I’ve always considered myself more of a cyclist than a runner. Running was something I wanted to enjoy rather than something I particularly did.
Part of the problem, it turned out, was an old football injury. A physio noticed that my posture was out of kilter and that an ankle injury I’d largely forgotten about was affecting the way I ran. It explained why putting on a pair of running shoes and heading out had never felt particularly comfortable.
Switching to neutral running shoes with custom insoles changed things considerably. Enough, in fact, that I set myself the slightly ambitious goal of running the Lisbon Half Marathon.
There was an ulterior motive. The route crosses Lisbon’s 25 de Abril Bridge, a piece of the city normally reserved for cars and the railway running beneath them. Running across it seemed reason enough to sign up. Finishing an actual half marathon would be a useful bonus.
That also gave me a reason to pay considerably more attention to running shoes.
I’ve since tried everything from heavily cushioned everyday sneakers to carbon-plated shoes designed for considerably more serious runners than me. What became obvious fairly quickly is that the best running shoe on paper isn't necessarily the best one for you. Fit, width, cushioning and what you're actually planning to do in them matter more.
So, whether you're starting with a few kilometres on the treadmill or contemplating a half marathon, I'd still recommend trying running shoes in person before buying, even if you eventually order them online.
Here are the pairs I tested, what I liked, what I didn't, and the ones I'd still buy today.
Who needs neutral pronation sneakers?
Neutral pronation - really? Yes, it’s a thing. If you have a natural gait or under pronate slightly, a neutral shoe will likely be more comfortable for you. The search for the best running shoes is no mean feat, if you’d pardon pun.
Before we head into these reviews, all products featured on THE GOODS are independently selected by either Kelcie or I. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
1. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 Review
If you’re familiar with a French car’s suspension, these Pegasus’ are the Citröen C4 of the sneaker world. If you’re not, I’m basically saying what I found is the ‘suspension’ was soft and bouncy. It’s due to the React midsole.
Really comfortable on a gentle, routine jog around the block. The colour and build of the shoe make it versatile enough to slip on for a quick stroll with the dog. Even appearing on stage at Cannes Lions. Okay, they’re not Air Max 1 suede, but good for pounding the Boulevard de la Croisette. Compared with others in the list, it did feel a tad more weighty. But for a sleek trainer for daily battering, these stand tall.
2. ASICS Gel-Nimbus Series 25 Review
ASICS’ bold colours may not be to every runners’ taste but if you’re pushing above the 10K mark, the Nimbus won’t let you down. They’re ideal for long runs. In fact the cushioning and intelligent fit is almost slipper-like. Even beyond a half-marathon.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 successfully updates a classic, prioritising comfort and eco-friendliness without losing the essence of what made its predecessors popular. Saying that, the ASICS outlet has a few Nimbus from previous seasons on offer. If you see a pair of Nimbus 24s, buy them - they’re just as good.
The whole Nimbus series are actually great to wear if you’re on an explore around your local city.
3. Brooks Ghost Max Review
Not my first choice in terms of looks. But, what the brand’s identity lacks, it more than makes up for in comfort; It offers a roomy fit with that nice cushioned insole. And let’s face it, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Although the added foam presses more weight, this road-running shoe is kind to the joints so a quick run before a leadership team meeting with your agency partners won’t be a risky option.
In fact, The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) gave the Ghost Max their Seal of Acceptance; They determined the shoes promote quality foot health.
4. HOKA Bondi 8 Review
I gravitate towards loud colours for my sneakers and the Hoka Range doesn’t disappoint. With the Bondi 8, there’s 16 colours to choose from but it's the intelligent design that got me. The shoes are available in three different widths - no more ingrowing toenails, if you know what I mean. The only trouble I found is the choice of colour diminishes if you want the wider than usual fit.
The shoe's back cushioning or ‘crash pad’ enhances its generous comfort with each heel strike. What I liked, again, is the versatility of the shoe. You can go walking, jogging, and a trip to the shops. The support and padding in the shoe also received a seal of approval from the APMA.
Out of all of the shoes I reviewed, the Bondis were the most cushioned. It’s evident a lot of care went into focusing on the cushioning without adding too much extra weight.
5. Saucony Triumph RFG Review
Saucony has revamped its Triumph shoe to be more eco-friendly. The market for eco-friendly running is set to grow as we become more conscious of our carbon footprint (if you’d pardon the pun - again, sorry). But the difference in comfort compared with the 21 model isn’t negotiated down too much.
The shoe is made of over half corn-based material, and the upper mesh is made from cotton that employs plant-derived dyes.
While the composition may be different, the shoe's purpose remains unchanged.
I found the RFG armed with sufficient cushioning and a rockered feel that can accommodate everything from casual jogs to more upbeat speeds.
For me, a very casual jogger, these are fine.
6. On Cloudboom Echo 3 Review
Sir Martin Sorrell's shoe of choice at last year’s Web Summit conference. This Swiss brand is rather swish. For me, I found them to be a shoe I’d rather keep for best occasions, though. The thought of dashing through muddy puddles and skirting over stiles in these makes me shudder. They’re just too elegant, surely?
Well, if we must dirty them up, the Cloudboom can take a bit of a pounding, although if your feet are on the wider size of things, go for the Hoka Bondi 8. These On runners come up very narrow.
But, these being their third attempt at serious running shoes, they’ve won through. This iteration features a nearly weightless microfibre upper that offers ample space at the front for those longer runs. Below that lies On's latest Helion Hyper Foam, complemented by, what I found to be a modest amount of Cloudtec cushioning and rounded off with a Speedboard carbon plate in a rockered geometry.
If a half marathon is well and truly in your sites, these should be on your list. Rather than your everyday running shoes, these Cloudbooms are ideal if speed is your top endeavour.
A real improvement on earlier versions. Still, I’d rather keep them for a gentle stroll in the city.
7. Salomon Thundercross Review
These are my honourable mention. If you’re more of a trail runner and the sound of clod and gravel underfoot is your bag, these were really great to work with. Comfortable, light weight, responsive. And a nice supportive feel. No rubbing and ample room for movement. The quick lace system is a nice touch, too.
—
If this article has inspired you to write marathon training into your schedule or improve your work-life balance, let me know. And please do feel free to share any tips you may have, too.
I’ll keep you posted on my runs.
.png)
