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Forbes
01-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
The Best Running Shoes For Men, With Insights From Footwear Experts
Running is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay in shape. All it takes is some basic gear, motivation and a place to run, whether that's a city sidewalk, local track or treadmill. But if you want to run in comfort and stay injury-free, the right pair of running shoes is essential. That's why we spoke with experts and drew on our experiences as long-time runners to find the best running shoes for men. Based on our findings, the Asics Gel Kayano 31 will meet the needs of most runners, and the Saucony Guide 18 is great for longer distances. The best men's running shoes provide comfort, support and stability as you log miles on the road or ... More on the treadmill. We consulted shoe experts, physical therapists, podiatrists and runners of all abilities when creating this guide. As a result, you'll find a range of options to suit almost any runner, whether you're into trails, long distances or casual laps around the neighborhood. Below, you'll find the best running shoes for men, and tips to help you find a comfortable pair that meets your needs. Amazon Sizes: 6 to 16 | Colors: 25 | Materials: Polyester, mesh, rubber | Weight (per pair): 21.5 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters They say a jack of all trades is a master of none, but the Gel Kayano 31 from Asics makes that hard to apply universally. 'This shoe falls into the high cushion support category and is a wonderful solution for those needing an extra level of support and guidance without sacrificing a high level of cushion,' says Victor Ornelas, senior director of vendor management at Fleet Feet. 'You get the best of both worlds.' Essentially, this shoe holds your foot exactly where it should be, with your heel locked in place, arches supported and toes free to spread out with each step. And at the same time, it features gel-like cushioning for added comfort. With many running shoes, you usually have to choose between a soft shoe that absorbs impact and a supportive one that promotes proper alignment, but the Gel Kayano 31 strikes a balance between both. And because it's available in a range of colors, sizes and widths, there's likely a pair for you that fits perfectly. Whether you have a neutral stride or tend to supinate (when your foot rolls outward as you step), the design provides optimal support. And although it's on the pricey side, all that cushioning, a soft sock liner and excellent grip makes it worth the investment. Amazon Sizes: 7 to 16 | Colors: 12 | Materials: Polyester, mesh, rubber | Weight (per pair): 19.2 ounces | Drop: 6 millimeters If you're going to be logging lots of miles in your running shoes, the Saucony Guide 18 is a savvy choice to consider. It has a six-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, which allows for a natural foot position and lasting comfort even on long outings, and features plenty of midsole foam to absorb repetitive heel strikes. The shoe is made with what Saucony calls 'Center Path Technology,' which is essentially a wide, supportive underfoot platform with raised sidewalls that help keep your foot planted in the center of the shoe rather than rolling to one side or the other; this is a welcome feature for long runs, and one that will reduce soreness and the chance of injury. The toe box of the Guide 18 is on the narrower side, and that can be a critical issue for runners whose toes naturally splay wide with each step. Assuming they fit properly, this is an ultra comfortable shoe thanks to a snug but not constraining mesh upper that breathes well and helps keep your foot secure, so the midsole and outsole can tackle longer distances. Hoka Sizes: 7 to 15 | Colors: 11 | Materials: Polyester, EVA, rubber | Weight (per pair): 19.8 ounces | Drop: 5 millimeters The Hoka Arahi 7 was designed with stability in mind, and when we talk about running shoe "stability," we're referring to a shoe's ability to minimize excessive inward rolling (also known as overpronation) as it makes contact with the ground. This is achieved through features like additional support on the inner side of the shoe, a firm heel and a wider platform, all of which you'll find in the Arahi 7. You'll also find enhanced midsole support that's compression molded to cradle arches and further stabilize your feet. Some people find the stability features of this shoe a bit too rigid and bemoan its lack of cushy feel, but if your feet tend to roll, it's a wise move to give up some cushioning in the name of proper—and therefore safer—foot positioning. Again, it's not the most cushioned shoe ever, but it provides an energetic response to each step that propels you forward, and a soft yet durable flat-knit upper keeps your feet well-positioned. Amazon Sizes: 7 to 15 | Colors: 7 | Materials: Polyester, mesh, rubber | Weight (per pair): 19.4 ounces | Drop: 4 millimeters You'll find features on the Saucony Peregrine 15 that you'd expect to find on any good trail running shoe, like sturdy lugs and an aggressive tread pattern that grabs onto rocks, roots and loose dirt with ease. You'll also find a tough plate under the midsole that helps protect against rocks and pokey things. And you'll get a sufficiently well-cushioned insole that reduces the jarring foot strikes that come with downhill segments. What makes this trail running shoe stand out is the reinforced mesh upper that's at once breathable and flexible but also tough enough to protect your foot from scrapes and pokes along the trail. And there's a D-ring feature for easy gaiter compatibility which adds even more protection for your foot, ankle and lower leg. The four-millimeter offset is ideal for people who tend to land with on their midfoot, though it's a bit small for people who land heel-first, so it's a good idea to have a sense of your (trail) running style before you commit to this shoe. Dick's Sporting Goods Sizes: 6 to 14 | Colors: 4 | Materials: Polyester, foam, carbon fiber, rubber | Weight (per pair): 13.4 ounces | Drop: 6 millimeters Ornelas calls the Nike Vaporfly 4 'one of the original disruptors in the super shoe racing space." While the shoe's carbon fiber plate (which Nike calls the 'Flyplate') delivers serious propulsion, it adds negligible weight: These road running shoes weigh a scant 13.4 ounces. And yes, that's for the pair—each shoe alone weighs barely more than six ounces. Despite that minimal weight, there is plenty of foam underfoot to absorb the impacts of fast feet on hard surfaces, so you can wear these shoes for a marathon or tempo training. The elephant in the room is the price, which isn't light, but the Vaporfly 4 is a 'level up' type of shoe for serious road running. The mesh upper is flexible and breathes well, while a size-reduced tongue shaves off just a bit more weight to make the design as light as can be. The six-millimeter drop is ideal for people whose heels hit the road first, as is a little bulge in the midsole padding at the heel. Amazon Sizes: 7 to 15 | Colors: 12 | Materials: Polyester, nitrogen-infused foam, rubber | Weight (per pair): 20.4 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters If you have wide feet, as in 4E wide, then the Glycerin 22 from Brooks belongs on your foot. You can also get this shoe in a 2E wide, a medium width (1D), and it's available in a wide range of sizes. The shoe has a more pronounced 10-millimeter drop that can take some getting used to, but once you do, you'll love the amount of cushioning you get from the large nitrogen-infused foam at the heel and the launch-like effect from the smaller, denser foam under the toe box. I've worn Brooks running shoes for more miles than I can count both on roads and treadmills, and I can tell you they really are comfortable and supportive, though the outsoles do wear down rather fast with lots of road running, and that can lead to improper foot alignment. If you struggle to find good running shoes for your extra wide feet, however, it's worth giving these a try and replacing them with a new pair as needed. Mount to Coast Sizes: 7 to 14 | Colors: 4 | Materials: Jacquard fabric, PEBA foam, rubber | Weight (per pair): 17 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters I wear my Mount To Coast R1 running shoes to the gym at least two days a week, and while there I log at least three miles on a treadmill and complete myriad weight training and circuit training exercises. And on an average of three other days per week, I wear my R1s on outdoor runs as well— they are truly that versatile, comfortable and durable. Each shoe weighs just a hair over eight ounces, yet they have plenty of cushioning and support thanks to a nitrogen-'charged' PEBA foam midsole that's way lighter than EVA foam. The R1s feature a midsole design that keeps the shoe in secure contact with your foot all the way through each step, from toe to heel, so you maintain control through every stride and decrease energy loss as you run. And a clever two-part lacing system allows you to tie traditional laces near the top of your foot, while a cinching toggle handles the lower portion of your foot for quick adjustments as your feet swell. To learn more about the Mount To Coast R1, read the full review that breaks down this distance shoe. Amazon Sizes: 6 to 16 | Colors: 9 | Materials: Mesh, gel foam, rubber | Weight (per pair): 18.6 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters If your foot lands naturally without overpronating, the Gel-Cumulus 27 from Asics will serve you well as a neutral training shoe. In the world of running, "neutral" refers to a shoe designed for runners with a normal or balanced foot pronation, meaning their feet don't excessively roll inward