Speedrunners have agile bodies, flexible limbs and strong, pain enduring muscles. When they’re on the track, they need an equally responsive, durable pair of shoes that will help them sprint towards their dreams. Unfortunately you’ll need to look through and test out a lot of pairs to find the best speed training shoes.
But do you have the time to explore different options and track down the best running shoes? Well we’ve got that bit covered for you. Here we’ve got a list of the best shoes for speed training, their features and a buying guide to help you in purchase.
So let’s leap right into it, shall we?
1. Brooks Hyperion Tempo
Brooks has developed many series over the years, focusing on different audiences’ needs. The Brooks Hyperion Tempo is designed for runners who want a lightweight, responsive shoe. Plus these shoes look so good, they’re bound to make you look cool while also running comfortably.
The shoe’s outsole is made of rubber, this gives you a strong grip on the surface when running. The shoe’s main attraction is the midsole, made of a special technology that Brooks has dubbed “DNA FLASH”. They designed it by infusing their adaptive “DNA material” with nitrogen. This engineering provides a lightweight, springy experience. The force you input into the shoe is given back to, coupled with a bit of spring supplied by the shoe. The upper is woven to give you breathability and to provide stretch that facilitates movement.
The shoe’s design is supposed to keep your feet stable when you move. Its geometrics, with the higher collar make this possible. This shoe lets you move efficiently without needing to put too much force for propulsion. Wearers have described the shoe to be lightweight, cushiony and responsive when running.
The shoe comes in 8 different color combinations, all eye-catching and stylish. The size chart is also expansive, so it’s easy enough to find the right fit for you. There aren’t separately indicated sizes for people with wide feet but you can try on the larger sizes to see if they fit you. The shoe’s lockdown system is snare technology, so it’s quite secure and avoids movement when put on.
What material is the shoe’s insole made of?
The insole is made of foam. This insole provides you with springiness and keeps your feet from getting injured. The insole is removable so you can wash it and dry it separately. The outsole is durable rubber.
Are the shoes suitable for people with pronation issues?
These shoes are designed for use on the race track. They’re running shoes so the focus is on the spring and comfort provided during running. They’re not specifically designed to provide comfort to people suffering from pronation.
However, you may find shoes that are designed for the track while also providing relief during pronation if you search for shoes fitting those categories.
Are these shoes machine washable?
It is advised not to wash these shoes in a machine as it can corrode the laces and the upper material. As you’ll be using these shoes on almost a regular basis on the track, they will be in need of cleaning often. Just wipe the shoe’s surface with a clean, dry cloth after every use and you’ll be good to go.
2. PUMA Velocity Nitro 2
PUMA Velocity Nitro 2 was developed specifically for runners, their advanced technology providing cushioning and responsiveness in a lightweight package. The shoe is built in a low boot design, providing you a comfortable, stable footwear.
The shoes have an engineered mesh upper that’s breathable and stretchy. The “NITRO FOAM” midsole offers you a responsive, cushioned shoe design that propels you forward when you’re on the track. The PUMAGRIP rubber outsole brings you traction as well as durability. The TPU heel technology adds stability to your movement. These shoes are designed to stay with you for a long distance.
The shoes look super sleek with their different color combinations. These running shoes are secured in place in a lace-up technology. When you move in these shoes, there’s no chances of the shoes slipping. These shoes are lightweight, breathable, responsive and come in a sleek, modern design in different colors.
The shoe has reflective design elements, paired with the iconic Puma logo and Puma formstrip at the lateral side. This makes the shoes look fashionable and give you that extra boost in confidence as well as in speed.
Can these shoes be used for cross training?
These shoes are mainly designed for runners on tracks. The engineered mesh and the springy midsole may not be the best option for stressful activities such as cross training.
Can I wear these shoes for hiking?
These shoes are mainly designed to be used on plain surfaces such as tracks, roads etc. but the PUMAGRIP technology gives these shoes multi-surface traction. These are appropriate for use on the treadmill or low slopes, but not built for high rise mountains or hills.
Why do the shoes have reflective accents?
The shoes are designed with strategically placed reflective accents along with the Puma cat and Puma formstrip. These make it easier for you to see the shoes in low light conditions. So if you’re outside in the dark, your shoes will be reflective indicators of your presence to oncoming vehicles or other runners. Plus, they make the shoes look cool and stylish.
3. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V11
New Balance also has different series of shoes for different purposes. The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V11 running shoe is a recurring name in many lists that rank the best shoes for speed training, including ours. There’s many reasons why these shoes are recommended and used by professionals and doctors.
The shoe is made up of synthetic material and mesh. The sole is synthetic while the upper is engineered mesh. The fresh foam midsole cushioning is designed to deliver a smooth, lightweight feeling. The bootie upper construction is made to hug your feet so you have a snug, secure fit. There’s also an ortholite sockliner that provides you with more comfort. Even the heel is made with ultra heel technology, giving you a snug, supportive fit.
These shoes are made with fresh foam technology to offer you the highest comfort and responsive feedback. The shoe’s fit and design can be somewhat personalized due to the stretchy upper. The shoes use high quality, strong materials, so they can guarantee a high mileage and lasting period. The underfoot fresh foam feel keeps you comfortable while on the move.
New Balance New foam is available in many colors and sizes. The variations in color come in different color combinations, fit for people who prefer lighter colors as well as darker ones. The size availability for these shoes is truly incredible as they keep sizes for regular size 5 way up to size 16. They’re designed for a snug fit so even if you have wide feet, you don’t need to worry about fitment issues.
