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Best Running Shoes for 2016

Please note that full review of the shoes listed below will be coming later this year.

2016’s Top 5 Best Running Shoes

Running isn’t just a simple hobby. It’s a great health habit. Some people even regard running as a way of life. Runners do appreciate the health benefits they get from this activity, and they’re well aware that they have to be properly geared up to run on various kinds of terrains at varying speeds. Thus, they need the perfect pair of running shoes to keep going.

Comfort, speed, and good fit – these are the qualities that many people look for in running shoes. These shoe attributes are important to keep the runner’s feet safe, lessen the chances of injuries, and improve form and running performance.

The year 2016 has seen some drastic changes in the running shoe industry. Both maximalist and minimalist designs dominate the market, but some shoes have been quite a standout. So without further ado, here’s a review of the top 5 running shoes of 2016.


  1. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 33

The Pegasus line has been around for more than 30 years, yet their latest – October 2016 release – continues to stun runners. Why? Because it’s fast and versatile, as promised by Nike.

Pegasus 33 has a cleaner design than its predecessors. The shoes can accommodate both narrow and wide feet, ensuring a good fit for everyone. The midsole is firm yet comfortably cushioned, providing a soft yet stable feel while running. Arch support is good. The outsole is made from quality rubber compound, which enhances the shoe’s traction and speed.

The latest upgrade to the Pegasus 33 is the addition of an extra Zoom Air unit in the shoe’s forefront. The Zoom Air unit is a thin and lightweight cushioning that keeps feet close to the ground surface and enhances stability. It also adds a bit of pop during long strides and toe-offs.

A small downside is that the Pegasus 33 is somewhat stiffer than older models, because of the rubberized outsole. Runners will find the Pegasus 33 as a comfortable, stylish and an all-around running shoe. It’s a great lightweight trainer shoe that’s perfect for everyday use.


  1. Adidas Supernova Sequence 9

Easy-going runners looking for a responsive and durable shoe will find delight in this latest offering from Adidas. The Supernova Sequence 9 is a stability running shoe that is great for daily trainings and pace runs.

Supernova 9 comes with a mesh upper with added seamless overlays that afford the shoe its breathability. It has a roomy toe box that gently tapers down to the midsole to maintain a snug fit. Runners will enjoy the comfy heel-to-toe support given by the shoe’s full-length EVA stable frame.

One major upgrade that made the Supernova 9 stand out from its ancestors is the improvement of its Continental rubber outsole. The new sole provides for a unique responsive feel and better ride.

A minor setback for this running shoe is its slight stiffness and heavier weight. Supernova 9 weighs in at 312 grams as opposed to the previous model that weighs 309 grams.

Runners and athletes who are keen on their footwork can trust the Adidas Supernova Sequence 9 to take them anywhere they want to go. This running shoe is sturdy, dependable and great for easy running and non-stop trainings. 


  1. Saucony Triumph ISO 3 

The Saucony Triumph ISO 3 is a soft yet tough running shoe that stuns runners with its plush sole, snug fit, and outstanding performance.

ISO 3 boasts of an upper made from mesh that molds to the runner’s foot. It has a thin ISOFIT overlay with an internal liner that’s comfortable to the foot. The shoe comes with a moderately-padded tongue to help keep the foot in place.

A key feature of the Saucony ISO 3 is its use of Everun foam on the topsole instead of EVA standard foam. The Everun foam is firm yet soft, provides a responsive ride, is three times more resilient than EVA, and is safer to use in cold weather as they don’t easily get stiff like EVA does.

The outsole is made from light rubber. The heels and toe tips are lined with the more durable and a bit heavier XT-900 carbon rubber.

Minor sizing problems are the tiny downside of this Saucony model. Runners can try ordering a half size up when buying the ISO 3.

Saucony Triumph ISO 3 gets approving nods from runners because of its good cushioning, smooth, responsive ride, and durability. It’s great for training, daily runs, road running and marathons. Newbies and neutral runners will surely appreciate this good running shoe.


  1. Skechers GoRun 4

This 2016 model of Skechers GoRun 4 does not disappoint. It’s a lightweight, comfy and stylish running shoe that can easily take runners from training to marathons.

Skechers GoRun 4 is a lightweight shoe that’s just around 218 grams. Its upper is made from open mesh overlapped with a tightly woven layer of top mesh. Welded and stitched overlays provide the shoe its frame and support. The GoRun 4 fits most average-width feet snugly.

The midsole is lined with Resalite compound, which is a thin but firm layer of midsole material. This allows greater flexibility and enhanced cushioning in every step. GoRun 4 provides a neutral arch support with a firm, smooth and responsive ride to match.

A feature unique to the GoRun 4 is its Quick Fit Portal Heel Tab. This is a small finger-hole located at the heel part and is used to easily insert the foot to the shoe.

The shoe is notably stiffer than its previous versions, but that doesn’t affect its lightweight properties. Its flexibility does not suffer, either.

Overall, the Skechers GoRun 4 – 2016 model is an amazingly flexible shoe that neutral runners and athletes can use for day-to-day running, training, marathons and exercise sessions.


  1. Hoka One One Speedgoat

This running shoe from Hoka is dubbed as one of the most lightweight and comfortable running shoes on the market. The Speedgoat is fully cushioned in the midsole, forefoot and in the heel, providing a feast of softness for the feet with every step.

The Speedgoat is a maximalist shoe that’s designed for tough trail terrains. Its midsole is sheathed in thick layers of EVA foam to protect feet from the harsh elements that can come into contact within rough terrains. The outsole is made from Vibram rubber and has 5-millimeter lugs that provide great traction and superb grip.

Though this shoe excels in grip, softness and comfort, one downside of the Speedgoat is its narrow toe box. The shoe has enough wiggle room from the heel down to the midsole, but significantly tapers down to the toes. Runners should consider getting either a half or a full size up when purchasing the Speedgoat.

Hoka One One Speedgoat is a good choice for runners who’d love to pamper their feet with comfort even during a rough terrain run.