Best Running Shoes For The Treadmill
Even though you’re exercising indoors, ensuring that you have the optimum footwear for your cardio exercises is just one of the ways to get the most out of your workout – a quality pair of shoes is more important than you might think!
Not only will you be able to walk, jog, or run for longer, with much more comfort than you’ve been used to previously, but they’ll last you far longer than a random pair of ill-designed fashion trainers would.
In addition they will prevent some of the injuries you might be prone to from the incorrect type of running shoe.
Finding the ideal shoes for you can be a tricky task, as there are so many on the market, all proclaiming to be the best and most appropriate.
That’s where I come in, with this list of the best running shoes available right now.
I’ve also put together a handy Buyer’s Guide, outlining all of those features you ought to be considering before you hit Add To Cart, in order to make a purchase that you’ll be satisfied with, for years to come.
I’ve also provided you with a set of Frequently Asked Questions at the end of this article.
Having gathered up the most common questions/concerns from other runners, I’m hoping that most key questions (and answers) are included.
Before you continue, I wanted to let you know I will make a small commission from any purchases you make via the links on this site, it helps pay for the upkeep of the site amongst other things.
Best Running Shoes For Treadmill
Top Pick For Men:
Under Armour Men’s Charged Pursuit 2 Running Shoes
Offering thirteen attractive designs to choose from, in a solid range of sizes between a 7 and a 15 – with XWide options in each – it’s hard to do better than the Charged Pursuit 2 shoes from Under Armour, especially at this price!
Composed of 84 percent polyester and 16 percent elastane with a synthetic sole, these are incredibly versatile, comfortable shoes for runners who look for flexibility and cushioning to create a good all-rounder.
A flexible, breathable engineered mesh upper is lightweight and offers a great range of movement and strategic support in the places you need it, whilst foam padding around the ankle and beneath the tongue creates a soft, snug fit.
Thanks to a comfortable sock liner that molds to the shape of your feet, and additional padding in the heel, you’ll achieve the ultimate shock-absorption even at heel-strike impact, to keep you working out for as long as possible.
Likewise, the charged cushioning midsole makes use of compression molded foam, to create optimal energy return and give you plenty of padding, without losing out on the responsiveness that runners rely on.
Pros:
- Decently priced for such a quality shoe
- More than enough padding all over to enable comfortable running
- Resilient, breathable design to avoid stinky feet
- Plenty of attractive styles and colours to choose from
Cons:
- Don’t come in sizes smaller than a 7
Top Pick For Women:
Saucony Women’s Grid Cohesion 10 Running Shoe
Their trademark fit is based on extensive biomechanics research so your feet feel snug and comfortable at all times without being constrictive.
These Cohesion 10 running shoes from Saucony, are a popular choice from a popular and respected brand.
The IMEVA cushioning makes a run on even the firmest of treadmill surfaces a shock absorbed experience.
You can go the distance without worrying about your back feeling the consequences, as the advanced cushioning supports your feet during impact to protect your joints.
They don’t offer full arch support, however, thus may not be the best choice for runners with high arches.
The injection-moulded EVA midsole can withstand general wear and tear, and they last longer than other affordable shoes. Coupled with the heel grid design, these shoes offer impressive stability for the price.
Pros
- Affordable
- IMEVA cushioning
- Shock-absorbing EVA midsole
- Improved outsole with grid design
Cons
- Less supportive for the arches of your feet
- No waterproof protection
The Best Of The Rest
ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoes
Whether you’re running on a treadmill or out on an adventurous trek, the Gel-Venture 6 can stand up to any amount of cardio, and in twenty different colour combinations, there’s bound to be a pair that tickles your fancy!
Utilising a rearfoot gel cushioning system, these shoes offset any shock during the impact phases of running, allowing for a perfectly smooth transition to your midstance, absorbing the pressure so your poor feet don’t take the brunt.
Size-wise, they run from a 7 to a 15, also kind enough to offer X-Wide variants should you need them, to achieve a superior comfort that runners will appreciate whether they’re an amateur or a trained professional.
Made from their patented AHAR high abrasion rubber, the outsole has been reinforced in critical areas to provide even better durability than ever before, to keep you running in style for years to come.
There’s an inbuilt sock liner to accommodate the snuggest fit possible, but this is easily removed if you also require a medical orthotic.
Pros:
- Made to withstand hardcore runs – ideal for long-lasting use on a treadmill
- Wide range of designs and colours to suit your personal style
- Gel cushioning system offers all the support you need
- AHAR outsole makes for their most impact-resistant shoe yet
Cons:
- Reviews suggest these shoes can run small in length and width – check reviews to find out how best to size
Joomra Women’s Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoes
Something a little different perhaps, and certainly not for everyone, but if you’ve read books like Chi Running, you might be considering some ‘barefoot’ shoes’
Although these are an incredibly affordable pair of running shoes, don’t let that fool you – thousands of five-star ratings indicate that these minimalist ‘barefoot’ style running shoes from Joomra are a worthwhile investment.
