Find The Pair Of Running Shoes That’s Right For You
April 19 2018
Once you find your sole mate, never let it go.
The 13 Best New Running Shoes For Spring
Longer days and milder temperatures make the start of spring a lovely occasion to invest in some kicks. What better time to try out a new pair as you hit the freshly thawed streets, sidewalks and trails? After rigorous testing, we rounded up a baker’s dozen of the season’s hottest shoes to support your training. From lushly cushioned trainers to snappy, minimalist styles, you will find the perfect fit for any foot.
But which pair should you purchase? With shoe walls often full of a dazzling array of options, figuring out where to start can be overwhelming. Just like a run, the best way to approach the process is one step at a time. Ponder these factors to find your sole mate…
What type of running do you want to do?
Are you training for your first marathon, looking for a shoe for a few casual miles or do you want to hit the track? Shoe designers put a lot of time into creating shoes for specific types of running. They don’t design their lifestyle shoes for logging long miles, and they don’t create racing flats to work for ultramarathons.
L: These shoes are for going long.
M: These are your everyday pair, best for average-distance runs.
S: These are for speedy workouts and races.
Cushioning—what’s your sweet spot?
Do you like to feel the ground beneath your feet or cruise over it in pillowy comfort? There’s no right answer here—only how you prefer your soles to feel.
HC: High cushioning
MC: Medium cushioning
LC: Very little cushioning
What’s your ideal heel-to-toe drop?
Measured in millimeters, the heel-to-toe drop (how much higher your heel is than your toe) generally ranges from 0 to 12mm. There is no “best” drop, save for the one that works for you.
HD: High drop (9 to 12+mm) is best for runners who like a traditional feel.
MD: Medium drop (4 to 8mm) will give you more Achilles support without a high heel.
LD: Low drop (0 to 3mm) creates a natural, nearly barefoot running experience.
Where will you be running?
When your goal is to have the best running experience, tread does make a difference. Crossover shoes are designed to work for just about every surface, while road and trail shoes are intended for specific terrain.
R: Shoes for roads, sidewalks and tracks
CO: Crossovers work on roads or not-too-technical trails.
T: Trail shoes made for kicking dirt
Hoka One One Challenger ATR 2
The surprisingly snappy ride remains the winning attribute in the second iteration of this maximalist crowd-pleaser. The dreamy foam, rockered midsole and tread that does double duty on road and trail also get props. Updates include tighter knit mesh to help keep the grit out, a more secure fi t through the midfoot and a beefier toe bumper. Editor’s note: They run about half a size big in length. $130, hokaoneone.com L & M, HC, MD, CO
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080
The 1080 is known for its cushioned comfort, and, in the Fresh Foam version, the midsole is one piece of luxurious foam. Testers praised the comfort, structure and a justright fit that holds your foot securely from heel to midfoot with room to splay toes up front. Add in the airy mesh in the toe box and you have a sweet partner for half-marathon and marathon training. $150, newbalance.com L & M, HC, MD, R
Salomon Sonic Pro
When it comes to running, Salomon has long been synonymous with trail. While the latest model from the brand shares some of the same durable and practical traits as its dirt-loving cousins (we love the zip-pull lacing system!), it is streamlined for the road or wherever your urban adventures take you. Good road feel and a grippy tread make these suitable for variable conditions and even for cruising on a crushed gravel trail. $140, salomon.com L & M, MC, MD, CO
ASICS FuzeX
ASICS’ new proprietary midsole material is a gel-infused foam—kind of like shaving cream that starts as a gel, but goes on as foam—which creates a nice, smooth striding experience. Your foot nestles into the shoe for basic stability, with additional integrity coming from a stout heel pocket and foot-wrapping overlays that create a secure fi t. $110, asicsamerica.com M, MC, MD, R
Topo MTR 2
Our testers liked kicking it up on the trail in these sleek-looking runners with responsive midsole cushioning and a trail-hugging, multidirectional tread. A generous, tootsie-protecting bumper on the anatomically correct toe box (read: wider) and a medium-firm heel cup provide protection in rocky conditions. The only tester complaint was from a runner who wanted to wear them all day—wait, is that a bad thing? $100, topoathletic.com M, MC, LD, T
Adidas Pure Boost X
Built specifi cally for women (whose feet are often narrower than men’s), these kicks try something new with a toe-to-heel sock fit. As for the deconstructed, hammock design (you can see daylight in the gap between your arch and the sole!), some testers loved the cradling effect, others said it took time for their arches to adjust and a few were turned o by the non-traditional styling. Bottom line: If you are a neutral runner looking for a speedy shoe, give them a try. $120, adidas.com S, MC, HD, R
Saucony Triumph ISO 2
When your feet need a little love, lace into this plush shoe that one tester dubbed a “perfect 10.” With generous padding around the heel, a foot-hugging fit and energetic cushioning, these are made for logging long miles with lots of smiles. Adding to the silky ride is a midfoot chevron pattern on the bottom that absorbs uneven terrain without slowing you down. $150, saucony.com L & M, HC, MD, R
Mizuno Wave Catalyst
Hidden beneath the sleek design is just enough midfoot and arch support to correct mild to moderate overpronation. A medium fit throughout cinches tight without cramping your tootsies and a deep heel pocket prevents foot slippage. Testers found the cushioning to be firmer than other shoes in the review, which “supported my feet without slowing me down,” according to one. $110, mizunousa.com M, MC, HD, R
Brooks Neuro
Instead of a flat sole slapping against uneven ground, the base of these shoes have individual foam pods that adjust to the nuances of the road so you can fly for miles. Firm plates hidden in the midsole at the heel and toe keep the run crisp, with a rounded heel for smooth stride transition and wider forefoot for a stable toe-box. Your arch also gets a tight hug from the foot-cradling webbing system. $130, brooksrunning.com L & M, MC, MD, R
Merrell All Out Crush
Wet, sloppy, muddy, rocky—these low-slung trail shoes can handle it all. With a tread made of toothy 5mm lugs, an easy-to-clean, durable upper and drainage ports to let water escape, these are ideal for adventure and obstacle races. For added functionality, the insole is built into the shoe, meaning there is less to move around and get mud-logged when you are in the thick of it. $100, merrell.com M, LC, MD, T
The North Face Ultra Endurance
Built for gnarly trails,these shoes can handle any rock, branch or mud puddle in your way. The grippy tread hugs every terrain, while the toe bumper is stout enough to prevent painful stubbings. The fit is locked in and secure, for confident striding. Feet will also be happy for miles and miles thanks to the roomy toe box, padded tongue and soft padding around the ankle. $125, thenorthface.com L & M, MC, MD, T
Pearl Izumi Road N0 V2
Get ready to go fast in this slipper-esque racing flat. Lace-tightened midfoot overlays add just enough structure to keep your foot in place. Otherwise, this shoe lets your natural stride shine through. Underfoot cushioning is fi rm without being hard and has good rebound. $100, pearlizumi.com S, LC, MD, R
Under Armour SpeedForm Gemini 2 Record Equipped
We love the sock-like fi t created by no insole and just two taped seams—fewer seams and no stitching mean less friction—in the stretchy upper. But the real magic comes from a chip embedded in the shoe that records and wirelessly transmits distance, pace, stride length and GPS data for an incredibly accurate fi tness tracker on your feet. The price includes a one-year subscription to MapMyFitness premium. $150, underarmour.com L & M, MC, MD, R
