Best Running Shoes of 2023 (So Far!)

It’s funny, I don’t necessarily believe in the “best running shoes post”. What works for you may not work for me. Every foot type is different, and really there is no “best running shoe.” If you’ve been around the running world for any time, you know that most running shoes are updated each year. Some updates are well-loved! Others are not! Some running shoes are better than others, but that doesn’t mean they’ll work for everyone. For instance, the Nike Vaporfly Next does not work for everyone! As much as people try to believe it will.

Also, keep in mind that this is just my opinion of the best running shoes 2023. I’ve worked in the running industry for years and have seen trends come and go. None of these brands are sponsoring this post or paying to have their shoe inserted in there.

So what are the best running shoes 2023 (so far!)?

ASICS Magic Speed 3:

I might be in the minority, but I liked the previous versions of the ASICS Magic Speed. Minus the fit, I didn’t think the shoe was terrible. This year, it’s fantastic! The latest update includes a carbon plate, which is much more responsive and fits better. I wish ASICS would stop using the same upper as its racing shoes because that upper has been known to shred people’s feet (including mine). Other than that, the ASICS Magic Speed 3 ride lands it in the best running shoes of 2023.

Hoka Rocket 2:

Whew, this shoe got a good update. The Hoka Rocket 2 put Hoka on the carbon plate map. It finally has a competitive shoe like other carbon-plated shoes from different brands. Suppose you have thought, Hoka hasn’t made “competitive and fast” shoes. Then the Hoka Rocket 2 is the right option for you. It’s fast, and responsive, but has plenty of cushion. Bonus: it’s wider than most competitors, so if you are looking for a wider carbon plated shoe, consider the Hoka Rocket 2 (LOL, accidental rhyme).

Saucony Endorphin Elite:

Saucony makes too many shoes that all do the same thing. It makes a bunch of slightly different daily neutral trainers. Now it makes a bunch of somewhat different race day shoes. The Endorphin Elite, the Endorphin Pro, and the Endorphin Pro+ all fall under that category.

My (hope) is they get rid of everything and make the Endorphin Elite because it is the fastest of the bunch and the only one that is the best running shoe of 2023. The fit is good, light, and responsive, and the carbon plate is there without being not very nice. This is the best fit if you are looking for a carbon-plated shoe from Saucony. Is the Saucony Endorphin Elite the best Saucony carbon-plated shoe? Yes.

361 Degrees Centauri:

The 361 Centauri came out of nowhere but is a heavy hitter. It’s a great neutral daily trainer without anything too fancy, but we need that in running shoes. Without everyday trainers, you couldn’t run fast with carbon-plated shoes. The 361 Degrees Centauri is the best running shoes of 2023 because it’s an essential running shoe that fits and feels well and isn’t overly expensive.

ASICS Superblast:

This Superblast has been my favorite trainer of 2023. It’s a brand-new shoe from ASICS, and while expensive ($200), it packs a ton of cushion. It’s responsive, and you can run fast or slow. I use it for many daily runs just because it has all that cushion to keep your feet happy.

These are the best running shoes of 2023. I would be curious about your favorites that have been updated this year and why you like them.