How To Choose The Most Comfortable Running Shoes
When it comes to you and running, perhaps you are nothing but a dedicated runner who enjoys the thrill of feeling the wind against your hair, your chest, your legs as you pound through miles and miles on the road. Really, you love nothing but the runner’s high you get when you achieve your personal record, as well as get through some of the most grueling workouts out there. Your passion knows no boundaries, and as a result, you continue to get better and better.
That said, perhaps with all of the running that you do, you have probably worn out your running shoes by a decent bit. It is time for you to change for a new pair, but at the same time, you want to find running shoes which are just as comfortable, if not more, than the current pair that you have.
You are unsure of just how to get started choosing the most comfortable running shoes, but have no fear; we are here to help! Read on to learn more in this article on how to find the best pair for you, as we give you some tips and tricks, as well as some suggestions, to get you started. Soon enough, you will be well on your way to a comfortable and smooth running experience.
Without further ado, let’s get on to it!
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Things to consider before choosing the most comfortable running shoes
When it comes to running, you will need to take time to find the most comfortable running shoes for you. It is not a matter of choosing the first pair that catches your eye, for doing so can ultimately disappoint you in the end.
While you might be impatient to find the best pair for you, it will be worth taking your time to do so, as you will ultimately find the perfect pair to match you and your abilities for the next run. That said, here are some things to consider when choosing the most comfortable running shoes for you:
1. Size and shape.
First things first, you will need to consider the shoe size of your next running shoe. Chances are you probably are wearing the wrong shoe size, which is causing you discomfort as you run. That said, it is essential that you find the right shoe size to run in, to ensure that you are comfortable as you do so.
Square measure shoe size
That said, use a measuring tape or block to measure out your foot size, and from there round up from half a size to a full size up to determine your shoe size. This is to make sure that you have enough room in the toe box for your toes to breathe.
At the same time, consider the shape of your shoe. The rule of thumb is to make sure that it is not too wide and not too narrow for your feet, so that you do not feel neither too loose nor too tight in it, respectively. By considering these two features in shoe fitting, you can be well on your way to a comfortable running experience.
2. Arch type.
Aside from considering the shoe size and shape, you will also need to look into just what arch type you have, in order to make sure that you are comfortable wearing it. After all, not all runners have the same arch, so it is a matter of knowing just what you have so as to keep your feet feeling good while also safe from possible injuries in the long run.
As means of testing out just what kind of arch you have (e.g. high, medium, low), you can take the “Wet Test” by submerging your foot in water and imprinting it onto a paper towel. If the center of your foot is barely recognizable, then you have a high arch. On the contrary, if the imprint is extremely notable, then you have low arches, aka “flat feet.”
Knowing your arch type is essential not only for comfort, but also for foot health as you continue to run for improved health.
For a demonstration of the wet test, check out this video here:
3. Cushioning.
At the same time, you will also have to consider cushioning, as means of absorbing the shock that happens whenever your heel strikes hard surface, e.g. asphalt, concrete. Therefore, things to look for in cushioning include padding and suppport, for both aspects work hand-in-hand to make your running experience just a bit more bearable.
In other words, having a running shoe made from supportive material is convenient when it comes to keeping your feet well-cushioned while running. After all, you would not want to have a foot that is only supported by thin, feeble material during your workouts, correct?
That said, finding a running shoe with thick material is the best bet, as means of making sure that your feet feels just right when it comes to jogging during your next, intense exercise.
4. Breathability.
Just like with cushioning, perhaps it would benefit you from having a running shoe which is breathable. In other words, having a pair of athletic shoes which keep your feet cool and dry is not a bad idea, as means of making sure that you feel good running safely and efficiently every time.
After all, you probably would not want to feel moist and sticky during your runs, so having a running shoe with some air circulation is the best way to go. Look for pairs that have this feature, and we guarantee you that it will be a good option for you in the long run- literally and figuratively!
5. Durability.
Finally, it comes down to whether the running shoe is made of good material to last long as you continue to pound miles and miles on the pavement during your workouts. Ideally, good running shoes are made from a combination of material, including rubber, leather, and polyurethane.
All of these elements contribute to a flexible and durable pair of running shoes, so looking into those with these characteristics is the best way to go.
For more information about comfortable running shoes, check out this video here:
Top Five Most Comfortable Running Shoes
Product Name | Our Review | Our Score | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
97
/100
| $ | ||
 |
94
/100
| $$ | ||
 |
90
/100
| $ | ||
 |
90
/100
| $$ | ||
 |
94
/100
| $$ |
With rearfoot GEL cushioning and a 2.5-inch shaft drop, ASICS Men’s GEL Venture 5 Trail running shoe is sure to give you the ultimate comfort that you need to succeed on your run. Not only that, but also it has a removable sockliner should you need to replace it with a better insole to get you through the workout.
Pros
- Has rearfoot GEL cushioning for shock absorption.
- Contains a 2.5-inch shaft drop for support.
