The best running shoes for men in India are never obvious. Wouldn’t it be foolish to place a bunch of running shoes on the ladder of greatness just because they work for runners documenting them?

Human heterogeneity, which is at its peak as we run, makes tracing the best running shoes for men a deeply personal affair.

However, as an outcome of decades of refinements and fine-tuning, the classics of running shoe congregations make it hard to think of someone for whom they won’t work.

There are so many Classic choices, and choices are great—only if you can choose well. Mentioned below are the best from the Classics segment. Pair them with your aims and desires and grant authenticity to what we believe is a list of the best running shoes for men in India.

Because you may not have heard of BestShoe99 before or were barely aware that we have been writing year-end pieces on running shoes annually for eight years, it is worth knowing how pairs featured in the ninth edition of our Best Running Shoes for Men in India were—reported, as always, by real humans.

From simply listing the top seller of the shoe store I worked in for several years to delineating shoes most praised by our test team—including a few sub-3:00 marathoners and a bunch of people who run almost every day—we are persistent in raising the integrity and authenticity of our reviewing approach.  

Our work, thus far, is not so noteworthy to receive pairs from prominent manufacturers. However, our work is drawing enough affiliate earnings that we are not at the mercy of others to put our hands on (feet in) the most exclusive running shoes.

Because we are not paid or sponsored by the manufacturer—we pay, buy, use, and eventually think of the value we get off these pairs quite like a usual buyer (or You, dear reader!) would. One can take our opinions and thoughts about a pair as if they are from your fellow runner living up your alley.

Pros

Cons

Can you pull the best from those expensive carbon-plated masterpieces when you never considered running as something for you and abruptly gathered the willpower to run a day after?

Even though one’s proficiency in running gear is high enough to leverage the ultra-technicals, one can not disregard the part a no-frills-trainer plays in forging our relationship with running.

The Winflo is an inviting line of running shoes that sets the tone and creates the path. Every Winflo, so far, is a perfect blend of simple but effective components and the warm thinking of the manufacturer to sell them at a reasonable price.  

With a denser dab of better midsole foam, enhanced upper, and exact rubber outsole—from The Eleventh Winflo, expect the same (if not better) quality and integrity.

What goes into the sole generally determines the character of a running shoe. Winflo, character-wise, is praised for its versatility, covering short to medium distances at a slow and easy pace.

For the eleventh Winflo, Nike ramped up the Classic personality of the line as they replaced the Cushlon foam featured in previous models with Cushlon 3.0, encompassing a full-length Zoom Air unit.

Cushlon 3.0 (an evolved version of Phylon foam with rubber blended in a ratio) is Nike’s most charged EVA-based foam, embracing the bottoms of comparable Nikes like Structure 25 and Vomero 17.

A full-length Zoom Air unit deployed strategically produces ample rebound and a balanced run/ walk. The waffle-patterned rubber outsole does everything right on every terrain I have opened up the Winflo on.

The setup is slightly lighter than the Winflo 10s and has a 9.1 mm heel-to-toe drop. It may not entice you to log into double digits, but it does the job it is designed for quite nicely.

It is lethal to expect the same responsiveness, cushion, and ride we have in higher-end carbon-plated shoes from such a pocket-friendly model that, at its core, is created to cope with such complexities.

The Uppers are essentially the same as the Winflo 10—essentially, but not Exactly, because they are a little thicker than the previous ones.

Along with the elastic midfoot band, which causes an exceptional lockdown, Nike certainly does not shy away from offering thick padding around the heel, ankle, and tongue.

With padding and all, Winflo 11 delivers a comfortable fit when the laces are tightly secured. There is no added pressure on the top of the foot.

It’s perfect for all-day wear, with more room in the forefoot and a wider heel. A single layer of engineered mesh outweighs generous padding and allows for comfort and maximum breathability.

What in the era of plates and super specialty forms can make critics respect a line of shoes following a simple path? Being a dependable all-rounder helps, but nothing can match the hex that a very attainable price drives.

That seems to be how Winflo has evolved. The Winflo is all very sensible and conservative, and the shoe has all the sophistication and refined road manners of its larger sibling.

In short, the features and ride of the Winflo didn’t let the runners feel that they’ve laced up a fairly soft-priced shoe by running shoe industry standards.

I rarely look at running shoes, well, by their looks—which is so unimportant as running shoes are functional tools, after all! But sometimes, it is less about how nice a pair looks and more about how parallel they fold.

A restomod-y spirit naturally abides with a ₹8,000 running shoe, but the eleventh Winflo services the buyer with modern dimensions. For instance, the round or pointed heels of the previous models are now more squared off to align the Winflo 11 with the current taste.

The Winflo comes at a very attainable price but, surprisingly, does not have a vast use case. The Winflo 11 is perfect (and was initially created) for budding athletes and runners who have endurance for short to mid-distance runs.

One must start looking for something else as he gradually builds strength and stamina to log longer distances because as you enter the double digits, you’ll notice Winflo’s lack of responsiveness.

The Winflo 11 is a great budget option for new runners or those looking for a reliable workhorse for regular runs at a pocket-friendly price.

RunnersWorld.com

The Nike Winflo 11 is a shoe for anyone! It’s such a versatile shoe and wears many hats. A high-quality shoe that can be used daily.

RunningShoesGuru.com

Pros

Cons

Although its marketing efforts might not be on par with Nike and Adidas, ASICS never seems to lag in delivering a wide range of top-notch running shoes on par with such celebrated peers.

Renowned for producing running shoes with the best price-to-quality ratio, the newly refreshed ASICS line-up has defied its reputation as a brand that doesn’t experiment much.  

Of the many models we have laced up and praised from the label, the Gel-Cumulus is a pretty heartland, predictable stalwart of the range. 

The Cumulus has much in common with its ultra-plush sibling, the Gel-Nimbus, but with a slightly more streamlined design. And it is this kind of gradual thinking that informs The ASICS Cumulus’ newest chapter.

Cumulus version number twenty-six is an excellent example of how a classic line of running shoes gainingly revamps itself for the contemporary world.

The Cumulus 26’s sole unit comprises PureGel™ in the heel wrapped by FF Blast™ PLUS ECO foam. If you do not speak ASICS, here is a quick breakdown.

The FF Blast™ PLUS ECO (where FF stands for Flyte Foam and that Eco because twenty percent of the midsole foam is coming from bio-based renewable material) is a soft yet relatively low-weight midsole form (19% lighter than FF Blast™) while carrying such a high stack height (38.5mm in the heel and 30mm in the forefoot, so around 8mm drop).

