@ Do I Really Need a New Pair of Running Shoes?
When it comes to buying new shoes for any sport, you always want to go with the best pair you can get your hands on, right?
As much as we’d love to run around in Chucks and tennis shoes, the truth is, that’s just not a good idea for most people.
The biggest benefit you’re going to get from a good pair of running shoes is going to be in support. Running shoes put support in the right places so you can run more comfortably and with less chance of injury.
This is especially important when you’re picking out a running shoe for the first time. When you run, there are many different ways your feet can move. Some shoes are designed to accommodate for this movement while, others, aren’t so lucky.
A good pair of running shoes are designed to support both heel strike and mid-foot strike. There are also running shoes that can support no-strike and forefoot strike as well.
When picking out a pair of running shoes, you should go to your local running store. Here you can have an expert walk you though how to properly take measurements of your foot and help find the shoe that is best for you.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Saucony Men's Kinvara 11 Running Shoe | Best Overall |  |
| Nike Men's Running Shoes | Budget Pick |  |
| HOKA ONE ONE Mens Cavu 2 Black/White Running Shoe | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Saucony Men's Kinvara 11 Running Shoe
Pros:
- Good for running and walking
- Roomy toe box
- Lightweight and breathable
- Good arch support
- Long-lasting
- LiteTek midsole technology offers cushion and protection
- Resistance to wear
- Imported
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not great for side to side movement
If you are a long distance runner, then shoe by Saucony is the perfect choice. The Saucony Kinvara 11 is a good shoe to keep you going all day and into the night.
This shoe offers proven technology that can take you the distance, like a wide toe-box, lite-weight mesh upper, and lite-Tek midsole for quick energy return. They breathe well and keep your feet cool and they come with great arch support.
The 11th version of Kinvara is one of the best running shoes made for long distance running. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced runner, there is a Saucony for you.
2. Reebok Men's Floatride Run Ultk Shoe
Pros:
- Unique weightless feel
- High-quality construction
- Softer feel on foot
- Plush and elevated medial midsole
- Ideal for longer-distance workouts
- Can really calm down foot fatigue
If you're looking for a shoe especially for long-distance workouts, try Reebok Men's Floatride Run Ultrak Shoes.
These running shoes are designed for runners who crave optimum comfort. A responsive midsole coupled with energetic outsole strikes the balance of cushioning and high-performance responsiveness. In a lightweight package, this shoe features a plushly-cushioned interior, ideal for longer-distance workouts.
If your workouts are in the distance, these shoes feel like they were made just for you.
3. Nike Men's Running Shoes
Pros:
- Very well-balanced cushioning
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Flexible and durable
- Great for running, training and every day activity
- Revolutionary flywire technology for perfect fit
- Gentle, reliable Nike branding on tongue and heel
Cons:
- Wide footers can feel a little snug inside
- Not-so-technical runners may not feel some of the premium features are worth it
The popular Nike running shoe series is a good example of just how sophisticated running shoes have become in recent years.
This model is designed for high performance for long distance running and neutral to under-pronation runners. The classic design is complemented by modern technology. The shoe combines both stability and cushioning working well for fast paced or casual runners.
The flywire technology provides a secure wrap. The medial edge of the shoe is equipped with a waffle pattern for durability and traction control. The insole is extra cushioned as well as the midsole below the arch.
4. New Balance Men's 890 V7 Running Shoe
Pros:
- Great Build quality, super durable, high-quality materials, and proven performance
- Provide a breathable comfortable fit
- Excellent shock absorption makes these shoes very suitable for running on tracks
- Nice ankle support and proper arch support
- The sole design is very simplistic, yet flexible so the shoe provides great traction on all surfaces
- High-quality support, proper padding, and excellent comfort
Cons:
- These are designed for running an the design has been tweaked for this specific purpose. If you intend on using these to play basketball, volleyball or other similar sports then these are not the best option
- The lacing system is great for speed laces, however, they can be slightly uncomfortable when used for training
- Wearing these shoes after long hours of walking could be uncomfortable for some
- Don’t provide the same amount of stability as other shoes
With the New Balance 890 v7 running shoe, everything works perfectly together for both your feet and your shins. The shoe integrates the best of both worlds with an excellent balance. These shoes are excellent for running and they have a great feel due to the minimalistic design.
5. Mizuno Men's Wave Sonic Running Shoes
Pros:
- 3D foot mapping
- Glove like fit
- Gel cushioning
- Available in a range of classic colors
- Affordable price tag
- Options for wider feet
- Suitable for running, walking, and weightlifting
Cons:
- Might stretch out with use
- Softer midsole might lack some impact protection for some
Mizuno makes a great athletic shoe, but for some reason, they don’t get the love they deserve. Sneakerheads and sports Fiends will tell you that this shoe is one of Mizuno’s top sellers. The Wave Sonic features a custom-shaped sock liner made from U4ic midsole foam. This midsole has heat tolerant properties that allow it to hold a form that lasts for a long time.
