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!
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 Altra Photo: 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 Nike Photo: 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 adidas Photo: 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 Armour Photo: 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 Asics Photo: Courtesy of Asics
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 SauconyLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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