Looking for a fresh pair of kicks? These are the best running shoes for 2024 (2024)

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On the hunt for a new (or maybe even your first) pair of running shoes? Well, you've come to the right place. In 2024, footwear is lighter, more comfortable and faster than ever before, leading to PBs on race days, quicker recovery from hard workouts and more joy on easy runs.

But finding the right pair of shoes can be challenging. There are plenty of factors to consider: your unique running style, your weight, the surface(s) you run on, the shape of your feet and your preferred ‘feel’.

To make things easier, we've put together a complete guide to the best running shoes on the market in 2024 below. You'll find shoes for easy runs, long runs and race day, as well as shoes geared towards specific individuals including beginners and overpronators.

Editor’s Note: We reviewed our shoe selections on 14 March 2024 in line with our most recent round of wear-testing for spring/summer 2024.

Our team continually road-test the best new models as and when they're released. We assess shoes for their performance across every area runners need to consider: fit, feel, cushioning, responsiveness, comfort, grip, breathability and overall ride.

The best shoes made the cut for this guide, and the best of the best scooped our awards. Keep scrolling to read our reviews, or shop below, at a glance.

To reduce the colossal footprint of the global trainer industry, we support the idea of running every possible mile in the shoes you already own, revelling in every last run you can share.

Your gait, weight, the types of terrain you typically run on and the temperature of the places you’re running in will all contribute to the level of wear and tear of your shoes.

Chunkier shoes with a higher stack height will generally last longer than lighter, lower stack shoes, as the midsole foam on these shoes will take longer to break down.

Building a shoe rotation can help to mitigate this because if you’re running in the same pair of shoes every day, the midsole foam doesn’t have time to fully decompress before its next use. So, giving your shoes time to recover between sessions allows the midsole to decompress, helping you to get more miles out of it.

If you’re new to running, it’s a good idea to visit a running shop to get a gait analysis. This looks at your running technique and the way in which your foot hits the ground, so you can find the right shoe for you and your gait. There are generally three main foot types:

Overpronation: The most common pronation type among runners, overpronation refers to the excessive inward rolling of the foot as it hits the ground, transferring weight to the inner edge instead of the ball of the foot. Runner’s with this gait will suit stability running shoes best.

Neutral: Runners with a normal range of pronation – the natural inward rolling of the foot when it hits the ground. Runners with this gait will prefer a neutral shoe.

Underpronation/supination: When your weight rolls onto the outer edges of your feet as you take a step. Neutral shoes are best for this type of gait.

Think of these shoes as your bread and butter, designed for the bulk of your miles.

Asics Novablast 4

>Read our full Asics Novablast 4 review<

Since the first iteration in 2020, the Novablast has gained a reputation as a great neutral trainer with serious bounce, and thankfully the v4 further evolves the excellent blend of cushioning and zip.

Our testers were impressed with the out-of-the-box comfort and found the new breathable woven upper (replacing the Novablast 3’s engineered mesh) wraps the foot securely. There’s plenty of room in the toebox but a slightly snugger fit in the midfoot, which creates the feeling of cradling the foot.

The slightly increased stack height means a thick wad of FF Blast Plus Eco foam (using at least 20% bio-based material) delivers a superbly snappy ride. As well as the bouncy cushioning, there’s a rocker to aid transitions and a toe spring in the forefoot which helps to create noticeable momentum at toe-off. The new 'trampoline-inspired' outsole – deep parallel grooves running along the full length on either side underfoot with a central diamond-shaped pod in the forefoot – works with the cushioning to boost energy return.

All these performance features combine to make the Novablast 4 a very capable shoe for faster sessions along with the long runs and easy miles you know are in its ‘wheelhouse’, delivering a really versatile performer.

