From lightweight race shoes to the comfiest options for easy miles [UPDATED]
Picking up a new pair of trainers from a list of the best running shoes is no easy task, so we’ve broken those options down to make the decision easier for all types of runners.
Whether you’re looking for the most comfortable option for ticking off your daily mileage or you want to find out about the latest carbon plate race shoes to crush your next PB, we run through the best options available at the moment.
We’ve tried to unpack years of learnings, mistakes and lessons below and rounded up the best shoes we’ve taken onto the roads. If you’re looking for trail running shoes, we have a specialist guide for that.
Jump to the running shoes you want:
- The best all-round running shoe
- The best running shoes for racing
- The best running shoes for fast training
- The best cushioned running shoes
- The best stability running shoes
- The best value running shoes
You also have to consider price, because part of running’s appeal has always been that it doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment. Today’s flagship shoes cost north of £150, but you can still find excellent picks under £100.
Below you’ll find a selection of shoes to fulfil the desires of all kinds of road runners, which we’ve tested by putting them through at least 50 to 60 miles of running at different speeds, including long, tempo and easy runs, speed sessions and races when possible.
The best all-rounder running shoe
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
Buy now: Saucony (UK) / Saucony (US) | £165
The Endorphin Speed 3, like its predecessor, has got something for everyone. The combination of a full-length nylon plate with the impressive PWRRUN PB midsole foam makes for a shoe that can take runners from comfortable training runs all the way up to race day.
At 229g, it sits at the lower end of the weight spectrum, making it an ideal option when it comes to picking up the pace. However, that stack off Saucony’s lightweight foam makes it feel like a shoe with a lot more support and cushioning underfoot than you would expect from something so nimble.
Unlike carbon plate super shoes designed specifically for racing, the nylon plate in the Speed 3 offers a more subtle experience, with the Speedroll technology helping to promote an efficient movement instead of feeling like it’s propelling you forward.
In comparison to Speed 2 – and something that will be music to the ears of anyone who enjoyed it – very little has changed in the Speed 3. The main focus for updates is stability, with a slightly widened base and higher side walls, there’s also a redesigned nylon for additional support. For most those updates will be minimal, so if you can pick up the Endorphin Speed 2 cheaper it’s worth saving some money.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for a versatile shoe for all of your training or a seasoned athlete that wants something for faster training sessions, the Endorphin Speed 3 is one of the best options out there.
Hoka Mach 5
Buy now: Hoka (UK) / Hoka (US) | £130
The Mach 5 may well be the perfect balance of cushioning and speed, delivering the goods whether you’re heading out for a slow recovery run or picking up the pace for a tempo session. The midsole foam is one of the most versatile we’ve tried in a running shoe and manages to be both lightweight and responsive while still being able to take the brunt of your long runs.
The only reason it isn’t our favorite all-round running shoes is due to the fact that the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is slightly better when it comes to faster-paced efforts, but only just, and the Mach 5 probably takes the top spot if comfort is the deciding factor.
The Mach 4 saw a semi-update in the form of the Mach Supersonic, a shoe that was focused on speed instead of versatility and included an updated Profly+ midsole. However, it wasn’t an upgrade that improved on the Mach 4 for many. The 5 takes learnings from both the Mach 4 and the Supersonic to create a shoe that feels lighter and more comfortable.
If you’re looking for one shoe to do everything, and you don’t want to fork out for the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3, the Mach 5 is well worth a look.
Saucony Ride 15
Buy now: Saucony (UK) / Saucony (US) | £140
Saucony’s Ride line of shoes has long been its most popular for those runners looking for a bit of everything. The latest version sees some major updates to the legacy design, including an updated midsole foam, a more flexible forefoot design and modified midsole geometry for a smoother transition.
The PWRRUN foam is largely where the magic happens, delivering just enough cushioning for a soft ride without sacrificing the ability to pick up the pace if the mood takes you. Whether you’re heading out for some long slow miles or you’re planning to push yourself for some fast training sessions, it ticks all of the boxes as a versatile daily shoe. The updated midsole is slightly softer than the previous versions, something we found makes a noticeable improvement.
