Six of the best running shoes from 2024

In this end-of-year selection of footwear, we’ve asked some of our testers their favourite shoes and we’ve collated their choices into categories for every type of run and runner

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Best cushioned shoe

Brooks – Ghost Max 2 – £145.00

Taking a best seller in the shape of the Ghost 16 and increasing its cushioning to the max, the Ghost Max 2 now features DNA Loft v3 cushioning. This nitrogen-infused material makes the cushioning softer, bouncier and more durable.

The GlideRoll geometry of the midsole makes for a smooth landing and transition through the gait cycle with a positive toe-off and all-around smooth ride. The foot sits within the midsole, with small side walls to cradle the rearfoot, meaning there’s a touch of stability, which adds to the shoe’s versatility.

Tester Alex said: “I liked the original Ghost, but stepping into these was a game changer in terms of cushioning. They really have taken the shoe to the max!”

Buy here

Brooks Ghost Max 2

Best support shoe

Saucony – Guide 17 – £135.00

With a major make-over in 2024, Saucony’s most popular support shoe managed to reduce its weight, increase its cushioning and still retain great support. In fact, the Guide 17 was probably the most effective control shoe this year, providing support and stability for a wide range of runners.

“The shoes feel much lighter than the previous model yet springier and more stable at the same time!” said tester Lauren.

“I’ve run in the Guide for a few years, but this update transforms the shoe and makes it a fun shoe to run in.”

The Guide 17 is a competitively priced shoe, too, and demonstrates that you can have great cushioning and control in a lightweight and well-priced package.

Buy here

Saucony Guide 17

Best racing shoe

Metaspeed Sky Paris – £220.00

One of the most eagerly awaiting shoe launches of 2024, the Metaspeed Sky Paris didn’t disappoint and quickly became one of the most recognisable shoes on the feet of marathoners during the year.

Being lighter and softer than the previous model, the Metaspeed Sky felt fast and smooth from the gun, with the FF Blast Turbo Plus foam being the breakthrough formula that catapulted the shoe to the top of road runners’ wish lists.

“Being softer and lighter, the Metaspeed instantly felt comfortable as well as ultra-responsive,” said our products editor Paul. “I felt so confident in the shoe’s performance that I ran a half marathon in them straight from the box, put them away and then pulled them out again for a marathon. They were great, probably the nicest race day shoe I’ve ever worn.”

It’s worth noting there’s also the Metaspeed Edge version available of this shoe. With a slightly different curve to the carbon plate, Paul felt the Edge performed better over shorter distances at a faster pace.

Buy here 

ASICS Metaspped Sky Paris

Best ‘NEW’ brand

Mount to Coast – R1 – $160.00

Launching in 2024, Mount to Coast already has three road-running models in their range, with a fourth trail shoe to come early in 2025. The brand focuses a little more on ultra-distance running, but for those that don’t cover that kind of mileage, it simply means the shoes are very durable thanks to their ZeroSag foam.

“As a new brand, I was really pleasantly surprised,” said tester John. “The build of the shoes is great and the step-in comfort is very welcoming. I can see the appeal to ultra runners; the shoes are just so comfortable and I didn’t want to take them off!”

With roomier toe boxes and a fit that allows for more personalisation, the brand has managed to further refine the running shoe with considerations other brands haven’t applied. This makes for shoes that offer something a little different and perform beyond expectations.

Buy here

Mount To Coast

Best trail shoe

ASICS – Metafujitrail – £220.00

With the trail running shoe sector of the market being as wide and varied as road running models and terrain as varied as the British weather, we could have easily made arguments to support many shoes this year. The shoe we decided on has taken inspiration from its road-going sibling and makes travelling fast on the trail so much easier.

The MetaFujitrail combines light and responsive FF Turbo midsole foam with FF Blast Plus as well as a trail-focused carbon plate to create the fastest-feeling off-road shoe we’ve ever tried.

Trail runner Grace said: “The Metafujitrail is unlike any other trail shoe I’ve tried. It’s as light as a road racer and just as responsive. On firm trails and gravel paths, you notice the carbon plate and the shoe just takes off!”

Okay, this isn’t a shoe for the fells or even wetter or muddy trails, but on those door-to-trail winter runs where you’ll encounter varied conditions underfoot, the shoe excels and delivers a high-performance ride.

Buy here 

ASICS MetaFujitrail

Best ‘NEW’ model

Diadora – Gara Carbon – £240.00

While the Diadora brand has a long and famous sporting history, in recent years, its running shoes haven’t been widely available. 2024 saw a return to form for the brand and from what we saw, they’ll be one to watch in 2025.

The Gara Carbon road racing model features a full-length plate and combines it with a proprietary foam, Anima PBX (a super-critical foam to increase energy return). With Italian styling and supershoe performance to match the most exotic Italian supercar, the shoe looks and feels as good as anything else on the start line. Given a little time, we’ll be seeing much more of Diadora.

Buy here

Diadora Gara Carbon

» This article first appeared in the December issue of AW magazine, which is out now

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