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Only a short while ago, running shoes had a simple design: mostly flat with a modest upward tilt at the toe. But then brands like MBT and Hoka, among others, revolutionized the scene with their unique maximalist rocker style. More and more shoe brands today are integrating the rocker design into their lineup. It’s evident that this isn't just a fashion trend—it's a design that genuinely works. Step into this guide with us as we dissect everything about rocker[…]

Ever laced up a fresh pair of running shoes, taken your first strides, and felt that the promised heel-to-toe drop simply doesn't match reality? If you've ever found yourself in this situation, you're not alone. It's a scenario all too familiar for many runners and one that stems from a surprising fact: brands fail to accurately state the heel-to-toe drop of their running shoes. Sometimes, these discrepancies aren't minor—they can be as substantial as a whopping 16[…]

Men's and women's shoes have different features. Though each aims to offer foot comfort and protection during runs, significant design and fit adaptations have been made over time to cater to the anatomical differences across genders. By understanding these variations, ranging from sizing nuances to alterations in width and shape, you can make informed decisions when choosing running shoes built to your unique requirements. Decision chart: How to make the right choice Ok[…]

The outsole, a vital part of any running shoe, forms your crucial link with the ground during your run. Not only does it help prevent slips and falls, but it also ensures a firm grip, offering the traction necessary for a safe and effective run. However, the importance of the outsole is often overshadowed by the advancements in midsole foams and cushioning technology. And it should not be overlooked, as the outsole plays a critical role in the success of a running shoe.[…]

Disclaimer: Due to the vast variety of running shoe foams currently available, some may be excluded (Chinese brands, entry-level or old EVA foams, etc). Please note that some foams may be released after the publication/updates of this guide and may not be included. Additionally, we will exclude non-foam cushioning systems, such as Air from Nike or GEL from ASICS. Running shoe companies aren't as transparent as we'd love, making it difficult for both casual and advanced r[…]

This guide would not have been possible without the help Running Warehouse Europe (and US). While we have hundreds of shoes in our lab at RunRepeat, obtaining the complete set of numbers for each shoe is a different story altogether. That's why we reached RW, as they were the clear choice to help us gather this crucial data. Thank you so much Running Warehouse! This guide delves into the world of running shoe weight differences, a factor often overlooked. While many migh[…]

A running shoe upper is the part of the shoe that covers your foot and it’s sewed or glued to the midsole. It typically includes materials like knit, mesh, fabrics or plastic, and also has features like laces, straps or protective elements. In this guide you will discover how to choose the perfect upper for your feet. The main problem here is that everyone’s feet are really different, yours too! Additionally, there are some external factors that need to be co[…]

Cold temperatures, especially the ones below freezing, harden up the foam, and demand more “work” from the shoe on every stride. Thus, softness and durability are compromised. We have tested in our lab more than 100 shoes following the same standard procedure for each one: 20 minutes in the freezer (0-degree Fahrenheit) and, after that, we measure the softness of the midsole to understand how the shoe performs under cold temperatures. In this article we will[…]

This report covers trail running race participation from 1984 to 2022. It includes 15.6 million race results from 116.947 races in 127 countries. It’s the most extensive report on trail running participation ever conducted. The report was done in collaboration with World Athletics. For journalists or academia: reach out to jens@runrepeat.com for questions, and feel free to use data, charts, and quotes from the report. For further reading, check out The State of Run[…]

Are new versions better or worse? Should you upgrade to the newest version which is typically more expensive? Let’s find out. The Reddit group r/RunningShoeGeeks helped come up with this idea. Check out their group if you’re geeky about shoes. The analysis is based on our database of about 2000 running shoes released in the last 7 years from 2015 to 2021. Limitations and disclaimer We don’t publish every single shoe on RunRepeat. Some are so rare that o[…]