Set just underneath where the rare foot sits, the PureGEL™ is an internal gel cushioning system that absorbs the landing impact. It is noticeably softer, and unlike a visible slab of brightly colored GEL cushioning that its predecessors carry, it is kept hidden in Cumulus 26.

One would hardly miss the extra support of such a stiffer visible Gel unit as everything in this sole unit is set on a broader base.

The Nimbus generally has a squishy top layer with a firmer bottom layer, but the Cumulus entire midsole has more compression.

The balance is still a subjective matter. It can be many things to many people. The firm-to-soft ratio of the Cumulus 26 largely depends on how soft and squishy shoes you have treated your stride with thus far.

The outsole, however, has shown some genuine shifts as the FluidRide™ outsole substituted the rubber lugs.

It helps the shoe feel lighter, supports the transition from heel to toe pretty well, and grips well too!

But even with thick rubber on the high-wear areas and very durable exposed foam—I do not think this will be as durable as some other shoes with different outsole rubber.

The Engineered mesh upper is relatively lighter but perfectly tuned for support and stretch where needed. It helps the shoe conform to your foot while creating a plush feel.

I have explored Cumulus 26 on my run around the Hills of Nahargarh and can attest to their breathability, even in the hot and humid summers of Jaipur.

Those who did not respond well to the high-heel counter may face rubbing issues on the back. The thin, stretchy tongue sits nicely atop your foot but could bunch up and become uncomfortable during activities.

The shoe is available in wide-width options, and there are extra eyelets to tie the marathon loop to prevent heel slippage—in case you have narrow heels.

Though the shoe fits true to size, only a heavy glitch in selecting the size seems a possibility when someone might legitimately condemn the fit of Cumulus 26 uppers.

Is it unfair of me to stack the ₹11,000 ASICS Gel-cumulus 26 up with similar performing daily trainers quoted at a premium of above ₹2,000? Yes, or maybe No!

For Cumulus 26, parting with cash felt so easy because we were not confronted with a wall of options for the same money, barely something as serviceable as Cumulus 26.

However, I want to like the pricing and the features of the Cumulus 26 more than I do. I vacillate as the most comparable options of Cumulus 26 (Yes! Those ₹2,000 premium once) last better.

The other options (Brooks Ghost 16 or Nike Pegasus 41) stay runnable for a notable amount of miles. Cumulus can be marked as the best shoe for the price while they are fine and running.

As a relatively thinner layer of rubber makes the outsole, Cumulus 26 reaches the end of the road—way earlier. Would you be content if ₹2k could buy you a shoe with a longer run-life? I would!  

Something quite traditional about Daily trainers is that their applications funnel down as the runner climbs the leader of proficiency.

Intermediate to advanced runners will likely use this for easy, recovery, and long run days. For beginners, however, the ASICS Cumulus 26 runs well on a wide swath of runs.

Given longevity crises, I have been surprised by how much I have worn The Cumulus 26. One reason, I think, is that I like the firm-to-soft ratio of its ride of its ride.

And if you enjoy a bit of firmness in your daily trainers ride, you’d appreciate the Cumulus 26. Just as if you respond well to high-heel counters.

Gel-Cumulus is a strong choice for marathon training and other competitive distance running.

RunnersWorld.com

The Cumulus 26 will get the job done, whether you’re training for a marathon or timing your daughter’s swim meets.

FleetFeet.com

The Cumulus 26 is a very good daily trainer that allows for some uptempo efforts.

RunningShoesGuru.com

Pros

Cons

The sports footwear market is incredibly diverse, with hardly any brand limiting itself to just a few products. Brooks, however, is an exemption. They did not want to work over any of that but just running shoes.  

Putting a label out there with just running shoes might not make much business sense, but for runners, it makes the most sense!

How soothing is it to cruise miles in a pair that has been streamlined fifteen times by a maker who has devoted all their technical and financial resources to running shoes?

Brooks Ghost has been e̶m̶o̶t̶i̶o̶n̶ in motion since 2008 and one of Brooks’ bestselling shoes thence.

In a time when it seems like shoemakers are on a quest to cram as many minutiae into a running shoe as possible—with a light and plush midsole, structured and breathable upper, and both aligned in an outlandish harmony—The Brooks Ghost is winning it simply and, quite surprisingly, without feeling lagged at anyplace!

The Ghost series epitomizes the pleasures of daily trainers, shapes our attitudes, and forges our relationship with runs that are not watch-ed or track-ed down! Saving the forte of the Ghost line-up for separate writing, we have dissected its latest (16th!) edition.

Carbon plates, gel pods, and compressed air capsules – the capacity of high-end shoemaking to dazzle with such elements forces us to question the abilities of a sole unit made of just foam.

Like all good engineers, Brooks knew that less is more. With the fewest components—foam, rubber, air, and nitrogen—Brooks has achieved a very soft cushioning that stays lightweight.

Improving the simple recipe, the Ghost 16 features Brooks’ proprietary DNA Loft v3 (version 3) foam, which is infused and blown with nitrogen into even larger cells. This makes it lighter, softer, and more energy-returning than DNA LOFT. 

The midsole delivers plenty of cushioning but does so on a steep platform. The stack height is 36mm in the heel and 24mm in the toe, giving it a 12mm offset that, on paper, seems like a lot of lean forward.

However, the DNA Loft v3 squashes just enough as the heel hits the ground that the 12mm drop does not feel so intense. That soft cushioning balances with the right firmness, fending off any sinking sensation.

Almost as thick as some of the trail running shoes we run in, Brooks has revamped the outsole of 16th Ghost with generous rubber and silica—a bit admirable update from the durability perspective, particularly as it does not weigh the shoe down a lot.

A thicker amount of this compound around the perimeter is for runners who are rough on their outsoles. Heading down the crash pad segments that, according to Brooks, are supposed to help promote an easy flow on the ride.

I’m not saying that it’s a pointless addition to an already great outsole unit, but the crash pad segment, quite frankly, does not create a noticeable difference in the ride.

It is, however, rare for a running shoemaker not to use material like mesh to make uppers—so where is the distinction? Distinction, dear reader, is in it’s Engineering!

All cars, for instance, are made of steel and aluminum—it is the strategic placement of those metals that decides how crash-resistant or safe the vehicle will be.

The same goes for the mesh uppers. The material is knitted for flexibility and firmness—to stretch and support at desired spots—and that balance decides how admirable the upper’s fit will be.

Brooks Engineered mesh upper, by far, delivers the least criticized fit. We have never seen/read a critic cornering any Ghost model for any fitting concerns.

An upper that conforms to the foot and provides decent wiggle room up front for the toes. Just the right amount of padding for a shoe engineered as a daily trainer.

