The year is coming to an end and the RUNNEA editorial team is still at work to show and update our particular list of the best running shoes for 2021 with the top models and brands in the sector. With the new year just around the corner, the vast majority of the leading brands in the sector have already presented their heaviest artillery and are already working on their future 2022 running shoe models. Discover the best silhouettes of this 2021 and stay tuned because we will soon present you the best that is yet to come.
Remember that the season is coming to an end and this is the definitive list of 2021 running shoes. Nike, New Balance, adidas, ASICS, HOKA ONE ONE, Saucony... The best brands already have on the market their most important silhouettes of the year in both men's and women's running shoes. But don't worry, the brands, and us at RUNNEA, don't rest, that's why soon you will have a preview of the best running shoes of 2022.
Our selection of the best running shoes 2021 on RUNNEA
- adidas ultraboost 21
- adidas SolarBoost 3
- ASICS Nimbus 23
- ASICS Gel Cumulus 23
- ASICS Novablast 2
- ASICS Gel Kayano 28
- Brooks Glycerin 19
- Brooks Ghost 14
- HOKA ONE ONE Mach 4
- HOKA ONE ONE ONE Clifton 8
- Mizuno Wave Rider 25
- Mizuno Wave Sky 5
- New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11
- New Balance FuelCell RC Elite v2
- Nike Pegasus 38
- Nike Vaporfly Next% 2
- Nike Vomero 16
- Nike React Infinity 2
- Saucony Endorphin Pro 2
- Saucony Kinvara 12
- SauconySaucony Triumph 19
- Under Armour Flow Velociti Wind
- UnderUnder Armour HOVR Machina 2
All the new trends in men's running shoes, and also in women's running shoes, you have them here, since this is the result of a year of continuous updates based on the launches of the leading brands in the market. But rest assured, we know that 2021 is almost over, and we are already working to bring you what we know will be the best running shoes of 2022. In the meantime, don't miss out on any of this year's best. Here we go!
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adidas Ultraboost 21
The flagship of adidas, the long-awaited adidas Ultraboost 21 aims for a comprehensive redesign of the shoe. The product developers of the German brand maintain aspects that have been working like a charm in previous versions of the legendary Ultraboost saga, but also important technological innovations that will keep this model as one of the bestsellers of the year, and firm candidates to become one of the best running shoes 2021.
As a good training shoe for long distance runs, the main novelty that these adidas Ultraboost 21 will bring is that there is a notable change in its geometry with an oversized heel area that is reduced in the forefoot to create a rocker effect that propels you forward, but always maintaining a superior level of cushioning and comfort in each stride.
adidas SolarBoost 3
The adidas Solarboost 3 arrives under the banner of "the new era of running", with some modifications to ensure a more responsive ride. In this third edition, the Boost cushioning system is accompanied by the German company's most powerful technological innovations.
Inspired by aerospace engineering, we can affirm that they are the perfect ally to complete the longest and most demanding runs at medium paces. Always with features such as fit, cushioning and stability more than guaranteed.
ASICS Nimbus 23
ASICS has taken advantage of the end of 2020 to anticipate with the launch of one of its most legendary shoes and the most demanded in the Japanese firm as the ASICS Nimbus 23. A success for that type of runner with neutral footprint and high weights to run long distances, and those who like to feel underfoot a reliable and secure cushioning capacity. In terms of materials and technologies, these renewed Nimbus 23 do not bring with them very important changes, although the differential point is that these materials do present an evolution, such as the different densities of the lightweight FlyteFoam foam, and without losing sight of the characteristic GEL wedge in the heel area. The idea is to offer a more dynamic cushioning, but without losing any of its performance on asphalt.
In addition, in order to improve the running experience, these Nimbus 23 also improve their upper, including a more technical upper with fewer layers, similar to what has already been seen in the ASICS Dynablast, and which guarantees optimal fit, comfort and breathability. All of this will also help reduce weight and make this maximum cushioning benchmark model the lightest to date from ASICS.
ASICS Gel Cumulus 23
The ASICS Gel Cumulus 23 arrives with a new upper redesign and some midsole innovations to continue positioning itself as a training shoe that guarantees soft and comfortable cushioning to enhance the experience of the athlete who runs with them for long distances.
ASICS Novablast 2
Aimed at runners looking to complete half marathons and/or marathons at medium paces, the ASICS Novablast 2 arrives with some changes in the upper area to increase stability, fit and ventilation of the foot while running.
More stable, reactive and comfortable, they come with an innovative trampoline design to offer an optimal rebound effect without sacrificing durability, which is increased by 50% compared to other compounds of the Japanese firm.
