How does it feel like to wear a pair of running shoes that does not help you run well and make you susceptible to injuries? I have been there in the past. I know how it feels and I am here to help you out. That’s why I bring to you an article about the best shoes for running.
Running is one of the most rewarding exercises. They help us keep fit and keep our muscles active. To run well, one thing you need is a running shoe. They help you maintain stability, control the movement of your feet and help prevent your feet from strains, blisters, and other related pronation injuries.
To get all these benefits from a running shoe, What running shoes are best for you? You need to do thorough research because not all running shoes can give you all these benefits. I have done the research for you though. My findings are discussed below.
Our Picks: Top 10 shoes for Running
- Best Running for shoe Men: Asics Men’s Gel Venture 6
- Best Running Shoe for Women: Asics Women’s GEL-Venture 5
- Best shoes for Fashionable Runners: Adidas Cloudfoam QT Racer
- Best shoes for running and cross-training: Nike Air Monarch Iv Cross Trainer
- Lightweight design for a long ride: New Balance Fresh Foam
- Design for Elite Runner: Nike Vaporfly 4 Flynit
- Best Marathon Running shoe: Adidas Adizero Boston 7
- Best running shoes for overpronation: Brooks Women’s Ghost 11
- Best shoes for running on concrete: Nike Epic React Flyknit
- Best running shoes for heavy runners: Nike Men’s Revolution 4
Types Of Running Shoes
Based on running biomechanics, we have 3 types of running shoes. These include Motion Control Shoes, Stability Shoes, and Cushioning Shoes.
Motion Control Shoes
Motion Control Shoes are those types of shoes that are meant for overpronators. Overpronation is the natural movement of the foot inward as you drop it on the ground. Overpronation can lead to strain, knee pain, and shin splints. What these shoes do is that they try to control this movement of the foot inward, thus, prevent the side effects of the inward movement.
These shoes are generally not flexible in other to effectively control this movement. They usually have dual-density midsoles or footbridges. They are the shoes for people with flat feet, as overpronation is common among these sets of people.
Cushioning Shoes
While the Motion Control Shoes are meant for overpronators, the Cushioning Shoes are meant for supinators (under pronators). Supination is known as the outward movement of the feet as you move and those that supinate are known as supinators.
These types of shoes use some forms of padding to provide support for supinating feet and emphasize enhanced shock dispersion. However, unlike in Motion Control Shoes, Cushioning Shoes are made to be flexible. They are usually meant for people with high arches.
Stability Shoes
Some people can be said to have neutral feet movement. This is to say they neither overpronate nor supinate. This type of pronation is said to be Neutral Pronation.
Running shoes designed for neural pronators are known as Stability Shoes. Since they are just like a middle ground between the two extremes, they combine features from both the Motion Control Shoes and the Cushioning Shoes. These types of shoes are made to provide support and cushioning for the feet at the same time.
Things To Consider When Buying A Running Shoe
Like I already stated, there is more to a running shoe than just a pair you wear for running. They provide you with support, prevent you from injuries, and help you run well. Really, you need to forget about those shoes your friends are using, the sugarcoated words of shoemakers, and mere brand bias.
Each individual runs differently and in different conditions and as such, your case is different from people around. Use the guide below in other to choose the best running shoe for yourself.
Your Pronation Type
As I stated above, pronation is the natural movement of the feet as they touch the ground. To know your pronation type, get your foot wet and place it on a cardboard paper then remove it.
Look at the footprint – your pronation type is on it. If you can see most parts of your feet, you are an overpronator and have a flat foot. If you can see about 70 percent, then you are a Neutral Pronator.
However, if you cannot see a large part of your foot, you are a supinator. Using this information, you can decide whether to buy a Motion Control Shoe, a Stability Shoe, or a Cushioning Shoe.
Intended Use
That a shoe is a running shoe does not mean it is a good fit for you. You need to draw a conclusion based on what you intend to use the shoe for, where, and for how long.
A running shoe for trailing might not be what you want if you intend to go for a marathon run. These and many other questions should help you make an informed decision in other to get the best running shoe for yourself.
Shoe Size
Have you ever wondered why a pair of shoes you have worn before now get you to struggle before your feet can get into them? The answer is simple: Your legs grow even if you don’t notice the growth. Because your leg grows, you need to only go for the shoe that fits your leg perfectly and give your feet small space to flex.
In other to ensure this, make sure you always measure the length of your feet anytime you intend buying a shoe to determine the current size of your feet. As you measure, if one is longer than the other, go with the length measurement.
