How to choose the best running shoes?

There are many stylish running shoes on the market. Running shoes are a must-have for anyone who wants to look good while running. These include trademarked cushioning technology, durability to withstand even the most challenging terrain, and careful attention given to key parts of the best trainers’ anatomy such as the toebox, heel counter, outsole, and upper.

Each brand has its own view of the best features, and adapts its tech accordingly. Brooks’ DNA Loft foam foam, ZoomX cushioning or Nike’s React foam are just a few examples. Carbon fibre plates have also been developed. They’re not just packing in all the features, but they also make shoes that look like they were made for your old PE classes.

Our guide is suitable for all runners, no matter if you are just starting to run or an experienced ultra-marathoner. Before you make that investment, here are some things to keep in mind.

Which running shoe is the best?

• BEST RUNNING SHOE — NIKE AIRZOOM PEGASUS 39

The Nike Pegasus 39 is a versatile running shoe with a lot of pedigree. It was designed to speed you through long distances in comfortable, breezy comfort.

• BEST ECO-FRIENDLY RUNNING SHOE: ALLBIRDS TEE DASHER 2

Allbirds’ lighter running shoe is as kind to your feet and the planet as it is to you. It uses sustainable materials to give a naturalistic approach to what can be often a wasteful form factor.

• BEST RUNNING SHOE RACING: NIKEZOOMX VAPORFLY 2

This is the running shoe that revolutionized the sport. The Vaporfly, a Nike-designed version, has a better grip in wet conditions and a springier performance to give you more energy.

What should I consider when purchasing new running shoes?

«Running shoes are made up of many parts. Most brands offer runners innovative features to improve running performance. However, the basic components of running shoes remain the exact same,» says Ben Mounsey, ambassador for SportsShoes.com.

The shoe’s sole is probably the most important. It usually has two parts: the outsole and the midsole. The midsole is responsible for cushioning and shock absorption. It provides the necessary protection and grip when your foot touches the ground. Because the outsole protects the shoe against wear from running, it can affect its lifespan.

To provide comfort and avoid injury, the toe box should be approximately a thumb in distance from the longest toe to where the shoe ends. To achieve wider feet, a wider shoe may be a better choice.

What is the difference between trail running shoes and road running shoes?

«Trail shoes were specifically designed to run off-road, where there is more stability, traction and foot protection needed from tree roots and stones, mud,» says Dan Prettejohn (Brand Manager at Pro:Direct Running).

There are many trail shoes available that can be used to tackle muddy bogs, hardpacked trails or loose rock mountain terrain. We see a lot more comfort and distance than speed on most trail shoes. This is because we often see deeper lugs in the sole. GORE-TEX technology is a great example of how materials can be modified to drain water and mud.

What time should I purchase new running shoes?

Prettejohn says that as a rule, you should replace your running shoes every 300-500mi or 3-6 months.

This number can be different for everyone, but it is a guideline for shoes that are designed for daily road running. Some shoes can last up to 600+ miles. However, this will depend on how durable the sole is, the strength of the upper and rubber coverage. It also depends on your running style, weight, location, and the conditions in which you run. Rotating a few pairs of shoes will help you to notice when the shoe is reaching its limit.

Are running shoes allowed in the gym?

Prettejohn states that most running shoes are made to move forward, and not side-to-side or up or down.

We recommend that you wear a shoe designed for a specific activity to avoid injury and get better results. Practically, however, this may not be possible or necessary for those who are running shorter distances or doing lighter workouts. There are many shoes that can fit both of these needs, depending on how intense your workout is, the distance you run, the speed of your runs, and the frequency of your exercise.

Which brand makes the best running shoes for runners?

It can be difficult to choose a top-rated brand among the many running shoes on the market. According to Tom Wheatley, a YouTuber from The Run Testers, many running shoe companies are known for making a particular type of shoe.

«For the last, Nike has been most popular in recent times, with the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next%2 ticking all the boxes for everything from 5k up to the marathon, and a Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NXT% excelling at the half-marathon and beyond.»

Recent success has been seen in Saucony and ASICS for elite runners. Shoes like the Saucony Endorphin PRO 3 and ASICS Metaspeed Sky + offer performance benefits comparable to Nike’s.

It can be difficult to choose a top brand for cushioned shoes. However, Brooks and Saucony have some great options with the Brooks Glycerin 20 and Saucony Triumph 20, which offer a high level comfort and durability over long distances of training.

Which running shoes are the most springy?

Wheatley says that despite the release of the first version in 2019, the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next%2 is still the best running shoe for spring, and continues to say so.

The combination of a full-length carbon plat and a light, propulsive ZoomX foam creates an energy-filled experience. Nike has used the PEBAX midsole foam in many of its shoes, while other companies struggle to replicate this feel.

The battle for the top is heating up with the new foams, Saucony’s PWRRUNPB, and ASICS FF Blast Turbo. However, Nike retains the victory for its unbeatable bounce, especially when you focus on PBs.