The Best Running Shoes of 2020
The part-timers haven't quite given up on their new year gym fix yet, so you've decided to take your fitness journey onto the streets. To that end, you need a pair of running trainers that can handle all kinds of weather conditions and terrain. They need to look good, too.
That's why we've rounded up the best running trainers on the market, from Nike to Adidas to New Balance, to ensure that you're supported along the way.
1|Â Nike React Infinity Run
Every day we wake up and ask ourselves: could this list do with another pair of simple black and white running trainers? The answer is always yes. We're big fans of these Flykits, largely because they look like they've been designed with a pot of Tipp-Ex. They're also made from three layers of lightweight, flexible material that will help reduce injury.
2| Arc'teryx
Adventure brand Arc'teryx was born on the rugged Coast Mountains of Canada. You were not. But that doesn't mean you can't look the part of the pioneer. Just pick up a pair of these mesh and rubber runners, designed to withstand extreme conditions. The mega-grip soles might prove to be a bit OTT for your weekly park runs, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.
3|Â Â Veja Condor Alveomesh
Can you even contemplate how many innocent snails you've crushed underneath your running shoes over the past ten years? Pay penance to Mother Earth and all its creatures by investing in a pair of ethically-crafted Veja trainers. These ones are made from recycled plastic bottles and feature organic cotton-jersey linings. And watch out for snails.
4|Â Â Asics Gel-Pulse 11
Look at that orange piping. Soak it in. We all get that Asics knows it's way around a running shoe, but the designs can often be a little too busy for our tastes. Delve deeper into their catalogue, however, and you'll find the understated sneakers you want and deserve. These ones are ready for long-distance running, and come in at a very affordable price.
5|Â Â APL Breeze TechLoom
Ice white running trainers may not seem like a good idea at first, but they're actually a great motivator. The more you dirty them up, the more respect you'll earn from other runners on the road and the less chance they'll push you into bushes and oncoming traffic. With that in mind, opt for these ridiculously clean sneakers from US brand Athletic Propulsion Labs.
6|Â Adidas Ultraboost 20
We're big fans of the UltraBoost series and even bigger fans of saving the Earth from a fiery, pollution-fuelled apocalypse. So we're extremely please to say that adidas sourced these super comfortable sock-like trainers from recycled materials without sacrificing any of the quality.
7|Â Â Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36
Gore-Tex is the hardy, weatherproof fabric that keeps things dry. And it lends itself well to Nike's Air Zoom Pegasus 36s, with a rigorous shell that's still lightweight enough to beat PBs, new year malaise, and the ever pleasant Q1 weather.
8|Â Â Adidas AlphaEDGE 4D Shoes
Your running shoes are, of course, 3D. But are they 4D? We're assuming not, as Adidas's AlphaEDGE running shoes boast a signature 4D sole unit (that's where it gets the name!) that's been digitally printed to complement the contours of your feet. And that means a really comfortable, well-adjusted run.
9|Â Â APL Phantom TechLoom
A TV static-esque colourway will separate you from the super-luminous pack, but there's plenty of innovative running tech that sets these TechLoom running sneakers apart, too. Neoprene tongue and collars reduce friction, and the uppers are built with four-way stretch to fit any foot shape.
10|Â Â Nike Odyssey React Shield 2
Sounds a lot like a Japanese anime series, and you'll be running like its heroes too. Yes, Nike's Odyssey React Shield 2 trainers allow for a springy, comfortable run, and better yet, are a lot more handsome than the usual function-over-form offering.
11|Â Â Reebok Quick Motion 2.0
A supportive pair of trainers needn't cost the Earth. Nor do they need to be super garish and retro-inspired. Reebok's Quick Motions combine state-of-the-art running tech with an understated ivy green colourway. Lovely.
12|Â Â Mizuno Red Wave Rider 1S
Running is just as much about stunting on the haters (random pedestrians and their pets) as it is about keeping your health in check. That's why you should invest in these bulky beasts from Japanese brand Mizuno.
13|Â Adidas Ultra Boost 20 'Space Race'
Adidas has teamed up with the International Space Station for a new sneaker collab. Why? Absolutely no idea, but who really cares when it results in something this iridescent and ace.
14|Â Â Nike X Undercover Gyakusou Zoom
Much like Nike's previous collaboration with Tokyo-based running club Gyakusou, these beautiful '70s-inspired suede trainers will have likely sold out by the time you've finished reading this sentence. But who knows, maybe you still stand a chance! Probably not now, though. You should have stopped a few sentences back. Wait, are you still here? You're really playing with fire now, buddy.
15|Â Â Under Armour HOVR Velociti 2
The compression mesh uppers on these running trainers keeps them feeling secure, sturdy and lightweight. Plus the colourway kind of looks like it's been designed on WordArt, which we thoroughly approve of.
16|Â Adidas Solar Boost 19
Inspired by NASA technology, the Solar Boost 19's reinforced, calibrated support helps you avoid injury and develop a confident stride. adidas puts that down to the shoe's 'Solar Propulsion' and 'Energy Rail' midsole which, as well as sounding like doomed Elon Musk side projects, help to guide your foot through its natural gait cycle.
17|Â Â Nike Zoom Fly 3
A close cousin to the Vaporfly, Nike's Zoom Fly 3 is a perfect balance of comfort and performance. That means a carbon-fibre plate for added propulsion and magnetically energetic foam.
18|Â Â On Cloudflow
Created with a patented cushioning system, Swiss outfit On has doubled down on creating the perfect running trainer. Which, in this instance, means 18 semi-circle cushioning pods and Speedboard technology.
19|Â Â Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36
In a world of loud, chunky, neon-piped trainers, the Pegasus 36 keeps things refreshingly simple. Not only are they sleek and understated, but they're also crafted with Nike's state-of-the-art running innovations. The padded collars and 'Flywire' cables will have you feeling locked-in, comfortable and protected.
20|Â Â Under Armour HOVR
A big, chunky beast it may be, but Under Armour's HOVR technology ensures a 'zero-gravity feel'. Not the ideal atmospheric condition for a run, granted, but impressive nonetheless.
This story originally appeared on Esquire.co.uk. Minor edits have been made by the Esquiremag.ph editors.
