History of Running shoes

Humans have been running in shoes for as long as footwear has existed, but it wasn’t until the late 1800s that dedicated running shoes came into being.

One of the earliest known examples, dating back to 1865, now rests in a museum in Northampton, England—a town famed for shoe making at that time. This early running shoe resembled a regular dress shoe, with the key difference being its spiked out-soles.

By the late 19th century, running shoes began to evolve as cross-country running gained popularity in athletic curriculum. The process of vulcanization enabled the fusion of rubber and cloth, leading to the development of the first canvas shoes with rubber soles, soon dubbed "sneakers" because they allowed wearers to move quietly. It wasn’t until after World War I that these sneakers were sold as dedicated sports shoes.

The real transformation in running footwear came in the 20th century, spearheaded by the Dassler Brothers, who would eventually split to find the global footwear giants Adidas and Puma. In 1920, Adolf Dassler (Adidas) pioneered specialized track and field shoes, creating different designs for sprinters and long-distance runners. These early models used innovative materials like old tent canvas and rubber.

As technology advanced, so did running shoe design. The introduction of lightweight mid-sole foam and rigid plates revolutionized distance running, giving rise to the first cushioned shoes—true road running shoes that could mitigate the impact of hard surfaces. Nike was the first company to release such shoes.

The 1970s saw even more advancements in running shoes, with the integration of sports science into their design. Podiatrists began contributing to the research and development of running footwear.

Brooks introduced EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate); a cushioning material now ubiquitous in running shoes. Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman revolutionized traction with the introduction of the waffle sole, a lighter alternative to standard soles. Nike was also the first brand to release running shoes specifically designed for women.

Trends Heaven Collection

Trends Heaven running shoes are considered some of the best running footwear worldwide, trusted by professionals, serious enthusiasts, and beginners alike. Our shoes are designed to help you go further, push your limits, and feel confident with every step.

No matter your running experience—whether you’ve just started, are experienced, or train professionally—Trends Heaven offers running shoes tailored to your level. Our collection caters to various running needs, from track sprints and treadmill training to trail runs, marathons, triathlons, and ultramarathons. Explore our selection of trainer shoes to find the best fit for your sport.

Road running is not only a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and endurance, but it also offers mental health benefits like stress relief. It's one of the most efficient ways to cover long distances. However, running efficiently requires careful consideration of factors like gait analysis, which can help reduce injury risks.

Browse Runners Need's collection of road running shoes and discover the ideal pair for your unique running needs. Our hand-picked selection features innovative cushioning, absorption, and heel technology to provide comfort, support, and durability over long distances. Road running shoes are designed with breathable mesh uppers to promote air circulation, keeping your feet cool and dry as you run.

Despite the focus on technology, style remains a key priority. Our men’s and women’s running shoes offer the perfect balance of function and design, ensuring comfort, stability, and support for any occasion.

Whether you’re training for your first marathon or prepping for an ultramarathon, Trends Heaven has everything you need to keep moving forward.

Key Features of Road Running Shoes

Road running shoes are engineered with specific features designed to meet the demands of running on hard surfaces.

These key features ensure a comfortable and injury-free running experience:

• Cushioning: One of the most important elements, cushioning in the heel and forefoot absorbs shock and minimizes the impact of running on hard surfaces. This reduces stress on joints and helps prevent injuries.
• Support: Road running shoes provide tailored support to match various foot types and running styles. They help neutralize pronation (the inward roll of the foot) and offer stability, reducing the risk of overuse injuries.
• Breath-ability: Most road running shoes are made with lightweight, breathable materials that promote good air circulation. This keeps feet cool and dry, preventing blisters and enhancing comfort.
• Durability: Built to endure the repetitive pounding of road running, these shoes are reinforced in high-wear areas to withstand constant use, ensuring long-lasting performance.
• Lightweight: A good road running shoe balances cushioning, support, and durability with lightness, improving running efficiency and reducing fatigue.
• Traction: While designed for paved surfaces, road running shoes still provide sufficient grip for wet or slick conditions. The rubber out-soles feature tread patterns to maintain traction.
• Flexibility: Flex grooves in the out-sole allow the shoe to bend naturally, promoting a smooth-running motion and enhancing comfort. Each of these features makes road running shoes an essential investment for runners. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a casual jogger, a quality pair of road running shoes can greatly improve your running experience.