Running shoes can play a massive part in your comfort and performance when playing sports, running, or just walking around the town. Even if you aren’t an athlete, you still deserve to get the top products available when you’re on the move. We’ve rounded up our favourite brands that offer high-performing sneakers so that you don’t have to browse for hours. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed with any of these choices!
Here are brands to shop for high-performing sneakers.
HOKA
HOKA focuses on inspiring everyone to get moving. Whether you’re an athlete or just someone who enjoys getting active, you’ll be able to perform your best with ease with these sneakers! The high-performing athletic brand has innovation and comfort at the top of its priority list, empowering everyone to feel like they can “fly high” while wearing its runners! HOKA is now officially available at SportChek for extra shopping ease.
Allbirds
If you’re on the hunt for a sneaker brand to give you the highest comfort and performance when training while also designed sustainably, you have to check out Allbirds. The company is all about creating runners with the best technologies and sustainable practices rather than with flashy logos and unnecessary details. The brand looks for the best materials it can find in nature, like merino wool, and where the market lacks, it has even gone as far as to develop its own unique materials, like SweetFoam®, made from sugarcane – how cool!?
Nike
Now of course we had to add Nike to this list because we all know and adore it for its massive selection of shoes. You can even filter through the searches by hovering over Women, Men, or Kids, and checking out the Shoe category. There you’ll find the options for running, basketball, tennis, lifestyle, and more—pretty much any kind of activity you’re looking for.
On Running
On is a Switzerland running shoe and sportswear brand that was started by three friends who shared one goal: to revolutionize running. On’s patented technology, CloudTec® is a unique cushioning system created for soft landings and powerful takeoffs – making every step effortless. It absorbs impact, reduces strain, and adapts to your running style. On refers to it as “running on clouds”. As part of the brand’s sustainability efforts, it’s introduced CleanCloud™ – which is an initiative creating high-performing materials from carbon emissions.
APL
Founded in 2009 in Los Angeles, APL is definitely a sneaker brand to get on board with. It offers a perfect mix of luxury and performance with optimal comfort so that you’re covered for all aspects of your lifestyle. APL actually created a basketball shoe called Concept 1 that used groundbreaking technology to instantly increase your vertical leap. The sneaker later got banned by the NBA because it actually gave a competitive advantage when wearing them. The brand seriously knows what it’s doing in the high-performing sneakers section!
adidas
adidas is another classic spot to browse for all of the best athletic sneakers that you need. It gives you the option to also shop under set categories for certain sports so you can get the proper fit and feel. Plus, don’t miss out on the Outlet section to score runners at a discount!
Asics
ASICS got its name from an acronym derived from the Latin phrase, Anima Sana In Corpore Sano – a sound mind in a sound body. So, to stay true to its title, ASICS continues to create concepts and ideas to align with what the body truly needs in athletic gear. Its mission is to become the number one brand for sports enthusiasts, so it continues to offer the best product possible.
New Balance
New Balance designs a blend of both function as well as style in its sneakers for those who want the best of both worlds. Its associates come from around the world, all with unique backgrounds and experiences, so you know you’re getting the top innovative products on the market. The brand just came out with a new sneaker, the FuelCell Rebel v4, which is built with FuelCell foam to deliver maximum propulsion and speed with minimal weight, making it the perfect go-to shoe for running!
Lululemon
Lululemon finally came out with a shoe collection in 2022 after 4 years of research and development. It began with a limited collection of women’s running shoes and has now expanded into men’s! A fan-favourite seems to be Lululemon’s Blissfeel Running Shoe – which has an updated version, Blissfeel 2, which features a “women-centric” fit and cushioning profile, a seamless upper which delivers support and breathability as well as flexibility, and soft, springy cushioning.
SOREL
Founded in 1962, SOREL combines expert craftsmanship and of-the-moment design to create all-season footwear. Its wide selection of sneakers and athletic shoes is both stylish and performance-driven! You may know the brand for its popular winter boots, but you really should check out its sneaker collection, too.
Arc’teryx
Arc’teryx is known for its innovative, performance-driven, active and outdoor wear, so of course, its sneakers hold the same standards. From mountain running to trail hiking, you can trust Arc’teryx to get your feet ready for the occasion with its cutting-edge technology.
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10 Running Trails You Can Easily Get To By TTC
Love running, but not so crazy about doing it alone? Get you a running club. Whether you’re seeking motivation to get active outdoors, or you’re training for a specific goal, there’s a club in the city to meet your needs. From the east to the west end, the following clubs gather rain or shine, year-round, and welcome runners of all types of levels and abilities. Cue up your alarm. It’s time to get back in the habit.
Here are a few of the top running clubs to join this fall in Toronto.
