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In 2019, we presented the original The State of Running 2019, which was presented together with the World Athletics in China. This is our first follow-up in 6 years. For this 2025 report, we’ve narrowed our focus to look exclusively at races in the US, and exclusively at the marathon distance. Key conclusions Marathon participation peaked in 2014 with 496,178 participants. Over the following 4 years, participation slowly declined to 411,792, a yearly decline of 4.4%.  CO[…]

Shock absorption refers to a shoe’s ability to reduce and spread out the impact forces that hit your body with every footstrike. When running, each step can create forces up to 3 times your body weight, leading to muscle fatigue and more stress on bones and joints. That’s why many modern shoes focus on improving shock absorption.  It’s true that shock absorption it’s often mentioned alongside energy return, but the two are very different. A highly cushioned shoe might so[…]

The phrase “energy return” has only gained attention in the last decade as advanced materials like TPU, TPEE, PEBA, and A-TPU entered the scene. This guide covers every nuance about energy return based on our lab data (500+ shoes tested for energy return) and consultations with lots of experts on the topic. What is energy return and why it’s important in running shoes Energy return in running shoes refers to how efficiently the midsole foam rebounds after being compresse[…]

Disclaimer: For ease of understanding in the context of reviewing running shoes, we use the term "softness" instead of "hardness." In the RunRepeat lab, we ensure precise midsole softness measurements by first cutting the shoe in half. This approach enables us to apply the durometer directly onto the actual foam for getting accurate results. It's a costly process, especially as we purchase all our shoes without accepting any from brands, and that’s probably why every run[…]

The heel counter in running shoes is a semi-rigid, U-shaped piece, that snugly wraps around the heel. It stretches over the shoe's upper heel portion and typically includes two sidewall parts that extend forward beneath the medial and lateral malleoli. This component is crucial for stability because it locks down the rearfoot, and its design greatly improves the fit and comfort around the heel area, effectively preventing heel slippage even during uphill running. It also[…]

While the toebox might not be the most prominently featured aspect in the marketing of running shoes, it plays an essential role in determining the quality and comfort of your run. It's not just a matter of fit; the toebox can influence everything from the mechanics of your stride to the level of support and space your feet receive. In this guide, we will explore the subtle yet important details that establish the toebox as a crucial component of running shoes. You'll ga[…]

Breathability in running shoes it's a crucial feature that's often overlooked by both consumers and critics alike. At RunRepeat, we're convinced of the essential role of airflow—a view that is supported by this study as well. To provide you with the most accurate and comprehensive insights, we employ cutting-edge smoke tests for each pair of shoes that undergoes our lab tests. Additionally, we utilise a microscope and a powerful light to delve deeper into the structural[…]

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, revolutionised 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 rockered shoes, en[…]

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 168% dev[…]

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[…]