Can these shoes be used as regular walking shoes?
Yes, these shoes can be used for regular walks, power walks as well as race running. New Balance Fresh Foam shoes are versatile in their use, that’s why they are recommended by so many.
Are these shoes available for people with wide feet?
There aren’t any separate sized shoes for people with wide feet but these shoes are available in a large range of sizes. You can select the pair half a size larger than your usual size if you have wide feet to test out if they fit.
Why are the shoes called 1080 v11?
The 1080 used in the shoe’s name indicates that these shoes are ‘neutral’ running shoes. These shoes are not recommended for people whose feet tend to overpronate.
4. ASICS Gel Kayano 28
ASICS Gel Kayano 28 is on the list of best running shoes due to their comfort and energy feedback level. This shoe is one that is recommended by professionals as well as experts. There’s reasons as to why the ASICS Gel Kayano series is so popular among athletes. They’re developed for regular running as well.
The engineered mesh upper is designed to offer you breathability. The external heel counter is redesigned to help keep the foot stable. This makes your stride more comfortable. The Dynamic DuoMax support system enhances stability and support. It also makes the shoe lightweight while increasing platform support. Footstrike compression is improved by their 3D space construction feature.
These shoes have been improved over different releases. The ASICS Gel Kayano 28 was modified to improve their cushioning system. The shoe cushions to absorb shock during impact and toe-off phases. It also allows movement in multiple planes. The rear foot Gel technology keeps your feet in a comfortable, snug fit during movement. The engineered mesh upper is designed to stretch according to the user’s comfort.
The ASICS Gel Kayano 28 is designed to offer you the complete footwear experience- the springiness, the comfort, the propulsion all in one. The shoes are also highly stylish to look at. There’s a bunch of different color combinations for you to choose from. They’re available in many sizes, including halfway sizes. They also have separate sizes for people with wide feet and for people with narrow feet.
Do these shoes help with overpronation?
Yes, the outsole of ASICS Gel Kayano 28 is designed with different zones that focus on your pronation injuries. These shoes offer relief against underpronation, overpronation and injuries like shin splints.
Can these shoes be used for regular use?
Yes, ASICS Gel Kayano 28 is designed to bring you comfort with their springy build. These shoes can be used for regular walks, jogging, gym use and on the track for speed running.
Are these shoes fit for people with flat feet?
Yes, the Gel Kayano 28 can be worn by people with flat feet. Their wide range of sizes makes it easy to find the right fit for you. People with flat feet can also purchase external arch support with these shoes.
5. HOKA ONE ONE Carbon X 2
Hoka definitely had to be on our list talking about the best speed running shoes. The Hoka Carbon is a trusted, constantly upgraded series of shoes that are made keeping the needs of runners in mind.
The HOKA One One carbon x2 has a unique design with features not regularly found on running shoes. It has a synthetic sole and a mesh upper. The shoe has an anatomical achilles construction at the neck, for a firmer fit and more form during movement. The gusseted tongue design helps avoid migration across the instep. The engineered mesh upper provides comfort and is made of breathable material. The rubberized eva outsole gives you a lightweight ground contact and responsive cushioning.
The carbon fiber plate over the outsole gives you smooth transitions. Hoka Carbon shoes are built with a Profly midsole. These midsoles offer the shoes a great height from the toe to heel. This height keeps you feeling lightweight and offers you responsiveness when running.
Visually I would compare Hoka shoes to a sort of boat for your feet. They’re perfectly comfortable and propelling foot companions. They’re available in a few different shades and are made in sizes 11.5-14.
Are these shoes good for cross training?
Hoka Carbon shoes are designed for track activities. The spring provided by the height from the outsole may not be ideal for cross training pressure.
Do these shoes come with external arch support?
No, these shoes do not come with external arch support. But the midsole has enough height that you won’t need any external arch supports. These shoes will be comfortable enough as they are for flat feet.
How durable are these shoes?
Hoka Carbon X2 shoes were developed for constant activity out on the tracks. So they are long lasting. However, with regular track running, shoes may tend to erode faster than intended.
Buying Guide for the Best Speed Training Running Shoes
Now that you’ve been through our list for the best speed running shoes, you’ll need to prioritize certain features when purchasing the right footwear. Here’s some pointers to help you in this mission.
The shoe material
Considering the shoe’s material when purchasing one is one of your priorities when choosing the best speed running shoe. Speed running shoes are usually made with a synthetic sole and a mesh upper. New Balance and Brooks Hyperion are made of sturdy, lasting material.
The Outsole quality
The shoe’s outsole decides how much impact your feet will endure when you’re on the track. If the outsole is sturdy and responsive, you get back the force you put into the shoe when running and this gives you propulsion to move ahead faster. The ASICS Gel Kayano 28 and New Balance Fresh Foam are designed with supportive, responsive outsoles and midsoles.
The Spring
Speed runners need maximum feedback from their shoes. This is made possible by the spring that the midsole offers. The Hoka Carbon X2, with its huge midsole, can offer you this spring and comfort.
Conclusion
All in all, good speed running shoes need to be comfortable, have spring, support your feet and protect them from injury. The ASICS Gel Kayano 28 is an all-rounder when it comes to footwear. It can be used professionally as well as simple walkin shoes. If ASICS is not for you, then all the other pairs we’ve discussed are worthy of consideration.
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