A very rigid heel cup extends very tall and fused with decent padding feeds a lot of structure and lock-down in the back. A well-constructed upper that, I suspect, will outlast the rubber outsole.

The price of a pair eventually tells what other shoes they are contending with—and are we, shoppers, achieving the total potential of that money, or could that price get us better something?

Daily trainers that cost the same as Brooks Ghost 16 include Saucony Ride 17, Asics Gel Cumulus 26, and New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v14.

These Classic models have pruned the experimenting part and have gone through enough refinements that, by now, they have cornered an opinionated audience (for and against ’em).

₹12,500 seems like an easy splurge, as it gets me a shoe that consumes most of my miles on easy days, recovery runs, and longer runs rather than specialty shoes that are very particular about their use.

These running shoes carry the benchmarks of what a Daily trainer should be, but apart from that broader philosophy, each has subtle amenities unique to just them.

Though they are all great daily trainers, one that aligns adequately with the individual taste seems worthy.

Classically, the Ghost is a line-up of ❝Daily Trainer❞ in character. The sort of shoe that runners, merely curious to the connoisseur, might actually lace up when they like to get lost in the run.

The Ghost is for runners looking for a standard neutral trainer; base-building for a big race or coming off a marathon logging recovery runs.

In short, if you are decelerating the pace, putting the clock aside for a moment, then the Ghost 16 is brimming with potential.

Runners looking for a daily trainer with supportive cushioning and a plush interior.

RunnersWorld.com

It’s a simple shoe that can be enjoyed by all.

FleetFeet.com

Overall, the Brooks Ghost 16 does the job as a neutral, daily trainer. 

RunningShoesGuru.com

Pros

Cons

We have Puma (and Adidas) because of the historical split between The Dassler Brothers, and ever since then, Puma has held serious running souter credibility—mainly on the sprinters’ side.  

But it was not until the introduction of the swathes of pro-grade racing and training shoes that Puma permeated the mainstream.

Puma seems more interested in encapsulating new concepts that defy the conventional rather than making The Basic Formula available for cheap—a classic route obscure brands take to get back into the race.

The Velocity NITRO line-up has displayed Puma’s precocious capacity to turn established thinking into a perfect pick for the bunch.

Nitrogen-infused midsole foam engineered to excel in every run, quality uppers, and a durable outsole that grabs multiple surfaces: let me make sure you understand every bit of the third Velocity NITRO.

One root midsole compound encapsulating the whole line-up of road running shoes does not mean Puma’s attitude to cushion our trainers’ experience is laid-back.

In fact, instead of giving a slightly tickled foam a new name now and then, Puma marks a very high regard for their NITRO foam, which they had perfected long before, by pridefully implanting it in a large cut of their offerings.  

The NITRO compound is a PEBA and EVA blend infused with a nitrogen gas mixture. Puma does these blends like Coca-Cola does its beverages: Everybody knows what goes in it, but nobody knows in what proportions.  

Anyways! On paper, The NITRO foam is a clash of purposes. In reality, it is a mouth-watering prospect. This foam injects some real sprinter’s DNA into a forgiving bounce that shares its underpinnings with a daily trainer.

❝A bit more comfortable than the Velocity NITRO 2❞ likely remained a guideline for those responsible for the third Velocity NITRO.

The 3rd iteration features even more of the NITRO™ technology (two millimeters more, to be precise) that made us (and many) fall head-over-heels in love with the previous version, and this time, in a dual-density form (sorry! foam).  

A layer of the classic EVA underneath NITRO (which tanks most of the midsole unit) is an economical alternative to a rather expensive carbon plate deployed for stability and responsiveness.

Though one can feel the stiffer layer in the bottom over the soft and squishy NITRO foam, it isn’t as propulsive and does not steer energy return like shoes with carbon plates.

But that artificial push (from shoes with carbon plates) comes at the expense of daily comfort. The 10mm drop (36mm heel/26mm forefoot) is relatively a sharp lean-forward but doesn’t feel unstable.

The midsole compresses well and rebounds quickly, with a smooth transition and snappy toe-off; overall, The Velocity NITRO 3 hits that perfect balance where it feels highly cushioned and responsive.

Of all the pairs cited in this index of best running shoes for men in India, the Puma Velocity NITRO 3 is the only shoe with a distinct discussion regarding its outsole.

The PUMAGrip, which is Puma’s specialized rubber compound for the outsole, has been praised by top reviewers as “the ultimate rubber in the running shoe world,” it’s certainly worth your attention.

The generous amount of rubber, along with the attention of many critics, excellently grabs surfaces ranging from loose dirt to greasy trails to icy roads.

Ooh! That much-needed confidence to move a little faster is worth the weight penalty. The adventure such elements bring is what you’d enjoy.

Puma hasn’t placed some lugs on the outsole, or no running shoe could join up off-road ability with an on-road appeal quite as well as the Velocity NITRO 3.

By the Velocity NITRO 3, it looks like Puma’s design team knows how to approach functional design better than anybody else.

This year’s design artistry, arranged from the traditional engineered mesh, is chucked out a bit of the plush knit feel so that the third Velocity NITRO breathes better than the last iteration—a lovely trade-off.

The laces are easy to use and adjust, rigging excellent lockdown from heel to toe. The tongue is on the thinner side of materials, but it does the job and ensures the laces sit nicely along the top of the foot.

Work our way down towards the inner part for the PWRTAPE lining embedded into the upper on the medial side of the shoe – which adds targeted support and structure to an area prone to stress.

Mindfully placed overlays and support straps add to the captivating look and experience, but they can’t keep themselves from giving the third Velocity NITRO Puma’s signature narrow silhouette.

Twelve thousand rupees is not a painless splurge by any means. But we sometimes encounter gems that provoke discussion and lead us to wonder, ❝How do they do it for that money?❞

The third Puma Velocity NITRO’s host of features in flawless rhythm, along with the rewards it has for anybody who runs—from just-off-the-couch to mostly-on-to-the-podium—were more than enough to see sense in that Twelve thousand rupees ask.

Among the various features that make Velocity NITRO 3 a great buy, one feature that frequently flies under the radar is Puma’s knack for updating its designs, coupled with the trustworthy predictability that comes with it.

From narrow fitting dimensions to foam behavior, every update consistently expresses the maker’s signature and familiar style instead of the vagaries of any particular year.

When I first learned about the launch of the third Velocity NITRO, I quickly envisioned what it would be like. This kind of predictability fosters a sense of confidence in my buying decision.

It certainly has nothing to do with the overall price-to-quality ratio of the shoe but leads to a more mindful purchase. It is substantial because contemporary redesign themes often do not meet expectations as they once did.