Shoe Weight
For a running shoe, the weight of your shoe should be light. I do not mean featherweight but it should at least be light enough to provide him the speed support he needs to lift and drop his feet effortlessly.
If you have tried running with a jungle boot on you before you will understand how great your feet impact your running speed. Even though most running shoes aren’t made to be as heavy as most jungle boots, some are quite heavy and might be what will hinder you from moving at the speed you desire.
Waterproof
I read somewhere that nothing is actually “100% proof.” However, at least some are more protective than others. When buying a running shoe, you need to ask yourself if you need one that wouldn’t complain if water drops on it.
Answering this will help you know if you need a waterproof running shoe or not. If you buy one that does not fit well with water, you need to make the weather report your companion to know when to go for a run with it or not.
10 Best Running Shoes Reviewed
When it comes to running shoes, you cannot pick one out of the many shoes in the market and tag it the best shoe for running. This is because shoes aren’t a one-size-fits-all kind of wear. The foot type of the wearer has to be considered, so is the surface he/she plans to run on and many other things.
However, we can reach a compromise to make a generalization and then rank. It is based on this that I present to you the 10 best shoes for running below.
Best Running shoe for Men
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Editor's Choice: Asics Men’s Gel Venture 6
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Looking for the best shoe for running? Look no further, the Asics Men’s Gel Venture 6 is here for you. This shoe had been strongly built that going for a trail with it wouldn’t be such a bad idea.
Regardless of the amount of time you intend to use this shoe, it remains comfortable on your feet all day long. One feature that made a lot of reviewers liked this shoe is the fit and true to size. This shoe fits perfectly the way it should.
This shoe provides a good level of support, making it a good fit for biking, walking, and even hiking. This shoe had been made from synthetic materials and comes with a rubber sole. It sockliner is removable, making it possible to accommodate a medical orthotic. this shoe is made for underpronators (supinators) and runners with high arches.
The balance and stability provided by this shoe are great, so is the arch support and cushioning effect. However, some customers on Amazon have complained that the shoe does not have a good breathability mechanism. It had also been criticized for being narrow. It is important to state here that this shoe has a female version.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Ruggedly made to last long
- Good pricing
- Stylish
You need to pay attention to It:
- Breathability is not so well
Best Running Shoe for Women
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Best womens running shoe: Asics Women’s GEL-Venture 5
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While the Asics Men’s GEL-Venture 6 running shoe is ranked as the best running shoe in the market, the Asics Women’s GEL-Venture 5 running shoe is the best running shoe for women. This shoe is very comfortable and provide a good level of arch support.
However, for supinators that needs a lot of arch support, they would need to augment it in the midsoles. Doing so will make them feel the needed cushioning and support. These shoes also fit perfectly on the feet and are true to size.
The toe box of the shoe also provides enough space to allow your toes to flex. One thing I personally like about the Asics Women’s GEL-Venture 5 running shoe is that it is durable and able to last long even on heavy usage. They are made of synthetic materials and comes with a rubber sole that has an efficient grip. It is because of the effectiveness of the grip that made this shoe a good option for trailing.
Because of the gel cushioning system of the shoe, you wouldn’t feel any form of discomfort as your feet strikes the ground. The shoe also comes in different color schemes, giving you a variety of options to choose from.
Even though they are the best running shoes for women, they have their setbacks that you need to consider before buying them. Some users have complained about the width of the shoe saying it is a bit narrow for them. Others claimed that the shoe start falling apart after a while and they had to fix them.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Very comfortable on the feet
- Different color schemes available
- Provide a good level of arch support
You need to pay attention to It:
- Narrow fit
- It begins to fall apart after a while
Best shoes for Fashionable Runners
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Leisure running shoes: Adidas Cloudfoam QT Racer
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Adidas Cloudfoam QT Racer running shoe is one of the best running shoes in the market. For the fashionable runners looking for a comfortable shoe to quench their fashionista thirst, they can go with the Adidas Cloudfoam QT Racer. It is comfortable and lightweight, making it a very good option for an all-day use. Aside running, this shoe is also very popular among walkers and those that need a pair of shoes for everyday use.
The design of this shoe is stylish, sleek, and available in a variety of color schemes making them a fashionable pair. With them on your feet, you get a pair that fits perfectly and looks attractive to your lookers. The shoe doesn’t require breaking and can be used for a number of events. These shoes are also affordable and worth the price tag on them considering their design, material used, and how they feel on you.
