The Best Running Shoes for Men in 2024

Running is an exceptionally simple sport. You just lace any old trainers and head out the door. The more you run, though, the more you’ll realize that having the right gear, specifically the right shoes, will make a difference. The best running shoes for men will not only help you capture elusive runner’s high, but they’ll also keep you comfortable on your feet, help prevent injuries, and flex your personal style.

Running shoes don’t have to be anything special to help you get your miles in, but with the right pair you’ll find yourself seriously looking forward to each and every workout. There are shoes for every type of runner — and every type of run — so it’s important to have at least a passing understanding of what’s out there, whether you’re prepping for your first 5k or pushing yourself through a 20-week marathon training plan.

Almost every brand in the sport makes a shoe optimized for a different type of run: long runs, speed workouts, recovery days, 5ks, marathons, ultra marathons — the list goes on and on.

Runners have more shoe options than ever, which is definitely a good thing. However, it can make choosing the perfect pair quite the undertaking. To make this decision easier for you, we tested dozens of pairs to pick out the best of the best. When it comes down to it, the choice is yours, but this is a great place to start your search.

You can skip right ahead to our comparison chart, buyer’s guide, and frequently asked questions. Or, read on for a thorough review of our top picks.

The Best Running Shoes for Men

Best Overall Running Shoe: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13
Best Budget Running Shoe: Asics Novablast 4
Best Everyday Running Shoe: Hoka Skyward X
Best Running Shoe for Marathon Racing: Nike Vaporfly 3
Best for Speed Workouts: Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
Best Trail Running Shoe: Norda 001

Specs

Weight: 9.2 oz (Size 9.5)
Stack Height: 38mm / 32mm
Drop: 6mm
Best Use: Tempo workouts, easy runs and long runs

Pros

Generous stack height is great over long distances
Efficient toe off and rocker geometry make them great for faster efforts
Upper is breathable and supportive

Cons

Stack height isn’t optimal for runs with a lot of change in direction

If we could only wear one shoe for every type of run, regardless of speed or distance, we’d pick the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 ($165). Our testers have a lot of shoes in their offices, but if you took a peek at the soles of each pair, you’d notice that the Fresh Foam X 1080v13 is worn down quite a bit more than the rest.

The shoe is incredibly lightweight and sleek for one with so much support underfoot — most of the squishy everyday runners we’ve encountered are considerably less graceful. As the shoe’s name suggests, our testers found that their legs stayed fresh through various workouts. The substantial 38mm stack provides plenty of cushioning and rebound without feeling sluggish, even when the pace increases.

Our team also noted the smooth ride, subtle rock forward, and efficient toe off, all of which were a huge help as they got further into a long run or dug in for their last few reps on the track. We also found that they held up well over time, even for those who found themselves rocking them most days of the week.

The engineered mesh upper provides a nice balance of lateral support through the midfoot and stretchiness in the forefoot, resulting in a comfortable fit from heel to toe with plenty of room to splay the toes, which can make a huge difference over time.

After testing, it’s clear that the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 offer, and deliver, the whole kit and caboodle, making them the ideal shoe for any runner who prefers sticking with the same silhouette across their training and racing. Don’t get us wrong, though, they’re great as an everyday/long-run shoe if you’ve already got your speed and race shoes dialed in.

Specs

Weight: 8.9 oz (Size 9)
Stack Height: 41.5 mm / 33.5mm
Drop: 8mm
Best use: Long runs, easy days, and tempo efforts

Pros

Comfortable upper supports foot while leaving room for toes
Tall stack height still provides great ground feel

Cons

Heel area can be too tight and shallow for some

It’s no bargain-basement shoe, but the Asics Novablast 4 ($140) gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Our testers found them to be suitable for everything from long runs to tempo runs, citing their FF Blast+ foam’s impressive energy return as the feature that stands out above the rest. $140 may not initially seem like a bargain, but these shoes are packed with features and come in at a more palatable price point than most of today’s running shoe offerings.

