Rating of the best running shoes 2020

If you plan to regularly jog in parks or on city streets, then you need to choose the right running shoes for asphalt running, which will help soften the impact load and minimize the possibility of various types of injuries.

Before choosing specific models, let's decide what you should pay attention to:

Depreciation

As mentioned above, when running on asphalt, a cyclic shock load occurs, which can lead to joint injuries, so you need to soften it, this is especially important for beginner runners, who, as a rule, have poor technique.

When making the sole of sneakers, manufacturers use various shock-absorbing inserts: gel, urethane cushions with injected gas, foam material. The amount of cushioning you choose depends on the pace at which you plan to run and the weight of the runner. For beginners with slow to moderate running speeds and/or overweight athletes, it is recommended to choose the maximum cushioning .

Advice! Change your shoes after 700-1000 km. Despite the fact that the sneakers may remain externally in perfect condition, it is not recommended to run in them on asphalt due to the loss of shock-absorbing properties! This doesn't mean it's time to throw them away; the sneakers can be used for running in the gym or on rough terrain or for hiking.

Pronation

Each person has their own physiological characteristics and feet are no exception. There are 3 types of pronation: insufficient (hypopronation), neutral and excessive (overpronation). You can determine your type by wetting your foot, leaving a mark on a piece of paper and comparing it with the picture above. There are also specialized tests that are carried out in some stores. Choose running shoes for your type of pronation!

Popular question: is it possible to run with flat feet? Now you definitely know the answer!

Size

Sneakers should not be too close or too small! When jogging, especially long runs, the feet may swell and, accordingly, their size increases, which can lead to chafing, calluses and bruises under the nail plates.

Determining your size is quite simple: trace your foot with a pencil on a piece of paper and then measure the maximum distance from your heel to your toes. Compare the resulting value in centimeters with the size chart on the seller’s website.

Don't be afraid of online stores! If you order running shoes online, be sure to read reviews from real customers first, as some models may run small/large. Buy only where returns or exchanges are provided. In such stores you can order several sizes, and after trying them on, return those that don’t fit!

Seasonality

There are various models for summer (with improved ventilation), winter (with non-slip soles and waterproof Gore-tex fabric). There are also versatile running shoes that are suitable for year-round jogging.

We have collected the top 10 models from popular brands of the best running shoes for asphalt running, which are suitable for both men and women with different levels of training and for different types of training.

ASICS GEL-CONTEND 6

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Cushioning: Gel heel units and Amplifoam foam
Pronation: neutral
Sole height difference: 10 mm
Seasonality: year-round
Purpose: for beginner runners at distances up to 10 km
Weight: 291 g (men's), 230 g (women's)

A budget sneaker with neutral pronation and good cushioning. The size corresponds to the declared one. Ideal for beginner runners on asphalt and in the gym for short distances up to 10 km. Large selection of colors for both women's and men's models.

The Best Men's Running Shoes

ASICS GEL FujiTrabuco 8

The ASICS GEL FujiTrabuco 8 trail running shoe for men is designed for everyday use in the most extreme conditions. The difference between the toe and heel is 7–8 mm. Duomax technology in the midsole prevents excessive foot roll during running. The shock-absorbing system is based on silicone and softens the force of impact. A special protective platform prevents bruises from stones on off-road terrain. The upper is breathable and the midfoot overlay keeps your foot stable.

Pros:

durable “off-road” shoes;
many protective technologies;
reinforced midsole system;
The thicker tread pattern provides increased traction on slippery or loose surfaces.

Minuses: -

Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2

The main feature of these sneakers is the greatest energy return of any Nike brand running model that has ever existed. The upper is lightweight, made of mesh and synthetic material. Comfort is provided by a partial internal insert from the toe to the middle of the foot in combination with a classic shape from the middle of the shoe to the heel.

The outsole is made of high-quality rubber that absorbs shock and provides traction. The heel area is beveled for smooth movement and a soft landing of the foot.

