With over a hundred years of experience as an athletic wear manufacturing company, Fila has earned a rightful place among some of the biggest brands in the sports gear industry. Running alongside companies like Nike and Adidas, Fila is known for its ability to develop and design athletic wear that boosts performance. Some of their best releases come in the form of running shoes.
There are lots of Fila running shoe designs on the market – but which one is truly the best? I took it upon myself to research what the company had to offer in terms of shoes for running, and these 8 designs came out on top as the very best Fila running shoes available.
The 8 Best Fila Running Shoes
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Name |
User Rating |
Price |
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4.8 |
$ |
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4.5 |
$ |
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4.3 |
$$$ |
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4.3 |
$$$ |
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4.3 |
$$ |
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4.3 |
$$$$$$ |
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4.2 |
$$$$$ |
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4.1 |
$$$$ |
Memory Granted Running Shoe
Although they’re some of the most affordable Fila running shoes, the Memory Granted Running Shoe topped my list with its lightweight construction, comfortable design, and premium quality build. The shoe boasts top-notch materials that come together to provide users a reliable running companion that can take you that extra mile.
The uppers use leather and textile which provide breathability without disrupting the structure. The midsoles are made from premium EVA which lends significant bounce and rebound for an easy run. Inside the shoe, memory foam insoles cradle the feet and provide substantial comfort and support. And finally, the outsoles are made from durable rubber that’s etched with moderately aggressive traction patterns that slap hard and stick with each step.
What makes the Granted Running Shoe so impressive is the fact that it just works. There aren’t a lot of frills, no fancy bells and whistles, and no state-of-the-art complicated tech that’s intended to set it apart from other choices. When it comes right down to it, the simple, ergonomic, and practical design just optimizes performance so you can go the distance.
Pros
- Breathable uppers keep sweat production under control
- EVA midsoles provide substantial rebound
- Sticky rubber outsoles slap and grip hard against most running surfaces
- Lightweight construction reduces the burden on your feet
- Flexible materials allow users to run freely with little limitation of movement
- Memory foam insoles are comfortable and supportive
- Simple, no-frills design is straightforward and effective
Cons
- Sizes run slightly smaller. Be sure to order a half size up.
Best Trainer Running Shoe
While it wasn’t the best compared to the Memory Granted Shoe, the Best Trainer Running Shoe from Fila did come pretty close. The classic, clean aesthetic is a pretty big hit among buyers who want something that can transition easily from the track to a casual day out.
Feature-wise, there’s not a lot that separates it from the Granted design. Save for the uppers that use synthetic in place of leather, and the outsoles that have a slightly more aggressive tread, the Best Training Running Shoe is essentially another version of the Granted. So why didn’t it rank on top? While it shares a lot of its features with my top pick, the Best Training Running Shoe runs slightly narrower. Plus, it’s not quite as durable as the Granted.
Pros
- Breathable uppers keep sweat production under control
- EVA midsoles provide substantial rebound
- Aggressive outsole treads work wonders to give you a hitch-free ride
- Lightweight construction reduces the burden on your feet
- Flexible materials allow users to run freely with little limitation of movement
- Classic lifestyle shoe aesthetic works as well in the mall as it does on the track
Cons
- Slightly narrow toe box
- Comes at a higher price despite not being as durable
Memory Maranello 4 Running Shoe
Designed for explosive momentum, the Memory Maranello 4 is like the Granted’s bigger brother. Using a lot of the same features, this shoe incorporates very slight design changes that make it a lot more efficient on the track.
Essentially, not a lot has changed when it comes to materials and construction. The main distinction between the Maranello 4 and the Memory Granted is that the former’s heel is slightly more elevated, padded, and responsive than the thinner forefoot region. The purpose behind this feature was to improve energy conservation upon heel strike, and to enhance energy transfer from the heel to the forefoot during toe off. This makes the Maranello 4 a breeze to run in, providing you a comfortable, responsive, and easy ride.
Pros
- Breathable uppers keep sweat production under control
- EVA midsoles provide substantial rebound
- Effective outsole treads work wonders to give you a hitch-free ride
- Flexible materials allow users to run freely with little limitation of movement
- Memory foam insoles provide ample support and improved comfort
- Sloping footbed thickness optimizes running efficiency
Cons
- Slightly heavier than its Memory Granted counterpart
- While they work great for running, they’re not as comfortable for low-impact walking
Memory Sportland Running Shoe
Despite being designed as a running shoe, the Sportland has become popular in the special feet market because of its ultra-comfortable design. This running shoe is probably the easiest on the feet across the entire Fila line-up, which makes it ideal for runners who like to challenge themselves with far distances.
Mostly, the Sportland owes this to its memory foam footbed and premium interior padding. The shoe has much more substantial cushioning compared to other Fila designs. Plus, its fit better accommodates the natural curves and arches of the feet. So it’s ultimately a lot more efficient for long distance running.
