We test the best running shoes for every distance in 2024

Whether you’re chasing a fastest 5K or a marathon PB, these are the best running shoes for the kind of running you do.

When it comes to upping the mileage or smashing your PBs as you progress as a runner, donning a pair of the best running shoes can make a huge difference. Alongside keeping your feet comfortable while pounding the pavements or hitting the trails, modern trainers also offer a range of features to enhance your stride, every step of the way.

To help you put your best foot forward, we put a selection of the latest running shoes through their paces – here’s the cream of the crop.

These are the best running shoes you can buy

Running shoes mean different things to different people, but one thing our testers could all agree on was the Nike Vaporfly 3 is a fantastic shoe, and the best for fast runners. That doesn’t necessarily mean racers though; anyone looking to improve their running could benefit from Nike’s carbon super shoe. Whether that’s looking for pacier parkruns or chasing longer distance PBs, you’ll feel a better and faster runner in these shoes.

Other running shoe recommendations

Best running shoes for neutral runners	If you’re looking for a comfortable cruising shoe, look no further than the Brooks Ghost Max. DNA Loft V2 cushioning and a GlideRoll rocker combine to create a super-comfy ride that still has a spring in its step.
Best running shoes for maximum cushioning	The best max-cushioned shoe we’ve tested is the ASICS Novablast 4, which is a daily trainer that packs an impressive amount of punch. It’s surprisingly responsive for a big shoe.
Best running shoes for overpronators	Brooks’ Adrenaline line has been going for decades, and the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 takes its stability for overpronators to new heights, with its unique GuardRail to help you keep your form as you tire.
Best running shoes for off-road trails	The inov-8 Trailfly G 270 V2 shoe is a great off-road all-rounder, with enough cushioning to help you clock up the miles in comfort with good grip and propulsion on most surfaces.

1. Nike Vaporfly 3

Materials	ZoomX foam; Carbon fibre flyplate
Weight	6.9oz / 195g
Colors	White and Particle Grey / Sail and Orange

The Nike Vaporfly 3 maintains its lightweight design, combining a carbon plate with Nike ZoomX foam, but with notable changes. More ZoomX foam in the midsole, along with a redesigned heel and improved midfoot stability, enhance the shoe’s performance. The new Flyknit uppers are lighter and more breathable, while the outsole features a thinner rubber covering with a waffle design for improved grip.

It’s the lightest carbon shoe available, and despite retaining a 40mm/32mm stack height, it offers a more stable platform. In testing over 50 miles, including a marathon, it performed exceptionally well, providing cushioned protection but with a slightly softer ride compared to the Vaporfly 2. While it’s still agile and fun, offering better breathability, it sacrifices some race-focused responsiveness for versatility and comfort. Overall, the Vaporfly 3 is a great option for various distances, offering improved stability and protection.

• Read our full Nike Vaporfly 3 review

2. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

Materials	60% recycled materials
Weight	10.1oz
Colors	Peacoat / Green Gecko / Black & Hawaiian / Black & Ebony / Blue

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 offers significant updates from its predecessor, focusing on stability and comfort. It replaces the old firm rubber insert with a guide rail around the midsole, promoting proper foot spreading and strengthening. This design aids overpronators by encouraging a more balanced push-off. The shoe’s balanced feel and subtle cushioning, especially under the forefoot, promote correct running form for various paces and distances.

Compared to the GTS 22, it features a slightly softer DNA LOFT v2 midsole and a wider forefoot for a plush yet responsive ride. Weighing just over 10oz, it’s suitable for everyday training, offering comfort and reliability. With approximately 60% recycled materials in the uppers and various width options, it’s a solid choice for stability-seeking runners, especially at its price point.

• Read our full Brook Adrenaline GTS 23 review

3. Brooks Ghost Max

Materials	DNA Loft V2, 56.4% recycled uppers
Weight	10oz / 283.5g
Colors	Red orange, crown blue, black, black and atomic blue

The Brooks Ghost Max, similar to the Ghost and Glycerin 20, offers a good blend of comfort and performance. Available in two width options, we found it suits narrow feet well, with ample space in the toe box and no heel slippage issues. Featuring a higher stack of DNA Loft v2 cushioning compared to the Ghost 15, it provides a stable and protective platform, enhanced by the GlideRoll Rocker for smooth transitions.

While we thought the cushioning may feel slightly dull compared to the Glycerin 20’s livelier foam, the Ghost Max excels in easy-paced runs, offering a smooth and consistent ride. However, it may lack responsiveness for faster runs. It offers reliable grip on various terrains, making it suitable for most runner’s needs.