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On Cloudeclipse

>Read our full On Cloudeclipse review<

With On’s thickest midsole (37mm heel; 31mm forefoot) packing its Helion super-foam, the Cloudeclipse is designed to ‘take comfort levels to new heights’. An interesting claim, as On’s cushioned shoes tend to ride firmer than other brands’ plush offerings. The midsole also packs a double layer of On’s signature CloudTec (hollow pods which collapse and compress on impact) which helps to create a soft landing and smooth feel, but you won’t find all-out ‘pillowy’ here.

A flexible speedboard ‘shank’ adds stability (necessary when you've got such a thick wedge of cushioning) but also injects an element of stiffness which helps a poppy toe-off. The overall ride is firmer and more responsive than other max-cushioned shoes and while the energy return isn't enough that you'd choose it for tempo or harder efforts, that added zip will appeal to some for longer efforts.

Up top, the 100% recycled polyester mesh upper is lovely and breathable, the toebox roomy, a structured heel counter aids lockdown and our testers had no hotspot or blistering issues. The Cloudeclipse isn’t the lightest, but it isn't a shoe that really demands marginal weight savings and ultimately finds an interesting middle ground between cushioning and firmness to deliver a balanced, forgiving-yet-fun ride on longer, easier runs.

> The best On shoes for every type of runner <

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Nike Invincible 3

>Read our full Nike Invincible 3 review<

Nike's super-cushioned trainer returns with a facelift and all the bouncy goodness we’ve come to love. The third iteration boasts thicker stacks of ZoomX foam – the midsole material used in the Vaporfly and Alphafly racing shoes – than you’ll find anywhere else.

The foam is lighter, softer and more responsive than other compounds, returning about 70% of energy with each footstrike. The previously thick (and hot) Flyknit upper has been replaced with a sleek version that breathes far better. Plus, all the bulky pillowing that lined the collar of the first two versions has gone. Our test team cherished them for recovery runs and easy jogs – the kind of running that should make up the majority of your mileage.

> The best Nike shoes for every type of runner <

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Nike Pegasus 40

>Read our full Nike Pegasus 40 review<

There's a reason that the Pegasus is in its 40th iteration – the 'workhorse with wings' really does deliver. There's only been a couple of minor tweaks to the latest version of the neutral, daily trainer – after all, if it ain’t broke, why fix it? But tweaks do include a newly redesigned mid-foot band for a more secure fit, and a redesigned single-layer mesh upper to offer more breathability and help to improve airflow in sweaty conditions.

The Pegasus 40 includes two Zoom Air units – at the forefoot and heel – which helps to give that responsive, energised feel. While it’s certainly not one of the new generation of maximalist cushioned shoes, when you step in to the Pegasus, you do immediately feel that comfort hugging your foot securely in place. It has a really plush feel, and fits true to size.

This is a shoe that offers a solid, stable and comfortably cushioned ride, and can take a lot of mileage and a lot of pounding on the tarmac. Sure, it may not feel quite nimble enough to be a speed-day shoe of choice, but it’s durability and comfort nevertheless make it a supremely reliable everyday training option.

> The best Nike shoes for every type of runner <

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Adidas Supernova Rise

>Read our full Adidas Supernova Rise review<

Adidas’ play for a comfortable, consistent do-it-all daily trainer uses the brand new Dreamstrike+ foam. It’s similar to the Lightstrike Pro used in the Adizero range, but it's less about out-and-out propulsion and more about comfort. In fact, comfort is king here; the step-in feel is plush, the heel counter cushioned and reassuring and the familiarity of the engineered mesh upper and tongue wrap the foot nicely and feel both secure and soft.

The ride isn’t overly soft nor too hard, with a nicely balanced sensation of cushioning and responsiveness that offers feedback and ground-feel while keeping things smooth and supple. Long, easy miles tick by and faster tempo work feels very manageable. It can even handle some out-and-out sprints, though the lofty midsole stack makes cornering at speed mildly precarious.

