There is no one perfect running shoe. What makes a running shoe good for one runner might make it bad for another. It all depends greatly on the needs and style of the runner using it. Some will prefer bounteous cushioning to make their running more comfortable, while others will focus only on super-lightweight footwear tailored for speed. The great news is that there’s a massive range of excellent running shoes out there to cater for every person’s exact preferences. The bad news is that with so many styles and so much jargon, finding your perfect shoe can be tricky. Here’s our guide to the best running shoes to suit most needs.
Best all-round running shoes
Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo (£159.95)
The Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo pulls off the tricky feat of being light and responsive enough to use for races and fast training sessions, while still being soft and cushioned enough to support you through long and easy runs. The midsole contains two of Nike’s proprietary foams – the bouncy ZoomX foam also found in the world-record-setting Vaporfly 4%, plus a layer of the durable React foam to ensure the Pegasus Turbo will last you many miles. Aside from the garish stripe on the upper, Nike hasn’t put a foot wrong with the Pegasus Turbo.
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Best running shoes for short races
Reebok Floatride Run Fast (£119.95)
Reebok’s approach to naming its running shoes is refreshingly direct, and the Run Fast undoubtedly backs up its moniker, being ideally suited to tearing it up over 5K, 10K and half-marathon distances. The responsive Pebax foam used in the shoe’s midsole is feather-light, meaning the shoe as a whole weighs less than 200g (men’s size 9). That’s the kind of weight typical of a racing flat shoe, but the Run Fast has more cushioning than a racing flat, making it more comfortable over long runs.
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Best running shoes for marathons
Adidas Adizero Boston 7 (£119.95)
Named after the famous marathon, the Adidas Boston is an especially good shoe for those chasing a personal best over 26.2 miles. It has enough energy-returning Boost cushioning to protect your legs against the impact of long-distance road racing, and the bounce in the midsole helps you to sustain your pace. A great marathon shoe also needs to handle the many training miles you have to log before race day, and the durable Boston excels on this front, being comfortable on easy runs and responsive when you tackle interval or tempo sessions.
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Best running shoes for trails
Hoka One One Torrent (£100)
No matter what terrain you’re intending to tackle and how long you’re planning to run, the Hoka One One Torrent won’t let you down. Hoka’s trademark chunky cushioning means the Torrent will support you even over ultra-marathon distances, while the rocker technology in the shoe ensures a fast heel-to-toe transition, so you can fly through short trail runs as well. The lugs on the outsole provide grip on wet and muddy ground, without being so long that they are uncomfortable on harder terrain, so you can go wherever your run takes you.
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Best running shoes for cross-country
Inov-8 X-Talon 212 (£105)
If your off-road running consists of mud, mud and more mud, or you’re looking for an alternative to spikes for cross-country season, the Inov-8 Talon 212 is your best bet. The sole is studded with deep 8mm lugs that will keep you on your feet even when ploughing through a bog or sprinting down a muddy hill. The 212 in the name refers to the 212g weight of the shoes – nice and light, so even when they’re caked in mud and waterlogged you can keep putting one foot in front of the other.
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Best stability running shoes
Asics Gel-Kayano 25 (£155)
If you over-pronate while running, meaning that your foot rolls inwards excessively when you land, it can increase the risk of certain injuries. A stability shoe such as the Asics Gel-Kayano 25 contains supportive elements that gently correct the over-pronation and channel your foot into a neutral position while you run. This is the 25th edition of the Gel-Kayano, giving a good indication of how popular it has proved with runners seeking extra stability. The Gel-Kayano 25 is designed to be comfortable and supportive over long distances, making it a great option when training for a marathon.
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Best cushioned running shoes
Saucony Triumph ISO 5 (£134.82)
If comfort is a key concern for you, the plushly cushioned Saucony Triumph ISO 5 should be at the top of your list. Your foot is cradled by a contoured footbed and a mesh upper, which has an adaptable lacing system that can be customised to create the perfect fit for you, but the real magic happens in the midsole, where Saucony’s Everun cushioning provides a soft but lively ride that makes the miles fly by. The Triumph ISO 5 shoes also have reflective elements on the heel to improve nighttime visibility.
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Best running shoes for cross training
On Cloud X (£125)
Generally, running shoes aren’t ideal when you’re tackling other gym activities such as weight training. The soft cushioning required for running can make you unstable when performing squats or when sidestepping through an agility workout. However, the On Cloud X bucks that trend. Made with versatility in mind, it’s still cushioned but provides a firmer base than most running shoes, and the reinforced heel cap helps keeps the foot stable when moving in all directions. Perfect for switching it up from treadmill to the gym floor, the Cloud X is also a terrific pure running shoe, especially for faster training and short races.
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Best running shoes for the track
New Balance Hanzo S (£120)
Running on a track is all about short, sharp speed sessions, so you want a responsive shoe that strips away the cushioning required for long runs on the road, making your footwear as lightweight as possible. Some runners opt for a dedicated pair of track spikes, but a shoe like the New Balance Hanzo S, that weighs just 185g and has a firm and responsive Revlite midsole, is just as good and will also work well as a race-day shoe for 5Ks and 10Ks.
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Best stylish running shoes
Adidas UltraBoost (£149.95)
The stylish street looks mean the Adidas UltraBoost is frequently underrated as a pure running shoe. But you shouldn’t underestimate it. The sizeable slab of Boost cushioning on the bottom makes for a comfortable and springy ride, and the snug PrimeKnit upper feels as good on the foot as it looks. And because it’s versatile enough to crossover into your everyday wardrobe it’s also a solid commuter running option for those who don’t have to uphold a suit-and-shoes office dress code. Let’s face it when you’re shelling out £150 for running shoes, getting that extra value makes sense.
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Best budget running shoes
Kalenji Run Cushion (£14.99)
If you’re looking for a running shoe bargain, you can sometimes strike gold by searching for previous models of recently updated shoes. The differences between old and new models might only be cosmetic, but the price can be far lower. The other option is to go directly for a budget shoe such as the Kalenji Run Cushion. A great pick for beginner runners, there’s a generous amount of cushioning and the upper is made from a breathable mesh to avoid overheating. For under £15, it’s the perfect choice for those first tentative steps towards Couch to 5k.
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To find discount codes for the best running shoes from major sports retailers, visit discountcode.theguardian.com/uk
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