My problem with the Sportland though is that it’s not the most durable shoe out there. Certain areas around the toe box are particularly susceptible to wear and tear. Give it a few months’ time, and you might be looking at a worn our pair that might no longer be suitable for the track.
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable
- Exceptionally comfortable thanks to its memory foam footbed combined with an anatomically correct interior
- Provides just the right amount of traction for stable running on a variety of terrain
- Fits true to size
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Doesn’t hold up well against wear and tear
- Lacing system can be fickle to work with
Memory Speedstride Running Shoe
If you’re in search of something that’s particularly light on the feet, then the Memory Speedstride Running Shoe is your best bet. This ultra-light design uses nylon mesh uppers to achieve a comfortable, feather weight construction that lets you stride at top speed – thus the shoe’s name.
The soles are also particularly light, using a less dense variation of rubber to provide the same traction as other Fila shoes without compounding the design’s overall weight. Finally, I do want to mention that the Speedstride also has a memory foam footbed which is characteristic of Fila running shoes. But to maintain the light weight, it seems the memory foam on this design is slightly thinner, so it might not hold up too well against daily use.
Pros
- Lightweight construction is among the lightest in the Fila running shoe line-up
- Breathable uppers minimize sweat production and help maintain a comfortable climate
- Outsoles designed to take you forward with elongated treads that maximize forward momentum
- Comes at a much more reasonable cost than other Fila running shoes
Cons
- Construction isn’t stellar
- Memory foam footbeds seem much thinner than what other Fila running shoes have to offer
Royalty 2 Running Shoe
As the most expensive shoes on the list, you would expect a lot from the Fila Royalty 2 Running Shoe. In a lot of ways, it does deliver great efficiency to improve your performance on the track. While again, not a lot changes between the Royalty 2 and the other Fila shoes I’ve previously discussed, it does have the upper hand in one arena – durability.
I found that when you pay the higher price for the Royalty 2 shoe, you get the same features as most other Fila shoes. But the difference is that construction is a lot more reliable, so you can really beat these shoes up without worrying about damage from wear and tear. I also want to mention how traction on these is a lot more efficient, especially for off-road terrain. So if you like running through the great outdoors, then the Royalty 2 could be a suitable pick.
Pros
- Responsive design maximizes energy conservation to propel you forward with less effort
- Comfortable memory foam footbed reduces pressure on some of the most susceptible parts of the feet
- Efficient tread patterns work great on outdoor terrain
- Superb construction keeps the shoes scot-free for much longer than other Fila designs
Cons
- Aside from improved durability and traction, the shoes don’t really offer too much to justify such a steep price jump
Memory Finity Running Shoe
Sleek and slim fitting, the Finitiy Running Shoe is the most handsome, in my opinion. That’s because aside from being a lightweight running shoe, this design was also intended to serve a purpose as casual footwear. Needless to say, it comes in a variety of colorways that can add a pop of athletic style to any everyday outfit.
Again, not a lot changed in terms of the Finity’s sole construction. The uppers though are extremely thin, which allows unmatched breathability and an almost sock-like fit. While this can help improve your running speed, it pays to keep in mind that it might not hold up well against the onslaught of regular use – even for casual purposes.
Pros
- Lightweight construction lets you move more freely
- Rubber outsoles work impressively against urban running terrain
- Nylon mesh allows unrivalled breathability
- Responsive, bouncy feel for a smooth and easy ride
- Lots of colorways to choose from
Cons
- Lacks the reinforcement for long lasting durability
- Costs a little more than it seems it should
Headway 6 Running Shoe
Coming it at last place on my list is the Headway 6. Robust and heavy-duty, this running shoe was designed for avid runners who are almost always burning treads on the track. The Headway 6 has an exceptionally reinforced outsole that works well on both outdoor terrain and paved surfaces. The interior is also much more plushly padded compared to other Fila shoes on my list.
Hardy, burly, and extra durable, the Headway 6 just seems to lose when it comes to weight. As the design is particularly reinforced, it does add some extra weight to the shoe which can make it feel clunky and clumsy, especially if you’re more accustomed to using slim fitting running shoes.
Pros
- Extremely durable construction guaranteed to last years of daily use
- Hard wearing outsoles work wonders on a variety of terrain and surfaces
- Lots of padding and cushions make it easy on the feet
- Lacing system is easy to adjust, letting you optimize fit with a single tug
- Spacious interior lets your feet spread for a more fit
Cons
- Breathability is almost non-existent
- Heavy on the feet
- Costs slightly more than other, better performing shoes on the list
The Verdict
If you’re in search for the best Fila running shoes, I recommend the Fila Memory Granted Running Shoe. The straightforward design simplifies running and gets you where you want to be without all the confusing and often frilly features. Of course, if the Granted shoe didn’t seem to meet your standards, there are a lot of other viable choices. So go on and check out any of my 8 recommendations and I’m sure you’ll be able to find a Fila shoe that’s right on the money.
