How to Pick the Best Running Shoes

Whether you want to run for fun or you are going to train for a marathon, good running shoes will provide the right foundation for your whole body. Wearing the perfect shoes for your feet can also help prevent injuries when running. The right pair of shoes will perfectly fit well to your feet while you run.

While no pair of running shoes perfectly fit for everyone, these tips can help you find the right running shoes for you. 

What Kind of Surface Are You Running On?

If you are going to run on pavements, then you would need to pick road shoes. Road shoes have more cushioning compared to trail shoes or light-weight race shoes. These can minimize your risk of injury by providing shock absorption.

But if running through soft muddy trails is more of your thing, then buying trail shoes is the perfect choice. The deep tread of trail shoes can provide better ankle support and better grip. This feature is essential for running on an uneven surface. However, these shoes will not be comfortable on pavements because the studs will press into the soles of your feet, making them wear out quickly.

And if you are planning to do a little of both, you should buy a pair of hybrid running shoes. This type of shoe will work well on both surface and different trail conditions with the right balance of cushioning and grip.

Type of Socks

It might sound a little silly, but the thickness of socks can make a massive difference to the feel and fit of your shoe. We suggest you wear the socks you plan to run in when you shop for shoes.

An excellent technical running sock is designed with an additional arch for support and extra padding on the heel for better protection.

You might want to avoid wearing cotton socks while running because they absorb moisture, which adds to the heat and friction. They can also cause calluses, hot spots, and blisters.

Make sure that your socks are higher than the back part of your shoes, or else they will slip down while running that can cause hot spots on the back of your heel.

How Far Are You Going to Run?

Running for a marathon requires a different running shoe style, while running long-distance would require more cushioning. Running on more cushioned shoes for a long distance would be more comfortable.

Find the Right Fit

Some running shoes might look like any other sneakers, but they are made with specialized technology to help you run better. Unlike sneakers, running shoes are created to prevent injuries from repetitive motion by providing the right cushioning to help with shock absorption. 

But the main factor you need to consider when choosing a running shoe is how it fits your feet. If your shoes do not fit right, your running experience would be painful, and it could also lead to injury.

Here are some tips on making sure that the running shoes you pick will fit perfectly.

  1. Try on shoes at night because feet tend to swell while you walk all throughout the day.
  2. Leave a thumb's width allowance in front of your toe.
  3. Do not pinch the shoes or slide the shoes while trying them on.
  4. Find the correct width.

Now that we have discussed the different tips on choosing the right running shoes, let's talk about the different running shoes available.

Cushioned Running Shoes: Cushioning is essential for every runner who underpronate. The rolling motion feature can help your foot absorb the shock while you run.

Stability Running Shoes: This type of running shoe can provide cushioning, durability, and medial support. They are styled to prevent excess motion of your ankle and foot without limiting movement as much.

Light-weight Running Shoes: Light-weight running shoes are thin and lighter, making them more flexible shoes. These shoes are very light and have flexible cushioning. They can also lessen the pain after running, and they are extremely comfortable.

Trail Running Shoes: This type of running shoe has a unique set of features designed to help you run on different kinds of terrain. One of the main features you need to find in a good trail running shoe is its grip. 

Top 10 Running shoes and Running shoes websites

We ranked the best Running shoes websites so that you can find what you need.

Last updated: 2024-10-07

Rank

Provider

Description & Features

Site

1

★★★★★

172 Data points

Best Running Shoes | Running Shoe Reviews 2019
Best Running Shoes | Running Shoe Reviews 2019
You know what you want from your running shoes: light weight, cushioning, support, and a comfortable fit.Of course, the most important part of any shoe is your experience over the hundreds of ...

2

★★★★★

159 Data points

Shop Running Shoes | Best Price Guarantee at DICK'S
Shop Running Shoes | Best Price Guarantee at DICK'S
Free Returns on Running Shoes! Shop running shoes from DICK'S Sporting Goods. Browse all men's, women's and kids' running shoes from ASICS, Mizuno, Brooks, Nike, Under Armour and more. If you find a lower price on running shoes somewhere else, we’ll match it with our Best Price Guarantee.

3

★★★★★

148 Data points

Men's Running Shoes | Running Warehouse
Men's Running Shoes | Running Warehouse
Find your favorite running shoes at Running Warehouse! Huge selection and top-rated customer service. Free 2 day shipping & free returns on all orders.

4

★★★★

137 Data points

Running Warehouse | Shop Running Shoes and Gear
Running Warehouse | Shop Running Shoes and Gear
Your one-stop online retailer for everything running. Shop our huge selection of running shoes, running apparel, accessories, and more!

5

★★★★

127 Data points

Road Runner Sports
Road Runner Sports
Guess what, VIP? You have Rewards Cash to SPEND TODAY! Not a VIP? You're paying too much for shoes & missing out on earning Rewards Cash. Learn How

6

★★★★

117 Data points

Running shoes + FREE SHIPPING | Zappos.com
Running shoes + FREE SHIPPING | Zappos.com
Free shipping BOTH ways on running shoes from our vast selection of styles. Fast delivery, and 24/7/365 real-person service with a smile. Click or call 800-927-7671.

7

★★★★

109 Data points

Best Running Shoes: Shop the Top Men's Running Shoes 2019 ...
Best Running Shoes: Shop the Top Men's Running Shoes 2019 ...
Does Road Runner Sports offer Adidas men's running shoes? If you're in the market for a high-end pair of running shoes, choose from a wide array of styles and brands. Adidas running shoes are notorious for their performance and quality, and their Solar Boost is in a league of its own. The sleek, lightweight design combined with thousands of energy capsules combine to cushion and support your ...

8

★★★

100 Data points

Amazon.com: running shoes
Amazon.com: running shoes
KUBUA Mens Running Shoes Trail Fashion Sneakers Tennis Sports Casual Walking Athletic Fitness Indoor and Outdoor Shoes for Women.

9

★★★

93 Data points

Women's Running Shoes & Sneakers | Best Sellers| Finish Line
Women's Running Shoes & Sneakers | Best Sellers| Finish Line
Take your running to the next level in new running shoes for women, here at Finish Line. From weekend warriors to marathoners and everyone in between, there's a perfect women's running shoe for you.

10

★★★

86 Data points

Men's Running Shoes | Foot Locker
Men's Running Shoes | Foot Locker
Shop the latest selection of Men's Running Shoes at Foot Locker. Find the hottest sneaker drops from brands like Jordan, Nike, Under Armour, New Balance, and a bunch more. Free shipping on select products.

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