Running Shoes bear quite resemblance with other sneakers, but they are built to allow movement from heal to toe due to additional cushioning and support which makes running easier and free of any injury. Basically, foot hit the floor or track in similar fashion with each step. So, running shoes are made in such a way so as to minimize the risk of injury that may incur by similar repetitive movement and to make forward movement easier. These shoes are best to take them on running tracks.

Best brands[i] of running shoes

Shoe brands serve to provide the best shoes for running with their main goal of producing innovative and efficient shoes meant for sports. The best brands for running shoes include Nike, New balance, Adidas, Asics, Reebok, etc.

  1. Nike 

Nike is a multinational firm that design and deliver athletic shoes, accessories and many other services but it is well recognized for its production of innovative sneakers throughout the world. Excellent quality and attractive design of the shoes make Nike the best brand of the running shoes with excellent strategies for branding.

  1. Adidas 

It is another multinational company famous for their athletic shoes. Adidas is the mass producer of athletic shoes in Europe and comes at second place in rests of the world. Its products have a logo of three stripes. Adidas has proven better than Nike because it keeps on testing latest innovative ideas to launch new products. 3D printing, use of recycled materials for sneakers, and upper of the shoe made with single leather piece which is very difficult, are some of the innovations of adidas.

  1. New Balance 

New Balance provides better cushion than Nike great for long distance running. Quality, comfort, support, cushioning are key features of new balance sneakers. They have maintained themselves in sports industry race by launching new sneakers regularly. Arch support is specifically linked with its sneakers.

  1. Asics

Asics derived its name from a Latin phrase “‘anima sana in corpore Sano” meaning healthy body with a healthy soul. It makes use of cutting-edge technology and foam soles in their shoes which provide greater support and briskness.

In 1990, Asics founded an institute for conducting research followed by various test to deliver a fine product named sports science institute. Till today, this institute has produced several shoes. Gel cushioning, gel inserted in midsole for shock absorbing, is one of the innovations of Asics.

  1. Reebok

Reebok is recognized for its classic designed shoes and excellent quality. Extra cushioning, thermal insulation to keep the foot warm, slip resistance, puncture prevention of the sole, waterproofing, additional shock absorbing, are the features common in reebok shoes.

  1. Puma

Initially, puma focused on designing shoes for athletes. Its shoes are comfortable for the injured feet and protects the feet during running to enhance the performance.

  1. Brooks 

Brooks Shoes provide best arch sustenance and additional cushioning to the feet to minimize the risk of injury. Every pair of shoes suits the need of the customers providing maximum support for running.

  1. Hoka One One

Extremely cushioned, maximum shock absorption, stretchable midsole, thick padding and extra stability are some of the features of Hoka One One shoes. They are designed for runners either they are beginners or athletes. Hoka One One is the most expensive brand of running shoes. Its shoes are readily available in the market owing to its popularity. Reduced weight makes hoka shoes best of tracking, running, and hiking.

Types of running shoes[ii]

  1. Road-running shoesare designed for road surfaces with slight irregularities or bumps.
  • Shoes ae made up of lightweight material to enhance speed
  • They are flexible to provide maximum cushioning or support on hard surfaces.
  • Designed to decrease injury
  • They have smooth soles to create a leveled surface for paved roads.
  1. Trail-running shoesare used for running on rocks, mountains, or other uneven surfaces.
  • They are heavier with raised soles
  • They have plates under the foot to prevent injury from rocks or sharp objects.
  • They generally have hard midsoles for additional support on uneven tracks.
  • Increased grip is the main purpose of trail running shoes to prevent slipping and enhance stability onto rock surfaces.
  1. Cross-training shoesare used for gym, or cross-training which require more grip with the ground.

Price of the running shoes

Running shoes cost in between $50 and $100, with an average of $75. A good running shoe can be expected in $75-$100. However, the price ranges of various brands vary depending on the models and their features.  More unique features come in with additional cost. Running shoes that offer extra cushioning are more expensive than regular shoes. Hoka is the most expensive brand, average cost $155  while sketchers are produce the most affordable shoes having average cost $90. Average cost of various running shoe brands depicted in the graph below:

Ratings of running shoes

Most of the users prefer expensive shoes as they are more durable, long lasting, and comes along with a number of features.  People mostly prioritize branded shoes and are keen to spend as much as $200. But overall rating does not rely on the expensiveness of the brand and like to spend on buying shoes that are affordable and comfortable. If affordability is linked with comfort, support, cushioning, the rating increases with fondness. It is clearly indicated in the rating graph that the most affordable brand is the highly rated one.

 

[i] https://www.runnersneed.com/expert-advice/gear-guides/choosing-the-right-running-shoes.html

[ii] https://www.runningwarehouse.com/learningcenter/gear_guides/footwear/shoetype.html