We take a look at some of the top running shoes for every type of runner
All these reviews are independent and unbiased views and are based on running real miles in these shoes. This piece contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission when you purchase using these links.
Best all-rounder running shoe for the neutral runner
Nike – Air Zoom Pegasus 41 – £129.99
Your relationship with the Pegasus is unlike anything else, or so Nike says. They add: “It’s faithful, reliable and always there.”
Let’s face it: this is true. The Pegasus has been around for quite a while. More than 40 years, in fact, and now we have the 41st generation model. While the shoe has changed significantly from the original, it still remains the brand’s most iconic running shoe and the No.1 in terms of sales.
Nike Pegasus 41
This version sees a combination of Zoom Air placed within the ReactX foam. The shoe does have a nicely balanced ride and feel to it deals with impact well, but it still has one foot firmly placed in the past. This isn’t a supershoe with a deep stack of cushioning, in fact, in today’s market, it’s almost low-profile. This is fine and makes the shoe great for a little more feel of the road and works well for tempo sessions.
The familiar waffle sole pattern is as good as ever and goes a long way into making this a versatile shoe for any surface, thanks to that excellent traction.It’s the classic we all know brought up to date with a reassuringly familiar feel.
Best running shoe for faster-paced tempo running
ASICS – Superblast 2 Paris – £200.00
Part of a collection of shoes carrying the timely ‘Paris’ name, the Superblast 2 builds on the success of the original and updates it with the same FF Turbo+ foam as used in the premium racing shoe, the Metaspeed Sky.
Here, we have a non-legal 45mm stack of cushioning, so the shoe is aimed at faster-paced daily training. It’s still a relatively lightweight model at 250g, which for a shoe with such a deep stack of cushioning is amazing.
ASICS Superblast 2
The new model is lighter, softer and now more responsive than its predecessor and almost feels like a new model rather than an update. There are improvements too to the upper, with a new engineered woven design, as well as the outsole, which provides better traction and durability.
This could be a one-stop shoe for many runner’s weekly training, offering a nice balance of cushioning for the easy runs and a responsive yet lightweight feel for your faster efforts.
Buy the ASICS Superblast 2 here.
Best running shoe for beginners
Brooks – Ghost 16 – £135.00
The latest version of the brand’s most popular model sees the addition of their range-topping DNA3 foam. This nitrogen-infused foam was previously used on the premium Glycerin shoe so now, being available at this price point sees a real boost for the shoe.
Nitrogen foam offers a bouncier and more durable ride and elevates this model perfectly without distracting from the established fit and feel of the shoe.
Brooks Ghost 16
To tie in perfectly with the more durable foam, a new recycled silica-infused rubber is used on the outsole for a longer life and great traction.As always with the Ghost, the upper is a top-quality engineered mesh that has a fuss-free fit to step in and go.
Best running shoe for shorter, faster runs and interval training
New Balance – FuelCell Rebel v4 – £140.00
Newbalance.co.uk
With a new blend of FuelCell foam mixed with PEBA, New Balance has made the latest version of the Rebel a more ‘race-day’ feeling model. Of course, the brand has carbon-plated shoes specifically for racing and here, the Rebel goes without carbon, but it simply means we get a good value, high-performance model that is great for both racing and speedwork, tempo runs and intervals at a fraction of carbon shoe money.
The shoe has a higher stack of foam than the previous Rebel, but it’s a broader base to add stability to the soft cushioning. It feels light and responsive with just a touch of ‘spring’ that’s perfect for more regular use.
The no-sew upper ensures a seamless fit, and it’s a light and breathable design that minimises weight and is in perfect keeping for the shoe. For a good value and versatile performance shoe, it’s a great choice.
Get the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 here.
Best running shoe with support and plush cushioning
ASICS – Gel Kayano 31 – £180.00
The brand’s most popular support shoe returns and sees improvements to the cushioning, sole and upper. While there are updates to all areas of the shoe, they are minor and mean existing fans of the model won’t be disappointed. A new sole means better all-around traction, while the FF Blast Plus Eco foam bumps up to a 40mm stack in the heel with a 10mm drop, meaning lots of soft, smooth riding cushioning.
ASICS Gel Kayano 31
The 4D guidance system provides an adaptive level of support that suits all but the most severe pronators without distracting from the easy-going transition from heel strike to toe-off. The upper fit retains a premium level of comfort with a great-fitting heel and Achilles collar that hugs the foot beautifully.
Learn more about the ASICS Gel Kayano 31 here.
Best supportive running shoe
New Balance – Fresh Foam X 860v14 – £140.00
The 860v13 was one of the most popular and effective models around in controlling pronation. This update takes a fresh approach to control with a ‘stability plane’, a thin plate running the width and length of the shoe. The plate is sandwiched by Fresh Foam X, below it a firmer layer and above it a softer layer of the brand’s proprietary midsole foam.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14
The plane is angled to create a slightly larger area of the firmer material on the medial side of the foot and, therefore, gently control any roll. The result is a smooth riding support shoe with a great cushioned feel.
The engineered mesh upper has a slight stretch to it so that it can accommodate most foot shapes and sizes comfortably. It’s a good choice for everyday training for those seeking a light, stable, do-it-all shoe.
Learn more about the New Balance 860v14 here.
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