The upper, made from a mesh material, is as comfortable and plush as it gets. The soft fabric feels loose around your foot whilst still maintaining an impressive level of support, and the thick collar offers an exceptionally pleasing experience from the first time you step inside.
About the only thing the Ride 15 doesn’t do is flat out racing. So if you’re looking for a lightweight option for race day you may want to investigate some of the faster shoes on the list. For balance, value and all-round training, you really can’t go wrong.
Hoka Rincon 3
Buy now: Hoka (UK) / Hoka (US) | £105
There aren’t many shoes that have the versatility of the Rincon 3 whilst still coming in at an affordable price point. Like its predecessors, it’s a shoe that’s designed to offer a good level of cushioning whilst still coming in at an impressively light 203g.
The midsole foam deadens the impact of running at a slower speed whilst still feeling firm and responsive enough to pick up the pace for faster training sessions. We’ve even found it to be a great lightweight option for race day if you want a competent shoe on a budget.
The only downside to the Rincon range is a slight issue with durability in the midsole foam, which means the shoe doesn’t last as long as many workhorse trainers out there. So, if you’re planning on picking up a pair to cover you for everything from daily sessions to race day, you may find yourself replacing it around 300 miles.
Hoka Carbon X3
Buy now: Hoka (UK) / Hoka (US) | £170
When the Carbon X was released in 2019 it became one of the years’ most talked about shoes. Unlike the soft and bouncy Nike Vaporfly, the Carbon X showed that a carbon plate shoe doesn’t need to be reserved for race day. Instead, it was a great all-rounder option that could be used for anything from daily training miles all the way up to ultra running.
Now on its third iteration, the Carbon X line has evolved to include a sock-like engineered mesh upper, an updated ProflyX midsole and an extended swallow tail heel design. For some, the changes made over the past two years have meant that the first version is the superior Carbon X option, but it’s a shoe that still offers a solid ride, delivering a versatility that can cover almost any session. The rubberized EVA outsole also ensures that the shoe has a good level of durability, especially when compared with many of the leading carbon plate shoes.
The best running shoes for racing
Nike Zoom Vaporfly Next% 2
Buy now: Nike (UK) / Nike (US) | £209.95
How do you follow up the greatest long-distance racing shoe of all time? That’s the question Nike had to answer with the Next%, the successor to the Vaporfly 4% – the shoe that runners of all levels have been using to set personal bests and world records over the past couple of years. The Next% 2 retains that technology and updates it with a modified upper to increase fit and comfort.
Nike started by adding in 15% more ZoomX foam into the midsole of the Next% compared to the 4%, to provide more comfort and bounce. The carbon plate is still one of the best options out there today, helping to propel you to those PBs with incredible responsiveness that promotes a noticeable efficiency when tackling any distance.
The upper and outsole are also able to handle rainy days. The former is now an engineered mesh, which is more breathable than the previous Vaporweave upper, and the outsole manages to tackle corners at speed – exactly what you need on race day.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 3
Buy now: Saucony (UK) / Saucony (US) | £209.99
The Endorphin Pro 3 has seen so many updates that comparisons with the Pro 2 are largely pointless. Unlike its predecessor – which was a firmer carbon plate alternative to the likes of Nike’s super shoes – the Endorphin Pro 3 goes all-in on soft, bouncy cushioning.
That thicker stack of PWRRUN PB foam in the midsole is at the heart of the new design and produces a propulsive feel that’s along the same lines as the Nike Vaporfly 2 or Asics Metasdpeed Sky+. For many, this will be a welcome change and delivers an experience that’s a worthy competitor to the leading carbon plate shoes out there.
There are also updates to the upper mesh which now feels more comfortable with some extra wiggle room for the toes, along with a good level of outsole rubber for grip and anti-slip laces. If you’re looking for the same performance benefits as the Nike and Asics racers, the Endorphin Pro 3 is well worth a look.
Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%
Buy now: SportsShoes (UK) / Nike (US) | From £1
The Alphafly NEXT% received a lot of attention when it was originally announced due to the large stack height and the fact Kipchoge used a prototype model during his sub-two-hour attempt. Since then it has become one of the most popular carbon plate race options, as well as one of the most expensive shoes runners can buy.