• Read our full Brooks Ghost Max review

4. ASICS Novablast 4

Materials	Upper made from at least 75% recycled materials; FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushioning made with 20% bio-based content
Sizes	6 – 15 (US)
Weight	266g / 9.4oz
Colors	7 available

The ASICS Novablast 4 maintains its bulky appearance but introduces significant updates. Featuring FlyteFoam Blast + Eco midsole foam with recycled materials, it enhances stability and transitions with a more aggressive rocker. The engineered woven upper offers improved stretch and durability. The shoe’s design now includes higher side walls, an upward-sweeping toe box, and neoprene-like tongue wings for better foot wrap.

Despite a slightly increased weight from the previous model, it remains lighter than competitors like Gel Nimbus 25 and Brooks Ghost Max. Priced at £135 / $140, it maintains its cushioned comfort but feels firmer and more responsive, suitable for various paces. While still bulky, we felt the wider base enhances its stability. Overall, Novablast 4 is an upgrade, appealing to fans of maximal, cushioned shoes with added responsiveness.

• Read our full ASICS Novablast 4 review

5. New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4

Materials	Fresh Foam X midsole; Engineered mesh upper (made of 50% or more recycled materials)
Sizes	7-15 (US)
Weight	295g / 10.4oz
Colors	Black with Phantom / Arctic Grey with Natural Indigo / Cobalt with Black

The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 offers lightweight yet ample cushioning, ideal for entry-level runners aiming to increase their distances while reducing impact-related injuries. However, potential issues arise with its narrow fit and built-up midsole cushioning, causing discomfort and rubbing on the inside of the foot, especially for pronators.

While that may not affect all runners and provides extra protection for some, it obstructs natural gait for others. If you get the fit right and rubbing isn’t an issue, it excels in providing a comfortable ride for slow and steady miles, making it suitable for training sessions but less so for races due to its maximalist cushioning.

• Read our full New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 review

6. On Cloudsurfer 7

Materials	Helion™ superfoam midsole; Rubber outsole
Weight	238g / 8.4oz
Colors	White Frost / Black / Flame White / Black Cobalt / White Sand

The On Cloudsurfer 7 is a top-tier daily trainer, offering a lightweight, comfortable and well-balanced ride suitable for various training efforts. A notable update lies in its revamped midsole featuring CloudTec Phase technology, which delivers softer landings and springier toe-offs. The shoe boasts a soft dual-layer mesh upper for excellent step-in comfort, although its narrow fit might pose issues for wider feet.

Despite its light weight, it maintains durability and reliable grip with a thin rubber outsole. Weighing 238g / 8.4oz, it competes favorably with similar trainers on the market. We tested it over 30-plus miles on various terrains, and were impressed with its responsive, stable and cushioned ride. Priced at £150 / $160, it offers great value for its versatility, making it suitable for both easy runs and faster efforts, ideal for runners seeking a dependable shoe for all types of training sessions.

• Read our full On Cloudsurfer review

7. Hoka Rocket X 2

Materials	Technical synthetic mesh upper; Carbon fibre plate
Weight	221g / 7.8oz
Colors	Ceramic / Evening Primrose

The Hoka Rocket X 2 features a race-ready design with a synthetic mesh upper, gusseted tongue and internal foot cage ensuring a secure fit. However, its narrow fit and tight entry may pose challenges for those with wide feet or high insteps. Once on, though, we felt it offers a comfortable and locked-in feel, providing excellent stability even during tight turns. The zonal outsole rubber reinforcements enhance grip and durability.

It’s one of the lightest carbon shoes, offering a compact, agile and nimble ride reminiscent of early Nike Vaporfly models. With a stack height of 36mm/31mm and a 5mm drop, it provides a subtle yet stable platform for running. We tested it over 50 miles and reckon it excels as a race shoe, offering a balanced, energetic and versatile performance suitable for various paces and distances.

• Read our full Hoka Rocket X 2 review

8. Saucony Hurricane 24

Materials	Engineered mesh upper, PWRRUNPB and PWRRUN foam
Weight	316g / 11.1oz (UK men’s size 8)
Colors	Black & Carbon, Black, Navy, White, Triple White, Viziblue
Sizes	6 – 15

If you look for plenty of width and support from a running shoe, the Hurricane 24 will be right up your street. Likewise, if you want a shoe for those low-tempo runs, or recovery sessions on tired legs – the Hurricane will have your back there too. Even if you’re not prone to pronation, Saucony’s mile muncher has plenty to offer, in terms of comfort, protection and stability. It’ll keep going the distance, even when you’re not sure your legs will. That combination of PWRRUNPB and PWRRUN foam offers a smooth, balanced ride in a package that we think is as enjoyable as it is durable.