The heel lip has a pronounced bevel to aid heel strikers through initial impact and onto the midfoot. None of our testers are natural heel strikers, but it certainly worked when fatigue set in and form gets a little sloppy. A jack of all trades, the Supernova Rise will likely satisfy all running needs for those looking for something they can throw on for any session.

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Saucony Ride 17

>Read our full Saucony Ride 17 review<

With the previous iteration of their staple daily workhorse, Saucony opted for an ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach. The 17 sees a much bigger transformation. A new engineered mesh upper balances enough flex to feel pliable and unrestrained while also feeling supportive and locking you in.

A stretchy, gusseted tongue offers just the right amount of padding and there’s added comfort around the heel, but the biggest change is in the midsole. There’s no difference in overall stack height but upgrading to Pwrrun+ foam brings a marked improvement in the ride, which feels bouncier and softer than the Ride 16 and finds the sweet spot between offering enough cushioning for easy runs and enough liveliness for some faster running.

Saucony has also added a hint of rocker geometry to the forefoot, which aids midfoot to forefoot transitions. All that makes the 17 a pretty versatile shoe – a little clunky for anything too speedy due to its wide, stable base perhaps, but more than capable if you’re looking to add some marathon pace tempo into your long run. The Ride has always been a good, mid-range daily trainer, but the latest evolution’s improved ride and versatility make it a fantastic pick for beginners and experienced runners alike.

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Puma Magnify Nitro 2

> Read our full Puma Magnify Nitro 2 review <

The original Magnify was a neutral daily training shoe with a responsive, cushioned and super-comfy ride – and the second iteration offers more of the same. Where there are tweaks, these are all to the good, making this a great shoe for seasoned runners and beginners alike.

Unlike in the first iteration, the midsole in the Magnify is now completely and solely made from Nitro foam, where previously it was combined with a stiffer EVA layer. This is part of Puma’s promise that all their performance shoes will now be made solely of supercritical Nitro foams. All this adds up to an even more comfortable ride, and one that’s more responsive underfoot.

It has – like so many shoes now – a hefty stack height of 40mm at the heel, yet never feels weighed down by it, and the shoe is notably flexible. It’s certainly not a snappy, pacy shoe, but then it’s not supposed to be – this is a shoe for your long slow runs, your easy miles and your recovery efforts.

It fits true to size, with a comfortable engineered mesh upper. The tongue and the heel are both lightly padded, and the lacing system adjustable – but without needing much. Finally the superior Pumagrip rubber on on the outsole means that this is a really robust and hard-wearing shoe that will see you through hundreds of training miles.

> The best PUMA shoes for every type of runner <

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Asics Gel-Nimbus 26

>Read our full Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 review<

The highly-cushioned staple is one of Asics’ best-selling and longest-running models, so the radical re-design of the v25 last year was a surprise. It worked well though, and v25 fans can breathe easy as there’s no such full-scale reinvention this time. A new engineered knit upper, along with a tweaked eyelet construction, gives a slightly more supportive midfoot hold. Upgraded outsole rubber improves both durability and grip – noticed and appreciated by a tester in ultramarathon training through the wet UK winter, but the most significant change is in the ride.

With the stack height (42mm heel, 34mm forefoot) remaining the same, our testers expected little change to the underfoot feel, but found the 26 delivers a slightly firmer ride. There’s still a lot of cushion, but as seems to be a trend across all shoes this year, the Nimbus has become slightly more of an all-rounder, with one tester noting it now feels like something that would suit a long run with some tempo effort mixed in. The switch to Asics' new Eco formula midsole foam may explain the firmer feel, and as some found the v25 a little too soft underfoot, the v26 may appeal to more runners.

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Altra Via Olympus 2

With a rocker profile and a pretty hefty 33mm stack, the Via Olympus 2 is designed as an everyday trainer that promotes efficient toe-off and serves up enough cushion to ward off the aches and pains that trouble some when they go zero drop. This is largely thanks to a softer EGO Max midsole foam and plush footbed, which our testers found ‘cocooned’ their feet without smothering them, and did an excellent job of absorbing ground impact, even when heel striking.

