DPT APPROVED - Best Running Shoes of 2020
SELECTION PROCESS
Our
DPT APPROVED awards include only shoes that were wear tested by our
team during this year (over 75 different shoes). Our editors made their selections based off of
wear testing experience, racing experience in the shoe, and shoe
technology integrated within the shoe. Each shoe is brought through
rigorous testing and analysis by our editors who all have expert
knowledge in biomechanics and footwear from 7+ years of post-graduate
education. Each editor was allowed a nomination for each category:
trainer, trail, racer, debut, update, and overall. We
know that when it comes down to it, there is not a true "best" shoe as
there are so many personal factors that make one shoe better for one
person than another, so share your thoughts! Check out our Footwear Science page to dig into some factors that makes running shoes unique!
Weight: 10.1 oz
Stack Height: 38 mm / 34 mm
Drop: 4mm
Classification: Structured Cushion Trainer
ASICS FUJITRABUCO LYTE: (Matt): We have begun to test more trail shoes here at Doctors of Running and still have a few models from 2020 to write reviews on. However, the Asics Fujitrabuco Lyte stole the show for me. As one of the few lighter and more minimal trail shoes out there in a heavily cushioned, maximal and heavy trail world, the nimble design, secure fit and responsive Flytefoam midsole makes for an incredibly fun ride on trails. The aggressive toe spring in such a low drop shoe is interesting, but I found this shoe had enough light cushioning to keep my feet happy during longer uptempo efforts on the trail. If I had a chance to do another trail race in 2020, this would be my choice hands down from 10k up to the marathon on trail. A light, fun and fast ride for those wanting to pick up the pace on the pace on fire road, moderately groomed single track and a little bit of rocks.
ASICS GEL-KAYANO LITE: (Matt): There were a ton of interesting a great stability shoes that came out this year, but the Kayano Lite was in a league of its own. A moderate to max stability shoe under 10 ounces with no posting or trusstic system was incredible to experience. This is a complete evolution for Asics. The stability comes from geometric shapes in the midsole and is integrated incredibly smoothly. The upper fits beautifully, featuring a wider but still secure fit in an eco friendly package. The Flytefoam midsole is balanced incredibly well. I was able to use this shoe for almost everything and it performed very well. From long runs, easy runs and workouts this shoe shined. For those looking for a different stability experience in a trainer or those looking for an uptempo/racing shoe coming down from heavy stability shoes like the normal Kayano, Hurricane, etc, give this shoe a look. Kudos to Asics on such an incredible evolution on the concept of stability.
Weight: 9.9 oz (men's size 9), 8.9 oz (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 31 mm / 21 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Classification: Lightweight Moderate Stability Shoe
MIZUNO WAVE HORIZON 4: (David) The Mizuno Wave Horizon 4 is a max cushion max stability shoe that delivers. The shoe does an incredible job with geometry, midsole materials, and upper security to create a shoe that is very stable without usage of posting. I had a blast in the Mizuno Wave Horizon 4.
Specifications (per Mizuno USA)
Weight: 11.3 oz
Stack Height: Not Provided
Drop: 10mm Drop
Classification: Maximum Cushioned Stability Trainer
Specifications (per Hoka)Weight: 7.7 oz (men's size 9), 6.5 oz (women's size 7)Measured Weight: TBDStack Height: 29 mm / 24 mmDrop: 5mm Classification: Maximalist Lightweight Trainer
ADIDAS ADIZERO PRO: (Matt and David) The Adidas Adizero Pro is technically a racing shoe, but at 8.5 ounces with 32mm of stack the shoe actually does quite well at all paces. The toe spring and plate mechanism isn't as "super shoe" like as some of the other shoes on the market, but it works great as a workout shoe. The stack and protection also works well for long runs and daily training paces as well. Durability is also contributing factor to this category, a shoe that will last you for miles.
Drop: 10mm
SKECHERS RAZOR 3 CLOAK: (Nathan) The Razor 3 Cloak took everything people love about the original Razor 3, including the monomesh non-stretch upper, and gave it one click of improvement. There is increased outsole coverage and also includes the use of Goodyear rubber. This new outsole firmed up the ride (very slightly), giving a touch more stability. Additionally, there is increased durability, which lead me to grab it more often knowing it was going to last. Light and responsive for tempo work, and enough "cush" from the HYPERBURST for those recovery days. Get your zee-bruh on.
Specifications (per Running Warehouse)
Weight: 6.5 ounces (Men's 9)
Stack Height: 28mm/24mm (including sock liner)
Drop: 4mm
Classification: Versatile Performance Trainer/Racer
Specifications
Weight: 8.7 oz (men's size 9 per our measurements)
Stack Height: 29 mm / 19 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Classification: Lightweight Trainer
ASICS Gel-KAYANO LITE: (Matt): I already gave a description of what makes this shoe a great stability shoe, but the innovation and redesign of the concept of stability is why I have to hand this award to Asics. This company is known for their posting, narrow fits and trusstic systems. All of that was changed with a clear evolution in the debut of the Gel-Kayano Lite. Asics has been working with prodigees of Dr. Benno Nigg (whom we are a big fan of here) and the use of geometric shapes in the midsole to create custom stability is fantastic. Couple that with eco friendly materials in upper and an incredibly comfortable fit (yes, I have worn it sockless), the Asics Gel-Kayano Lite gets the "Most Innovative" award from me. Hold on to your socks though as we have been told this is only a small taste of what is coming from Asics.
