fall. We cover the rigorous testing process our team undertook and explain why investing in quality footwear is one of the best decisions you can make for your running journey. You will find clear, structured information to help you select a shoe that aligns with your specific needs.
Why Invest in a Quality Running Shoe This Fall?
A good pair of running shoes is more than just a piece of gear; it's a vital tool that directly impacts your experience on the road or trail. As temperatures cool and conditions change, having the right shoe becomes even more important. Quality footwear provides essential support, cushioning, and stability, which helps reduce the risk of common running-related injuries.
Furthermore, a well-designed shoe enhances your performance. Modern shoe technology is engineered to improve energy return, promote a natural stride, and provide a comfortable ride, allowing you to run longer and more efficiently. Investing in yourself and your running means equipping your feet with the support they need to carry you through every mile. Your feet will thank you for it.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts, including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure that the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature highly rated products.
Asics | Astral | Brooks | CEP | Craft | Diadora | Hoka | Kane | KURU | La Sportiva | Merrell | New Balance | Nike | Reebok | Roll Recovery | Salomon | Saucony | Scarpa | Skechers | Speedland | The North Face | Under Armour | Velous
KURU Moment
The KURU Moment is a stylish and supportive shoe designed for those who value both comfort and aesthetics. Featuring KURU’s dynamic heel technology, this shoe provides exceptional arch support and reduces foot fatigue. The cushioned midsole and breathable upper make it perfect for long walks, casual outings, or even light exercise. With its sleek design and reliable performance, the KURU Moment is a go-to choice for all-day wear.
Slip into the MOMENT and let the slide give your foot a nice, big hug!
First Impressions:
These sandals had a very supportive feel upon step in and the adjustable closure helped me get a secure fit.
Upon slipping into the KURU MOMENT, the fit feels secure at the heel thanks to its built-in heel cradle, while the forefoot feels comfortably spaced rather than cramped. The footbed offers firm yet slightly forgiving support—there’s no sinking “memory foam” feel, but a solid base that gives confidence in every step. Responsiveness is modest (it’s not springy, but doesn’t feel dead either), and breathability is average for a closed-strap slide—it vents a bit through the top strap but won’t rival mesh athletic shoes.
It did take a few wears to get accustomed to the lift this slide provides your foot, almost like wearing a heel at first. But super comfortable from the first wear!
Things We Liked:
The standout feature is the heel-cradling support and arch contouring, which helps stabilize the foot during wear and provides relief for those, like myself, who are prone to heel discomfort or plantar stress.
The nubs on the foot pad feel like a massage.
Areas for Improvement:
This is a minor thing but it’s hard to keep the light colored sole looking clean, I’d like to see the soles in a darker color .
The midfoot to toe area could benefit from a touch more softness or flexibility. On longer wear, that firmer underfoot feel may become a bit rigid, especially for users who prefer cushioning that molds more to the foot’s shape.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to alleviate foot pain or just want something comfy to wear post-run, the Kuru recovery slides are a great lightweight and supportive option. With an adjustable hook and loop closure, it’s easy to get a custom fit and the supportive built-in orthotics cradle your foot from toes to heel.
These slides have an athletic design that makes them a good fit for lounging around the house, spectating from the sidelines, and everything in between and the little nubs on the foot bed gently massage your soles, really giving these shoes a premium feel.
Specs:
- Drop: 12mm
- Weight: 9.1 oz
- Price: $100
- Category: Recovery
- Type: Recovery
- Fit: Ture to Size
- Ideal for: Causual, Recovery
Buy:
Women's | Men's
KURU ROAM
If comfort meeting versatility had a name, it would be the KURU ROAM. Perfect for life on the go, the ROAM effortlessly combines sophisticated casual style with the advanced support features your feet demand. Engineered with KURU’s signature KURUSOLE technology, these shoes deliver unparalleled cushioning and arch support, making them ideal for long walks, travel, or simply tackling your day-to-day errands with ease. The ROAM’s durable, premium materials ensure they’ll stand the test of time, while their polished yet relaxed aesthetic makes transitioning between professional and casual settings seamless. Treat your feet to the KURU ROAM, and redefine what moving in comfort and style means.