Outsole traction is excellent, while Altra’s signature wide toe box gives a lovely, roomy splay that adds to a ‘natural’ feel. This isn’t a shoe to really go up the gears in – it’s fairly heavy and the ride can feel a tad clumpy and sluggish at speed – so you’ll probably want something a bit more responsive and springy for intervals or racing. But on slower sessions, easy workouts and recovery runs the Via Olympus 2 delivers unparalleled zero drop comfort. That makes it a great entry point for those curious about taking their first steps in a zero drop shoe, and for committed ‘flat-footers’ seeking extra comfort it’s an excellent addition to the roster on longer easier efforts.

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The shoes below are designed for interval sessions, speed work and race day.

Nike Vaporfly Next% 3

Eliud Kipchoge may have worn the even-higher-spec Alphafly to break the two-hour barrier, but a glance at the sharp end of any major marathon tells you the Vaporfly is a go-to for many serious racers. And thankfully the third iteration feels just as lively and fast as the previous two.

Nike has overhauled the Vaporfly from the rubber up, looking to make it the lightest yet. One attempt to shave weight came in the midsole shaping, with foam now removed from places where it’s not needed. Gone, too, is the slab of rubber under the forefoot, replaced with a web of diamond-shaped lugs. Our testers reported the shoes felt planted in dry conditions, and the new construction eliminates the loud, slappy sensation found in almost all the new super shoes.

One gripe: the Flyknit upper is extremely thin and breathable, but it doesn’t stretch at all, so take care not to lace up too tightly.

> The best Nike shoes for every type of runner <

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Hoka Cielo X1

> Read our full Hoka Cielo X1 review <

When we received Hoka’s new flagship racer for testing, we couldn’t resist drawing comparisons to other super shoes. Its decoupled heel, for instance, resembles the one found on the first two versions of the Nike Alphafly. And once we put the shoe on, there was an instant familiarity to Hoka’s Rocket X and Rocket X2. But while both the Cielo and Rocket models have accommodating fits, paired with that distinct Hoka cushioned feel, their rides are a very different story.

The Rocket X 2 is built around the full gait cycle — its rockered sole smooths heel-to-toe transitions for midfoot and forefoot strikers alike — but the Cielo sculpts an even more aggressive forefoot rocker to amp up speed and create an explosive ride.

The midsole couples high-grade energy-returning PEBA foam with Hoka’s most advanced carbon-fibre plate (which uses a new winged design). Our testers immediately noticed the propulsive effects, with a rocking horse sensation just trying to stand still. At slower paces, the sole shape felt a bit awkward, but at speed (around 7:00 min/mile) the kick really intensifies.

A great option for runners who want a highly propulsive super shoe with an aggressive rocker, but also need a wide, stable platform.

> The best HOKA shoes for every type of runner <

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New Balance Supercomp Elite v4

>Read our NB SC Elite v4 review<

Building on learnings and athlete feedback from previous iterations, New Balance aimed to make the new SC Elite a record-breaker. And the result looks and feels like a completely different shoe to its predecessor. The biggest advance is its new 100% PEBA foam which, according to NB’s lab data, delivers 87% energy return compared with 83% in the v3. Our testers found it felt instantly lighter, more responsive and bouncy than the v3. This is also thanks to an updated carbon fibre plate design, which increases forefoot stiffness.

The v4 sticks with the same 4mm drop. That’s relatively low for a super shoe, but NB believe it works best with the curve of the carbon plate and allows for additional foam under the forefoot for toe off, maximising energy return.

Up top, FantomFit (a heat bonded film) delivers a much thinner mesh package which offers a vastly improved midfoot lockdown and more structure, while not ‘overbuilding’ the shoe with too much emphasis on comfort. All this creates much more of a classic super shoe feel. It's not unstable, uncomfortable or overly-aggressive – it's still pretty accommodating compared to something like the Adios Pro 3 – but as intended it's now very much a speedster for fast sessions and race day rather than an all-rounder for most of your runs.

