Best Shoes for Running on Treadmill: Ideal Shoes for Workouts

Using a treadmill can be an excellent way to get fit, but it’s important to have the right treadmill running shoes to support your feet and joints. Shoes play a major part when you want to achieve the daily targets that correspond to your long-term and short-term goals.

7 Best shoes to run on a treadmill

Factors like shoe weight, comfort, shoe material used, shoe size, and design come into play when picking the right set of shoes to run on a treadmill. Some of the seven best shoes to wear when running on a treadmill include:

1. Brooks Ghost 11

Another popular option for treadmill runners, these shoes offer a soft and cushioned ride that can help reduce impact on your joints.

Specs

Cushioned sole
Breathable material
Durable outsole
Responsive design

Pros

Soft and cushioned ride that can help reduce the impact on your joints.
Responsive design can help you maintain your natural stride.
Breathable material helps keep your feet cool and comfortable.

Cons

May not offer enough support for those with severe overpronation. While it provides a decent amount of stability, more is needed for those with severe overpronation (excessive inward foot rolling).
May not be suitable for those with wide feet. Some users have reported that the Ghost 11 can be a bit narrow, which may not be ideal for those with wide feet.

2. Nike Zoom Structure 22

These shoes are great for runners who need a bit of stability and support. They have a Zoom Air unit in the heel for added cushioning, and the outsole is durable rubber to withstand the treadmill.

Specs

Breathable material
Durable outsole
Supportive design
Zoom Air unit in the heel

Pros

Breathable material
Durable outsole
Supportive design
Zoom Air unit in the heel

Cons

May not be suitable for those with severe overpronation. While Structure 22 offers a decent amount of stability, more is needed for those with severe overpronation (excessive inward foot rolling).

3. New Balance 1080v9

If you’re eyeing a shoe with plenty of cushioning, the New Balance 1080v9 is a great choice. It has a thick foam sole that can help absorb the impact of each step, making it easier on your joints.

Specs

Breathable material
Durable outsole
Thick foam sole
Supportive design

Pros

Has a support system called the “Ultra Heel” that helps to keep your foot in place as you run. They can help to prevent slippage and reduce the risk of blisters.
Has a breathable mesh upper that helps to keep your feet cool and dry as you run.
Has a Fresh Foam midsole designed to provide a soft, springy feel underfoot. It can help reduce the impact on your joints and muscles when you run, making it a good choice for runners looking for a shoe with a lot of cushioning.

Cons

Some runners may find the 1080v9 on the heavy side, which can be a drawback if you are looking for a more lightweight shoe.

4. HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6

These shoes are known for their extreme cushioning, which can be especially helpful on the treadmill. They also have a wide base that helps provide stability, and a durable rubber outsole.

Specs

Heel-to-toe drop depth of 4 millimeters
Arch support
Lightweight

Pros

Has a breathable mesh upper that helps to keep your feet cool and dry as you run.
Lightweight shoe, which can be a plus for runners looking for a shoe that won’t weigh them down.
Foam midsole provides a soft, springy feel underfoot. It can help reduce the impact on your joints and muscles when you run, making it a good choice for runners looking for a shoe with a lot of cushioning.

Cons

Some runners may find it has a wider fit than they are used to, which can be a drawback if you are looking for a more snug fit.

5. Mizuno Wave Rider 22

These shoes are popular for runners and offer a smooth and responsive ride. They have a cushioned sole that can help absorb the impact of each step, and the outsole is made of durable rubber.

Specs

Heel-to-toe drop depth of 12 millimeters
Arch support
Lightweight

Pros

Support system called the “Mizuno Wave” that helps to keep your foot in place as you run. They can help to prevent slippage and reduce the risk of blisters.
Breathable mesh upper that helps to keep your feet cool and dry as you run.
Foam midsole that provides a soft, springy feel underfoot. They can help reduce the impact on your joints and muscles when you run, making them a good choice for runners looking for a shoe with a lot of cushioning.

Cons

Can be pricier than other running shoes.

6. Adidas Ultraboost 19

These shoes are designed for runners who need a little extra boost. They have a responsive design that can help you maintain your natural stride, and the cushioned sole can help reduce the impact on your joints.

Specs

Heel-to-toe drop depth of 10 millimeters
Arch support
Lightweight

Pros

Supportive fit that helps to keep your foot in place as you run. They can help to prevent slippage and reduce the risk of blisters.
Foam midsole that provides a soft, springy feel underfoot. The shoes can help reduce the impact on your joints and muscles when you run, making it a good pick for runners looking for a shoe with a lot of cushioning.
Breathable mesh upper that helps to keep your feet cool and dry as you run.

Cons

Some runners may find they have a narrower fit than they are used to, which can be a drawback if you have wider feet or are looking for a more spacious fit.

7. Under Armor HOVR Phantom

If you’re looking for a shoe with a bit of style, the HOVR Phantom is a great choice. It has a sleek design and a cushioned sole that can help reduce the impact on your joints. It also has a durable outsole that can withstand the treadmill.

Specs

Heel-to-toe drop depth of 8 millimeters
Arch support
Lightweight

Pros

Support system called the “Micro G” that helps to keep your foot in place as you run. The shoes can help to prevent slippage and reduce the risk of blisters.
Breathable mesh upper that helps to keep your feet cool and dry as you run.
Foam midsole that provides a soft, springy feel underfoot. It can help reduce the impact on your joints and muscles when you run, making it a good choice for runners looking for a shoe with a lot of cushioning.

Cons

Some runners may find they have a narrower fit than they are used to, which can be a drawback if you have wider feet or are looking for a more spacious fit.

Conclusion

No matter which pair of shoes you choose, it’s important to ensure they fit well and offer the right support and cushioning for your feet and joints. It is also helpful to rotate between a few different pairs of shoes to help extend their lifespan and reduce the impact on your body. With the right shoes, you can stay comfortable and supported while you work out on the treadmill.

Thinking of buying a treadmill? Here’s my favorite, I always recommend it when asked*