▷ Buy running shoes | RUNNER'S WORLD

Anyone who starts running cannot avoid one question: which jogging shoe is right for me? First things first: There is no perfect running shoe that is suitable for all runners. This means that there is only one running shoe that is right for you - and in order to find one, you should first know your initial requirements. There are also different types of running shoes, which we will introduce to you below.

What should I look out for when buying a running shoe?

size and fit

So that you feel comfortable in your jogging shoe, it should of course fit well. In the midfoot area, the shoe should fit snugly on the foot, but not constrict. It is important that you have enough space in front – the famous thumb width is a good guideline. Most runners wear at least half a size larger in their running shoes than they do in their street shoes. This is useful to avoid "knocking" with your toes while walking through the forward movement.

The Achilles tendon attaches in the heel area. Therefore, there are now special, softly padded heel constructions from various manufacturers. Basically, nothing should press on the heel. Your toes are at the front of the shoe. Here it can be worthwhile to compare the shapes of the so-called toe box - this is the front part of the shoe in which the toes stand. There are different foot shapes and depending on how your toes are positioned, a wider toe box can suit your foot anatomy particularly well.

demolition

In the running shoe context, the so-called blasting is often mentioned. This describes the difference in height of the shoe between the forefoot and rearfoot area. For example, if a shoe has a drop of 8 millimeters, this means that the heel is 8 millimeters higher in the shoe than the toes.

Click here for our running shoe lexicon - many technical terms simply explained

Cushioning and sole technologies

The cushioning reduces the impact forces when running and thus protects the joints. The manufacturers achieve this primarily through the various technologies that are in the sole of the running shoe.

Here are the best cushioning shoes

tempo

How fast are you running? Whether you run a shoe in training or competition can make a difference. Basically, the faster you run, the "less shoe" you probably need on your foot, i.e. fewer layers of material or supporting elements, and therefore usually less weight.

Here are the best competition shoes

Weight

Not only the weight of the shoe plays a role, but also your own. If you're a heavier runner, you'll probably benefit from a well-cushioned shoe - especially if you run a lot on pavement. A well-cushioned shoe can also make sense for lighter runners, especially over longer distances.

running surface

Where are you actually running? If you mainly walk on asphalt, your shoe does not need a great tread depth. Then you should pay more attention to damping. If you also like running laps on unpaved paths and trails, jogging shoes with a higher profile are an option.

Click here for the best trail shoes

rolling behavior

When running, there are different ways in which you can land your foot on the ground after the short flight phase: heel first (then you are a heel runner), with the front area of ​​the foot first (then you are a forefoot runner) or more with the middle area (then you belong to the midfoot runners). In addition, different movement patterns of the foot to the sides can be observed. Some runners seem to bend outwards when they touch down (this is called supination), while others bend inwards – this is called overpronation.

What types of shoes are there - and for whom are they suitable?

Neutral cushioning shoes with normal rolling behavior

If you roll your foot neutrally, i.e. without buckling, you should use neutral shoes. With a lot of cushioning, this shoe guarantees a largely undisturbed rolling process, which does not disturb the natural movement. Therefore, neutral shoes are often also called cushioning shoes.

Editor's recommendations include:

Brooks Glycerin 19: Men's model or women's model

Asics Gel-Nimbus 23: men's model or women's model

New Balance 1080 v11: men's model or women's model

More cushioning shoes in the RUNNER'S WORLD test

Stable shoes give the foot support when walking

A stable shoe is suitable for joggers with weak to moderate overpronation. A pronation support on the inner edge of the shoe reduces excessive inward bending of the foot. The name of the motion control shoe says it all: This shoe influences the movement of the foot during the rolling process. This is usually only necessary in the case of foot malpositions or if the arch of the foot is too weak and sunken. Injuries caused by severe overpronation can be prevented in this way.

Editor's recommendations include:

Asics Gel-Kayano 27: men's model or women's model

Saucony Guide 14: Male Model or Female Model

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21: male model or female model

More stable shoes in the RUNNER'S WORLD test

Trail shoes for jogging over hill and dale

Trail shoes were specially developed for off-road use. Because running off-road confronts the shoe with different demands than is the case when running on asphalt. The upper material is therefore more robust, sometimes even equipped with a waterproof membrane; a reinforced toe cap protects the feet; the sole profile is mostly equipped with non-slip nubs to ensure grip and propulsion.

Editor's recommendations include:

Altra Timp 3: male model or female model

Salomon Sense Ride 4: male model or female model

Asics Trabuco Max: male model or female model

more trail shoes in the RUNNER'S WORLD test

Light shoes for training and competition

If speed is required when jogging, the lightweight trainer is the tool of choice. This is suitable for fast jogging, speed training (on the track) or for competitions over five kilometers up to a marathon. Light running shoes are characterized by a low weight (usually less than 300 grams), a direct and flexible running feeling and less pronounced cushioning.

Editor's recommendations include:

Saucony Kinvara 12: male model or female model

Asics Novablast 2: male model or female model

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2: male model or female model

More lightweight running shoes in the RUNNER'S WORLD test

Running on the podium in competition shoes

In contrast to the lightweight trainer, the competition shoe is even lighter, more flexible and hardly cushioned. Advanced runners with well-developed foot and leg muscles can use the competition shoe in a similar way to the lightweight trainer: for fast runs, track training and competitions. For the racing car under the running shoes, the same applies as for the automobile: only those who master the vehicle should do their laps in it.

Editor's recommendations include:

Adidas Adizero Adios 6: women's model

Nike Zoom X Vaporfly Next% 2: men's model or women's model

Saucony Endorphine Pro 2: male model or female model

More competition shoes in the RUNNER'S WORLD test

Almost like without shoes: minimal and barefoot shoes

The purpose of minimal and barefoot shoes is to get as close as possible to natural walking – like walking barefoot. This can have a positive training effect on the foot muscles. Such shoes are characterized in particular by their flat design in connection with little or no drop and minimal or no cushioning.

Editor's recommendations include:

Joe Nimble NimbleToes Addict: male model or female model

Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III: male model or female model

Merrell Bare Access XTR: men's model or women's model

More barefoot and minimal shoes in the RUNNER'S WORLD test

Our tips to avoid mistakes when buying running shoes

Last but not least, we would like to give you a few tips so that you don't make any mistakes when choosing a new running shoe.

Don't rely on size

Even if you actually know your shoe size: better not rely on it. This means that you should always try on your running shoes. Depending on the manufacturer and model, the shoes can be very different.

Don't go too far on the outside

Of course, a running shoe should also look good. But if it doesn't match your running style at all, you won't win anything. Therefore, the following applies: Choose a shoe that also appeals to you in terms of fashion – but not only! First and foremost is the functional aspect and that the shoe supports you well during training and in competitions.

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