Best Running Shoes

With a lot of sports you need expensive equipment. But for running, all you really need is a pair of shoes. But those shoes can make a big difference.

Nine men and women ran more than 1,200 miles to help Consumer Reports test running shoes. The tests covered all the big name brands, including Nike, New Balance, Asics, and Adidas, costing between $80 and $120. Also in the tests were shoes from Target called Champion for around $30.

In the flexibility test, the inexpensive shoes proved just as flexible as some of those that cost a whole lot more.

Another test checked breathability. That’s important if your feet sweat. Testers dampened socks, put them in each shoe, and left them in a climate-controlled chamber for four hours. Testers weighed the shoe before and after to find how much water evaporated. The inexpensive shoes were not very breathable.

Another test measured cushioning and stability. The least expensive shoes did OK for cushioning and stability, but they weren’t rated the best.

When all the testing was done, top ratings for both men and women went to Nike’s Air Zoom Vomero+ 2, which sell for $120. They’re the only shoes tested that got an excellent score for cushioning.

No matter what shoes you buy, what’s most important is that they fit correctly. Consumer Reports recommends shopping at a specialty store with experienced sales help. If you have a pair of well-worn running shoes, Consumer Reports recommends taking them with you to the store. The wear pattern on the shoe can help the salesperson get the right shoe for the way you run.

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