10 Best Road Racing Shoes

These ten best road racing shoes are used by people who do their running on paved surfaces. These can be either smooth, like a city street or track, or rougher, like a road where a gravel/tar mixture has been used to form a surface. Because not all people participate in road racing, however, road racing shoes have been manufactured for both that purpose and other types of long-distance or sustained running.

Minimalism is catching on in the road running world, both in racers and in regular runners. Minimalism means that there is less shoe material between the bottoms of a runner’s feet and the road. Some people prefer road racing shoes that are considered minimalist, saying they mimic running barefoot. Others need extra padding in road racing shoes to cushion feet, ankles and knees.

Running in minimalist shoes takes some getting used to, so if a runner is considering switching, this should be kept in mind. If a runner has foot or joint problems, it may be wise to check with a health care professional to see if switching is possible or a good idea.

1. New Balance Minimus: This is the new minimalist style of road racing shoes that the New Balance Company will be introducing in 2011. It has a very thin bottom sole and light construction all around. It may already be available in some stores, or it may be possible to pre-order them. Runners can check with their favorite sporting goods or shoe store, or look online.
2. Adidas AdiZero Mana:  These road racing shoes are designed for runners who have feet that are considered neutral to slightly overpronated. Having a neutral foot means that the foot remains straight when running or walking, while having an overpronated foot means the foot turns inward. These road racing shoes are good for use in training. 
3. Reebok SF Attack: These road racing shoes are specifically designed for faster running. They are not recommended for slow running such as that done by beginners, or by someone who runs for health maintenance, weight control or any other reason besides long-distance running or road racing. They should also not be worn while a runner is recovering from an injury or has experienced an extended lapse of time from running.
4. Hi-Tec R100 Road Running Shoes: Long-distance runners, such as those who participate in cross-country track activities, may want to consider these road racing shoes. They have been designed almost exclusively for long-distance running.
5. Saucony Pro-Grid: Runners who suffer from overpronation will want to look at these road racing shoes. They provide the protection, cushioning and enhanced stability needed for runners who have overpronated feet.
6. Brooks Addition: Overpronation can occur in different degrees. Some runners may only have slight overpronation while others are considered to have excessive overpronation. Runners who have been told or otherwise are aware that they have excessive overpronation will want to buy these road racing shoes, as they have extra cushioning and support where it is so critically needed.
7. Brooks Beast: Designed for runners with larger body frames, these road racing shoes have heavier support. Think of them as road racing shoes that might be found in the “big and tall” section of the store.
8. Mizuno Wave: These are good road racing shoes for runners who have neutral pronation. In addition, they have a unique outer sole that is wavy instead of flat. This design provides extra cushioning when needed and the right amount everywhere else.
9. Asics Men’s GELS 1140: A gel cushioning system is used in these road racing shoes to absorb impact. Only a few models of road racing shoes have gel in them. Runners who want or need extra cushioning can’t go wrong if they choose this style.
10. Fox Racing Men’s Featherweight 2 Running Shoe: This style of road racing shoes is also available in a regular sneaker. Runners should make sure they are getting the running shoes when they make their purchases. The road racing shoes are well-padded with an outsole that works well to absorbs shock.