I have posted about this in the past and have had many conversations about the topic of running shoes. The age old question that continually pops up is "what is the best running shoe?" I'll answer the question, but let's go through the variables (IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE) first:
So what is the best running shoe? It all depends on you and you alone. I have run in a lot of different brands, and not one is greater than the other. I loved my On Cloudracers, my Hoke One One Odysseys, My New Balance Fresh Foam Zantes, my Salomon Speedcross 3s, and the list goes on. If I had to pick a favorite I would choose my Hokas, but that doesn't mean anything to anyone else.
- Foot Type: Feet come in many different sizes and have many unique characteristics like arch height, toe length, foot width, etc. Some people overpronate, some underpronate. These things all play a major role in the best running shoe. Whether you need a stability shoe, motion control shoe, cushioned shoe, or neutral shoe, it all depends on your foot. If you want something comfortable that can potentially reduce the risk of injury this is the most important thing to keep in mind when buying a shoe. Shoes may not always be the answer, but it's a good starting point. It is also good to run in the shoe for your foot for a majority of your miles, but it is ok to switch to a different shoe here and there to activate different muscle groups and promote good foot and leg strength.
- Type of Running: Do you run marathons? 5ks? Or are you a casual jogger putting in 10-15 miles a week? Maybe something in between? The type of runner you are can make a huge difference in the type of shoe you need. This should be the second thing you ask yourself when you purchase a new running shoe.
- Terrain: Where do you typically run, what races do you compete in? Ask these questions when purchasing a shoe to ensure you have the proper shoe for the terrain you are running on. You wouldn't get an aggressive trail shoe if you run on concrete and asphalt a majority of the time. The same goes for purchasing a road racing flat if most of your runs are on dirt trails. Believe it or not the type of terrain you run on, and the shoe you wear on that terrain can make a world of difference for you.
- Branding: I put this one above cost for one specific reason and that is because there are some brands that are better than others. Most doctors will tell you that Asics and New Balance are the best shoes out there, this is wrong not because they aren't good shoes, but it skews peoples thinking of what a good shoe is. Revert to the first three variables to ensure the best running shoe for you, not a name. I like New Balance shoes, I like Asics, I like Brooks, I like Saucony, and the list goes on, but I would never run a majority of my running in a Kayano, simply because it's not the right shoe for me. Most companies make a wide range of footwear for all different feet and types of runners. When it comes down to it, not one brand is necessarily better than the next one, it all depends on preference and the first three variables. With that being said I trust some companies more than others. I do trust Asics and New Balance more than I trust Nike and Under Armour. I think some shoe companies place more value in durability, material, and customer satisfaction than others do. If Nike has worked for you in the past and the shoe you choose fits your foot, type of running, and terrain then by all means buy it. But the same goes with any other shoe brand.
- Cost: This one may rank above Branding depending on the person. Shoe prices have gone up and up and up. It's rare to find a running shoe under 100 dollars anymore. Cost is not necessarily associated with durability either, it all has to do with material and branding honestly. When it comes to good running shoes (the ones right for me) I will spend a little extra money, after all I spend a lot of time in them. If I can find a shoe right for me under 130 I have done pretty well. Understand that running shoes wont last you a long time (400 miles is about average). Most people wont get a year or even a half a year out there shoes. This is where the big expense in running comes in to play, but if you are serious about it and want to keep doing it, a good investment in a good pair of shoes is necessary.
- Style: This is the absolute last thing you should care about when picking a running shoe. Most people, unfortunately, start with this. Color has zero effect on your running ability. I understand style, I want to look good, but I also want to feel good. Running is not a fashion contest. I run by and drive by many runners and the last thing I notice is whether their shoes match their outfit. It just doesn't matter. I will notice their running form and probably the type of shoe all while taking in their pronation and judging whether or not the shoe they have is right for them. Maybe a shoe wont match your running apparel. so get more neutral running apparel. Once you cover all the variables above, then you can start using this variable.
So what is the best running shoe? It all depends on you and you alone. I have run in a lot of different brands, and not one is greater than the other. I loved my On Cloudracers, my Hoke One One Odysseys, My New Balance Fresh Foam Zantes, my Salomon Speedcross 3s, and the list goes on. If I had to pick a favorite I would choose my Hokas, but that doesn't mean anything to anyone else.