When it comes to the hottest sneakers on the market right now, the running category has many of the best and most popular designs. While retro runners like the Nike Air Max 1 and Air Max 97 have continued to maintain their significance with recent OG colorways returning, their 30 and 20-year old technologies just don't cut it against modern runners. After all, believe it or not, there are people who still wear running sneakers with the intention of actually running in them. At the same time, looking good while doing it is often just as important. Even if you're going for your PR, you don't want to look like some dad who stumbled onto a running path.
The necessary innovation for great runners exist across the entire industry, and major players like Adidas, Nike, Reebok, and New Balance are investing a lot of time and resources into offering serious runners the best possible shoes for their workouts. Technologies like Primeknit, Flyknit, Boost, Air, and Free account for that. Still, even with all of those technological advancements, some of today's best running shoes are not just built for strictly performance purposes. You can wear them off the track, too, and lots of guys are doing just that. Lifestyle wearability is still a major factor for consumers, and brands realize that all too well. Stylish designs, colorways, and collaborations with streetwear brands, boutiques, and rappers are a testament to the demand for versatile running sneakers.
If you're looking for sneakers to adhere to your active lifestyle, but you know that staying fresh is always a requirement, there are plenty of options out there. We've gone ahead and chosen some of the best that are on sale right now. These are The Best Running Shoes That Can Be Worn On or Off the Track.
When it comes to the hottest sneakers on the market right now, the running category has many of the best and most popular designs. While retro runners like the Nike Air Max 1 and Air Max 97 have continued to maintain their significance with recent OG colorways returning, their 30 and 20-year old technologies just don't cut it against modern runners. After all, believe it or not, there are people who still wear running sneakers with the intention of actually running in them. At the same time, looking good while doing it is often just as important. Even if you're going for your PR, you don't want to look like some dad who stumbled onto a running path.
The necessary innovation for great runners exist across the entire industry, and major players like Adidas, Nike, Reebok, and New Balance are investing a lot of time and resources into offering serious runners the best possible shoes for their workouts. Technologies like Primeknit, Flyknit, Boost, Air, and Free account for that. Still, even with all of those technological advancements, some of today's best running shoes are not just built for strictly performance purposes. You can wear them off the track, too, and lots of guys are doing just that. Lifestyle wearability is still a major factor for consumers, and brands realize that all too well. Stylish designs, colorways, and collaborations with streetwear brands, boutiques, and rappers are a testament to the demand for versatile running sneakers.
If you're looking for sneakers to adhere to your active lifestyle, but you know that staying fresh is always a requirement, there are plenty of options out there. We've gone ahead and chosen some of the best that are on sale right now. These are The Best Running Shoes That Can Be Worn On or Off the Track.
Adidas Ultra Boost
Price: $180
Since its 2015 introduction, the Adidas Ultra Boost has maintained its status as one of the best sneakers on the market. While the silhouette was designed as Adidas' premier performance runner, it's lightweight Primeknit upper and Boost midsoles provide comfort for everyday wear. They also gained popularity in streetwear early on as Kanye West gravitated to it before the release of his own Boost sneakers—the Yeezy Boost 350. Two years later, the Adidas Ultra Boost has seen a handful of Consortium collaborations and different variations such as Uncaged and Mid-top.
Nike Air VaporMax
Price: $190
Originally unveiled at the 2016 Nike Innovation Summit, the Nike Air VaporMax made its official debut for this year's Air Max Day. Releasing thirty years after the original Air Max sneaker, the Air Max 1, VaporMax is the pinnacle of Nike's Air Max technology. Using more Air than any Nike shoe ever, the Vapor Max features a full-length, completely exposed Air Max midsole. Its lightweight upper consists of a Flyknit and Flywire design ideal for running and with a collaboration with Comme Des Garcon, the sneakers can easily fit the runway. There have only been a few releases thus far, but expect Nike to release plenty more colorways in 2017 and beyond.
Adidas AlphaBounce
Nike Flyknit Racer
Price: $150
Before the Adidas Ultra Boost came to life in 2015, the hottest running sneaker on the market, without a doubt, was the Nike Flyknit Racer. While other brands have developed knit technology of their own, the Flyknit Racer was a first for Nike and the industry as a whole. Its lightweight Flyknit upper is equally fitting for long distance running, or a day running errands in the city. People love the sneaker, no matter what they actually use it for and the Swoosh knows it. Instead of keeping the sneaker super limited, Nike has been generous enough to give popular colorways like "Multicolor" and "Oreo" multiple releases over the years.
Adidas Iniki Runner
Price: $120
In recent years, Adidas has been very consist with dropping well received sneaker. Basically, anything with Boost technology has been a hit and the newly-introduced Iniki Runner will be no different. With a full-length Boost midsole and an upper inspired by classic Adidas styling, the Iniki Runner makes far from a strictly performance shoe. A combination of two-way stretch mesh and premium suede make up the upper, while serrated edges on Three Stripes branding and lace eyelet panel complete the vintage look.
Nike Free RN Flyknit 2017
Price: $120
Weighing in at just 7.9 ounces, the Free RN Flyknit 2017 is one of Nike's lightest sneakers, giving the feeling of almost being barefoot. Its seamless Flyknit upper adds stability, while not being bulky and over encumbering. The foam midsole provides cushioning and features a tri-star patterned outsole that provides a free range of motion when running. Just like the Flyknit Racer, the Free RN Flyknit comes in multiple stylish colorways that you'll easily be able to get a fit off with.
Adidas EQT Support Ultra
Price: $160
Adidas's EQT line was created with strictly performance is mind, but its designs have aged and transitioned well into the lifestyle scope of footwear. Doing away with the original "EQT Green" colorway the line had been known, for the brand revamped EQT with modern silhouette and a new "Turbo Red" colorway. Drawing inspiration from the EQT Running Support '93, the EQT Ultra uses a very similar upper set on top of Ultra Boost tooling. The combination of old style and new technology bring the best of both words together on one sneaker. The EQT Support Ultra also got a Primeknit version that was first released as a collaboration with Pusha T.
Reebok Zoku Runner
Nike Air Max 90 Ultra 2.0 Flyknit
Price: $160
The Nike Air Max 90 Ultra 2.0 Flyknit is the best of both worlds when it comes to a modern running sneaker. Sticking to the classic styling '90s runner, the silhouette gets a much needed update with a Flyknit upper and an Ultra sole. The combination of new technology makes it much lighter than its predecessor and with an added memory foam insole, they're more comfortable, too. In addition to the original "Infrared" colorway, they also come in new colorways like the popular "Multicolor" and "Oreo."
New Balance 990v4
Price: $165
In an industry chock-full of sneakers that attract buyers with bold, futuristic designs and modern technologies, New Balance fills the void for runners with more traditional styling. The New Balance 990v4 uses the right amount of performance to keep up with other running sneakers, while remembering the classic 990. It doesn't take a super limited collaboration to get exceptional quality out of the 990v4. New Balance's Made in USA quality is present with premium pigskin leather and mesh on the upper. Pick these up in the grey color and you'll be able to wear them with nearly anything.