What drop do most running shoes for asphalt and treadmill have?

Most have a drop of 6–10 mm, which provides a good balance between comfort, efficient stride execution and load. A lower drop of 0–5 mm can give a more direct running stride, but places greater demands on the calves and Achilles tendons, so the transition should be made gradually.

Do I need two pairs of running shoes?

Many runners today have two pairs that cover different needs – for example one for easy and long runs and one for faster sessions – but one good all-around model works well for most.

Are waterproof running shoes a good choice for the treadmill?

No. Models with a waterproof membrane may feel stiffer and warmer, and are less suitable for treadmill use and longer sessions on hard surfaces. For most, a breathable mesh shoe is the best choice, especially as training volume increases.

Which shops were the shoes compared across?

The list compares models in stock at Milrab, Outnorth, Framsport, Nike and Løpeshop, and only includes men's running shoes available in multiple sizes.

Running Shoes – Best in Test 2026 – Top 10 Running Shoes for Asphalt/Treadmill | Hardworkout Magazine

Key takeaways

- None of the ten running shoes were physically tested; the scores are based on manufacturers' specifications, external tests, user experiences and price.

- Each shoe is scored out of 100 points across five criteria: cushioning (30), stability (25), fit (20), durability and build quality (20) and price and value for money (5).

- Most running shoes for asphalt and treadmill have a drop of 6–10 mm, while a drop of 0–5 mm places greater demands on the calves and Achilles tendons.

Looking for new running shoes for your training? We provide you with an overview of the best running shoes on the market in 2026. Here you will definitely find your next running shoes for running on asphalt and treadmill.

Running shoes vary greatly in terms of drop, cushioning, support, and fit. For those who run several days a week, the right shoes are crucial for both comfort, running feel, and strain over time. A good running shoe provides necessary support and relief, has sufficient cushioning under both the heel and forefoot, and is experienced as comfortable to run in.

At the bottom of the page, you will find some tips on [what you should consider when buying running shoes.](joggesko)

How were these shoes tested – and were they tested at all?

Hardworkout.no is committed to ensuring that the tests are independent and credible. In this top list, we have focused on criteria such as comfort, fit, cushioning, support, area of use, and value for money, with particular emphasis on running on asphalt and treadmill.

The running shoes in the overview have not been physically tested by us. The evaluations are based on the manufacturers' specifications, external tests, user experiences, and price.

You can read more about the criteria for the test further down in the article.

PS: Prices and selection may vary from day to day. The prices we provide are recommended retail prices. Online stores often have good offers and the products may be on sale at a lower price than what is stated here.

We always strive to keep the list updated with products that are in stock. Where there are multiple alternative prices, we link to several stores.

BEST IN TEST: [New Balance Infinion 1080 V15](https://hardworkout.no/New-Balance-Infinion-1080-V15)

Test Criteria

This top list is based on specifications provided by the manufacturers and user reviews from Norwegian online stores.

We have compared models that are in stock at [Milrab](https://hardworkout.no/milrabhovedside), [Outnorth](https://hardworkout.no/outnorthhovedside), [Framsport](https://hardworkout.no/framsport-hovedside), [Nike](https://hardworkout.no/nike-hovedside), and [Løpeshop](https://hardworkout.no/loepeshop-hovedside) – and only included men's running shoes that are available in multiple sizes.

The scores are based on an editorial assessment of quality, function, and price, not on physical testing. Evaluation criteria (100 points total)

Cushioning (30)

How well the shoe absorbs impact when running on asphalt and treadmill.

This assesses the type of midsole material, sole height, and how the cushioning is distributed between the heel and forefoot.

Good cushioning is important for comfort and impact when training volume increases. Stability (25)

How well the shoe provides support and control during the stride.

This evaluates the width of the sole, heel counter, and construction of the midsole, as well as how stable the shoe is during landing and push-off.

Stability is especially important on longer runs and during steady running on hard surfaces. Fit (20)

How the shoe is constructed to sit on the foot.

This assesses the last, space in the toe box, heel counter, and design of the upper.

Fit is crucial for both comfort and how the shoe performs during running. Durability and Build Quality (20)

Material choices in the outsole and upper, as well as reinforcements in vulnerable areas.

Asphalt and treadmill wear evenly on shoes, and good build quality is important for the model to maintain its shape and properties over time. Price and Value for Money (5)

Price is evaluated against specifications, build quality, and features.

More affordable models can score high if they offer a lot of function for the price, while more expensive shoes must deliver a corresponding level.

What to Look For

Look for this before choosing running shoes for asphalt and treadmill

What drop should a running shoe for asphalt and treadmill have?

Drop is the height difference between the heel and forefoot in the shoe's sole. A shoe with an 8 mm drop is therefore 8 mm higher at the heel than at the front. Drop affects how the stride is executed, and which muscles and tendons are most stressed during running.

Today, most running shoes for asphalt and treadmill have a 6–10 mm drop, which provides a good balance between comfort, efficient stride execution, and load.

Lower drop (0–5 mm) can provide a more direct running stride, but places greater demands on the calves and Achilles tendons. Transitioning to a low drop should therefore be done gradually, especially if you are used to traditional training shoes.

Does your foot strike decide which running shoe you need?

How you land in your stride – on your heel, midfoot, or forefoot – varies from runner to runner.

Running shoes with more drop often make it easier to run comfortably for those who land on their heel, while lower drop provides a more direct contact with the ground.

The most important thing is not to "run correctly," but to choose shoes that fit your running style, training volume, and experience.

The wrong type of shoes can cause unnecessary strain over time, regardless of running technique.

How much cushioning and stack height do you actually need?

Running shoes for asphalt come in everything from lightly cushioned models to highly cushioned training shoes.

More cushioning provides better comfort on long and easy runs, while less cushioning often feels faster and more responsive.

In addition to cushioning, stack height has become an important factor. A higher sole provides better shock absorption but may feel less stable for some.

For treadmill and daily training, many prefer a well-cushioned shoe with moderate stack height and good stability.

Do you still need a pronation shoe?

Most running shoes today are neutral, but many models have extra construction in the sole that provides support without making the shoe feel stiff.

This can be an advantage if you tend to roll inward during your stride, or if you get tired in your foot and ankle on longer runs.

Traditional pronation shoes still exist, but for many, a modern daily trainer will provide sufficient support, even without extra construction on the inside of the sole.

Do you need more than one pair of running shoes?

Think about what the shoe will primarily be used for:

- Easy and long runs: comfort, cushioning, and stability

- Daily training: versatility and durability

- Faster sessions and treadmill: lower weight and more responsiveness

Many runners today have two pairs of shoes that cover different needs, but one good all-around model works well for most.

How should a running shoe fit?

Fit is crucial. A running shoe should sit securely around the heel, provide ample space for the toes, and not pinch over the ankle. Some models are narrower, while others have a wider last and more spacious toe box.