For anyone unfamiliar with Nike’s carbon plate shoes, the difference between the Alphafly NEXT% and the Vaporfly NEXT% can be unclear. Both offer similar technical features – including ZoomX foam and the carbon plate – but in practice, they deliver very different experiences.
As well as having a lower drop of 4mm, the shoe also includes two Air Zoom pods at the front, a new Atomknit upper, and more rubber on the outsole for grip. Like the Varporfly NEXT%, it’s a shoe built for speed and delivers a high level of bounce and propulsion when running.
For many, the two shoes are difficult to choose between, but the Alphafly NEXT% delivers a higher level of support and cushioning than the Vaporfly, in contrast, it’s slightly heavier and the lower offset is not for everyone.
New Balance Fuel Cell SC Elite V3
Buy now: New Balance (UK) / New Balance (US) | £220
Although New Balance has released some good race shoes in recent years, the brand’s carbon plate offerings have always been overshadowed by the likes of Nike and Adidas. The SC Elite V3 changes that with a level of performance that makes it the most accomplished super shoe from the brand to date.
The two-layer midsole foam moves away from the super-soft feel of the earlier RC Elite V2 for a firmer, more responsive ride, while the full-length carbon plate and Energy Arc technology propel you forward with a fluid movement.
Like the Saucony Endorphin pro, the SC Elite V3 is a shoe that can deliver the goods over any distance, being able to tackle fast 5ks as well as marathons. The only downside is the sock-like bootie upper, which can feel a bit restrictive around the tongue section of the shoe.
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
Buy now: SportsShoes (UK) / Adidas (US) | £219.99
The previous two iterations of the Adizero Adios Pro appeared high in our picks for the best carbon plate shoes for race day. They didn’t quite have the performance benefits we felt from the Nike Vaporfly Next% 2 or the Asics Metaspeed Sky, but they were both great options for anything from 5k to marathon distance.
The Adizero Adios Pro sees a number of tweaks to its predecessor, including an update to the Energyrod design –in the shape of Energyrods 2.0 – and a revamped upper to add additional support. The result is an improved modification to the Adios Pro 2 that brings with it a more stable ride than the likes of the Vaporfly Next% 2.
It’s a shoe that sits in the upper echelons of the carbon plate race world but has a more subtle level of energy return than some of the bouncier options out there. For many people that may be exactly what they want and delivers a well-balanced ride for running over any race distance.
Hoka Rocket X 2
Buy now: Hoka (UK) / Hoka (US) | £220
The Rocket X 2 is one of the most exciting fast shoes from Hoka’s line-up. Despite the name, similarities to the excellent Rocket are minimal, with the new design updating most aspects of the carbon plate super shoe.
The carbon fibre plate now sits within two pieces of a softer, bouncier PEBA foam to produce a more energetic ride than the original version. That foam works alongside an early-stage Meta-rocker to produce an impressively propulsive ride that works well from 5k all the way up to marathon distance.
The lightweight synthetic mesh upper manages to be comfortable and almost unnoticeable on the foot, providing a secure fit that holds the foot firmly in place when attacking corners at pace, while the outsole rubber does an excellent job at gripping the road.
Saucony Endorphin Elite
Buy now: Saucony (UK) / Saucony (US) | £280
The arrival of the Endoprhin Elite has been long anticipated after an impressive series of releases from Saucony in 2022. As the name suggests, it’s a race shoe that’s focussed on all-out speed, taking learnings from some of the brand’s best performance options.
Unlike the Pro 3, the Elite is less accessible for general runners, featuring a more aggressive profile and a firmer midsole. The result is an extremely fast shoe that may put runners off who want a balance of comfort and speed.
As well as a lightweight build, the Elite uses Saucony’s new PWRRUN HG midsole foam for a propulsive toe-off that works alongside the brand’s Speedroll design to promote an energetic feel when picking up the pace.
The only issue here is the cost, with the price tag making it one of the most expensive running shoes you can buy. For some, it may be an investment that delivers the perfect PB experience, for others, it may just be a little too much for a shoe that has a specific appeal.
