These Running Shoes Get the FBG Stamp of Approval!

Over the last few weeks, we’ve talked a lot about running shoe shopping — what to look for, where to look for ’em, and how to know when you’ve found your sole mate. During that time, we’ve shown you a lot of shoes as examples — these are all shoes that grace the feet of our own Fit Bottomed Girls. We don’t recommend a product unless we believe in it 100 percent, and these running shoes are no exception. To wrap up this series on running shoes, we give you our Fit Bottomed Picks:

Neatest Sneaks: Brooks Transcend

Pretty much every writer at Fit Bottomed Girls owns a pair of Brooks. Some of us own several — they’re just that great. Needless to say, when the Brooks Transcend (slogan: “The Float Experience”) came out, our fangirl love for Brooks grew even deeper. As strange as it sounds, this running shoe is a luxurious one — everything from the pearlized upper to the mega-cushioned sole screams “extravagance.” But in spite of its sumptuousness, this is no shoe for lounging around at the spa. There’s a lot of support in these shoes, and you’ll appreciate the sturdiness of the Transcend when you log your longer runs.

Maximalist Skechers GORun Ultra

I know, I know: Skechers are the people who brought us Shape-Ups. How in the world could they make a decent running shoe? I fully admit to being skeptical the first time I saw a pair of the GORun Ultras — surely they would suck, and I could go back to running in my Hokas, a “real” maximal running shoe.

Once I got off my high horse and gave these shoes a genuine chance, I was pleasantly surprised. The GORuns were created by and for runners (including 2014 Boston Marathon Winner Meb Keflezighi), and it shows. The shoes fit well, provide maximum cushioning with minimal weight, and feature a rocketed sole which makes the foot move in a much more efficient way upon impact. My Hokas still get some playing time, but my go-to maximal shoe is now the GORun.

Multisport Maven: Zoot Ultra Kalani

If you’re a triathlete, you’ll love the one-piece upper, which eliminates the need to wear socks. You’ll also like the loop at the ankle to expedite your shoe change from bike to run. But even if you don’t swim or bike before you take to the running path, you’ll appreciate the Zoot Ultra Kalani. This neutral shoe makes running fast an easier process, thanks to a sole comprised of springy EVA foam and carbon.

Tried-And-True Trainers: Asics Gel Kayano

There’s a reason the Asics Gel Kayano have been around for 20 years — they work. Asics has long been a respected brand in the running shoe industry, and their Kayano shoe has been worn by many a runner. In addition to being durable and comfortable, the shoe seems to fit every foot. It’s not the lightest shoe, nor is it the flashiest, but it’s a reliable, supportive workhorse that will keep you comfortable on training runs.

Functional Fashionista: Mizuno Wave Paradox

The latest release from Mizuno, another respected running brand, hopes to change the look and feel of stability shoes, which tend to be large, clunky, and bland. Mizuno recently scrapped their popular Alchemy style in favor of the Paradox, a pair with the lightest weight in the “stability” category of running shoes. It was a big risk to eliminate a beloved shoe for a new style, but it will likely pay off — the shoes provide as much support as the Alchemy without the extra weight and material. Plus, they look rad. The better you look, the better you feel; the better you feel, the better you run, right? Right.

What is your favorite running shoe? Give a shout-out to your go-to brand and style in the comments! —Susan