The Best Racing Shoes for Running Your Best 5K Event

Many people believe that running is free, and all you have to do is step outside and start racing! Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but that is not the case. While expensive gym memberships and gear are not mandatory, you need decent racing footwear. And that means you must find the best racing shoes in the market.

But, there is no such thing as an ideal racing shoe. When it comes to buying running shoes, there are a lot of things you must consider. Some of these things include your foot’s shape, weight, biomechanics, and the terrain you want to tackle.

There are several racer shoes in the market designed for specific runners. Therefore, choosing the right option can be quite tricky. So, we have prepared this review of the best racing shoes to help you make your final decision.

The Best Racing Shoes Are:

Product	Details
1. Saucony Kinvara 5 Racing Shoes	Top Pick	Material: Synthetic Sole: Synthetic Size: 3-16 (US)	Check Current Price
2. Saucony Type A8 Sneaker		Material: Synthetic Sole: Rubber Size: 3-16 (US)	Check Current Price
3. Hoka One One Clifton 4 Running Shoes		Sole: Rubber Material: Synthetic Size: 4-15 (US)	Check Current Price
4. Nike Free RN 2018 Running Shoe		Material: Synthetic Sole: Rubber Size: 3.5-13 (US)	Check Current Price
5. Adidas Adizero Boston 7 Running Shoes		Sole: Rubber Material: Synthetic Size: 4-13.5 (US)	Check Current Price
6. Brook Ghost 13 Running Shoes		Sole: Rubber Material: Synthetic Size: 3.5-16 (US)	Check Current Price
7. Brooks Hyperion Tempo Running Shoes		Sole: Rubber Material: Synthetic Size: 3.5-16 (US)	Check Current Price

1. Saucony Kinvara 5 Racing Shoes — Best Racer Shoes

Kinvara has been the best option for runners for years, and having less cushioning means they are lighter. However, Kinvara 5 is engineered to tackle high mileage while keeping your feet safe. Kinvara 5 features EVA+ foam midsole paired with Powergrid foam at the heels to provide the needed comfort and support.

EVA+ from Saucony is the lightest in the market, and it plays a crucial role in the overall weight of this footwear. This EVA+ foam firms up when you increase your speed. This shoe has the lightest midsole in the market that provides the needed support and shock absorption.

This shoe comes with a durable carbon sole on the forefoot and lateral side where a neutral racer would strike his/her foot. Saucony made numerous changes in the upper of their fifth Kinvara footwear.

Kinvara 5 comes with a lightweight upper with a roomier toe box and seamless technology to provide a lock-in fit. Therefore, you can hit the road running, knowing that your feet are safe. However, some users have complained about its durability.

Overall Rating – 4.5 out of 5

Conclusion

With Kinvara 5, Kinvara continues to be the top shoe in the lightweight cushioning category. This shoe is ideal for both beginners and professional racers.

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2. Saucony Type A8 Sneaker — Best 5K Running Shoes

Saucony Type A8 is comfortable and lightweight footwear that can improve the speed of the wearer. This footwear will help you attain your running goals thanks to its unique design. This pair’s flexibility makes it an ideal sneaker for anyone looking to take part in a 10k or 5k race. Type A8’s outsole is made from XT-900, a unique variant of carbon rubber.

XT-900 offers proper traction and extra protection. The outsole has injected blown-rubber at the forefront for more flexibility and to lower its weight. Saucony Type A8’s midsole is made from premium SSL EVA foam that guarantees you extra comfort and lightweight. This midsole gives the wearer a great energy return and a responsive ride with all steps. This midsole is designed to be both comfortable and durable.

Type A8 comes with a unique breathable mesh upper that helps keep its weight down. The mesh upper offers you a sock-like and seamless fit while making it possible for you to flex and move. Instead of an additional outlay, this shoe features a FlexFilm integrated to offer the needed support. However, many wearers have complained that it has a short tongue.

Overall Rating – 4.3 out of 5

Conclusion

Saucony Type A8 is one of the best 5k shoes that can keep your feet safe while working out. Besides providing the needed comfort, this pair is designed to improve your speed thanks to its responsive design.