ASICS Gel Kayano 28
The most long-lived saga of the Japanese firm announces the arrival of the ASICS Gel Kayano 28, an absolute reference for pronator runners. A model that lands with some modifications for greater smoothness and stability in each step.
Thus, we see radical changes in its midsole with the presence of FF BLAST technology, being the first shoe in its family to implement this foam. We also find a more breathable upper that increases the sensations of comfort in running.
Brooks Glycerin 19
The latest release of the best-selling shoe from Brooks comes with important new features that aim for supreme smoothness. The Brooks Glycerin 19 incorporates the most avant-garde technologies and materials of the American firm to position itself as the undisputed benchmark among runners with neutral footsteps.
The Brooks Glycerin 19 are updated to provide a smoother, lighter, more reactive and comfortable running experience on long runs.
Brooks Ghost 14
Bursting onto the scene is the latest update to one of the most acclaimed sagas for neutral runners, the Brooks Ghost 14. A top-of-the-line shoe that comes with an improved fit and softer cushioning for smoother transitions. This daily training shoe is positioned as one of the benchmarks for runners looking for maximum comfort and softness underfoot over all distances, from a 10K to a marathon.
A new interaction that incorporates an updated midsole for greater underfoot comfort and an improved fit thanks to the new 3D Fit pattern on the upper. In addition, it is important to note that this is the first Brooks Running shoe produced without carbon emissions, "as soft and light as its ecological footprint," according to the company itself.
HOKA ONE ONE Mach 4
In this fourth version of the HOKA ONE ONE Mach, despite the new features, the philosophy remains the same, combining main ingredients such as comfort, reactivity and quality in equal parts. Thus, all the changes in midsole and upper that are presented in the HOKAONE ONE Mach 4 are focused on making the model lighter, but also to increase stability in each step so that the runner has the possibility to be more efficient both in the most common training sessions, as well as in competition. That said, at RUNNEA we have no doubt that these Mach 4 from HOKA ONE ONE ONE have to be among those chosen as the best shoe of the year.
HOKA ONE ONE ONE Cliton 8
One of the flagships of Hoka One One, the Clifton 8, is renewed to improve its most critical points, offering a light and soft cushioning. Thus, this top-of-the-range running shoe in cushioning modifies sections such as the upper or midsole to improve running sensations with greater responsiveness and more fluid and responsive transitions, without leaving aside the stability and lightness of the model.
Mizuno Wave Rider 25
One of the great reference among the runners of neutral footprint, among the most experienced even among the novices, lands betting heavily on innovation and technology. The Mizuno Wave Rider 25 celebrates its 25th anniversary, and they do it betting big.
Although the Mizuno Enerzy foam is maintained, this fifteenth interaction incorporates the new Parallel Wave Plate platform to ensure greater propulsion and dynamism in distances up to the marathon, combining cushioning and stability in equal parts!
Mizuno Wave Sky 5
The Mizuno Wave Sky 5comes with important changes that make it gain in reactivity, cushioning and comfort. To do this, Mizuno designers are committed to reformulate some of the key sections of this running shoe for neutral and heavy runners that stands as one of the most applauded training models of the moment.
A sure valor to face the most demanding distances on asphalt that incorporates the latest in cushioning technology of the Osaka firm; the MIZUNO ENERZY Core foam, a compound capable of offering up to 56% more energy return and up to 293% more cushioning compared to other materials of the brand.
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11
We could not leave without including the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11, a lightweight, flexible and reactive model that is now available for any athlete looking to maximize their running experience. A lightweight, top-of-the-line cushioning shoe with an improved upper for premium breathability, support and comfort on the run. Its previous version, the Fresh Foam 1080 v10, was already a revolution aesthetically and technologically speaking, which is why sections such as the midsole and outsole with Fresh Foam X technology and the hexagonal pattern are maintained. Designed to complete daily workouts of all types of distances, they are optimized for a runner profile of medium and/or strong build looking to complete medium and long runs at easy paces.
New Balance FuelCell RC Elite v2
If you're looking for a shoe that will allow you to reach racing speeds over longer distances, you can't miss the new New Balance FuelCell RC Elite v2. This second update brings significant improvements that make it lighter and more responsive, in addition to now sporting a more "racer" aesthetic.
A flying shoe, aimed at neutral runners eager to devour kilometers and kilometers on asphalt at competition rhythms. In addition, the fact of incorporating a carbon fiber plate along the entire length of its midsole, provides propulsion but also that firmness that helps the runner to improve their running economy in a distance as demanding as the marathon.