or outward. Neutral running shoes, like the Gel-Cumulus 27, prioritize cushioning and comfort, providing support without correcting foot movement. This style a great choice for the person who uses running as a way to train for other sports, as opposed to the diehard runner who needs shoes with some degree of specialization. Some verified buyers report this shoe being a bit too stiff, but Victor Ornelas describes it as "a moderate cushion everyday trainer with a smooth and quiet heel-to-toe transition,' which should work for most casual runners. The Forbes Vetted gear team recommends apparel and equipment only after we've done our homework. We interview qualified experts, perform exhaustive research, comb through reviews and spend as much time using products as we can to ensure our advice is sound. We look beyond our own experiences with running shoes to create a more holistic picture with well-researched recommendations. The following steps helped us dive into men's running shoes from every angle: 'Before you start to look at brands and models, start with the basics,' says Dillon Sullivan. Here are all the factors you need to consider as you look for a pair of running shoes. Road running shoe outsoles typically feature a smooth, shallow and flexible tread pattern designed for optimal traction on hard surfaces like pavement, sidewalks and treadmills. These treads are generally uniform and of modest depth, and road running shoe outsoles are often relatively flexible. Trail running shoe outsoles, on the other hand, usually feature a tread pattern with deep, individually set lugs (small rubber projections) designed to enhance traction on various types of terrain, from uneven ground to loose materials to wet surfaces. The size, shape and spacing of these lugs will vary by shoe, and different designs offer different levels of grip. Trail runners often feature a much stiffer outsole than road shoes for added protection and durability. 'The midsole is where the cushioning technology lives, and this is a key area of differentiation between shoes,' says Hurst. 'Materials like EVA foam, TPU or PEBA offer varying degrees of softness, responsiveness (energy return) and durability.' Running shoe cushion levels range from 'maximalist,' which you might describe as walking on a cloud, to more moderate or minimal cushioning for those who prefer ground feel. For shorter, faster running, less midsole cushioning is usually advised. Drop refers to the change in height from the heel of the shoe to the toe. A larger drop, such as 10 millimeters, will encourage your foot to make contact with the ground at the heel, which transfers more of the impact to your knees and hips. A shorter drop encourages a midsole strike or even a toe landing, which keeps more of the impact in your foot and ankles. A smaller drop is generally the better choice for faster running, though a bigger drop may be necessary if you're trying to protect your lower body from injury. "The upper, which wraps around your foot, should be made of breathable materials, often an engineered mesh or knit, to allow for airflow and prevent irritation," says Hurst. He adds that some uppers offer more structure, while others provide a sock-like and highly flexible feel. Personal preference plays a large role in selecting an upper, but mesh uppers are generally lighter and more breathable than knit or synthetic leather materials, which makes them a good option for hot weather or high-intensity runs. 'Toes are meant to be splayed—or spread—out wide when we are walking or running,' says McDowell. 'The more compressed your toes are, touching or even smushed together, the less you can use numerous key muscles in your foot to help propel yourself forward.' Make sure you find running shoes that allow for at least a finger's width of space in front of your toes and in which your toes can separate as they would if you were running barefoot. Also called 'offset,' this is the height difference a running shoe creates between the heel and toes. 'People who predominantly heel strike during running or people with a tight Achilles tendon tend to prefer 10 to 12 millimeter drop,' says Dr. Hill, while those who land on their midfoot or forefoot will do better with less of an offset, which can also allow for a more natural (or barefoot style) running gait. Running shoes generally last between 300 and 500 miles, or roughly four to six months of regular wear for a runner who runs 20 miles per week. This can vary greatly, of course, depending on factors like run frequency, speed and intensity, terrain, pronation or supination and the environment in which you run. Modern running shoes don't require a break-in period because they use flexible fabrics and reactive foams. 'There should be no 'break-in' period or adjustment," says Victor Ornelas. 'The shoe should feel like an extension of your body and allow you to experience the activity at hand."
