The ten best running shoes for every type of runner
Reach that runner's high as you pound the pavement with these leading running shoes.
By Josh Bozin
RUNNING ISN’T for everyone. A lot of people can’t get past the often mundane action of running repetitive laps around a track or around the block or continuously on a treadmill. But then again, there’s some that can’t live without their morning, arvo or nightly run, soaking up that ‘runner’s high’ (it’s a proven thing, folks) any chance they get.
Running is also—and likely, always will be—one of the most popular ways to get fit and stay active. And it’s only on the rise. According to the RunRepeat Fitness Trends report, since 2020, 59.1 percent of active adults say that exercising outdoors (i.e running) is one of the best ways they’re staying fit. And according to Strava—you know, the Instagram-like platform but for runners—the amount of individuals who completed some form of marathon in 2022 nearly doubled compared to the previous year.
The fact is, more people are taking up running. And on that note, whether you’re training for a marathon, looking to achieve a personal best (PB) or want to get fit by simply running, there’s no dismissing the importance a good running shoe plays for your overall running experience; really, it’s make or break.
We’ve also seen the running universe slowly but surely creep into the fashion world in recent years. Most recently, Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe announced it will be releasing (October 12) a new capsule collection with none other than running giants, On Running. Titled ‘Loewe x On’, the limited-edition Cloudtilt shoe blends meticulous design with Swiss engineering, continuing the brands’ shared exploration of craft and technology.
So, the next time you head out for a run, do so with the feeling of running on clouds with these marathon-ready, everyday-steady running shoes for every type of runner.
1
NIKE InfinityRN 4
Nike’s latest running release may be its comfiest yet. Built with a supportive cushioning that guarantees a smooth run each and every time, the new InfinityRN4 running shoe is innovative from the get go. It’s made from the new Nike ReactX foam, giving wearers 13 per cent more energy return compared to Nike React foam. This, coupled with Nike Running’s best-fitting Flyknit yet, ensures an intuitive design that supports every stride, no matter your location.
2
ADIDAS Ultraboost Light
Adidas’ bestselling running shoe just got a whole lot lighter thanks to the new Ultraboost Light, made with 30 per cent lighter ‘BOOST’ material. The magic lies within the shoe’s midsole, where tiny capsules within work together to deliver epic energy during every stride. This is the lightest BOOST foam to date and runners can expect to notice the difference as soon as their very first run.
3
ON Running Cloudstratus 3
ON’s Cloudstratus 3 is an icon of the running world for good reason. This new release features the renowned Double CloudTec which provides even more comfort, cushioning and sustainability on your runs. And if you’re serious about beating that PB, ON say that thanks to its new nylon Speedboard, you’ll shave seconds off every serious run.
4
HOKA Clifton 9
The award-winning Clifton gets a new look with HOKA’s 9th iteration of the franchise classic, which features a lighter and more cushioned sole than ever before. Underfoot, you’ll notice a difference thanks to a responsive new foam and improved outsole design. A guaranteed winner this running season.
5
NEW BALANCE Fresh Foam 1080v13
The running shoe which industry experts believe is the best all-round shoe the brand has ever created, New Balance only recently welcomed the new Fresh Foam 1080v13 to its family—one of the most comfortable, cushioned running shoes you’re likely to find on the market. Every step is like bouncing off clouds thanks to the Fresh Foam X midsole, which was mainly built for smooth transitions from landing to push-off.
6
ASICS Gel-Kayano 30
The ASICS Gel-Kayano this year celebrates 30 years of innovative stability and cushioning when it comes to running. Now, the iconic model is getting an update that is ideal for runners who are looking for a combination of moderate support and high-cushioning during their run. There’s a lot of design speak when it comes to perfecting this new Gel-Kayono, such as FF BLAST PLUS cushioning, 4D Guidance System and PureGEL technology, but for those just wanting to know whether this is the shoe that can take them the distance, trust us, it can.
7
APL Men’s TechLoom Pro
APL running and training shoes have been doing the rounds in recent years thanks to their ultra-stylish design. But the fact is that these running shoes are backed by some of these best technology in the running world, like its proprietary Propelium midsole/outsole which enables extreme comfort (and its super sleek look). The TechLoom Pro is a core collection of the APL work, and if you are looking for the everyday versatile shoe that can tackle the pavement but is equally good for training, this might just be the shoe for you.
8
SALOMON Aero Glide
Anyone serious about running will know the SALOMON name. Dedicated to all things running, the French brand craft premium, tech-led sneakers to help you get the best from your runs and exercise. Take the new Aero Glide shoe, for example. This high-cushioned lightweight runner offers limitless bounce and energy.
9
NIKE Pegasus 40
Nike’s springy new ride is the Pegasus 40, the same ‘Peg’ you’re likely familiar with, but revamped for runners looking to smash their goals. This version has the same responsiveness and neutral support of previous Pegasus iterations but with improved comfort in sensitive areas of the foot, like the arch and toes.
10
LOEWE x ON Cloudtilt
The latest shoe drop from Loewe and On Running is the soon-to-be-released ‘Cloudtilt’ running/lifestyle shoe, which is designed in an all-new silhouette that features sequentially collapsing Clouds that adapt to the wearer’s movement for seamless weight transfer from heel to toe. The perfect running shoe designed for both city life and the great outdoors.