Not only did they enjoy the plush, springy foam, but our testers also praised the breathable, sock-like upper for its secure fit through the midfoot and roominess around the toes — the only drawback they found was a slight lack of security and depth around the heel, though this improved when laced up with a heel lock. Most of our team resolved their qualms with the heel by wearing thinner socks, but folks who use their own insoles may find the rear of the shoe a bit shallow regardless of their sock choice.

In spite of the heel size, the fit is great for varying foot shapes, though Asics recommends the shoe for those with high arches and underpronators. The gusseted tongue stays in place and has a thoughtful bit of cushioning near the top to protect the top of your foot if you prefer tighter laces.

In the end, the Asics Novablast 4 isn’t the cheapest shoe you’ll find. But if you love Asics, are an underpronator, or have a high-volume foot, you’re going to think these are an absolute steal.

Specs

Weight: 11.3oz
Stack Height: 48mm / 43mm
Drop: 5mm
Best use: Easy runs, long runs, road-based tempo work

Pros

Maintains a super plush ride over long distances
Responsive foam and carbon fiber plate combo keeps legs energized

Cons

Heavier than most shoes in their category
A big hit on your wallet

The latest innovation from Hoka, a brand that’s no stranger to pushing the limit, is the Hoka Skyward X ($225), a carbon-plated training shoe with a whopping 48mm stack that’ll turn the heads of even the most dedicated high-stack enthusiasts. Yes, you read that right: 48mm stack height. When our team got their first hands-on look at the Skyward X, they couldn’t help but return to the “moon boot” moniker attributed to many of Hoka’s kicks over the years. If we’ve learned anything about Hoka, we know that a tongue-in-cheek epithet becomes a badge of honor.

It only took a few runs to realize that the Skyward X was a very good shoe that defied our testers’ expectations, rendering any initial skepticism moot. They reported that the ride is just as plush, energetic, and responsive as advertised, from tempo efforts to weekend long runs. While most highly cushioned shoes fail at the first sign of speed, the Skyward X uses a carbon fiber plate and innovative foam blend, what Hoka calls a “suspension system,” to provide a boost when shorter splits are required.

Sure, your feet are a long way from the surface beneath them, but if you’re out running on the road, sidewalk, or riverside path, the non-existent ground feel shouldn’t make too big of a difference — especially considering most folks running in shoes like these aren’t concerned with ground feel anyway.

It’s not all about the bounce, though. The upper is made from a flat-knit engineered mesh that provides a secure fit without feeling restrictive, while the back of the shoe employs Hoka’s Deep Active Foot Frame to cradle the heel.

The only thing we don’t like about the Hoka Skyward X at this point is the colors and the price. Our tester had the Blanc De Blanc / Virtual Blue, which reminds us of a Fourth of July ice pop, and the only other color available right now is a double yellow number that isn’t the best to look at. As for the cost, $225 is a huge dent to the wallet, regardless of the tech involved.

In the end, though, we recommend these for anyone who loves top-of-the-line cushioning and all-day energy response. They’re comfortable, bouncy, and spirited, providing the runner with a weightless feeling that lasts for miles on end. Maybe Moon Boots is an apt nickname, after all.

Specs

Weight: 7.1oz
Stack Height: 38mm / 30mm
Drop: 8mm
Best use: Marathon racing, track runs, speed work

Pros

Incredible energy return
Higher durability than the previous iterations
Very comfortable upper

Cons

Narrow midfoot
Expensive
Tricky to use with custom insoles

Nike racing shoes really don’t need an introduction at this point. The first iteration of the Vaporfly was launched to much fanfare back in 2016 — largely in part to Nike’s Breaking2 project, where they attempted to break the elusive sub-two-hour marathon. Fast forward to 2024 and the latest Vaporfly, the Nike Vaporfly 3 ($260), is still one of the absolute best running shoes for men in the game and our favorite for marathons.

