The best running shoes of 2016

Neutral

Neutral shoes are typically cushioned with a lot of shock absorption, says Bryan Smith, a Toronto-based manager with the Running Room. These have a lot of flexibility as well as a snug heel fit.

ASICS, Gel Nimbus 18, $200, ASICS Canada.

Neutral

Neutral shoes are typically cushioned with a lot of shock absorption, says Bryan Smith, a Toronto-based manager with the Running Room. These have a lot of flexibility as well as a snug heel fit.

Brooks Glycerin 14, $180, Running Room.

Neutral and for high arches

The cushioning works for high-mile runners while the drop and neutral support also suits traditional, heel-strike striders, says Rick Wright, a footwear specialist at Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC).

New Balance 1080, $190, New Balance.

High arches

"The Boost midsoles make these neutral runners light, fast and bouncy without being too soft," says Wright.

Adidas Supernova Glide 8, $160, Adidas.

Low arches

The midsole give these shoes an energetic, bouncy feel that won't quickly start to degrade or feels soft, says Wright. "Small capsules in the midsole foam provide high levels of energy return as your foot strikes and releases the ground."

Adidas Supernova Sequence 8, $155, MEC.

Low arches

These shoes provide stability and smoother, more consistent support. Its foam underfoot provides plush cushioning to prevent overpronation, says Wright.

New Balance 1260v5, $190, New Balance.

Responsive cushioning

Mizuno shoes in general tend to have more of a responsive cushioning, says Smith. The Rider is one of its most popular models and it provides runners with a ground feel.

Mizuno Rider, $165, Mizuno.

Lightweight

These will feel exceptionally light compared to neutral shoes, but won't provide stability.

Saucony Kinvara 7, $140, Running Room.

Lightweight

These will feel exceptionally light compared to neutral shoes, but won't provide stability.


Brooks Launch 3, $130, Running Room.

Lightweight

These will feel exceptionally light compared to neutral shoes, but won't provide stability.

New Balance 1400, $130, New Balance.

Stability

These shoes fall in the stability or supportive category, says Smith. The following three models are the most common and successful amongst people whose feet tend to overpronate (when the foot rolls inward during running).


Brooks Adrenaline, $160, Brooks.

Stability

These shoes fall in the stability or supportive category, says Smith. This model is one of the most common and successful amongst people whose feet tend to overpronate (when the foot rolls inward during running).


Saucony Guide 9, $160, Saucony.

Stability

These shoes fall in the stability or supportive category, says Smith. This model is one of the most common and successful amongst people whose feet tend to overpronate (when the foot rolls inward during running).


ASICS GT-2000, $170, Running Room.

Motion control

The mainstay for women's maximum support. Brooks pioneered the technology to introduce stability in running shoes.

Brooks Areil 14, $180, Brooks Canada.

Motion control

Especially fitting for women with low arches and very flexible arches. Those who need these shoes are probably seeing a dramatic inward roll (pronation) of the foot and the ankle, says Smith.

Saucony Redeemer, $170, Running Room.

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