Daylight Saving Time has come and gone, the air is becoming brisker, and temperatures are almost perfect for running. Not to mention the New York City marathon has people feeling all sorts of inspired. Luckily, falling back doesn’t fall on the same night as the last sleep before the marathon. The year I ran the New York City Marathon, the two corresponded and it was quite a nightmare. Regardless, whether you’re running the marathon or not, this type of weather can inspire anyone to run. Don’t let the lack of daylight stop you.
To light a spark under your feet, a new pair of sneakers with reflective elements is crucial and can be life-changing. We gathered up eight running shoes released this month that you can shop right now. Here are the best new shoes for October.
Hoka One One Clifton One
The original Clifton is back and better than ever. It’s a fast shoe that’ll keep your feet feeling good thanks to the plush base. The Clifton is built to help you crush miles, and is constructed with a lightweight upper and an EVA midsole.
On Running Cloud Edge Moonlight
The Cloud Edge Moonlight is a limited-run sneaker that’s classified as experimental by the brand, so there’s no time like the present to pick up a pair. The deep eggplant and teal colorway sounds unique but looks sleek. It’s modeled after the night sky, with a reflective upper decorated with a pattern of stars. The tongue is an unexpected bonus of brightness but means you’re more likely to be spotted by passing cars and bikes under the moon-lit sky.
Nike Odyssey React Shield
Nike’s Shield franchise is uber popular. The iconic Nike tech lines like the Free Trainer, Pegasus and now the Odyssey — each has a corresponding Shield version. The shoes are coated with a corresponding water-repellent upper, so your feet will stay dry through rain and snow, and the outsole grips even in the dampest conditions. The same foam found in the Epic React makes an appearance here.
Brooks Ricochet
A blend of DNA AMP foam and BioMoGo DNA in combination with the knit upper makes the Ricochet a top contender for best running shoe released this month. The unique arrow-point pattern on the sole of the sneaker is designed to propel you forward, keeping each stride bouncy and powerful. Just like the lauded Ghost and Levitate franchises, the Ricochet has the gumption to become a staple in the Run Happy line.
Newton Running Distance 7
Newton’s quick-footed Distance 7 works for neutral road runners who are looking for a flexible upper with a responsive sole. With a two-millimeter drop, you’re almost in a pair of racing flats. The midsole is supposed to feel like bouncing on a trampoline, which sounds like a huge bonus for anyone with long-distance plans in the future.
Saucony Triumph ISO
A padded Everun midsole means these shoes are made to go the distance. You’ll find a breathable mesh upper on a neutral-cushioned shoe for runners who like to feel locked in. The shoe is one of Jackrabbit’s staff picks this month, and users find the cushion feels like a cloud, likely thanks to the normal to high arch support and form-fit, performance-contoured footbed.
Mizuno Wave Waveknit R2
Mizuno is known for its Wave technology; the Waverider is on its 22-iteration. The Waveknit technology is the brand’s proprietary knit upper paired with everything that comes standard in Mizuno running shoes. You’ll find a durable and shock-absorbent midsole that feels fresh from your first mile through your last. This is the first place that the new Waveknit technology is being used — and in addition to testing out a new sneaker, your purchase also donates a portion of the money to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Asics GT-1000 7 SP
This special edition of the GT-1000 7 follows along with the ‘be seen’ theme — the materials are chosen to mimic the Northern Lights, and the shoe is built with reflective materials to up your chances of being seen. The midsole features Flytefoam — Asics’ version of bouncy foam designed to last hundreds of miles. Stability-seekers should take note.
This definitive guide to the best new running shoes of 2018 explores everything you need to know before buying new running shoes this year, including shoes from Brooks, Altra, Adidas, Asics, Mizuno, Reebok and more. These twelve shoes are worth tracking down this year. Read the Story
