All products and stays featured on THE GOODS are independently selected and reviewed by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. We are usually hosted on a complimentary basis. We may earn a commission if you book via the links below, but this never affects our honesty.
Tried and tested: Best Neutral Pronation Running Shoes for Men
Running is always in season but in our industry, it can be difficult to fit it in. And if you’re like me, it’s a fight not to reach straight for the iPhone when you wake up. What I’ve found helps me is placing the running gear near the bedside so that’s the first thing you see — 21 days to make a habit.
For a lot of us, running isn’t the most enjoyable thing. This BBC Couch to 5K app is great to get things going; if you need more motivation to power on, the Nike Run Club app is another great choice. They say they ‘have everything you need to start running, keep running, and enjoy running more.’
Just because others on the C-suite are up before dawn checking emails, nothing will break if you dedicate some time for you, first. Give yourself permission to take care of yourself now. Because, let’s face it, circumstances whether personal or professional are never convenient to do this.
When is the next New York State Marathon? Well, it’s Sunday 5th November, but why not set yourself a goal of competing in a half-marathon?
I’m planning on running the Lisbon Half Marathon so I can run across the 25th April bridge, designed by Steinman, Boynton, Gronquist and London of New York, and Tudor Engineering Company of San Francisco. It’s a key feature of the city that only cars usually inhabit with a train track below.
But, more than anything, it’s to say I’ve actually completed a half marathon.
The United Airlines New York Half Marathon isn’t until Sunday 17th March 2024, and the TCS London Marathon - Sunday 21st April 2024. So could it be a good opportunity to set a goal; get your friends, colleagues even your agency partners involved. I’m sure there’s something the socials team can pull together to make it worth your while.
Saying that, I do rather see myself as more of a cyclist than a runner. But, not too long ago, following a football injury, my physio noticed my posture was all out of kilter. My ankle had been twisted for a long time, an old injury, he said. And that explained the pain whenever I attempted to run with ‘normal’ running shoes or sneakers if you’re reading in the USA.
I invested in neutral pronation trainers and custom made insoles and it's been a game changer. Check the heels of your own shoes. If they’re not wearing down evenly then it may be a good idea to invest in neutral trainers and custom insoles.
But whether you’re looking for the best sneakers for the treadmills, the tracks, or even the marathons that lie ahead, I’d recommend going in-store before purchasing anything. Even if you complete the purchase online later.
Who needs neutral pronation sneakers?
Neutral pronation - really? Yes, it’s a thing. If you have a natural gait or under pronate slightly, a neutral shoe will likely be more comfortable for you. The search for the best running shoes is no mean feat, if you’d pardon pun.
THE GOODS Seven Best Neutral Pronation Running Shoes
Before we head into these reviews, all products featured on THE GOODS are independently selected by either Kelcie or I. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
1. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 Review
If you’re familiar with a French car’s suspension, these Pegasus’ are the Citröen C4 of the sneaker world. If you’re not, I’m basically saying what I found is the ‘suspension’ was soft and bouncy. It’s due to the React midsole.
Really comfortable on a gentle, routine jog around the block. The colour and build of the shoe make it versatile enough to slip on for a quick stroll with the dog. Even appearing on stage at Cannes Lions. Okay, they’re not Air Max 1 suede, but good for pounding the Boulevard de la Croisette. Compared with others in the list, it did feel a tad more weighty. But for a sleek trainer for daily battering, these stand tall.
2. ASICS Gel-Nimbus Series 25 Review
ASICS’ bold colours may not be to every runners’ taste but if you’re pushing above the 10K mark, the Nimbus won’t let you down. They’re ideal for long runs. In fact the cushioning and intelligent fit is almost slipper-like. Even beyond a half-marathon.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 successfully updates a classic, prioritising comfort and eco-friendliness without losing the essence of what made its predecessors popular. Saying that, the ASICS outlet has a few Nimbus from previous seasons on offer. If you see a pair of Nimbus 24s, buy them - they’re just as good.
The whole Nimbus series are actually great to wear if you’re on an explore around your local city.
3. Brooks Ghost Max Review
Not my first choice in terms of looks. But, what the brand’s identity lacks, it more than makes up for in comfort; It offers a roomy fit with that nice cushioned insole. And let’s face it, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Although the added foam presses more weight, this road-running shoe is kind to the joints so a quick run before a leadership team meeting with your agency partners won’t be a risky option.
In fact, The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) gave the Ghost Max their Seal of Acceptance; They determined the shoes promote quality foot health.
4. HOKA Bondi 8 Review
I gravitate towards loud colours for my trainers and the Hoka Range doesn’t disappoint. With the Bondi 8, there’s 16 colours to choose from but it's the intelligent design that got me. The shoes are available in three different widths - no more ingrowing toenails, if you know what I mean. The only trouble I found is the choice of colour diminishes if you want the wider than usual fit.
The shoe's back cushioning or ‘crash pad’ enhances its generous comfort with each heel strike. What I liked, again, is the versatility of the shoe. You can go walking, jogging, and a trip to the shops. The support and padding in the shoe also received a seal of approval from the APMA.
Out of all of the shoes I reviewed, the Bondis were the most cushioned. It’s evident a lot of care went into focusing on the cushioning without adding too much extra weight.
5. Saucony Triumph RFG Review
Saucony has revamped its Triumph shoe to be more eco-friendly. The market for eco-friendly running is set to grow as we become more conscious of our carbon footprint (if you’d pardon the pun - again, sorry). But the difference in comfort compared with the 21 model isn’t negotiated down too much.
The shoe is made of over half corn-based material, and the upper mesh is made from cotton that employs plant-derived dyes.
While the composition may be different, the shoe's purpose remains unchanged.
I found the RFG armed with sufficient cushioning and a rockered feel that can accommodate everything from casual jogs to more upbeat speeds.
For me, a very casual jogger, these are fine.
6. On Cloudboom Echo 3 Review
Sir Martin Sorrell's shoe of choice at last year’s Web Summit conference. This Swiss brand is rather swish. For me, I found them to be a shoe I’d rather keep for best occasions, though. The thought of dashing through muddy puddles and skirting over stiles in these makes me shudder. They’re just too elegant, surely?
Well, if we must dirty them up, the Cloudboom can take a bit of a pounding, although if your feet are on the wider size of things, go for the Hoka Bondi 8. These On runners come up very narrow.
But, these being their third attempt at serious running shoes, they’ve won through. This iteration features a nearly weightless microfibre upper that offers ample space at the front for those longer runs. Below that lies On's latest Helion Hyper Foam, complemented by, what I found to be a modest amount of Cloudtec cushioning and rounded off with a Speedboard carbon plate in a rockered geometry.
If a half marathon is well and truly in your sites, these should be on your list. Rather than your everyday running shoes, these Cloudbooms are ideal if speed is your top endeavour.
A real improvement on earlier versions. Still, I’d rather keep them for a gentle stroll in the city.
7. Salomon Thundercross Review
These are my honourable mention. If you’re more of a trail runner and the sound of clod and gravel underfoot is your bag, these were really great to work with. Comfortable, light weight, responsive. And a nice supportive feel. No rubbing and ample room for movement. The quick lace system is a nice touch, too.
—
If this article has inspired you to write marathon training into your schedule or improve your work-life balance, let me know. And please do feel free to share any tips you may have, too.
I’ll keep you posted on my runs.
.png)
.png)
.png)