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Flower City Challenge returning for 15th year on Sunday
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The 2025 Flower City Challenge is on Sunday. What began as a fitness effort to get the community involved has become a 15-year tradition that brings locals together to explore the Rochester community. The event, curated by Rochester Regional Health in partnership with YellowJacket Racing and Fleet Feet, will include a half marathon, a family 5K, and a Kids half-mile run. The schedule for Sunday is as follows: The Rochester Regional Health Half Marathon will begin at 7:30 a.m. The Flower City 5K will begin at 7:40 a.m. Kids Half Mile will begin at 10:30 a.m. Parcel 5 will serve as the starting and finishing point. Where to dispose medicine in Rochester on National Drug Take Back Day? 'Experiencing Parcel 5 for a race start and finish is truly magnetic and entertaining,' States Event Producer Ellen Brennan said. 'Between the live music, energy of a fresh line, medical professionals providing services to finishers, and children able to play in the Kidz Zone before they race is exactly what we want folks to experience.' Over 2,400 participants are reported to be registered to run in the various events. Last year, the event gathered over 2,000 runners. In addition to the Kidz Zone and Recovery Zone, there will be a post-race party with live music and vendors. 14 community organizations are participating as Water Stop volunteers and will receive a donation from organizers. A public Race Expo will be held before the event on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 27, at Fleet Feet at The Armory. Additional information about the Rochester Regional Health Flower City Challenge can be found on the event's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Eyecare store Warby Parker opens in Longmeadow Shops
LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) – Popular eyecare brand Warby Parker opened its 16th Massachusetts location on Saturday, offering a range of products at their new store in the Longmeadow Shops. Music school in Pittsfield to hold grand opening of new location Warby Parker opened its doors to the new space during the weekend, located between Fleet Feet and Batch Ice Cream. The new store comes just as Athleta recently closed at the plaza at the end of January. Customers who purchased an item on opening day Saturday received a complimentary Warby Parker tote bag. The store offers its full range of optical and sun products, which includes the Summer 2025 collection and Scout by Warby Parker, the brand's daily contact lenses. Warby Parker said that in-store eye exams will also be available at the Longmeadow location in the future. The Longmeadow Shops are located at 682 Bliss Road. For more information, visit WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
From watches to sunglasses: Here are 15 accessories to elevate your next run
Fox News and its syndication partners may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom. If you plan to log more miles this year, it's best to prepare. You may be working towards a personal best, or maybe you are eyeing your first long race. Whatever the goal, having the right accessory can help you achieve it. We've selected 15 accessories to help you go farther and get faster. Running hats Running headphones Running watch Running belt Sunglasses Read On The Fox News App Get the sun protection you need with a good running hat. These options are easy to pack and come in colorful designs. Wearing a hat is the best way to provide shade on those sunny runs. It is also a great way to stand out from a crowd thanks to the colorful designs available today, such as this Ciele Athletic running hat on sale for $40 at Fleet Feet. If you are looking for fun, funky prints with good performance, try Sprints Lids. Sprints designs caps with bright colors and wild patterns, like this one, which is on sale for $32 at Fleet Feet. The cap is also available on Amazon. Rnnr has a great selection of lightweight distance running hats designed with SPDWick moisture-managing fabrics. They are available on their website for less than $40. Amazon Haul: 10 Spring Favorites For Less Than $15 Headphones may not be at the top of your list yet, but when logging long miles, having that motivational voice in your ear can make a big difference. Here are some options that are good for logging runs. Original price:$129.95 Good running headphones will provide good sound and let you be aware of your surroundings, like these Shockz headphones. The headphones feature an open-ear design to keep you tuned to your music and moments. Plus, they are waterproof. Original price: $149.99 If you prefer to listen to your jam wirelessly, these JBL Reflect Aero TWS True Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds, on sale at Walmart, are waterproof and sweatproof earbuds that provide good sound, a secure fit and a helpful hear-through