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Running shoes – everyone’s got them. But how do you determine what the absolute best running shoes in the world are?
It’s not an easy task. With billions of dollars being made in the shoe game, there has never been as much choice as there is right now.
We tried on over 50 pairs, ran on every type of surface, and aggregated thousands of online reviews, to truly find the best running shoes in the world. Here are our top picks.
Our Top Pick
New Balance 990v4
Our staff overwhelmingly voted for the New Balance 990s. If you’ve tried them on – you likely know why. A legendary shoe in the running world, the 990s provide just the right mix of cushioning and speed. Road tested, time tested, and with a great minimal design – these shoes are a legend for very good reason. A true must-buy, for any runner.
Other Great Picks
ASICS Gel-Venture 6
When you have a company that has been around as long as ASICS, and a shoe that has over 3,500 positive online reviews – you have a winner. We don’t like these quite as much as the 990s, but they are still a great shoe. Marathons, triathlons, everyday use – these are perfect for any scenario or occasion.
Nike Revolution 4
The Revolution 4 is not as well known as our first two picks, but this is still a great shoe. Lightweight, and with a sleek, minimal design – this shoe also has over 1,000 positive online reviews. They even work for consumers with leg disorders or issues, which is not always the case for elite running shoes.
Adidas Ultraboost
Adidas is not as known for their running shoes, but this model is a sleek, classy, and lightweight choice. One of our staff’s favorite features, was the ability to easily take the shoe on and off, without even having to untie it. Yes, like a slipper. A fast, performance-enhancing, slipper. The Ultraboost also has over 300 positive online reviews, so it looks like the masses agree with us.
Mizuno Wave Rider 21
Some publications will vote this shoe as one of the best running shoes on the planet. Some even vote it as their top pick. While we slightly disagree – that should not take away from the amazing comfort offered by the Wave Rider. Light, cushioned, and with an eye-catching design – this is the best pick for anyone looking to have a more stylish run.
Nike Lunar Skyelux
Nike is the maker of some of the best athletic shoes in history – and the Skyelux is definitely one of the best running shoes in history. While they don’t have a huge reputation, if you dig through reviews, you will find that everyone that wears them – loves them. Lightweight, comfy, and great for putting miles on.
Under Armour Charged Bandit 3
Under Armour is definitely not well-known for their shoes – but the Charged Bandit is a great choice for runners. They are some of the most comfortable shoes we’ve ever worn, and if Under Armour had a better reputation for shoes – we might even consider these as our pick for best running shoes out there. Unfortunately New Balance and other contenders have been mastering the running shoe game for decades, so for right now the Bandits can only be recommended as a runner-up.
New Balance MT410v5
Another great entry from New Balance – the 410s are some of the most luxurious and comfortable running shoes we’ve ever tried on. A great reputation across the internet (over 1,300 great reviews) – shows that the masses agree with us. We also love the bright blue shade – if you are looking to turn heads, go for that more eye-catching color choice.
Skechers Afterburn
If you are a very serious runner – you are not likely to have tried Skechers. But this shoe changes that. With over 7,000 (!) glowing online reviews, we had to give these a shot. And we were impressed. If you are looking to change it up, and move beyond the main running shoe brands – these are an excellent pick.
Nike Air Max 2014
The Air Max is a classic running shoe, and if you are looking for our most stylish pick – this is the one. It’s hard to go wrong with the Air Max, but some have noted that the New Balance models do tend to have more cushioning in the heel. This might be a consideration, if you are looking to log serious miles.
What Are Running Shoes?
Running shoes are different than normal sneakers. They are meant for two things – one, getting your miles in during training. And two – for winning races.
As such, there are numerous running shoes on the market, all with different levels of cushioning, support, speed, weight, and fits. You should take into consideration what shoes will be ideal for your specific needs, before choosing a pair.
For example – do you overpronate? Are you getting running shoes to just exercise in, or are you actually a competitive runner?
What surfaces will you be running on? Do you have a wide foot, or a narrow one?
The list goes on. This is why we’ve saved you a ton of work, and have already chosen the best running shoes on the market, which you can easily choose from.
Unless you’re a competitive runner, you may want to only get one pair of running shoes, which should be replaced every 4 to 6 months. These would be trail running shoes (not racing shoes), and they can withstand any type of surface you take them on.
If you’re a serious runner, you’ll want to also get a pair of racing shoes, which are essentially the sports cars of the running world. These shoes are built with only one thing in mind – speed.
They will provide little support (at least when compared with trail shoes), but will be much less bulky. If you are seriously competing, the best racing shoes are essential.
Trail Running Shoes vs. Road Running Shoes
Trail shoes and road shoes have some distinct differences. One of the most important, is the layer of rubber which is usually on the bottom of trail running shoes.
