Best Tempo Running Shoes 2026, Ranked by 69 Real Runner Reviews

The light, bouncy workout shoes runners are most consistently happy with.

Last updated · How we rank

  1. 1

    NikeZoom Fly 6

    77%positive
    8 positive1 mixed2 negative11 reviews
    fast3comfortable fit2durable2blisters1
    “The zoom fly 6 is my favorite trainer in years but I HATE the little outline highlight under the laces and near the tip of the swoosh.”
    Redditr/RunningShoeGeeks
    Read all 11 reviews of the Nike Zoom Fly 6 →
  2. 2
    9 positive6 mixed2 negative17 reviews
    comfortable fit3stable3breathable1blisters1
    “I like B13 way more than Megablast, yesterday had another 14km long run with B13s and it was a joy from start to end”
    Redditr/RunningShoeGeeks
    Read all 17 reviews of the adidas Adizero Boston 13 →
  3. 3
    5 positive3 mixed2 negative10 reviews
    fast4durable2responsive1heavy1
    “I liked Boston 12 more than Adios Pro 3, SL/SL2, Endorphin Speed 3 and Novablast 3/4. It was fast, stable, lightweight.”
    Redditr/RunningShoeGeeks
    Read all 10 reviews of the adidas Adizero Boston 12 →
  4. 4
    15 positive10 mixed6 negative31 reviews
    breathable2comfortable fit2durable2heel slip2
    “Now use the endorphin speed 5 and find it nice when I want something low and light. Very versatile shoe even for long runs.”
    Redditr/RunningShoeGeeks
    Read all 31 reviews of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 →

How we rank

  • Two kinds of published review count: runner reviews on RunningRecs and first-hand comments quoted from around the web, each linked to its source. Each one is read as positive, mixed or negative. A runner review's star rating decides it (4–5 positive, 3 mixed, 1–2 negative); quoted comments are judged when they are moderated, and ones nobody has judged yet don't count. Only reviews from the last 3 years count.
  • The % positive on each shoe is its share of positive reviews, with mixed ones counting as half.
  • The order rewards shoes that are both well liked and widely discussed: we count how many more positive reviews a shoe has than an average shoe with the same number of reviews would have. A shoe with 33 positive reviews out of 43 therefore ranks above one with 15 out of 17, which is why the order doesn't always follow the % positive.
  • A shoe needs at least 8 reviews and at least 60% positive to be listed, and this list only includes shoes with a tempo category. We never pad a list: only 4 shoes qualify right now, so that's how many you see.
  • The list re-ranks itself as new reviews are published. There are no sponsored placements, affiliate links or paid rankings.