A starting point (they work really well for beginners) or an upgrade, no matter where you are in your running journey, Puma Velocity NITRO 3 would be reliably universal if you skew past the narrow fitting condition.

The Velocity NITRO 3 is a straightforward pick for those unfamiliar with the intricacies of performance footwear and feel lost among the many choices available.

But can the Puma Velocity NITRO 3 convert a lifelong Pegasus, Ghost, or Nimbus user? Err, yes! If you are open to exploring a superior option and are deep into the tones of these pairs. But it is still a subjective affair.

Every aspect of the Puma Velocity goes toe to toe with (and in many cases, exceeds) any of these Classic models. What they lack in that regard they make up for in ride balance and grip.

If you’re looking for a running shoe you can simply lace up and get your training done, safe in the knowledge that your shoes won’t let you down, then the PUMA Velocity NITRO 3 is a great choice for you.

RunnersWorld.com

The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is a comfortable shoe that has the ideal level of versatility to make a great all-around daily trainer. It’s cushioned enough for longer runs and light enough to run fast. 

Outdoorgearlab.com

The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is a do it all type of shoe with the benefit of having a very affordable price point. Light enough for speed work, cushioned enough for long runs, and nothing extraordinary for easy runs. 

RunningShoesGuru.com

Pros

Cons

As runners, we know that pain and discomfort are awful, alarming, ridiculous, necessary, affirming, fundamental, and, in particular, inevitable. Most of us prefer to run down in comfortable footwear to have meaningful interactions with the pain and discomfort of running.

Even though comfort is a very personal, complex, and psychological sensation, we can attest to the Saucony Triumph 22’s comforting capabilities!

However, the 150-year-old running shoemaker has not abruptly run crazy picking their best-serving daily trainer, deliberately disrupting its versatility, and redesigning it for pure comfort.

Pulling apparatus from somewhere closer to the abode allows for faster workouts—a stir many daily trainers deny handling—and is another triumph of the latest Triumph.

Saucony aims to one-up any available daily trainer while still standing in the same category! In addition to being on par with the most comfortable daily trainer (the On Cloudeclipse) on comfort fronts, Triumph 22 favors a faster pace.

Triumph 22 shifts from Pwrrun+ to a tad swifter Pwrrun PB foam in the midsole, which Saucony embeds in its faster pals, the Endorphin Speed and Endorphin Pro.

But after logging some solid miles in the new Triumph 22, it’s surprising to discern the Pwrrun PB foam loosely translates into the familiar PB foam we’ve partaken in Endorphin Pro and Endorphin Speed.

The PWRRUN PB is Softer (perfectly balanced, thus does not feel like you are sinking into clouds) but noticeably less energetic and less responsive than the PWRRUN PB in the other shoes and the PWRRUN+ in the Triumph 20/21.

Saucony has put in some real work to align their Pwrrun PB foam, which is actually beaded PEBA foam, with the fundamentals of a max-cushioned trainer while making the shoe capable of faster workouts.

The by-product of tweaking the midsole foam—to accommodate a faster pace while remaining reliable for base building and recovery miles—is we get one of the most durable midsole units in cushioning retention fronts.

Along with the midsole, the engineers at Saucony have reimagined the dimensions of Triumph 22 to go with the comforting tale.

It has the same 37 mm/27 mm stack heights, but the new Triumph 22 sits over a broader base, contributing to the overall stability of the ride regardless of its taller stance.

The Triumph twenty-second’s outsole has a decent sense of its predecessors, with the transition groove in the center now extending from the heel to the end of the forefoot, serving as the only durability-enhancing change.

The XT-900 outsole rubber is already extremely tough, surpassing that of the average daily trainer.

For the Triumph 22, Saucony has reimagined the uppers with an ambition to cocoon the propelling feet in comfort while leaving no room for air to ensure things do not get too comfortable.

Saucony has removed the seams from the upper and added more collar foam to pad the heel. Along with a hard-heel cup, this setup endorses an excellent foot-lockdown.

The Triumph 22’s higher sidewalls wrap the foot so you stay more securely seated on the midsole. The tongue is padded and semi-gusseted to ensure a secure fit through the laces and effectively secure narrower feet.

With all this extra padding and length, things start warming up faster! Critics and reviewers continue to collide with Saucony Triumph 22 over its breathability issues.

Though the shoe has multiple perks to win back the customers and critics, that thick, engineered mesh, and generously padded upper, in sticky, humid conditions, one will see the foot out pretty swampy. And it absorbs a decent amount of water as well.

No running shoe brand marks down the price of a model quite as generously as Saucony as soon as that model loses the title of Newest to its successor.

So it is difficult to open the wallet wide enough to swallow the cost of Saucony’s latest versions, knowing that if we wait a few months, it’ll be marked down, sometimes by half of the initial price.  

However, I didn’t hesitate to go to great lengths (price-wise) for 22’th Triumph because Saucony has updated all that’s updatable in the New Triumph 22, making it competent for a wider swathe of runs and workouts as compared with the 21st.  

Zooming out of the house, we have Brooks Glycerin 21 and the On Cloudeclipse. We rule out the latter because the feasible sources are quoted at brutally high prices, comprising a giant importer markup.

Brooks Glycerin 21, however, is incredibly similar in weight, heel-to-toe drop, and price. The Triumph 22 has a PEBD-based midsole, while the Glycerin uses EVA-based foams but provides a relatively comparable firm-to-soft ratio.

Glycerin 21 is not as durable as Triumph 22, which is not as breathable as Glycerin 21. Both have the goods to justify their ask; it is the one that runs better on the buyer’s preferences.

For ₹15,000, I prefer midsoles with the most prolonged cushioning retention span, an outsole with the most hardwearing rubber compounds, and a full-bodied upper.

Indeed, The Triumph 22 hits a unique use case. The shoe is best suited for runners who like a lot of cushioning that does not feel overly soft. If you want a shoe with a longer run life, Triumph 22 works.

The Triumph 22 could be an excellent option for runners who prefer high-stack height but like a stable ride. If you have wider feet or enjoy extra wiggle room, you would likely appreciate the fit of the Triumph 22.

The only case where the Triumph 22 is not advised is for runners with feet sensitive to heat because it has a very warm upper.

The shoe (is) capable of faster workouts, while remaining a reliable for base building and recovery miles.

RunnersWorld.com

Whether you are a seasoned marathoner or a casual jogger, the Triumph 22 is your ticket to running nirvana.  

RunningWarehouse.com

The Saucony Triumph 22 is a good max-cushioned trainer which is best suited to slow, easy runs.

RunningShoesGuru.com

Pros

Cons

If you are up for brands whose performance footwear-making prowess spans centuries and that’s a threshold for you to a better and more confident run, then we should put this selection back on the shelf.

