Whether you are a seasoned runner, a fitness trainer, or simply running as a means to stay active, investing in a quality pair of running shoes is a wise choice to make. With an assortment of various color ways, styles and dimensions, buying the right pair of running shoes seems like a daunting task. With so many options people often resort to the cheapest or coolest color way. It may be tempting to resort to aesthetics or price, but running shoes go beyond that and provide an abundance of physiological benefits.
Choosing the right running shoes should be carefully considered. From various terrains and running forms, running shoes come in numerous styles to accommodate for different adaptations. From everyday runs on the street, to ultra athletes who compete in 100 mile races in the mountains, it is important to choose the right pair to maintain proper foot health and performance.
How to Choose a Running Shoe
When selecting the road running shoes it is important to determine how to do the running you will primarily do. Are there trainers to suit all types of fitness needs? Consider your preferences about the feel the cushioning has on footwear: Is there a soft feeling on your feet, or is there a more dynamic feel? Many footwear today provide a cushioning feature without compromises on responsiveness or strength due to advances on foam.
Fit: Match Your Foot Shape
When evaluating fit first look into length. When feet lengthen in their movement, they require a place in their toes. It is logical to allow your fingers wide enough from your longest toe to your bottom. Runners typically wear running shoes that are larger than their street shoes. Make sure the heel/upper is the correct fit. The sole should be at least twice as long as your foot and be comfortably adjusted to your arch shape. It is advisable to keep the foot on the instep while keeping the foot’s ball and toes in contact when you move.
The Different Types of Running Shoe Midsoles
The midsole is an area within the shoe that helps absorb shock and even controls feet. The commonest midsole materials are ethylene and vinyl acetate. EVA: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate is a white and grey foam with high softness, flexibility and low production costs since the 1970s. This causes more stiffness in cold weather and compresses its mileage, reducing its stability. Polyurethanes are a lighter weight than EVA. Nevertheless PU weighs 50 per cent more compared with EVA in the US. thermoplastic polyurethanes can withstand heating and retraction.
Feel: Match Your Movement Path
If the shoes fit they could go for some quick runs around the shop or perhaps down the block. The shape and type of foam found within the mid-sole and in the foot are unique. The shape and thickness of these materials can be attributed mainly to their weight and thickness. Depending how quickly and powerfully your stride changes the way you move and how you react at the landing.
Brooks Ghost 15
What To Know
Designed For: Everyday runs, road running, walks
Weight: 10.01 oz
Stack/Drop: 12 mm
Price: $140.00
Product Review
One of the most popular brands amongst seasoned runners, Brooks has gained notoriety for its durability and comfortability. The Brooks Ghost 15, mark that with pin point accuracy. This everyday running shoe was designed for everyday running and walking with an emphasis on comfort for the average individual, making it quite a versatile shoe.
Features
It features a new midsole that Brooks calls DNA loft v2 cushioning that is softer and lighter compared to it’s predecessors the Ghost 14. Furthermore, on the midsole Brooks offers a crash pad that allow for better flow of transition from the push off of the toe to the landing of the heel. For those with high arches, this can be a phenomenal shoe as the midsole provides extra cushioning for landing on hard pavement. It also features an air mesh upper layer that covers the majority of the shoes to provide flexibility and breathability. This feature is especially great for long distance runners.
Material
An added bonus is that the Ghost 15 is sustainably manufactured. 57% of the upper material is made up of recycled goods with approximately 6.58 plastic bottles utilized to manufacture the shoe.
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2
What To Know
Designed For: Long run, race
Weight: 10 oz
Stack/Drop: 6 mm
Price: $179.99
Product Review
A simple yet effective running shoe, the new balance fuel cell trainers are an excellent choice for long distance runners and marathoners. Having a thick sole with an abundance of stable padding, the new balance fuel cell trainers provide a cloud like comfort and durability, designed to assist your feet in high mileage runs.
Features
The new balance fuel cell trainers feature a fuel cell cushioning technology, providing a cloud like sensation with every step. With a heal stack of 39 mm, the midsoles provide more support than the average running shoes. It also features a carbon fiber plate called the Energy Arc that runs along the midsole voids to increase stored energy, propelling the runner forward with each stride and maximizing efficiency providing a stable ride.
Material
A light weight shoe weighs approximately 282.2 grams, and this is due to the lightweight flat knit upper, that not only provides stability and breathability for your feet, but reduces weight as well.
