As much as I love running on trails or the road, the weather and some areas don’t permit it. Fortunately, there are ways you can still run if you have no tracks or trails made for runners in where you live. Gyms offer treadmills, or you can invest in one for your home!
But did you know that besides choosing the right treadmill, you also have to wear the best running shoes for treadmill as well? But how come and what kind of shoes are made for such gym equipment? Read on as I show you my top reviews and helpful purchasing guide!
Contents
- 6 Best Men’s Running Shoes For Treadmill 2022
- 1. The Supportive and Balanced: Brooks Ghost 11 Running Shoes
- 2. The Well-Cushioned and Shock-Absorbing: ASICS Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoes
- 3. The Strong and Rugged: ASICS Gel-Venture 5 Running Shoes
- 4. The Simple and Soft: Nike Tanjun Sneakers
- 5. The Lightweight and Stable: Nike Free Tr 8 Running Trainers
- 6. The Great Traction and Breathable: Saucony Cohesion 10 Running Shoes
- 6 Best Women’s Running Shoes For Treadmill 2022
- 1. The Stylish and Solid Build: Brooks Ghost 10 Running Shoe
- 2. The Good Fit and Comfy: Saucony Cohesion 10 Running Shoe
- 3. The Hugging and Long-Lasting: Adidas Lite Racer w Running Shoe
- 4. The Affordable and Durable: Adidas Cloudfoam Qt Racer Running Shoe
- 5. The Plush and Stable: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v7 Running Shoe
- 6. The Neutral and Pain-Relieving: ASICS GEL-Venture 5 Running Shoe
- How to Buy the Best Running Shoes For Treadmill
- Frequently Asked Questions: Treadmill and Running Shoes
- Wrapping It Up
6 Best Men’s Running Shoes For Treadmill 2022
1. The Supportive and Balanced: Brooks Ghost 11 Running Shoes
My top choice among all the men’s running shoes for treadmill goes to the Brooks Ghost. It offers spectacular support for all types of runners no matter the terrain, keeping your feet away from pain even on the treadmill.
It’s made with unique technology such as the BioMoGo DNA and DNA Loft cushioning, which adjusts to your feet’s needs. He cushioning would give my feet only ENOUGH cushioning while still being responsive and lightweight, adding to its comfort and lessening fatigue. Furthermore, it has the segmented crash pad to absorb shock and adapt to the pressure as you land.
Pros:
- The shoes offer the smoothest ride as it adapts to your feet’s fall
- Engineered mesh upper that stretches and conforms to your feet
- Ideal feet support for runners who have medium and high arches
Cons:
- The sizes run a bit large, you’ll need to order half a size smaller
- Better for speed sessions compared to long-distance runs
2. The Well-Cushioned and Shock-Absorbing: ASICS Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoes
For those who need something with solid and with the advanced technologies to relieve pressure, I recommend the ASICS Gel-Venture. The Gel-Venture series features the special GEL cushioning system, which shapes the way your feet create an impact on the ground. That way, you get only enough cushioning to stay comfortable without it being too heavy.
Besides this, the running shoes are also orthotic-friendly for any feet type. It has a removable sock liner to accommodate your needs, ensuring support catered for every individual runner. A must-buy for its shock absorption and if you are prescribed with medical orthotics.
Pros:
- The shoes feature a removable sock liner to fit orthotics
- Unique GEL cushioning to accentuate shock excellently
- Promotes a smoother and stable ride for most surfaces
Cons:
- Better off for longer distances than pressuring speed runs
- It has smaller arch support compared to other brands
3. The Strong and Rugged: ASICS Gel-Venture 5 Running Shoes
For those who want something strong and durable to last for over a year of running, you’ll like the ASICS Gel-Venture. It’s the predecessor to my previous review, but still coming with the excellent comfort and support. It may not be the more updated version, but it has slightly stronger construction to last even longer.
It’s branded as an outdoor-ready shoe but does well on the track and treadmill belt. It comes with anti-slip underlays for that extra grip, as well as the AHAR outsole rubber so it doesn’t easily wear out.
