The Running Shoe List: Volume 1

So there are, what, a bajillion different styles, brands, and stated functions of running shoes out there. It is really (*really*) hard to decipher between what are the nice-to-haves vs the need-to-haves.

I have put together a list of some of the best current shoes out there - including highest ranked ones from trade magazines.

In order to make sense of this list, you should know whether you are a pronator (foot arches roll in) a supinator (foot rolls out), and what kind of running you will typically use them for (outdoor vs indoor, short vs long distance).  If you don't already have a chiropractor to help you with this, you can go to Ontario Chiropractic Association to find a local chiropractor near you to discuss your foot needs. 

If you are in the Toronto area, you can go to my website, and book online (in real time!) to come in for a complimentary foot assessment.  It takes about half an hour, and I evaluate the way you stand, walk and run.  From these tests, I can show you 3D images of your feet, how your feet compare with ideal timing and placement, what your arches are doing and some other pretty amazing stuff about your feet, too!

Maximum Neutral Motion Control (for best long term stability)

New Balance 1123 &1011*  
Brooks Beast Mens*  
Brooks Ariel Ladies*  
New Balance 587*  
Mizuno Renegade 3    
Brooks Trance 8*   
Mizuno Wave Inspire 5
New Balance Ladies 859
Asics Gel 1140 and GT 2140 
Mizuno Wave Renegade 4
Adidas Adifusion MC
Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS*
Saucony ProGrid OMNI 6 or 7 

Moderate Neutral Control (very good stability/most runners)

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 9 
New Balance 740, 817  
Adidas Repsonse Control  
Avia Isis Womens   
Asics Gel Evolution 4   
Asics Gel DS Trainer XI  
Nike Air Perseus 3   
Adidas Supernova  
Asics Gel-Kayano 15
New Balance 993 & 1225*
Saucony ProGrid Hurricane 10
Reebok Premier Road Plus KFS V1
Mizuno Wave Nexus 3
Nike Air Zoom Percept
Etonic Stable Pro V
Adidas Adistar Salvation
Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS

Mild Motion Control (basic stability)

Adidas Response Trail  
Nike Air Shox FSM   
Brooks Addiction 8  
New Balance 769   
Reebok Premier Phoenix
Saucony ProGrid Guide 2
Brooks Switch 2
Brooks Infinity 2
Mizuno Alchemy 8

High-Arched Efficient Runners (cushioning & support)

Brooks Dyad 5    
Nike Air Pegasus +25   
Asics Gel cumulus 10   
New Balance 883 & 1063  
Saucony ProGrid Echelon  
Nike Air Structure Triax
New Balance 758 & 903
Nike Air Maxx 180
Brooks Glycerin 7
Reebok Premier Aero Lite

* Recommended for overweight runners
 
Underlined shoes indicate the best critically reviewed shoes in the trade magazines