Best Shoes to Run and How to Find Your Perfect Pair for You

Are you looking for the best shoes to run in 2024? Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned runner, finding the right pair of running shoes can make a huge difference in your performance, comfort, and injury prevention. But with so many options and features to choose from, how do you know which ones are best for you?

In this article, we’ll help you find the best shoes to run this year based on your running style, goals, and preferences. We’ll also give you some tips on how to wear them with style, so you can look good and feel good on and off the track. Let’s get started!

How to Choose the Best Shoes to Run

Running shoes are not one-size-fits-all. Different runners have different needs and preferences when it comes to their footwear. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best shoes to run in 2024:

Your running style. 

1. Do you run mostly on roads, trails, or tracks?
2. Do you prefer short sprints or long distances?
3. Do you have a neutral, overpronating, or underpronating foot strike?

To help you narrow down the type of running shoe that suits your running style, consider these:

1. If you run mostly on roads, you’ll want a shoe that offers cushioning, stability, and durability.
2. If you run mostly on trails, you’ll want a shoe that offers traction, protection, and flexibility.
3. If you have a neutral foot strike, you’ll want a shoe that offers balanced support and cushioning.
4. If you overpronate or underpronate, you’ll want a shoe that offers motion control or guidance.

Your running goals. 

1. What are you hoping to achieve with your running?
2. Do you want to improve your speed, endurance, or overall fitness?
3. Do you want to train for a specific race or event? Do you want to have fun and enjoy the scenery?

To determine the level of performance and comfort that you need from your running shoe, consider these:

1. If you want to improve your speed, you’ll want a shoe that offers responsiveness, lightness, and energy return.
2. If you want to improve your endurance, you’ll want a shoe that offers cushioning, support, and breathability.
3. If you want to have fun and enjoy the scenery, you’ll want a shoe that offers versatility, comfort, and style.

Your personal preferences.

1. What kind of fit, feel, and look do you like in a running shoe?
2. Do you prefer a snug or a roomy fit? Do you prefer a soft or a firm feel?
3. Do you prefer a sleek or a chunky look?

Finally, you should also consider your personal preferences when choosing the best shoes to run this year. To find the running shoe that matches your taste and personality, consider these:

1. If you prefer a snug fit, you’ll want a shoe that offers a seamless upper, a sock-like collar, and a dynamic lacing system.
2. If you prefer a soft feel, you’ll want a shoe that offers a plush midsole, a padded tongue, and a cushioned insole.
3. If you prefer a sleek look, you’ll want a shoe that offers a streamlined silhouette, a minimalist design, and a neutral color.

Our Top Picks

Based on our research and reviews, here are some of the best shoes to run in 2024 that you can try:

Best Cushioned Running Shoe: Saucony Triumph 21

Known to give you next-level comfort and luxury to wear with its new PWRRUN+ midsole, which is 25% lighter and 5% softer than the previous version, and features a FORMFIT upper, which adapts to your foot shape and movement for a personalized fit. It is ideal for runners who want maximum comfort and cushioning for long runs.

Best Lightweight Running Shoe: Hoka Mach 5

It offers a fast and responsive ride with its PROFLY midsole, which combines a soft heel and a firm forefoot for a smooth transition. With a breathable mesh upper that is reinforced with KPU overlays for durability and support. Mach 5 is the perfect shoe for runners who want a lightweight and versatile shoe for speed work and tempo runs.

Best Stability Running Shoe: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

Stable and supportive shoes to wear with its GuideRails system, which gently guides your feet into proper alignment and prevents excess movement. The DNA LOFT midsole provides cushioning and shock absorption without compromising responsiveness to the wearer. The  Adrenaline GTS 23 is an ideal shoe for runners who need extra stability and guidance for overpronation.

Best Trail Running Shoe: Salomon Thundercross

This shoe offers a grippy and protective feel with its Contagrip TA outsole, which has deep lugs and a sticky rubber compound for traction on wet and muddy terrain. Featuring the SensiFit upper, which wraps your foot snugly and securely for a precise fit, Thunderscross is made for runners who want a rugged and reliable shoe for trail running.

Best Racing Running Shoe: Nike ZoomX Vaporfly 3

The  ZoomX foam midsole delivers exceptional energy return and propulsion to it’s wearer. The shoe also features a carbon fiber plate, which enhances stiffness and responsiveness. The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly 3 is ideal for runners who want a high-performance and innovative shoe for fast track running.

How to Wear Running Shoes with Style

Running shoes are not only functional, but also fashionable. You can wear them with a variety of outfits and occasions, as long as you follow some basic rules. Here are some tips on how to wear running shoes with style:

• Pair with casual clothes. Running shoes look great with casual clothes such as jeans, leggings, shorts, and sweatpants. They add a sporty vibe to your look while keeping it simple and relaxed. You can also mix and match different colors and patterns to create some contrast and interest. For example, you can pair a black running shoe with a white t-shirt and blue jeans, or a colorful running shoe with a striped top and black leggings.
• Accessorize accordingly. Running shoes can be dressed up with the right accessories. You can add some jewelry, a scarf, a hat, or a bag to your outfit to add some flair. You can also choose accessories that complement or contrast with your running shoes, depending on the look you want to achieve. For example, you can wear a necklace or earrings that match the color of your running shoes, or a scarf or hat that contrasts with them.
• Choose the right style of shoe. Running shoes come in different styles, from sleek and minimalist to bold and eye-catching. You should choose the style of shoe that suits your outfit and personality. If you want a more understated look, go for a minimalist style with a simple design and a neutral color. If you want a more statement look, go for a bold style with a colorful design and a chunky silhouette.

Running shoes are more than just a tool for running

They are also a way to express your style and personality. By choosing the best shoes to run this year based on your running style, goals, and preferences and by wearing them with style, you can enjoy the benefits of running shoes on and off the track. Whether you’re running for fun, fitness, or competition, you can find your perfect pair of running shoes and rock them with style.