When I am asked to decide which is the best running shoe, I am speechless. While of course some running shoes are better than others, I don’t know if any one shoe or brand qualifies as the absolute best. There are many factors in deciding which shoe is right for you, such as:

• How often do you run? Just to exercise or are you training for a marathon?
• What kind of surface do you run on (indoor or outdoor)
• The shape of your foot (do you have flat feet, normal feet, or high arches?)
• Are you strictly looking for a shoe based on fashion?

I guess one is forced to split the decision based on the qualities of the shoe and what the individual is looking for in a shoe, and the individual running style.

For example, many people buy running shoes, but don’t do much running in them. In this case, what one is looking for is a shoe that is comfortable and ideally has a decent lifespan. Additionally, the affordability of footwear is a concern for many of us. Over the years, keeping all of these factors in mind, I have switched brands regularly. The only time I was completely disappointed was when I bought a pair of ASICS. While extremely comfortable and stylish, they had fallen to pieces in three months. That said, I have friends who use it for its reliability and comfort. In general, most brands have a similar shelf life and it just depends on how often you put the shoes on and how you treat them.

If you live in your sneakers, like I do, it might be worth sticking to the deals or spending a lot of money and picking up a pair that comes highly recommended. However, if you are a runner and your shoes will be used for that purpose only, then some research is in order. The structure of the shoes is constantly being improved to create the ultimate tool that will help you run without hurting your body. I know that Nike always has some new design to offer that customers warmly welcome. Also, New Balance offers orthopedic style shoes with a lower budget. As I said, this decision has many layers, and each individual’s needs and preferences must be taken into account, as there is no objective best running shoe.