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Puma Fast-R 2 Nitro Elite

> Read our full Puma Fast-R 2 Nitro Elite review <

Aside from the general ‘wow factor’, the first thing you notice about the Fast-R 2 is that the midsole is split into two sections. Both use Puma’s excellent new Nitrofoam Elite super-foam but that midsole ‘gap’ can create a slightly unstable feeling at slower paces. In fairness, the Fast-R 2 isn’t designed for easy running and when you push the pace, it comes alive. The gap is no longer noticeable, heel-toe transition feels seamless and the super responsive foam creates a springiness and propulsion that feels like it will power PBs.

The extended carbon plate, which pokes out the end of the shoe, puts more emphasis on your ankles and calves – something to consider if you have a history of injury in those areas. Our testers felt this also makes the Fast-R a better bet for distances of half-marathon or less, but it delivers in spades on shorter, sharper efforts.

Weight is something of an issue for a super shoe, with competitors like the Vaporfly coming in significantly lighter, and the rear ‘shark’s fin’ seems to add little. But for runners with a powerful stride, deep pockets and possibly a desire to get noticed, the Fast-R 2 has much to recommend it.

> The best PUMA shoes for every type of runner <

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Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

Saucony have tinkered with the midsole mix in the latest Pro, adding a layer of PWRRUN HG (the same foam found in the Endorphin Elite) to PWRRUN PB (which the Pro 3 used exclusively). The result is rather wonderful. The v4 feels super-soft on step in – almost too soft for a racer – but once you get moving the foam blend combines with the plate and Speedroll midsole (shaped to help heel/toe transition) to launch you forward. There’s so much propulsion you struggle not to accelerate, but the softness so palpable at step in stays in the mix to smooth any hard edges. It’s a dream ride, delivering those super shoe snappy, bouncy, fast transitions, but softened and smoothed to feel comfortable and stable over longer runs and at slower paces.

The redesigned mesh upper is featherweight and super-breathable, with just enough padding at the collar and on the integrated woven tongue that you can run long in comfort. The rubber outsole has switched to a lattice design which improves traction, adding to the confidence factor in all conditions. A seriously impressive stand-out performer that offers fast, smooth and true to its name, endorphin-inducing miles.

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Brooks Hyperion Elite 4

> Read our full Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 review <

The latest iteration of the Hyperion Elite is Brooks’ fastest shoe yet and a significant advance on the v3. It’s 8.5g lighter, which was noted and appreciated by testers who also enjoyed the new breathable, stretch woven upper – a ‘barely there’ almost waxy material that helps it to feel more like a super shoe.

Under the bonnet the new DNA Flash v2 supercritical nitrogen-infused foam (which, according to Brooks, delivers nearly 10% more energy return than the original DNA Flash used in the Elite 3), feels bouncy, supportive and plush. The carbon plate also gets a redesign: this is Brooks' first shoe to feature a full-length SpeedVault Race+ plate, which is another tangible upgrade on the Elite 3.

Our testers found the toe-off wasn’t quite as snappy or aggressive as other carbon racers, but it did feel better than other super shoes when cornering and offered good traction, even on wet pavements. Overall, this isn’t the fastest, most propulsive (or most outlandish looking) carbon shoe out there, but its quick-but-comfortable ride makes it a great choice for runners in search of a safer, sturdier super shoe for races or fast sessions.

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Nike Alphafly 3

> Read our full Alphafly 3 review <

How do you improve a record-breaking shoe? Nike listened to their athletes, who asked for comfort and stability. So, distinct from previous versions, the Alphafly 3 has a continuous outsole for added stability. A new last – fleshed out around the midfoot – improves arch comfort and reduces rubbing. A moulded sock-liner supports the lower profile arch, while Flyknit heel pods offer additional padding. Durability has been another focus, with Nike acknowledging most runners need their £285 shoe to last. Despite all that, it’s 15% lighter than the Alphafly 2.