Pros:

Loose upper and comfortable in the Achilles tendon area;
high air permeability;
minimum weight and maximum stability;
Responsive, comfortable cushioning.

Minuses:

narrow platform.

Reebok Print Run 2

Made of seamless textile with polymer coating. The lightweight mesh upper is highly breathable. Transverse polymer inserts provide strong support and prevent the mesh material from wearing out too quickly. The inner layer of the sole is made of carbonized foam and follows the contour of the foot.

The difference between the toe and heel is comfortable - 10 cm. Suitable for non-professionals and beginner athletes. The outsole is made from independent elements for improved flexibility and shock absorption. The gel insole with antimicrobial treatment creates a comfortable feeling during training.

Pros:

Double-density frame around the perimeter for stability;
Carbon rubber heel inserts for improved durability;
sole structure with independent parts for flexibility.

Minuses:

Pebbles constantly accumulate in the sole due to the special structure of its surface.

New Balance 860v8

The New Balance 860v8 provides a comfortable running experience. The upper is made of breathable material. Non-woven appliqués enhance hold and support. T-beam technology prevents twisting, additionally protects the feet, and increases the service life of shoes. The innovative TRUFUSE shock absorption system combines 2 technologies: ACTEVA and ABZORB®. Thanks to this combination, the brand’s specialists managed to find the ideal balance between stability and shock absorption.

Pros:

strong and durable;
stable fixation;
streamlined silhouette;
beautiful decoration.

Minuses:

The upper is too ventilated for winter running.

Salomon XA ELEVATE

Designed for training in high mountains. They perform well on difficult surfaces. The stable Premium Wet-Traction Contagrip sole with an 8mm drop “clings” to any surface, dry or wet, good or bad. A special zone around the toe enhances contact with the path during climbs up the slopes.

Energy Cell+ midsole material delivers maximum energy return as you run or walk. Profeel film technology protects the foot from injury while hiking on rocky terrain.

Pros:

cope with all running surfaces;
Sensifit design creates a stable and precise fit;
additional protection from sharp stones prevents injury;
special lacing is tightened in one movement;
Lightweight chassis between the outsole and midsole improves safety performance.

Minuses:

Not suitable for those with wide feet.

Columbia FIRECAMP MESH II

Universal sports low shoes that can be used for daily jogging and hiking, as well as for various types of outdoor recreation. The model is designed for spring and summer. The upper is not only well ventilated, but also provides excellent support for the foot. The Techlite layer serves as shock absorption and support. The Omni-Grip® bottom outsole is made from rubber that provides excellent grip. The top of the low shoes is made of dense fabric mesh.

Pros:

increased comfort through the use of modern technologies;
good ratio of inexpensive price and decent quality;
wear-resistant upper material;
comfortable microclimate inside the shoes;
laconic design.

Minus:

not suitable for winter and wet weather in autumn.

ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 22

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Cushioning: ForefootGel inserts
Pronation: neutral
Sole height difference: 10 mm
Seasonality: demi-season
Purpose: for long distance running
Weight: 288 g (men's), 225 g (women's)

Premium model, great for long and medium distance running on asphalt for daily training and competitions. Good foot support, cushioning and ventilation make running comfortable.

Sneakers tailored to the surface of use

Everything is very simple here:

— if you are going to train on rough terrain and participate in trail competitions, then you will definitely need sneakers with a pronounced tread on the sole and with good protection from mechanical damage to the feet. These sneakers are called “for trail”.

Sneakers for rough terrain in Kant stores

— if your main area of interest is smooth running, competitions or training on asphalt, then you need to choose sneakers with minimal tread on the sole, light, open, with ventilation.

Sneakers for asphalt in Kant stores

Mizuno WAVE SKY 3

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Cushioning: U4icX polymer base
Pronation: neutral
Sole height difference: 10 mm
Seasonality: year-round
Purpose: for high-speed work
Weight: 320 g (men's), 263 g (women's)

This model has excellent cushioning properties, ideal for heel-strike runners with neutral foot pronation. The sneakers have a good anatomical premium insole and an excellent ventilation system. Suitable for both experienced runners and beginners.

