Up Your Shoe Game: The Best Running Shoes for the Filipino Runner

It’s the time of the year once again when runners are constantly researching for their next running shoe. Some might have been saving for that top-of-the-line super shoe, while others just want to have a durable daily trainer that they can use after a hard day’s work.

Whether they’re planning to get that marathon shoe that they’ve been sharing on their social media pages for months, adding to their already-packed shoe rotation, or buying that budget-friendly sneaker, here are some recommendations for the Filipino runners who are looking to complete their Christmas list:

FOR DAILY RUNS

More commonly known in the running world as daily trainers, these shoes are built tough with enough cushioning for comfort and support. They are designed to withstand wear and tear and can be used for easy to long runs and even tempo sessions. 

CONSIDER BUYING:

1. Nike Pegasus 41
2. Asics Novablast 4
3. Adidas SL 2
4. Brooks Ghost 16
5. Puma Deviate Nitro 3

FOR SPEED SESSIONS/INTERVALS

In contrast to daily trainers, interval shoes are specifically designed for high-intensity interval training, or workouts that focus more on speed rather than distance. Think of a shoe that you will use for sprint training, track, short-distance, or hill repeats. They are lightweight, responsive, offer minimalist cushioning, and are breathable.

CONSIDER BUYING:

1. Nike Vaporfly Next% 3
2. Adidas Adizero Pro 2
3. New Balance RC Elite v3
4. Asics Metaspeed Sky+
5. Hoka Mach 6

FOR RACE DAY

These are specialized shoes designed for optimal performance. Much like interval shoes, they are lightweight, constructed with a minimalist upper, and equipped with carbon fiber technology and other premium materials. The only drawback of race day shoes is that they are designed for short-term use, with runners reserving them for race day. 

CONSIDER BUYING:

1. Nike Alphafly Next% 3
2. New Balance SuperComp Elite v4
3. Brooks Hyperion Elite 4
4. Hoka Cielo X1
5. Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 

For Trail Running

Trail running shoes are specialized footwear that are designed to provide support, stability, and protection for runners who are traversing uneven and rugged terrain. They are built to last hundreds of miles, are waterproof, and offer optimum cushioning and impact absorption. 

CONSIDER BUYING

1. Nike Pegasus Trail 5
2. Salomon Speedcross 6
3. Hoka Speedgoat 6
4. Saucony Peregrine 14
5. Altra Lone Peak 8

BONUS: For Wide Feet

1. Asics Gel Kayano 30
2. Adidas Boston 12
3. Brooks Ghost Max 2
4. Hoka Clifton 9
5. New Balance 880 v14

For the budget-conscious

1. Nike Pegasus 40
2. Adidas Adizero SL
3. Asics Novablast 3
4. Puma Magnify Nitro 2
5. Nike Downshifter 13