Their rugged rubber outsoles create the optimal balance between traction and durability, allowing for plenty of responsive feeling even on unpredictable terrain, whilst the circular lug pattern offers plenty of grip when in motion.
Additional removable insoles offer more support to your arches, without causing any unwanted pressure, helping to more evenly distribute and transfer weight in the balls of your feet as you exercise.
Taking on an especially minimalist design, offering your feet the maximum amount of freedom in mobility, they keep your vulnerable tootsies protected but it feels as though you’re not wearing shoes at all!
A reflective strip on the heel ensures additional visibility if you choose to stray from the treadmill and take an early morning or late-night jog, which is reassuring for women who aren’t a fan of exercising alone.
Pros:
- Very affordable – excellent for an amateur runner or those on a budget
- Unique ‘barefoot’ design for an ultra-lightweight feel
- Reflective heel strips for added visibility when running outdoors
- Rubber outsole has plenty of durability and decent traction
Cons:
- Velcro fastening strip can be cumbersome
York Athletics The Frank Unisex Running Sneakers
For those runners preferring to avoid gender roles in their footwear, look no further than these delightful unisex shoes from York Athletics, an all-purpose cross-trainer shoe built to perform, day in and day out.
Ideal for anybody who likes to run, you can stay appropriately light on your feet, with a slipper-like feel created by the custom PU foam sock liner and durable nylon heel pull tab, offering easy access. You’ll slip them on in seconds!
These shoes are a bit of an all-rounder, recommended for wear when running, down the gym, cross-training, and performing various workouts, and so they are not just for your treadmill.
Having been custom-engineered, the air-mesh upper and full-grain leather cage are feather-light and super breathable, whilst a reinforced heel counter offers reflective detailing for added visibility when running outdoors.
Over 52 points of measurement were used when developing their patented proprietary last shape, which has resulted in three carefully constructed fit points that promote support, balance, and comfort, all at once.
Pros:
- Unisex style, in two attractive designs that suit anyone
- Specialist design: made by runners, for runners
- Ideal for any exercise involving cardio
- Custom PU liner for the ultimate perfect fit
Cons:
- Can be difficult to break in initially
Buyer’s Guide
Features To Look Out For:
When it comes to running shoes, the key things to consider are balance, support and comfort; if you plan to wear them for using a treadmill, those also apply, and you should also think about the sole and how much resistance and it offers.
Look for pairs that come with an additional removable insole, providing all the support your arches need to cope with the impact of running, helping you to avoid the aches and pains often experienced the next day without it.
You should also seek out further padding, usually foam or gel cushions, which not only improve your overall balance but make running a much more comfortable exercise, one without rubbing that leaves you covered in blisters.
A sturdy outsole ensures that you’ll be able to take on even the toughest terrains, at your fastest pace; also think about the traction they offer, as you want plenty of grip to prevent slipping when you’re at top speed.
It’s not necessary for successful treadmill sessions, but if you want shoes you can wear outside of exercising, you should pick a pair that suits your personal style, allowing you to get plenty of use out of your purchase…
…and of course, look good doing it 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I run on the treadmill without shoes?
Absolutely not! Anyone who is suggesting you do this has underestimated the increased likelihood of strain on the muscles and tendons on your feet.
Without any added protection between your feet and the machine, and you’ll feel its full force.
It also makes blisters, swelling, and sore spots much more likely, as the majority of treadmills will have an embossed or abrasive surface to offer you plenty of traction (when you have shoes on!), which won’t be very kind on the soles of your feet.
What sole is best for running shoes?
Rubber soles are suggested for running shoes, as they offer a much greater resistance to wear and tear than other, softer materials.
Manufacturers of shoes specifically targeting runners will utilise the strongest rubbers available.
A sole that offers good grip is also a must unless you want to run the risk of slipping right off the treadmill mid-run.
Those that are ridged or otherwise provide additional traction will keep you steady whatever speeds you manage to hit.
How do you determine your running shoe size?
The key to a perfect fit with running shoes is striking up a balance between having enough room for your foot to move as you run and enough support that you aren’t sliding around. They usually run around a half size bigger than your usual size.
Be sure to try and get the most accurate measurement of your feet’s length and width, as these are usually the figures by which the charts that manufacturers provide will measure their sizes. This will further increase your chances of a good fit!
I’d also recommend that you try on a few different styles of shoe, as most brands have their own patented design that offers different pros and cons.
Prefer to shop online? Stick with manufacturers that allow returns and order a few pairs to try!
It’s possible to find a specialty running shoe store, with members of staff who can advise you on the ideal shoe style for you, or at least point you in the direction of what you’re looking for.
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