Running Shoes for Training and Racing
Information and Reviews of Running Shoes
Ask any question about running shoes on a runner’s forum and you’ll get an avalanche of opinions. And the question guaranteed to get the discussion snowballing is “what shoes do you recommend?” While I understand the ask, especially from somebody new to running and bombarded with the confusing array of manufacturers, and models available, the answers you’ll get are mostly biased opinions and unlikely to help you choose what YOU should purchase.
A suitable pair of running shoes are expensive - $100 - $250. For everyday training workouts, you should be able to find something close to the $150 mark. The higher end tends to be reserved for races. Buy the most expensive running shoes you can afford as this is the covering that protects and cushions your precious feet, joints, and muscles. So how do you choose? Read this three-step process for help.
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THE RIGHT SIZE: Have your feet measured – not just length but width. There should be some space between where your big toe ends and your shoe ends. Your foot, especially your toes, should not feel scrunched up after you’ve tightened the laces. And there should not be any slippage in the heel of the shoe. Do expect your running shoe size to be larger than your sneaker or dress shoe size – depending on the make you choose it can be 1 – 1 ½ sizes larger.
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THE RIGHT MANUFACTUER: Choosing a make of running shoes is more complicated than the color and style of the shoe. Yes, it’s true we are drawn towards a cool-looking set of shoes - it is after all our chance to display some individual personality in an otherwise “me to” marketing battle for your dollars by shoemakers. But choose the manufacturer that provides models that fit your feet most comfortably and supports your running gait – see next step.
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THE RIGHT MODEL: Most manufacturers offer a dizzying array of models in their arsenal. However, when you run if you have pronation – where there’s an inward rolling of the foot - or supination where there’s an outward rolling of the foot - then many manufacturers have models to address different types of running gaits. Know your gait to ensure you have the model to support your running manner.
I strongly recommend you go to a knowledgeable running store (or two) to purchase your first running shoes. Have one of the experienced sales staff measure your foot (length and width) and look at your gait. They can then match you to some manufacturers and their models that will work for you. If you don’t like the models they have available then try another store. This will also allow you to independently verify the size and gait information you obtained.
Even with all this effort, you may still find the shoes you choose to be less than perfect after a month of “wear or tear.” The proof after a few weeks is in the running. This is why there are many manufacturers and why one runner will never buy anything other than Nike or ASICS or New Balance.
Finally, armed with size and model information and being in whatever camp you decide you’re in, you can go online and purchase replacements likely at a large discount. And by the way, there will be plenty of replacements and new models in the years to come.
Personal Preferences for Running Shoes
In nearly six decades of purchasing running shoes, I've tried many brands - some not even in existence any longer. The fact is our feet and our requirements over the years do change. For example, I DO NEED more support now in a shoe. Weight does matter - even a few extra ounces more can make a pair of running shoes feel like combat boots covered in heavy thick mud! You get the drift. And I hate going to a store to purchase. Limited variety and they rarely have my favorite model in my favorite brand and size. And I'm not alone in this. This is why when people find a brand and model they like then they purchase a few pairs before the new model comes out and the game starts all over again.
Below you'll find my personal preferences only. Of course, I don't have first-hand experience with any of the women's running shoes but have done my best to only list equivalents of the men's models assuming they would provide the same experience for you. But of course, do your own research on all these recommendations. What works for me may not work for you!
*Last Updated on 5/10/2023
Workhorse Training Shoes
This selection is aimed at shoes for covering the majority of your training miles. These provide the cushioning and support you'll need. If none of these "float your boat" then look for equivalents in other brands and check out the independent reviews at reputable websites.
For men, this is a good workhorse shoe for basic mid-long runs. Solid support and 10.5oz are lighter than comparable model shoes in the ASICS range. This is currently my go-to running shoe for most of my training sessions.
ASICS does an equivalent in the Gel-Kayano 29 model. The shoe has different details and is lighter - 9.5oz - to compensate for differences in build.
I bought an earlier edition of this Brooks shoe and also found them a good workout shoe before switching to ASICS. If you experience challenges in width size then Brooks tends to offer a wider range. Again, the weight of this model is on the lighter side at 10.2oz.
Brooks also does an equivalent in the Adrenaline GTS line for women and the 22 is the latest in what has been a popular line for Brooks over the last twenty years. The women's shoe weight is 9.0oz so is competitive and offers cushioning support for longer workouts.
Speed Workouts and Race Shoes
You can certainly use your basic training shoe to do any speed workouts and use them to run races. I realize as runners we get through our shoes quickly depending on the number of miles per week we do so, it's a cost issue. But I do prefer to have a separate lighter pair for doing speed workouts and for racing. These lightweight shoes and don't have the same cushioning and support as the shoes in the other section. They also have a bounce to them which you'll feel instantly.
I've had quite a few pairs of this lightweight model built for speed. It is currently in its second version with Magic Spped 3 due out in mid-2023. The shoe has what ASICS call FF BLAST PLUS cushioning to keep it lightweight at 8.3oz but still provide good cushioning. But I'm not sure I'd personally run marathon races in them. The shoes now have full-length carbon and TPU plate which when you start running provides quite a propulsion.
ASICS has the Magic Speed 2 for Women. I am not able to confirm if the women's shoe weight is different so best assume it is 8.1-8.3oz. Again be aware the Magic Speed 3 is due out in 2023 so check availability depending on when you read this.
Boston-based New Balance has been a leader and innovator in running shoes for decades. I had a pair of Fuelcell Prisms and the replacement Rebel v3 is even lighter than the Prism. New Balance says the model runs small so order up from your normal size. The Fuelcell foam is the cushioning and is good for your faster tempo runs or track speed workouts.
New Balance offers the Fuelcell Rebel v3 model in the lighter women's version at 5.8oz. It's about as lightweight as you want to go to also get solid cushioning for track and longer tempo runs.