But if you didn’t mind a better (more lowly priced) shoe arriving from a brand that does not have a lengthy history to claim, the eleventh Skechers GOrun Ride is one of the best running shoes for men in India.

All new midsole compound, thicker outsole, and improved mesh upper: We get a complete update in the eleventh GOrun, epitomizing Skechers’ intravenous connection to what many of us demand from a daily trainer.

The sole unit of the most refined GOrun ride makes us see the level of maturity Skechers exhibits in competing with brands steeped in centuries of data and learning to obtain the perfect harmony between cushioning and responsiveness.

Without implanting a rather expensive full-length carbon plate, a daily trainers’ ride could either be downright firm (but responsive) or soft (but cushioned).

To have some degree of both, quite economically, Skechers infused a half-length carbon plate between a much softer and plusher HYPERBURST ICE compound.

Though it gained some stack height, the six-millimeter drop might not be an acute lean for some.

But, set at the front of the shoe, it’s the carbon plate that, at a faster pace, delivers the feeling of moving fast and light, almost as if the shoe is pushing you forward.

With a wider bottom for stability, HYPER BURST ICE midsole (a mechanically blown EVA compound) is what many define as lighter and bouncier than typical EVA while keeping its durability.

Skechers has equipped the outsole with Goodyear rubber, well-known for its long-lasting performance and superior traction.

Additionally, the flex grooves enhance the shoe’s smooth ride even despite its high level of cushioning. This sole unit has it all if a daily trainer is what this shoe has to operate like!

Mono-mesh is a single layer of engineered mesh with no overlays and stitching. Its flawless breathability and lack of weight may help to overlook the lack of structure—a tough ask, by the way!

However, a mono-mesh is anything but tattily achievable! Skechers had a rich history of shoe production before their foray into running footwear.

They have streamlined the manufacturing of shoes for so long that they can manage to knit a rather costly mono-mesh at a lower cost.

The generously padded heel collar relieves the slippage feel that a lower-heel cup generally provokes. Skechers do not shy out to pad the tongue as well. It eases out the pressure no matter how tight the laces are tied.

The lockdown is quite ideal. Overall, on the comfort front, the GOrun Ride 11 runs in line with what one predicts from Skechers.

We need an explanation to add authenticity to the kinds of stuff that, on paper, look too good for the price.

Skechers does not have the traditional, 100-year-old running roots of some of its East Coast competitors. They need the support of well-priced workhorses to make people forget their newer influence on the running shoe market.

A midsole unit with the most acceptable ride balance, an outsole that runs on any geography, and an upper that oozes quality—dear readers, nine thousand rupees does not land a daily trainer of such high caliber.

What is a Daily trainer? Who is Skechers GOrun Ride 11 suitable for? The response to these distinct (looking) queries goes hand in hand because…

…manage one (or two) blunders linger with the GOrun Ride 11—which are inevitable—and you’ll notice that this shoe bears all the elements and does all the stirs a typical daily trainer should do.

A daily trainer must be cushion-y enough to eat up the miles but also able to pick up the pace when called on: a classic philosophy of daily trainers that Skechers honors in designing and crafting GOrun Ride 11.

The Skechers GOrun Ride 11 is a plush yet bouncy daily trainer that offers amazing comfort and versatility, all at a more wallet-friendly price point. 

RunningWarehouse.com

For the price of the shoe and as an everyday daily trainer that you can actually pick up the pace and still feel a responsiveness, it is definitely worth the investment.

RunningShoesGuru.com

Pros

Cons

The autocracy of giants like Nike, Hoka, and Brooks has blurred the efforts of a company that has developed some of the first running spikes. However, Reebok has quite interestingly sorted and stayed in the running competition.

With consumers spending their rupees more carefully than ever, incredibly versatile models and a push toward value are enough for Reebok to create waves again; I know this concept isn’t exciting, but it matters and works.

Based on such concepts, Reebok has re-griped the feet of runners with its Floatride Energy series. Although we have delineated all below, you reckon the fifth (and the most recent) version is better in versatility, support, and comfortable ride.

❝If it ain’t broke, Don’t Fix It❞ ❝. Clarity of thought❞ is a traditional excuse for brands to further encash the same effective recipe via so-called updated versions. As thorough overhauls are pricey, it is okay to use such tactics if they help to claim a pocket-friendly price.

Is a major and a minor change enough to dub the Energy 5 sole unit Updated? Indeed, Yes! Why fix it, if it hasn’t broke, right?  

The same Floatride Energy Foam makes the midsole, but now we get more of that compound: a wider and taller base than its predecessor. With an 8mm drop (27mm Heel stack and 19mm forefoot stack), we have more front foot cushion to land on.

The Floatride Energy Foam is a TPU-based material. It is not as responsive or lightweight as Pebax, but it is a level up from traditional EVA. You won’t miss that much-needed burst as you climb the pace.

Molded at a very healthy firm-to-soft ratio, The Energy 5, like its predecessors, never suffers from any versatility issues. They are soft enough to wear on a recovery day and responsive enough to wear on a tempo run.

I have always been a proponent of the extra support a wider platform delivers. However, it somewhat fades into the background as the Floatride Energy 5 now has a plate beneath the midfoot (the second change) to stabilize the longer runs.

The torsion plate, which they call the X-plate, is placed mainly under the arch of the foot. It ensures it doesn’t twist too much and increases midfoot stability. The outsole uses a decent amount of tacky and grippy all-surface rubber.

As much attention is paid to a midsole firm-to-soft ratio, far less is devoted to the upper structure-to-weight ratio.

And because magazines and reviewers emphasize weight, not structure, many brands prefer to lose weight over a more multi-layered structured upper.

A typical Reebok, however, will have some degree of both. The dual-layer mesh upper (30% recycled) has enough structure to keep the foot centered and secure. Despite the layers, the upper is quite breathable because of the ventilation holes on the sides.

The gusseted tongue on both sides ensures that it does not move around. The tall pointy heel cup, which I use as a pull tab, is generously padded but not puffy.

Runners with wide feet may find putting on the shoe a bit demanding, along with some midfoot tightness. Thanks to some pressure points on the instep, no one adores the roomier toe box.

Adjusting fit might feel like a task with short laces. But perhaps you can chalk up our different experiences to differing foot types.

Because of the relatively narrower last that Reebok crafts its shoes around, the upper of the Floatride Energy 5 reflects a classic modern dilemma: a conflict between human heterogeneity and mass production.

Reebok making good value running shoes has been a forte for as long as Reebok is making running shoes. A swathe of running trainers’ critics believe Reebok’s small victory—in the hyper-competitive trainers market—is underpinned by its lines’ affordability and versatility.

