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If you’ve tried to walk through any park in London then you’ll likely have been almost mowed down by hordes of running clubs.
The truth is, running is well and truly in, and if you’ve been wanting to join the pack and lace up for a jog then there’s truly no better time than now.
Finding the best running shoes, however, is no mean feat. With so many options, cushioning levels and special features on offer it can be hard to know where to start.
So, to help give you a head start on your trainer hunt we’ve collated some of the best running shoe options to consider based on your preferences and needs.
Whether you’re a total beginner or ticking off your marathons, the right pair of shoes can make or break your next jog.
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Luckily, with brands like Nike, Asics, Salomon and Hoka creating some of the best runners on the market, you’re totally spoiled for choice.
I’m currently training for a half marathon and, while that by no means makes me an expert, it’s given me a good inside on some of the best running trainers to get your feet into – whether you’re tackling casual 5ks, marathons or simply getting out for a quick 10-minute jog when you’ve got the time.
Ready to find your new favourite for the new year? Explore our top picks of the best running trainers 2026 below.
What kind of running shoe do you need?
We’ve categorised these running shoes into three main, rough categories: everyday/long runs, tempo sessions and races.
Everyday shoes:
These shoes are going to be a lot more cushioned, durable and comfortable. Your old faithfuls, these shoes will be what you turn to for everyday, longer, potentially slower runs thanks to their support, comfort and reliability.
Tempo shoes:
These shoes are likely to be more lightweight and responsive than your everyday shoes, designed for faster workouts such as tempo runs and intervals. Bridging the gap between daily trainers and race-day shoes, these trainers may be firmer and more energetic, sometimes with nylon plates for speed, durability and efficiency.
Race shoes:
These are your race day shoes, ideal for that 10k, half or full marathon PB you’ve been training for. They’re likely to be very lightweight and responsive to help you run faster, and less cushioned to reduce weight. Many race shoes may also feature carbon plates that improve running efficiency, creating a rocker effect to help propel you forward with less effort.
Best everyday running shoes:
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14 Shoes
These New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14 runners are my old faithfuls, designed to be reliable and comfortable on long and shorter runs alike. I wear these for my longer slogs and I know they'll keep me going mile after mile. They've got delightful Fresh Foam X midsole foam for comfortable cushioning as well as a stability plane to keep you stable without compromising on comfort – ideal if, like me, you overpronate when you run.
shop £140
Salomon Aero Blaze 3
The Salomon Aero Blaze 3 are incredibly cushioned – the shoes I turn to when I want that extra bounce and support on medium length runs. Lightweight, dynamic and snappy, these are an excellent pair if you want that luxe feel when you head out on a plod, with an optiFOAM midsole that offers impressively cushioned shock absorption and optimised rocker geometry to help you keep the energy high.
shop £125
Hoka Clifton 10
A trusted trainer for your daily kilometers, the Hoka Cliftons are a classic for very good reason, loved for their plush performance and ultimate reliability. The Clifton 10s boast ultralight cushioning for unrivalled support and forgiving impact and ride, coming in light to help you tick off maintenance miles with total ease.
shop £140
Nike Vomero Plus
If you're after an everyday runner that looks as great as it performs then the Nike Vomero Plus should be on your radar. Taking max cushioning to the next level, these running shoes provide an ultra-comfortable and high-energy ride thanks to a mountainous stack of full-length ZoomX foam, the most responsive foam in the industry.
shop £154.99
Asics Novablast 5
Gaining popularity as a failsafe pair of everyday training shoes, the Asics Novablast 5 are sure to be a fit if you want a no-nonsense ride that verges on tempo. Lightweight with excellent energy return, these shoes are designed to help you go faster, providing extra bounce thanks to its trampoline-inspired outsole and stack of FF BLAST MAX foam for a softer ride.
shop £134.99Best tempo running shoes:
On Cloudsurfer Next
The On Cloudsurfer Next are an excellent hybrid tempo/everyday shoe that deliver everything you need from a speed shoe with a bit of extra bounce. Smooth yet dynamic, these runners are cushioned and responsive for everyday running, but, modeled on the brand's race-day shoes, are perfect for when you need to pick up the pace thanks to the lightweight design and energetic CloudTec Phase™ cushioning system.
shop £95 (save £45)
adidas Adizero EVO SL Shoes
You'll have likely seen the adidas Adizero EVO SL Shoes multiple times if you've been anywhere near a running track, and there's a good reason people choose them as their tempo shoes. A responsive layer of LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam in the midsole provides comfort and cushioning for optimal energy return, while Adizero technology paired with a bold and unique racing-inspired aesthetic bring you a pair of speed shoes that both look the part and truly deliver.
shop £109.99 (save £20)
Saucony Women's Peregrine 15
Heading off the beaten track? If road running isn't your forte then a pair of trail speed runners like the Saucony Women's Peregrine 15 will be an excellent choice for tougher terrains. They feature a reformulated PWRTRAC outsole for exceptional durability and grip on wet and dry trails, while an upgraded PWRRUN foam allows you to enjoy a softer feel and enhanced shock absorption to make every run comfortable and protected.
shop £78 (save £52)Best race running shoes:
Nike Alphafly 3
For effortless speed on your next half or full marathon, the Nike Alphafly 3 are designed to help push you beyond what you thought possible. Think: speed, comfort, propulsion and more. Three innovative technologies power your run: a double dose of Air Zoom units helps launch you into your next step; a full-length carbon-fibre plate helps propel you forwards with ease; and a heel-to-toe ZoomX foam midsole helps keep you fresh and comfortable from start to finish line.
shop £185.49 (save £99.50)
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
A classic design made to make you go further faster, the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 are an excellent pair of race runners for when smashing your PB is on the roster. Sleek and lightweight, these runners feature Lightstrike Pro midsoles for increased energy return and cushioning, carbon-infused ENERGYRODS 2.0 for seamless, snappy and speedy strides, as well as Continental™ rubber and LIGHTTRAXION outsoles to ensure exceptional traction and grip on every surface.
shop £155 (save £64.99)
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
A real eye-catcher, the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 are a sleek and reliable pair of race day runners, boasting ridiculous rebound and a featherweight design. Lightweight and breathable, they feature IncrediRUN foam cushioning with unheard levels of energy return for impressive speed, as well as full-length slotted carbon fiber plates that deliver smooth transitions and explosive propulsion with each stride.
shop £224 (save £56)Ready to ace your next run?
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