Our Top Road Running Shoes for 2022
Our Top Road Running Shoes for 2022
Without doubt, running is one of the best forms of exercise to improve your overall health and fitness. It helps to build bone, muscle and cardiovascular strength. With that being said, as one of the highest impact and intense forms of physical activity, running also demands a lot of your body. When you run, your momentum generates a whopping amount of force (up to 5 times your body weight!) and each time your feet hit the ground, your weight-bearing joints absorb the force. That’s a pretty heavy burden – especially as the shock from the impact is not only felt in the feet, but actually travels up the spine. Over time, this excessive stress and strain on the joints can lead to pain and injury.
As the foundation of the body, our feet play a central role in absorbing our body weight and the force of impact when we run. Of course, our feet also keep us moving, so it’s important that they are properly protected, in any sporting activity you choose.
Proper running footwear can offer you the stability and support to keep your body feeling its best. But just how important is it to choose the right running shoes?
Before we go into our top road running shoes for 2022, let’s answer some of the questions that may be niggling in your mind.
Do you really need running shoes?
The short answer is yes. Think about it, when you are running, your shoes are the only protective equipment you have. It’s not just about choosing the shoes that will help you to run faster; they can also help to reduce pain and repeated stress of impact on the joints.
Although you can run in just about any kind of shoes, wearing proper running footwear can help you to avoid pain and injury.
Running shoes are constructed with a thicker heel to absorb impact and a heel-to-toe drop to suit the natural gait cycle of running. This kind of design is intended to complement the natural feel of your feet, just with the added proper protection.
Just like car manufacturers make a variety of makes or models, shoe brands make a variety of running shoes for different requirements. This means that with the right research, you can find the perfect running shoe for you!
So, to answer the question, running shoes do indeed make a difference. After all, they are the only kind of shoe that is specifically designed for the high impact forces running generates.
Yes, running shoes do actually make a difference. They are specifically made for running and the high-impact forces it generates.
Is it ok to run in non-running shoes?
This all depends on your running form, the distance you run and how often you run. Frequently running in flat-soled shoes such as Converse, Vans, or dress shoes, may lead to injury and pain over time,and most experts recommend running shoes.
Common injuries that we see time and time again include runners knees, shin splints and achilles tendonitis. Unfortunately, our personal trainers are on the other side, often helping with rehabilitation exercises when enough thought hasn’t been put into the right footwear.
Wearing proper running shoes is even more important if you have biomechanical abnormalities or any pre-existing foot conditions.Different types of running shoes are designed specifically for different foot types and running gaits to promote proper running form and reduce joint strain. Investing in an orthotic insole is also a good idea to help correct any biomechanical issues when you run.
Can I wear my running shoes for walking?
Generally speaking, walking shoes are heavier than running shoes; and are built for stability rather than speed. However, you can wear your running shoes for walking, although they may wear out more quickly, especially if you walk a lot and use the same pair of shoes to run!
There is no perfect running shoe for everyone. The shoes you pick are down to personal preference, but there are certain decision points that can help you narrow down your choices.
The surface on which you run: The type of surface you turn on affects your body’s needs – whether you run on pavements, gravel, grass, sand or a track on a rubberized track, or on the beach, the type of surface changes your body’s needs.
Your foot type: The height of your arch and your pronation (the amount your ankle rolls inwards or outwards) influence your running gait. If you haven’t already done so, it’s a good idea to ask for a foot assessment at your local foot clinic.
Your overall health: Different levels of cushioning and heel drop within running shoes are good for different health conditions and injuries, such as rheumatoid arthritis and achilles tendonitis. Different designs will also cater to your specific running gait, such as whether you land more heavily on your midfoot or heel when you run. This can reduce pain and joint strain when running.
Your budget: Running shoes typically retail for £100-£250 depending on the brand and model of shoe. Fortunately, our top running shoes for 2022 include reputable running shoes to suit all budgets.
Comfort: Ultimately your running shoes should be comfortable.. Choose comfort over everything, including looks, brand all the hype!
Some more factors to consider…
Yep, there’s more!
Factors like how much you weigh, your muscular strengths, range of motion, balance, stride habits, efficiency, and speed can all affect what kind of running shoe you choose. Your personal trainer and running instructor will be able to help you assess these areas as well as running technique. Interestingly, most runners agree that the best method for evaluating running shoes is how comfortable they feel. Many runners intuitively select comfortable shoes using their own comfort filter that allows them to remain in the preferred movement path. And of course, this automatically reduces the risk of pain and injury risk.
With lockdowns over, running is likely to become all the rage again. Everyone is ready to get back to normal, get o9ut and get fit! If you are opting to run outside, you want to make sure you are well-equipped for your workout and avoid any potential injury. This means wearing the best footwear possible.
