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Whether you’re just starting out on your running journey or you’re a full-on marathoner, one thing you might be searching for is the best running shoes for men or the best running shoes for women. No matter how much you love a given pair, it’s recommended you switch them out every 300-500 miles. This could be more or less, depending on the shoe, however, Alexandria Williams, Road Runners Club of America’s certified running coach and director on the board of the National Black Marathoners Association, notes that replacing your shoes when they show signs of significant wear can help maintain proper support and cushioning.
While there’s no shortage of running shoe brands and styles on the market today, knowing which is the best option for you can be challenging. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all shoe that works for every runner. The best style of running shoe works with your individual foot, running gait, and running style, explains Cortney Logan is a running coach and founder of Run Sweat Sip. “Shoe ‘anatomy,’ if you will, is very important and personal for each runner as they have specific needs and wants that they are looking for in a shoe,” she says. “Whether it be for speed work a runner may want a minimal/lightweight shoe, but if for endurance, a runner may want a more supportive shoe.”
Established in 1914, Brooks is one of the oldest running shoe companies. They are still popular among all kinds of runners, from leisurely joggers to competitive marathoners. They’re best known for being ultra supportive and providing shock-absorption at the max. Some of their most beloved styles make you feel like you’re running on clouds.
Asics has held the top spot for running shoes since the mid 20th century, as one of the first few brands to launch innovative technologies focused solely on performance. They remain reliable, comfortable, and functional, which is why they’re so popular today.
Around the exact same time that Asics was being developed, so was Adidas—a German-based company that has a bit of a shady history, having been founded by a member of the Nazi party. The Adidas we know and love today has a new identity and is beloved for its innovative running technologies. Adidas sneakers are known for their comfortable fit, excellent cushioning, and durable materials, notes Williams.
Founded in the 1950s in England as a running shoe company, Reebok has come a long way in its development and remains a major player in the running shoe category. Its running shoes offer ample support with innovative technology all at an affordable price. Reebok also has some of the most stylish running shoes on the market today.
For a relatively newly launched running shoe brand (2009), Hoka has risen the ranks and doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. “Hoka was initially popular with runners, especially trail runners, who wanted a more padded shoe offered through a new type of EVA foam,” explains Amie Dworecki, BS, MA, MBA, a running coach. “Now, they provide a well-rounded selection of shoes for runners looking for a soft feel that is still lightweight.”
The Clifton 9 works well as a daily running shoe. It provides plenty of cushioning while still being lightweight. While comfortable, some runners find it clunky for speedwork. If speedier runs are your thing, try the Hoka Mach 5, with dual-density cushioning and a meta-rocker sole shape that gives good energy return. While some may enjoy the responsiveness, others may feel the firmness compared to the brand’s most plush models.
Skechers were the shoe of the 1990s, having been founded in 1992; however, it wasn’t until the millennium that they entered the performance running shoe market, creating their GoRun shoe line in 2011. “The company added further enhancements with Hyper Burst foam in late 2018, which is lighter and bouncier than regular EVA foam, yet still durable,” says Dworecki.
Nike came onto the scene in the 1960s, but didn’t gain extreme popularity until the brand partnered with basketball hall of famer, Michael Jordan in the 1980s in an infamous five-year, $2.5 million deal. “Nike has a long history of being at the forefront of running shoe technology, so elite runners frequently wear them,” explains Dworeki. Another perk of this brand is that they offer a wide selection of shoes that meet the needs of such a wide range of runners. Beyond basketball and running shoes, look to the brand for the best tennis shoes for men and for women, cross-trainers, walking shoes, and pretty much any other sport you can think of. Shopping tip: Nike also made our list for the best joggers for men, best sports bras, best men’s workout shirts, best men’s running shorts, best sweatpants for men, and the best golf shoes.
This Swiss-founded running shoe brand launched in Zurich in 2010 and quickly became a popular choice among runners worldwide. The company’s name is meant to give the feeling of running on clouds—emphasizing comfort and fit over everything else. They created an innovative technology that they call CloudTec, which consists of a series of pods underneath the actual heel that helps provide cushioning and energy return.
Founded in 2015 by two former CrossFit athletes, this running shoe is all about focus, precision, and not making excuses. They’re ideal for athletes who train hard and are always seeking ways to improve their athletic performance and are known for their simplicity. Though not the most stylish running shoe brand, they do a great job of providing the right fit and design for cross-training and functional fitness.