Our testers were impressed with the added comfort and noted a lack of blistering or irritation. They also loved the ride – unsurprisingly, the Alphafly 3 is built for speed and you feel unrivalled propulsion and response from the ZoomAir pods. It actually feels slightly more aggressive than the Alphafly 2, with more of a 'tippy' sensation, but also smooth and noticeably more stable, ‘dialled-in’ and connected. (Although it hasn’t lost that distinctive ‘clip-clop’ sound).

Punchy, light and more accommodating, this is a significant evolution that stays true to the Alphafly series, but will appeal to a wider audience. The bouncy, propulsive ride is an absolute joy, lockdown is near-perfect, and the extra comfort is perfect for half-marathon and marathon PB-chasers.

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These shoes share many of the same qualities as super shoes built for race day, but they're designed for everyday mileage.

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2

> Read our full NB FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 review <

Designed to provide ‘maximum performance on daily training runs’, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer V2 is peppier and more propulsive than your average training shoe, but without the elite energy return – though also the price tag – of a top-end racer.

The latest iteration features a new, lighter FuelCell midsole foam, along with the same carbon fibre plate and Energy Arc technology. The latter might sound like something from a Marvel film, but is essentially a ‘void’ through the centre of the midsole, which allows the carbon plate to flatten and rebound during take-off and landing, increasing energy return. The result is certainly a propulsive ride.

The biggest update is to the shoe’s stack height. Whereas most brands seem to be going up, New Balance has decided to go down, though in fairness dropping from 47mm to 40mm at the heel still leaves it firmly in maximalist territory – but lighter, and more stable than version one.

Further weight savings come from that new midsole and a redesigned mesh upper. This also, along with additional padding around the heel and collar, provides more structure, increasing comfort over those longer miles.

> The best New Balance shoes for every type of runner <

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Saucony Kinvara Pro

>Read our full Saucony Kinvara Pro review<

The Kinvara always used to be Saucony’s lightweight, low-profile racer. The Kinvara Pro is none of those things. Instead, it’s an everyday training shoe, with next-gen maximal cushioning and a carbon plate. Indeed the 42mm stack in the heel is so high, it’s technically over the legal limit for racing.

Yet the surprising result is a genuine all-rounder. This is a shoe you can run fast or slow in, and get the same lovely pep and bounce. The 3/4 carbon plate and the gentle rock towards toe-off that the curved midsole brings make them feel good during a speed session, yet also kind on tired legs. The key is that unlike some plated shoes, you don't have to work too hard to get that snappy transition, which helps enormously at those slower paces. That big wedge of Pwrrun midsole also helps give a plush but responsive ride.

The weight of the cushioning does mean they aren’t the lightest shoe – but they are fantastically comfortable. Our testers noted no hotspots at all, and had no reservations about reaching for these on their longest runs. They fit true to size, with plenty of room in the forefoot, a plush tongue and a precise lacing system allowing for a tailored fit.

> The best Saucony shoes for every type of runner <

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Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

The Speed 4 is intended to fit into Saucony’s Endorphin line up as a training companion to the race-day Pro 4 or even more speed-focussed Elite models. It fulfils that role with aplomb, but it’s a little more aggressive than the Speed v3, which makes it something most would also happily turn to for their fastest sessions and chasing PBs.

The midsole combines full-length PWRRUN PB PEBA foam with a nylon winged plate to serve up that bouncy PEBA feel, but it doesn’t ride as harsh or aggressive as all-out racing super shoes. Transition is beautifully smooth through the mid- and forefoot, with updated geometry making it feel a touch more stable. The upper is light and extremely breathable, fitting fairly snug for good lock-down. There’s a surprising dash of plushness from the rather thin looking tongue and an almost bucket shaped heel adds comfort, stability and hold. The same grippy lattice outsole as the Endorphin Pro 4 offers great traction, too.