Pros:
- Amazing traction and grip with its AHAR outsole and anti-slip underlays
- Solid construction and materials to last for hundreds of miles
- It’s great for wide feet with its larger toe box and width
Cons:
- Great for trail and treadmill, not versatile enough for road running
- The shoes aren’t as breathable compared to other running shoes
4. The Simple and Soft: Nike Tanjun Sneakers
I admire the Nike Tanjun sneakers for its simplicity and if you’re on a budget. While Nike is said to be a bit pricey, these fit the budget and offer the basic needs of a runner on the treadmill. Their main focus is comfort, offering extra cushioning to absorb impact as you land.
Granted, these are not made for tougher terrains such as trails or roads (only for walks), but when talking about treadmills, they do just fine. I would also recommend it for casual use or walks outside!
Pros:
- One of the most comfortable shoes with extra padding
- Simple yet classic design that looks attractive when worn
- Lightweight and durable as long as you use it correctly
- An affordable choice for a Nike shoe, best for those on a budget
Cons:
- Not for intense runs or sports activities with lack of lateral stability
- The shoes aren’t as supportive of running if you have arch problems
5. The Lightweight and Stable: Nike Free Tr 8 Running Trainers
The Nike Free Tr Running Shoes are made for zooming with its lightweight padding and excellent design. It has a haptic print in the toe area to add durability and prevent any toe stubs as you run. Furthermore, it’s built with the sit-in midsole, having IU foam that contributes to its lightweight feature and stability to improve your feet’s movement.
What makes it stand out is its flex grooves, which help the entire shoe encourage your feet to move in a natural motion! With all this in mind, you have something to support your feet and relieve any pain.
Pros:
- It absorbs impact to lessen fatigue and relieve any pain felt
- They are stylish to wear for everyday use and still lasts long
- Versatile and can be used for cross-training with its flex grooves
Cons:
- The running shoes may be too narrow for wide feet
- Not too stabilized or heavy enough for intense weightlifting
6. The Great Traction and Breathable: Saucony Cohesion 10 Running Shoes
Last but not least, I commend the Saucony Cohesion Running Shoes for their ruggedness. While this is great for the trails and tougher terrains, you can also use it on the treadmill and reap fantastic results. This is because it’s built with the strong outsole and the premium-quality construction to last even longer.
Besides that, the shoes have a Hell GRID system for stable and soft cushioning, as well as a breathable mesh upper for better ventilation. It feels smooth as I run, and I can see it’s made best for flat feet with its good arch support.
Pros:
- Extreme durability to last for over a year with great construction
- Accurate fit and conforms to your feet with excellent cushioning
- Good support for those who experience flat feet or low arches
Cons:
- There are complaints about being charged for return shipping
- Some runners may need to replace the insoles for better use
6 Best Women’s Running Shoes For Treadmill 2022
1. The Stylish and Solid Build: Brooks Ghost 10 Running Shoe
The Brooks Ghost Running Shoes are my ultimate choice for women’s shoes for the treadmill for its lightness and performance. It has the excellent material made for the road, with an engineered mesh upper for the needed stretch. It isn’t only breathable but adapts to the shape of your feet to keep your feet snug and well-ventilated.
The shoes are also lightweight yet still offer the customized cushioning you need with their unique and earth-friendly BioMoGo and Brooks DNA padding! With all this in mind, it’s the perfect choice if you need something with more cushion to prevent excessive pressure as you run.
Pros:
- The shoes are built with an earth-friendly BioMoGo and Brooks DNA
- Outstanding breathability and ventilation with a lighter weight
- You can focus more on your runs rather than pain or tiredness
Cons:
- Those with wide feet may need to order half a size larger
- The shoe heel isn’t as deep as some runners may prefer
2. The Good Fit and Comfy: Saucony Cohesion 10 Running Shoe
The Saucony Cohesion is my second best choice for its affordability and adequate performance. It has the GRID system unique to Saucony, as well as injection-molded EVA to fit your feet correctly and give extra softness. Its great padding can give you better shock absorption, necessary for speed runs.
