Matchmaker

10 kinds of runners, 10 different shoes

Runners have strong feelings for their shoes. Love? Maybe. That’s why it’s so important to find the right shoe. Because, as in love, not just any shoe will do. BRO waded through the sea of new running shoe candidates to find the ideal shoe for you. Whether you’re an ultra runner looking for a serious commitment, or just an occasional 5Ker looking for a good time, we’ve found your sole mate.

ROAD

Mizuno Wave Nirvana 6 A long distance runner looking for durability, comfort, and performance

While most trainers have cavernous uppers, Mizuno opted for a super-stretchy upper giving you a sock-like fit that stretches and contracts with the top of your foot throughout the strike process. The upper is coupled with a collar and lacing system that locks down your heel, eliminating hot spots and reinforcing the snug fit. The Wave Nirvana 6 does what all good running shoes aspire to do: make the feet want to keep going even when the legs wish to quit. $134; 12.6 ounces. mizunousa.com

New Balance 1064 Consistent runner looking for supreme comfort while logging your daily miles

Loaded with an impact-dampening crash pad, comfy sock liner that’s integrated into the lacing for a more snug fit, and a shock absorbing midsole and heel, the 1064 is New Balance’s top-of-the-line trainer. The 1064 is a cush ride that’s roomier than last year’s model (1063). $129.95; 12.1 ounces. newbalance.com

Asics Kayano 16 Road diva who pampers her feet, but wants more than just a pretty shoe

The Kayano 16 has women-specific designs like a higher heel (to decrease Achilles tension) and an extra-soft foam in the forefoot that provides more cushion than the men’s version. Designed for big miles and comfort, the Kayano remains the most popular, and trusted, women’s shoe in Asics’ line. $140; 10.5 ounces. asicsamerica.com

Brooks Green Silence A speedster who cares as much about the planet as he does his 5K PR

Over 75 percent of this racing flat is made from recycled and sustainable materials, with a biodegradable midsole, water based adhesives, and non-toxic dyes. The Green Silence has a snug upper and low profile like most flats, but it has a thicker than normal midsole for added comfort on longer races. After all, a 10K personal best and a clean eco conscience doesn’t have to hurt, right? $100; 6.9 ounces. brooksrunning.com

TRAIL

La Sportiva Raptor Technical rock hopper who likes running rugged singletrack

The Raptor adds a new proprietary rubber to the outsole that’s stickier than anything else in La Sportiva’s running line. The mesh upper helps to keep the Raptor relatively light, but this shoe is best for long-distance training. $110; 12.3 ounces. lasportiva.com

Patagonia Tsali A fleet-footed trail runner looking to PR in a short race The Tsali is the company’s first legitimate trail running shoe specifically designed for speed. The upper is based on the snug design of a climbing, with laces that secure the sides of the feet as well as the top, while the last is super flexible with just enough protection and cushion to keep your feet happy. $100; 8.1 ounces. patagonia.com

Montrail Rockridge AN Ultra runner seeking a comfy partner on long training runs

The Rockridge blends the low-profile last of a road shoe with the aggressive outsole and forefoot protection of a trail runner. The result is a lightweight, nimble shoe that performs well on and off the road. The shoe doesn’t flex until your strike reaches the forefoot. The seamless liner inside the mesh upper makes the ride ceven smoother. $90; 11.4 ounces. montrail.com

GoLite Comp A techy runner who craves the latest, greatest innovations

The waterproof GoLite Comp uses Soft Against the Ground technology, which is an inverted approach to suspension that helps create a more stable platform on technical terrain. The Comp’s outsole gives against the ground, while the midsole stays firm. The design is based on the suspension of cars, where the shocks absorb uneven terrain but the car stays stable. $140; 13.5 ounces. golite-footwear.com

Inov-8  Roclite 295 A trail maven who wants good grip but doesn’t want to be weighed down by clunky shoes

The Roclite 295 is a lightweight trail shoe that is popular with both elite ultramarathoners and beginning trail runners. The aggressive, sticky rubber tread provides outstanding grip and a slightly softer ride, and the low-profile midsole allows for fast, stable running. It’s a versatile shoe that performs well on any surface: techincial trail, slick mud, and even gravel and paved roads. $95; 10.5 ounces. inov-8.com

LaFuma Moon Race A novice or intermediate trail runner who likes to mix a little pavement into your regular trail run

The Moon Race couples a shock-absorbing midsole and soft heel with a new grippy and aggressive Vibram outsole. The seamless upper adds to an overall comfortable fit, but the coolest feature is the Moon Race’s twin lace fastening system, which allows you to tighten the lower shoe separately from the upper shoe.
$130; 13.8 ounces. lafumausa.com