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Top 5 Best Running Shoes of 2024: Featured & Tested
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Time to read 8 min
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Time to read 8 min
Choosing the right running shoes is essential for any runner, whether you’re just starting out or have been on the trails for years. Good running shoes not only provide comfort and support, but they also help prevent injuries and improve your performance. However, with so many brands and models on the market, it can be difficult to find the perfect shoes to fit your running style and needs.
To help you make this important choice, we have thoroughly tested this year's top 5 running shoes. In this blog, we will share our findings and give you practical tips on how to choose the right running shoes, so you can take on your next running adventure with confidence.
The ASICS Metaspeed Edge is designed for runners who want to maximize speed without sacrificing comfort. The best running shoe offers excellent cushioning thanks to the FF Blast Turbo midsole, which ensures a responsive and energetic running experience.
The breathable mesh upper keeps your feet cool during intense runs, while the carbon plate in the sole provides extra stability and propulsion. A good alternative to these Asics are the Asics gel nimbus .
Responsive cushioning
Our tests showed that the FF Blast Turbo midsole performs exceptionally well in absorbing shock and returning energy, which makes for a springy and smooth ride. This cushioning reduces the impact on your joints, which is especially useful for long distances. The extra cushioning and springy cushioning is also perfect for beginner runners.
Lightweight design
The Metaspeed Edge feels extremely light on the foot, which increases efficiency while running and reduces fatigue, especially during longer distances. The light weight contributes to a natural running motion and ensures that you can run faster without extra effort. This makes the shoe ideal for runners who strive for personal records.
Carbon plate for stability
The built-in carbon plate in the sole provides noticeable stability and helps improve your propulsion, allowing you to run faster with less effort. This stability ensures that your foot remains firm, even during rapid tempo changes. The result is a more efficient running style, with less energy loss with every step.
The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is a high-performance running shoe specially designed for marathons and fast-paced races. This shoe features Lightstrike Pro cushioning, which ensures maximum energy return with every step.
The upper is made of ultralight mesh, which not only minimizes the weight, but also provides excellent ventilation. After our research, it turned out that these new running shoes are perfect for runners who are looking for speed without compromising on comfort.
Excellent energy return
The Lightstrike Pro midsole delivered excellent energy return during our tests, making every stride feel powerful and efficient, even at higher speeds. This helps you maintain your pace, even during the final miles of a race. The energy return makes this shoe a favorite among marathon runners.
Superior ventilation
The ultralight mesh upper offered impressive ventilation, keeping our feet cool and dry even during intense workouts on hot days. This prevents overheating and blistering, which is essential for maintaining comfort over long distances. The ventilation also contributes to the overall durability of the shoe.
Perfect fit
The Adizero Adios Pro 3 wraps the foot in a way that is both supportive and comfortable, without pressure points or irritations, which is crucial for long runs. The fit provides a secure feeling and prevents unwanted movement within the shoe. This results in a more stable and enjoyable running experience, even during intense workouts.
The Nike Air Zoom Vomero 17 is a versatile running shoe known for its superior comfort and durable construction. This shoe offers a great mix of cushioning and support, thanks to the Zoom Air units in the forefoot and heel. The upper is made of Engineered Mesh, which provides a snug yet breathable fit.
Excellent shock absorption
The Zoom Air units in the Vomero 17 provided exceptional shock absorption, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride, even on hard surfaces. This is especially important for runners who train on asphalt or concrete, where the impact on the joints is greater. The shock absorption reduces the chance of injuries, making this shoe ideal for everyday training.
Durable and wear-resistant
During our testing, we noticed how well the Vomero 17 held up to wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for runners looking for a durable shoe for everyday use. The durability of the materials means that the shoes will last a long time, even with heavy use. This makes the Vomero 17 a wise investment for serious runners.
Breathable upper
The Engineered Mesh upper provided the perfect balance of support and breathability, keeping our feet cool and comfortable even during longer runs. These breathable properties prevent overheating and keep your feet dry, adding to the overall comfort. The material also conforms to your foot, providing a personalized fit.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is a dynamic and lightweight running shoe designed for fast tempo training and racing. The FuelCell midsole provides explosive energy return, making every step more powerful.
The sleek design and breathable upper provide a snug fit that delivers comfort and flexibility. Our testing found this neutral running shoe to be ideal for runners looking for speed without sacrificing comfort.
