Cushioning
Can’t stand the squishy feeling of your current running shoes? The Glycerin 7, by far the firmest shoe of our picks this year, might be more your style—especially if you’re a heavier runner or a slow-and-steady type. Of the neutral shoes on this page, the no-frills Glycerin 7 will appeal most to fitness runners and those who aren’t concerned with outpacing residential traffic. It’s not quite as peppy as the Karhu or the Etonic, but it’s the best distance trainer here. 11.8 oz;
Bonus: The midsole is biodegradable.