• Read our full Saucony Hurricane 24 review

9. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 

Materials	Fresh Foam X midsole; Ndurance rubber outsole
Weight	260g / 9.2oz
Colors	Marine blue with night sky / black with white / black with blacktop / grey matter with shadow grey / starlight with marine blue

Taking the trademark comfort of New Balance’s 1080 line and dialling it up even further, the Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 is the perfect choice for long, slow runs, in our opinion.

Naturally, the focus on big cushioning means anyone wanting to run light and fast will be better served elsewhere, but for anything at easy, conversational pace, we reckon you won’t find a more comfortable option than this.

• Read our full New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 review

10. Brooks Ghost 16

Materials	Engineered mesh upper, nitrogen-infused DNA Loft V3 foam, rubber and silica outsole
Weight	280g / 9.9oz (UK men’s size 8)
Sizes	6 – 14
Colors	Six colors available

The Brooks Ghost is now in its 16th iteration and these latest refinements make it more likeable than ever. The new DNA Loft V3 foam gives more bounce and plushness than its predecessor, which helped us go deeper into big-mile runs.

The Ghost has borrowed the RoadTack outsole tech from its stablemate the Glycerin 21, providing extra traction and promising longevity. Brooks has shaved a little weight of v15 too, creating an all-round better daily shoe for moderate-paced training miles.

• Read our full Brooks Ghost 16 review

11. Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

Materials	Full carbon plate, PWRRUN PB/HG foam
Colors	Black and white, vizi-orange
Sizes	6-14
Heel-toe drop	8mm (39.5mm/31.5mm)
Weight	7.5oz / 212g

While the Saucony Endorphin Elite is an out-and-out long-distance race shoe, the similarly carbon-shod Pro 4 has more all-rounder potential. It hits the sweet spot between comfort and speed, with plenty of spring and energy return from the forefoot encouraging a high turnover.

Ultra-thin uppers give your feet plenty of breathability, adding to a respectable weight of just 212g / 7.5oz. If you’re looking for a shoe to encourage you to train for your first marathon, the Endorphin Pro 4 is a good value option we can easily recommend.

• Read our full Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 review

12. Inov-8 TrailFly G270 V2

Inov-8 has improved an already impressive first-gen G270 by enhancing the fit, comfort and durability for this V2 model. All the things that made the G270 a great trail shoe are still here. Graphene-enhanced G-GRIP lugs, PowerFlow Max foam, Boomerang insole and zero-drop design are rolled over from the original. But we’ll testify to the fact that it’s even more agile and responsive than before.

• Read our full Inov-8 TrailFly G270 V2 review

13. Merrell Agility Peak 5

If you think Merrell only produces functional outdoor leisurewear, think again. The Agility Peak 5 trail shoe shows the company is upping its performance footwear game too. Substantial 5mm Vibram lugs, an energetic medium-density FloatPro foam, engineered mesh uppers with TPU overlays and a useful rock plate are just some of the Peak 5’s highlights. We’re also big fans of the gusseted wrap-around tongue, which prevents lace pinch.

• Read our full Merrell Agility Peak 5 review

14. Altra Outroad 2

Materials	Altra EGO™ midsole, MaxTrak™ outsole
Weight	10.6oz / 286g
Colors	Grey and green, blue and yellow, red and black, neon and blue

A wide platform, zero-drop design and roomy toebox are standout features to us on the Altra Outroad 2. If you’re after a plush road-to-trail runner and aren’t too concerned with out-and-out speed or agility, the Outroad 2 will keep you cruising in comfort.

We found it offered good grip on a range of surfaces, alongside a lightweight feel and balanced cushioning, thanks to that 27mm EGO midsole foam. Overall, it’s a real mile-muncher at a decent price.

• Read our full Altra Outroad 2 review

15. Salomon S/Lab Genesis

Materials	Matryx mesh, EnergyFOAM midsole, Contragrip outsole
Weight	9.5oz / 269g
Colors	Black, white and blue danube

The Salomon S/Lab Genesis is a trail shoe that can take you miles off the beaten path, with a rugged Kevlar-infused construction that’ll protect your feet on day-long adventures. There’s a lightweight, highly breathable Matryx mesh upper, responsive EnergyFOAM midsole and a lugged Contragrip outsole for coping with the toughest conditions the trail can throw at you.

