There's something meditative, something cathartic about running, an activity as old as time, that just never goes out of vogue. Whether you lace up your shoes to regain fitness, enhance well-being, or simply revel in the joy of running, this activity continues to captivate individuals across the globe.
It's the most accessible exercise but you certainly need the right footwear, and with so many brands boasting a robust range of running shoes, whittling down to the one that is the best for you can be a tricky exercise.
Lucky for you, we've done the hard work and curated the best running shoes on the market currently. Check it out:
Best Running Shoes To Invest In:
Nike Invincible 3
Price: INR 16 995.00
Be it for a marathon or the daily jog in the park, Nike Invincible 3 makes a strong case with its impeccable absorption quality, thanks to its special ZoomX foam in the midsole, which would almost negate the ground impact. A great deal of attention has been expended on minimising the heel-to-toe transition, and you’d not feel any discomfort even on bumpier trails. Invincible 3 won't make you faster (not suitable for sprints) but they'd minimise muscle fatigue and make you last longer in long-distance runs.
Adidas SuperNova Rise
Price: INR 14 999.00
It's safe to say that Adidas has overtaken its storied rivals, both Puma and Nike when it comes to high-performance running shoes, thanks to a great reception of its Adizero series that has become a ubiquitous presence on the podium of any marathons. With the SuperNova collection, Adidas is now wooing novice runners. The SuperNova Rise comes with a re-engineered super foam in the midsole, and they have ditched the Continental rubber in the outsole for their in-house Adiwear compound. The breathable mesh that forms the upper layer of the shoes gives it a trendy look. For daily runners not looking to gain an extra edge over their competitors, SuperNova Rise is a great choice.
Asics Superblast 2
Price: INR 21,999
Most sequels don't work, but Asics just took their game a notch or two above with their sophomore iteration of the iconic Superblast, the footwear that has acquired such a cult fandom among runners at every level. By the look of it, Superblast 2 looks a tad heavier but you're in for a surprise. The upper layer is embedded with an asymmetric mesh design, and the vividity of the midsole is an ode to the hues of the sky during sunrise and sunset. What makes Superblast 2 a unanimous choice among runners is its versatility. Marathon or short bursts, rough terrains or plains, it will not disappoint you.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
Price: INR 16,091
If Asics Superblast 2 falls beyond your budget, you should go for Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, an exceptional footwear that's lightweight, bouncy (thanks to the brand's in-house Super Responsive Sockliner technology) and adaptable for various running speeds. For those with high-arched feet, finding a perfect fit can be a tedious exercise, but you can blindly trust Endorphin Speed for comfort. The upper mesh is similar to its previous version, providing great ventilation, and the usage of a nylon plate hasn't compromised its responsiveness.
Puma Deviate Nitro 3
Price: INR 15,999
Puma's Deviate Nitro 3 has generated considerable buzz among both casual runners and those who compete at a professional level. Ideal for individuals with narrow feet, the Deviate Nitro 3 provides exceptional stability. Featuring a carbon-plated design typically associated with higher-end shoes, this model offers great propulsion while remaining budget-friendly. The shoe's midsole has a base of Standard Nitro and an upper layer of Nitro Elite. Rain or sunshine, you can run for your life, without worrying about toppling over, thanks to the PUMAGRIP outsole that provides exceptional traction across varied surfaces.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13
Price: INR 17,999
When comfort is your sole priority, there’s nothing better than the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13. Weighing just about 260 gm, this is the proven star of the New Balance roster. The soft-knitted upper mesh is designed for seamless ventilation, making it ideal for people whose main concern while running is excessive sweating. The midsole is highly cushioned (thicker than the previous version), giving you a bouncy feel on the run, though the energy return falls slightly off the mark, probably due to its EVA-based foam.