This rubber helps to grip wet pavement, ice, and other impediments. Road shoes won’t have this layer, which is one reason why it’s generally not a great idea to take them on trail runs.
Another addition to the bottom of trail shoes (not found on road shoes), are lugs that help you stay on your feet in less-than-optimal conditions. These are designed to work on grass, gravel, and mud.
Interestingly, trail shoes also usually have toe bumpers, which protect your feet from being damaged from contact with any sharp objects. The upper part of a trail shoe will also be designed to resistant bad weather.
By contrast, road shoes are really only one meant for running on one surface – the road. While you may be able to take them to the gym and run on a treadmill – we definitely would not recommend taking them onto a trail run.
Daily Training Running Shoes vs. Racing Running Shoes
Training shoes are the more commonly sold version of running shoes – they are the ones you see at the gym, out on the pavement, and basically anywhere you go. Racing shoes, on the other hand, are lighter, and really can’t be used on any unforgiving surfaces.
Designed for speed, racing shoes whittle away any excess design or support, and are often as light as a feather. Specifically engineered and constructed to get you your fastest time possible, they really should only be used for official competition.
If you are not a competitive runner, you may not ever need racing shoes. However, you may want to get one pair, just to see how you like them.
Training shoes, on the other hand – are designed to take a beating and keep on ticking. Able to withstand any surface, they are built with support and cushioning in mind.
Training shoes usually also have a high drop, which accommodates anyone who lands heel first when running. Since this is most of us, training shoes have already taken that into mind, and will still support even your worst steps with excellent cushioning.
Minimal vs. Maximal Running Shoes
The key difference between minimal and maximal running shoes, is the amount of cushioning included in the shoe. While barefoot running got a lot of press, many runners got injured, which lead to the minimal shoe – a style that is lightweight, but also provides lots of cushioning (via the soles).
Neutral Running Shoes vs. Stability Running Shoes
The difference in these types of shoes ultimately comes down to how big your arches are. If you have high arches, you’ll want shoes that have more cushioning.
Neutral running shoes would generally be best for high arches. If you have low or flat arches – opt for stability shoes.
These shoes support your foot, and help keep your foot more stable (and avoiding injury). Of course, there is much more to choosing running shoes than this, but these are good general guidelines to start with.
Zero Drop Running Shoes
The drop on a running shoe refers to the difference between the height of the sole in your toe, and the height in the heel. This is usually measured in millimeters (or mm), and classic running shoes usually have a drop of about 12 mm.
Low drop or zero drop shoes, in contrast, have a 4 mm (or less) drop. Obviously zero drop running shoes specifically have a 0 mm drop.
Why does this measurement make a difference? Because running shoes with larger heels will allow you to more easily heel strike (which most runners do).
Zero drop running shoes will instead favor a midfoot or forefoot approach. Depending on your gait, you may want to give zero drop running shoes a try.
Premium Running Shoes vs. Cheap Running Shoes
While in many categories we recommend budget options for products, we do not recommend buying any truly cheap running shoes. These pairs will typically have any number of problems, including poor construction, lack of proper support, and they may even fall apart extremely quickly.
While you do not have to opt for the most expensive running shoes (especially if you are only a casual runner), you will still want to invest in quality. This means choosing a moderate-to-expensive pair.
But – much more importantly – you want to look at a large quantity of good user reviews. This will tell you just how durable the shoe actually is, since the average running shoe lasts 4 to 6 months (ideally).
If you are only a casual runner, or you wear running shoes just for walking – they may last far longer. For the average consumer, we recommend choosing a pair of running shoes that is highly supportive, reasonably priced, and long lasting.
In all honesty, we still rock shoes we bought a year ago, so paying slightly more upfront – can actually save you money in the long run. If you’re a serious runner though, it’s important to replace your running shoes every 4 to 6 months (if not more often, if you log a lot of miles).
The Best Running Shoes
There you have it – our picks for the best running shoes. No matter if you have high arches, low arches, or love barefoot running – there is a shoe out there for you.
If you’re a casual runner, you likely need just one pair of running shoes. However, if you are a competitive runner, you’ll want racing shoes (as well as training shoes) – and you need to opt for the highest quality pairs your budget can muster.
Without the best running shoes, you can very easily get hurt or injured. You also want to make sure that your shoes fit properly, when you try them on.
You want running shoes that are snug, yet comfortable. You should be able to comfortably in them, and not feel any pain or discomfort.
However, there are also many other important essentials in the health and wellness niche, besides the best running shoes. If you are looking to stay in shape, improve longevity, build muscle, lose weight, or stay active – make sure you take a look at our many other picks in the fitness category.