With gym doors closed for the foreseeable future and the warmer summer months upon us in the UK, more people than ever are taking their cardio workouts into their own hands or, indeed, own feet. Running trainers are a dime a dozen and it can be difficult to choose the right pair, whether you’re only just taking to the pavement or you’re a seasoned marathoner. When buying a new pair of kicks it’s essential to consider what kind of runner you are and the terrain you prefer to run on, whether long or short distance; or indoor or trail running.
Here is our selection of the top men’s running trainers promising you peak performance whilst running in style.
For the all-rounder: On Running Cloudflow (from £130)
Designed for speed, comfort and durability, On are a Swiss-based brand whose trainers are fast becoming the go-to option for elite athletes. Taking On’s ethos of soft landings and explosive take-offs to all-new levels, the Cloudflow range are a brilliant all-rounder running shoe, packed with intelligent engineering. On’s Cloudflow trainers claim to combine advanced shoe and sole engineering that help convert every impact into instant acceleration. Lightweight, reinforced and unbelievably comfortable, we road-tested these record-breaking trainers over a marathon distance and crossed the line feeling fresh and blister-free. Available in both men’s and women’s sizes, and three different colours, we think they might just be the best-looking running shoes money can buy.
For the adventurous trail runner: Adidas Terrex Two Ultra Parley (from £99.69)
Any experienced trail runner will know to search for a tough sole with great grip when shopping for new trainers. The Adidas Terrex Two Ultra Parley offers just this alongside an appealing design with lots of choice in colourway. The trainer is soft, yet supportive, and ideal for the great outdoors, like the rest of the Adidas Terrex range. But, perhaps the best part, for those who like to surround themselves in nature whilst exercising, is the materials that make up this handsome trainer. As part of Adidas’ ongoing collaboration with Parley, the shoe is made from upcycled plastic collected from beaches and coastlines.
For the long distance road runner: Nike Joyride Run Flyknit (from £189.99)
It goes without saying that long distance runners require more cushioning and bounce in their trainers to provide as much shock absorption as possible. The soles of the Nike Joyride Run Flyknit are equipped for this specific challenge, filled with tiny beads that absorb the impact of your foot on the ground and spread it evenly across the whole sole, taking some of the pressure off of your legs while you pound the pavement. Long distance runners and marathoners will enjoy smoother, less painful runs with leg muscles taking less of a hit, meaning you can get back out on the road quicker after each session.
For the hi-tech runner: Under Armour HOVR Machina (from £118.98)
The perfect option for gadget-obsessed runners, the team at Under Armour have created a high-performance running shoe that’s bursting with innovation. With successful HOVR cushioning technology matching the bounce of big brand trainers, the Under Armour HOVR Machina offers supreme support for your feet and a means for energy return which makes strides lighter and effortless. The best part is that the trainer has an embedded sensor that sends your run stats directly to the Map My Run app. Offering real-time form coaching based on the data gathered by each step, these shoes have the capacity to help you take your running to a whole new level.
For the casual pavement hitter: Saucony Triumph 17 (from £94.88)
If you bat between long and short distance, or like to have a choice between running on a treadmill and on the pavements, the Saucony Triumph 17 is the ultimate all-rounder. For those who do a bit of everything, you want to tread the line between grip and cushioning, which the Triumph 17 surely does. Saucony has developed an exclusive PWRRUN+ design that gives you a springy underfoot feel that responds to your foot’s natural movement. The great cushioning means you can run for longer without discomfort or fatigue whilst new technology has made the shoes 25% lighter than before.
For the eco-conscious runner: Veja Condor (from £119.99)
Veja is well known for its fashion-forward, sustainable sneaker designs, and the Condor is the brand’s first eco trainer. Made from 53% bio-based and recycled materials, these are a no-brainer for any runner keen to reduce their impact on planet earth but still make an impact on the pavement. Not only are the trainers better for the environment, they are also incredibly comfortable. Ideal for walking, hiking, and running, the Condor has a light and flexible design that offers extra support while running, so you can enjoy your new kicks no matter how you’re training.
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