To paraphrase one of my favorite memes, of course you don’t need running shoes to run — but it definitely helps. That’s because these special kicks are designed specifically for the repetitive, high-impact forward motion that can cause injury over time if you’re not careful. In fact, many experienced runners will tell you that before you even think about running, you should make sure you buy the right shoes.
But what exactly is the “right” shoe for you? Over the years, there’s been plenty of debate about how to choose a running shoe. It used to be recommended that you get a gait analysis, and a shoe that offered support tailored to whether you overpronate or you have flat feet.
These days, however, there’s been a slight backing away from this thinking. It’s still a good idea to go to a running store and chat with a pro, for sure. But a study published last summer in the British Journal of Sports Medicine made waves among runners by suggesting that all you really need to focus on when trying on new shoes is how comfortable they feel. After looking through decades of conflicting studies on the link between footwear and injuries, the researchers concluded that “a runner intuitively selects a comfortable product using their own comfort filter that allows them to remain in the preferred movement path. This may automatically reduce the injury risk.”
Translation: Finding the right shoes might not be the seemingly complex decision we once thought, and the only really important move is probably just listening to your body when you're trying shoes on.
This is freeing in a way since it takes away some of the pressure and opens up your options a bit. Because apparel companies are constantly dreaming up new improvements, we’ll be collecting the latest and greatest in running shoes here every week, just so you know what’s out there. Click ahead and happy hunting!
Topo Athletic Magnifly
The Magnify is roomy in the toes and snug around the arch, allowing for a more natural stride. The dual-density cushioning also means that it perfectly offsets rough pavement and dirt paths. It only comes in women’s size 6 and up, but if don’t worry if you have smaller feet — Topo recommends you size a half size or even full size up to accommodate for the secure fit.
Topo Athletic, $110.00, available at Topo AthleticPhoto: Courtesy of Topo
Reebok Avon 39 Z Print 3D
Comfort is key with these. The Reebok Z Print comes with a 3D foot scan engineered to conform to your foot for the ultimate cushion. Plus, the low-cut design frees up your ankles for a greater range of movement, making it perfect for more challenging runs.
Photo: Courtesy of Reebok.
361 Degrees Spire
With an extra layer of foam in the midsole, ultra-comfy cushioning, and breathable mesh, the Spire is designed with your comfort in mind. This shoe is perfect for anyone with a high arch, and it makes for a great everyday running shoe.
361 Degrees, $140.00, available at Running WarehousePhoto: Courtesy of 361.
Altra Intuition 3.5
With its moderate cushioning and light, flexible mesh design, the latest Altra Intuition is ideal if you like a roomier shoe; thanks to its "FootShape" toe-box technology, your feet can spread out naturally. According to Altra, this improves your form and reduces impact on longer runs.
Altra, $115.00, available at AltraPhoto: Courtesy of Altra
Women’s Nike Free RN Flyknit
This shoe features Nike’s “sock-like” Flyknit technology, along with a very flexible sole. Translation: These are hella comfortable, but they’re not super supportive. An ideal sneaker if you like to do a mix of shorter running distances and other types of training — and need a shoe that can do double-duty.
Nike, $130.00, available at NikePhoto: Courtesy of Nike
Women’s Nike Free RN Distance
If, however, you are looking for something for the long run, Nike’s Free RN Distance is for you. This shoe combines the comfort of lightweight cushioning and the durability of a supportive sole to allow you to go the distance.
Nike, $120.00, available at NikePhoto: Courtesy of Nike
Adidas PureBoost X
Most women’s running shoes are simply knockoffs of the men’s version, but not so with the PureBoost X. This running shoe was designed with female biology in mind: Because women’s ligaments are more flexible than men’s, load-bearing exercise like running creates a wider angle in the arch of the female foot compared to the male foot. Adidas says they did extensive testing to create a shoe that accounts for that, and is therefore more supportive.
adidas, $120.00, available at adidasPhoto: Courtesy of Adidas
UA SpeedForm Apollo 2
Featuring UnderArmour's proprietary SpeedForm technology, the Apollo 2 is a newer take on one of the company's now-classic running offerings. It's a lightweight shoe with perforated, durable fabric on top designed for breathability and comfort. We like 'em best in simple gray and white, but they come in black, white, and neon pink, too.
Under Armour, $99.99, available at Under ArmourPhoto: Underarmour.com
Asics fuzeX
Launched this February 1, the brand new fuseX line of sneaks from Asics comes with a special shock-absorbing gel added to the midsole material to absorb shock and help propel you forward, per a press release from the company. Sure, that may sound a little too good to be true, but these bad boys definitely add some color to your gym wardrobe.
Asics, $110.00, available at AsicsPhoto: Courtesy of Asics
Pearl Izumi Road N3
They’re not called “road-running” shoes for nothing — these Pearl Izumi runners are made for smooth-pavement-pounding. They offer lightweight support, and the offset midsoles give you great cushioning.
Pearl Izumi, $130.00, available at REIPhoto: Courtesy of Pearl Izumi
Saucony Nomad
If you’re more of an outdoor runner than a treadmill hopper, this is the shoe for you. Saucony’s Nomad shoes were engineered to adapt to outdoor terrain, making them perfect for a jog on the trails. However, they’re not water-resistant, so maybe not ideal if you're running, say, a Warrior Dash.
Saucony, $110.00, available at SauconyPhoto: Courtesy of Saucony.
Saucony Xodus 6.0 GTX
If you are looking for running shoes that will keep your feet dry, the Xodus 6.0 GTX pair is a great place to start. Not only are they tailor-made to protect against rough terrain, the robust lining ensures that your feet are protected against all manner of water and mud.
Saucony, $140.00, available at SauconyPhoto: Courtesy of Saucony.
New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v2
If you’re a sprinter, this is the shoe for you. These New Balance Fresh Foams come with an aggressive toe spring that helps you outrun the competition. Plus, the engineered air-mesh means they’ll form to your feet and fit like a glove.
New Balance, $99.99, available at New BalancePhoto: Courtesy of New Balance.
Brooks Women's Transcend 3
The plush cushioning and rounded heel on this shoe makes it perfect for anyone looking for a little more arch support. Translation: If you have flat feet, the Transcend 3 was made with you in mind. Plus, the laser-cut mesh promises to keep your feet cool and dry.
Brooks Running, $170.00, available at Brooks RunningPhoto: Courtesy of Brooks Running
Puma Speed 300 IGNITE
There’s a reason this one has the word “speed” in its name. It doesn’t have a ton of cushioning, but that’s because it’s designed to be a lightweight racing shoe. With its seamless upper construction and foam midsole, this shoe is engineered to be ultra-responsive to the pavement, making it perfect for speed races.
PUMA, $95.00, available at PUMAPhoto: Courtesy of Puma
Hoka One One Women's Clifton 2
If you’re looking for something for the long run, look no further. With durable rubber pads lining the outsole and a padded tongue that protects your foot, the Hoka Clifton 2 is made to last.
Hoka One One, $130.00, available at Hoka One OnePhoto: Courtesy of Hoka One One.
Mizuno Women’s Wave Hitogami 3
Lightweight but still ultra-supportive, this sturdy shoe grips perfectly to the track to get you ahead. However, since it’s made for racing, it’s a shoe best used on the treadmill or concrete — not ideal for rough terrain.
Mizuno, $100.00, available at MizunoPhoto: Courtesy of MizunoLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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