Best running shoes
Nobody can stop you with these models
© Jacob Lund / Shutterstock
Finding the best running shoes is a tricky business. Regardless of whether you are a newcomer, returnee or “old hand” – the right footwear is essential when running. We’ll help you find the right running shoe.
Choosing the best running shoe depends on a few factors. At first, it does not matter whether you are just starting out with jogging or whether you have been doing your laps for years. Here you can find out which things you should pay attention to when buying your running shoe, why a good running shoe is important and which models are suitable for each type of running.
The best running shoes: these factors influence the choice
A brief overview of the factors:
- Weight
- Malpositions of the feet
- Heel, metatarsal or forefoot runners
- Walkways / underground
- Size and fit
- price
But what do the individual points mean when it comes to choosing the best running shoe? We’ll break it up a bit to give you an idea of the direction in which it is going.
Above all, the weight and possible foot misalignments influence this First important decision: will it be a neutral shoe or a stable shoe? The difference is obvious. Runners with a higher weight or with weaker foot muscles (e.g. after an injury) may need some support when it comes to stability and tend to choose a stable shoe.
People without foot misalignments and moderate weight usually do not need this support and can resort to a neutral shoe.
Two things are important when choosing between neutral and stable shoes:
- You don’t necessarily notice for yourself whether there is a malalignment. A visit to the (sports) doctor and / or a specialist shop with running analysis is advisable. If you have already noticed in your (casual) shoes that the insides of your soles wear more, the assumption is that you tend to overpronation. Your foot is tilting too much inwards.
- Would you like to rely on the support of a stable shoe because your muscles are not (yet) sufficient? No problem! However, we recommend that you also do special exercises that stimulate your foot muscles. After a while you could try a neutral shoe and further challenge and promote your foot muscles. Initially, alternating with your stable shoes, you may later be able to switch completely to neutral shoes.
Tip: The “Asics Gel Windhawk” is one of the inexpensive models and is recommended for regular runs of up to an hour, once or twice a week. That sounds quite fitting for the introduction.
Let’s come back to the individual points that you should consider before buying running shoes.
- People who weigh a few kilograms more not only often have to struggle with knee problems. Your feet must also be able to bear the weight. It is then often advisable a stable shoe to support and relieve the foot muscles. Here, as always, you decide what is feasible and right for you and your body.
- We have already briefly touched on malpositions of the feet. Special Ideally, foot positions should be determined by a specialist.
- Whether you are a heel, metatarsal or forefoot runner is not decisive for many running shoes. But there are special models that are better suited to the respective group than others. The division into heel, metatarsal and forefoot runners is about the touchdown of the foot while running. If you touch down with the heel first, you are accordingly a heel runner; the same applies to the metatarsus and forefoot.
- The running path, i.e. the surface on which you primarily want to run in the future, can play a major role in the decision “which is the best running shoe”. While asphalt or otherwise paved paths depend on good cushioning, we want to Runners: enough grip inside on uneven routes to have. So if you want to go jogging in the forest or in nature in general, you need it a good profilethat also provide support and safety on slippery and muddy surfaces. Trail running shoes are particularly suitable herebecause they also weaken one or the other sharp stone or roots.
- It goes without saying that the size and fit have to be right. Your feet are stressed when running – you should thank them for that with the maximum comfort. But be careful: Casual shoe size is not the same as running shoe size. Basically you should always one size larger orientate yourself and have a thumb width in front of the big toe. In order to determine that the running shoe is definitely not pressing, it is advisable to wiggle your toes vigorously and see whether there is enough space all around even with the foot flexed (i.e. tiptoe on).
- How much money you can or want to spend on a good running shoe does not only depend on your own budget. As a beginner: you may have to try running for yourself first and you don’t even know whether you will stay on the ball longer. There is no need to jump straight into the most expensive model. You can get good neutral shoes from around 120 euros. This means that good running shoes are still more expensive than a few simple casual shoes – but this is also about the health of our feet. Fortunately, a pair is usually enough.
You now know what to look out for. But which running shoes are the best for you?
The best running shoes in the field of “neutral shoes”
“Asics Gel-Cumulus 22”
For people without foot deformity and a moderate weight, the selection of the best running shoes is enormous. Running shoes with good cushioning are particularly popular among athletes. This ensures a pleasantly springy feel and compensates for the often hard asphalt floor. Undoubtedly one of the most popular neutral shoes is the “Asics Gel-Cumulus 22”. Two gel elements give the runner maximum comfort on the inside.
“Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37”
It is well known that Nike can do more than just create cool street style. With the “Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37” the brand can convince the whole range of runners – beginners as well as experienced athletes. The slim design also invites you to choose the shoes as comfortable footwear in everyday life.
“New Balance Fresh Foam 880”
The “Fresh Foam 880v11” from New Balance is currently the tenth version of a running shoe that has been continuously improved over the years. No wonder that runners can get excited about this model. On many surfaces at home, the range of fit sizes is particularly impressive. The widths of the “Fresh Foam 880” range from narrow, standard, wide to X-wide.
The best running shoes in the field of “stable shoes”
“Adidas Solarboost 3”
Actually it is “Adidas Solarboost 3” a small all-rounder among running shoes. But it is particularly suitable for people with a little more weight. Because both the necessary cushioning and the desired stability were taken into account when developing the shoe. Therefore, this running shoe promises to be the best for beginners or if you are not yet sure whether a misalignment or the like could influence your choice.
“Asics GT-2000”
The new models from Asics have been among the most popular running shoes since yesterday. Years of experience and continuous optimization are convincing. The “Asics GT-2000” People with a tendency to overpronate should be particularly useful. So if you notice and / or get confirmed that you are tilting inward while running, you should take a closer look at this running shoe.
“Brooks Adrenaline GTS”
The “Brooks” brand is less well known among non-runners. For this reason, running shoes are all the more appreciated among runners. The “Brooks Adrenaline GTS” should be the shoe of choice for everyone who wants a stable shoe. An additional plus point: All sizes are available in the versions narrow, normal and wide.
The best running shoe for “off-road runners”
Those who are lucky enough to not be able to do their laps between houses and cars but between trees and meadows are often looking for special running shoes. After all, slippery surfaces, sharp stones, angular roots or inclines have to be tackled here.
“Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow”
If you don’t want to worry about the surface and would like to switch between asphalt and natural surfaces, you can use the “Terrex Agravic Flow” by Adidas don’t go wrong. Cushioning and profile ensure a safe run that is as gentle on the joints as possible. In the variant shown here, your feet are optimally protected against wind and weather with a Continental sole and a Gore-Tex upper material.
When selecting the best running shoes, we based our selection on the test results of the Runner’s World experts and summarized them with reviews from previous buyers.