For those who have narrow feet, you’ll appreciate its fit giving you the snugness and stability. Plus, these shoes can offer great arch support, suitable for those with low arches because of its slight motion control.
Pros:
- Roomy toe box to give more room for your feet, it prevents stubbing
- Has extra cushioning to keep your feet snug and comfortable
- Comes at an affordable price, ideal for those on a tight budget
Cons:
- Those who have wide feet will need to order a size larger
- The durability is questionable, needs more care to the last longer
3. The Hugging and Long-Lasting: Adidas Lite Racer w Running Shoe
Another simple and classic design I admire goes out to the Adidas Lite Racer. It’s made for speed with its extreme lightness, you’ll feel as if you were walking on air without the stuffiness. They feature a cloud foam midsole and outsole, offering supreme cushioning so once you step into it, it’s all softness.
It absorbs shock well for a running shoe, keeping feet away from any aches even during the toughest runs. And if you’re worried about support, the shoes also have an OrthoLite Float sock liner which hugs your feet, keeping it stable but still promoting better movement.
Pros:
- Lightweight and with Cloudfoam cushioning for comfort
- Snug fit and support with OrthoLite Float sock liner
- Durable with the premium construction and material
Cons:
- They may wear out easily if used for long-distance runs
- The sizing is too large, you need to order a size small
4. The Affordable and Durable: Adidas Cloudfoam Qt Racer Running Shoe
If you want to focus more on speedrunning and want an Adidas, then the Cloudfoam Qt Racer is the ideal choice. As the name suggests, it’s made for racing and faster paces with its Cloudfoam soles and sock liner. It has the memory foam to conform to your feet and hug it for motion control to prevent injuries as you give your all.
Besides this, the shoes are made with a mesh upper to promote ventilation, keeping your feet cool and keeping it away from odor. A great investment if you want something comfortable to break records.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and soft cushioning, you don’t feel pain
- Sockliner and padding molds to the shape of your feet well
- Has a sleek style and excellent durability to last for 500 miles
Cons:
- You have to watch out for your sizing, the sizing is a bit off
- It’s not slip-resistant, watch out for slippery treadmills
5. The Plush and Stable: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v7 Running Shoe
New Balance is known for its excellent running shoes, with the Fresh Foam being no exception. These shoes keep your feet comfortable and injury-free, a neutral model that offers extra and cozy cushioning. While they aren’t the lightest pair, they do a great job in shock absorption for its thicker cushioning!
If you need something that keeps your feet stable and with extra cushioning, sacrificing weight, then you’ll like New Balance.
Pros:
- Can prevent injuries well with its Fresh Foam and snug fit
- Promotes stability and natural range of motion for pain prevention
- Awesome style with many colors to choose from
Cons:
- It’s a bit heavier compared to other running shoes
- Not the best for races and speed runs for its weight
6. The Neutral and Pain-Relieving: ASICS GEL-Venture 5 Running Shoe
The Asics GEL-Venture Running Shoe is another one of my top choices for its unique technology. It comes with the GEL cushioning system which ensures even better softness and padding that conforms to your feet! While trail-specific, it can still be used for the treadmill and you’ll be able to run faster and longer without feeling any pain.
With these shoes, I’m able to focus more on my running and posture, without having to worry about slipping. It has excellent outsoles that promote traction and abrasion. So if you need a neutral shoe focused more on better grip, this one’s for you.
Pros:
- High-abrasion sole with rugged outsoles for good traction and grip
- GEL cushioning system for softer yet lightweight padding
- It’s easy to put on or off with extra toe space for wiggle room
Cons:
- The sizes run a bit small, you will need to order half a size up
- Some complaints of it not being slip-resistant
How to Buy the Best Running Shoes For Treadmill
Did you know that selecting the best running shoes for the treadmill is different compared to choosing one for the road or trail? To help narrow down your choices, here are the crucial factors to consider:
1. Your Feet Type and Arch Support
Exercisers with feet problems will need to talk with their podiatrist before getting running shoes. It needs to be a shoe that fits them well with proper support, preventing injuries and further pain if one has feet conditions.