Explosive energy return
The FuelCell midsole gave us a noticeable boost while running, making this shoe perfect for speed training and racing where every second counts. This makes the Rebel v4 ideal for runners looking to improve their PR. The energy return allows you to run faster with less effort, which is essential during races.
Flexible and comfortable
The sleek design and flexible upper allowed for natural foot movement, making this neutral shoe perform excellently in both short and long distances. The flexibility ensures a smooth transition with every step, which benefits your running style. This not only increases comfort, but also helps to reduce fatigue during long runs.
Lightweight construction
The Rebel v4 proved to be incredibly light, which increased efficiency and pace, especially during intense runs. This light weight makes the shoe easy to wear, even during longer training sessions. Overall, this is an excellent running shoe with good grip, allowing you to fully concentrate on your performance without being distracted by your footwear.
The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 is an advanced running shoe that is perfect for runners who seek maximum performance. This shoe combines Mizuno's Wave technology with a responsive midsole to provide a smooth and stable ride. The upper of the shoe is designed to be snug, yet comfortable, keeping your foot securely in place while running.
Stable running experience
Thanks to the Mizuno Wave technology, this shoe offers excellent stability, which was especially noticeable during long runs where stability is essential. This technology helps to distribute the impact evenly, which ensures a smoother and more comfortable running experience. The stability makes this shoe ideal for runners who run long distances or are prone to injuries.
Close-fitting
The upper of the Rebellion Pro 2 offered a snug fit that helped keep the foot in place, minimizing the risk of blisters and irritation. The fit creates a secure and comfortable environment for your foot, which is crucial during long runs. The all-round running shoe has excellent grip, giving you confidence on different surfaces.
Responsive cushioning
The midsole provided excellent cushioning and energy return, making every step feel powerful and springy, even after miles of running. This responsive cushioning helps reduce fatigue, so you can run longer without compromising on comfort. It’s perfect for runners looking for both performance and comfort in an all-round running shoe.
Looking for other running shoes? Check out other options below, such as the New Balance Fresh Foam or a pair of running shoes for advanced runners that are suitable for different surfaces.
Well-cushioned running shoes are designed to absorb shock and protect your feet and joints while you run. Brands like ASICS, Nike, and New Balance are known for their advanced cushioning technologies. Styles like the Nike Air Zoom Vomero 17 and the ASICS Metaspeed Edge offer excellent cushioning, making them ideal for long-distance runners or those who need extra protection for their joints. Look for shoes with technologies like Zoom Air, FuelCell, or FF Blast, which are known for their effective shock absorption.
While it is possible to walk in running shoes, they are specifically designed for the motion and impact of running. Running shoes often provide more cushioning and support in specific areas of the foot to absorb the shock of running.
When walking, where the impact is different and the foot rolls differently, running shoes can create unnecessary pressure points, which can lead to discomfort or even injury. For regular walking, it is better to wear shoes that are specifically designed for walking.
When buying new running shoes, you should consider the fit, the type of cushioning, the support the shoe offers, and whether the design is suitable for your running style. Make sure the shoes fit well, with enough room for your toes, but also enough support around the heel. Consider whether you need shoes with extra cushioning for longer distances or a firmer sole for faster paces. It is also important to consider the surface you will primarily be running on (e.g. asphalt, trail) and whether the shoes are suitable for that.
To determine which running shoes are best for you, you need to consider your running style and needs. Visit a specialty running store for a gait analysis, where they can assess your running style and foot strike. This will help determine if you need shoes for a neutral running style, or if you need more support for overpronation, for example. You can also consider your training goals, such as speed, distance, or off-road running, to choose shoes that support those goals.
You are a neutral runner if your foot does not tilt too much inwards or outwards when you put it down while running. This means that your foot lands straight and rolls off without the ankle moving too much inwards (overpronation) or outwards (underpronation). A running analysis at a specialist store can determine this, but you can also check yourself whether your old running shoes are evenly worn in the middle of the sole. Neutral runners often benefit from shoes with standard cushioning and support, without extra correction for over- or underpronation.
Having 2 pairs of running shoes can be beneficial, especially if you train regularly. By alternating shoes, you give them time to fully recover, which extends the life of the shoes. You can also use specific shoes for different types of training, such as lightweight shoes for fast tempos and shoes with extra cushioning for long distances. Additionally, alternating shoes provides variation in the stress on your feet and legs, which can help prevent strain and injury.