The shoe had been criticized by many users because the long lace that comes with it. The shoe does not have much arch support and lacks an upper that supports breathability. Some users of the shoe stated that the shoe began to wear and tear after a few months of use.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Fashionable
- Lightweight
- Can be used for both walking and running
You need to pay attention to It:
- Shoelaces are too long
- Lacks much arch support
- Does not support breathability
- Does not last long
Best shoes for running and cross training
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Most Comfortable Trainer – Nike Air Monarch Iv Cross Trainer
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The Nike Air Monarch IV Cross Trainer had been praised by many as being one of the most comfortable trainers in the market. Interestingly, from my research, this shoe ranks as one of the best running shoe in the market. They can also be used for walking and will serve as a great pair for users that want something to wear all day long. They are made from leather and comes with a synthetic sole. The upper had been perforated to provide enough breathability support.
Related: Best Shoes for Walking All Day.
The Nike Air Monarch IV Cross Trainer provides a good level of cushioning to keep you comfortable with them on you. The shoe also fits perfectly and had been engineered and built to be a high-quality runner, making it a favorite among many users of the shoe. Many find the shoe to be visually appealing and the width of the shoe perfect. The shoe is quite affordable too.
The only downside of this shoe is the squeaky sound it makes. A lot of users claimed that the shoe started making a squeaky sound after a while. If you’re not bothered about the sound, this should be a great choice.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Very comfortable on the feet
- Can be used for both walking and running
- Provides good level of cushioning and support
You need to pay attention to It:
- Makes squeaky noise
Read more: Walking Shoes Vs. Running Shoes.
Best long distance running shoes
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New Balance Fresh Foam : Lightweight design for a long ride
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The New Balance Fresh Foam running shoes is one of the best running shoes out there. made from 50 percent textile and 50 percent synthetic material, this shoe will give you a fantastic ride for a long run because of the lightweight built nature of the shoe. It is also one of the shoes that stay true to size and fits perfectly on the legs. Because of the cushioning effect of this shoe, running for a long on pavement wouldn’t be much of a problem.
The midsole of the shoe provides adequate arch support. It is also firm and responsive enough to enable you to move at your maximum speed. A customer also reviewed that the forefoot of the show is also very flexible and does not hinder the foot from its required movements. The shoe can be said to be stylish and available in a variety of colors. New Balance Fresh Foam has a reasonable price and is quite affordable.
Some reviewers of this shoe claimed that the sizes were too small. The insoles of the New Balance Fresh Foam are fond of sliding around, reducing the level of comfort to be enjoyed by the users of the shoe.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Good styling
- Affordable
- lightweight
You need to pay attention to It:
- Insoles sliding around
- Narrow fit
Best Elite Running Shoe
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Nike Vaporfly 4 Flynit : Elite Runnner for flat feet also
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What are the best nike running shoes for long distance? This ultra-minimal running shoe made by Nike is best for marathon running and one of the best running shoes in the market, especially for those with the budget. Nike Vaporfly 4 Flynit is a favorite among elites for a speed training session. The Shoe also fits as expected and is made of 50 percent textile and 50 percent synthetic materials and comes with a rubber sole.
The cushioning effects this shoe provides is of premium quality with its plushness that you will love any day, any time. Reviewers liked this shoe because of their premium design and style.
The color options they come in are also great and have been praised by some reviewers of the shoe. However, this shoe is made for the elite class and is quite expensive. Some reviewers also claimed the heels are too loose and they experience slipping ones in a while.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Ultra-minimal
- Lightweight and good for long run
- Great style and color
You need to pay attention to It:
- Very expensive
- Some reviewers complain of slipping off
Best Marathon Running shoe
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Adidas Adizero Boston 7: Good for Marathon Runner/fit narrow
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If you have been to a marathon race competition, chances are, you have seen this shoe. They are not just one of the most popular marathon running shoes; They are also one of the best running shoes.
These shoes wouldn’t do badly for a fast-paced run. They are lightweight and responsive, making it easy for you to move at a fast speed. A lot of the users of these shoes claimed that the shoes were very comfortable for running and fit perfectly as they expected it to fit.
The shoe is made from textile and synthetic materials. It possesses an air mesh upper, which makes breathability possible. Since the soles are made of rubber, you will get some level of spring boost anytime you land on your feet, thereby increasing the speed at which you move.
The midsole of these shoes has been moderately cushioned. While you might think this moderate cushioning is a limitation to its support and responsiveness, a lot of reviewers of the Adidas Adizero Boston 7 running shoe claimed that the shoe is very supportive, responsive, and adaptive.
