Running is always something you can take up whenever you feel like you need to get fit, but you need the right shoes to get the most out of it. Here’s our list of top running shoes that are not only light but also give you great support from some of our favourite brands adidas, New Balance, Skechers and more.
If you like this review, try our review on A pocket-sized photo printer for your smartphone pics or our road test of the best thermos food jars to buy.
$169, from Adidas and shop.adidas.com.sg
The shoes were the most comfortable in the line-up and gave good overall support, including my ankles. The thin, flexible material wrapped itself securely around my foot. I felt like I was bounding – almost bouncing – on my feet. This pair made my feet feel sexy too, which I attribute to the shoe contour and how it highlights the arch.
Verdict 9.5. So gorgeous and comfortable, you can wear this to the office and look stylishly sporty at work and head off for your run straight after.
$189, from New Balance
I was surprised by a small mound of foam on the insole that pushed against the arch of my foot when I first put the shoes on. But halfway into my run, I was grateful for it. The little bump pressed against a pressure point, helping to ease the tension and keeping me light on my feet. The shoe also kept my feet well-cushioned and well-supported as I ran.
Verdict 9. Great for long-distance running as the material is light and the shoes gives good support.
$179, from Skechers
I loved how easy it was to put it on. Just hook your finger into the pentagon-shaped hole at the heel, and tug it gently to get your foot into the shoe. The design isn’t the sleekest but it felt the most stable; the outsole (the base of the shoe that is in contact with the ground) is made of a lightweight material. It also has the widest cut of the lot – so while my feet were well-cushioned, the front was too roomy for me.
Verdict 8.5. Perfect for runners with wide feet.
$59.90, from Decathlon and www.decathlon.scg
Made for indoor use, this pair has a stable base and a good grip, making treadmill running a breeze. The light outsole, which comes with pockets that allow air to waft up through the base, coupled with the mesh-like material, kept my feet well-ventilated and cool.
But its thick, albeit light, cushioning was clumsy – not so great for using outdoors and for long indoor runs. The laces too, were too short – I had to tie really small bows.
Verdict 8. Sturdy and comfortable for gym workouts, but ponderous for long distances.
$189, from Under Armour and www.underarmour.com.sg
It is very light, which makes running really comfortable. The outsole is flexible and gripped both track and treadmill well.
The material is extremely thin and breathable, and fits like second skin around my foot. But because it was so thin, the back of the heel cut into my skin – perhaps I just needed to break into the shoes.
Verdict 8. Light and snug, with a good grip while running, although you may need to break this pair of runners in.
$179, from Asics
I love the gel-and-foam base of the shoe. It gave extremely good cushioning, and allowed me more bounce in my step – taking off from the ball of my foot, it felt like I was springing forward.
The only downside was the fit. The shoes didn’t mould nicely to my feet as the material was a bit stiff – my feet felt like they were being squeezed into a box.
Verdict 8. Keeps you light on your feet and helps you run faster although the material is not the most comfy. Great for sprinting.