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
Salomon Aero Glide 3
For smoother strides and exceptional comfort, meet the Salomon Aero Glide 3. Precision-engineered for runners who prioritize efficiency and performance, this road-running shoe delivers unrivaled cushioning, stabilizing your feet across long distances. Salomon’s signature Energy Blade technology enhances forward propulsion, helping runners maintain pace and conserve energy during their sessions. The breathable mesh upper ensures all-day comfort, while the ultra-lightweight build provides maximum speed with no compromise on support. Whether training for your next 10K or tackling long-distance runs, the Aero Glide 3 is your ultimate partner for smoother runs and record-breaking days.
Hard to beat a lightweight trainer with max cushion and rocker geometry that propels you forward into your next stride... the Aero Glide 3 is truly a fun ride that makes almost every run feel effortless!
Things We Liked:
"I like the material of the upper - it is light and quite breathable."
"Their lightweight, max cushion, and rocker geometry are a winning combo that makes almost every run feel fun and almost effortless! "
Areas for Improvement:
"I don't have experience with any previous models of this shoe. It did take me a bit to get used to how cushioned it was."
"It seems it may run at least half, if not full-size big. With the toe box also being spacious, this issue is even more apparent, and would be the only significant change I would make!"
Final Thoughts
The Salomon Aero Glide 3 is very comfortable and light. Although this shoe has a large amount of sole cushion, it doesn't feel that way on the run, feeling lightweight and springy, rather than heavy. The lightweight upper allows for great airflow and fits well around the foot.
This model features standard laces, rather than Salomon's Quicklace drawstring-style cord with a "shoelace garage," which was preferred over other Salomon models tested. Those who prefer or require a wider toe box will appreciate the wide forefoot, but individuals with narrow feet may find it too spacious.
Although this road shoe was tested on some light trail runs in Colorado, it performed well. The only issue was the hollowed-out portion in the center of the sole, which can collect mud in various conditions.
Outside of a few quibbles, this is an enjoyable, lightweight shoe that feels like running on clouds.
Specs:
- Drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 8.64 oz
- Price: $160
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Running - Road
- Fit: Runs 1/2 Size Big
- Ideal for: Speed, Recovery, Long Distance, Race, Cross Training
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Salomon Aero Blaze 3
The Salomon Aero Blaze 3 is the one shoe that nails every session. A real jack of all trades, it delivers an ideal mix of cushioning, dynamic comfort and snappy, smooth transitions. Lightweight in construction with premium-feel performance, it’s your ultra versatile go-to running partner.
With a sleek design, light weight, and Goldilocks amount of cushioning, these shoes check all the boxes for a neutral daily trainer. I even found myself wearing them for walks and errands - they’re that comfortable!
First Impressions:
Fit is true to size. Very comfortable upon and easy to put on. The cushioned upper and heel collar makes for a really comfortable shoe that doesn't add weight. I really liek the upper's material, design, and breathability and hope that it'll stand the test of time and miles.
My first thought was how light this shoe is! I’ve been running in high stack, max cushion trainers, so this felt like a breath of fresh air, especially for every day runs.
Things We Liked:
It's nice to finally have a pair of daily trainers that both look and feel good.
If you only want one pair of running shoes, this pair can really do it all - they’re a great choice for long runs, speed work, and everything in between.
Areas for Improvement:
While I love most everything about the Salomon Aero Blaze 3, the mid and outsoles lack the responsiveness that I'd expect from an otherwide nicely engineered and designed road shoe.
The shoe’s outsole seems like it might wear down quickly. I’d like to see some deeper lugs for extended wear and more grip on wet surfaces.
Final Thoughts
While Salomon is most commonly known for as a contender in the trail running shoe market, the Aero Blaze 3 toes the line with the other big road shoe brands as a very solid daily trainer. With a cushioned heel cuff, Ortholute sole, and breatheable upper it weighs in at a suprisingly low 8.1 ounces that makes the shoe very comfortable. The Salomon Aero Blaze 3 features a sleek, angular design with sharp black and yellow color blocking that gives it an aggressive, fast look—reminiscent of a yellow jacket wasp. Every design element, from the sculpted midsole to the ventilated mesh upper, feels purposeful and aerodynamic. It's a bold, cool-looking shoe that clearly wasn’t just built for performance, but to turn heads too.
Despite the comfort, feel, and design, the shoe lacks in responsiveness and pep that its aesthetic demands. It pops in design but flops on the run.
Specs:
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 7.9 oz
- Price: $140
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Road Running
- Fit: True to Size
- Ideal for: Recovery, Long Distance
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.