Puma Fast-R NITRO Elite
Buy now: Puma (UK) | £220
The Fast-R NITRO Elite may not be one of the most conventional-looking super shoes out there – especially the visible carbon plate underfoot – but a lot of thought has gone into the design when it comes to speed.
The lightweight build focuses on only adding elements that promote benefits for running at pace, with an impressively lean upper and a big gap in the midsole to remove unnecessary material. The forefoot and the midfoot are made from two different types of foam; the forefoot offers a softer level of cushioning and bounce, and the latter a significantly firmer base that propels you forward.
There’s also a modest level of the brand’s popular PUMAGRIP rubber on the outsole to promote grip and protect the more delicate midsole material.
We’ve found that the shoe is an acquired taste – largely due to the firm heel, but if it feels right for you it’s an excellent shorter-distance racer that excels at 5k and 10k distances.
Asics Metaspeed Sky+
Buy now: Asics (UK) / Asics (US) | £225
The Metaspeed Sky+, along with the Edge+, is more of an update to the Metaspeed Sky than a completely different shoe, but we’ve added both here due to the fact that many people are unsure which to go for when picking up a race option.
The main differences are the addition of extra midsole foam to produce even more bounce than its predecessor, a lighter modified upper and a repositioned carbon plate. The result is a noticeable but minimal improvement to one of the best carbon plate racers on the market, and it’s well worth picking up if the shoe is the same price as the original.
If, however, you can pick the older version up at a discount we’d say that the differences are negligible for most people, so until the Metaspeed Sky 2 is released it’s worth saving your money if you can.
The best running shoes for fast training
Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next%
Buy now: Pro:Direct (UK) / Nike (US) | £170
The Tempo Next% takes learning from across Nike’s performance range and pulls them together to produce a shoe that’s designed specifically for tempo running.
That technology includes React foam in the heel for minimising impact, ZoomX foam in the midsole for a lightweight, propulsive feel and Air Zoom pods in the forefoot to deliver a responsive bounce when you push off with each step.
Although it shares numerous similarities with the Vaporfly and Alphafly race shoes, the Tempo Next% delivers a very different experience. It’s heavier than those options with a level of hardness that is immediately noticeable when you start running. The reason for that is likely due to the fact it’s built to be more durable, offering significantly more miles than you can expect from shoes specifically designed for race day.
As the name suggests, the shoe is designed for those runs where you want to train at a higher speed for longer, safe in the knowledge that you can wear them many times without fear that they’ll wear down quickly.
Asics Superblast
Buy now: Asics (UK) / Asics (US) | £210
The Superblast is an interesting shoe to classify. In some ways, it’s a max-cushioned training shoe that has similarities with many long-run and easy-day options. But there’s much more under the bonnet than all-out comfort thanks to the addition of Asics’ top-tier race day midsole foam, FF Turbo.
The same foam used in the brand’s carbon place racers the Metaspeed Sky+ and Metaspeed Edge+, the thick layer of FF Turbo makes for an impressive level of energy return and means the Superblast delivers very well when it comes to longer sessions at a consistent tempo pace.
It’s not as fast or as versatile as shoes like the Hoka Mach 5 or the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3, but few options we’ve tested can match it if you’re marathon training and need something to work alongside your race shoe for long, hard efforts.
Asics has also added an additional layer of FF Blast+ foam – the same used in the Novablast 3 – that covers the FF Turbo to add extra cushioning and a more stable feel, along with a generous helping of AHARPLUS outsole rubber for grip and durability.
Under Armour Flow Velociti Wind 2
Buy now: Under Armour (UK) / Under Armour (US) | £150
The Velociti Wind 2 is a fantastic option if your focus is faster training but you want a more conventional design. In many ways, it feels more like a minimal shoe when compared to many comparable options out there and as a result is popular with runners that want something lightweight that keeps things simple.
The feel and design are where the simplicity stops as the Velociti Wind 2 is by far one of the most technologically advanced shoes on the market. Inside the shoe is a sensor that measures your movements, linking with the Mapmyrun app to give you data on your running metrics after each run.
For many, that information may be unnecessary, which is a shame because we’d love to see a cheaper version of the shoe that strips out the futuristic elements. Even without it the Velociti Wind 2 is a great choice for speedy sessions and a worthy alternative to carbon plate super shoes.
