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Best Athletic shoes

Which Athletic shoes performed best in our tests?

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We tested 20 athletic shoes to determine the best-performing models. Our expert lab technicians tested each Athletic shoe based on the following criteria:

  • Flexibility
  • Weight (oz.)
  • Fit
  • Cushioning
  • Stability
  • Breathability

Below lists the Athletic shoes that rated best in each of the tests our experts looked for. Learn about how these tests were performed and find out which Athletic shoe is rated best when you subscribe.

Consumer Reports Ratings for Best Athletic shoes

ratingsBest Athletic shoe for Flexibility
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Flexibility combines lab measurements and panel judgments of the force required to bend each shoe at the ball of the foot.


This Athletic shoe which tested best for Flexibility has the following features: Sizes and Number of widths available.

ratingsBest Athletic shoe for Weight (oz.)
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Weight is in ounces for men's size 9 and women's size 7.


This Athletic shoe which tested best for Weight (oz.) has the following features: Sizes and Number of widths available.

ratingsBest Athletic shoe for Fit
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Fit reflects the panelists' judgments on toe-box roominess, heel snugness, and arch comfort. Cushioning scores are based on outside lab tests and panel judgments of impact absorption at the heel and forefoot.


This Athletic shoe which tested best for Fit has the following features: Sizes, Number of widths available and Has some reflective material.

ratingsBest Athletic shoe for Cushioning
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Cushioning scores are based on outside lab tests and panel judgments of impact absorption at the heel and forefoot.


This Athletic shoe which tested best for Cushioning has the following features: Sizes, Number of widths available and Has some reflective material.

ratingsBest Athletic shoe for Stability
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Stability combines outside lab tests and panel judgments of how well each shoe controls pronation, the foot's tendency to roll toward the inside.


This Athletic shoe which tested best for Stability has the following features: Sizes and Number of widths available.

ratingsBest Athletic shoe for Breathability
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Breathability reflects how well moisture from sweaty feet will evaporate.


This Athletic shoe which tested best for Breathability has the following features: Sizes and Number of widths available.