These Are the Best Running Shoes for Spring, According to a Run Club Founder — Plus Expert Tips for Finding Your Ideal Pair

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It may not feel like it where you live, but spring is right around the corner. In fact, the official first day of the upcoming season is less than one month away (March 20!). If you’re like us, there’s nothing better than a morning run with clear skies, fresh air, and that perfect spring weather—not too cold, not too hot, but just right. With that said, there’s no better time to start shopping for your new go-to pair of running shoes.

Thanks to Zappos’ 2026 In Motion campaign, which features expert-curated picks, finding your perfect fit is easier than ever. We talked to one of their experts — Christian Diaz, Co-founder of Coconut Grove Run Club — and asked him to share some of his top recommendations, as well as tips for finding the perfect pair of running shoes for you.

“Leading Coconut Grove Run Club has shown me how much community can impact movement and confidence,” Diaz tells SheKnows. “That really shaped how I approached the Zappos edit. Zappos in Motion celebrates the spaces and people that keep us moving, so I focused on picks that help runners feel supported and excited to stay in motion, wherever they are in their running journey.” 

The Difference Between a Decent Running Shoe Vs. a Good One

From New Balance and Nike, to HOKA and On, there’s a seemingly endless amount of options. Not to mention, so many opinions on which shoes are actually comfortable. So, how can you tell a decent running shoe from an actually good one?

“There are a lot of running shoes out there, but a good one is the shoe you don’t have to think about once you start moving,” Diaz says. “It feels comfortable, holds up, and doesn’t get in the way. When you’re not thinking about your shoes, it’s a lot easier to just enjoy the run and keep showing up. I personally love the New Balance Rebel v5 and 1080v14 because they strike that perfect balance: lightweight and responsive without sacrificing comfort or durability, whether I’m picking up the pace or settling into an easy, everyday run.”

“My favorite personal pick from my running edit is the New Balance 1080v14,” says Diaz. “It’s been a staple in my rotation for years thanks to its versatility and all-day comfort. I bring it on trips because it works just as well for walking and exploring as it does for logging miles on a run. It’s an incredibly well-rounded shoe: reliable, comfortable, and easy to reach for. I’m already looking forward to the next model and getting some fresh miles in.”

What to Look for When Buying Running Shoes

As many of us know, finding the perfect running shoe can take some trial and error. But it truly is the best way to find what fits best for you. “I always tell people to start with the fit and how the shoe feels on their feet,” says Diaz. “Everyone’s body and stride are different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Once something feels comfortable and supportive to you, then you can think about the details like cushioning or support to further fine-tune your training.”

Thanks to Zappos’ In Motion Running Edit, there are so many different options you can choose from, across all the top running shoe brands. If you are looking for some recommendations, we’ve got you covered as well.

Other Top Running Shoes for Spring 2026, According to an Expert

There are over 1,000 items included in Zappos’ Running Edit, many of which are running shoes (though you can also shop performance gear as well). So, we helped narrow it down for you. Check out a few more picks from Diaz’s Zappos Running Edit below. You can also find more top running shoe picks on Zappos’ official Amazon storefront.

So, those were just as few must-have running shoes for spring. Be sure to check out the rest of Diaz’s picks at Zappos today.