Choosing sneakers for asphalt depending on the purpose

When choosing running shoes, ask yourself “what do I need them for?” Perhaps someone will be surprised by this formulation of the question - the answer is clear - for running on asphalt. However, the specific purpose of the sneakers plays an important role.

The purpose of asphalt sneakers can be divided into four conditional types:

designed for beginners and low-intensity workouts;
designed for experienced runners and regular training;
intended for participants in marathons and competitions;
designed for athletes from other areas involved in running to maintain exercise and fitness.

Asphalt sneakers for beginners

A very large number of people who decide to start running are stopped by the first injuries and difficulties, after which they quit this activity. However, there are also more persistent beginners. As a rule, they study on their own, run slowly and do not have good technique. Beginners take a lot of extra uneven steps, thereby increasing the load on unprepared legs. And if a person is overweight, the load increases even more.

When choosing asphalt running shoes, beginning runners need to consider:

Pronation of the foot. You need to determine the degree of pronation of your feet and choose the appropriate category of shoes.
Depreciation. Sneakers with high shock-absorbing properties absorb shock, soften the landing, and support the ligaments and joints of the legs.
Drop height . Sneakers with a drop of at least 8 mm will provide a soft roll of the foot and reduce stress on the calf muscles.

Asphalt running shoes for experienced runners

A small number of beginner runners overcome the first obstacles and become experienced. These athletes perform regular training of varying degrees of intensity and duration. Collectively, they run at least 60 km a week, have trained muscles, and also have well-prepared ligaments and joints in their legs.

Experienced runners consciously engage in running, have a good amount of knowledge about running technique, training rules and, of course, about choosing running equipment. They usually have several pairs of running shoes.

When choosing asphalt running shoes for long, regular workouts, runners need to consider:

How long do sneakers retain their shock-absorbing properties?
High ventilation properties of shoes.
Light weight of shoes (average 300 grams).
Sneakers for strength or speed training are selected based on other parameters:
The light weight of the shoes is important - on average 250 grams.
Excellent grip of the sole on any surface, even slippery, which can be achieved by choosing shoes with a high density sole.
Thin sole allows you to run faster.

Asphalt running shoes for marathon runners

Running shoes for runners participating in marathons and competitions are evaluated according to completely different criteria. The body of such athletes is well prepared: the muscles and ligaments are trained, the running technique is established. The main goal of the runner in this case is to show the best results in the race, so the equipment should help him run as quickly as possible.

Thus, you need to pay attention to:

Flexibility of the sole. The sole of the sneakers should have low torsional rigidity, thanks to which the athlete will be able to work more actively with the foot and run faster.
Moisture removal. The shoe material should effectively wick away excess moisture, which contributes to running comfort. In this case, sneakers with a large mesh will help.
Drop. Sneakers should have an average drop of about 5 mm, which will ensure a comfortable placement of the foot on the forefoot.
Weight. Sneakers for competitions must be light in weight - no more than 240 grams. Low weight is achieved by reducing the shock-absorbing qualities of the shoes, because... the presence of high-quality shock absorption helps to reduce running speed, which is unacceptable for competitions. Since a marathon athlete is usually well prepared, he does not need additional muscle protection.

Asphalt sneakers for other athletes

In addition to novice runners, amateurs and professionals, representatives of other sports practice running. Running is a good cardio workout for increasing endurance, staying in shape and achieving results in your sport.

Most often, runners have less mass compared to other athletes. This means that the latter should be guided by body weight when choosing suitable shoes for themselves. Also, do not forget that professionals from other areas do not have a proven running technique, which also needs to be taken into account.

Athletes from other areas of sport need to pay attention to:

Wear resistance of the sole. Unstable running technique in combination with heavy weight must be offset by the quality of the sole of the shoe, which is why athletes need to give preference to shoes with wear-resistant soles.
Depreciation. Good cushioning in running shoes can absorb shock and reduce stress on the ligaments.
Fixation. The heel should be well secured by the sneaker. This will ensure your foot lands straight and stable.