The Wave Sonic comes with a split outsole that has grooves across the bottom of the shoe. This feature disperses your weight evenly. As a result, wearers get a smooth landing. This shoe is also suitable for running, walking, and weightlifting.
This shoe is tapered in the front and back which gives it the feel of a glove. This is one of the reasons that makes it ideal for the aggressiveness that you need while doing CrossFit WODs.
6. ASICS Women's Gel-Kayano 26 Running Shoes
Pros:
- Awesome design.
- Good cushioning.
- Reasonably priced.
- Easy to clean.
- The shoe is durable.
Cons:
- The shoe is not heavily cushioned.
- The fit is rather narrow.
- The arch support is placed badly.
This ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 26 Running Shoes is designed to provide you good motion control, stability and comfort all day long. The shoe offers a motion control feature, which means that you can use the shoes even if you are suffering from overpronation.
The shoe also offers a lot of cushioning, which will keep your feet protected from any shock in place. The shoe has a Trusstic System and Fluid Guide for enhanced stability and durability. The Energizing pad, BioMoGo DNA and S-Curve technology work together to provide you with improved energy efficiency and comfort throughout the day. The Propulsion Plate with Bouncy SpEVA midsole is designed to offer you with responsive protection and smooth energy transfer, which makes you feel comfortable even when you wear them all day long.
7. New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe
Pros:
- It is lightweight
- It is snug and secure
- It is made with high-quality materials
- It is comfortable and durable
- It is well priced
- It has a good design
- It is affordable
- It provides great support
- It is flexible and well cushioned
- It has a good arch support
New Balance is a common brand among the runners, in fact everyone in my family uses New Balance. The New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe weighs only 6.3 ounces which is a lightweight running shoe. Such a light weight provides a lot of comfort and you will not feel as if you are wearing shoes that are heavy.
New Balance is regarded as a reliable brand and it will always maintain the quality of its products. It is reliable in the sense that you will not get harmed from a misuse of it. The shoes are made of high quality materials that will always remain intact.
8. Saucony Women's Liberty Iso
Pros:
- Secure fit, excellent for underpronators.
- Great ride quality, very comfortable.
- Breathable.
- Flexible.
Cons:
- Not enough traction on trails.
- Are not meant for people with high arches.
- Sole could be more durable.
The Saucony Women's Liberty Iso 2 is the best walking shoes for underpronators, and one of the best support running shoes for plantar fascitis or heel pain. The maximum support area of shoes provides the extra protection that the arches or feet need to stay strong and healthy.
Made from lightweight materials, the shoe gives your feet a certain degree of maneuverability throughout movement. You can go uphill and downhill without experiencing pain or fatigue.
It is equipped with full-length “I-Beam” technology, a sophisticated mid-foot support that runs from the heel to the arch. Compared to the older version, the upper gives more room for your toes and feet. It uses the Micro G foam midsole which helps relieve the impact on your joints and makes you feel soft. It is made with 180 degrees of welded joints that’ll give your feet good support and make you feel comfortable.
9. Brooks Women's Ravenna 10
Pros:
- Lightweight and cushioned running shoe.
- Wide toe box.
- Reflective detail on the heel.
- Faultless fit.
- Durable outsole.
- Lots of color options.
Cons:
- Cushioning is good but not great.
- The style has significant foot flare which can be an issue for some runners.
This is the best running shoes for women, a neutral lightweight shoe that has a moderate amount of cushioning. The outsole is durable and the upper is resistant to abrasion. Overall this is comfortable, durable shoe that will keep you comfortable throughout your run. It is a neutral shoe for heavier runners and should be part of anyone's marathon running kit.
The Ravenna has 2.25 mm of cushioning which is ideal for long runs, marathons or other training. The shoe is wide and roomy, intended for runners whose feet are wider. That width also helps distribute impact forces throughout the foot, reducing fatigue. The upper portion is supportive and provides a secure fit. The shoe is suitable for a neutral stride.
The Ravenna is great for runners with neutral gait because of the wide toe box, and the room that's available at the heels and sides of the shoe. It’s a great choice for heavy runners who require a shoe with good stability and shock absorption.
10. HOKA ONE ONE Mens Cavu 2 Black/White Running Shoe
Pros:
- One-piece, seamless, no-stitch upper
- Lightweight, breathable, comfort max slingshot midsole
- Nano grip gives you a great combination of traction and cushioning
Cons:
- The lateral ridge on the outsole rolls off when you’re striking off-center or bent over toes.
Excellent fit and great comfort.
Looking for a high top memory foam shoe, then check out this beautiful cross training shoe from Hoka One One. It has one of the best designed soles for heel strikers that I’ve ever seen.
It’s very comfortable and it’s plenty flexible. The lacing system that Hoka uses is superb and allows you to lock this shoe in place for a proper fit.