It all adds up to a really versatile shoe which easily shifts between paces. A perfect partner on multi-paced sessions and for those not in a rush to invest in an additional race shoe, it’ll serve you well on your big day over a wide range of distances.

Plate-free shoes, designed for speed.

Asics Magic Speed 3

Carbon-plated training shoes may no longer be a novelty, but given they tend to come with maximal cushioning, the Magic Speed 3 feels like one nonetheless. It’s a lightweight shoe that looks – and even feels – more like an old-school racer.

The shoe marries the FF Blast+ midsole used in Asics’ everyday Novablast 3 with the upper of the Metaspeed supershoe. Does the marriage work? It certainly does. The carbon plate and midsole combo are certainly on the stiffer side, but there’s still a lot of energy return and a lovely, snappy feel to the toe-off. While it’s not labelled as a ‘supershoe’, it has many of the elements you’d associate with one – it feels a touch stiff and aggressive for easy runs but thrives when you pick up the pace.

This is a close-fitting shoe – there’s plenty of room in the toebox, but it’s designed to fit your foot snugly and there’s not a lot in the way of padding. The minimal shoe has a light upper, which gives it an incredibly breathable feel. But while it’s certainly neutral,

It still offers a little touch of stability in the form of midfoot sidewalls. And with the robust, durable Asicsgrip outsole, this is a fantastic shoe for those who prefer something pacy but without the high stack and potential instability that some supershoes now bring with them.

> The best ASICS shoes for every type of runner <

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Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 10

Takumi fans can rest easy that the updates stay true to the spirit of the cult favourite. If you’re new to the Takumi, you may be converted. This is an impressive racer that will suit most runners for anything from track work to 10K. Those used to racing in thinner shoes could tackle half marathons (and if you’re Emile Caress, the marathon).

Though the 10 retains its relatively stripped back, low-profile silhouette, it weighs in a few grams heavier than the 9, but that’s not noticeable on the run. A new dual density weave upper is more forgiving than version 9, and a widened space between the heel pads reduces risk of Achilles aggravation.

The major upgrade is the use of Adidas’ glass fibre infused ENERGYRODS 2.0 in a single heel-to-toe structure which delivers a punchy, uniform feel. Two layers of Lightstrike Pro foam around the rods provide cushioning and excellent energy return without compromising that sense of connection with the ground that’s lost with some max-stacked super shoes.

They also feel great cornering at speed and though obviously a long technological leap from traditional racing flats, the Takumi 10s evoke some of their best qualities, combined with modern super shoe features.

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Designed for runners who overpronate (aka the inward rolling of the foot) when they run. Discover more options here.

Hoka Arahi 7

Overpronators searching for support, look this way. Mirroring its predecessor, the Arahi 7 features Hoka’s stable compression-moulded EVA midsole foam and signature J-frame midsole support to combat overpronation. It’s essentially a firmer section of foam in the midfoot, which hooks around the back of the shoe in the shape of a J, from the medial to the lateral side.

On the run, these elements combine to deliver supreme gait control, but it comes at the cost of a fairly firm and rigid ride. One tester commented that the cushioning lacks the springiness found in some cushioned daily shoes, such as Asics’ Novablast 4, and some may find it a little unforgiving. But then, that really is the point of a shoe like the Arahi 7 – to deliver a secure, assured, stable ride.

Up top, the latest Arahi features a new zonally engineered flat-knit upper, which is more breathable, a plusher tongue and dual gusset beneath the lace line. These tweaks bring improved step-in comfort, a supportive if not slightly snug fit (we’d recommend going up half a size) and excellent lockdown. Comfort and stability is where the Arahi 7 truly excels and if that’s at the top of your priority list, it may be your perfect match.