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3. Hoka One One Clifton 4 Running Shoes

Clifton shoes are designed to provide extra soft cushioning and smooth ride, and Clifton 4 is no exception. The Clifton line has undergone many changes, with Hoka improving its durability and cushioning with each version. Compared to its predecessor Clifton 4 comes with an improved foam, wide midfoot, and new mesh upper.

This shoes’ upper is made from a thin mesh that can keep your feet dry. And in wet conditions, the mesh upper dries quickly and drains well. Clifton 4’s upper is wrapped with numerous print outlays for a perfect locked-in fit.

Clifton 4’s midsole comes with single piece lightweight CMEVA foam that is durable. Clifton 4’s midsole is perfectly designed for this footwear’s low drop. It promotes the natural forward rolling of your feet. Their midsole has grooves that help with flexibility. And its high rebound properties offer reliable impact protection.

Hoka shoes are known for their comfort and plushness. Many people have described running with Clifton 4 as jogging on pillows. Clifton 4 has paddings around the ankles and heels. However, it is slightly less cushioned than its predecessor.

Overall Rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

Clifton 4 is an improved version of its predecessor. It comes with a breathable upper and offers a cushioned smooth ride.

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4. Nike Free RN 2018 Running Shoe

Nike Free RN 2018 is a perfect replacement for the famous 2017 version of this running shoe. RN 2018 is an excellent option for people who want to improve their racing time. RN 2019 is a perfect option for cross-country runners. This pair requires a small break-in period and provides an exceptional comfort level.

The fact that it has a removable insole means that you can select your level of flexibility and comfort. It also provides ample arch support. Nike RN 2018 is designed to improve your speed without sacrificing durability, flexibility, and comfort. This shoe is available in several color combinations.

So you can choose something that fits your style. Nike has been improving the durability of this line, and RN 2018 is a highly durable option. This footwear utilizes a rubber outsole and EVA foam pellets to prevent wear and tear.

This flexible shoe is designed to provide full range motion with each stride. It is an excellent option for neutral runners since it allows for enough stability for every run. It’s unique upper can keep your feet dry while you are jogging. However, it doesn’t provide proper traction in slick surfaces.

Overall Rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

RN 2018 is great footwear that is designed for improving your jogging speed. This shoe provides you with the needed comfort, flexibility, and durability for all your races.

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5. Adidas Adizero Boston 7 Running Shoes

Adizero 7 is a great running shoe for experienced runners. Thanks to its unique design, this footwear can handle long races. It is well-cushioned, lightweight, and comfortable. And on top of that, it’s available in several color combinations. So you can get a pair that matches your style.

Adizero 7 will provide you with the needed comfort for your next marathon race. This highly durable pair features a continental rubber outsole. This lightweight sole provides you with the required traction. Adizero 7 is a highly flexible pair that provides you with a full range of motion when running.

This pair comes with an air mesh upper that can keep your feet dry when jogging. The air mesh upper allows air to flow in and out of this shoe; therefore, you will never have to worry about blisters. This shoe provides ample support for neutral runners, but it is not ideal for people with pronation issues.

Overall Rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

Adizero Boston 7 is a lightweight running shoe that is designed for top runners. Thanks to its unique design, this shoe provides you with everything you need to enjoy your race.

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6. Brook Ghost 13 Running Shoes

Brooks Ghost 13 is a great lightweight pair that can be used for speedwork, long runs, and tempo runs. It is an excellent shoe for both new runners and veteran racers; after all, lighter is always better. It is one of the best-selling running shoes in the US that guarantees you a smooth ride. Ghost 13 provides reliable performance, a soft feel, and a comfortable fit.

Ghost 13 is known for providing extended comfort and shock absorption for long and medium runs. For extra comfort and well-cushioned landing of your feet, this shoe uses a full-length DNA loft. For a spongy and comfortable toe-off, Ghost 13 uses BioMoGo DNA.