The style and design of the shoe have also been praised by many, especially in the aspect of color. The only bad complaint users have about the Adidas Adizero Boston 7 running shoe is that some people find the fit narrow.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Comfortable on the feet
- Great cushioning for arch support
You need to pay attention to It:
- Some users complained that it is tight
Best running shoes for overpronation
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Brooks Women’s Ghost 11: Perfect for Neutral Pronators
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Shoes are not just worn for their beauty, they are worn because of the functionality and protection they provide. Here’s a shoe that’s appealing to the eye and provide you the functionality and protection you desire from a shoe.
The Brooks Women’s Ghost 11 is the shoe for women with neutral feet. This shoe is lightweight, comfortable and durable. The shoe provides some level of bouncing that makes lifting your feet up as effortless as possible.
The Brooks Women’s Ghost 11 running shoe is soft and flexible, giving your feet the right condition to flex without any form of injuries. Talking of arch support, this shoe had been said to provide one of the best shoes that provide arch support for neutral pronators or neutral feet.
The shoe has also been recommended for runners suffering from knee issues. With a pair of this shoe, you are prevented from muscle stiffness and foot pain.
However, the lace that comes with the shoe is very short and have been a major source of concern for runners using this shoe. Some users also claim the shoe isn’t comfortable for them.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Comfortable on the feet
- Very good arch support for neutral feet
- Very soft and flexible
You need to pay attention to It:
- Shoelaces are very short
- Some users claimed the shoe isn’t the most durable out there
Best shoes for running on concrete
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Nike Epic React Flyknit: Perfect for Everyday Runners
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The Nike Epic React Flyknit is one of the best shoes for running. With this shoe on your feet, you’re assured of great comfort, especially when you are running on tarmac.
They are comfortable, provide you with great cushioning and stability support. One good aspect of the Nike Epic React Flyknit running shoe is its durability. Many of the reviewers of this shoe claimed they have been using this shoe for a long time without giving them issues.
The new midsole technology (React Foam) appeared first in this shoe. React Foam brings a great cushioning effect, durable, and responsiveness to the
Nike Epic React Flyknit running shoe. This shoe can be used for both short runs and long runs. They fit as expected and are available in a variety of colors. The styling and design are also one of the aspects the shoe excels.
However, it is important to state clearly that running on an uneven road will not be comfortable at all because they weren’t made for such.
They were made to be used on smooth tarmacs. Some reviewers weren’t happy with the fact that the soles easily get dirty while others claim that it is too tight for their liking. Aside these few complaints, the Nike Epic React Flyknit running shoe is indeed a good choice that wouldn’t be bad for everyday runners.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Last long
- Comfortable on the feet
- Good arch support mechanism
You need to pay attention to It:
- Get dirty easily
- Too tight for some users
- Made only for smooth tarmac
Best running shoes for heavy runners
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Nike Men’s Revolution 4 – A Perfect Fit Shoe for comfort
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Are you looking for a shoe that fits perfectly on the shoe? Then go for the Nike Men’s Revolution 4 running shoe made for men. This shoe is one of the best shoes for running. It comes with a mesh upper that provides a medium for breathability and keeps the feet dry.
The shoes are made from textile while their soles are made from synthesized materials. These shoes are not only good for running, but they are also a good choice among walkers as well. They are also good if what you seek is a comfort.
These shoes are affordable, comes in attractive designs and wide widths that makes it a good fit for people with width feet. These shoes are also very flexible, making them provide some level of comfort and prevent injuries caused by problems related to flexibility. The Nike Men’s Revolution 4 can be worn without socks, and you wouldn’t feel any form of discomfort or irritation.
They are also lightweight, making lifting of your feet easy and also provide you the avenue to move as quickly as possible without shoe weight weighing you down. The shoes are also available in different colors and can be said to be stylish and can be worn for everyday use.
However, some users of this shoe have complained it does not last long and start falling apart after few months. Some users also complained of hearing squeaky noise when using the shoe. Aside these, this shoe is one of the best shoes for running.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon!Why We Recommend It:
- Fits the feet perfectly as expected
- Can be worn without socks
- Affordable
- Lightweight
You need to pay attention to It:
- Does not last long
- Makes squeaky noise
Make A Purchase
I believe by now you’ve already made a decision on the running shoe to buy. Whether you are looking for the perfect running shoe for daily runs, one that’s very comfortable or durable, there’s one that suits your need in our best running shoes pick.
If you haven’t made it decision yet, it is not too late. You can do that but make sure you put into consideration the things you need to consider when buying a running shoe discussed above. If you do that, I am sure you will find the best running shoe for yourself.