This Boston-based company was founded in the early 1900s and is known for selling a range of footwear, including basketball shoes, trail shoes, tennis shoes, and, of course, running shoes. They not only offer a great deal of styles, they offer a wide range of widths, which can help ensure a near-perfect fit. New Balance running shoes also tend to be more affordable than some of the brand’s competitors.
Here are the factors you should consider when shopping for a running shoe brand.
Before selecting a brand, Williams recommends assessing your running style, foot shape, and any specific requirements you have. “Different running shoe brands often have specialties or focus areas—some excel in cushioning technology, while others prioritize stability or minimalist design,” she says. “Knowing your needs will help you narrow down brands that offer suitable options.”
Of course you want a pair of running shoes that are stylish, but functionality matters, too. The most important thing that a running shoe should offer is a comfortable fit, according to Logan. If it’s not comfortable, you won’t want to lace up and will be less tempted to engage in greater distances or more difficult trails.
There are plenty of athletic stores with a sole focus on running gear, sometimes even just running shoes. Their knowledgeable staff can analyze your actual running forms, style, and gait, explains Williams. When you’re at the specialty running store, be sure to try on plenty of different brands and models so you can get a feel for their comfort and functionality.
A demo run is a show or seminar held by the running shoe brand where you can get to know their unique offerings and, oftentimes, even try out a shoe by taking it out for a run without having to make a purchase.
To source the best running shoes, we reached out to qualified running experts to get a better understanding of what to look for in a running shoe brand. We also combed through customer reviews and spoke first-hand to runners to get an idea of what they liked most from their brand of running shoe and what specific features they sought out when shopping.
There are so many styles of running shoes, but there’s no “best” style of running shoe—and that’s because everyone’s feet are different. The style and brand of running shoe that might work best for you may not work well for your neighbor or your friend. Make sure you;re shopping for a shoe designed for running, as wearing sneakers or even cross-training shoes is not ideal if you’re participating in a running activity. “Running shoes have specific technologies and features that can help you prevent injuries while running and even run faster or longer while feeling comfortable,” says Dworecki.
There are five main types of running shoes—neutral, stability, motion controlled, minimal, and maximal. Neutral running shoes are designed for runners who don’t overpronate, or when your feet roll inward when you walk or run. “Neutral shoes allow a runner’s body weight to be distributed evenly when running, since the entire foot makes contact with the ground,” explains Logan.
Stability shoes, on the other hand, are ideal for runners who overpronate, as they can provide a proper cushion that can help with joint and ankle pain, she says. The other type of running shoe that’s ideal for overpronators is motion controlled shoes. “Motion-control shoes provide support and a rigid structure that helps limit this excessive pronation as well as design features, such as more foam in the inner midsole, maximal arch support, and a high heel drop, that give a solid foundation for the foot,” she adds.
Minimal, or zero drop, running shoes almost mimic running barefoot—they offer little cushioning and are only recommended for runners who are experienced with this kind of shoe or are willing to ease their running in these shoes as it does take time to get used to these shoes, notes Logan. Maximal running shoes have lots of added cushion and a sole that provides a great deal of bounce. They are most ideal for older adults who are seeking added cushion and shock absorption.
There’s no right answer to this question, as the amount of shoes a runner has is all left up to preference. That said, Dworecki recommends a collection of two to three pairs of running shoes. This way, if one pair gets wet with rain or mud you can rotate pairs of shoes and use a dry pair the next day. Owning several different pairs of running shoes can also allow you to change how your foot and ankle move. This, Dworecki notes, makes you less likely to get repetitive injuries or weaknesses and can help lengthen your shoe life by allowing the shoe to decompress between runs.
Asics has a long-standing history in the running shoe department, having been founded all the way back in 1949. The brand has remained popular because of its quality, functionality, and consistency, explains Williams. “Asics are amazingly comfortable and constantly enhance their technology,” she says. “Whether you are a nurse working an 18-hour shift or a six-hour marathoner with wide feet, Asics has a comfortable shoe to fit your needs and style.”
With so many running brands available, it’s a good idea to try out a few—especially when new technology is released—so you can be sure you’re wearing the best type for your foot, gait, and style.
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