Why This Cult- Favorite Shoe Has a Wait List of Over 1,400

New Balance 9060: The ‘Fit Flexer

If you just can’t resist dressing to the nines every single day, the New Balance 9060s will fit right into your fashionista flair.

These “proudly futuristic” New Balance sneakers deliver on Y2K aesthetics beyond compare. The wider base is reminiscent of Nike Shox – very tech-y and otherworldly. The upper part is made from mesh and suede, supplying a super elevated vibe.

The white and cream white coloration is so easy to pair with most every ‘fit. They’ll match with cargo pants, vintage jeans, or even mini skirts and denim shorts.

Reviewers of the New Balance 9060 are glad they invested in this $150 shoe because it's so versatile.

One reviewer toted the 9060’s for fitting into “all aspects” of their lifestyle. Another said that the arch supports “unreal,” so though they’re more fashion-forward than other New Balance kicks, they’re still uber-comfortable for a range of activities.

New Balance 990: The Thrift Shopper

The New Balance 990s are straight-up dad sneakers to the core, so if you gravitate towards the thrift store (or all things vintage-y), you’ll find that they go swimmingly with most outfits and will stand up to long thrift trips.

While they were originally manufactured for running (and they still are), the 990s scream streetwear to me. They appear more elevated than your average athletic running shoe, thanks to the smooth pigskin and fine mesh.

The inside is fitted with a bouncy FuelCell midsole cushioning, and the shoe is available in 4 different widths. The range!

The New Balance 990s are very similar to the New Balance 993s, which is less performance-based.

New Balance 574 Core: The Weekend Warrior

Whether you're hitting the club or the farmer’s market on the weekends, you want to be comfortable (I mean, who doesn't?). The New Balance 574 Cores are made for the weekend warriors.

New Balance describes this signature shoe as “uncomplicated, rugged, durable, and comfortable.”

Though the 574s are pretty basic, they’re earned themselves icon status. You’re sure to see at least one pair when you go out.

The outer layer is made from suede and mesh materials dotted with 100% recycled polyester details.

New Balance 550: The Sneakerhead

These New Balance sneakers aren’t just black and white. They’re “sea salt” with “gray matter” and “magnet.” So yeah, if you consider yourself overly particular about your sneakers, the New Balance 550s are the shoe for you.

These were revived from the late 80’s and early 90’s then re-released full-time in 2021, and they’ve been a modern fan-favorite ever since.

The flatter soles on these sneaks mean they’re not as practical for running or walking long distances, but since they have a history with basketball, you might be able to rock ‘em on the court. More than anything, they definitely give basketball vibes, which is perfect for any streetwear ensemble.

The mixed materials and chunky approach to the classic New Balance logo give these an unmistakable air.

According to New Balance, these best fit people with an average arch height. The thick sole and cushy ankle padding work the hardest to support your feet, rather than an arched insole.

New Balance 530: The Gym-Goer

The New Balance 530s are giving Erewhon baddie. They’re giving I drink smoothies for breakfast. They’re giving I live and breathe pilates.

The stark white colorway of these sneakers reminds me of the clean girl aesthetic, and they’re so pretty, you may have a hard time getting them dirty.

New Balance Fresh Foam: The 10K Steps A Day-er

For the more athletic among us (hello, hot girl walks!), the New Balance Fresh Foam sneakers are the way to go. They’re designed especially for walking and running, so you can count on them to be comfy.

They have an extra-soft cushioning for a cozy step, and every aspect of the footbed is intended to stabilize the foot.

This shoe especially supports walkers or runners with the tendency to step heel first, a bonus co-signed by the American Podiatric Medical Association – this pair received their Seal of Acceptance.

The upper part of the shoe is made of mesh, so it’s highly breathable, even on hot days. They’re great for high arches, too!

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

Brooks Glycerin 21

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

Asics GT 2000 12

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

Brooks Cascadia 17

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

Hoka Mach 6

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

On Cloudeclipse

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.

The first step to bettering your 5K is to pick a race and sign up for it — most cities have a few 5K to choose from each weekend, so there should be plenty to choose from. Having a race on the calendar ensures you won’t skip out on your training. I recommend giving yourself 8-10 weeks to properly train.

The best 5K training plans, in my opinion, include 4-5 days of running a week. Every week should include:

• One or two speed workouts
• A few easy jogs
• A long run

You should never run hard or fast two days in a row — easy jogging and rest between speed workouts are both essential for rebuilding muscles damaged with hard workouts. Here's how each of the three main training workouts should go.

Speed Workouts

Every speed workout should begin with a 5-10 minute jogging warm up and a 5-10 minute jog/walk cooldown. This will help ensure you do not pull or strain any muscles.

The actual "speed" part of speed workouts can go one of two ways:

• Run 2-3 minutes at a harder 7 out of 10 effort, with a standing or walking rest of 2-3 minutes between each push.
• Run 6-8 repeats of a steep hill for 45-60 seconds in length with a walk back down, before repeating again.

Easy Jogs

Easy jogs should be kept at a conversational pace, so this would be a good time to grab your girlfriend or hop on the phone if you want some company. The best jogs should be about 2-3 miles in length, or 20-35 minutes in duration.

Long Runs

Long runs are arguably the most important workout of the week, and anyone trying to better their 5K time should make sure to include them in their training plan. Like the name suggests, a long run should be your longest run of the week. Your longest run can be anywhere from three miles at the beginning of the plan to 12 miles if you're an experienced and seasoned vet. I recommend starting with 3 miles at the beginning of your 8-10 week plan and working your way up to 5-8 miles by the end. You should do this by adding one half to a full mile each week. Although it may sound silly to run 8 miles in order to run a 3.1 mile race, this will help build your endurance more than any of your other weekly runs. Having endurance will make the race seem easier, and I can guarantee you'll pass people left and right in your final mile.

Note: You should also have at least 10 days between your longest long run and your 5k race so that you can feel as fresh as possible on race day.

The most important thing to remember on race day is to not go out too fast. If you sprint the first mile, the rest of the race will be miserable. Race day adrenaline will make you jittery and willing to sprint at the start, but working on controlling that will ensure a better race experience. Try to make your second and third mile faster than your first and give it all in the last .1 mile. After you’re done, soak in the race day atmosphere and grab a free banana! Don’t forget that the post race pain is temporary and remember not to sign up for another race while on an endorphin high!