Table of content
Things to know when buying running shoes
First and foremost, the first consideration when buying running shoes is to know what you will use them for.
- Daily trainer: the shoe you will be putting most of your mileage on. Your only shoe if you are a beginner.
- Stability trainer: the daily trainer for people with unstable ankles.
- Max cushion: softer, more comfortable shoes for either extra comfort, long mileages or heavier runners.
- Fast training: the running shoe for your faster efforts.
- Trail running: shoes with extra protection, durability and traction to take you off-road.
- Racing: Lightweight, responsive shoes often with solutions such as carbon plates to try and improve your personal best time (PB).
We’ll go through more details about these in a minute, but here are other things you should consider when buying a pair of running shoes:
Comfort
A running shoe should fit well at the heel and midfoot (according to foot shape and preferences) but leave some room for your toes to splay. Also, your foot will swell approximately half a size when running – so beware of shoes that are “just right”.
Cushioning
Cushioning is the shock absorption that a shoe will do while you land on the pavement.
Shoes with high cushioning will absorb more of the impact, protection your ankles, knees and the rest of the kinetic chain – but higher cushion also absorbs the energy you put in your stride, requiring you more energy to run the same distance or the same speed.
It’s a matter of personal preference and again of the specific use of those shoes.
Responsive cushioning vs Plush cushioning
We often use these two terms when talking about the cushioning of a running shoe.
Plush cushioning is that “running on clouds” feeling that many running brands advertise. It’s soft, it’s comfortable but requires more effort (because of the extra shock absorption).
Responsive cushioning is a cushioning where you can feel the shoe bouncing back after each stride, propelling you forward.
Stability and Support
While not a focus as it used to be a decade ago, some runners (me included) have very unstable ankles and that causes unnecessary stress to that joint when running.
Modern stability shoes have simple solutions such as a wider foot base or “guard rails” to help your ankles stay aligned while not constricting your stride too much.
Best for Daily Training
Any shoe could in theory be a daily trainer.
What we recommend are running shoes at a mid price point, with balanced cushioning, good durability and versatile enough to be able to increase or decrease the speed when needed.
In short
The Asics Gel-Cumulus 26 is a cushioned daily trainer that is an everyday shoe for most runners of all abilities. It has a great rocker ride that is both smooth and soft. The heel tab can rub the back of your ankle, though, which would definitely bother some people.
Pros
- Rocker leads to smooth ride
- Lightweight
- Can be used for uptempo runs
Cons
- Heel tab can rub on ankle
- Durability concerns
- Traction
Who should buy it
If you’re looking for a shoe that can handle most types of runs, this is a great shoe. Beginner runners will love this shoe as an all-around shoe that can provide great cushion and a smooth ride. Intermediate to advanced runners will likely use this for easy and long run days. Most runners will be able to use this for some uptempo days – think marathon paced runs.
Who should not buy it
If you have had issues with a high heel tab, then this shoe will likely rub on your ankles. If you’re looking for a highly durable shoe, I’m not sure this shoe will last given the outsole.
Main Specs
Rating breakdown
Team review
The Cumulus 26 is a great all-rounder, apt for runners of all experience and mileage.
Read full review
Best for Stability and Support
Are your ankles unstable? If you can't comfortably (without wobbling) stand on one leg for 45-60 seconds at a time, you'll benefit from choosing a running shoe that provides support.
In short
The New Balance Fresh Foam X Vongo v6 is an exceptional everyday max stability trainer; it is stable, versatile, and comfortable. This Vongo gets high marks in all the right places: an upper that forms to and holds the foot in stable position and a midsole plate that provides stability and acts as a springboard.
Pros
- Smooth, supported ride
- Secure fit
- Joyful toe-off
Cons
- Outsole grip and durability
Who should buy it
Middle to long distance runners who want some stability in their cushioned ride will enjoy Vongo v6 for daily training including long runs, Tempo work, and longer speed intervals.
Who should not buy it
Vongo’s thin, low-traction outsole is less ideal for runners who often run in (any type of) precipitation. Do not go with this shoe if your outsoles show heavy uneven wear patterns.
Main Specs
Carbon plate
Plate in other materials
Rating breakdown
Team review
Cushioned, stable and comfortable. If you need support, you have a great daily trainer in the Vongo v6!
Read full review
Best Max Cushioned
Max cushioned running shoes are the most popular this year. Who doesn't want endless cushioning and a luxurious, plush feeling?
The development of new midsole foams in the past few years made it possible for shoes that deliver so much cushioning to not be too heavy and to still maintain some energy return.
Higher priced than most daily trainer, beware!
In short
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 is a highly cushioned daily trainer that will feel soft and bouncy on your feet. It’s a great all-around shoe that can handle high mileage along with the occasional speedier runs.
Pros
- High cushioning
- Comfortable and bouncy ride
- Soft upper
Who should buy it
This is a shoe for just about any runner. If you’re looking for a daily trainer that can handle just about any kind of run than look no further.