Saucony triumph 21
What To Know
Designed For: Everyday running, walks
Weight: 9.8 oz
Stack/Drop: 10 mm
Price: $159.99
Product Review
One of the most sought after models of Saucony, the Triumph 21 is a jack of all trades, applicable to any level of runner and terrain. Unanimously voted as one of the best all around running shoes, the Triump 21 is a dependable all around running shoes that provides enough durability and support for all runners.
Features
The Triumph 21, was designed as an all around comfortable cushioned shoe. It features a soft collar, padded tongue, combined with a new flat-knit upper that offers maximum cushion. Along with that, the Triumph 21 features a new PWRRUN+ midsole technology that increases softness and decreases overall weight. Due to this, the Triumph 21 comes in at a lightweight 9.8 oz, approximately 279 grams.
Material
Saucony is dedicated towards a greener ecosystem and ensures that their shoes are partially made by renewable resources. The Triumph 21 is made with a combination of vegan and recycled material.
Hoka One Mach 5
What To Know
Designed For: Everyday run, race
Weight: 8.2 oz
Stack/Drop: 5 mm
Price: $140.00
Product Review
A successor of the the Mach 4, The Hoka One Mach 5 is the new, revitalized sibling that resolves the previous defaults of it’s predecessor. An elegant combination of the Mach 4 and Mach Supersonic models, the Mach 5 seamlessly combines a featherlike feel with the added benefit of a responsive cushion.
Features
The Mach 5 was designed as racing shoes for speed and tempo. It features a ProFly+ midsole that offers a stacked, dual-layer setup for a responsive and bouncier ride. The complement that, it also provides comfort and durability with it’s articulated heel collar for a more secured fit and a Creel jacquard engineered mesh upper for a ultralight breathable comfort. And if that wasn’t enough, this is all topped off with a rubberized Eva outsole that provides durable traction.
Material
As previously said, the Creel jacquard engineered mesh upper is a huge bonus as it offers a lightweight flexible material that focuses on delivering comfort and breathability. What makes this even better is that Hoka builds their products with sustainability in mind. Most of their shoes, including the Mach 5, are made of vegan and recycled material.
Asics Gel Cumulus 25
What To Know
Designed For: Everyday road running
Weight: 7.9 oz
Stack/Drop: 8 mm
Price: $140.00
Product Review
As the 25th iteration of the Gel Cumulus series, the Gel Cumulus 25 was expected to transcend its predecessors, and IT DIDN’T DISAPPOINT. The Gel Cumulus 25 is lighter and comfier than ever before. Designed as a neutral shoe, it is a dependable daily trainer that is applicable to all distances, terrains, and paces.
Features
The Gel Cumulus 25 offers a palette of new improvements, but one particular improvement that stands out is its FF Blast Plus Technology. Designed for comfort, the cloud-like cushioning offers lightweight impact absorption and a responsive rebound. Along with that, it also offers its PureGel technology which reduces overall weight and reduces hard impact with every step.
Material
The Gel Cumulus 25 is engineered with a jacquard mesh upper for optimal breathability. Along with that, the upper is also designed with reflective materials to improve visibility in low light conditions. If all of that wasn’t enough, Asics also prides itself on its dedication towards sustainability. Approximately 75% of the shoe’s main upper material is made up of recycled content.
ON Cloudswift
What To Know
Designed For: Everyday running
Weight: 9.9 oz
Stack/Drop: 7 mm
Price: $140
Product Review
A versatile and aesthetically pleasing shoe, the ON Cloudswift is a great daily trainer for running and the gym. Exceptionally durable, the Cloudswift executes on all the fundamentals from enough grip, cushioning and foot protection. Among running shoe brands, ON Cloudswift stands out for its unique blend of features and performance.
Features
From seeing the images, the level of cushioning is obvious. This is due to the CloudTec Helion super foam technology that offers maximum cushioning. Engineered for peak, all around, performance, ON Cloud’s hellion was engineered for energy return and durability. A temperature resistant shoe, it features rubber reinforcements make it reliable in all conditions and weathers.
