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Whatever your goals, these are the top performing running shoes for cushioning, comfort and energy return
We’re not exaggerating when we say that running shoes can make or break your routine and affect your wellbeing well into the future. Invest in a pair that doesn’t suit your body or your needs and you’re likely to experience all manner of niggles and possible injuries. While there’s no denying shoes for running can be expensive, if you take the time to find the perfect pair, they’ll become your lifeline and well worth the investment.
When it comes to choosing the right runners, remember comfort is key – a shoe that feels a little off when you put it on will feel totally wrong after a few miles, so, it’s vital to put substance over style when making your choice. As a guideline, check the shoes aren’t pressing in on the sides of your feet, and aim for a thumb’s width of space at the end of the shoe. Your feet expand as they warm up, so, you’ll need a little space for this. You also don’t want your toes banging into the end of the shoes, especially when you’re running downhill.
The other vital consideration is your gait – a gait analysis at a running shop is a wise time investment, as it will establish whether you’re an overpronator (where your foot rolls to the side) or a neutral runner (your foot lands centrally and doesn’t roll). A good sports shop can also advise on the best brands for your foot shape and frame.
Lastly but very importantly, consider what type of running you’ll be doing. Are you planning to hit long rugged trails, miles of pavement, a running track for speed training or racing, or something else?
We ran at least 10K in each shoe (apart from the Kalenji, which is not designed for distance) and assessed whether each delivered on its promises. We tested for comfort, cushioning, energy return, durability (although, of course, you’d need to run hundreds of miles in a shoe to test this fully) and stability, putting each style to the test.
Obviously, biomechanics, foot shape and personal preferences such as level of cushioning and heel-to-toe drop (the difference in height between the top of the cushioning at the heel and at the forefoot) differ from runner to runner, but we tried to be as objective as possible when considering an individual runner’s needs.
Whether it’s your first time shopping for running shoes or you’re a seasoned pro, there are a few things to consider before making your purchase. Firstly, as we mentioned before, think about what sort of running you hope to be doing – is it long-distance marathon training or do you want to work on your sprints? Are you planning to run on road, off-road, on a treadmill, or a combination of all three?
Next, what sort of support do your feet need? If you have flat feet, you may want more arch support, if you have wide feet, you’ll want a shoe that’s still comfortable after 10K. If your feet roll inwards, also known as overpronating, you could have a higher risk of injury, so will need a stability shoe, whereas if your foot lands centrally when running, a neutral style shoe is better.
Don’t dismiss toe length, either, as feet swell when they sweat – if your longest toe is squished against the end of the shoe, it will make for an uncomfortable run. Instead, look for a shoe that allows you roughly a thumbnail length of space between the end of the shoe and your longest toe.
A pair of running shoes, in conjunction with good technique, will support your feet and ankles, help you go the distance on longer runs and improve your performance. You can damage and injure the bones and muscles in your feet if you run in the wrong shoes, so, it’s best to opt for a specialist pair, especially if you plan to run a lot.
Comfort is an important feature, as it will help you get the most from your workout. Many brands have specialist cushioning elements and breathable fabrics to accommodate for swelling when your feet sweat, or if you’re wearing them for long periods of time. They can also help to absorb impact when running on rougher surfaces, such as concrete, and help reduce your risk of injury.
The main difference between women’s and men’s running trainers is the width of the shoe – a woman’s runner is designed to be wide at the forefoot and narrow at the heel. Another difference is the fact women’s shoes are softer in the midsole, owing to the fact that, on average, women weigh less than men.
In the Saucony tempus, we found a shoe that offers some support and ample cushioning for longer distances but that’s still exciting to run in at faster paces – it’s close to being a Jack of all trades (although no shoe can serve everyone for everything). It’s very comfortable with an upper that’s well designed, providing stability without being too rigid, and it feels durable and breathable.
If you need more support, the Brooks GTS 23 is our favourite performer; the New Balance fresh foam 1080v13 is a responsive, smooth ride for neutral runners; and the On cloudflow 4 and Puma deviate nitro 2 are a good bet for speedier runs.
Be prepared for every mile, with the best running backpacks and vests for trail runs, half marathons and city commutes