Brooks Hyperion Tempo
Buy now: Brooks (UK) / Brooks (US) | £150
The Hyperion Tempo was originally designed to be a faster training shoe that partners with the original Hyperion Elite carbon plate racer. Due to a disappointing feel to the midsole of that shoe, Brooks updated the design to include the same DNA Flash midsole foam found in the Hyperion Tempo – a fairly positive move that suggests the Hyperion Tempo was doing something right.
It’s a shoe that excels at faster training, offering a nice level of cushioning and pop despite the lack of a carbon plate. We’ve found it works best for efforts over 15km and may even be a good choice for race day if you’re not in the market for a carbon plate option. Over longer distances it feels noticeably bouncy but still has enough cushioning to take impact over high mileage sessions.
The best cushioned running shoes
Brooks Glycerin 20
Buy now: Brooks (UK) / Brooks (US) | £140
Like the Hoka Clifton, the Glycerin is built for comfort, with plenty of soft cushioning underfoot and a plushy-padded upper and tongue. As a result heavier runners, or anyone who just wants a more comfortable run, should look closely at the Glycerin.
Given that it’s purpose-built for comfort rather than speed, it’s not surprising that the Glycerin is quite heavy and the heel-to-toe transition of the shoe is sedate, rather than snappy. If you’re all about logging a faster Parkrun then it might not be your best bet, but if you’re new to running and want to cruise around in the utmost comfort, it’s definitely up there with the Clifton. In particular, anyone tackling their first marathon should check it out as a top pick for the long grind of training.
In addition to an improved mesh upper for a better fit, the latest iteration of the Glycerin ups the comfort level even more by introducing a new nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 midsole. The result is a softer, bouncier ride that manages to improve on an already fantastic shoe for easy day miles and daily sessions.
New Balance Fresh Foam X More V4
Buy now: New Balance (UK) / New Balance (US) | £140
The New Balance More v4 is the ultimate running shoe if your absolute main focus is cushioning. The thick wedge of Fresh Foam X foam feels like you’ve just stepped onto a mattress, absorbing the foot into a pillowy realm that makes walking and running a thing of joy.
It’s a shoe that’s best used for those daily training miles when speed is the furthest thing from the agenda. Stick an audiobook on or delve into a smooth jazz playlist and clock up your base miles in complete comfort. The plush upper also holds the foot firmly in place while still having a generous fit, while the thick base offers a good level of stability despite the stack of cushioning.
The most recent version of the shoe adds even more foam into the midsole for a slightly softer rider and a more flexible base to promote a natural ride. There’s also a new, slightly roomier upper to improve the fit.
For us, it’s a great shoe for those runs that you really don’t want to step out of the door for and makes longer sessions as painless as possible, taking the brunt of the impact and ensuring a smooth ride until you stop your Garmin and fall back onto the sofa.
Asics Novablast 3
Buy now: Asics (UK) / Asics (US) | £135
The Novablast was one of the bounciest, softest and most noticeably cushioned shoes we’ve tested – as a result, it was a deeply polarising shoe. The Novablast 2 followed it up by modifying the design to make it more stable on the run. The Novablast 3 takes learnings from its predecessors, retaining both the bounce and stability while making the shoe slightly lighter.
Although the Flytefoam Blast midsole can feel a bit like running on marshmallows, the energy return you get with each step is noticeably springy and it delivers the goods from short runs up to marathon distance.
For a general runner who’s putting in a couple of lighter runs a week, they’re an incredibly enjoyable shoe to run in and we’ve found ourselves picking them off the shelf increasingly often when our main focus is fun mileage. The 8mm drop is an acquired taste and definitely not one to experiment with if you’re used to a flatter shoe, but if you like a bit of bounce, they’re well worth a look.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12
Buy now: New Balance (UK) / New Balance (US) | £160
Few shoes have managed to match the Fresh Foam 1080 range when it comes to versatility and cushioning, with the v12 – and its predecessors, the v10 and v11 – showing how a shoe can tick boxes from slow, enjoyable training runs all the way up to race day efforts.
