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2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Running Kicks

A new pair of shoes as a gift this holiday season is very likely to be well received by the multisport athlete in your family – we always seem to be in need of a new pair of shoes. Here are a few shoes we would love to get our hands on, from racing flats to trainers that make all the difference in our weekend long runs.

Reebok Floatride Runfast Pro Shoes – $300

Reebok Floatride Runfast Pro Shoes – $300

As you’d expect from any shoe that has the word “pro” in its name, the Floatride Runfast Pro shoes pull out all the stops to ensure you can go fast in your next tri or training session. Extremely light (100 g), you also enjoy excellent grip thanks to the high-traction outsole. The low profile Floatride foam midsole somehow manages to keep your foot low to the ground while also providing just enough cushioning that’s enhanced by the EVA sockliner. Add in the reduced seam construction and soft lining and you get a nice combination of comfort and speed.

Saucony Ride ISO – $160

Saucony Ride ISO – $160

This neutral shoe offers a great balance of cushioning and responsiveness so you get the best of both worlds – a fast feeling shoe (it weighs in at just 275 g) that offers a comfortable ride that will get you through longer efforts with ease. The shoe is also designed to adapt to your foot shape so you get a personalized fit, while the Everun layer and Pwrfoam cushioning in the midsole absorbs impact and provides some much-appreciated energy return. The woven heel counter provides an extra bit of support, too.

Related: Review: Saucony Ride ISO

361° Meraki – $170

361° Meraki – $170

Comfort is everything when you’re put- ting in those long base miles through the winter, and the Meraki provides lots of that. This neutral shoe is designed for high mileage, giving you lots of cushioning thanks to the QU!KFOAM material in the midsole, while specially designed mid-foot support keeps your foot secure. The seamless mesh upper and Pressure Free Tongue are extremely comfortable, too.

Related: What we think of the new SPIRE 3

Asics Noosa FF2 – $180

Asics Noosa FF2 – $180

Noosa is an Australian triathlon mecca where many of the world’s best train, but has also been the name of one of Asics’ most triathlon-friendly shoes for almost a couple of decades now. The latest iteration, the FF2, retains the Noosa’s reputation as a responsive, lightweight, comfortable and very fast shoe. The seamless upper uses technical mesh so it’s easy to skip socks, while the specially designed heel and tongue make it easy to fly through transition.

New Balance 860v9 – $165

New Balance 860v9 – $165

The holiday season in Canada typically brings some colder weather, so you don’t always want a lightweight trainer or racing shoe for your training sessions at this time of year. Those looking for a supportive shoe with lots of cushioning will want to have a look at the ninth version of the 860. The midsole uses New Balance’s TruFuse technology to deliver a plush ride, while the dual-density post will ensure you get all the stability you need. This isn’t just a winter shoe – the engineered mesh upper is extremely breathable and comfortable.

Nike Vaporfly 4% Flyknit – $330

Nike Vaporfly 4% Flyknit – $330

Nike says it’s their fastest running shoe ever, and it’s hard to argue after Eliud Kipchoge used a custom version of these speedsters to clock a 2:01:39 marathon. All that speed comes from a midsole that uses Zoom X foam and a full-length carbon fibre plate for stability. The new Flyknit upper is lighter and more breathable than previous versions, too.