One of the first things to look into is your feet type, which identifies the arch support you need. Here are the three common types:
- Normal or neutral feet- Most people have this feet type and most shoes would accommodate them
- Flat feet or low arches- There is no visible curve from your big toe to heel. Because of this, your feet roll inward as you walk or run, so you’ll need shoes which stabilize them
- High-arched feet require special care since running can cause your feet’s arches to fall, with your feet rolling outward when running. Because of this, you’ll need shoes that can absorb shock well and are flexible
Doing this will avoid any issues with your foot support, as the wrong shoes can cause injuries. It can also help relieve any existing issues you have with your feet.
2. Good Fit and Comfort
If you want to have an effective workout, then you have to focus on comfort and fitness. Your shoes shouldn’t be too loose or tight to compress the toes, taking your feet to form accurately.
As much as possible, try on the shoes and go for a short walk or run before you workout. Take note that it may take a while to break into, and when you try on the shoes, check if it’s too loose or would compress your feet to the point it’s uncomfortable. If ever, you may need to adjust the size.
So other than cushioning, you should also ensure that you order the accurate size. Measure your feet and get the size you choose a pair of shoes and try them on if you can. It’s also best to read customer reviews to see if a certain shoe has sizes that run too big or small, so you may need to order a size higher or lower.
3. Lightweight and Breathable
Heavy shoes aren’t exactly harmful to your feet, but they are a huge obstacle and can affect the way you run. It may even strain your muscles, reducing stability!
That’s why a lightweight shoe is better to keep your body balance at par. With a lightweight shoe, it won’t hinder your runs and encourage you to perform faster and longer without much fatigue. One of the only downsides to lighter shoes is its less padding, which is why you need to find balance in cushioning and weight.
Other than lighter weight, your shoes should also be breathable, made of a lightweight mesh upper. With better ventilation in your shoes, it can keep your feet cool and comfortable. Other than that, it can reduce odors and keep your feet dry.
4. Flexibility and Stability
Your shoes for the treadmill need to have the flexibility regardless of the workout program you follow. You can choose between hilly terrains or neutral incline at a fast space. Whichever, your arch and heel need to be in shape to prevent any deformities.
For those who suffer from pronation syndromes, you’ll need something flexible, especially if you have high arches. The shoes should promote natural movement and allow you to move freely, but still, support it properly to keep your feet from rolling and injuring yourself.
If you have flat feet, as mentioned, go for motion control or stability shoes, depending on what your podiatrist recommends.
5. Well-Cushioned and Shock-Absorbing
Running on the treadmill is different from doing so outdoors, but one thing’s for sure: They both need ample cushioning. Your feet will go through a ton of pressure as you pound through that treadmill! This is especially for those who run for extended periods or at faster speeds.
That’s why you need good cushioning, but not excessive enough that would make your shoes heavy. When selecting cushioning, it should conform to your feet shape and absorb shock well for better energy return. That way, you have a smooth ride without worrying about your feet hurting even after intense runs.
6. Style and Material
Of course, you want to look great while running on the treadmill. There are a ton of styles and designs to look into to match your preference. That way, you can look great and feel confident, which can help improve your runs.
The material should also be considered, which should be made of high-quality construction. You want to focus on the durability of your shoes to last for a long time. Usually, they should last for about 500 miles, which is 6-12 months.
With style and great material, you’ll enjoy your runs better and won’t have to worry about replacing your shoes constantly.
7. What’s Your Budget?
The budget shouldn’t be the top priority when considering what shoes to get. However, it’s still important for many of us to get quality running shoes at the lowest possible price.
While you can’t perform well on the cheapest shoes, it’s still possible to find something useful without breaking your bank. Mid-range priced shoes are still a great choice, and you can go comparison shopping to see which shoe offers better features for its price compared to others.
You can refer to my list above to find more suitable running shoes at affordable prices to narrow your choices.
Frequently Asked Questions: Treadmill and Running Shoes
What are more things you should learn about running shoes on the treadmill? Here are the frequently asked questions most of the readers have wondered about!