Nike Air Zoom Vomero 14

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Cushioning: Full-length Zoom Air unit and Nike React cushioning
Pronation: neutral
Sole height difference: 10 mm
Seasonality: year-round
Purpose: for long and medium distance running
Weight: 306 g (men's size 10)

The model has excellent shock absorption and provides foot support and smooth movement. The upper is made of breathable mesh material that allows your feet to breathe even during intense runs.

The Best Women's Running Shoes

ASICS Gel-Kayano 25

ASICS Gel-Kayano 25 are training shoes. Designed for jogging on asphalt. A pair of women's shoes weighs 278 g. The drop from heel to toe is 13 mm. Designed for people with overpronation.

This model is made according to the classic canons of the brand. It looks more massive than standard running options. The heel cup is durable and will withstand long-term loads. Other reimagined old-school attributes are also present: thick laces, a lush insole and a sleek design.

Pros:

more space is allocated for the foot and toe;
softened heel on the inside and reliable ankle protection on the outside;
the insoles are very soft, their properties are similar to plush;
internal soft textiles with high-strength properties;
good ventilation due to a two-layer jacquard mesh on the outside;
2 types of foam on the sole for a hard push-off and soft landing.

Minuses: -

Nike Zoom Rival S 9

The Nike Zoom Rival S 9 training spikes are designed for comfortable cross-country running on snow-covered paths and snow-covered streets. The upper is made of breathable spacer mesh. The toe has laser perforations. It improves flexibility and provides additional ventilation.

The insole is soft, made of EVA foam. It completely follows the anatomical shape of the foot and creates comfort during running activities. The rigid Pebax® outsole and 7 studded lugs provide reliable traction on slippery surfaces. The spikes are not placed on the entire sole, but only up to the arch of the foot. This provides stability to the midsole.

Pros:

high stability;
breathable materials;
ergonomic insole shape;
increased flexibility due to perforation.

Minuses:

designed for short distances of 400–600 meters.

Salomon SPEEDCROSS VARIO W

The SPEEDCROSS VARIO W model from the French brand Salomon is distinguished by a clear fit on the foot. Designed not only for sports, but also for active recreation and tourism. The sole is made of high quality polyurethane. It features an aggressive Contagrip® tread that provides durable traction on any surface. The nose part is equipped with a special leather element. It gives strength to the sock and softens the pain on impact. The intermediate platform is made of EVA foam.

Pros:

Sensifit technology that securely fixes the foot;
light weight and orthopedic insoles;
textile "breathable" mesh upper;
special lacing system with a lock and a pocket for laces.

Minuses:

There are many fakes on the market.

Under Armor UA W HOVR Phantom NC

Designed for beginner athletes. They belong to the training type. The original futuristic design is combined with the use of modern technologies. The fit is comfortable, compressive, provides foot stabilization and creates comfort when jogging at distances of different lengths.

HOVR® technology creates a feeling of weightlessness during exercise. In addition, shoes using this technology are a third more durable than analogues, capable of operating from 1000 to 1200 km without loss of shock-absorbing properties.

Pros:

Dow Chemical foam softens the impact of landing;
innovative material Energy Web provides energy return and preserves the athlete’s strength;
breathable knitwear and polymer material guarantee high-quality ventilation.

Minuses:

non-budget price.

PUMA IGNITE

The Puma Ignite collection was released in 2020. Designed for running up to 10 km and other active sports. For the first time, sneakers from this line were tested by the fastest athlete on the planet, Usain Bolt. He appreciated their ability to maintain strength during warm-ups.

The sole is made of innovative foam material ForEverFoam. It is soft, flexible, works like a spring and is gentle on the foot while jogging. Due to this, the shoes instantly react to changes in trajectory, but at the same time maintain stability. The IGNITE Flash evoKNIT Wn's model is especially popular. It was released in 2018. It features a monochrome design, offset lacing, and a modern lightweight evoKNIT woven upper.