But the fifth Floatride Energy can not be considered a good value as abruptly as a standard Reebok running shoe nowadays.

Even with such a compressed price tag of ₹8,500, that perfect ride balance, excellent running life, and similar expensive shoe performance would loosely translate into a great value if the above-mentioned fitting attitude stresses your feet.

I would not retread the significance of a proper fit – those are well covered in reading delineating running shoe fitting nuances. I have an idea of the fitting adjustments that can (and can not) be made on the Reebok pair, and I always favor grabbing them from the store after assessing the fit.

Fortunately, my foot’s dimensions are closer to the Reebok’s narrow last. Almost always, my feet sit perfectly in a Reebok, and the fifth Floatride isn’t an exception. To me, these pairs are worth the money. And if they fit, you might love them too!

After decades of oblivion, Reebok underpins its rejuvenation via a compact collection of running shoes that entrenches a broad use case. They push to design shoes that appeal to various types of runners.

The Energy 5 is for those new to running or returning from a running hiatus who do not want to build a running shoe rotation (which we don’t endorse) and prefer to propel with one pair.

It might work even better if you have narrower feet and like a firmer ride. But if you are the proponent of making your way through a supremely plush base, then you should look for something else.

Since its release almost five years ago, the Floatride Energy line has stood firm as the low-priced running shoe with premium value.

RunnersWorld.com

It’s simple, decent at everything, and has no frills. It sits at a wallet-friendly price point and gets the job done. 

Outdoorgearlab.com

The Reebok Floatride Energy 5 is a daily training shoe that is fairly priced compare to the rest on the market. 

RunningShoesGuru.com

Pros

Cons

Ask any shoe columnist to cite the Dome of Classic to a line of running shoes, and nobody would risk their know-how by putting forward anything other than Nike’s Pegasus.

When the world’s most influential and respected running shoemaker recalibrates a model forty times, the consequences are immune to the efforts of the most brutal critics.

If we strip the Pegasus line back to its essence and look for what makes us fall in love with the line—it all comes down to Nike’s vision to deliver a pair that works on every conceivable ground.

I would not retread the specifics of Pegasus history and the enigma of its versatility – these are well covered in our article dedicated to Pegasus. However, We will echo how the Pegasus 41st variant contributes to its glorified heritage.  

Long-persisted lines like the Pegasus were updated meticulously (if not slightly) with slim changes that did not negatively surprise their massive fan base. They provided them with a sense of being presented with something better.

Most of their iterations are to just Differently stay the same—depending on how you view the modern phenomenon of updating a line of running shoes with such a huge cult following.  

The forty-first Nike Pegasus is not just dressed up with a new design and upper but has given some proper overhaul underneath.

The Pegasus signature Zoom Air units—both in the forefoot and rearfoot—are shrouded in a generous amount of ReactX foam, which, according to Nike, is 13% more responsive than standard React foam honored in previous Pegasus!

Debuted through their InfinityRN 4—Nike usually isn’t that quick in embedding their latest finds into the Pegasus line-up—React or ReactX, on paper, is the same TPE+EVA blend.

Nike ReactX foam is, however, expanded into the mold while the React foam is compressed into the mold—a similar material but a bit more light and airy foam.

Kind Off Balance

Especially on Long Runs

The pressurized airbags, however, dissipate the added oozy and lush of the ReactX foam—especially in the forefoot—making the ride relatively very firm.

It’s not about the overall firm ride—the shoe’s sole unit is still practical for heel strikers—but the lack of balance and harmony between the firm forefoot and soft rearfoot may not bother on short/medium distances but could be a very odd experience on longer runs.

While many prominent daily trainers have dropped the drop to 8mm or below, Pegasus stays persistent with the characteristic 10mm drop and wants you to propel at an angle. Deploying plenty of cushioning, but not through a flat platform.

Familiar Waffle Design Outsole

But Generously Rubberized

The traction pattern, the amount, and the type of rubber are the updates that noticeably enhance the durability and weight of the Pegasus 41.

Using harder rubber for extra durability without forfeiting mind-bending flexibility is an implausible quirk that epitomizes Nike’s shoemaking proficiency.

The updated traction pattern, with more rubber, is made a little simpler this time. It just lowered the number of panels (from seven to just two) but not on traction. I tried them in extremely wet conditions, and the grip was outstanding. 

The better-fitting engineered mesh upper is an update that helps us (and probably You!) to see some sense in the move from the last Pegasus.

Loops (instead of eyelets) pull the material under the mesh for extra arch support and secure a better fit. Such backing underneath the mesh may hinder breathability but enhances the longevity of the upper.

Fit, I always said and still maintain, is the most important thing in any shoe. The subtleties of fit can be a matter of style and fashion in other genres, but running shoes have the greatest and most functional fit potential.  

Nike Pegasus 41 has everything needed to achieve a perfect fit. The well-padded sock liners and tongue don’t slide around. They stay true to size—there is plenty of room for my toes to splay—but they are also available in wider widths.

Indeed, I’m well aware that to explore the world of quality running shoes—you have to be willing to spend some money. However, Price decides to what extent one could admire a trainer or if it’s even worth admiring.   

Even after receiving a relatively significant make-over—compared to previous Pegasus models—₹12k ask of the new Pegasus 41 puts it right along with some really sound daily trainers.

That money can buy you a Brooks Ghost 16, an ASICS Cumulus 26, or a Saucony Ride 17—all noticeably lighter(and better, in some provinces) than the Pegasus 41!

Debatable but the Pegasus image of being Best-Bang-for-Your-Buck has taken a back seat.

Parting with the cash for Pegasus 41—while knowing there are better (if not, cheaper) alternatives—is not as effortless as it used to be earlier.

But if the iconic swoosh and Pegasus badge still packs a significant emotional wallop for you… Just Do It!

Versatility is what the Pegasus line-up has become renowned for. Many of their previous models dismiss the need to delineate who the Pegasus would work perfectly for.

But the Pegasus 41 doesn’t leave the door wide open for all. Gaining some noticeable ounces for extra durability might rule the Pegasus 41 out for longer runs or for those who want to pick up the pace.

However, the shoe has a lot of potential for the runners with little potential. It’s a durable shoe that’s just right for pounding short or medium distances. The firm devotees of firm-riding pairs would admire Pegasus 41.

The Peg just works well most of the time for most people. It’s a safe option. Is it perfect? No. But it’s never bad, either.

RunnersWorld.com

For those seeking a reliable workhorse shoe with a touch of classic Nike style, the Pegasus 41 proves to be a worthy contender in today’s competitive running shoe market.

