How to choose running shoes, top 10 best and versatile running shoes

Choosing the right running shoes can be a challenge. Especially for beginners. It is important that the model is suitable for your foot type, type and style of running. Only then it will be possible to avoid injuries and develop a competent technique.

If you do not yet know all the nuances, then it is better to pick up something more or less universal. How to do it? Let’s find out together with Sportmaster PRO-expert, experienced trailrunner Victor Savetnikov. He will not only tell you what to focus on when choosing, but also offer a list of specific models. Everyone who is in the subject will be able to vote for the most worthy (in their opinion) pair, so we will be able to highlight the best solutions, as well as options from the category “price/quality”. Let’s start with the theory.

trailrunner, PRO-expert Sportmaster PRO

“Why is it important to choose the right running shoes? The greatest load during such a workout falls on the legs – muscles, joints and feet. Properly selected running shoes can reduce the negative impact, minimize the risk of injury and discomfort during and after the session. This is especially important for beginners whose bodies have not yet adapted to the strain.

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General rules

There are several major factors that influence the choice of running shoe models. This works equally for highly specialized shoes and universal shoes.

Your fitness level. For beginner runners, it is desirable to have sneakers with more cushioning and additional support. In this way, there will be less stress on the joints during running.
The intended type of running and the place of training. Globally, there are three types of surfaces on which you can run: specialized soft surfaces (like rubberized paths, tracks and treadmills), asphalt and rough terrain. There are different sneakers for each of these, which are distinguished from each other by things like the level of cushioning, the tread pattern, and the degree of foot locking. It is important not to use sneakers for cross-country running in the gym or on the pavement. This is inefficient and injury prone.
The size of the sneakers. Shoes for running should not be tight – it is desirable to have a reserve of half a size (about 5-7 mm) in length. It is better to try on sneakers at the end of the day, because the foot by this time becomes a little bigger than in the morning.

In addition, it is worth paying attention to the biomechanics and anatomy of the foot – the height of the arch and the “slump” inward or outward. In general, the easiest thing to focus on when selecting sneakers is personal comfort. They should be comfortable, well support the foot and correctly distribute the load on all muscles. Selected according to the anatomical features of the foot model will create comfort during training and minimize the risk of injury.

Depending on the foot placement, there are three types of running technique:

heel running;
running with the middle part of the foot;
toe running.

For each type, there are certain sneakers with a different drop – the difference in sole height between the front and back of the shoe. For models designed for heel-to-toe running (the most common technique), the drop should be more than 8 mm. For midfoot running – 5 to 8 mm. For toe-to-toe running – from 0 to 4 mm.

In addition, when choosing running shoes, it is important to assess the pronation of the foot. Many people do not have a flat foot. The foot is kind of planted inward (pronation) or outward (supination).

Consequently, running can put additional strain on the muscles and ligaments of the entire musculoskeletal system, which is fraught with negative consequences. The right sneakers will compensate for anatomical features and align the foot placement during running. Determine the type of pronation and pass a test on the biomechanics of the foot can be in sports hypermarkets.

Specificity of running shoes

Basically, the different types of running are determined by the surface on which the training mainly takes place. You can also distinguish the division into training and competition models. The latter are lighter and have a stiff sole, but they are used only by professional athletes and advanced amateurs.

Depending on the type of surface differs and the design of the sneaker:

for running on asphalt and any other hard flat surface you need soft shoes that give good grip and cushioning;
for running on special rubberized pavement and on paths, basic running shoes with medium tread pattern and medium cushioning are suitable;
for running on the ground, you need stiff sneakers with good foot support and a pronounced tread pattern;
pre trailrunning (running on rough terrain) developed sneakers with aggressive tread, a high degree of cushioning, special bumpers to protect the heel and toes.

The first two types can be considered the most universal.

As a rule, the first steps in running are made jogging. At this stage, there is an adaptation of the whole body to the loads that arise during training. The speed is still quite low. Accordingly, even shoes with medium cushioning are suitable. You can bet on it. If you choose a large shock absorption, it will perfectly reduce the load, and here you can not worry about the condition of the joints. In this case, it is better to give preference to models with a high drop.

What are the best universal men’s running sneakers for running? We share with you a selection of options from the PRO-expert Sportmaster PRO Viktor Savetnikov. We offer you to participate in the distribution of places. Perhaps you already have experience of its operation, then it should definitely be shared!

If you want to see some pair at the top of the rating, click on the up arrow “↑”. If you think that some pair should be lower – click on the down arrow “↓”.

Dôležité: the “Rating” functionality is available only in the regular version of “Championship”. If you entered this material via the search page, you will see the generated list without voting buttons.

Let’s vote for the best pair!

Top 10 pairs of versatile running shoes

Photo: Asics.com

Asics Gel Kayano.

At the moment, the 30th version of a truly legendary model from the Japanese brand has been released. All the best technologies of the company are gathered here – from a special gel insert in the sole to the fabric mesh that improves ventilation. This is one of the best sneakers for beginners – with a high level of cushioning and additional support.

Photo: Saucony.com

Saucony Tempus

A new model in the company’s lineup in the support category. The designers have done a good job and combined in the sneakers a high degree of cushioning and outstanding stability. A separate plus of the model can be called a relatively low weight, which brings it closer to professional competition pairs.

Photo: Asics.com

Asics Gel Nimbus

Unlike the Gel Kayano of the same brand (Asics), the Gel Nimbus model can not boast such a reliable support of the foot. However, something that sets these sneakers apart is the right-side cushioning. Also – this option is great for athletes with a wide foot.

Photo: Saucony.com

Saucony Triumph

Lightweight and “fast” sneakers, which are ideal for frequent training. The sole of this model has a layer of special soft foam, which copes well with the impact load. The sole itself is made of rubber, so it provides reliable traction even with a wet surface.

Photo: Kant.ru

adidas UltraBoost

Another legendary model. The one-piece knitted upper provides good ventilation and is highly durable. The midsole layer made of BOOST material absorbs shock, is not afraid of temperature fluctuations and retains its properties for a long time.

Photo: Puma.com

Puma Forever RUN NITRO

A breakthrough in the line of running shoes from the German company. A wide platform, special geometry, shock-absorbing foam and supportive plastic elements in the heel area help ensure proper foot positioning during running.

Photo: Nike.com

Nike Air Zoom Vomero

Model from the iconic American company. Nike Vomero sneakers are characterized by support and reliable fixation of the foot, as well as increased cushioning. This model is designed for long distances, and therefore perfectly suited even for daily training.

Photo: Demix.ru

Demix Pulsar Enrblast Wave

Two-component sole with polymer insert provides energy return and reduces shock load. The shoe’s upper construction and lateral foot support system ensure a secure fit. In the rating of the best running shoes of the “optimal choice” category, this pair is definitely worth considering.

Photo: Sportmaster

Li-Ning Furious Rider

Model from a leading Chinese sports brand. Good cushioning is provided by an intermediate layer of sole made of a special material. It also reduces the weight of the sneaker. In addition, the model provides reliable support for the middle of the foot.

Photo: Demix.ru

Demix Gravity Cushfoam

The sole of soft elastic material provides quality cushioning, while not weighing down the sneaker. The insoles are treated with a special antibacterial impregnation, and reflective elements are applied on the outside of the shoe. A great choice for relaxed daily training.