One of the best things about running shoes is that they are versatile and can be used for far more than just running - you can walk in them, lift weights, do chores, run errands, and even pair them with some cute “athleisure” attire for brunch with friends.

There are many different brands and styles of running shoes on the market today. Some people prefer to run in minimalistic running shoes because they are lighter and feel “faster” on the person’s feet when they are running. However, a lighter weighted shoe will also mean that they have less material, cushioning, and support than shoes with thicker soles and more cushioning and material, and thus probably will not last as long.

So to figure out which shoes are best for you, you need to consider both how often you wear them and your preferred running shoe. If you are a runner who DOES prefer to run in lighter, more minimalistic shoes then I would suggest investing in two pairs of shoes: one minimilistic shoe that you use JUST for running, and the other pair of shoes that you use for everything else (walking around, grocery shopping, hiking, etc) that are thicker and more supportive.

However, if you are totally set on just having one pair of shoes to use for everything, then it makes more sense to buy a thick, wide, supportive shoe. A lot of running shoe brands make some excellent models of these types of shoes: ASICS, Brooks, Saucony, Mizuno, etc. These models might run you over $100, but they will last 3 to 6 months, depending on how much you run in them. You can get them with gel inserts that will provide great cushioning and support for a long time, and soles that can take a beating for many weeks before they start to get worn down.