We’ve compared over 20 different running shoes, tested and read through dozens of user reviews, and concluded that the Saucony Triumph 20 are the best running shoes for hip pain.
If you’re suddenly experiencing hip pain from running, chances are you’ve made some significant changes to either your training or your footwear. Studies have shown that weekly distance was a significant predictor of pain, especially in women. That’s why it’s important to gradually increase your mileage.
There is something to consider regarding highly cushioned shoes. While they’re great for reducing the impact on your feet, they increase leg stiffness. This means that while they’re saving your feet, they increase the impact loading on your knees and hips. If you have healthy, strong hips, this shouldn’t be a problem. If, however, you are prone to hip and knee pain, maximum cushioned shoes might exacerbate your problem over the long run.
This is also why the Saucony Triumph won overall. The Triumph has a moderate amount of cushioning, and while classified as a neutral shoe, still offers good stability for mild pronators. If you need more stability, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is better. For trail running, we recommend the Salomon XA Pro 3D V8. If you are forefoot striking, the Saucony Freedom 4 is great.
For a breakdown of our top choices, keep reading.
Our Picks for Best Running Shoes for Hip Pain
Saucony Triumph 20 (Best Overall for Running with Hip Pain)
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 (Best Stability Shoe for Running with Hip Pain)
Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 (Best for Trail Running with Hip Pain)
Saucony Freedom 4 (Best for Forefoot Strikers with Hip Pain)
Saucony Triumph 20 (Best Overall)
The Triumph gets the top spot because while some people classify it as a maximal cushion shoe; we found the midsole is fairly firm without being too hard or too soft. It’s super comfortable and more responsive than its competitors (Brooks Glycerine, Asics Nimbus). Heavy runners found it gave them the best support.
It’s an excellent daily trainer. Everything about the Triumph says recovery, and it gives a great ride over any distance at an easy to moderate pace. The upper fits securely around the mid-foot and heel and has a roomy toe box.
Features
- Neutral shoe
- FORMFIT mono-mesh upper
- PWRRUN+ Midsole
- XT-900 carbon rubber outsole
Pros
- Attractive design
- Very comfortable
- Breathable upper
- Responsive
- Durable
Cons
- Pricey
- Round laces need double knots
Upper
- Seamless engineered mono-mesh upper.
Midsole
- Responsive PWRRUN+ midsole. Moderate cushion.
Outsole
- The XT-900 carbon rubber provides good traction and durability.
Weight
- 10.2 oz / 290 g (US M9)
- 9.1 oz / 259 g (US W8)
Heel Drop
- 8mm
Stability
Not a stability shoe, but the heel counter provides a good measure of stability by keeping your foot firmly on the platform.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 (Best Stability Shoe for Running with Hip Pain)
The Adrenaline GTS 22 is a specialist stability shoe and its GuideRail technology subtly guides your running form rather than correcting it. It’s extremely comfortable on shorter (5 & 10K) and long (21 & 42K) runs, staying responsive throughout.
It’s a reliable daily trainer that handles wet and dry conditions equally well. A bonus is that it comes in 4 different widths (B-narrow, D-regular, 2E-wide, 4E-extra wide) to accommodate feet of all shapes and sizes.
I’m not sure why Brooks chose the name Adrenaline, but it is a solid shoe offering the perfect balance between cushion and support.
Features
- Stability shoe
- Engineered Air Mesh, 3D Fit Print
- DNA LOFT midsole
- GuideRails
- Segmented Crash Pad
- Reinforced lace eyelets
Pros
- Durable
- Stability for all directions
- Attractive shoe
- Impressive grip
- Flat laces
Cons
- Pricey
Upper
- Extremely comfortable and breathable upper
Midsole
- 100% DNA LOFT cushioning. Medium responsive
Outsole
Dual-density rubber outsole with harder durable rubber under the heel, softer rubber under the forefoot
Weight
- 10.5 oz / 298 g (US M9)
- 9.4 oz / 266 g (US W7)
Heel Drop
- 12mm
Stability
GuideRails technology aligns your body while keeping excess movement in check. Suitable for medium to flat arches.
Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 (Best for Trail Running with Hip Pain)
Salomon’s XA Pro 3D is specifically designed for the trail and the wide platform will keep you stable over any terrain. We’ve picked it for the tremendous support and stability it offers even on downhills.