This may not be the shoe for setting trail-running PBs, but it will be one that propels you towards the horizon when other off-road shoes would have you heading for home.

• Read our full Salomon S/Lab Genesis review

How we test running shoes

Our testers put each shoe through their paces over a mixture of distances and paces to see where they excel, and clocked up significant distances in each one to examine how they wear over time. Each reviewer focused on speed, stability and comfort during test runs, while also assessing the effectiveness of any high-tech features on offer. Their detailed reviews are sure to help you choose the right running shoe for you.

How to find the right running shoe for you

Every runner’s biochemistry is unique, which means certain shoes will be perfect for some and terrible for others. That said, there are three key things everyone needs to consider when trainer shopping.

• Firstly, the shoe should fit your foot snugly, without having to do the laces up tight.
• Secondly, the shoe should naturally flow with your stride (and make you want to run faster).
• Finally, the shoe should fit your running mechanics, meaning if you start to feel irritation in areas that have bothered you in the past, that’s a sign you’re not wearing the right pair.

When is the best time to run?

A new study from sportsshoes.com has revealed that 7pm on a Sunday – in April or October, to be specific – is the most popular time for smashing PBs. The research looked at the time that 35,000 social media users posted PB photos, using over 15 hashtags relating to personal bests, and cross-referenced the posts with the fitness activities they depicted to reveal the most successful times.

What to look for in the best running shoe, according to the experts

We talked to athletes and coaches about what to consider when buying a pair of running shoes. HYROX master trainer and 247 Represent head coach and athlete Jake Dearden and New Balance athlete and online running coach Jonny Mellor give us their opinions:

How do I make sure I get the correct size?

Jake Dearden: I’d recommend buying half a size up when it comes to running trainers. This is to avoid blisters, especially if your feet swell up on longer runs which is due to the increased blood flow.

Jonny Mellor: A properly fitted running shoe should feel snug in the heel and midfoot, with some room for toe movement. To check proper length when standing you should allow a full thumb width of space between the end of your toes and front of the shoe. This is why often runners are recommended to purchase half a size bigger than a normal every-day shoe. However it’s not always the case, depending on the brand, so it is a good idea to get your feet properly measured by a running specialist store.  

What are neutral or supportive shoes? Is more cushioning better? 

JD: Neutral shoes are designed for runners with average sized arches and provide a normal amount of support to your foot. Stability shoes are designed for runners with low arches that cause their feet to excessively roll inward with each stride (called ‘overpronation’). I’d suggest getting assessed by a qualified physio and ask them what type of shoe you need. Most of the time you’ll need a neutral shoe paired up with some lower body mobility and stability exercises to improve your running form. More cushion isn’t always better as for some people it can make your stride more inefficient. 

JM: In terms of more cushioning, this will depend on the individual runner and what type of running you’re planning on doing. Some runners prefer a faster, more responsive feel underfoot over more cushioning. This is personally why I love the New Balance 1080 v13 as it feels really soft and cushioned but still feels fast and responsive. If you’re doing lots of miles on the roads or pavement, then you may benefit from a more cushioned running trainer.  

Do I need to worry about a shoe’s stack height, drop and weight? 

JD: If you are starting out running I wouldn’t worry too much about those features, and try to focus on how your shoe is allowing you to run and if you’re comfortable when doing so. Finding the right pair of running shoes mainly comes down to what you feel most comfortable running in.

However, if you are struggling to find ones that work for you it can be worth looking into those features. Trainers with a bigger stack height are more cushioned, helping absorb the impact from running and therefore being easier on your joints. With a lower heel drop you are encouraging a more natural running pattern as it is closer to you being barefoot, the most natural gait form, which will promote midfoot landing as opposed to heel striking which is a more inefficient running technique. If you struggle with knee pain, lower heel drop shoes are often more comfortable and vice versa if you struggle with Achilles issues.

The weight of a shoe is important if you are focusing on speed work. I would always focus on technique and your running form and the other elements of a shoe that allow you to be as efficient as possible before looking into shoe weight.

JM: Again, this will come down to personal preference and what you’ve ran in previously and feel most comfortable running in. It will also depend on your running style, history of injuries and what surface you plan on running on. Runners traditionally go for a lighter shoe for race day or interval work to feel faster and more responsive.  

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