No matter what type of workout you favor, you’ll eventually need to run — and for that, you’ll need to have a go-to pair of running shoes.
But not all kicks are created equal. Whenever you head out for a jog, you run the risk of developing problems and getting hurt. It doesn’t matter if you’re a once-in-a-while, around-the-block-guy or a shirt-off racer who logs 50 miles a week and keeps pacing notes. As many as 79 percent of distance runners have sustained a lower-extremity injury, a Dutch review revealed.
“Most injuries are caused by faults in foot and leg strength, imbalances, and movement problems,” Jonathan Beverly, former shoe editor at Runner’s World magazine, told Men’s Health. “But running in the wrong shoe can also cause problems.”
You can and should take action to prevent running injuries. One of the simplest countermeasures? Running in the right shoe for you. Canadian research indicates that the right shoe can help you run with less effort. People who ran in shoes they deemed comfortable consumed up to 2 percent less oxygen, increasing their running economy as a result.
To help you find your perfect pair, we compiled a list of some of the best road runners on the market. The shoes might not make you run any faster — but if the right pair can help to keep you on the road, you’ll be in good shape.
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The Criteria
Do I need a lot of cushioning?
Heel and forefoot cushioning determines ground feel. Test a range of shoes to find your sweet spot.
What’s the benefit of a woven upper?
Comfort! Still, it’s smart to test the fit of your footwear by running on a treadmill. (And a good store will have one.)
Am I strong enough for minimal shoes?
Can you pull off a perfect single-leg squat? If not, then you lack the core and hip strength to safely run in these.
Should I try “no-drop” shoes?
Footwear that has no differential in height from heel to forefoot is best suited to a more efficient runner. If you’re not sure if you qualify, you should probably avoid the style.
How long has this model existed?
Shoes that are in at least their third update deliver a proven combo of comfort, value, and performance.
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