Run Your City: The Best Running Shoes for Every Purpose
It doesn’t matter if you’re stepping out with the latest running watch and in a colour coordinated set, or in whatever old t-shirt you found on your bedroom floor. If your heart is beating fast, your arms are pumping, your legs are driving, then you’re a runner.
Anyone can be a runner. That means anyone can reap the benefits of running (hello, 45% lower risk of heart disease and improved mental health). The flipside is also true: anyone can get a running-related injury (hello, runner’s knee, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis.
So how do you maximize the pros while avoiding the cons? Proper running shoes can make all the difference. While running shoes won’t singlehandedly prevent an injury, they can minimize impact shock, reduce friction, and accommodate your gait.
At JD Sports Canada, we carry four categories of running shoes: long distance running shoes, running shoes that prioritize cushioning and comfort, trail running shoes, and daily trainers. With so many running shoes to choose from it’s hard to know which one is right for you and your training needs. We’ll break down the categories and help you choose the right fit.
Long Distance Running Shoes That Go the Distance
Whether you've run a marathon before or are just eyeing your first sign-up, you know training means logging some serious miles. What counts as a "long run" looks different for everyone – typically 1.5 to 2.5 times your standard easy run – but the demands on your body are universal.
The further you go, the more stress you put on your muscles and bones. That's why long-run shoes need to strike the right balance: lightweight enough not to slow you down, cushioned enough to protect you, and responsive enough to keep you moving efficiently. Cushioning isn't just about comfort — it guards against the repetitive impact that can lead to stress fractures and plantar fasciitis. Responsiveness, meanwhile, returns energy with each push-off, helping you maintain pace deep into a run. Together, they're what keep you feeling strong from the first mile to the last.
Things to look for:
Breathability. Your feet will get hot and sweaty the longer you run. To avoid blisters, and keep you running easy look for a breathable upper.
Foam density. This refers to the amount of raw material packed into a cubic foot of space. The higher the density, the more durable and supportive the shoe will be over time.
Energy return. Energy return refers to the amount of energy that is rebounded as your feet hit the ground. If a shoe has high energy return that means it will have a springy, propulsive feel underfoot, without losing energy.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel V5 has an ultra soft foam midsole that compresses quickly, allowing for a ride that is closer to the ground. This is an ideal setup for forefoot and midfoot strikers.
The EVO SL has two components that make this shoe race day ready: a 75% energy return rate and a midsole height optimized for marathon distance. The Lightstrike Pro foam is soft yet durable - a rarity for foam running shoes.
Max Cushion Running Shoes for Ultimate Comfort
Whether you're recovering from an injury or simply want maximum joint protection and plush comfort, a max cushion shoe is worth considering. Look for padded collars and tongues, but the real story is in the midsole foam — it's what absorbs impact and returns energy with every stride. More foam doesn't have to mean more weight, either. Today's midsoles are lighter, taller, and bouncier than ever.
Most midsoles are built from one of three foam types, each with its own trade-offs:
EVA is the industry standard — ultralight and soft underfoot, though it offers less energy return than other materials.
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) delivers more energy return and greater durability than EVA, but comes with a slight weight penalty.
TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) splits the difference, offering durability and a soft feel without sacrificing too much in other areas.
The Clifton lineup’s goal is to maximize maximum cushioning and provide the benefits that come with doing so. A thick midsole typically sacrifices stability, but not with the Clifton 10. The extra wide toebox and midfoot areas ensure security and comfort throughout your entire run.
The current iteration of the ASICS Novablast line takes the cushioning to the next level, as this pair provides a plush, cloudlike ride. Jacquard mesh returns as the upper material, making this iteration highly breathable and lightweight. Wide foot friendly and adaptable for all distances, the Novablast 5 offers users comfort, stability and versatility without sacrificing one or the other.
Trail Running Gear Built for Adventure
Loose dirt, rocks, mud? A pair of all-terrain running shoes are ideal for runners who veer off the beaten path or simply onto a gravel trail. The priorities here are traction, protection, and durability.
Traction starts with the outsole. Deep rubber lugs grip mud, dirt, and wet rocks to keep you sure-footed on unpredictable surfaces.
Protection comes from a combination of details: toe bumpers guard against rocks, gusseted tongues keep out dirt and debris, and tightly woven mesh holds everything securely in place.
Durability means abrasion-resistant materials that hold up against rocky terrain and high-wear areas, so your shoes last as many miles as your ambitions do.
The Salomon XT-6 has everything you need to navigate the trails - heel slip protection, reliable grip and an easy and durable lacing system. The upper is laminated in hardened rubber, providing strength to vulnerable flex zones. Combine all of the above with some creative colourways and you have a shoe that works in any environment you find yourself in.
Daily Trainers for Everyday Running
The best shoe for your busiest days is one that can keep up with all of them. Daily trainers are designed for exactly that – versatile enough to take you from a morning workout class to the office to errands without missing a beat. A clean, understated silhouette means they look as at home on your feet as a casual sneaker, while the cushioning and support underneath mean you're never sacrificing comfort for the sake of style. If you're only going to have one pair of shoes by the door, make it these.
The right pair of shoes can make every run – and every day – feel a little easier. Whatever your road looks like, there's a shoe built for it.
A classic design from the famed Gel-Kayano line, the Gel-Kayano 14 has exploded in popularity as a retro lifestyle design. While the cushioning technology doesn’t compare to modern runners, this silhouette excels in breathability and flexibility, making it an excellent option for all day wear.
A classic design from the famed Gel-Kayano line, the Gel-Kayano 14 has exploded in popularity as a retro lifestyle design. While the cushioning technology doesn’t compare to modern runners, this silhouette excels in breathability and flexibility, making it an excellent option for all day wear.
The Pegasus 42 is the flagship running line from Nike. Known as the workhorse in Nike’s lineup, the Pegasus has a seriously tough outsole and multiple tread patterns - perfect for every day and in any condition. With a stiff heel design and a firm foam midsole, the Pegasus is a reliable option for those that run heel first and are seeking stability.
Shop The Entire Collection at JD Sports Canada