Weight: 9.9 oz (men's size 9), 8.9 oz (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 31 mm / 21 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Classification: Lightweight Moderate Stability Shoe
NIKE ALPHAFLY NEXT%: (David) The Nike AlphaFly shows you how creative the racing market is getting. Plates, Air pods, and foams have all been around for some time now, but Nike created a combination of all of the above in one shoe. The PEBAX foam, Flyplate, and hoof design with the air pods create an insanely unique ride for this 40mm stack racing monster. Atomknit also shows that you can create a really reinforced knit upper that doesn't feel stretchy and unstable.
Specifications (per Running Warehouse)
Weight: 7.4 oz (Men's size 9)
Stack Height: 40mm/36mm
Drop: 4mm
Classification: Elite Racing Shoe
SAUCONY ENDORPHIN SHIFT: (Nathan) This shoe may not look all that innovative, but Saucony did some subtle things to create a maximalist shoe that sits in its own little category. Unlike most maximal, high stack shoes, the PWRUN midsole sits on the firmer end and the smooth and enjoyable ride is created through the design of the midsole (what they call SpeedRoll). The subtle stability elements are also what make this shoe innovative, namely how the upper and outsole are integrated with the midsole to create a stable platform. The extension of the heel counter inferiorly on the inside of the shoe as well as the thickening of the outsole on the inside of the shoe give a lot of stability to such a high stack shoe. This is a protective, faster, high milage trainer that will likely work for neutral runners and those who need some stability.
Specifications (per Running Warehouse)
Weight: 10.1 oz
Stack Height: 38 mm / 34 mm
Drop: 4mm
Classification: Structured Cushion Trainer
MULTIPLE TESTER REVIEW
Weight: 5.7 oz (men's size 9)
Stack Height: 28 mm / 24 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Classification: Racing Flat
FULL REVIEW
Specifications (per Running Warehouse)
Weight: 7.4 oz (Men's size 9)
Drop: 4mm
Classification: Elite Racing Shoe
Weight: 7.4 oz (Men's size 9)
Weight: 7.5 oz (men's size 9), 6.8 oz (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 39mm / 31 mm
Drop: 8mm
Classification: Marathon Racing Shoe
2020 has been another incredible year for Doctors of Running. Our team has grown to include three Doctors of Physical Therapy and our amazing Social Media and Technical Wizard Bach Pham. We all continue to have a passion for running and expert knowledge in biomechanics. We've reviewed over 70 different shoes this year and have developed new partnerships with several staple running shoe companies. We are thankful for all our partners and readers.
If you are interested in helping us grow our channel, visit any of the links above to purchase shoes for your running in 2021. Using the links in no way raises your costs, but helps us keep on pushing forward. Thanks so much to Running Warehouse and Fleet Feet for their support.
Interested in getting in touch with us? Contact us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.
Our continued hope is to bring cutting edge shoe reviews and evidence based running and footwear articles to help our communities run happy, healthy, and fast. Thanks for being a part of helping us make that happen!
TESTER PROFILES:
Dr. Matthew Klein is a 140 lb male with notable PRs of 14:45 for 5k and
2:32:44 for the full marathon. He typically runs 70-100 miles per week
and trains at a variety of paces from 8min per mile recovery runs to
4:40 per mile 1k repeats. He prefers firmer and responsive shoes with
snug heels and medium to wide toe boxes. He is particular to less
cushioned shoes and close to the ground shoes, but can handle a little
cushion when he gets beat up. IG handle: @kleinrunsdpt
Dr. David Salas is a 135 lb male with notable PRs ranging from 3:54 in
the 1500m to 1:08:36 for half marathon. He typically runs 60 to 70 miles
per week and trains from about 7:30 recovery runs to fast shorter
efforts at 4:30 pace. He normally prefers neutral shoes with a firmer
ride, but is completely open to other types of shoes. He is a footwear
enthusiast at heart and will always appreciate a high quality shoe when
it comes around. For updates on training or testing, IG handle:
@docsofrundavid
Dr. Brown is a 155 lb male with notable PRs of 18:18 5K,
39:25 10K, 1:29:01 half marathon, and 3:54 marathon. He typically runs
between 20-40 miles per week at a variety of paces from 7:30-8:30
min/mile for recovery runs to 6-6:45 min/mile for tempo runs. He
typically prefers shoes that provide some cushioning underfoot but still
maintain a more firm and responsive feel. Current goals for 2020 are to
break the 1.5 hour half marathon and 3:30 marathon. IG handle:
@nate.docsofrunning
Doctor of Physical Therapy