June 22, 2018
Whether you’re pounding pavement or hitting trails, you need a trusty pair of running shoes. Even if you’re not trying to win the Chicago Marathon, a good pair of sneakers makes training far more enjoyable. Aside from the colossal impact your shoes have on your performance, you can’t underestimate the importance of comfort either. There are tons of styles out there, from sleek, barefoot models to thick, maximalist options.
The best choice largely comes down to personal preference, as well as the type of running you intend to participate in. For instance, a pair of shoes well-suited to short sprints might not work well over long distances. Some runners only want to wear the lightest shoe on the market — sometimes sacrificing a good foot feel — while others swear by comfort despite the added weight. Even the kind of weather you plan on running in plays a part. From minimal to maximum, road to trail, here are the best running shoes available.