But here is the problem..
With so many different types of running shoes available, you may wonder, “What kind of shoe do I need to run comfortably and stay injury free?”
We understand how difficult it can be to choose the right running shoes for you when every shop has shoes with all sorts of technical features that all seem to outdo the other. They all have patented claims for stability, cushioning, maybe even weight loss or improved health..
What’s a runner to do?
If you’re lucky enough, a knowledgeable salesperson (who kind of looks like they could be a runner) asks you a series of questions such as what type of shoe you need and how often you run. They may even go into things such as whether or not you need stability or motion control or whether or not you are a neutral runner.
You appreciate the help. But you’re confused. Again.
To help you out,here are our top running shoes for 2022 from our team of personal trainers:
1. Brooks Ravenna 11
This shoe is designed for ultimate stability and for all distances. It is great if you are an overpronated runner and is super comfortable. We especially love the lightweight, perforated upper mesh – perfect for keeping your feet cool and fresh on those long distance runs.
2. Asics Gel Nimbus 22
This is a fantastic all-rounder running shoe which is designed with bouncy foam to make the hard pavements feel much more comfortable on your feet. This means it is perfect for those long park runs as the terrain can get a little uncomfy!
3. New Balance 860 V10
Another great shoe for overpronated runners, this trainer is all about stability, keeping you on track as you pound the pavements.
4. Asics Gel Kayano 26
Another Asics shoe, but for good reason. The Gel Kayano is a really durable shoe, hence the slightly higher price tag. This also means you can wear it on any run, whatever the weather (which can be super unpredictable in the UK!) or distance. Its in-built shock absorption is great for running on harder surfaces too.
5. Adidas Solar Glide ST 19
The Adidas Solar Glide is your more affordable running shoe that is still brilliant. It balances stability, comfort and durability to keep you on track for the entirety of your run.
6. New Balance Women’s 411v2 Road Running Shoe
With its mesh outer material and rubber sole, these affordable running shoes are perfect for beginners and advanced road runners. They are also designed with a wide fit for those of you with broader feet.
7. Under Armour Women’s Ua W Surge 2 Shoes Road Running
Thanks to its low heel, these shoes provide more of a uniform thickness under the entire foot. We love the three different colour options too!
8. PUMA Women’s Softride Sophia Slip Shine Running Shoe
Offering a combination of style with superior design, these advanced running shoes are not to be missed! Featuring GripControlPro and MATRYXPRO, these well crafted shoes offer a high level of support during fast forward motion. They’re also infused with running spike DNA for extra rapid acceleration. A great choice of show if speed and comfort are what you’re after!
So there you have them – our top road running shoes for 2022. And they don’t break the bank!
But…
Before you decide on which of these shoes will be arriving at your door soon, remember these all important buying tips:
Feet first
Before you purchase your new running shoes, you need to find out what type of feet you have.Yep; it’s a stinky job, but someones gotta do it!
Just like the rest of your body, feet come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.
Maybe your feet are like your uncle Alfred’s with a wide forefoot and flat arch. Perhaps you have a sleek high-arched foot. It doesn’t matter what your feet look like; the important thing is that you buty shoes to fit them properly. For the best fit and the most comfortable running, match your foot type to the shape and components of your running shoes.
Three types of arches
Feet can easily be divided into three categories; low, high and neutral arches. Stand up and put weight evenly on both feet. Look at your arches. Does your arch almost touch the floor? Does your foot or ankle roll in? People with low arches tend to have stability issues like over pronation.
Is your arch extremely high? Can you almost fit a golf ball under your instep? The high-arched foot usually has the opposite problem. That means your foot rolls to the outside or “supinates.”
If you have neither a low or high arch, then you’re somewhere in the middle and you got lucky with your genes! The neutral foot is the easiest to fit and assuming you have no other structural issues, you are likely to run efficiently and comfortably with a lot of shoe designs.
To sum up
While the types of equipment needed by runners is relatively limited, a good pair of running shoes is a must have. Running shoes not only provide adequate midsole foot cushioning, they also offer arch support, help to prevent injuries and can encourage improved athletic performance.
Running shoes are designed specifically for the sport and to cushion and guide your foot and ankle movement. If you’ve ever suffered painful hips, sore feet or painful ankles after running, it might be because you are not wearing the right type of shoe. A good running shoe can provide a number of advantages whether you are choosing between using a running shoe or running barefoot, or between a running shoe and a regular shoe, or even a running shoe and a walking shoe.
Selecting a pair of running shoes takes a lot of thought and consideration. The market is flooded with different brands and styles, and it will likely take time to find the ideal fit for the needs of your feet. While there is not one single running shoe suited for all runners that we can recommend, it’s important that you understand how a well-constructed running shoe can benefit your feet.