The XA Pro 3D does well in wet and dry conditions. It has a waterproof feature for splashing, but if you just have to go through a stream, it’s also quick-drying. Somehow it retains its breathability despite the waterproof feature.
Aggressive lugs handle technical terrain like a breeze. Suitable for longer distances.
Features
- Neutral trail shoe
- Sensifit ultra-breathable upper
- Contragrip MA outsole
- 3D Chassis
- EnergyCell midsole
- Ortholite removable inner
- Quicklace system
- Waterproof / Quick-dry
Pros
- Stable shoe, good for pronators
- Reliable grip
- Extremely durable
- Quicklace system
Cons
- Heavy
- Bulky
Upper
Open 3D breathable mesh upper with Sensifit technology that locks your foot down. Quicklace system lets you quickly and easily slip in or out of your shoes
Midsole
The EnergyCell midsole provides ample protection with lots of spring
Outsole
The 3D Chassis absorbs impact while keeping you stable
Weight
- 12 oz / 340 g (US M9)
- 10.6 oz / 300 g (US W7)
Heel Drop
- 11mm
Stability
Not a specialist stability shoe but offers good support for mild pronation and the wide platform makes sure your foot lands securely every time
Saucony Freedom 4 (Best for Forefoot Strikers with Hip Pain)
Saucony has done something in the Freedom series that is hard to describe. It’s equally comfortable for both walking and running. In fact, when I know I’m going to be on my feet the whole day, these are the shoes I reach for.
They’re light and responsive with just the right amount of cushion on the forefoot. What I can’t do with these is heel strike. I switch back and forth in all my other running shoes, but in these, I simply can’t do it. I am always on my forefoot. My guess is, it has everything to do with the 4mm drop.
So, if you are a forefoot striker, these are absolutely fantastic. If you heel strike, steer clear of these, as most heel strikers intensely dislike them.
They are ideal for short to middle-distance runs like the half-marathon. They fit true to size and I love the wider toe box.
Features
- Neutral shoe
- PWRRUN PB midsole
- Flex grooves
- Hidden reflectivity
- Strategic stabilizers
Pros
- Natural smooth ride
- Stable
- Phenomenally comfortable
- Durable sole
- Excellent forefoot cushion
- Very light
Cons
Not great for heel striking
Upper
The upper has suede overlays that are unusual for a running shoe but it gives it the versatility of looking like a casual sneaker. The engineered mesh upper and tongue is of a thin, lightweight fabric, keeping feet cool.
Midsole
The PWRRUN PB midsole is ultra-light and very responsive, making for a fun run.
Outsole
Very durable rubber outsole, with flex grooves.
Weight
- 7.5 oz / 213 g (US M9)
- 6.5 oz / 184 g (US W8)
Heel Drop
4mm
Stability
Not a specialist stability shoe, but it has a wider base and strategic stabilizers
Buying Guide: What to Look at When Buying the Best Running Shoes for Hip Pain
Midsole
The midsole of your shoe is extremely important. You need a firm cushion that will give you enough protection against impact without being too hard or too soft.
Outer sole
You want to make sure that your shoe has good traction and a wider base for secure footing.
Shoe shape
When running with hip pain, speed is the last thing on your mind. You want to keep training with as little as possible pain while giving your body a chance to heal. Shoes with rocker-shaped soles encourage you to lean forward and push the pace, exactly what you don’t want to be doing while you have hip pain. I strongly suggest you avoid Rockers while in pain.
FAQs
What causes side/front hip pain after running?
Hip pain is most often a result of overuse, which causes tendonitis and tightness in the psoas muscles. A weak core can also result in poor form, especially when fatiguing, resulting in sore hips.
Arthritis can also cause pain right in the hip joint.
How to get rid of hip pain from running?
Run less till you feel a marked improvement. Ice the painful area 2-3 times a day. You can also do some psoas muscle stretching.
Strengthen your core if you think this might be a source of your problem.
Wear the correct shoes.
Can running shoes cause hip pain?
Yes, unfortunately they can. Shoes that don’t offer enough stability or shoes that are too soft will cause hip pain.
Our Final Thoughts on the Best Running Shoes for Hip Pain
The first thing to do is look at your training program. If you’ve drastically increased your mileage, cut back so that your body starts the healing process. Then have a look at which shoe is best suited for your needs.
If you are a neutral or heavier runner, the Saucony Triumph 20 is unbeatable. If you need more stability, then look at the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 and for trail running get the Salomon XA Pro 3D V8.