Our testers have been taking various racing shoes to task over the past few years; quite an undertaking given the unending super shoe release schedule. They’ve crushed races (and set PRs) in them, sprinted 200m repeats at Brooklyn’s McCarren Park with the Brooklyn Track Club, and covered miles and miles of speedwork on the streets of Boise. In the end, the Vaporfly 3 has been the standout choice for marathon racers, 1500m specialists, and everyone in between.

Nike’s Flyknit upper doesn’t look that much different than the mesh used by other brands, but after testing, our runners found Flyknit to be the superior material thanks to its comfort and support — notably its support in the arch. The split tongue provides good coverage and has just enough cushioning to protect the top of the foot, and a U-shaped foam insert around the heel keeps the foot secure and supported without sacrificing breathability or incurring a weight penalty.

Speaking of weight, the Nike Vaporfly 3 is incredibly light. At just 7.1 oz for a men’s size 10, they are as light as air, even after hours and hours of pacey efforts. In fact, to make the latest Vaporflys even lighter than their predecessors, Nike thinned the rubber outsole and added more of its unmatched ZoomX foam.

The shoe promotes (and rewards) forefoot strike, but the 38mm heel stack is soft and responsive when you slow down a bit. But don’t plan on slowing down: the full-length carbon plate makes the Vaporfly, well, fly. For anyone looking to take their speed to the next level, the Vaporfly is a solid option

Don’t like Nike? The Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 ($250) came in a very close second thanks to its comfy upper, ample cushioning, and extremely lightweight (7.8oz).

Specs

Weight: 7.5oz
Stack Height: 39.5mm / 31.5mm
Drop: 8mm
Best use: Speed work, track workouts, racing

Pros

More comfortable than most speed shoes
Goldilocks combo of energy return and cushioning in the midsole

Cons

Less squish and bounce than many of its racing competitors

Much like Nike, Saucony launched an expensive, aggressive racing shoe and followed it up with an even more expensive, more aggressive racing shoe. In both cases, we thought the OG was just fine! If you’re not chasing a Boston Marathon berth or a trip to the Olympic Trials, the super-est of super shoes probably isn’t necessary for most athletes. Much like the Nikes, our testers prefer Saucony’s less-super race shoe: the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 ($225). This time, though, we actually think the race shoe is best suited for speed work.

The shoe is, indeed, designed for racing — and we think it’s excellent for races of all distances. But, we also think that its lower profile and snappy efficiency makes it a much more versatile shoe than most would give it credit for. The honeycomb-knit upper and integrated mesh tongue give the shoe a soft, sock-like feel that is also tensile enough for the stress that comes with pacier workouts.

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4’s insole is glued down, which could spell trouble for runners who want to use their own insoles, but our testers found that the factory insole is actually quite supportive, assuaging the fears voiced by runners with high arches.

Saucony’s SPEEDROLL technology gives the shoe a fast, forward motion through each step, while the midsole blends two of the brand’s foam innovations, PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN HG, to balance comfort and energy return. Top it off with a full-length carbon plate and you’ve got a recipe for plush, breathable speed.

Specs

Weight: 9.45oz (Size 8.5)
Stack Height: 26mm / 21mm
Drop: 5mm
Best use: Trail running, ultra racing

Pros

Dyneema upper is virtually indestructible
The midsole and outsole last 750 miles or more
Major style points

Cons

Takes a few runs to really break in
The most expensive shoe on our list

O Canada; the land of maple syrup, Tim Hortons, ice hockey, and, apparently, some seriously kick-ass trail running shoes. The Norda 001 ($285) is one of the most exciting, innovative trail running shoes for men to come out in recent memory — which is no surprise given the brand’s pedigree within both trail running and shoe design. The 001 stood out to our testers in a number of ways, but the most yapped-about feature is the shoe’s proprietary Dyneema upper.

