Investing in high-quality running gear can help you turn occasional running into a lifelong hobby, giving you all the benefits of jogging on the human body. No matter where you are on your running journey, a pair (or a few) of top-notch running shoes can make or break the deal. That’s why running enthusiasts are on their endless quest for the best running shoes.
And no matter how much you love the pair you now own, experts recommend replacing it with a new one every 500-800 km. That could be, more or less, based on the shoe, but a good rule of thumb is to do so when they begin to show a lot of wear; that way, you can keep your support and cushioning in good shape.
Sticking to a reliable running shoe brand can make shopping for running shoes enjoyable rather than challenging. We made a list of the top picks for running shoe brands to help you find the ideal pair of running shoes efficiently.
Our Top Running Shoe Brands Picks
Brooks
Brooks is one of the oldest companies that makes running shoes, known for its unique combination of newer technology and lightweight shoes. Brooks has been making shoes since 1914, and their first running shoe came out in 1974. In 2001, they focused on making the best running shoes in the world. The brand is highly recommended by podiatrists and runners alike, stating that Brooks shoes are one of their top recommended gym shoes.
What is special about Brooks shoes? While browsing the most popular styles of Brooks running shoes, you’ll notice Brooks offers various styles, including protonated, neutral, and supinated options, making them suitable for all runners, from casual walkers to elite runners.
The brand also partners with researchers to study body movements before applying these findings to its gear design. Recently, Brooks introduced DNA AMP technology featured in some of their shoes to make you feel like you’re running on clouds. Here are some of the best Brooks shoes for running.
Brooks Ghost 15
The Ghost is Brooks’ most famous running shoe for men and women. It’s known for being reliable, flexible, and well-cushioned. Many runners are pleased with how well the Ghost 15 rides, how well it fits them, and how soft the inside feels. It has a lot of padding that makes you feel like you’re running on clouds.
Regarding durability, the Ghost 15 is better than older models. As a carbon-neutral running shoe, it’s part of Brooks’s plan to make running shoes that are better for the environment.
Brooks Glycerin 20
The Glycerine line of Brooks running shoes has a lot of padding for long runs. The ultra-soft DNA Loft V3 cushioning makes it as soft as a pillow. It’s very light, strong, comfortable, and quick. Brooks can offer unmatched technology through the nitrogen-infused process, which also makes the shoe’s weight feel almost nonexistent. The engineered air mesh upper lets the most airflow through while still being soft and comfy.
Brooks Hyperion Max
The Brooks Hyperion Max isn’t as famous as the Glycerine or Ghost, but it’s a clear winner among speed runners. The ultra-responsive, nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH cushioning gives the shoe its unique “fast” feel. The 3D Fit Print technology makes the shoe fit like a glove, and the stretch-woven top makes it feel snug and soft. The Hyperion Max also has Rapid Roll technology, which makes it stand out. The heel and toe of the shoe’s shape push the runner forward and make changes feel natural.
Asics
Along with Brooks, ASICS is one of the most well-known types of running shoes. Kihachiro Onitsuka started the company in 1949 with the idea of “Sound Mind, Sound Body.” Making new running shoes with this phrase in mind means making high-quality shoes for all runners for ASICS. People worldwide can still count on the company to help them live healthier and happier lives.
The company does its job by making high-quality running shoes for all runners, from marathoners and track stars to people who just like to walk around the neighbourhood and people who run on trails. Whatever kind of running, Asics has a shoe that will last, be comfortable, and be of good quality for you.
ASICS is famous for its groundbreaking GELTM Technology, making its shoes more comfortable, better at absorbing shock, and more comfortable overall. Let’s look at the ASICS GEL-Nimbus. Over the past 20 years, the Nimbus has been one of the most reliable running shoes, and it gets even more comfortable with use. Each pair of ASICS running shoes gives runners the high-quality experience they want. They are packed with technology and fine-tuned for specific traits.
Popular models include the Gel-Cumulus, Gel-Kayano, Gel-Nimbus, GT-2000, Novablast, and Metaspeed (Sky and Edge).
Hoka
Hoka is a brand that came out not long ago (2009) but has quickly become popular and isn’t going anywhere any time soon. Runners, especially trail runners, liked Hoka because they wanted a more cushioned shoe made from a new type of EVA foam. Now, they have a wide range of shoes for runners who want the feel of softness while still being light.
The Clifton 9 is a good shoe for everyday running. Even though it’s light, it offers a lot of padding. Even though it’s easy, some runners find it hard to use for speedwork. Try the Hoka Mach 5 if you like to run faster. It has dual-density cushioning and a meta-rocker sole form that helps your body return energy. Someone might like how responsive it is, but someone else might not like how hard it is than the brand’s softest models.
The most well-known models are the Hoka Clifton 9, the Hoka Bondi 8, the Hoka Mafate Speed 4, and the Hoka Mach 5. These are best for runners who want to get faster and do better.
