There are a couple of truisms that all serious runners know, the first being that you should never run in the same pair of shoes two days in a row. The cushioning in running shoes flattens out as you run in them. It usually won't rebound soon enough to run in the same pair of shoes on consecutive days. Another truism every serious runner knows is that you should train and even race in running shoes designed for your physical and physiological characteristics. For example, you may need a running shoe that prevents your foot from rolling excessively inward (known as pronation) or that provides extra support to the arches in your feet. Without an excellent pair of running shoes supporting your every step (or foot strike), you could be setting yourself up for injury and frustration. The bottom line is that serious runners should only want the best running shoes because they know how vital their shoes are when it comes to training and racing. Given these needs, let's review several of the best running shoes on the market today.
1 - Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit
The Nike Zoom X Invincible Run Flyknit is ideal for marathon training because it features plenty of its near-magical ZoomX foam to provide maximum cushioning. Usually, highly cushioned running shoes are a bit on the heavy side, but not the Invincible. That's because the Invincible's foam is light, of course, but also because there's no embedded footplate. Plus, the Invincible features Nike's plush flyknit upper to deliver comfort as you train on roads and other hard surfaces.
2 - Asics Hyper Speed
A racing-specific running shoe is usually somewhat expensive because it has to be light, robust, and durable enough to last under severe running stresses. However, the Asics Hyper Speed is an excellent racing shoe that also won't fatally injure your checking account. The Hyper Speed features a simple design in a shoe that also offers a snug upper that keeps your foot in place as you run. The Hyper Speed's midsole, which is low to the ground, also provides enough cushioning to see you to the finish line in relative comfort and maybe even ahead of everyone else (if you train hard enough).
3 - Asics Gel Kayano Lite
Pronation is a problem for more than a few runners. Over time, excessive pronation can cause runners physical issues that could keep them from their sport. The Asics Gel Kayano Lite offers a great deal of pronation control. However, it does it all without the constriction, and rigid feeling -- or extra weight -- of the medial post found in most stability running shoes. The newest Asics Gel Kayano Lite continues to provide heaps of stability and cushioning. It also now delivers an even lighter, bouncier, and more natural underfoot ride than ever before.
4 - Hoka One One Speedgoat 4
Serious trail runners need a serious trail running shoe, and the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 can do it all out on the trails. The Speedgoat starts by combining a lot of cushioning with a Vibram Megagrip outsole to deliver maximum trail running performance. Not only is the Speedgoat rugged and durable enough for trails that would intimidate a 4x4 truck, but it's simultaneously smooth enough for running on any fire road. This Hoka's beauty is that it can even serve as both a daily trail training shoe or a highly-cushioned trail racing shoe.