1. What’s the difference between treadmill and road running?
The main difference is the environment you plan to run on, with outdoor running being on roads or trails, while being on the treadmill, you have a more controlled environment and terrain. As for running outside, you have more of a view and enjoyment, and you can condition your muscles to run on different paths and elevations compared to weakening the muscles when running inside.
Where you choose to run is up to your preference. You can still use road running shoes for the treadmill, and it still has a similar performance. The only difference is what you see and what your feet feel as you make an impact. Besides this, you have more control over your speed and distance, making treadmills a suitable option for some.
2. Do treadmill wires wear running shoes out the same way as road miles?
Since you are running on a more controlled environment, runners have wondered if running on them will have shoes wear out slower than running on the road. Well, regardless of where you plan to run, miles are still miles.
When running on the treadmill, it’s a bit more forgiving than other tracks, but you’re still putting pressure on your shoes. There aren’t any differences in the runner’s biomechanics no matter where he runs.
In fact, studies show that your shoes experience more force on its outsoles when running on the treadmill! Also, you are more apt to heel strike, which places even more pressure on the feet’s back than the toes.
With that said, there is no official study that shows how treadmill running can wear out shoes faster or slower compared to other terrains. You’ll just need to make sure you find strong shoes made for the track and field.
3. What advice should I follow to run on the treadmill properly?
If you’re just beginning to run on the treadmill, it may be a bit different compared to being on other terrains. Here are some helpful tips to make your experience a better one:
- Know your treadmill before you get on it. There are different features you can take advantage of, such as its heart rate monitor, calorie burn calculator, as well as the speed and distance control with various pre-set workouts to follow
- I highly recommend that you use a SLIGHT incline when running, which can help build those leg muscles and burn more calories
- You should run at a higher pace to boost your heart rate rather than to feel too comfy. If you can read and don’t sweat much as you run, then increase your incline and push yourself!
- Don’t lean forward or look down, focusing on proper posture as if you were running outside. Also, avoid holding on to the handrails, which forces poor running posture. Always pay attention to your stride and improve its count as you go
- Never step off the treadmill while it moves, make sure you follow safety precautions!
- If you get bored on the treadmill, listen to upbeat music and visualize a route rather than feel like a hamster!
4. Can I go barefoot when running on the treadmill instead?
A lot of people now try to go barefoot running, with people opting to run on roads and trails without shoes. Sometimes, they would use shoes that mimic the feel of being barefoot.
But if you plan to run on treadmills, it may be dangerous to do so when barefoot. This is because most treadmills would generate heat from the belt moving, causing friction. Your feet can burn up, causing burns or pain as you run.
Also, running barefoot on treadmills can cause you to stub toes on the machine if you run too fast. It also causes blisters, which is a common complaint about barefoot runners when they use a treadmill.
If you do want to experience the barefoot feel, then opt for shoes that mimic it. If not, I highly recommend you stick with running shoes.
Wrapping It Up
Are you still wondering about the use of running shoes on a treadmill? Check out this informative video to enlighten you!
If you’re planning to run on the gym’s treadmill or invest in one for home, then you need the proper shoes. With the right support and cushioning from running shoes, you can reach goals without the risk of injury. Just make sure that you do the right research and look into only the best and most suitable for YOU!
Of all the different shoes tried and tested for men, the Brooks Ghost 11 is the best! I love how it has exceptional cushioning for the treadmill and the versatility to use for the road. It even comes with the unique Segmented Crash Pad to ensure that each step you take is a smooth and comfortable one.
As for the women’s shoes, I love the Brooks Ghost 10 Road Running Shoe. While it may be made for the road, it’s also very suitable for the treadmill because of its excellent support and lightweight properties. Plus, it’s very breathable, with the ability to keep your feet cool no matter how long you run for.
I hope that these reviews on the best running shoes for treadmill helped you out. So don’t wait any longer and select the one you need from this list now.
Do you have any questions or want to share your tips and reviews on these shoes? Share it in the comments section below, all your thoughts are much appreciated.
Leave a Reply