Which Sneakers To Choose For Long-Distance Running

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by Alexandra Mansilla

Which Sneakers To Choose For Long-Distance Running

18 Oct 2024

My running journey has been quite a long one — it actually started way back in school. In high school, my friends and I would run short distances, usually around 5 km. Then it continued in university, just with a new group of friends but the same distance. I always enjoyed running, but honestly, I never really paid attention to my shoes. For one thing, we didn’t have a lot of extra money to buy a separate pair of running shoes when I already had some regular sneakers I could use. And besides, I just didn't think about it that much. So, I just ran in whatever shoes I had.

Eventually, I ended up getting a proper pair of running shoes — some Reebok model; though I can’t remember the exact name, it looked a lot like the Energen Tech Plus. They were so comfortable and lightweight, and that was the first time I realised that actual running shoes made a difference. I ran my first 10 km in those, then my second 10 km, and kept running in them for a long time.

Reebok ENERGEN TECH168 AED

They lasted me for years until they finally wore out, and I had to find a new pair. That is when I found the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 — such a solid pair of running shoes. I think they are one of the best for anyone getting into running. They have a breathable mesh upper, and my feet just felt so comfortable in them. They handled all my 10 km runs perfectly.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 PRM475 AED

After the Nikes, I discovered HOKA, and I am still obsessed with them. In those shoes, I just want to keep running and never stop, no matter how far I have to go.

HOKA Kawana 2 sneakers842 AED

HOKA Clifton 9 sneakers551 AED

HOKA Clifton 9 sneakers894 AED

HOKA Kawana 2 sneakers842 AED

HOKA Clifton 9 sneakers551 AED

HOKA Clifton 9 sneakers894 AED

But different runners have different feet! Just because these shoes work well for me doesn't mean they will work for everyone else. So, I decided to ask some people who are into running to see what they wear and what works for them.

Yousef, aka Onepunchtryhard (the guy who ran from Dubai to Saudi — read his incredible story here)

Now I use the New Balance Elite Fuel SC shoes, and they are really, really good! They are amazing for long-distance running, and I genuinely feel a difference when I run in them. There is also the new ASICS Novablast, which is fantastic.

These are the top two shoes I would recommend for long-distance runners. Both are excellent — you will definitely notice the difference. They also fit perfectly; they scanned my feet in the store and recommended these two to me.

Source: me.asics.com

Sophie She, Senior Editor at The Sandy Times

I started running about a year ago. At first, it was just 30-minute cardio sessions in the morning, and it felt great. I started off with some regular Nike running shoes. I don’t remember the exact model, but they were classic slip-ons, no laces. They worked well for a while, but eventually, they wore out because, as you know, every running shoe has a limit of about 1500 kilometres. I had hit that limit, and I also had some foot issues, so those shoes weren’t really helping anymore. The cushioning had gone; they became too stiff, and my feet started hurting again.

A friend of mine, who is a big influencer in Dubai, recommended that I get a good pair of shoes to stop the foot pain. And, honestly, he introduced me to the best running shoes I have ever had — New Balance 1080s. They are simply the best running shoes out there. They are super comfortable, they support my feet perfectly, they don’t cause any pain, and they look cool. You know, most running shoes can look pretty awful, but these are actually stylish.

My friend also told me that if you are just starting out with running, you don’t really need carbon soles. You just need a good shoe that provides solid support for your feet when you are pounding the pavement. He also mentioned that it is best to get them a size up since your feet tend to swell a bit when you are doing cardio, especially when you are running for an hour or more as I do now. If you are running for an hour or more, and especially if you are not wearing the right socks, your feet will swell up. By the way, the right socks are compression running socks — definitely worth it.

So yeah, New Balance 1080s — perfect shoes, nothing more, nothing less. They are just right. If you are a pro, you could look into those fancy models with carbon plates, but I’m not a pro — I’m just doing it for fun. And these shoes are seriously the best.

Source: newbalance.com

by Alexandra Mansilla