Dyneema, a superlight fiber that is by weight 15 times stronger than steel, is seldom used in the running world, but when Norda’s founders were seeking the ideal material for their shoe’s upper, they knew Dyneema was the golden ticket. They enlisted some experts to help develop a Dyneema fabric specifically for Norda, and the result is the bio-based Dyneema used on the 001. Not only is it light, but it’s extremely resistant to tears and scuffs, making it the perfect antidote to one of the biggest conundrums in trail running: weight vs. durability.

The upper is stellar, but our testers also love the midsole, which breaks in perfectly after a few runs and retains its shape and comfort longer than just about any of the other trail shoes we’ve tested (which is why we don’t fault them for the high price point). The Norda 001’s grippy Vibram Formation sole is exclusive to Norda — it features 5mm lugs that made going up or downhill a breeze during testing.

If you’re going to buy some (and you should), make sure you size up a half size from your usual running shoe size. For example, one of our testers is a size 9 in Vans and a 9.5 in Nike running shoes, so size 10 was the perfect Norda size for him.

Specs

Weight: 10.9oz (Size 10)
Stack Height: 40mm / 31mm
Drop: 9mm
Best use: Long runs

Pros

Cushion feels great for runs 10-15 miles (and beyond)
Wide base and sturdy construction inspire confidence

Cons

Footfall can feel sloppy
Heavy, even for a long run shoe

When you first pick up the Nike Invincible 3 ($180), you may question how useful it could actually be on the road. It’s heavy, the sole is as wide as a pancake, and the ZoomX foam doesn’t look as marshmallow-soft as it does on Nike’s speed shoes. Not to mention the price tag — most people are alarmed at having to spend nigh on 200 bucks for a pair of trainers. OK, now forget all that.

For one of our testers, no shoe makes him look forward to his long run more than the Invincible 3. A die-hard Invincible advocate since the silhouette’s first iteration, he basically told us that this list could not be published without it. We checked in with a few other runners on our team and decided that the Invincible 3 was a shoo-in.

The Nike Invincible 3 is incredibly stable and well-built — in a world of lightweight shoes that feel like they’re not going to last, the Invincible seems, well, invincible. The ZoomX foam is equal parts soft and efficient, and the 9mm drop gives the runner a feeling of forward momentum with every stride. The upper is lightweight, and our testers really love the size of the toe box, which comes in handy after your feet have swollen throughout a long run.

Specs

Weight: 9.5oz
Stack Height: 34mm / 28mm
Drop: 6mm
Best use: road-to-trail

Pros

Great for road-to-trail situations
Super grippy rubber provides traction across all surfaces

Cons

Outsole isn’t as aggressive as others
Some prefer more padding around the ankle

La Sportiva is known for its excellence in alpine pursuits, so it’s not a shock that they describe their footwear with the term “mountain running” instead of trail running. And they do, indeed, dominate in the mountains, taking on steep, loose, gravel trails with ease — both up and down. Their newest mountain running shoe, the Prodigio ($155) brings advanced cushioning and a less aggressive outsole to the trails, resulting in the ideal shoe for runs on mixed surfaces.

Our testers loved the comfort of the Prodigio. The break-in period was short if there even was one at all. The gusseted tongue and sock-like liner is equally supportive and roomy, while the lacing system makes it simple to dial in the right fit. The upper is very light and breathable, a welcome departure from the thick uppers on most of the trail soles we tested. Don’t worry, though, our testers all reported that the Prodigio was resilient and didn’t take damage easily, even on rocky trails.

Where the La Sportiva Prodigio stands out against its La Sportiva counterparts and other trail shoes we tested is the overall look and feel — take away the lugs on the sole and it could be a really good road running shoe. It feels fast, the energy response from the XFlow nitrogen-infused supercritical foam is there every step of the way, and the lightweight rock plate on the bottom adds virtually no weight. It has everything an excellent road shoe has but dials up the protection and trail-focused details to thrive on all surfaces.