Ghost 13 comes with a breathable upper that was made from an air mesh material. The unique upper provides an ultra-sturdy, comfortable, and stable sock-like feel. Everything from this shoe spongy cushioning to silky smooth ankle collar makes it a great running shoe. It comes with an integrated system of shock absorbers that cushions all your steps. However, it’s sole tends to wear out faster.

Overall Rating – 4.7 out of 5

Conclusion

Brooks Ghost 13 is a lightweight and well-cushioned shoe that can handle long and short runs. Its breathable upper can keep your feet dry when running, so you will never worry about blisters.

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7. Brooks Hyperion Tempo Running Shoes

Weighing about 6 ounces, Hyperion Tempo is a speedy running shoe. Hyperion Tempo is a great option for people looking to get the most out of their workout. It is a responsive and lightweight shoe that allows you to recover and jog faster. This shoe comes with a unique DNA flash midsole that has been infused with nitrogen. Its DNA midsole provides a springy experience making this footwear lightweight.

This shoe comes with a woven upper that provides you with a sock-like fit. Its unique upper is designed to keep your feet dry while its geometrics keep your feet stable when jogging. It allows you to race in your natural motion path. It is a comfortable and lightweight shoe that can handle long races. However, it is not ideal for runners with wide feet.

Overall Rating – 4.7 out of 5

Conclusion

Brooks Hyperion Tempo is a lightweight shoe that allows anyone to jog and recover faster. It is an excellent option for people with narrow feet who love speedy runs.

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Buyers Guide: Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Racing Shoes

Running is one of the best workouts that have numerous benefits. Other than improving your cardiovascular fitness, racing can help you burn some calories. Racing is one of the few workout routines that don’t require expensive gear or gym memberships.

However, running for any distance can be dangerous with the wrong footwear. So you need to invest in the running footwear that can keep your feet comfortable, dry, and help with shock absorption.

But with the many racing shoes available, selecting the right pair can be quite challenging. Remember, the right footwear should provide proper traction and be lightweight. So, here are a few factors to consider when buying the racer shoes in the market.

Comfort

Comfort should be a top priority for runners when selecting a racing pair of shoes. After all, with a comfortable pair, you can run faster and longer. A comfortable pair can keep your feet safe and make it possible for you to tackle different terrains.

So, look for a pair with well-cushioned or removable insoles; this way, you can add a customized insert for extra comfort. Remember, some padded collars can cause friction or offer the needed support. There are numerous things to consider when it comes to comfort, and most of them will depend on a person.

Another key factor that plays a crucial role in comfort is the type of feet the shoes were designed for. Make sure you check if a pair can correct your pronation issue or worsen it. The size of the toe box also matters a lot when it comes to comfort.

Support

Different people need different support levels. And that is why you should know your foot type and also understand your needs. The type of support any runner requires is determined by the running gait, type of arch, and any feet issue you might have.

When looking for a pair that will support your feet, you must consider how padded the midsole is and the material used to make them. Remember, some shoes are designed to solve pronation issues, so look for a pair that solves your problem.

Durability

Every runner needs a pair that can serve him/her for a long time without compromising comfort. And an average pair should serve you for about 600 miles. There are numerous features that can extend a pair’s life, including a sturdy sole and quality upper, and well-cushioned midsole.

Flexibility

Jogging with a stiff pair is not fun; therefore, make sure the footwear you purchase is flexible. Flexibility plays a key role in the speed of a runner during the race day. A flexible pair will allow you to move naturally and prevent joint and muscle pain the next day.

Final Thoughts

Running is a fun outdoor activity that has numerous health benefits. However, with the wrong footwear, it can become quite dangerous and uncomfortable. Besides making it possible for you to run faster, the right racer shoes must be breathable and lightweight. After all, racing with wet shoes can be quite uncomfortable.

The right racing shoe incorporates numerous features that are engineered to keep you safe. Remember, proper traction and flexibility is mandatory when running. Therefore, we have created the above list of the best running shoes to help you choose the best racing shoe.

From our research, we have concluded that Saucony Kinvara 5 racing shoes are the best option. Kinvara 5 is a lightweight pair that can tackle both long and short runs. Kinvara 5 is the leading pair in the lightweight cushioning category.