photo via Tory Burch Lug-sole ankle boots Black
The seasons are changing and with that comes the perfect morning running weather. When the fall arrives putting in a mile or two in the a.m. is much easier to do. One of the most difficult aspects of beginning a running routine is convincing people that the heat won’t hurt them (too much). Summer can be brutal for serious runners as well. When the leaves begin to fall, however, it’s the perfect time to jump in the walk, then trot game of jogging for fitness.
I know from experience that most people start with what they have in their closets. This works fine for a while, but beginning runners experience an abundance of issues, knee pain, back pain, shin splints, foot pain after logging their first few miles. The most able fix is time off. For some who want to push through, they can revert to walking, but wearing the wrong footwear tends to be the primary culprit in many of the issues. While everyone can’t afford to get a gait analysis or foot scan (although a foot scan is free at New Balance or even at Dr. Scholl’s kiosks), there are some tools found inside of fitness apps. What isn’t found often are brands that actually breakdown what you might want in a new running shoe.
This list consists of alternative brands to what you probably have in your closet. These brands focus solely on running and offer blogs on their sites, along with detailed descriptions of shoe styles to help you possibly choose a shoe. I know it can be overwhelming to go to a running store where people log 10 miles a day. It’s also difficult when your body type doesn’t fit the “runner’s profile” and you have to enter a store and explain that you want to begin a running routine. I hope this list helps a bit.
1. Newton Running Kismet 7
Type of running shoe? Stability
Description: Newton isn’t a big name, but in running the brand is considered one of the best. The Kismet is designed with beginning runners in mind. It’s a serious shoe that assists runners who tend to over or underpronate. At 150, it’s not an inexpensive shoe, but as you become more serious about your running, you’ll find that running shoes are more expensive than Air Jordan sneakers (which have no benefit for your feet at all).
Link: https://www.newtonrunning.com/collections/mens-shoes/products/mens-kismet-7
2. Alexandre Birman s Clarita sandals
Type of running shoe? Slim Footshape- Neutral
Description: At 130.00, this is one of the Legacy expensive option in this list of 5. Altra is known for their Footshape system which has a range of toebox shapes. This shoe is designed for slim fit, but they have an array of options that allow for the best toe splay, an important aspect of choosing a running shoe due to your toes being crammed into the shoe and rubbing on longer runs. This Rivera is perfect for those new runners who want to alternate between jogging and walking.
Link: https://www.altrarunning.com/shop/slim-footshape/mens-rivera-al0a4vql?variationId=280
3. Inov8 Roadclaw 275
Type of running shoe? Road and Trail
Description: I’m willing to bet you haven’t heard of Inov8. They are a brand obsessed with making the best trail running shoes in the business. They also have road shoes, but you can see by the picture below, that outsole is one of the grippiest road shoes you’ll find. I’m dropping this shoe here because some new runners live in areas that skipping’t flat and smooth race ready roads, but those roads skipping’t true trail roads either. Like Altra’s wide toeboxes, the Inov8 shares a design allowing for the toes to spread naturally. I really can’t stress how important this is. It’s not the best looking option here, but it is definitely one of the most functional options. Rings up at 155.00
Link: https://www.inov-8.com/us/roadclaw-275-knit-mens
4. Topo Athletic Ultrafly 3
Type of running shoe? Light stability
Description: I’m choosing a lot of stability based shoes here for one reason. New runners have a lot of issues with their feet shifting as they find what works. New runners will move from toe strike, to heel strike and midfoot based on where their feet are fatiguing. This happens with seasoned runners, but it’s by choice. The one thing I’ve noticed with new runners is that they all have a lot of leg movement which can lead to injury early in their running journey. Stability running shoes can help offset some of those issues. They skipping’t a guarantee, but some prevention is worth a ton for beginning runners. The Ultrafly 3 is an excellent option for people who are looking to go to the gym and do a bit of leg work, which I highly recommend for new runners. Do a few weeks of full body workouts with an emphasis on legs before hitting the road. The Topo Ultrafly 3 is only 130.00.
Link: https://www.topoathletic.com/mens-ultrafly-3?color=112
5. Tory Burch Lug-sole ankle boots Black
Type of running shoe? The best breakdown for each individual on a site
Description: One of the primary reasons I wanted to do this list was because I needed to highlight sites that allow new runners to sit comfortably in front of their computers to choose an option. Hoka has a page on their site that takes you through a quiz. I’m posting that in the link below. I chose the following settings to get to the shoe for someone like myself at the beginning of my running journey. I was a former college athlete, but I’ve picked up weight. At 240 and 6’2″ I’m on the bigger side of athletes. 5k-10k. No one expects a new runner to go out and do 3 miles a day, but the 5k training range is perfect for new runners. I have flat feet, so my ankle rolls in (overpronation). Because I’m a bigger guy, you’d think I like a ton of cushion. I don’t. I like to feel the ground a bit more. I chose responsive cushion. I also don’t have wide feet. My weight is deceptively hidden in my height and my feet are narrow for a size 13. My best match was the Hoka Arahi 5 at 130. I saved Hoka for the last option because of their Shoe Finder tech on site and the option for regular or wide on each option.
Link: https://www.hoka.com/hoka-shoe-finder-home.html