I don't know if you’ve noticed, but it seems like a brand-new, "life-changing" pair of workout sneakers drops almost weekly at this point. Even as an avid runner, I've become soooo fatigued by all the jargon about ~cloud-like cushioning~, sneakers designed for a woman's foot shape (seriously, what?), and updated midsole tech that for *some reason* means I should pay $200. So when Alo Yoga unexpectedly dropped a running shoe, I’ll admit: I was prepared to be a hater.
Alo is one of our editors’ favorite athleisure brands on the market. The brand makes some seriously comfy leggings, and you can never go wrong with one of their matching sweat sets (I am wearing a pair of Alo joggers as I write this). However, our editors have been curious—and a little skeptical—about the brand's buzzy running shoes, which dropped in August 2024.
As a former college track athlete-turned marathon runner, I took it upon myself to put the Alo Runner to the test—and I recruited several of my fellow Cosmo editors to do the same. We wore these buzzy, monochrome kicks to the gym, on the treadmill, through the streets of New York City, and everywhere in between to determine exactly how the Alo Runner stacks up against its competition.
So, what's the deal with these sneakers?
Alo describes its running shoe as an amply-cushioned, multi-purpose workout shoe that can take you from the track to the trails, the gym, the road, and the treadmill—a tall order, to say the least. This unisex sneaker is available in half-sizes ranging from a men's 3/women's 4.5 to a men's 15/women's 16.5. Our editors agree that the shoes are true-to-size, but if you intend to run a lot of miles in them, you could probably opt for a half-size bigger to accommodate for feet swelling.
Fit and breathability
Upon first wear, I was immediately struck by the cozy, sock-like fit of the Alo Runner. Its contoured shape feels like a hug for your foot—sans any awkward rubbing or tightness. Shopping Editor Hannah Oh even remarked that they felt "perfectly roomy" on her slightly wide feet, with ample space in the toe box.
The breathable upper is also noteworthy. It's made of double-layered mesh, allowing ample airflow to your feet as you step. Trust me: On sweaty gym days or hot summer runs, you'll be so thankful for this understated feature.
Alo specifically highlights the "stabilizing heel clip" in its online description, aka a subtle notch on the back of the ankle intended to keep your foot more secure as you step. While it *does* provide great stability to your heel and ankle, our editors noted that the advertising is a little overstated; it's not a life-changing upgrade from other styles we've tried. Also, heed my warning: You will absolutely get blisters if you don't wear a tall sock. The heel of this shoe ends a little higher on my ankle than I'm used to, and all that fabric rubbing on bare skin for mile after mile? Ouch!
Cushioning
Arguably *the* most important aspect in a workout shoe, the cushioning, is immediately noticeable. Like, sinking-into-a-mattress-at-a-five-star-hotel noticeable. All our editors reported being surprised by the Goldilocks-level of softness, even after miles of walking or during high-intensity HIIT workouts. It has ample cushion where you need it, like in your arches and throughout the heel, but it's not sooo much cushioning that you feel like you're floating a few inches above the ground—a feeling I personally hate with chunkier running shoes.
"They strike that perfect balance between cushiony comfort and proper support, offering soft impact absorption with responsive bounce-back that you can definitely feel," shared Kim Duong, deputy shopping director. Oh also noted that they're "definitely more cushioned than my other go-to athletic shoes," and was pleasantly surprised by the subtle arch support.
Alo refers to this shoe as a "stability" style—a shoe with extra support in the arch to help correct over-pronation. But I'll be so honest, I don't think it's enough support to help runners or walkers with serious arch problems. If this is you, you'd be better off getting some good insoles and slipping them inside for customized support—but the average person will probs love the fit in the arch.
Workout types
The Alo Runner may be marketed as a running shoe, but we suspect the customer is *actually* someone who prefers to switch up their fitness routine rather than a die-hard marathoner. I'm personally obsessed with these kicks as a walking shoe; I've walked close to 500 miles in mine since getting them last August, and they offer the perfect blend of softness and bounce (even on NYC concrete sidewalks). Oh agrees, saying she found them breathable and supportive, even on busy days or long walking commutes.
Sarah Maberry, fashion and luxury commerce editor, found herself donning the Alo Runners most-often for gym sessions and workout classes, citing the minimalist branding and comfy cushioning that's not over-the-top. Duong prefers these as her go-to shoe for treadmill incline walks and strength training days. She also said the stabilizing heel clip makes them particularly suited for HIIT workouts, providing functional stability for a range of different movements.
Style factor
I'm not even going to try to pretend that 75% of the reason I wanted to order these sneakers wasn't because of how gorgeous they are—and can you blame me? Our editors raved over the versatile colorways and clean, minimalist silhouette that makes them "the perfect blend of fashion and function for everyday wear," according to Duong.
For the girlies (like me) who love a matching set, you'll be pleased to know that the sneaker's six different colorways coordinate with existing apparel colors on Alo's site for a monochrome 'fit from head to toe.
They're trickier to style than you might think, though: Oh wore them with the matching socks and found herself wishing for a liiiiittle more contrast on her Alo sneaks. "While the monochromatic beige aesthetic is undeniably chic... they create this visual blob at your feet that doesn't quite anchor an outfit the way a sneaker with some thoughtful color blocking might." Maybe make sure you have at least a few different outfit ideas in mind before you hit Add to Cart.
Final thoughts
Overall, I totally see the appeal of the Alo Runner—I'm on my second pair, after all! They're a standout in the style department, since the sleek silhouette and cute colorways give you a lot more to work with than your typical workout shoes. They're also delightfully cushy for long walks, whether you're hiking, strolling on pavement, or hitting the treadmill.
I wouldn't recommend these kicks for anyone who intends to do a lot of longer runs, such as training for a half or full marathon—especially on hard pavement. The cushion and level of support simply isn't advanced enough to protect your joints for that level of impact, IMHO.
BUT! I do think they're the perfect workout shoe for anyone who prefers to switch up their routine between shorter runs, walking (even lots of it), gym sessions, and HIIT days. The *chef's kiss* cushioning provides essential support and softness to get you through most movements, while looking cute. Plus, I love that you won't have to buy multiple different shoes to accommodate your changing fitness interests.
If you want to get the full 'fit...
Alo Accolade Crew Neck Pullover
Alo Accolade Straight-Leg Sweatpant