Longboat Roadrunners
Longboat Runners is one of the GTAs oldest clubs, which has roots that extend back to 1980. All running levels are welcome, but being able to run at least 10km continuously is recommended. Tailored coaching is on offer for members, as well as a group dynamic that makes each member a better, faster, smarter runner. Commit to beating your personal best and get your membership for $60. Students and seniors get a half-off reduced rate.
Running Rats Running Club
The goal is to have fun and stay active, with Running Rats, an inclusive club founded in 2022 that welcomes runners of all levels. As long as you can complete the recommended 7km comfortably, you’ll fit right in. Runs happen every Tuesday, year-round, and range from 7km to 10km and 13km routes in the downtown core. Newbies can join the crew for their first run at their meet point, TD Centre Plaza near Wellington and York Streets, at 6:15 AM any Tuesday. It’s free to join.
Parkdale Roadrunners
Since 2010, this crew has been running every Tuesday, rain or shine, at 7:00 p.m., starting in Parkdale. Runs are hosted in two distances every week, 7-10km and 4-6km. Runners of all abilities are welcome, and there are always designated runners leading the back of the group, and front, for each route. Routes get posted every Monday evening to their online Strava page. The group is free to join – just show up and introduce yourself.
RunTOBeer
If you need a little more than the prospect of a cool glass of water to pull you through a run, RunTOBeer is the club for you. Join for a 3-10 km run that ends in a (free) beer at a partner brewery or bar. Runs are free, and take off from various locations downtown. The only goal here is to enjoy a brew post-run, no matter when you get there. Runs are posted on their site and registration is done through Eventbrite for each event.
High Park Rogue Runners
Every Wednesday and Friday runs take off at 6:30 p.m., and Sunday morning at 8:30 Runs range from 6-12km and 16-32km. No pre-registration is required, drop-ins are welcome, and it’s totally free. Just meet at the North High Park gates (Bloor & High Park Ave). As long as you can run a continuous 6km, you’re ready to run with this crew.
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Instead of heading to the gym, why not go for a scenic run? Here are some spots that you might want to check out next time you’re looking for a good spot for a jog – and they’re accessible by the TTC!
1. Don Valley Trails
TTC access:
- Ontario Science Centre: From downtown Toronto, take the Yonge Street subway to Eglington Station, then take the 34 Eglinton East bus to Don Mills Road. From other start points, use these great directions.
- Evergreen Brick Works: Take the subway to Davisville Station, then transfer to the 28 Bayview South bus. Or catch the free Evergreen Brick Works shuttle bus from just north of Broadview subway station.
2. Dundas Valley Conservation Area
Transit access: From Union Station, take the 16 Hamilton Go Bus to Main Street W. at Paisley Avenue S., then run 5km into the park.
3. Rouge Valley
TTC access: Take the Bloor-Danforth line to Kennedy Station, then the 86 bus to the Toronto Zoo and the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre.
4. Humber Arboretum
TTC access:
- Take the 96 Wilson from Wilson Station or York Mills Station (West) or Humberline Loop (East).
- Take the 191 Highway 27 Rocket from Kipling Station (North) or Steeles/Martin Grove Loop (South).
- Take the 186 Wilson Rocket from York Mills.
5. Kortright Centre for Conservation
TTC access:
- The 4A Pine Valley and 85 Napa Valley busses stop just outside the conservation area.
- From downtown, take the Yonge-University Line to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station. Then catch the 20 Teston bus to Major Mackenzie Drive and transfer to the 4A Pine Valley bus.
6. Edward Gardens
TTC access:
- Yonge-University-Spadina: Take the #54 or #54A Lawrence East bus eastbound from Eglington Station.
- Scarborough RT: Westbound from Lawrence East Station on the Scarborough RT Line to the intersection of Lawrence Avenue East and Leslie Street.
7. High Park
TTC access:
- The Queensway: Take the 501 Street Car to Parkside Drive or Colborne Lodge Drive.
- High Park Station: Take the Bloor-Danforth line to High Park Station, then walk south across Bloor into the park.
8. Beltline Trail
TTC access:
- Allen and Eglinton: Take the Yonge-University line to Eglinton West station, then run north on the pathway just east of Allen Rd.
- Clair: Take the Yonge-University line to St. Clair Station, then head east on St. Clair Ave E.
9. Crother’s Woods
TTC access: Take the 56 Leaside or 88 South Leaside bus and get off near Redway Road, then walk to the trailhead near the Loblaws.
10. Queen’s Park/UFT Campus
TTC access: Take the Yonge-University line to Queen’s Park Station.
Featured Image: Instagram/@j_bunnyy
What are your favourite running trails in the city? Let us know in the comments!
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