The end of the year is approaching, and, as is often the case at this time, you are taking stock of everything you have done. So it was for us too, and so here we are looking back at all the shoes we tried on and electing the ones we liked best.
The criterion of choice was very simple: we tried to answer the simple question “which one would you choose without thinking too hard?” Which, in truth, means having thought about it long before.
Just another small note: we tried to create specific categories because, depending on usage, there are different patterns. With the understanding that we also elected the best running shoe of 2021 (in our opinion). And we start with this one.
Best shoe: HOKA ONE ONE Mach 4
Strangely enough, there was no great discussion; on the contrary, the
HOKA ONE ONE Mach 4
unanimously won the title of Best Running Shoe of 2021.
They are the carbon-free version of the HOKA Carbon X 2. Lightweight, flexible, fast, cushioned, fun, these are shoes you can’t wait to go out for a run to put on your feet. They are not very long shoes, but in this category goes the shoe we liked best ever, and without a doubt, it is the Mach 4.
If you would like to explore this further, we talk more about it here.
Best New: adidas 4DFWD and HOKA Bondi X
In the category “Best Novelty” we have the only ex aequo, for the simple fact that both of these shoes deserve attention and should be rewarded for the innovation they have brought to the running world.
On the one hand we find the
adidas 4DFWD
, the first running shoe with a 3D printed midsole. Due to the special “butterfly” design of the modules at the midsole, the vertical energy of the landing is projected forward. It is a technology that we think we will hear a lot about. Find a review of the adidas 4DFWD here.
Another new feature that impressed us are the
HOKA Bondi X
. And it’s ironic because while we chose as the best shoe the Mach 4s that are carbon-free, the best news comes from the addition of the carbon plate to the Bondis. Contrary to what you may think, it is not meant to be a pure performance shoe, but the carbon, in this case, serves to amplify the fun. For the first time, carbon was incorporated into a highly cushioned shoe, and the result was surprising. If you want to learn more, here is the review.
Best cushioned shoe: Puma Magnify Nitro
“Best cushioned running shoe” is the category where there is definitely more competition but the
PUMA Magnify Nitro
won it for many reasons. The main one is definitely the new Nitro compound launched by the German brand this year, which-thanks to nitrogen infusion-makes the shoe lightweight, comfortable and responsive.
If you want to go deeper, you can find the full review here.
Best shoe to start with: Under Armour HOVR Infinite 3
Is there a “Best shoe to start running”? In our opinion, yes. And it is the Under Armour HOVR Infinite 3. In truth, what puts many of the U.S. brand’s products in this category is the ability to connect the shoes with your smartphone and the app MapMyRun which provides you with a real coach who accompanies you on your runs and corrects your technique to get you running the right way.
Best fast shoe: adidas Adizero Adios 2.0
They have won many races and it was impossible for them not to win the Best Fast Shoe category as well. The
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0
mark a new step for fast shoes. On the technological side, the Energy Rods coupled with the carbon plate at the heel make the transition very smooth and responsive. They are comfortable, as comfortable as a shoe born to beat personal bests can be, but most importantly they make the running experience very enjoyable. If you want to learn more, here is our review.
Best Brand: HOKA ONE ONE
The election of HOKA ONE ONE as Best Brand for running shoes is related to the amount of HOKA models we found ourselves shortlisted.
In addition to the winners Mach 4 and Bondi X, special mention should be made of the Clifton 8, Rocket X, Carbon X 2, Rincon, Speedgoat, and Bondi. So many models, all of them well done, especially from the perspective of the racing experience, in the right balance of innovation, fun, performance and reliability.
(Main image credits: Elnur_ on DepositPhotos.com)