These shoes are a pain reliever for my feet, so comfortable.
Things We Liked:
"Great shoes for errands and casual activities! Cute and stylish with comfort!"
"It is nice to have a shoe that has built-in heel support."
Areas for Improvement:
"The shoe runs a tad bit wide, I would make it a bit more snug."
"More flexibility of the leather around the toes of the shoe."
Final Thoughts
Great casual shoes for shopping, errands, and daily living. Genuine leather helps the shoe stay strong and look great. Comfortable and great fit, true to size. The added heel support alleviates much of the pain in the feet. Say goodbye to achy feet with these shoes. These Kuru Roam shoes are great for everyday wear and provide cushioning for basic activities. They are stylish and durable.
Specs:
- Drop: 6 mm
- Weight: 13 oz
- Price: $155
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Lifestyle
- Fit: True To Size
- Ideal for: Everyday Wear
Buy:
Women's | Men's
KURU ATOM 2
The KURU ATOM 2 isn’t just a shoe; it’s the ultimate workout companion for active individuals seeking premium support and performance. Designed with a perfect blend of comfort and durability, the ATOM 2 is built to keep up with your toughest workouts, whether you’re hitting the gym or taking on outdoor challenges. Featuring KURU’s patented KURUSOLE technology, these dynamic training shoes provide superior heel protection and shock absorption to reduce the strain on your feet, even during high-impact activities. With its sleek, modern design and breathable materials, the ATOM 2 feels great and keeps you looking sharp as you achieve your fitness goals. Step into the ATOM 2 and experience why it’s a game-changer in athletic footwear.
Great, all-around fitness shoe that can be worn as an everyday shoe. You won't be disappointed in the comfort.
Things We Liked:
"This shoe cradles my foot better than most, with great heel support and a wider toe box."
"The comfort is outstanding. I can be in their shoes all day without worrying about fatigue.:
Areas for Improvement:
"These are a bit heavier than what I am used to, would love to have these in a lighter version"
Final Thoughts
It was exciting when these shoes arrived since out of the box, they looked stylish and there was intrigue about the arch support in the shoes. Out of the box, the shoes fit snugly, and the style looked good when worn. The heel support is far superior to anything else that we've tested. The main issue is that the shoes are a bit too heavy, while the arch support takes some time getting used to.
Specs:
- Drop: 10 mm
- Weight: 13.1 oz
- Price: $175
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Walking/Fitness
- Fit: True To Size
- Ideal for: Walking, Fitness, Everyday
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Our Comprehensive Testing Process
To bring you this guide, our expert team, comprised of seasoned runners and footwear specialists, conducted extensive testing on a wide array of shoes. We are committed to providing reliable and unbiased recommendations based on real-world performance.
Each pair of shoes was subjected to a minimum of 20 miles of running across varied terrains, from city pavements to park trails. Our testers meticulously evaluated each shoe based on a set of key criteria to ensure a thorough and balanced assessment.
Key Evaluation Criteria:
- Comfort: We assessed the initial feel and long-run comfort, noting any pressure points or areas of discomfort.
- Fit: Testers evaluated how the shoe conformed to the foot, including the security of the heel, the width of the toebox, and the overall lockdown.
- Weight: We considered the physical weight of the shoe and how it felt during a run—whether it felt light and nimble or heavy and cumbersome.
- Breathability: The upper materials were tested for airflow to determine how well they managed heat and moisture during a run.
- Flexibility: We analyzed the shoe's flexibility in the forefoot and its overall ability to move naturally with the runner's stride.
- Overall Ride: This is a comprehensive assessment of the shoe's performance. It includes the quality of the cushioning, the smoothness of the heel-to-toe transition, and the general feeling of the shoe in motion.