The Fresh Foam midsole manages to be cushioned whilst still maintaining a high level of responsiveness without being too soft or sluggish. The result is a shoe that feels great for daily training miles but still does a competent job if you want to push yourself harder and pick up the pace.
Another factor that has made the shoe so popular is the sock-like upper design, an elastic mesh material that allows the foot to move freely whilst still holding it in place with a secure and confident fit. In the 12 version of the shoe, there’s also an updated heel design that improves on v11 with more padding and a better fit.
The downside of the Fresh Foam 1080 range is that it’s not a shoe that particularly excels in any areas. So if you’re looking for an experience that stands out you won’t find it hear. Instead, the 1080v12 is a workhorse that quietly does the job without drawing attention to itself.
Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 3
Buy now: Nike (UK) / Nike (US) | £169.95
ZoomX foam is the incredibly soft and responsive material used in both the Nike Zoom Vaporfly Next% 2 and the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%. In those shoes, it’s used predominantly due to it being both lightweight and bouncy for runners looking for speed on race day.
The ZoomX Invincible Run 3 applies the same foam to daily runs, using it to produce a soft and cushioned experience that makes pounding the pavement feel like you’re running on marshmallows, whilst still adding an element of propulsion and bounce.
To get around the unstable nature of ZoomX foam Nike has created the midsole with a wide base across the whole length of the shoe. The result is an incredibly comfortable and fun shoe for ticking off training miles. Nike has made some updates to the Invincible 3, including an increased stack height and a wider base for added stability.
The shoe isn’t for everyone though as the squishy midsole lacks the versatility that you’ll find in options like the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v12 or the Asics Novablast 3, both of which offer a better experience when training at higher speeds, or even race day.
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3
Buy now: Nike (UK) | Nike (US) | £144.95
The third version of Nike’s popular daily training shoe sees little in the way of updates. There are some minor modifications to the heel for support and the upper has a softer feel than the previous model, but other than that it holds little in the way of surprises for fans of its predecessors.
For most people, that decision will come as welcome news, as the Infinity is a solid workhorse all-rounder that delivers the goods for people who want to log many miles of training. That’s largely due to the React midsole that offers a nice balance between cushioning and firmness, making it perfect for those looking for one pair of shoes to take them from shorter sessions all the way up to marathon distance.
That versatility is the reason it’s a great choice for beginners that want a bit of everything, even those after a reliable option for race day. The wide base also makes for a stable ride, especially when compared to some softer options, and the Flyknit upper has a nice stretchy feel that holds the foot comfortably in place.
Saucony Triumph 20
Buy now: Saucony (UK) | Saucony (US) | £155
The Triumph line from Saucony is the perfect example of how a brand can successfully develop a classic trainer year after year to ensure it still delivers the goods. Like its many predecessors, the Triumph 20 is a shoe designed for comfort over daily miles and high mileage sessions, but, it’s much more than just a classic cruiser.
The updated PWRRUN+ midsole foam manages to balance a high level of soft cushioning with just enough propulsive bounce to make it a versatile option for those runners looking to pick up the pace. For some, that may mean having the flexibility to head out the door with the option to vary speed depending on how you feel on the day, for others it could well be the perfect shoe for hitting a marathon in comfort.
The thin upper has just the right level of cushioning to feel noticeably plush, while the generous level of outsole rubber adds a good level of durability, as well as traction on wet roads.
On Cloudmonster
Buy now: On (UK) / On (US) | £150
On isn’t usually a brand associated with max cushioning and as a result is often overlooked by runners searching for soft easy day shoes. The Cloudmonster aims to rectify that with a thick wedge of Helion Superfoam in the midsole to take the brunt of many miles of training.
When compared with cushioned shoes like the Nike Invincible or the New Balance More V3, the Cloudmonster still has the firmer feel of an On shoe, which makes it a good transition if you’re a long-time On fan who wants a bit more comfort. Because of the firmer midsole foam, the Cloudmonster is also more versatile than many max cushioned options and has a good level of responsiveness for picking up the pace on daily runs.
For us, the Cloudmonster is a solid entry to the On collection and a fills a gap that has long been missing in the line-up. It may not be the softest cushioned shoe out there, but it’s a great step towards On catering for all types of runners.