> The best HOKA shoes for every type of runner <

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Asics Gel-Kayano 30

>Read our full Asics Gel-Kayano 30 review<

With a shoe as popular as the Gel-Kayano, updating it is always a risk. But in this case, it’s one that pays off.

Traditionally, the Gel-Kayano has always been a workhorse stability shoe, but in 2023, the definition of stability has changed. Where once you had medial posts and stiff structure, the next generation of shoes strive to adapt, not constrain, delivering stability through their geometry.

This shoe has a sculpted midsole, curving inwards on the lateral side to provide more compression, and convex sculpting on the medial side, which provides a greater volume of foam. The stability tech is subtle, but effective. This means that the Gel-Kayano 30 is not just for overpronators.

Another difference is a fairly large increase in stack height, to 30mm in the forefoot and 40mm in the heel. This makes the shoe look bulkier, but you never feel it – offering bounce, comfort and a lovely energetic ride.

> The best ASICS shoes for every type of runner <

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Nike Structure 25

The Nike Structure is another staple in the brand’s line-up. The everyday hero trainer is for those who need – unsurprisingly – structure and stability. The latest iteration ticks those boxes neatly, with plush cushioning and stability in spades.

Unlike the new Nike Vomero, however, the midsole is made not from the premium ZoomX foam but the more standard Cushion 3.0, so while you get comfort, you don’t get quite the same peppy ride. But then, the Structure isn’t designed for speed – it’s made for eating up long, slow runs for those who need the enhanced arch support, a substantial heel counter and the sock-like fit that’s certainly provided here. There’s also even more cushioning in that midsole than the previous model.Having said that, the Zoom Air unit in the forefoot offers energy return and propulsion if you pick up the pace.

The upper is a single-layer mesh, designed to provide breathability, though the fabric is still robust, meaning it will cope with winter on the roads. The flywire cables integrated into the lacing system provide a non-slip fit and the padded tongue is super comfy. With its solid construction and a grippy outsole, this is also a seriously durable shoe that should see you through a lot of miles.

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Brooks Hyperion GTS

All Brooks’ GTS (go-to support) shoes use a GuideRails system – a holistic approach to promote foot and knee alignment. Denser foam on the lateral and medial sides of the midsole serves as a ‘bumper.’ GuideRails add a little extra weight, but this didn’t give the Hyperion GTS any black marks from our wear-testers who still found it very lightweight for the support it offers and enjoyed its responsiveness. Using the nitrogen-infused midsole foam developed for Brooks’ super shoes, the Hyperion GTS caters to speed demons who need just a little extra support and it hits the mark: one tester described it as having a similar feel to a racing flat, but the overpronator also praised the shoe’s stability during long runs.

Other feedback noted the smooth heel-toe transitions and, interestingly, the stability features felt subtle enough that the shoe could accommodate neutral runners as well as overpronators. The only gripes were around the rather thin padding on tongue and collar, but that’s minor in a shoe that manages to so adeptly balance speed and support.

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Puma ForeverRun Nitro

Puma has made some fantastic running shoes over the past few years but its yet to really nail the classic stability shoe – until now. However, unlike, say, the classic Asics Gel-Kayano, this is a modern stability shoe that delivers not by inserting medial posts but by tweaks in the construction itself.

The ForeverRun has the same Nitro foam that’s found in all of Puma’s running shoes, but here it’s combined with a firmer foam in a dual-density midsole. The result is a lovely, comfortable and soft-but-responsive ride that yes, delivers stability, but also responsiveness.

There’s a plush, cushioned sockliner, a moulded heel cup and a pad under the metatarsals, all of which gently support your foot, without any force.

On the run, the shoe feels supportive and nicely flexible. It hugs your foot without constricting and can handle changes in pace, too.

This is a great everyday shoe that should appeal to many, from a mostly neutral runner who sometimes needs a touch more support, or a heelstriker who needs superior shock absorption. These shoes will last you for many miles, so they win our best value award.

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