Podiatrists Want You To Consider These Factors Before Lacing Up For A Treadmill Run

Best cushioned: Hoka Bondi 8

Boasting plushness, an incredibly light build, and most importantly, resilience, this shoe guarantees an abundance of rebound with every stride. Sharkey affirms that when it comes to running on treadmills, these rank among her top choices for shock-absorbing footwear. 

This shoe promises an ample bounce due to its elevated stack height, expertly designed to absorb the impact of each step while keeping your feet feeling featherlight. The lofty stack height excels at cushioning the impact, rendering high-impact activities like running considerably gentler on your knees and other leg joints. 

I, the writer, swear by the Hoka Bondi 8’s for my daily treadmill workouts. They’re just cushioned enough to absorb shock and keep my joints happy while providing stability and support and still feeling light on my feet.

Best for bad knees: New Balance Fresh Foam 860v13

According to Kornfeld, this treadmill running shoe boasts exceptional cushioning and stability, which is helpful for runners with knee issues. Its remarkable comfort is a noted feature and to runners of all ages and experience levels. 

These shoes come equipped with a removable insole, so you can use custom orthotics if needed. What’s more, the midsole foam incorporates approximately 3% bio-based materials, making it a more sustainable choice for environmentally-conscious runners.

Best stability: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

Sharkey recommends the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 as a treadmill running shoe with exceptional stability. It’s also one of the best shoes for knee pain thanks to its patented GuideRails technology, which ensures your foot maintains proper alignment.

This model has specifically earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance, meaning podiatrists agree it is beneficial for foot health. Whether you’re new to running or a seasoned sprinter, this running shoe is a solid choice for runners across all proficiency levels. 

Notably, this footwear incorporates eco-friendly practices by utilizing recycled materials, including repurposed plastic water bottles. Additionally, the company has set ambitious goals to attain net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Best for flat feet: Hoka Arahi 6

Sharkey recommends this shoe for individuals with flat feet. She emphasizes that Hoka's Arahi model stands out in the market for its ability to provide enhanced stability to those with flat or fallen arches. 

According to Sharkey, the active foot frame of this shoe is purposefully crafted to cradle the foot, ensuring both stability and comfort. The incorporation of a mesh lining, compression-molded foam insole, and an integrated meta-rocker mechanism contributes to a smoother and more comfortable wearing experience while bolstering support for the forefoot.

The Arahi is also featured in our selection of the best shoes for flat feet, based on the guidance of podiatrists who advocate for the mitigation or prevention of overpronation.

Best for wide feet: Brooks Ghost 15

If you happen to have high arches and wide feet, Sharkey highly recommends considering this particular pair. It has earned the coveted APMA Seal of Acceptance due to its notable improvements in cushioning, seamless transitions, and an enhanced upper that actively promotes foot health. 

Plus, the 3D Fit Print upper and DNA BioMoGo technology work in tandem to adapt to your foot's contours, elevating stability and comfort to the next level.

These treadmill running shoes come in plenty of widths, including medium (1B), wide (2E), extra wide (4E), and narrow (2A), ensuring a suitable fit for everyone with wide feet.

Best for distance: Asics Gel Nimbus 25

We've highlighted these ASICS running shoes for their outstanding cushioning, comfort, and support. ASICS' gel technology is meticulously designed to reduce impact, making these shoes an excellent choice for runners who are going the distance on the treadmill. 

Our commerce editor previously endorsed the Nimbus Gel 25 for long runs, as they’re breathable and lightweight. She attests that these shoes provide a softer landing when compared to other models she has assessed, all without adding undue weight to your feet.

We love that at least 30% of the shoe's upper is constructed from recycled materials.

Best for beginners: Brooks Trace 2

The podiatrists we consulted hold a strong affinity for the Brooks brand, albeit with a caveat that only select Brooks models adhere to APMA standards and align with their particular recommendations. For new treadmill runners embarking on their fitness journey, the Brooks Trace 2 is an excellent choice. 

This beginner-friendly treadmill running shoe features breathable materials that offer a secure fit without compromising on airflow and ventilation. Plus, its dynamic cushioning technology seamlessly adjusts to your unique running pace and stride, which is just one reason why we’ve called it out in our roundups of the best running shoes for women and best cushioned running shoes.

Best for high arches: Puma Deviate Nitro II

Sharkey says for high arches, cushion is key. "High-arched feet are less flexible and more rigid than flat feet, which translates into needing more shock absorption of the weight of activity occurring in the feet," she explains.

With the APMA Seal of Acceptance and the endorsement of the podiatrists we consulted, the Puma Deviate Nitro II stands as an excellent option for treadmill runners with high arches. According to Kornfeld, it offers a cushioned forefoot and a consistent fit, both of which provide a sense of security that can greatly benefit runners.

Mindbodygreen commerce editor, Carleigh Ferrante, has been testing these sneakers for the past three months while marathon training. She loves how they support her feet outdoors or on the treadmill, noting that she runs significantly faster in these than the shoes she used to wear.

Podiatrist recommendations:

We took our experts' insights and direct recommendations into account. We also sought out shoes with the APMA Seal of Acceptance.

Features:

Arch support, cushion, stability, weight, and breathability were all considered when selecting the best treadmill running shoes.

Price

Treadmill running shoes can get expensive (especially when you’re replacing them every 300 miles), so we included a range of products to fit various budgets.

Sustainability

We always keep Mother Earth in mind when reviewing products. There are a number of brands on our list that make an extra effort toward using sustainable and recycled materials.