Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe title’s “best of 2024” framing needs a qualification: Shape’s page was updated June 10, 2026, and now presents six picks in its 2025 Fitness Awards coverage. It identifies lululemon Beyondfeel as a 2024 Sneaker Award winner, but does not verify that all six shoes below were the original 2024 selections. The picks are useful as activity-specific options—not as a universal ranking—and Shape’s descriptions and specifications are its reported claims, not independent test results.
What the six picks are for
Shape says its 2025 Fitness Awards analysis drew on a dozen tests involving reviewers and athletes, assessing comfort, durability, aesthetics, and functionality. The current page describes 52 athletic shoes tested, more than 100 submissions, more than 500 products considered for reviewed articles during the year, and 30 award winners. These are Shape’s reported figures on a page updated June 10, 2026; they do not establish an independently verified head-to-head comparison of the six shoes below. Shape’s updated guide
| Primary use | Shape’s pick | Listed drop and weight | Shape’s notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday workouts | adidas Supernova Rise Running Shoes | 9 mm; 8.57 oz | Shape says it can suit walking, running, standing, and varied workouts; listed as neutral support. |
| Race day | New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 | 4 mm; 6.6 oz | Carbon plate and cushioning; standard and wide widths listed. Shape cautions that slower runners may not want a carbon-plated shoe. |
| Long runs | HOKA Mach X 2 | 5 mm; 8 oz | Shape highlights a breathable, flexible mesh upper and PEBA foam; it suggests considering a half-size up for comfort. |
| Maximum cushioning | Brooks Glycerin Max | 6 mm; 9.5 oz | Shape describes it as highly cushioned and says readers concerned about balance should avoid it. |
| Weight lifting | Reebok Nano Gym Shoes | 8 mm; 12 oz | Shape highlights heel protection and flexibility, while noting the 8 mm drop may be uncomfortable for power lifters. |
| Workout classes | lululemon Beyondfeel Women’s Running Shoe | 10 mm; 9.5 oz | Shape notes a breathable mesh upper, forefoot cushion, and a break-in period. It identifies this shoe as a Shape 2024 Sneaker Award winner. |
Specifications and descriptions are reproduced as Shape presents them; they are not a substitute for checking the current model and fit. The page does not establish that the first five shoes were the original 2024 selections.
Choose for the workout, not the label
Running shoes are not automatically lifting shoes
Running and lifting place different demands on footwear. Linda LoRe, a NASM-certified personal trainer and RRCA coach, says, “Running and lifting require different support of the foot – having a shoe that enhances the proper support is key,” and advises: “When lifting, you want minimalist shoes with very little foam or cushion.” Caroline Beckwith, an ACE-certified CPT and Fitness Director at the 14th Street Y, similarly says, “Shoes with a flat sole are the way to go for weight lifting.” A soft, highly cushioned running shoe may feel comfortable for running but be a poor fit for lifts that call for a stable base.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
Classes and general gym sessions allow more flexibility
For moderate-intensity training, Beckwith says, “For a typical HIIT class at the gym, or any kind of moderate-intensity workout, it is usually fine to wear any sneakers you have,” provided they feel comfortable and suit the movements. She adds, “For exercises like deadlifts, for example, cushy sneakers like Hokas are not your friend.” A class mixing jumps, lateral movement, and strength work may call for a different balance of cushioning, flexibility, and stability than a run or a heavy deadlift session.
Cushioning and support answer different questions
In Shape’s explanation, cushioning means added padding, while support addresses issues such as overpronation. More cushioning does not necessarily mean more support, and a shoe’s listed category alone cannot tell you whether it feels stable on your foot. Comfort and the demands of your primary activity should guide the choice.
Rank #2
- Ideal for Gifting
- Ideal for a bookworm
- Compact for travelling
How to narrow the choice and check fit
- Start with your main activity. For racing or long-distance running, compare the race-day and long-run options; for lifting, prioritize a flatter, less cushioned feel; for mixed workouts, look for a comfortable all-around fit.
- Consider the listed drop and feel. Drop is the heel-to-toe difference listed by Shape. The figures in the table help compare these models, but do not by themselves establish which shoe will feel right for you.
- Check width and sizing details. Shape lists standard and wide options for the New Balance pick and suggests considering a half-size up in the HOKA Mach X 2. It also notes a break-in period for the Beyondfeel.
- Try shoes on when possible. LoRe advises new runners or people testing a shoe to find a local running store for a fitting: “If you’re new to running or just curious to test a shoe, try finding a local running store to help you get fitted in the right shoe,”
Running shoes are personal; LoRe’s further advice, as reported by Shape, is to choose an everyday trainer for easy and long mileage. Prioritize the shoe that feels comfortable and appropriate for your running rather than assuming one model works for everyone.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the “2024” label establishes—and what it does not
Shape’s page currently describes 2025 Fitness Awards coverage and was updated June 10, 2026. It names the lululemon Beyondfeel as a Shape 2024 Sneaker Award winner, but the available page does not confirm that the other five products—or the complete six-shoe lineup—were the 2024 winners. Treat this as a current, activity-organized set of Shape picks with one explicitly identified 2024 award winner, not a verified historical list of six 2024 winners. The page also discloses that Shape may receive compensation from links; that disclosure does not establish independent validation of its recommendations.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- It can be a gift option
- Comes with secure packaging
- Helpful in various ways
Rank #4
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
