In my day to day, I deal with a lot of runners and one of the most common issues I help them with is sore feet and legs. I’m often asked to recommend a good pair of shoes, and so I decided to write this article, looking at the top five running shoes so far in 2017.
Finding a great pair of running shoes can be a real challenge if you don’t know what to look for. There are lots of different styles and looks, shapes and sizes, and if you believe the marketing, each one will make you faster than the last. In general, the right shoes need to be comfortable no matter how far you run, they need to give your feet enough room to breathe, and they need to have the right grip for your running surface.
Let’s look at some of the things you should consider when buying a pair of running shoes. First off, it goes without saying that running in anything other than shoes specifically developed for running is a very bad idea. Running puts a tremendous amount of force on your feet and legs; if you don’t prepare yourself well, you risk injury. The best strategy you can employ is building a strong body, using good form, and wearing the right shoes.
Go to a store that specializes in running; they will be able to advise you on the best products for your specific needs. Be sure to ask them about pronation, the degree to which your foot rotates toward the inside of the shoe when you’re out running. You need to find a shoe that compensates well. Also ask about drop, and how cushioning should be distributed. Basically, if you’re a forefoot runner, meaning you land on the ball of your foot rather than the heel, then you probably don’t need much cushioning in the back, and vice-versa. Also consider fit; your feet swell when you run and the right shoe should have at least a thumbnail of space around the toes to accommodate that.
Okay. Let’s get to it. According to runrepeat.com which indexes reviews of over 65,000 runners, here are the top 5 shoes so far in 2017:
- ASICS DynaFlyte
Pros:
Lightweight cushioning system
Bounce-back foams give “new shoe feel” on every run
Cons:
Expensive
- Brooks Ghost 9
Pros:
Great arch support
Durable and long lasting
Cons:
Not the best bet for wider feet
- Mizuno Wave Sayonara 4
Pros:
Impact absorbing heel system
Breathable uppers
Durable, carbon rubber sole
Cons:
Expensive
- Nike Air Zoom Structure 19
Pros:
Unique sock-like fit
Extremely lightweight
Breathable uppers
Cons:
Expensive
- Saucony Ride 9
Pros:
Great shock absorption
Durable and flexible outsole
Cons:
Expensive
In summary, nothing is more important than your comfort, and the ability of your shoes to provide protection. Your best weapon is information. By all means, try on and test the shoes above, but also take the time to go to several specialty stores, and don’t think twice about getting a second opinion. If the shoe you try on doesn’t feel great right away, move on and find another. Don’t be tempted too much by style, and as much as possible, don’t focus on price. Happy running!