Finally, La Sportiva shoes run small, so if you’re usually a US 9.5, for example, you’ll probably need a US 10.

Specs

Weight: 10.3oz
Stack Height: 37.5mm / 31.5mm
Drop: 6mm
Best use: Long runs, easy runs or workouts

Pros

Super plush and energetic
Substantial, high-volume upper cradles the entire foot

Cons

Expensive for a training shoe
Some may want a more snug upper

If there was a running industry award for “Most Improved Player,” it would have to go to ON Running. When the brand first hit the scene, their shoes made waves in Silicon Valley and with Upper East Side dads but left something to be desired for those trying to log serious miles. In the past few seasons, though, something has changed: On’s running shoes drastically improved, most notably its new ON Cloudmonster Hyper ($220). A maximum cushioned runner, the Cloudmonster Hyper actually resembles its namesake — it’s bouncy, plush, and, yes, feels like you’re running on, a cloud.

The shoe keeps you rolling forward, pairing the immense cushioning with just enough forward motion to feel like you can keep some speed going, even after the 10-mile mark. Where many max cushion shoes start to feel hard after a while, sending a jolt up the leg with each footfall, our testers found that the Cloudmonster Hyper’s energy-returning foam really was keeping their legs fresh and comfortable over long distances.

Some of our team were split, however, on the volume of the shoe. Runners with high arches and insteps appreciated the deep fit and the lacing system, while others said they’d prefer a sleeker upper to go with the beefy midsole.

It’s an expensive shoe, but we think On really has something good on their hands with the ON Cl oudmonster Hyper. Oh, and the aesthetics are pretty sick, which is always a bonus in a gear category that doesn’t historically make the best-looking kicks. Wear these on your off days and nobody will wonder why you stole your dad’s Costco shoes.

Running Shoes for Men Comparison Chart

Shoe	Weight	Stack Height	Drop	Best For
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13	9.2 oz (M US9.5)	38mm / 32mm	6 mm	Tempo workouts, easy runs, and long runs
Asics Novablast 4	8.9 oz (M US9)	41.5 mm / 33.5 mm	8 mm	Long runs, easy days, and tempo efforts
Hoka Skyward X	11.3 oz	48 mm / 43 mm	5 mm	Easy runs, long runs, road-based tempo work
Nike Vaporfly 3	7.1 oz	38 mm / 30 mm	8 mm	Marathon racing, track runs, speed work
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4	7.5 oz	39.5 mm / 31.5 mm	8 mm	Speed work, track workouts, racing
Norda 001	9.45 oz (M US8.5)	26 mm / 21 mm	5 mm	Speed work, track workouts, racing
Nike Invincible 3	10.9 oz (M US10)	40 mm / 31 mm	8 mm	Long runs
La Sportiva Prodigio	9.5 oz	34 mm / 28 mm	6 mm	Road-to-trail
ON Cloudmonster Hyper	10.3 oz	37.5 mm / 31.5 mm	6 mm	Long runs, easy runs, or workouts

GJBG Running Shoes for Men Norda 001 — A look at Norda’s bombproof upper and Vibram outsole; (photo/ Will Porter)

How We Tested Running Shoes

Every runner is different, so we also solicited feedback from a diverse group of runners. For this review, GearJunkie tasked a test team with logging miles and weighing in with their perspective as competitive runners, physical therapists, and former shoe designers.

We tested the latest shoes from every brand, and all testers were asked to rank each shoe numerically and write short-form reviews of the top-ranked shoes. Armed with our testers’ feedback and our own impressions, GearJunkie picked the best running shoe in the most popular shoe categories.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our lead tester and writer for this guide, Will Porter, is a multi-hyphenate runner who just likes to get out and run for as long as possible. He relishes the Sunday long run and will hit the local Boise foothills a few times a week for a trail run. Right now, he’s training for both a road half marathon and a trail 50k, so it was the perfect season to put a number of shoes to the test.

