Running shoes: 9 essential picks to help you get the most out of your next training run or race
Whether you’re training to set a personal best for your 2.4km run or just starting on your fitness journey, these running shoes will help you hit your stride.
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Running remains a perennially popular sport due to its accessibility and the health benefits it offers. Photo: Unsplash / Steven Lelham
Many NSmen know this scenario well – pushing to ace the 2.4km run and dodge remedial training. Other runners may hit the track to prep for a long-distance race or simply stay in shape. Whatever your drive, running's popularity is undeniable, given its psychological, cardiovascular and physiological benefits.
There’s another reason for its popularity – accessibility. No club membership, coach or specialised equipment required – just a good pair of running shoes and the motivation to hit the road.
CONTENTS
7. Hoka Bondi 8
8. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13
We,ve shortlisted a helpful list of running shoes that will help you raise your running game. Plus, at the bottom of this story, you'll find a brief guide highlighting key criteria for picking your next pair of running shoes.
1. Saucony Guide 16, Women’s (S$104.84) and Saucony Guide 16, Men’s (S$108.59)
The Guide 16 offers help for runners whose ankles and feet tend to overpronate – roll inwards. Its structured cushioning and contoured fit helps cradle the foot, offering a supportive fit. The shoe’s 8mm heel-to-toe drop encourages a more natural gait while reducing strain on the calf and Achilles tendon.
- Weight: 221g (women’s), 249g (men’s)
2. Brooks Ghost 15 Women's, Black/Ebony (S$113.00; Usual Price S$189) and Brooks Ghost 15 Men's, Black/Hawaiian Ocean (S$113.00; Usual Price S$189)
The Ghost 15 offers runners a soft feel and smooth ride with enhanced cushioning. A soft midsole helps runners transition smoothly from landing to toe-off. The engineered air mesh upper provides breathability and comfort, while its 3D Fit Print adds structure. Brooks claims 57 per cent of the upper features recycled materials. This is suited to road running, everyday runs and walks.
- Weight (men’s and women’s): 286.3g
3. Adidas adizero SL Women’s, Light Aqua / Carbon / Solar Red (S$118.30; usual price: S$169) and Adidas adizero SL Men’s, Black (S$169)
This offering from the brand with the three stripes has been optimised for performance on daily runs and competitive races. These lightweight shoes feature the company’s foam midsole which provides enhanced cushioning. Its foam in the forefoot area offers support on fast runs. Its soft mesh upper offers targeted support and padded heel and tongue offer comfort.
- Weight: 243g (men’s size UK 8.5), 211g (women’s size UK 5.5)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 10mm
4. Puma Magnify Nitro 2 Women’s Running Shoes (S$149; Usual Price: S$249) and Puma Magnify Nitro 2 Men’s Running Shoes (S$129; Usual Price: S$249)
The Magnify Nitro targets runners going the distance. It features a re-engineered knit upper and extra nitrogen-injected foam in the midsole for greater responsiveness and comfort. Its moulded heel collar offers enhanced comfort and extra rubber segments on the heel increase durability. Puma says this has been optimised for runners with neutral pronation, providing comfort on long runs.
- Weight: 245g (Women's size UK 4.5)
5. Altra Lone Peak 8 Women’s, Mineral Blue (S$224.37; Usual Price S$239) and Altra Lone Peak 8 Men’s, Dusty Olive (S$209.69; Usual Price S$239)
The Lone Peak 8 has been crafted for runners who prefer heading off the beaten path. Key features for your next off-road escape include a roomy toe box that lets your toes splay naturally for greater comfort. The ripstop mesh upper offers greater durability. Its MaxTrac outsole offers superior traction and a zero-drop design for natural movement. Its Altra EGO midsole foam offers a connected feel with your running surface – essential if you’re running off-road.
- Weight: 259g (women’s), 303g (men’s)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 0mm
6. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26, Women’s (S$239.57) and ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26, Men’s (S$239.57)
One of Asics’ most popular road-running shoes, the venerable Gel-Nimbus 26 features a soft engineered knit upper – containing at least 75 per cent recycled materials – for ventilation and PureGEL technology for lightweight cushioning. Its OrthoLite X-55 sockliner offers enhanced comfort and reflective details help keep you safe on night runs. Its outsole rubber has been designed to offer durability and traction.
- Weight: 260g (Women's size 8), 305g (Men's size US 9)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
7. HOKA Bondi 8, Women’s (S$224; Usual price S$249) and HOKA Bondi 8, Men’s (S$174.30; Usual price S$249)
Hoka says its Bondi 8 features softer, lighter foams than its predecessors and an extended heel geometry for a balanced ride. Its memory foam collar cradles the ankle, offering greater support. Recognised by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting foot health, this shoe is suited to everyday runs and walks.
- Weight: 252g (Women’s), 306g (Men’s)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 4mm
8. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13, Women’s (S$259) and New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13, Men’s (S$247.12; Usual Price S$259)
Old-school cool meets contemporary comfort in the Fresh Foam X 1080. Its Fresh Foam X midsole offers smooth transitions and plenty of cushioning while a breathable engineered mesh upper offers support and a snug fit. The Fresh Foam X midsole foam offers maximum cushioning and reduced carbon footprint. Ndurance rubber outsole for increased durability. Reflective accents for visibility. Breathable engineered mesh upper for a structured, supportive feel.
- Weight: 217g (Women’s), 262g (Men’s)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
9. Nike Vaporfly 3, Women’s (S$319) and Nike Vaporfly 3, Men’s (S$319)
NSFs have been known to spring for this shoe in pursuit of significantly faster IPPT (individual physical proficiency test) 2.4km timings. Its full-length carbon fibre flyplate offers a degree of energy return, so it literally puts some spring in your step. This is balanced by a stable ride and breathable Flyknit yarns offering greater comfort, while its light padding and thinner outsole help enhance performance.
- Weight: 200g (Men’s size US 9), 165g (Women’s size US 6)
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR RUNNING SHOES
Shoe manufacturers have created a range of models tailored to specific training requirements, foot types, and running styles. Here are some factors to consider before selecting your next pair of running shoes:
Distance: How far and often do you run? Are you training for longer distances like a half-marathon or focusing on your IPPT 2.4km run?
Fit: Ensure the shoe's toe box (the section that surrounds your toes) isn't narrow or upper too inflexible, as this can cause discomfort.
Terrain: Do you run on park connectors, treadmills or trails? Does your route include uphill or downhill sections? This changes the way your foot strikes the ground.
Cushioning: Thicker soles offer more cushioning but can be heavier. Thinner soles are more responsive and offer greater feel. Extra cushioning absorbs impact, ideal for longer distances.
Support: Overpronation occurs when the weight on your ankles and feet rolls inwards. Supination occurs when it rolls outwards. Look for shoes with specialised support to maintain a neutral foot position.
Heel-to-toe drop: This is the difference between the height at the heel vs height at the toe and affects how your foot strikes the ground.
Weight: Shoes with more cushioning tend to be heavier. Lighter shoes may feel more responsive but may sacrifice cushioning, so choose based on your preference and running style. That extra 100g may not seem like much in the store but can make a huge difference on a long run.
Whether you're aiming for race day, daily training, or hitting the trail, the right pair of shoes provide essential support and cushioning. This boosts comfort and reduces injury risk. They also offer stability and traction for efficient movement and improved performance. The right shoes also cater to your foot type and running style, easing strain, especially when you go on longer runs.
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