11. ASICS Women's Roadhawk FF 2 Running Shoes
Pros:
- Lightweight build
- Addictive comfort
- Asymmetrically shaped midsole
- 12mm drop
- Shoe is built with personal experience and customer feedback
- Delivers great cushioning and support
- Outsole is extremely grippy
- Outsole has a flex point which adds to stability
- Provides an optimal transition to flat running
- Has a vibrant colour
Cons:
- Putting on the shoes is a little tricky
- The midsole is a little soft
- They seem to run a little big
The Asics Women’s Roadhawk FF 2 Running Shoes are an exceptional choice for running shoes. They are lightweight, yet very comfortable and durable. The shoes are built with personal experience and customer feedback. They are lightweight and supportive.
Asics has a running shoe line that spans a decade and they use their reliable technology to build each of their shoes. The midsole of this shoe provides an optimal transition to flat running, and has a highly cushioned heel which provides excellent support.
12. adidas Men's Adizero Boston 8 Running Shoe
Pros:
- Durable and long lasting.
- Maximum lockdown and support.
- The shoe is lightweight and quick for faster movements.
- The responsive feel is just amazing.
Cons:
- It is not recommended to wear this shoe running on trails.
- The shoe is not available in half size variations.
This is one of the best and most reliable CrossFit Workout sneakers for men. It is a lightweight shoe. Moreover, its upper is made of nylon material. In addition, the shoe consists of engineered mesh, which makes sure that the shoe remains lightweight.
The shoe features a lightweight foam construction which makes it one of the most comfortable shoes you can ever wear. In addition, it comes with a full-length athletic Ortholite insole. Moreover, it consists of lightweight EVA, which is durable and flexible.
The shoe consists of a grippy rubber outsole. Moreover, it has a rubber toe guard to protect the toe. Its heel counter is made of TPU.
13. Brooks Women's Ariel 18
Pros:
- Casual Style
- Gender Neutral Design
- Lightweight Upper
- Fully Gusseted Tongue
- Secure Fit lace system
- Well Ventilated
- Neutral Cushioning
The Brooks Women's Ariel 18 is an awesome running sneaker. I love the color. It is one of the best neutral makeup running shoes that is super comfy and has a lot of arch support.
I love the cushioning and traction on the shoe. The 5 mm is very flexible and springy with lots of ground connection to keep you stable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What shoes are best for treadmill running?
Treadmills are great. They are especially great for those who struggle to maintain a good run schedule outside. Whether you struggle with cold, wet temperatures, slippery pavement or high traffic areas, treadmills can be ideal for getting in your cardio.
If you plan on doing a lot of running on a treadmill you will definitely want to invest in a good pair of running shoes specifically for the treadmill.
Can I wear trail running shoes on a treadmill?
Yes! The reason trail running shoes have so many lugs is that they add traction and increase your ability to run smoothly over various terrains. This is not only great for trail running, but for treadmill running as well. The velocity on a treadmill can be very high, and that high velocity could easily throw you off balance if your shoes are not on the right surface.
Treadmills have a kind of conveyor belt type of surface, and this can cause you to pull all of your weight to the back of the shoe, over-pronate, twist and torque your ankles to compensate for not having enough traction to your foot.
Are Hoka shoes good for treadmill?
Hoka One One is the best manufacturer of running shoes for runners. They have a wide variety of models with different price ranges and different features. All of them are designed for runners who like to run long distances and on different surfaces. Hoka One One shoes have a unique system of shock absorption – it is very thick and soft, which makes a person feel the weight of the upper body down to the toes.
The biggest advantage of Hoka One One shoes is comfort, but at the same time they run great even on fast and difficult courses. The combination of comfort from the shoes and the maximum fatigue absence is what sets Hoka One One above other brands.
Is it bad to run on the treadmill without shoes?
Yes and no. I have done it. I used to run in my bare feet, and I have done so on a treadmill as well.
The problem is that if you don’t have good soles and arches you could easily end up with a stress fracture in your foot or even a broken toe.
I did this when I was a freshman in college. I was running barefoot on the treadmill and as I pushed off my left big toe and landing it snapped.
It hurt like hell, and my big toe could not be put in traction. I had to have surgery to pin it back together.
After that, I was a lot more careful about the way I ran on a treadmill. Even today, I know I have to be more careful because of my bad toes and bad feet.
Conclusion
When shopping for running shoes for use while working out on a treadmill, it is important that you find a pair with good arch support. Running shoes with less arch support can cause you to develop plantar fasciitis (a painful sensation in the bottom of the foot), which can be quite difficult to treat.
It is also important to try your running shoes on the treadmill before you buy them. Run for at least 10 minutes on the treadmill in the running shoes that you intend to purchase. If your running shoes are too small, you may develop knee or heel pain. If they are of the right size, but you still feel pain, they will probably be uncomfortable enough to use when working out on the treadmill.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Saucony Men's Kinvara 11 Running Shoe | Best Overall | |
| Nike Men's Running Shoes | Budget Pick | |
| HOKA ONE ONE Mens Cavu 2 Black/White Running Shoe | Upgrade Pick | |