How to find a running shoe like the one you love

Last updated 9 October 2026

You found a shoe that works, wore it out, and went to buy another. Now it's been updated, renamed or discontinued, and the new version may not feel the same. Here's how to find the closest shoe without guessing.

1. Check what changed in the new version

Brands update most running shoes every year or two. Some updates are just a new upper; others change the foam, the stack or the drop. Compare the old and new versions spec by spec: if the stack and drop barely moved and the brand describes the cushioning the same way, the new version is a reasonable bet. On NextPair, each shoe's page links to its previous and newer versions.

2. Consider the previous version

When a new version arrives, retailers often discount the old one. If you know it suits you, buying the previous version in your size can be the safest and cheapest option. NextPair shows it when it's in stock and cheaper.

3. Compare specs across brands

Shoes from different brands can be built in very similar ways. Look for a similar heel stack, drop, cushioning description, stability type and plate. Weight helps too, as long as both weights are for the same reference size (see running shoe specs explained). NextPair ranks alternatives by exactly these specs, and never by commission: how we rank.

4. Check fit before you buy

• Sizing varies between brands, so check the brand's size chart.
• Check which widths the shoe comes in and how roomy the toe box is.
• Check the retailer's returns policy: many only take back shoes that haven't been run in outdoors.

Try it with your shoe

Start from the shoe you know. Some popular starting points:

• Shoes similar to the Nike Pegasus 42
• Shoes similar to the Brooks Ghost 18
• Shoes similar to the HOKA Clifton 11
• Shoes similar to the ASICS Gel Kayano 33
• Shoes similar to the ASICS Novablast 6
• Shoes similar to the Saucony Ride 19

Or browse every shoe by brand and type.