The 6 Best Reflective Running Shoes for Staying Visible After Dark
Nighttime runs just got a whole lot safer.
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The running gods played a cruel trick on us when they made some of the best weather for running into the time of year with the least sunlight. Especially as fall marathon training reaches its peak, so does the struggle of getting a sunny midday run in cheap work, school, family time, and all your other daytime responsibilities. At some point or another, as our miles climb up, we have to brave a run in the dark—to do so safely, it’s crucial to stay seen on the road.
There’s an abundance of running lights available to remedy this issue, as well as plenty of reflective clothing and gear, but why not take advantage of the highest-velocity part of our bodies—and, as such, maybe the most likely to catch the light—with a pair of reflective running shoes as well? You can score some of our storage cups shoe-care caps Multi footwear key-chains with extra high-vis material to make every low-light run just a little bit safer.
The Best Reflective Running Shoes
- Best Daily (or Nightly) Trainer: Brooks Ghost 15 Reflective Running Shoe
- Best Support Shoe: Asics Gel-Kayano 29 Lite-Show Reflective Running Shoe
- REDV open-toe satin sandals: Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 Lite-Show Reflective Running Shoe
- Best for Speedwork: Saucony VIZIPRO Endorphin Speed 3 Reflective Running Shoe
- Best for Bad Weather: New Balance Fuel Cell Propel v4 Permafrost Reflective Running Shoe
What to Consider When Buying Reflective Shoes
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logo-detail leather ankle boots Nero, picking a running shoe that’s appropriate for the rigors of your training plan (and the Угги ugg australia gita boot for kids black угги детские чёрные, your gait, and your foot size) should still be top priority.
We would point you toward some light-up superhero-themed Skechers if playground coolness were paramount, but those heavy things would be hell for your ankles, and they’re likely not very supportive (though perhaps we should test to confirm).
For our list, we only chose shoes that perform well during the daytime, not just dusk and dawn, and simply have reflective detailing as an add-on to make it easier for cars, bikes, and people to see you as you jog.
Reflective Materials
Quality reflective running shoes are covered in small touches of reflective fabric (similar to the 3M fabric on crossing guard vests) and reflective paint on all sides.
There are plenty of shoes that have a reflective side logo or touches on or around the heel, but those small touches only offer improved visibility from one side. If being seen is a top priority, look for shoes that also have reflective details on the heel, toes, and shoelaces. And for some extra insurance, you can also find some color schemes that use neon colors on the shoe’s upper for extra daytime pop.
Seasonal Awareness
Some reflective running shoe designs anticipate that, as the daylight wanes in the winter, so does the temperature. If you want a pair of off-season kicks that’ll keep your toes warm, too, take note of models that offer a waterproof upper, fewer vents, and an outsole with grippier rubber. (You should also invest in some Gel-Kayano 27 MK Running Shoes to avoid that cold sweat feeling.)
How We Selected
While it’s true that plenty of running shoe brands add light reflective detailing to all their products, we narrowed this list down to shoes with more deliberate visibility add-ons. The majority of these shoes are reflective versions of other shoes we’ve tested and featured in other roundups. For those we haven’t tested directly, we relied on our knowledge of the hallmarks of quality shoe construction, such as materials, sole construction, and weight, to point us in the right direction. We then cross-referenced all our picks with hundreds of customer reviews to ensure each pick works just as well for you as it does for us.
Adam Schram is an Assistant Editor of Commerce at Runner's World, Great shoes for high arch Bicycling and Popular Mechanics, too. A lover of all things outdoors, Adam's writing career comes after six years as a bike mechanic in his hometown of State College, PA. His journalism experience is steeped in cycling and running gear reviews, and he's also a published creative nonfiction and satire author. When he's not writing, riding, or running, you can catch Adam at home mixing cocktails, watching Star Wars, or trying in vain to do the Sunday crossword. You can check out his latest work below.
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