Asics Gel-Cumulus 24
Buy now: Asics (UK) | Asics (US) | £135
The Gel-Cumulus line has long been one associated with comfort, both from the generous, soft upper as well as the cushioned Flytefoam midsole. For us, it’s a shoe that’s targeted towards those runners that want comfort above all else, but still like a shoe that will allow a moderate level of versatility in what it’s used for.
For long training runs, we found that the Gel-Cumulus 24 has the benefits of a max-cushioned shoe. The midsole absorbs the impact with a soft landing each time, enhanced by the addition of the gel section that sits in the heel block. However, it doesn’t feel bulky or heavy, which means it allows for training at a faster pace without being uncomfortable or unwieldy. It may not be the most exciting shoe at any pace or distance, but it’s a reliable workhorse that keeps the feet fresh for many miles.
Brooks Ghost 14
Buy now: Brooks (UK) | Brooks (US) | £130
When a shoe line reaches its 14th version you know it must be doing something right. In the case of the Ghost 14 that something is, for the most part, comfort.
Featuring a full-length DNA Loft midsole, the Ghost 14 is a great choice if you’re looking for a reliable, cushioned ride that covers you whether you’re doing a short recovery run or heading out for some long, slow miles.
The upper has a relaxed fit that feels instantly comfortable and the light midsole does a great job at taking the brunt of the impact when you’re covering a lot of training miles. In addition, there’s a thick layer of rubber on the outsole to ensure that not only can it grip varied terrain, but you can feel safe in the knowledge that the added durability will keep them in your shoe rotation for a good while.
The only issues we found with the Ghost 14 were that the loose fit doesn’t feel as secure and locked down as many runners might want and the soft cushioning does lack responsiveness when it comes to picking up the pace.
Hoka Clifton 9
Buy now: Hoka (UK) | Hoka (US) | £130
Given the substantial stack of cushioning on the bottom of the Clifton 9, you’d be pretty gutted if you stepped into it and it didn’t feel gloriously soft, so it’s fortunate that it absolutely does deliver on that front when compared to its slightly firmer predecessors.
That soft ride makes the Clifton 9 a great option for any runner who prioritises comfort in their shoe. Whether that’s just for long and easy runs, or for all your running, the Clifton is durable and protects your legs from the rigours of a busy training regime.
As the Clifton line has developed – and more cushioning seems to be added to the majority of its competitors – the shoe has become more of a daily shoe that skews towards cushioning. For general runners focused more on ticking off the miles, it’s a good option that offers a hint of versatility for training at a faster pace, but still holds firm when it comes to comfort.
The best stability running shoes
Saucony Tempus
Buy now: Saucony (UK) | Saucony (US) | £165
The Tempus is part of a growing trend of shoes that offer a good level of support without feeling too heavy or clunky on the feet. Despite having an impressive level of stability, the Tempus rides like a daily shoe, being able to handle long, slow runs with a high level of comfort, as well as sessions when you want to pick up the pace.
The PWRRUN PB midsole foam works alongside the stability elements built into the shoe to deliver a soft feel without losing control. A curved shape across the length of the shoe also helps to promote a fluid transition that ticks boxes for runners covering a lot of miles.
The upper is made from a breathable mesh upper that keeps the feet cool, with plenty of padding around the ankle colour for comfort. There’s also a healthy layer of XT-900 outsole rubber to improve durability and to ensure a good level of grip on varied surfaces.
Saucony Endorphin Shift 3
Buy now: Saucony (UK) | Saucony (US) | £140
Saucony has launched a lot of shoes in recent months, to the point where the brand may actually be confusing the range slightly. Previously, the Endorphin Shift 2 existed as the supportive slow run training shoe to use alongside the Endorphin Speed 2 and the Pro 2. However, a bulky design and overly clunky ride meant it had a limited purpose.
The Shift 3 sees updates to the midsole foam and overall structure to offer a smoother, softer ride. The result is a noticeably improved easy day shoe that adds a subtle level of stability for runners that need it.
For many, the Tempus is likely to be a significantly more versatile option, but the Shift 3 is the best option if you want a good level of support, without sacrificing a comfortable ride.