- Has a removable sockliner for easy replacement.
Cons
- Feels a bit stiff.
Opinion
I found ASICS Men’s GEL Venture 5 trail running shoe to be excellent for me when I went out for runs, especially on rough trail terrains. I absolutely loved the GEL cushioning in the back, and considering that I have flat feet the removable sockliner allowed me to replace them with insoles. Downside was that the shoe itself felt stiff, which I did not appreciate.
Excellent for neutral running, adidas’ Women’s Energy Cloud running shoe is great for those with medium arches, containing a Cloudfoam midsole for step-in comfort and midsole cushioning. Aside from that, it has a distinctive supportive cage to lock your foot down inside of the shoe, so that it does not feel loose when running. Finally, its mesh upper is great for a breathable shoe.
Pros
- Has a Cloudfoam midsole for step-in comfort and midsole cushioning.
- Contains a distinctive supportive cage to keep your foot inside the shoe.
- Has a mesh upper for breathability.
Cons
- Shoe can be a bit too narrow and tight.
Opinion
adidas’ Women’s Energy Cloud running shoe was quite pleasant to run in, especially with its Cloudfoam midsole that made it feel as if I was running, literally, on clouds. The supportive cage was a very nice plus, just because my feet were snug and not loose inside of the shoe. However, the shoe was on the narrow side, and for me with wide feet, it was a bit uncomfortable.
3. Stan Men's Lightweight Running Shoes - Athletic Knit Mesh Comfortable Walking Shoes - Great for Sports and Outdoor Activities
Stylish, breathable, and affordable, Stan Men’s lightweight running shoes are the ultimate kicks when it comes to running effortlessly and comfortably. Its midsole forms perfectly to your feet, and its helix-style, fly-knit technology offers a breathability and sleekness that cannot be compared with any other running shoe out there- it is that unique! Versatile and homey, Stan Men’s running shoe does not disappoint.
Pros
- Has a midsole which forms perfectly to your feet.
- Contains a helix-style, fly-knit technology for breathability and sleekness.
- Is affordable for any runners out there.
Cons
- Heel is a bit too low, so not as much cushioning.
Opinion
Stan Men’s lightweight running shoes were decent. I especially liked the helix-style, fly-knit technology that came with it, for it offered a breathable and sleek experience that I could not get anywhere else.
Besides that, I really enjoyed the aesthetics of it, with its smooth and slightly-edgy design that I was on-board with. One thing that could be improved on is the heel, for I found it too low for my taste; that said, I did not get enough cushioning when I went out running.
Made from a rubber sole and with a 10-millimeter mid-heel drop, this other running shoe from Adidas offers a sturdy and comfortable wear for running your very best. Not only that, but also it has a distinctive engineered mesh upper for the ultimate, breathable running shoe, so that you will not have to worry about your feet, let alone running shoes, get all hot and smelly- you can expect a cool and dry running experience!
Pros
- Made from a rubber sole for durability.
- Has a 10-millimeter mid-heel drop for comfort and support.
- Has a distinctive engineered mesh upper for ultimate breathability.
Cons
- Heel design can dig into the back of the ankles, which is uncomfortable.
Opinion
Adidas Performance Men’s Alphabounce running shoe was quite nice to wear, just because I found them rather durable and supportive, thanks to the rubber sole and 10-millimeter mid-heel drop, respectively. The engineered mesh upper was an added bonus, for it made my feet cool and dry even during the hottest, sweatiest of workouts. My only gripe was that the back of the shoe dug into my ankle, which I did not like very much.
This other shoe from ASICS is one of the most progressive running shoes out there, thanks to its advanced technology. Its shock absorbent Impact Guidance System is sure to protect your feet from the hardest of running surfaces, so that you are less prone to injuries. In addition, its FluidFit upper offers a multi-directional stretch mesh upper for breathability, and its rearfoot-forefoot GEL cushioning system is great for comfort.
Pros
- Has shock absorbent Impact Guidance System to protect your feet from the hard running surface.
- Offers a FluidFit upper for a multi-directional stretch mesh upper for breathability.
- Contains rearfoot-forefoot GEL cushioning system.
Cons
- Toe box is narrow.
Opinion
ASICS Women’s GEL-Kinsei 6 running shoe was great; I found the shock absorbent Impact Guidance System great on my joints when pounding on hard surfaces. The FluidFit upper was excellent for breathability and the GEL cushioning system was comfortable. I did not like the narrow toe box, but otherwise it was a decent running shoe.
Winner of the Roundup
Overall, the winner of this roundup goes to ASICS Men's GEL Venture 5 Trail Running Shoe (#1).
The GEL cushioning system was great for shock absorbance, but also for the ultimate comfort. The removable sockliner was great for adhering to my arch type, and it is a good running shoe to invest in for your next pair.
Comment on this article if you have any questions. Feedback is always welcome, and do not forget to share this with family and friends!
References
http://runblogger.com/2014/02/finding-the-most-comfortable-running-shoe-for-you.html
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