10 best running shoes

Whether you like to run on the busy pathways of Central Park in New York City, the waterfront views of Stanley Park in Vancouver or the breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Park -- having a good run all begins with wearing the appropriate footwear. And whether you like your running sessions short and sweet and or you’re planning on doing a marathon, we’ve tested different types of running shoes that will fit your feet and fit your goals.

From the big brands to the ones we believe you should discover (but are available in the United States), here are the running shoes Indybest thinks are worth investing in for the summertime, and after...

We’ve tested the running shoes' power, weight, endurance, quality, comfort - and, of course, the look, because we know it matters as well.

Here are Indybest’s 10 running shoes you should watch for in 2018, and we wish you a pleasant and sweaty run!

On Cloud: $129.99, On

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The Brand On was created in the French Alps and with its performances based on soft-landing and explosive take off, made it to New York City. The brand is now available in more than 400 sports retailers as well as online. The running shoes are flexible, light as air, and the cutting-edge technology of this quite recent but successful brand is worth investing in. Overall, Indybest believes the On Cloud offers the best running experience and a fair price for the quality product it delivers. The running shoes are equipped with an elastic lacing replacing a regular one, which makes them easy to put on and go.

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Reebok Floatride Ultraknit: $150, Reebok

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The Reebok Floatride Ultraknits are light and give space to breathe, yet, they support your feet. The modern design, as well as the quality confection, make the running shoe part one of our top picks of this year’s Indybest running shoes list. The name says it: your run will feel like you are floating, and this type of running shoes will be effective on city streets but could also be used on trails. The shoe is durable, and the quality will make your run an enjoyable trip wherever your daily exercise takes you.

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New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v8: 149.99, New Balance

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A close contender to the two first ones, New Balance’s Fresh Foam 1080v8 has everything a runner is looking for: comfort, durability, and power. It is equipped with a breathable engineered mesh upper with a thick mid sole that perfectly absorbs the impact of the ground, which makes it the runner’s best friend. Overall, Indybest believes the eighth version of the Fresh Foam 1080 is worth investing in as its quality helps reduce the impact of the run on your body, and will make the running experience all the more enjoyable.

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Mizuno Wave Sky 2: $110, Mizuno

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Putting your foot in Mizuno’s Wave Sky 2 is like putting your foot in a box of pillows: The cushion is thick but does not make the shoes super heavy either. The Wave Sky 2 is meant for road running but its quality material could makes it an appropriate shoe for other environments too. It has the right amount of cushioning necessary for longer runs, and the propulsion needed for a quicker and shorter one. Overall, although the Wave Sky 2 are slightly heavier than the previous running shoes reviewed, we still recommend Mizuno’s Wave Sky 2.

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Reebok Sweet Road SE: $99.97, Reebok

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First of all, the design of these running shoes is incredible, which, although we do not always want to acknowledge it, is a big plus. But the Sweet Road SE is more than style: it’s light, provides good support and is made of quality material. Furthermore, it is also affordable. Indybest wouldn’t recommend the Sweet Road SE for the marathoner, but it is a fair pair of running shoes for short distances, on regular roads. The shoes are comfortable and the cushioning is also effective.

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On Cloudflyer: $159.00, On

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The On Cloudflyer is slightly heavier than the Cloud, but it also means more durable and versatile. You can take the Cloudflyer almost anywhere, and the thick cushion (thicker than the cloud) propels every movement to accompany your body in any performance. For those who are not convinced of the cloud's elastic laces, this one is equipped with regular ones. Although in terms of performance, weight and quality material, On’s cloud came up first, the quality, versatility and durability of the cloudflyer makes it a good option for the runner who likes to run short and long distances on different types of pathways.

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Hoka One One Clifton 5: $130, Hoka One One

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Hoka One One Clifton 5 offers a different running experience: It is the high heel of the running shoes, but it has the comfort of a marshmallow. For those of you who were already sold to Hoka, you won’t be disappointed. These running shoes are meant for longer distances, and runners who want shoes that’ll support you feet no matter how long your run for. Overall, this shoe is for very specific needs that do not fit every runner.

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Icebug Acceleritas RB9X: $129.95, Icebug

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There’s one word that would describe the need of an Icebug’s use: traction. Icebug’s unique running shoes technology offers high-traction that suits any environment, in any weather. Its technology also means the shoes is very thin and your feet will be close to the ground - for better and for worse. The Swedish company was founded in 2001, and since then has developed top-quality running shoes that looks like a hybrid between a running and a soccer shoes. The result is successful, as the experience is stable and the shoes are light. The shoes are meant to be used in any kind of weather and environment. For those who want to experience a different type of running shoes, Icebug’s Acceleritas is a good option.

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New Balance Fresh Foam Zante V4: $99.99, New Balance

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New Balance’s Fresh Foam Zante was called “master of none” in the past, but it could also be called the “master of all.” Effective on short and long distances, the lightweight body of the shoes also make it effective as a long-distance running shoe. Indybest thought New Balance’s fourth edition of this running shoes is versatile, comfortable, and performing, and with a price that fair, we would highly recommend it.

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APL Techloop Phantoms: $165, APL

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These running shoes are not your usual running shoes. The APL Techloom Phantoms are for the city runners who want to be stylish while doing their daily training. The shoes are light and comfortable, but they certainly won’t resist a series of long runs in a trail environment or something similar. Overall, the APL Techloom phantoms are probably the nicest-looking running shoes but are meant for the beginner runners who want to run a few miles every week.

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The verdict: running shoes

We believe the best overall performance, and the best value for the price goes to On’s Cloud, which is also a brand we believe you should discover if you’re a serious runner. For the runners among you who do not intend to train for a marathon, New Balance’s Fresh Foam Zante V4 or Reebok’s Sweet Road Se come in second and third place. Finally, if you only like to run a few miles a week and want to be stylish, APL’s Techloop Phantoms are a good, although pricey option. Enjoy your run!