Pros:

suitable for professional use;
springs well from the surface;
super light and super durable textile material in the upper part;
additional support due to new generation foam;
modern and fashionable design.

Minuses:

Not suitable for winter jogging.

Reebok REEBOK PRINT RUN NEXT

Flexible, durable sneakers with a 6mm heel-to-toe drop. They are designed for everyday use, sports and recreation. The midsole is responsible for shock absorption. It is made from soft foam. The upper part is made using Flexweave weave technology. Its essence is a weave of threads in the shape of the number 8. The CRTek carbon rubber frame is wear-resistant, lightweight, and provides strong grip on the road.

Pros:

light weight;
especially strong weave of the upper fabric;
versatility of use;
adapt to the movement of the foot and absorb well.

Minuses:

The height difference is not entirely comfortable for beginner runners.

ASICS GT-2000 8

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Cushioning: Lightweight FLYTEFOAM midsole
Pronation: overpronation
Sole height difference: 10 mm
Seasonality: year-round
Purpose: intended for light running
Weight: 303 g (men's size 9)

A versatile model for runners who overpronate. Secure heel lock and excellent arch support, cushioning and ventilation. Suitable for both beginners and advanced runners. Many people note that after trying on these sneakers, “you immediately want to run.”

Running shoes are always a little big

Size matters more than ever. Take a size up. There should be at least 5–10 mm of free space in the sock so that you can move your toes at any time. After all, during running, due to the flow of blood, the foot flattens slightly and increases in size. And the shoes, suddenly becoming tight, begin to rub and knock down the nails.

Convenience is more important! Try on several pairs. Which one is more comfortable to stand, walk, run in? Assess the fit of the last and upper to the shape of the foot, the tightness of fixation

Mizuno WAVE RIDER 23

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Cushioning: U4ICX midsole and U4IC foam
Pronation: neutral
Sole height difference: 10 mm
Seasonality: year-round
Purpose: daily training
Weight: 272 g (men's), 235 g (women's)

Multifunctional model suitable for running on asphalt and hard ground. The sneakers are very light and soft, making jogging especially comfortable and suitable for wide feet. Thanks to a special insert with CLOUDWAVE technology located in the middle part of the sneaker, shock absorption when contacting asphalt is excellent.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36

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Cushioning: Adaptive Zoom Air cushioning
Pronation: neutral
Sole height difference: 10 mm
Seasonality: year-round
Purpose: speed training
Weight: 252 g (men's), 226 g (women's)

A lightweight, versatile model that is suitable for all types of training and competition for athletes with neutral foot pronation. Superior support and breathability keep you comfortable on your runs, while responsive Zoom Air cushioning keeps you safe.

Sports walking shoes

Sneakers are no longer just sports paraphernalia. And new fashion trends have made these shoes a trend.

Now girls don’t have to wear sweatpants to wear sneakers, because they can be combined with a skirt or a dress.

However, if you are constantly on the move and need good support, then it would be good to opt for walking shoes, because they have a number of advantages:

Their design and construction are designed for serious loads;
They are anatomically suitable for the feet;
If desired, you can choose a pair based on how the position of the foot will change during movement.

Hoka One One ARAHI 4

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Cushioning: Meta Rocker technology
Pronation: overpronation
Sole height difference: 5 mm
Seasonality: year-round
Purpose: for long distances
Weight: 261 g (men's size 9)

Stabilizing and very light long-distance running shoe on asphalt, ideal for marathons and ultramarathons for runners who overpronate. Excellent quality breathable mesh provides good ventilation and comfort during these runs.

Characteristics of sneakers for asphalt

Running on a hard surface differs from running on a soft surface in that when a runner steps on a hard surface, it increases the impact load on the knees and feet.

