Expert Advice on Running Shoes
What are neutral running shoes?
Neutral road running shoes are designed for runners who do not overpronate (i.e. the feet do not roll inwards too much), in other words they have a naturally stable foot strike. The midsole doesn't feature any form of support for stability– like medial posts or guide rails – as a neutral gait doesn't need any correction.
In our experience only 20% to 30% of runners need neutral running shoes. A very small percentage of those are supinators –i.e. runners whose feet roll outwards. A supinator would also usually a neutral shoe with plenty of flexibility. Here’s the pick of this season's neutral shoes from our range...
MostCushioned / MostFlexible / LightestWeight / ZeroDrop
The benefits of a specialist neutral road running shoe
- Promotes soft, responsive cushioning for comfort
- Absorbs shock from running
- Enhances neutral foot strike
- Encourages smooth transition from foot strike to toe off
- Offers flexibility for natural, easy ride
- Uppers hold the foot securely
- Lightweight feel
Get the best running shoes for YOU
It's very important to get the right level of support and flexibility when running on road. If possible, come into our storeforNatural Gait Analysis and a proper fitting, so we can make sure you end up with suitable shoes for your foot strike and foot shape. It also gives you a chance to try out different brands and types of cushioning. We also offer Online Gait Analysis.
Most Cushioned Neutral Shoes
The shoes in this category would suit a long-distance runner (such as marathons or ultras) a heavier runner, those prone to aches and pains in the feet or legs, or simply those loving the extra comfort of soft, bouncy cushioning.
AsicsGelCumulus / BrooksGhostMax / NewBalance1080 / HokaBondi / SauconyTriumph / BrooksGlycerin
Asics Gel Cumulus
An improved fit, now more secured with ample cushioning for tackling the extra miles with comfort and confidence. Asics have introduced this edition featuring 2mm more cushioning for responsiveness, a reshaped tongue and heel collar. It'll have to running with bliss mile after mile!
Brooks Ghost Max
Brooks Ghost Max offers a comfortable, secured fit, with a unique ride carried through the midsole cushioning from the GlideRoll Rocker technology. The OrthoLite sockliner adds extra cushioning and gentle arch support, ideal for those with flat feet or plantar fasciitis. With a 6mm heel drop, runners and walkers can expect sensational comfort.
New Balance 1080
Top of the New Balance neutral range. Fresh Foam X technology in the midsole delivers outstandingly soft cushioning to take away the impact forces from your running. The lightweight upper is breathable and seamless to hold your foot in comfort. This latest design has been made according to the data collected from hundreds of runners to make it fit very precisely, alongside of the soft materials used, so it offers you security and comfort. The 1080 has a very similar feel to the Hoka Bondi, with itsultimately soft cushioning and the rocking feeling, even though the 1080 is builton a higher (6mm) heel drop. Also available in extra wide fit for Men's.
Hoka Bondi
The Hoka Bondi is the ultimate in softness. All Hoka shoes feature double the amount of cushioning in comparison with any other running shoes. The Bondi has a 4mm heel drop, compared to 14mm in standard shoes. (Thisis the difference between the height of the heel and forefoot.) A low heel dropencourages you to land on your midfoot rather than your heel, which means significantly less impact on your knees, hips or Achilles. The double EVA cushioning in the midsole comforts and protects your feet.The early stage Meta-Rocker rocks you forward from midfoot to forefoot and toe-off. This can feel very different to other shoes, especially in the beginning. Start the transition slowly and give yourself enough time to get to used to it. There is no limit to the distance: you can use the Bondion your short, or long runs,fordistance running or walking, or even ultras.
Saucony Triumph
Saucony’s Triumph 21 is running shoe designed with comfort and responsiveness. Great option if you're running on pavement, the shock absorption is excellent. Once you step into the Triumph, you'll be met with sensational cushioning and an upper that is engineered for the ultimate secured fit.
Brooks Glycerin
The Glycerin is Brooks’ plushest neutral road running shoe. It has a softer feel than the Ghost due to the full-length innovative nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 midsole, which is also super-light. Even though the midsole is super soft and bouncy it still gives you a responsive feel. The double jacquard mesh upper is incredibly soft and breathable, and stretches where needed, enhancing the comfort this superior running shoe offers. Comes in a wide fitting – 2E for men, and D for women.
Brooks Ghost
Brooks implements the best technologies for a balance of softness and responsiveness in their cushioning. Brooks’ most popular neutral running shoe, the Ghost, combinesfirmer DNA and the softer DNA LOFT 2 to delivergreat shock absorption and a smooth ride. In addition, the Ghost has an amazing fit. The engineered, breathable mesh upper gives your foot space to breath, but the structure also holds your foot. The outsole rubber is very durable, with a bit of grip, just in caseyou need to use it for occasionaloff-road runs. Available in wide fittings – 2E or 4E for men, and D for women.
New Balance 880
New Balance have introducedtheir FreshFoam super soft cushioning into the midsole of the 880 to deliver you a bouncier ride. Thenewest upgrade makes this neutral running shoe more comfortable, and with better shock absorption, than ever before. It has a responsive feel, very similar to that of the Brooks Ghost but the heel counter in the 880 is deeper to hold your ankle more securely. Available in standard width (D for men / B for women), wide (2E for men / D for women) and extra wide (4E for men).
On Cloudflow
This is the most popular neutral On running shoe ever. The Cloudflow 4 has anatural, responsive, close-to-the-ground feel. The Clouds –the rounded white bubbles on the outsole has been raised slightly with more cushioning, incredibly it's still very lightweight!
The 8mm heel drop makes it closer to the ground and stable. It also encourages you to midfoot strike for a more natural landing and to decrease impact. With new and improved upper material that feels more snug, nothing really compares to how light and seamless these feel when you're on the go.
Altra FWD Experience
The Altra FWD Experience are designed for optimal performance and comfort. They have a lightweight construction, making them easy to wear for long distances. For the first time, Altra has released a shoe that does not feature a zero-drop platform – instead this shoe has a 4mm heel drop.
Fully cushioned footbed to provide a natural and comfortable running experience. The FootShape toe-box allows for toe splay while running. They're also made with recycled materials for a more sustainable approach. A perfect choice for runners who want a comfortable and natural feel.
Saucony Ride
New and upgraded features to the Ride 17. This shoe appeals to runners who lands on their mid-foot or forefoot. The PWRRUN+ midsole foam combines cushioning with even more responsive bounce, so it feels very balanced. The smooth ride makes it super easy to use in every day training. As with majority of Saucony road running shoes, the Ride is built on an 8mm heel drop, to keep your body in more natural alignment by encouraging a midfoot strike rather than heel strike.
Zero-Drop Neutral Shoes
Zero-drop shoes are very specialised. Runners landing on their forefoot or midfoot will appreciate the natural, close-to-the-ground feel. Forefoot or midfoot landing has less impact on your body and decreases stress that can lead to injury. These are also a great option for runners who are transitioning to midfoot landing. If you are not used to a zero-drop shoe, it can take time to adjust. Make sure you build up your mileage gradually, or you may encounter calf or Achilles problems.
Altra Escalante
A natural foot shape and a zero-drop midsole are the two main characteristic of all Altra shoes. The forefoot shape of the Escalante is broader, to give your toes more space and allow them to spread naturally. The zero-drop platform encourages you to land on your midfoot or forefoot rather than your heel. There is still plenty of energy return cushioning in the Escalante's midsole for a smooth, energised ride and rebound. It can be use for any distance – fromshort up to ultra runs.
SHOP ALL NEUTRAL ROAD RUNNING SHOES
