These shoes are made for running

It’s all about the shoe.

Having the right shoe can make all the difference in your running.

With that being said, it’s all about what you look for in a shoe and the distance you run.

This may mean that you may not agree with my recommendations, but don’t make the same mistake I made by wearing casual walking sneakers to run more than 3 miles. You’ll regret it.

There’s a lot of factors that play into your perfect shoe. Ultimately, you’re looking for a shoe that will be comfortable and durable.

Don’t just buy a shoe because it’s the cheapest one, instead look for the value and deals. Don’t just buy a shoe because of its looks and fashion, but rather focus on the feel. Lastly, don’t buy a shoe without trying it on and walking around the store testing it out.

These are the three basic factors that you should start to look at when choosing the appropriate shoe for your foot:

1. Weight

If you’re running longer distances, it’s been recommended to have a lighter shoe as it’s better for your foot. However, some shoes may weigh more due to the extra cushion. You want to find a shoe that makes you feel like you’re flying while giving you enough stability.

2. Drop

This term refers to the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot (ball of your foot) measurement. The average drop for most shoes range from 8 to 12 millimeters. Having a higher drop can lead to more heel striking and affects your overall stride. You should look for a shoe that feels right and doesn’t add stress on your foot when taking that stride.

3. Cushion

When referring to cushioning, I tend to think about shock and impact absorption. The more cushion you have, the less shock your feet will endure. When your foot strikes on the pavement you want enough material to be there to prevent injuries on your joints, avoiding shock.

There are so many different brands and types within each brand that it can often be overwhelming to find that shoe that fits the way you want it to.

What you don’t want to do is pick the wrong shoe because it could lead to injuries and cause pain.

So I’ll give you my top 5 brands that I would recommend to someone who plans to run distances:

1. Asics

Anything with gel in it is my absolute favorite. Having a flat foot that is also narrow means that I need all the support I can get. Recently I purchased the Gel Nimbus and feel so comfortable in them. Asics are currently my favorite shoes to run in as I feel like they give me the most support while feeling light on my feet.

2. Brooks

I love this brand—but something to note is that they haven’t always been in the running game. One of their most popular shoes is the Brooks Adrenaline. The reason it’s so popular is because of its comfort. Reviews say there is foam which gives cushion yet a ‘responsive ride.’ Customers say that even though the shoe has the cushion support, it remains lightweight and has a modern look.

3. Hoka

Although I’ve never owned a pair, the Hoka One has received a lot of positive talk in the runner’s world. One thing that distinguishes Hoka over other brands is its unconventional shoe design that’s unlike other popular brands. While Hoka tends to attract more trail runners, it’s known for its stability due to having thicker midsoles than your typical shoe. The reason for having thicker soles allows for protection on trails while giving you the soft, cushiony feel. Compared to other brands such as Asics, the drop between the heel and forefoot is less therefore, giving a flatter feel to the shoe.

4. Mizuno

I’ve always heard of the Mizuno shoe but had no idea that they made a running shoe. The only pair of Mizuno’s I’ve ever owned are their volleyball shoes, but I have a friend who swears by them. She loves them because they are light on her feet, but absorb impact, meaning that they provide her support. Some of their running shoes have a unique midsole and almost looks funky, but that’s what allows the shoe to absorb impact and give flexibility.

5. New Balance

I’ve always associated New Balance as a casual sneaker that you wear daily for comfort. Turns out, the brand has raving reviews when it comes to their running shoes that I’m considering trying them out as my next pair. The biggest attraction here is the arch support. Having no arch, I struggle to find a shoe that provides me that support yet feels comfortable. Customers describe the shoe as ‘springy’ and ‘light.’ Using foam in a shoe can make the runner feel like they are bouncing on and off the ground, without dragging their feet giving them a good balance between weight and cushion.

Looking for a new running shoe? I recommend you take a look at those brands but know that there are so many options out there.

You must find one that feels comfortable for you and provides you with the support you need.