He’s partial to a plush shoe with a decent drop, but for midweek speed sessions, he likes something light and barely-there — he says it reminds him of his high school track days.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Running Shoe

Running shoes have their fair share of complexity. Sorting through today’s shoe stats like stack height, heel drop, weight, and now carbon fiber plates can give anyone a headache. Luckily, we’re here to cut through the noise and give it to you straight.

Over our years reviewing shoes, GearJunkie testers have run in just about every running shoe produced. More than that, we’ve recruited teams of testers for feedback and talked with shoe engineers, podiatrists, and specialty running store owners.

Armed with this knowledge, we’ve picked the best shoes of the season based on our editors and test team’s input paired with head-to-head comparisons.

It’s worth noting that this guide focuses specifically on road running shoes. Be sure to check out our comprehensive guides on the best trail running shoes and the best hiking shoes — if that’s more your pace.

GJBG Running Shoes for Men Nike Vaporfly — The Vaporfly is diminutive, but that midsole packs a punch; (photo/Will Porter)

Comfort Is King

After talking with many physical therapists, running store owners, and shoe experts, they all agree on one thing — pick a running shoe based on comfort. The shoe that feels, fits, and runs the best is most likely going to be the best shoe for you.

Fortunately, most of today’s online shoe retailers allow a full refund or credit on used shoes within a 30- or 90-day window. This allows you to buy a pair of shoes, try them out for a few runs, and make the decision. This is also a nice feature to ensure that you get the correct sizing.

Sizing Properly

In our experience, most people wear running shoes that are too tight. The rule of thumb (literally) is you should have a thumb-width of space between your longest toe and the edge of the running shoe. For most, this will be half to three-quarters of an inch.

You need this space for two reasons. First, as you run, your feet will slide slightly forward. This extra space prevents your toes from consistently banging up against the inside wall of the shoe. Second, if you run long enough and in higher temps, your feet will swell. Again, extra space is necessary. The thumb’s width rule is a great way to size your shoe while accounting for how much your feet may swell during a long run.

GJBG Hoka Skyward X — The Hokay Skyward X offers a whopping 48mm stack height; (photo/Will Porter)

Finding the proper width is a little trickier. Shoe width varies from brand to brand and even within the same brand between models. There are brands that are known for being wide or narrow.

Altra and Topo are known for favoring runners with wide feet. Aside from these two, it’s hard to make absolute assumptions across all models of a brand as being wide or narrow.

The Details: Stack Height, Drop, and Weight

If you want to geek out on the stats of a shoe, that’s fine. But we would steer clear of making decisions solely based on them. Pay attention but don’t obsess.

Sure, there is a pretty big difference between a 12mm drop and zero drop, so much so that we don’t suggest making such a drastic change. But between a 4mm and 6mm drop, it’s marginal. To put it in perspective, it’s the difference in the thickness of a nickel.

Stack Height

This is usually the measurement of the bottom of the shoe to the bottom of the inside of the shoe. It gives a measurement of how much material there is between your foot and the ground.

The higher the stack height, the thicker the sole. We say “usually” because some brands will not include the insole as part of the stack height measurements.

Drop

Drop is the difference in measurement of stack height between the heel and toe. It ranges from zero to 12 mm. The higher the drop, the less strain on the Achilles, soleus, and calves. Zero-drop shoes are associated with a more natural barefoot running feeling.

Weight

The weight of a shoe can give a good insight into the type of running for which the shoe is best suited. Lightweight shoes — ones weighing less than 8 ounces for men and 7.5 ounces for women — are typically designed for faster running and racing.

Heavier shoes — 10 ounces for men and 9 ounces for women — are more suited for everyday training. In most cases, we’ve found weight to be a good insight into the durability of a shoe. Lighter shoes with less foam tend to wear out more quickly than the thicker, heavier ones.

