Latest guide articles

Running shoe companies aren't as transparent as we'd love, making it difficult for both casual and advanced runners to gather detailed information about specific running shoe foams.  Recognising this challenge, we've done an extensive guide for you, presenting our findings and knowledge about running shoe midsoles in a clear and comprehensive manner. What makes foam so important for running shoes? The midsole in a running shoe is undeniably the most crucial component, as[…]

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 considered bef[…]

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 explain all[…]

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 only a tiny num[…]

Why softer isn’t always better? Which shoes become firm in cold weather? Which midsole hardness can help reduce running injury risk?  We’ve summarised 20+ hours of research, lab data analysis and scientific articles into this guide to offer a comprehensive insight into the importance of midsole hardness in running shoes.  The forces on your body will be different if you jump on a mattress compared to jumping on concrete. The deformation of the surface determines the forc[…]

This guide covers what to expect from carbon plated shoes, how much they can improve running times and when they will not work. We’ve spent 20+ hours researching the topic and summarising scientific conclusions and our lab data.  Here, we don’t take sides in the “what did the carbon-plated shoes do to running” debate.  The majority of carbon-fibre plated shoes are race-ready. Given that these shoes were made and tuned for elite runners, they work best if you’re a competi[…]

Why are stiff running shoes getting the spotlight? Why do runners flex and twist shoes in running stores? How is stiffness related to your running performance?  20+ hours of research is summarised in this guide - covering both scientific studies, authoritative articles and our lab data.  Choose flexible running shoes if you are looking for comfort and shoes for long runs. Choose stiff running shoes if you want to improve your running performance and do fast runs or if yo[…]

We spent 50+ hours creating a tool and doing the research for this guide. We’ve covered stack height in great detail and backed everything with our lab data. Our tool will tell you which stack height works for you by using your criteria and going through our database.  Stack height is the amount of material between your feet and the ground. It is measured when your feet are not in the shoes as the midsole will compress due to a person’s weight, distorting the data. It’s[…]

This is the quickest method to find out your foot dimensions at home with just a few props. How to measure shoe size at home Tips: Measure in the evening, when the foot is at its fullest shape Be barefoot or put on socks that you plan to wear with the new shoes Stand on a hard surface Tips: Ask a friend to help you Stand straight with your weight equally distributed on both legs Trace both feet because it’s normal for one to be longer than the other Tips: Measure the dis[…]