If you’re new to running, you might be wondering what kind of shoes you should buy. There are so many options out there, and it can be overwhelming to choose the right pair for your feet, your goals, and your budget. In this blog post, I’ll share some tips on how to find the best men’s running shoes for beginners, and recommend some of my favorite models.
First of all, you need to know your foot type and your running style. Your foot type refers to the shape of your arch and how much you pronate (roll your foot inward) or supinate (roll your foot outward) when you run. Your running style refers to how you land on your foot, whether it’s on your heel, midfoot, or forefoot. These factors affect the kind of support and cushioning you need from your shoes.
To determine your foot type and running style, you can do a simple test: wet your feet and step on a piece of paper or cardboard. Then look at the imprint you leave behind. If you see a full footprint with little or no curve on the inside, you have a low arch and probably overpronate. You need shoes with stability or motion control features to prevent excessive inward rolling and reduce the risk of injury. If you see a narrow footprint with a high curve on the inside, you have a high arch and probably underpronate or supinate. You need shoes with extra cushioning and flexibility to absorb shock and promote natural foot movement. If you see a footprint with a moderate curve on the inside, you have a normal arch and probably have a neutral pronation. You can wear most types of shoes, but look for ones that offer a balance of cushioning and stability.
To determine how you land on your foot, you can ask someone to watch you run or record yourself with a camera or phone. If you land on your heel first, then roll to your toes, you’re a heel striker. You need shoes with good heel cushioning and durability to protect your joints from impact. If you land on the middle of your foot, then roll to your toes, you’re a midfoot striker. You need shoes with moderate cushioning and flexibility to allow for a smooth transition. If you land on the front of your foot, then push off with your toes, you’re a forefoot striker. You need shoes with minimal cushioning and maximum responsiveness to enhance your speed and efficiency.
Once you know your foot type and running style, you can narrow down your choices based on other factors such as comfort, fit, weight, breathability, traction, price, and design. Here are some of my personal recommendations for the best men’s running shoes for beginners:
– For low arches and overpronators: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21. This shoe offers excellent stability and support without compromising comfort and cushioning. It has a soft and breathable mesh upper, a responsive midsole with DNA Loft technology, and a segmented crash pad that adapts to every step. It also has a GuideRails system that gently guides your feet into proper alignment.
– For high arches and underpronators: ASICS Gel-Nimbus 23. This shoe provides plush cushioning and shock absorption for runners who need extra protection. It has a breathable engineered mesh upper, a gel-infused midsole with FlyteFoam technology, and an AHAR rubber outsole that resists wear and tear. It also has an Ortholite sockliner that molds to your foot shape and wicks away moisture.
– For normal arches and neutral pronators: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38. This shoe is a versatile and reliable option for runners of all levels. It has a lightweight and breathable mesh upper, a responsive midsole with Zoom Air units in the forefoot and heel, and a durable rubber outsole with waffle pattern for traction. It also has a snug fit that adapts to your foot shape.
– For heel strikers: Saucony Ride 14. This shoe delivers ample cushioning and smoothness for runners who land hard on their heels. It has a breathable engineered mesh upper, a soft midsole with PWRRUN technology, and an XT-900 rubber outsole that offers grip and durability. It also has a FORMFIT system that hugs your foot for optimal comfort.
– For midfoot strikers: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11. This shoe offers moderate cushioning and flexibility for runners who land on their midfoot. It has a stretchy knit upper that conforms to your foot shape, a soft midsole with Fresh Foam technology that provides bounce and cushioning, and a blown rubber outsole that enhances traction and durability. It also has an Ultra Heel design that locks in your heel for stability
