Running Shoe Brand Breakdown

Don't Buy The Wrong Shoe

THIS WILL BE UPDATED WITH NEW SHOES AS NEEDED

**Disclaimer: there are ZERO links in this newsletter, I am un-affiliated and simply passing knowledge I’ve gained from YEARS of running experience**

Heel-to-toe drop notes:

Lower drop <=5mm: Better for mid-foot strikers, take impact off of hips & knees. Put impact on achilles/calf/foot.

Higher drop >=8mm: Better for heel strikers, takes impact off of lower leg (see above), shifts weight to hips and knees. (Modern cushion and rockers helps this though, and not a huge problem unless very weak/past injuries in knees/hips)

All of the shoes I am about to list have been worn by myself for hundreds of miles each. These are *some* of the shoes I thought would be worth mentioning/highlighting for runners just getting started. I will be making a more advanced shoe list as well, that will be targeted at the runner looking to reach race day PRs across all distances.

Hoka

Clifton:

• 5mm Heel-to-toe drop.

• “Squishy” feel, will be harder to pick the pace up on tempo runs and push days.

• 8.7oz

• Will last ~400-500 miles

The Clifton lineup has been a staple in the running community since its inception, and trusted by millions of runners. Lightweight, soft feeling, & durable make this shoe a great pick for any runner who is just looking to add miles. I wouldn’t take this shoe on any fast runs or try to run a PR with it on race day, but it still makes for a great trainer. Hoka is the standard for lightweight and high cushion trainers.

*I’d also recommend these shoes for walkers*

Rincon:

• 5mm Heel-to-toe drop

• 7.7oz

• Will last ~200 miles

The Rincon will feel much “snappier” than its Clifton brother, and invites the runner to push the pace a bit faster. Being extremely lightweight and responsive, this shoe feels amazing on the foot and will aid the intermediate-advanced runner on the days they really want to pick up the pace. The downside to this shoe is its durability, and you’ll find yourself feeling sluggish around 200 miles with these shoes.

*if you’ve never worn hokas (or a lower drop shoe) before they usually feature a lower heel-to-toe drop which may cause some discomfort in your Achilles/calf/foot*

Nike

Pegasus:

• 10mm Heel-to-toe drop

• 10.1oz

• Will last 500+ miles

There’s an old saying in running/xc that “all you need are your Pegs and Spikes”. (Referring to Pegasus for distance running and “spikes” for your spiked track shoes). Regardless, the Pegasus is a timeless shoe, trusted by generations of runners and will continue to be. The Pegasus is a bit heavy for modern standards, but its responsive, not too firm, not too cushiony, durable, and can go the distance. This is a great shoe for anyone starting on their running journey.

*Would also recommend for walkers also*

Infinity React:

*Don’t buy the version made with recyclable products - you may have to look at warehouse stores outside of official Nike dot com*

• 8mm Heel-to-toe drop

• 10.2 oz

• 300-400 miles

Nike’s react foam is no joke. It makes a huge difference and when it first came out I was amazed. Now, many companies are on par with it, but it still holds a special place in my heart. Durable, bouncy, & responsive are all words I would use to describe react foam and the infinity lineup. Some cons are that I wish it was lighter (I wish they made the ‘Nike Epic React 2’ again, but this is a great all-around everyday trainer.

Wildhorse:

• 8mm Heel-to-toe drop

• 11.5oz

• 300-400 miles

Nike hit it out of the park on this one. Their first true all purpose trail shoe that I feel comfortable with wearing for a full 100 mile race. This shoe had awesome grip for the technical climbs due to it’s deep 5mm lugs. It also has a bit of energy return from the react foam that holds up well on the more flat single track. The only issue is the weight, but it’s expected for this rugged of a trail shoe. Highly recommend if you’re a trail runner.

Brooks

Ghost:

• 12mm heel-toe-drop

• 9.8oz

• Should get ~500 miles out of them

Deemed the “Toyota Camry” of running shoes, this shoe will simply get you from point A to B feeling great. It’s very high heel drop is great for heel strikers, allowing you to run as your normally would without form adjustment. You can rack up the miles easily in this classic shoe, and is good for everyone training at all distances. Highly recommend.

Asics

Gel Kayano:

• 12mm heel-to-toe drop

• 10.5oz

• ~500 miles of durability

These are great sure for racking up slow-medium paced runs. They’re great for beginner runners with their large stack height and high drop, but they do feel clunky. If you’re not trying to “go fast”, then these might be the shoe for you.

Gel Nimbus:

• 10mm heel-to-toe drop

• 10.3oz

• ~400 miles of durability

A very heavy/clunky support based & recovery orientated shoe. This shoe is designed to go slow, and aid the heel striking runner. I would suggest this to anyone not looking to add a shoe that invites you to slow the pace down when needed to aid in those recovery runs.

Saucony

Endorphin Speed

• 8mm heel-to-toe drop

• 8.1oz

• ~400 miles

I am highlight the “Speed” shoe out of the endorphin line, which Asics considers their middle tier shoe from that line, because it may be the best shoe on the market period. It’s lightweight and extremely responsive, allowing you to pick up the pace with ease. They’re great on race day, shorter tempo runs, long runs, or your everyday run. Truly one of the most versatile shoes on the market.

Kinvara

• 4mm heel-to-toe drop

• 7oz

• ~250 miles

This shoe is great for the beginner-intermediate runner looking to add a lightweight trainer that carry them to faster paces on their tempo/interval running days. An absolutely insanely light shoe at 7oz makes this one of the lightest shoes mass produced. With this lightness comes a reduction in durability, so be careful with this shoe over 250 miles logged.

New Balance

1080s:

• 10mm heel drop

• 10.9oz

• ~350 miles

The 880 is an extremely cushiony feeling shoe, which make you feel like you’re running on pillows your first few miles. This is okay, until your tired and those pillows start to feel like sand. Regardless, I think this shoe is good for slow/recovery days, but wouldn’t call it versatile.

FuelCell Rebel:

• 6mm heel drop

• 7.5oz

• ~200 miles

The rebel is much like the Rincon, in that it is extremely lightweight and responsive, but its breaks down very easily. If you’re a runner who wants to add some tempo runs into your schedule, then this shoe will help you do that with ease. I’d take this on my shorter runs where I want to kick the heart rate up. I’m also very comfortable wearing this on the track as it has what I describe a “ground feel”, which helps achieve max wattage on your intervals.

-Runner