The Athletic Sneakers That Experienced Runners Swear By
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Everyone has their favorite pair of running 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, it's natural to gravitate towards a shoe catered to your specific needs and the demands of your workout. That said, since there are a lot of options out there, picking one can be daunting.
Overall, when looking for a running sneaker, it's important to "recognize what is comfortable to you, the runner," Darcy Berard, general manager of The Running Room USA, previously told POPSUGAR. Then, think about what your usual (or ideal) runs will look like. For example, for trail runs, you'll want a more aggressive outsole to protect you from slipping on any wet areas and grip onto any rocks that you may come across, Mirna Valerio, ultrarunner and Merrell athlete, previously told POPSUGAR. For a treadmill run at the gym, steer toward a pair of sneakers that will give you sturdy arch support and enough cushion.
To help you better understand what types of running shoes others use, ahead, we've asked POPSUGAR editors who also happen to be avid runners, as well as a few professionals (including athletes from the Tokyo Paralympic Games and Adriene Mishler, aka Yoga With Adriene) for their go-to kicks to stride in. Take a look!
- Additional reporting by Angelica Wilson
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Adizero X Allbirds 2.94 KG CO2E
Mishler, runner and creator of the Yoga With Adriene YouTube channel, tells POPSUGAR that the Adizero X Allbirds 2.94 KG CO2E ($120) from Adidas are her go-to travel running sneaker. "I love that this is a legit running shoe that's light and easy to pack," she says. She's so passionate about the shoe that she joined the campaign for this Adidas x Allbirds collaborative sneaker launch.
"I really appreciate the supportive heel strike on these sneakers," adds POPSUGAR associate fitness editor and yoga instructor Angelica Wilson. "I can jog on the treadmill or run to the train without a problem." The cherry on top? The upper of this shoe is made with 77 percent recycled polyester and 23 percent lyocell made from sustainably grown wood.
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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 says. "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."
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Saucony Kinvara 12
Beau Brink, POPSUGAR senior SEO manager, says his Saucony Kinvara 12s ($110) carried him throughout training for — and during — the 2014 Chicago Marathon "as a formerly nonrunner." Brink adds, "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."
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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 says. "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."
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Hoka Clifton 8
Three-time Paralympic medalist Deja Young-Craddock is a fan of the Hoka Clifton 8 ($130) sneakers. She tells 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 says. "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. 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 mentions that they're good for her knees during long distances of up to 10 miles.
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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 says. "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."
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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 adds, "The Brooks Hyperion Tempo ($150) makes me feel light and speedy while giving my high arches plenty of support."
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Asics Gel-Nimbus 23 Lite-Show
Two-time Paralympian and three-time Paralympic bronze medalist Kym Crosby tells 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 says 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 notes. "They don't break down as fast as other brands do. And most importantly, they provide a lot of comfort and stability." She also says the shoes are suited for various types of terrain such as grass, trails, and the track.
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