As the weather warms up and more and more people take to the streets and trails to pick up jogging or training for their next race, you might be wondering where to start your own running journey. As a lifelong runner, 4x marathoner, and former running store employee, I believe that finding the the best running shoes for you is the first step to falling in love with running.
There are a few things to look for when buying a running shoe. If you want the personalized experience, I recommend going to a run specialty store to get fitted and have your gait analyzed. However, here are some basic tips to help if you don’t want to do that.
Image via MarathonFoto.com
First, most people wear their running shoes too small. Almost everyone I have had to fit for running shoes for the first time has had to go a half to a full size up. Remember:
- Running shoes do not stretch like leather shoes
- Running shoes should notneed a break in period
- Your feet do swell when you're running and walking
A good rule to follow is that you should have a finger tip’s length between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. This ensures your feet can swell properly, you won’t lose toenails, and you'll have less risk of injuries like plantar fasciitis and shin splints.
Next, there are two types of running shoes: neutral and stability shoes.
- Neutral shoes are for people who do not overpronate
- Stability shoes are for those who do overpronate.
Overpronation is when one’s arches and ankles collapse/roll inwards when standing on one leg, running, or walking. If you have low arches or flat feet, you will likely need a stability shoe as it will provide better arch support. Many people assume that if you have high arches you need a stability shoe with more arch support, but this is rarely the case. If you have a high arch and a neutral gait (no overpronation), you should let your feet and ankles do the work and not rely on a stability shoe. Luckily there are dozens of options for both types of feet, so let’s get into some of my favorites.
Best Running Shoes For Neutral Runners
The Glycerin 21 is a popular, highly-cushioned running shoe from Brooks. The Glycerin has become a fan favorite for its soft feel and unmatched bounce. Plus, being in its 21st iteration, you can feel secure knowing that the Glycerin has served runners well for years.
Best Running Shoes For Stability Runners
The Asics GT 2000 version 12 is a lightweight and bouncy stability option from Asics. Many stability shoes feel heavy and clunky, but Asics has found a way to alleviate overpronation without sacrificing lightweight performance
Best Running Shoes For Trail Running
If you’re looking to hit the trails for a run, getting a shoe with better traction and grip is the best option. Trail shoes have lugs on the outsole that help with stabilizing your feet on wet rocks and slick mud. The Brooks Cascadia is a no frills, do it all shoe that will make trail miles fly by in comfort.
Best Running Shoes For A Lightweight Option
Whether you're doing sprints on the treadmill or have a 5k goal race in mind, a lightweight running shoe may be the best option for you. The Hoka Mach 6 is a neutral running shoe that weighs less than most shoes on the market, making it perfect if you want to pick up the pace or feel less weighed down.
Best Running Shoes For Looks
Although this is super subjective, I think On has some of the best looking running shoes out there. With a chunky midsole and a unique look, the On Cloudeclipse delivers on fashion and function. While this shoe may be categorized as neutral, there are stability elements, such as a plastic speedboard to add rigidity to the foam, making it a great shoe for people with all arch types.
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Header image via MarathonFoto.com