GJBG Asics Novablast 4 — The Asics Novablast 4’s Superfeet insole and stack height offer plenty of comfort; (photo/Will Porter)

Neutral vs. Supportive

Should a shoe correct over/underpronation or not? Some say yes; others say no. Most of the experts we’ve spoken with say it depends. Those needing a supportive shoe look for a sturdy heel cup, multi-density EVA midsoles, and a mid-foot truss or bridge that stabilizes the shoe.

Bottom line

Comfort is king, and if you’re still unsure, we recommend taking a trip to your local specialty running store to get their advice. With proper footwear and proper training, you, too, can pound out the miles on the pavement in relative comfort.

A Note About “Super Shoes”

We do want to add a couple of caveats when it comes to carbon-plated super shoes — our top pick, the Nike Vaporfly 3, included. If you’re going to wear these in a race, definitely do not wait until race day to lace them up for the first time. They will definitely take some getting used to, so we recommend logging a few miles in them per week for the last month of your training, even if that means taking just them out for a nice jiggle-jog on a rest day.

Jiggle-jog: yes, full-on training: no. Super shoes should be broken in, no doubt about it. But we don’t recommend wearing race day shoes on your long runs or easy runs throughout the week. Not only will they lose some of their race day pep, they can be hard on your feet.

And, finally, carbon-plated shoes really do require speed to provide the best benefits. Based on our testing, carbon-plated shoes only really start to make you faster if you’re running faster. Don’t believe us? Studies have proven that the speed and energy return provided by carbon-plated shoes is directly proportional to how fast you’re going.

The quicker the pace, the greater the benefit. Slower runners (this writer included) may find that they perform better in their favorite speed or long-run shoes on race day.

GJBG Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 — The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is super fast and supportive; (photo/Will Porter)

More Than One Pair

Do you really need more than one pair of running shoes? Think of it this way — do you really need more than one pair of shoes in general? Technically, no. But if you start to pull away the layers, you have work shoes, workout shoes, comfortable shoes, slippers, flip-flops, etc.

Just like all your other shoes, running shoes perform best in certain scenarios. For example, the HOKA Clifton 9 makes a great recovery run shoe but not so much a great speed workout shoe. On the flip side, a carbon fiber shoe makes a great race day shoe but not a great recovery run shoe.

One solution is to own at least three pairs of road running shoes: a durable everyday trainer, a speed or race day shoe, and one super-comfortable recovery run shoe. By rotating between shoes, you’ll be less likely to get overuse injuries from your shoe.

FAQ

Yes, absolutely. The soles of running shoes are made with a special type of foam that is designed to withstand the higher ground impact forces exhibited while running. This foam underfoot, called a midsole, makes running more comfortable and offers more durability over non-running shoes.

Furthermore, a running shoe’s upper will hold your foot in place better and offer more breathability than a non-running shoe. In general, it is not recommended to run in casual sneakers.

Cushioning is a matter of personal preference and does not necessarily make one shoe better than another. Cushioning refers to the level of firmness of the foam underfoot and can be largely subjective. What one runner finds firm, a heavier runner may find soft. It was previously thought that a more cushioned shoe reduced the impact on your legs.

However, it’s been found that your body will adjust forces based on the firmness of the surface you are running on. The bottom line is to buy a running shoe that feels comfortable to you.

The ultimate question is a size up from what shoe? Running shoes should have a thumb width of extra space in the toe. The reasoning behind this is that as you run, your feet will naturally slide forward a little. The extra space will prevent your toes from jamming against the front of the shoe.

A properly fitting shoe should be somewhere between tight and loose. Shoes that are too tight can cut off circulation and cause your feet to go numb while running shoes that are too loose can cause hot spots and generally feel uncomfortable.

We recommend a shoe that fits snugly enough to prevent your heel from lifting and provides a thumb’s-width of room in the toes. It’s important not to tie your laces too tight. We like to tie them loose enough that we can remove our shoes with a small amount of force without untying the laces.