Material
Durability is not an issue with this shoe, as its CloudTec Helion superfoam is designed to perform on hard surfaces without compromising it’s cushioning. This is due to its rubber upper that makes this shoe compatible for all terrains without damage. As an added bonus, ON Cloud focuses on sustainability, with around 5% of the shoe being comprised of recycled content and about 15% of it’s polyester material being comprised of recycled material as well.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v12
What To Know
Designed For: Everyday running
Weight: 10.3 oz
Stack/Drop: 8 mm
Price: $160.00
Product Review
Durability, comfortability and flexibility, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v12 gets straight to the point by executing the fundamentals. The 12th generation in the line of the Fresh Foam series, this shoe tops off every one of its previous predecessors. Designed as a neutral running shoe with flexible compatibilities, this this shoes is applicable to all distances and terrains. From marathons to gyms and daily running, this shoe is a flagship shoe of New Balance.
Features
A common shoe amongst most trainers, the Fresh Foam v12 is most notably known for its comfort, hence the popularity. This is mainly due to New Balances signature Fresh Foam X midsole cushioning, that reduces impact on the pavement. This can be very helpful for peoples with injuries or high heel arches. To complement this, New Balance also decided to remove the flexible, flared Ultra Heel, and instead implement a more traditional, padded heel collar which helps with with comfortability.
Material
For anyone who has tried this shoe, the immediate reaction is the flexibility at which the shoe conforms to your foot. This is mainly due to New Balances signature Hypoknit upper that conforms to your foot like a sock and allows increased breathability. Not only that, but integrating a lightweight material, it helps balance the extra padding from the soles and heel.
ON Cloudmonster
What To Know
Designed For: Everyday running
Weight: 9.7 oz
Stack/Drop: 6 mm
Price: $160
Product Review
If you are looking for a neutral everyday shoe that offers maximum comfort, the ON Cloudmonster may be for you. Designed for everyday running for the general population, the Cloudmonsters are one of the most fundamentally focused silhouettes they offer. They are designed for versatility which appears why this silhouette offers the most padding compared to the others.
Features
Apparent by the large soles, it is obvious these shoes are designed for comfort whether you have worn them or not. Using ON Cloud’s signature Helion superfoam and Snappy Speedboard technology, the combination helps with shock absorption and absorbs impact on landing with maximum energy returned. Furthermore, the Cloudmonster was designed in a rocker shape which helps encourage forward momentum with energy returned.
Material
With all of the added weight for comfort, the lightweight upper helps balance out the over shoe. This is ideal for individuals who are considering marathons. The combination of the lightweight upper and dense foam of the soles integrates comfort with flexibility, which makes this shoe ideal for anyone who love long distance running.
New Balance Fresh Foam X v4
What To Know
Designed For: Everyday running
Weight: 10.4 oz
Stack/Drop: 4 mm
Price: 150.00
Product Review
Quoted by New Balance themselves, the Fresh Foam X v4 has the most Fresh Foam used in any shoe up to date. Designed for everyday distance running, this shoe offers a featherlike feel, which is surprising considering the amount of padding. Awarded with a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, this shoe was recognized for maintaining proper foot care and regular professional treatment.
Features
With more Fresh Foam X than ever before, this shoe strategically stacks higher than any of its other silhouettes, featuring a heel to toe drop that enhances cushioning and running mechanics. This is mainly due to a 34 mm heel stack of midsole + outsole, which encourages forward momentum with very little impact. Engineered for peak performance, this shoe includes data-driven outsoles with strategically placed cushion zones and drastic flex zones to help encourage a natural stride.
Material
One of the key components of this shoe is its mesh upper, which molds to your foot and offers zonal support along with breathability. As an added bonus, roughly 3% of the mesh upper was created using bio-based content, which is made from renewable resources to help reduce our carbon footprint.
Asics Novablast 4
What To Know
Designed For: Long run, race
Weight: 10 oz
Stack/Drop: 6 mm
Price: $179.99
Product Review
The Asics Novablast 4 is the newest model of the nova blast series. Compared to the Novablast 3, the new and improved Novablast has been updated with a new FF Blast Plus ECO cushioning combined with a more breathable upper. Built for as an everyday running shoe with normal to high arches, this shoe is quite versatile, making it suitable for your average runner. Additionally, the Novablast 4 is available in designs specifically tailored for women’s running shoes, accommodating differences in heel and midfoot width.
Features
The Novablast 4 features a new Energetic FF Blast ECO cushioning that provides the midsole with more cushioning and bounce, making it easier on your arch. It also features an energized outsole, inspired by a trampoline that provides an extra layer of cushion and traction. This is all combined with a breathable woven upper and a mesh tongue to help air out your feet assisted with flexibility.
Material
A great benefit of purchasing asics products is that they value sustainability. The FF Blast ECO cushioning is made from approximately 20% bio-based content using renewable resources.
