Top 10 Best Running Shoes of All Time

The Air technology is arguably Nike's most famous innovation, featuring an air cushion within the sole to enhance comfort and provide support to the foot during movement. The Air Max 1 was the first shoe designed with a visible air cushion. Although it sparked much debate, the brilliant designer Tinker Hatfield decided to keep his idea, delivering a running shoe with an incredible design.

Released in 2012, this is the 19th version of the famous Asics Kayano series. The 19th generation stands out for two main features: a significant weight reduction, bringing the shoe down to just over 300 grams, and a redesigned upper that is softer and more form-fitting, making it suitable for all ages. The shoe maintains essential design elements like a curved toe, a contoured sole under the arch, and grooves that reduce slippage, optimizing every stride.

The Adidas adiZero Adios 2.0, launched in 2012, boasts an incredible weight of less than 210 grams. This lightweight shoe has become a favorite among many athletes on race tracks, with its mesh upper and Adiprene cushioning in the sole working seamlessly to create an efficient running experience.

This is the very shoe that athlete Patrick Makau wore when he broke the Berlin Marathon world record.

Saucony may not be a household name in Vietnam, but it is a giant in the American footwear industry. The Kinvara 3, weighing less than 220 grams, features ProGrid technology in the sole, providing exceptional cushioning. Released in 2012, this shoe is highly recommended by sports experts for training, regardless of whether you're a professional athlete or not, due to its performance and safety benefits for users.

Nike has clearly solidified its position in the sneaker world by creating numerous models featured in the rankings. The Nike Air Max 95, released in 1995, is a successor to the popular Air Max lines dominating the sneaker industry at that time. This shoe provided incredible performance for its era and became a unique fashion item, especially in Japan, where it sold out at record speed. Designed by Sergio Lozano, the shoe's design is inspired by the human body, with the most noticeable feature being the side lines that resemble ribs. Let's take a look at this iconic shoe that holds the top spot in the list of the 10 best running shoes of all time.

Adidas ZX500 was first introduced in 1984, designed to provide comfort for users when running long distances, whether on roads or trails. Featuring a TPU heel counter and an EVA midsole, it represented the cutting-edge technology of the time in running shoes, influencing many subsequent innovations in the sports shoe industry. The ZX500 was beloved for its balanced design, achieved through the perfect integration of the most advanced technologies of its era.

Onitsuka Tiger, a renowned Japanese brand, introduced the Mexico running shoe in 1966. This was a significant leap forward, quickly becoming a favorite among athletes. The Mexico offered an incredibly lightweight design for its time, making each stride feel effortless. Additionally, its bold logo on the sides of the shoe attracted plenty of attention. However, what truly contributed to the success of the Mexico model was its sole, equipped with serrated grooves that ensured a firm grip, preventing slips during runs.

Launched in 2012, the Nike Flyknit Racer incorporates the latest cutting-edge technology from the renowned sportswear brand, NIKE. The first thing that stands out about this shoe is its feather-light weight. The entire upper of the shoe is made from a single piece of knitted fabric, a stark contrast to the traditional construction of running shoes that are usually made from multiple stitched materials. The Flyknit upper hugs the foot snugly, offering a breathable and comfortable fit, which enhances the running experience by providing secure and powerful strides. With the introduction of Flyknit, Nike revolutionized the concept of 'lightness' in running shoes.