Who should not buy it
The only person that might not like this shoe is someone who is looking for a some stability. This is a shoe that has very little stability to it so it can make you feel a little unsettled on uneven terrain or tight turns.
Main Specs
Rating breakdown
Team review
The 1080 is a max cushioned shoe that doesn't weigh too much and is capable of different paces. It can very easily double as first marathon shoe.
Read full review
Best for Fast Training
If you are at the point of looking for a fast training shoe - you'll probably don't need me explaining what it is.
We call fast trainers all those shoes that are lighter and more responsive than your average daily trainer, but still maintaining the comfort and durability of a shoe that needs to last more than a few races.
In short
The Kinvara Pro is an exciting new, stiff speed trainer with a carbon plate. It performs well at a variety of paces due to its stable ride and its snappy forefoot. It’s a great training companion for the Endorphin Pro and Elite if you want a similar ride at a cheaper price point. While it doesn’t have as much bounce or energy return as other speed trainers, it still has a fast, propulsive ride.
Pros
- Stiff ride, similar to the Saucony racers
- Stable ride for such a thick midsole
- Energy-saving forefoot rocker
- Comfortable upper
- Highly cushioned
Cons
- Midsole foams feel a bit flat
- Low outsole durability
- Narrow fit
Who should buy it
If you find the Endorphin Speed 3 too soft or flexible for speed training, the Kinvara Pro is a good option which delivers a more similar feel to the Saucony super shoes. It has a more stable, snappier ride.
Who should not buy it
If you prefer minimal rides with a lot of ground feel, look elsewhere because the Kinvara Pro is a firm, maximalist trainer. If you like flexible, natural rides, the Kivara Pro is also not for you.
Main Specs
Carbon plate
Half length carbon plate
Rating breakdown
Team review
A twist on the original lightweight/fast training shoe, the Pro is lighter and with a plate. Not as fast as a racer, but definitely likes to pick up the pace.
Read full review
Best for Trail Running
Trail running means a lot of different things. From the runner who will run in muddy terrains, to people who will climb and descend high inclinations, to people running in snow and rocks.
The shoes in this selection are good "all rounders". Please check our trail running shoe guide to find more specific shoes to different uses and terrains.
In short
The ASICS Trabuco Max 3 is an awesome max-cushioned all-terrain trail shoe. It will allow you to take on trails with less effort and feel fabulous while doing it.
Pros
- Breathable upper
- Great traction
- Firm yet cushioned
Who should buy it
This shoe is for the trail runner who is looking for some major cushioning. It’s a shoe that can be worn by an experienced runner or a newbie. I would also recommend this for hiking shoes.
Who should not buy it
I would not suggest buying this shoe if you prefer a more grounded connection. It’s extremely plush and built up.
Main Specs
Carbon plate
Plate in other materials
Rating breakdown
Team review
An amazing and stylish choice to tackle most offroad runs!
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Best Racing Shoe
Last, our selection of best racing shoes.
We are talking about optimising performance - so the choice is going to be extremely personal in the end. Here are our favorites.
Only word of advice: don't buy one if you don't need them. They're not meant for daily training and you should really keep them for your races or your training at race pace.
In short
The Nike Alphafly 3 is a superb top-tier racer and the best Alphafly version to date but it’s not deserving of its megahype or its $285 price. While it lacks the ‘magical’ feeling, it still has a combination of critical features (light weight, firm, stable, efficient) which provide a high level of speed assistance to the runner. Version 3 is a much better version than 2. It has a continuous bottom which results in smoother transitions, a stiffer midsole and most importantly, a wider...
Pros
- Smooth transitions due to new continuous bottom
- Stiffer midsole results in snappier ride
- Stable ride with wider carbon plate
- Less prominent arch
- Lighter weight
Cons
- Narrow midfoot might still create arch blisters
- $10 price increase over previous versions
- Loud foot strikes
Who should buy it
If you don’t have sensitive arches and you enjoy firmer riding super shoes, the Alphafly 3 is a good choice. If you find the Vaporfly 3 too soft or flat, the Alphafly 3 is also a good option. If you want a light racer that disappears on your feet, get the Alphafly 3.
Who should not buy it
If you’re looking for a plush racer with a squishy ride, you should skip the Alphafly 3. If you want a super shoe with an extreme rocker that throws your forward, it’s also not your shoe.
Main Specs
Carbon plate
Full length carbon plate
Rating breakdown
Team review
Although there are many choices out there, the Alphafly remains the best marathon racer in our opinion.
Read full review
Quick Questions you might have
Can I run in a men's shoe?
Yes you can, but we recommend to buy a women version whenever you can. Women have different body mass than men so the amount of cushioning required is different, even at the same shoe size.
Can I run with gym shoes?
We suggest doing the opposite: most daily trainer running shoes work well for general gym use. But gym-specific shoes (lifting, aerobic classes...) make for terrible running shoes.
