Running Shoes Reviews

The reviews below are assigned ratings by ConsumerSearch. These ratings are based on credibility in testing, evaluating and identifying the best Running Shoes. See our ratings criteria

For recommendations of best Running Shoes, see our Fast Answers page, which summarizes what these reviews say. A longer summary and analysis appears in our Full Story report for Running Shoes. Our Where to Buy page contains information on retailers and Running Shoes prices.

Where to Buy

Fast Answers

Full Story

All Reviews

Running Shoes Reviews Reviewed
Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Running Shoes Ratings Comments on Reviews
1. Runner's World >> Details/Subscribe	Spring Running Shoe Guide 2008 Warren Greene Jan. 23, 2008		Twenty-seven new running shoes are tested at the Runner's World Shoe Lab. Shoes are tested mechanically, but the real meat here is the comments from 350 wear-testers in four cities who each tried shoes for a month. Shoes aren't ranked, but models are grouped according to type, and the editors cherry-pick five models for special praise. The highest rating and Editor's Choice award goes to the Asics GEL-Kayano, with Best Buy nods to the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 8 and Mizuno Wave Rider. The Adidas Supernova Cushion 7 is called the "Best Upgrade," which apparently indicates “most improved.” The Puma Complete Eutopia performance shoe is noted as the best new shoe. Each short review is accompanied by notes on the shoe's evolution, changes and improvements, along with two tester's comments (generally from a male and a female runner). In addition to this feature, Runner's World also maintains a shoe-finder tool that lets you search shoes by size, type, etc. In a short separate article, it's noted that the Asics GEL- Nimbus 9 was chosen in November for the RW International Editor's Choice Award.
2. British Journal of Sports Medicine	Do you get value for money when you buy an expensive pair of running shoes? R. Clinghan, G. Arnold, T. Drew, L. Cochrane, and R. Abboud Oct. 11, 2007		This British study aims to find if more expensive running shoes provide better cushioning and plantar pressure than less expensive shoes from the same (undisclosed) brands. Three pairs of running shoes were bought from three different manufacturers at three different price ranges. Plantar pressure measurements were recorded from under the heel, across the forefoot and under the great toe among 55 participants. Low and medium cost running shoes in each of the three brands offered the same, if not superior, cushioning and plantar pressure as high cost running shoes. No specific brands or shoe models are identified, but the study is still informative. What's not tested is durability, so the question of whether pricey shoes last longer goes unanswered.

Running Shoes Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Running Shoes Ratings Comments on Reviews

3. Outside Online >> Details/Subscribe	Outside Magazine 2007 Buyer's Guide: Running shoes Brian Metzler Not Dated		Fourteen running shoes are listed here, but there's not much information to tell us who performed the testing or even how many people were involved. Most shoes get a detailed write-up, but others get on a one-paragraph description with no notes on testing results at all. The New Balance 902 is singled out as “Gear of the Year.” The Puma Concinnity and the Etonic Praya NC are mentioned as "Killer Value" shoes.
4. RoadrunnerSports.com	Running Shoe Reviews Contributors to RoadrunnerSports.com As of Mar. 2008		What sets this online running shoe store apart from the rest is the fact that users actually do review the shoes. Unfortunately, there's no way to sort shoes by rating. Because so many shoes get high scores, you can't tell which shoes might be better just from the rating. Rather, these reviews are most useful for those who already own running shoes and are looking for a new pair of the same model. Since manufacturers often tweak designs but don't change the name, readers are helpful at documenting changes in fit from year to year.
5. Running Times Online >> Details/Subscribe	Spring Forward Brian Metzler Mar. 2008		None of the running shoes listed here get a downright negative review, but nearly every shoe on the market gets a short write-up and at least one or two comments based on road testing. So if you know what you need and have enough time to sift through reviews, you might get a good idea which shoes you might try first. None of the shoes are rated, ranked or otherwise selected as better than others. This is a good site to use as a cross reference for other reviews.
6. Boys' Life	Running Shoes Buying Guide Mark Anders Oct. 2007		This article includes some "can't miss" picks, but it's more valuable for its general advice on fit and how to shop for shoes. Advice is compiled with the help of former Boy Scout and distance runner Alan Webb. The Puma Concinnity, Nike Air State Run and New Balance MR/WR710 are listed here as favorites.

Running Shoes Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Running Shoes Ratings Comments on Reviews

7. Ransacker.co.uk	Ransacker Running Shoe Awards 2007 Editors of Ransacker.co.uk Not Dated		This British site lists top running shoes, but the methodology is a little hazy. The un-named editors say picks are based on other reviews at Runner's World and Running Fitness, and on their own opinion. Testers aren't identified. Shoes get a short discussion, and editors seem to have some knowledge of the shoes' reputation and general attributes, but without more specific information about the authors, it's hard to gauge this site's credibility.
8. About.com	Running Shoe Reviews and Recommendations Christine Luff Not Dated		The problem with this series of brief recommendations is the lack of a date on the article. Many shoes are slightly revised every year, and runner's forums are stuffed with comments from runners that a favorite shoe has changed enough that it's no longer suitable for a particular person. Because even small changes can affect fit from year to year, and because manufacturers revise shoes without changing the model name, dated reviews are essential. Otherwise, running and trail shoes listed here get a short one-sentence comment that doesn't indicate any testing. There's some good general buyer's guide information.
9. National Geographic Adventure	Road Running Shoes: Choosing the Right Pair Steve Casimiro Not Dated		Six shoes are singled out by National Geographic as best, but there's no explanation why, and because this review isn't dated, it's hard to tell what model year these shoes are from. Each running shoe gets a very short one-paragraph write-up that doesn't indicate that the shoes were road-tested in any way. The Mizuno Wave Creation 8, the Puma Complete Concinnity, the New Balance 902 and the Nike Air Equalon are mentioned.
10. Amazon.com	Running Shoe Reviews Contributors to Amazon.com As of Mar. 2008		Amazon.com sells running shoes and invites owners to rate them. However, most shoes just don't get many comments from owners, and even when they do, all get high ratings overall. That makes it difficult to draw any big conclusions from the reviews at Amazon.com.

Running Shoes Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Running Shoes Ratings Comments on Reviews

11. ABC-of-Running.com	Running Shoes Editors of ABC-of-Running.com Not Dated		This website seems mainly set up for selling running shoes, and while there are no reviews here, there's some good general information about fit and choosing the right shoe for your foot. Editors designate some running shoes as "hot picks," but there's no criteria listed that would indicate why some are chosen over others.