RunningWarehouse.com

If you haven’t run in other, “more advanced” trainers, or you’re used to the Pegasus series, I think you’ll find the Pegasus 41 perfectly fine. 

RunningShoesGuru.com

Pros

Cons

How many times does an original need to be refurbished to attain that perfect-in-everything stage? Ten? Twenty? Nike has redone its Pegasus some forty-plus times—Does it measure up?

If it does, then there must be the ubiquity of just the Pegasus, and the idea of discovering the best running shoes for men in India must be meaningless!

Putting decades of learning into service, Adidas dropped, last year, the Adizero SL—a daily trainer that run toe-to-toe with every classic in the segment and exceeded many of them after just one revamp.

This pick epitomizes that a gem could be young. The dual-foam setup, the single-layer engineered mesh upper, the strategically designed rubber outsole, and that price: Let me take you through them all in greater detail.

A daily trainer hasn’t seen any mercy on the range of tasks we want them to perform well.  

As that one midsole foam compound, cushioned enough to eat up the miles and pick up the pace when called on, is still in development—savvy running shoe designers have long understood the virtues of composing blends of different foams.

Many execute this blend in layers, with carbon plates in between for that evident extra push. Adidas, however, does the Adizero’s midsole blend in a pie-like installation.

Just as fruit fillings nestled inside a pastry shell in a pie, the LightStrike Pro foam is surrounded by the LightStrike 2.0, forming Adizero SL 2’s 8.5mm drop midsole (36mm in the heel and 27mm in the forefoot).

Borrowed from the upper end of Adizero’s line-up, the LightStrike Pro foam is made from TPEE (Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer), which performs better in low temperatures and offers superior durability.  

Thanks to its high energy return and good shock absorption—a full-length slab of Lightstrike Pro gives Adizero SL 2 the race day attributes.  

The Lightstrike 2.0, however, is a bit firmer than standard EVA but a bit softer than the original Lightstrike we have in the Adizero SL. We can see the full-length LightStrike Pro through the cutouts on the heel and side window on the, well, sides.

While the dual-foam setup conveys a sense of completeness we expect from a daily trainer, it’s not as versatile as the last Adizero SL because of the lost firmness.

The firmness—that allowed muddling the previous model into cross-training in the gym or agility work into their training—is reduced to the point where we can take the second Adizero SL to longer runs.

The SL2, if looked at from a broader perspective, runs on a relatively conventional and stable platform—one reason so many recent daily trainers have to hover on a wider platform, and the SL2 can hold a narrow waist.

For the outsole, it would be unfair to expect Continental Rubber—which makes the outsole of the models lying up in the Adizero line—at this price.

Not much has changed; the outsole is essentially the same as in the last Adizero SL model. Still, the traction and tackiness are more than adequate, thanks to the coverage of ADIWEAR™ rubber.

It perfectly matches the lower profile of the shoe. The outsole is just grippy to deliver the required confidence during uptempo runs, regardless of how crazy your run is.

On the durability front, the rubber compound exerts an honorable running life. In fact, for the photos in this article, we shot images of this SL2 after running fifty kilometers in it, and you can see how it stood up. 

Horking back to the spirit of the SL line-up (Super Light is what The SL stands for), Adidas shredded down uppers to a single layer of mesh or mono mesh: the prevailing term for such fabrics in the industry.

Reflecting on the fact that mono-mesh uppers are not the assemblage of various pieces but a single layer without any stitching, such uppers usually didn’t have high regard on the structural front.

However, Adidas has placed overlays over the areas where support and strength are critical. Despite that, the uppers stay thin and breathable throughout.

We have tested the Adidas Adizero SL2 to its absolute limit on burning days around the rims of the Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur. So, it’s quite lifelike for me to value the lessened padding and the lighter structure.

If you’re on the puffier side of the spectrum and enjoy extra padding, it’s perfectly fine to disagree. Then you’d probably repeal the slightly narrowed profile as well.

Indeed, the narrow dimensions tune in with the SL2’s speedier portfolio, which, on the other hand, could be a red flag for runners with wider feet.

Before swiping the credit card, I knew the SL2 would be more versatile than most trainers – people lace up on tracks these days.

Equipped with uppers that breathe better, midsoles that run diverse, outsoles that, well, work, and price that brings serenity—great value is sure to follow.

But I would have enjoyed my purchase with even more joy if I had kept unaware of Puma Velocity NITRO 3: A similarly-priced shoe where every bit of the Adizero SL2 comes as standard… leaving space for nuances, though!

As with all such collations, the subjective fancies are at play, but to a minor extent between SL2 and NITRO 3.

Both the shoes have speedy forward-aiming dynamism. SL 2 has a more traditional ride than the Velocity NITRO 3, though not night-and-day different.

Indeed, you can feel the lack of weight with the SL2—one reason so many runners look to Adizero SL instead. However, Velocity NITRO 3 can grip terrains better than any other shoe.

Puma put the title of “The fastest shoe to the daily-training business” into a debate—which, without their Velocity, would be an obvious win for SL2. What else can you expect from (between) siblings, though?

But quite frankly, you need to be a right spotter for these differences to hit your conscious vision. In many eyes, these are brilliantly similar running estates worth every penny.

A daily trainer often takes two forms: with an extra pillowy ride or just responsive to speed works. But Adidas learned how to go by setting the stage containing elements of both in perfect balance.

The Adizero SL2 won praise for the (s)light-weight it bears, but they do not take any burden lightly. The SL2 is a versatile pair with a proper running life. They are Light on the feet and the wallet.

They can adsorb a load of running impact while offering the ground feel and stably launching you forward into your stride. At the same time, adjust everything to push and cavort you to a more rapid pace.

While the foam provides great support, its firmness might start to take a toll on your feet during longer runs. Be sure to keep your expectations for softness and mileage in check.

The wide feet may not adequately splay outward as touch down because of Adizero SL2’s narrow toe box. So, if you have wide feet, don’t buy the SL2 because the best running shoes for men in India are the ones that fit just right.

The Adidas Adizero SL 2 is built for runners who seek a versatile everyday trainer that delivers both speed and comfort, all at a great value.

RunningWarehouse.com

The Adidas Adizero SL2 delivers on this (a fast experience with just enough cushioning) and helps you run whatever pace you are targeting. 

RunningShoesGuru.com

Pros

Cons

To run is to choose to suffer, to feel hardship, to sweat and ache and get uncomfortable—runners long for trainers from Hoka to procrastinate the stage where running begins to stimulate all these pangs.

❝A very light but heavily cushioned midsole modeled in a meta-rocker shape that promotes easy forward roll‚❞ is not merely a historical design choice that placed Hoka on the track back in their early days but is a DNA string that could traced in every Hoka shoe today.