Nike Pegasus 38
Whenever we talk about the Nike Pegasus, it feels like there are few secrets to tell about this legendary road running shoe. But if there is something that stands out in the Nike Pegasus 38 is that they maintain that ability to adapt to new times, and edition after edition they evolve. This is a clear sign of their longevity. Estimates of what's new in the Nike Pegasus 38 are focused on the renovation of its upper with the idea of improving the protection, fit and comfort of this strategic point of the shoe, source of some "buts" in the previous edition of the Nike Pegasus 37 The React foam is used to make the shoe even more reactive, without sacrificing the reliable performance provided by the Zoom Air unit, a trademark of the North American brand.
Therefore, these Nike Pegasus 38 will be your right choice if you are looking to run faster, yes, but also safer. It will be difficult for the Nike Pegasus 38 to lose its throne as the best-selling running shoe in history. Time to time!
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2
The flying shoe that has marked a before and after in this world record breaking and that has helped the great Eliud Kipchoge to become the fastest marathon runner on the planet, and even take the right steps to reach that historic milestone of breaking the 2 hour barrier in the 42k.
The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 are renewed, but remaining faithful to that purpose of improving the speed, reactivity and lightness of the model. ZoomX foam and carbon fiber plate as a successful strategy for the runner to be able to accelerate the pace to exceed their own limits, but also a renewed upper with a softer and more breathable mesh, which improves the fit, but also the freedom of movement. All fluidity to run at top speed with an energy return that few shoes can offer on the market.
Nike Vomero 16
Few changes in the sixteenth edition of this best-selling shoe for heavy runners above75kg in weight. These Nike Vomero 16 continue to include Nike Zoom X foam, the lightest and most reactive material of the brand that guarantees a great smoothness in each step, but without giving up an impeccable response in the race.
The substantial change we already saw in the previous version, the Nike Vomero 15, through the configuration of the new midsole and a new upper design. The Vomero saga continues to be an absolute reference for runners with neutral and/or supination tendency who are looking to face a high volume of mileage during daily runs. In short, a top of the range training shoe that stands as one of the most competitive bets of this 2021.
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
Another of Nikes top-of-the-line models, and one that has given a lot to talk about during the 2020 season, and which comes with a new update. Seeing the good reception of the product by runners with neutral footstep, the product developers of the Oregon brand have opted to maintain its master lines: running shoes to reduce fatigue and minimize possible injuries, regardless of the amount of kilometers you run.
That is why the key of these Nike React Infinity Flyknit 2 continues to be present in offering a more dynamic stride but with a high level of stability and safety. That is why the evolution of this second version of the React Infinity Flyknit 2 is focused on improving the runner's experience, lightening the weight of the model, and improving its fit, so it presents a renewed upper, and that allows better adaptability to the foot.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 2
Aesthetically appealing and quirky, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 is positioned as the Massachusetts-based company's most innovative and fastest carbon plate Running shoes.
Optimized for competitive use over distances from 5k to marathon with maximum speed, it is a silhouette that combines soft, responsive and responsive cushioning, accompanied by maximum propulsion provided by the carbon fiber plate.
Saucony Kinvara 12
The Saucony Kinvara 12 remains one of the flagships of the American brand, and therefore, the latest version of this versatile model has as key aspects, improve its adaptability and also offer a more reactive cushioning for that platoon of runners, who want to wear a lightweight running shoe, for lively rhythms and more natural tread in each of their training sessions of long distances. So the changes in this Saucony Kinvara 12 do not affect the indomitable spirit of this model, but they do offer better running sensations and more comfort to the neutral runner. Increased performance with smooth, fluid and more responsive transitions.
Saucony Triumph 19
These top-of-the-line cushioningRunning shoes are a sure-fire valor for neutral runners looking for maximum protection and comfort over long distances. This nineteenth interaction of Sauconys prestigious Triumph saga stands out for its premium cushioning, sophisticated aesthetics and excellent responsiveness.
A silhouette that has been slightly reduced in weight and that ratifies itself asa solid, comfortable daily training shoe with superior cushioning to carry out large volumes of kilometers on the asphalt.
Under Armour Flow Velociti Wind
The Under Armour Flow Velociti Wind boasts of being the fastest running shoe of the American firm, for the moment. This high-performance silhouette is a pioneer in incorporating the new UA Flow midsole, lighter, more reactive and responsive in order to reach racing speeds .
Designed for the most demanding runners looking to offer their maximum in long distances, they are inspired by Under Armour's elite athletes.
Under Armour HOVR Machina 2
These Under Amour HOVR Machina 2 running shoes do not stray far from what we already saw in its original version, where the American brand sought a clear change of concept. In fact, this new revision of the HOVR Machina 2 continues to innovate, and implements a new propulsion plate -not carbon plate, but Pebax-, and thus the model is able to provide greater energy return in each stride you take, but without having to give up good stability, especially that which makes these Under ArmourHOVR Machina 2
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