mode. You can also buy the earbuds on Amazon. The sweatproof Cleer Arc II Sport, on sale at Cleer Audio, are true wireless earbuds designed to keep you aware of your surroundings while you run or exercise. They rest inside the ear to allow in external sounds and sport a flexible hook and hinge design that keeps them stable and secure while you move. You can also buy them on Amazon. Upgrade to a running watch that does more than just track steps and distance. A watch with advanced GPS will help you plot your course and keep track of your training. Plus, these watches help you keep track of calories burned, and some collect additional data like blood oxygen levels so that you get a detailed report of each run. The Garmin Forerunner 245, GPS Running Smartwatch, can be found on Amazon. The Garmin Forerunner 245 is highly rated for its accurate mileage tracker. It sports easy-to-use features including a built-in GPS, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, sleep and stress monitoring, incident detection and remote assistance. Training For A Marathon? Here Are 8 Running Accessories You Need To Get Started The Coros Apex 2 is a GPS outdoor watch designed for athletes and adventurers, focusing on essential training features without extra bulk. You will get features like precise GPS tracking, offline maps, and an enhanced heart rate sensor. This watch is known for its durability, good battery life, and user-friendly interface. The Polar Pace Pro at Polar, is an ultra-light, new-generation sports watch with an integrated barometer that tracks running and other sports. You can also buy it at Walmart. Running belts allow you to carry keys, cell phones, energy gel – anything indispensable you need for your run – without the need to carry bags or a backpack. This belt by Naked, on sale for less than $50 at Amazon, holds your hydration flasks and carries your cell phone, energy gels, fuel bars and sunglasses. It can also easily secure race number attachments. It is breathable and dries fast. The SPI belt is another excellent option that carries everything you need. This belt has a reflective pocket and logo on the elastic waistband to increase visibility and safety in the dusk and dark. You can also buy it on sale for $24.99 at Amazon. Original price: $70 If you prefer a sling, try Nathan's Limitless 2 Liter Sling at Nathan Sports. This sling fits on either the right or left shoulder and includes a removable strap that fits around the torso to ensure a no-bouncing run. You can also buy it on Amazon for $39.15. Sunglasses are another essential that will keep you running longer. A good pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and will also help you keep your face muscles relaxed, which is the gateway to a more relaxed run. Make sure your glasses provide 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays and are made from durable, shatterproof material. These Oakley Running Sunglasses, offer top UV protection. The PRIZM Lens Technology helps you see subtle changes in road texture and quickly spot hazards like rocks and potholes in medium to bright light conditions. Goodr do it for the victory dance sunglasses at Road Runner Sports are a great option for both protection, durability and price. These sleek black shield shades with burnt orange reflective lenses feature a special grip coating and no-bounce, no-slip half-rim frames. For more Deals, visit Knockaround Campeones feature rubberized adjustable nose grips and a flexible non-slip arm to deliver performance without sacrificing style or comfort. You can also buy them on article source: From watches to sunglasses: Here are 15 accessories to elevate your next run
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
ECU's Birth and Bloom program partners with Fleet Feet to gift free shoes
GREENVILLE, N.C (WNCT)– The ECU Birth and Bloom Project aims to improve maternal and child health by providing education and physical activity to minorities in low-income and deserved areas. The ten-week program ends with a graduation of their cohorts, and the best part of graduation is the gifting of free shoes from Fleet Feet in Greenville. Th ECU Kinesiology department's research is funded by North Carolina Blue Cross Blue Shield to work with community partners like Fleet Feet. After the ten-week program, expecting mothers also have a better understanding of healthier pregnancies. Linda May, a professor of kinesiology at ECU and the director of health and performance labs, says eit's all about improving overall birth outcomes. 'We really want to give kudos to Brooks as well as Fleet Feet, for giving them free shoes again to keep them active,' she said. 'Because we know that when women are active during pregnancy that we can improve birth outcomes. And that's really what we're focused on is improving outcomes and making sure that all babies are born healthy and on time.' Click the video above for more information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