The Clifton is a perfect manifestation of Hoka’s aforementioned design signatures. One can mark the ninth Clifton by some subtle tells, although you need to see new and old side-by-side to grasp just how ingeniously nuanced the changes are.

With a new midsole foam, redid uppers for a more secure and comfortable fit, and retooled outsole—tweaks for ninth Clifton are just enough for a line that, thus far, morphed to stay at least in touch with the modern world.

Despite many requests to switch to TPU, a supercritical foam, or anything that yields responsiveness—Hoka longs for EVA compounds to skew the weight penalty as they can not keep themselves from being generous in cramming foam into the midsole.  

The ninth Clifton occupies more foam (three millimeters more in stack height) and four grams less weight than the previous version. It indicates Hoka isn’t refusing to improve but prefers staying a little nostalgic doing so.

The new compression-molded EVA foam embedded some responsiveness to the midsole; the set senses lively rather than cumbersome when the pace goes up a notch or two.

Overall, the new midsole compound (or we should say, the same compound with alternate upbringing) enhances Hoka’s ongoing quest to firm-ent the Clifton ahead of a-really-soft-plush-riding-shoe-good-for-only-for-slow-runs towards a versatile daily trainer.

Perhaps EVA is yet on the wrong side of history regarding modern thoughts on energy return, but there is still no better way to propel a shoe in plushness, weight, and, crucially, stability.

On the propelling fronts, however, Hoka Clifton 9 (and the entire Hoka line-up) operates on its renowned Meta-Rocker geometry: a curved sole unit to prevent the runner from landing flat-footed and give a gentle assist while running. 

The Clifton 9 has an early-stage meta-rocker—meaning the curvature starts at the middle of the foot—which isn’t so aggressive that one couldn’t walk in the shoes, but it added pep and a gentle assist while running. 

The meta-rocker (referencing a rocking chair) comes into action when put into run quite a long way over the course of several hours. I have seen a soaring rocker’s involvement on the stage when the midsole foam starts losing the pop (some two hundred kilometers after).

For a shoe brimming with such a generous stack height and overall seismic profile, it’s okay to make ride stability a concern. The brains behind it, however, have mastered the art of stabilizing such unavoidable-looking concerns.

While the firmer EVA confirms a secure and planted feeling, the sidewalls are kept high, and the base is stretched wide to keep the foot centered in the shoe.  

The Meta-Rocker promotes a steady forward roll. All these design nuances keep the feet from wobbling weirdly over uneven terrains.

Everything about the Clifton 9’s outsole speaks volumes about the Hoka’s sole-making dynasty. The thinking of functionally sculpting the midsole foam was maintained while designing the outsole pattern.

Their outsoles do all that one expects from a good one—traction, forward rhythm, durability, pattern, and doing all while keeping an eye on weight—however, a mere look might force anyone to think that a Hoka’s outsole is just for guarding the soft midsole foam.

Hoka’s outsole, in simple English, blends into the cushioning rather than working against it. They separate the lugs by flex grooves and thus have better control over the stiffness of the outsole.

The diagonal flex grooves, similar to what’s on the Clifton 8, whose stiffer forefoot makes the forefoot more snappy and helps the rocker function more effectively.

Those flex grooves are of durabrasion rubber (actually carbon rubber), which would as likely gain praise for durability as scorn for the traction.

The traction of the Clifton 9’s outsole is not top-notch when the surface conditions are less than perfect because the outsole design is flat.

However, you would not miss the confidence a grippy outsole lands on up-tempo runs, as the Clifton 9’s midsole already discourages a higher pace.

On the durability front, this outsole is neither disappointing nor enticing. It runs just as long as a typical outsole-with-exposing-midsole should—six hundred or some kilometers is how many experts number-ize the durability of Clifton 9, though I do feel it’s upon the use(r).

The upper of the Hoka Clifton 9 does exactly what many shoemakers try to avoid: segmentation. Although it (the upper) perfectly compliments the cushy, soft feel underfoot—the lack of stretchability and generous padding (which might be a lot for some) attract mixed thoughts.

The daily-trainer-appropriate knit upper is light, good at circulating air, and pressure-hot-spots free. Despite effectively redoing and losing the tightness that earlier Hokas are renowned for, The Clifton 9 runs narrow.

Although the padding on the tongue is slightly reduced compared to the earlier version, its semi-gusseted style still does a great job of preventing any slipping without affecting the midfoot fit.

The flared collar makes the Clifton 9 an effortless shoe to step into and so comfortable around the rear, thanks to more padding than the last version.

Thanks to my religious documentation of running shoes on TataCLiQ—because a variety of world-class running shoes are available exclusively through them in India—I bought Hoka Clifton 9 for nearly ₹3,000 off its original price of about ₹13,500.

Orienting a model at the global price tag that swiftly runs out of stock, especially after veering off into anything so undignified as deep-discounting, the worth of a pair bought from such venues depends on where you snagged them on their steep price descent.

At ₹10,000 (or less), the Clifton 9 barely collects any competition—but anything beyond that would bring its lack of versatility into play, and the Hoka’s submersible comfort somewhat fades into the background.

Having the Clifton 9, at its unblemished ₹13,500 price, over a speedier Nike Pegasus 41 (₹12,000), a tad more versatile Skechers GOrun Ride 11 (₹13,000), or a proper daily trainer like Brooks Ghost 16 (₹15,000) does not transform into an aware purchase.

Despite having plenty of the finest carbon-plated daily trainers at my disposal ever since I can remember, Hoka stays my sole mate in the most I have ever (run) done in one go.

Hoka Clifton 9 has the right blend of comfort, support, lightweight, and durability that long-distance running demands. They have enough cushioning to keep your feet comfortable and happy for the long haul.

In fact, you would begin to realize the Clifton 9’s meta-rocker pep after covering the distance from where many firmer daily trainers start to wear on you.

However, the ample cushioning on the Clifton starts to work against us as we switch to faster paces. If you are prone to cruise at faster paces, steer clear of the Clifton Nine, as it misses the mark in providing that kind of responsiveness.

An ideal daily shoe for daily miles, the shoe’s lightweight design and maximalist cushioning make it a great option for long-distance runners who want to prioritise comfort above all else.

RunnersWorld.com

The majority of runners want a comfortable running shoe which has a highly cushioned ride and a decent weight; the Clifton 9 delivers all 3 (if you purchase the correct size).

RunningShoesGuru.com

They’re (Clifton 9) great for covering long distances at a slow pace and for building mileage while training for a longer run or race. 

NationalGeographic.com