Amateur and Pro Runners Share Their Favourite Running Shoes
Avid Runners Share Their Go-To Performance Sneakers You Can Buy Right Now
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Every runner has their favourite pair of sneakers to get the job done, whether they're practicing sprints on a local track, doing long-distance road miles, or tackling a treadmill HIIT workout. Ahead, we've asked POPSUGAR editors who also happen to be avid runners, as well as two professionals from this summer's Tokyo Paralympic Games, for their go-to kicks to stride in. Take a look! (Note: neither of the pros is sponsored by a footwear company.)
Saucony Endorphin Speed 2
"I've been running in the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 ($160) for the last six months, which I bought because pro runner and Olympian Molly Seidel has worn them in the past, and I'm forever inspired by her story," POPSUGAR Fashion Senior Editor Sarah Wasilak said. "I like them best for road running and racking up the miles, though they're great on the tread for a quick HIIT or interval training, too."
Saucony Kinvara 12
Beau Brink, POPSUGAR senior SEO manager, said his Saucony Kinvara 12s ($110) carried him throughout training for — and during — the 2014 Chicago Marathon "as a formerly nonrunner." Brink added, "I put them through a lot, and they hold up. My main concern at the time was avoiding injury to my feet, and the Kinvaras kept my feet healthy and injury-free."
Brooks Ghost 13
Brink also said he started using Brooks Ghost 13 ($130) a while after the Chicago Marathon for shorter-distance running. "They're the most comfortable running shoes I've ever had — they feel like clouds!" he shared. "They're also super versatile; I can use them for running, and then move straight into lifting in them because they're light and flexible enough that I can really feel their connection to the ground when I'm working on lifting form."
Hoka Clifton 8
Three-time Paralympic medalist Deja Young-Craddock is a fan of the Hoka Clifton 8 ($130) sneakers. She told POPSUGAR that she used to need to replace her sneakers every three weeks, but not after she started wearing this specific pair last year. "They gave me more support; they didn't wear down," she said. "They had a crazy amount of mileage on them before I had to get rid of them, so really those are the best shoes. I use them for my high-volume workouts."
Jenny Sugar, POPSUGAR Fitness staff writer, likes her Hoka Clifton 8 ($130) sneakers as well but in a different colorway. She uses them for road running and incline walking on the treadmill and noted that she doesn't get plantar fasciitis, which is something she's experienced in the past. Sugar also mentioned that they're good for her knees during long distances of up to 10 miles.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
Perri Konecky, POPSUGAR senior editor of trending and viral features, likes her Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 ($120) sneakers because of the comfort they bring (they're cushioned for running). "I wear them on the treadmill and for long walks and jogs outdoors," she said. "They're a tiny bit wider than typical Nike shoes, so my toes don't feel as constrained, but they are breathable enough to nurture each of my strides."
Brooks Hyperion Tempo
Maggie Ryan, one of POPSUGAR's assistant fitness editors, described her feet as "picky, but they love Brooks running shoes [for] the support, the bounciness, the comfort." She added, "The Brooks Hyperion Tempo ($150) makes me feel light and speedy while giving my high arches plenty of support."
Asics Gel-Nimbus 23 Lite-Show
Two-time Paralympian and three-time Paralympic bronze medalist Kym Crosby told POPSUGAR she's worn her Asics Gel-Nimbus 23 Lite-Show ($150) sneakers for seven years so far. She's been competing as a runner for twice that amount of time, and she said she has tested many brands of shoes but landed on this pair.
"I have a narrow foot, and Asics tend to run more on the narrow side," Crosby noted. "They don't break down as fast as other brands do. And most importantly, they provide a lot of comfort and stability." She also said the shoes are suited for various types of terrain such as grass, trails, and the track.