The goal of shoes is to minimize these features of running on hard surfaces, so sneakers must have:

high shock-absorbing properties;
wear-resistant sole and low tread;
high flexibility of the sole.

Shock absorption properties

In order to soften the shock load, sports shoes must first of all have high shock-absorbing properties. These properties are ensured by the manufacturing technology of the sneakers: the sole of the shoe consists of several layers of foam of different densities, due to which the impact force is reduced during running and the landing of the foot is softened.

Manufacturers of professional sports running shoes are constantly improving their cushioning technologies, trying to overtake the competition. This “arms race” has already yielded positive results - modern running shoes have not only become lighter and more comfortable, they ensure safe running and even store energy.

Some manufacturers use the latest developments in the chemical industry, others are experimenting with design solutions.

Below we will look at the technologies of the most popular running shoe manufacturers:

Asics has developed Asics Ge technology to produce almost all of its running shoes. This technology is the use of a certain type of silicone, distributed in the sole of the shoe in such a way that it takes the brunt of the impact load. The result is a high-quality shock-absorbing system.
Adidas uses Boos technology, which is currently considered the most innovative. The shoe sole material consists of special granules, which, when pressed on them, turn into many energy-saving capsules. The result is a midsole that maximizes shock absorption and returns energy to the runner.

Mizuno has developed Wave technology, the operating principle of which speaks for itself. The shape of the sole is designed in the form of a wave and its main task is to distribute the impact load evenly across the entire sole. Thus, Wave technology provides a comfortable heel-to-toe transition.
On uses unique Cloud-Tec technology and is the only running shoe with longitudinal cushioning. The soles of their sneakers use air cells to cushion shock where it's needed in the foot.

Wear resistance and tread height

The wear resistance of the sole is no less important quality of running shoes than shock absorption. The hard surface of asphalt is merciless to the high tread and parts of the sole that are most in contact with the ground.

Comparing asphalt sneakers with their counterparts for training in the gym, you can see that the latter have a sole that does not have special elements that protect against asphalt abrasive. If you actively train outdoors in such sneakers, the sole will instantly wear off and the shoes will become unusable.

If you train outside in sneakers with a high tread, then after a few months the tread will wear off unevenly in those parts of the sole where the main load falls. As a result of this deformation of the sole, the runner's feet land unevenly on the surface, which can lead to injury.

When running on hard surfaces, and especially if it is wet, good traction from your shoes to the ground is extremely important. That is why asphalt sneakers are made with low tread, and high-strength rubber is used for the sole.

Outsole flexibility

The smooth asphalt surface allows the foot to land firmly on the ground and requires the shoe to be torsionally rigid. However, good flexibility of the sole allows the runner to work more actively with the foot and, as a result, run faster. This is why professional runners choose running shoes with low torsional rigidity - they simply work more efficiently.

In addition to the properties listed above, it is necessary to take into account other important characteristics of sports shoes, such as seasonality, weather conditions, and the physiological characteristics of the individual runner. Only a comprehensive analysis of all the properties of running shoes will allow you to make the right choice.

ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 21

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Cushioning: GEL technology in front and rear
Pronation: neutral
Sole height difference: 10 mm
Seasonality: year-round
Purpose: daily training
Weight: 289 g (men's), 235 g (women's)

A versatile model with excellent cushioning and neutral pronation for various types of runs: long and short, slow and fast. Ideal sneakers for running on asphalt and in the gym for every day. Gel technology offers superior shock absorption and breathable mesh for a comfortable ride.

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 26

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Cushioning: FlyteFoam Propel shock-absorbing foam
Pronation: overpronation
Sole height difference: 10 mm
Seasonality: year-round
Purpose: for long distance running
Weight: 274 g (men's), 226 g (women's)

This is the top Asics model for running on asphalt, which is already 26 years old. The maximum amount of technology in the field of stabilization and shock absorption is used here, so the sneakers are ideal for running over long distances, both fast and slow. Although KAYANO is marketed for overpronators, it is also suitable for runners with neutral pronation.

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