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These are the shoes that came out on top in our autumn/winter wear tests, designed for easy runs, racing and more China Indoor Bootie Slippers
On the hunt for a new pair of running shoes to start the new year on the right (or left) foot? We're here to help. This is the Golden Age of running shoes: 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 21 December 2023 in line with our most recent round of wear-testing for autumn/winter 2023.
Want to save yourself some money on a new pair of kicks? Here are the best running shoe deals we've spotted in the January sales. But note, stock is limited.
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.
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.
Hoka’s carbon-plated contributions to the running world have thus far failed to set hearts aflutter. But that changes with the Hoka Rocket X2 – complete with a carbon-fibre plate, sandwiched between two layers of super-responsive foam, and an internal midfoot cage for a locked-down fit. This is a lightweight racer designed with PBs firmly in mind.
There’s a noticeable sense of propulsion in the Hoka Rocket X2 – that rocker shape really pops you up on your forefoot, while the carbon-plate combined with the new PEBA midsole create a truly responsive feel underfoot.
The significant stack-height of 36mm in the heel and 31mm in the forefoot might ordinarily result in a bit of lateral instability, but this is offset by the relatively wide footbed.
Weight-savings have been made through a barely-there upper. Although the paper-thin heel counter may prove divisive, the shoe’s internal midfoot cage certainly locks the foot nicely in place.
The Rocket X2 fits a touch small – as little as ¼ size – something you might want to factor in for longer races. But in terms of responsiveness and go-faster creds, it’s certainly one of the best race-day options available, with versatility and comfort over a range of speeds and distances. With the Rocket X2, Hoka’s carbon-plated credentials finally have lift off.
The hotly anticipated third iteration of On’s supershoe – in fact arguably its first true supershoe – has proved something of a marmite design, and whether you love or hate it will depend largely on how you feel about firmness in a shoe.
With On’s signature CloudTec technology, a full-length carbon speedboard and new Helion HP hyperfoam, it’s undeniably a very good looking shoe. The upper consists of a single woven structure with On’s classic minimalist styling.
This is a shoe that is definitely meant solely for race day, and at race pace – the more you put in, the greater the energy return and sense of propulsion you get out. The firmness means that at easy paces, though, you simply don’t feel the benefits of the carbon plate.
The fit is true-to-size, though perhaps a touch on the narrow size in the toebox area. They feel very comfortable from the get-go, with a nice bit of padding on the tongue and in the heel. Ironically enough, it might be fans of old-school racing flats who will really enjoy these carbon plate shoes. And if your form is strong, you’re certainly going to feel the real benefit of the Cloudboom Echo 3s on race day.
With the Fast-FWD Nitro Elite, Puma have now added a third carbon racer to their line up (alongside the Deviate Nitro 2 and the Fast-R Nitro Elite). And boy, does it look different. The geometry looks completely unique, with cut-outs under the heel and forefoot to create that rocker effect. And yet, while it looks downright bizarre, it runs far more smoothly than you’d imagine.
That design does force you into the midfoot landing zone (landing anywhere else in this shoe is just, well, not going to happen) but that actually feels really good at pace. The transition onto your toes is super-peppy, but no more aggressive than other supershoes.
This, though, is undeniably a niche shoe – Puma even describe it as a ‘track spike for the road’. It’s designed for racing shorter distances, with Puma’s carbon plate running through a midsole made from the Pebax-based Nitro Elite foam, though there’s also a Pebax-based insole for a softer feel underfoot.
The upper is superlight, with stripes of Pwrtape adding structure where it’s most needed to lock the foot down. And as with all Puma shoes, the outsole offers superior grip and traction, which you might just need, because this is a shoe designed for hitting your top speeds.
Until On finally run out of Cloud-related puns, they’ll no doubt continue to make the best looking shoes around – and the CloudStratus are no exception. They also have the classic On immediate pull-on comfort – though if anything they are a little roomier than most On shoes, particularly in the forefoot. This is great for wider footed runners, but equally, the excellent lacing system means you can adjust for a good fit whatever your foot shape.
As in the v2, there’s a double layer of CloudTec Helion superfoam cushioning and On's speedboard – a plastic plate in the midsole – but there are also some significant changes. For starters, the bottom of the midsole is now closed off, meaning that – rejoice! – you won't get stones stuck in the bottom of those Clouds. Tweaks have also been made to the upper, and to the wings around the lacing that help lock down the foot. All this results in a lovely, comfortable ride with maximal yet light cushioning.
While these are shoes that are gentle on tired legs and great for recovery miles, they also respond well to an increase in pace, making them a great everyday trainer. Finally, On have updated the outsole to include grippy rubber pads to improve stability and durability in all conditions.
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.
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 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.
Now in its seventh iteration, the Torin has won fans for its plush cushioning and fit, though not all of the updates have been so well received. But the Torin 7 looks set to be a hit, with a touch more midsole (2mm more of Altra's Ego Max foam) and a redesigned heel collar for a securely locked in fit. The tongue has also been updated, with a plush feel which feels soft yet breathable on longer efforts.
Like all Altra shoes, the fit is generous, yet also secure – there's toe room but not so much space that the foot isn't held securely in place. And also like all Altra shoes – except the new FWD Experience – it is zero drop. Those who are curious yet wary of the zero drop shoe might want to give this a try, because the super comfortable fit, energic ride and a good wedge of cushioning (30mm) result in a shoe that doesn't 'feel' zero drop at all. Indeed, it's a really versatile shoe, a great daily trainer with a good energy return that actually responds really well when you pick up the pace. It's certainly a shoe that works best for those who want to get up on that forefoot, perhaps less so for heel strikers.
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 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 Mach X is essentially a super-charged Mach 5 – a daily training shoe with maximal cushioning. Unlike the Mach 5, however, it's now got a plate in that midsole. It's also bigger all round – in fact, this is a shoe much more akin to the excellent Rocket X2 and, for fans, it could be the ideal training partner for that racer.
There are no real grand departures from the Hoka norm with the upper of this shoe; the cushioning at the heel is soft enough to feel snug, the heel counter and laces provide a secure fit and the shoe fits true to size.
The big change comes in the midsole where there is a Peba and EVA foam sandwich with a Pebax plate as the filling. Combined with the reasonably pronounced early stage rocker (for transition from mid-foot to toe off), the shoe certainly wants to move you onto your toes.
It feels very balanced on the move, the foam and plate combo working well when you pick up the pace. But longer, easier efforts are when this shoe comes into its own, delivering comfort as the time ticks by. It's not, perhaps, quite the Swiss Army knife that Hoka would want it to be – it's not superlight and doesn't feel as snappy as you'd want for speedwork. But if out-and-out performance doesn’t concern you, then the Hoka Mach X is a very comfortable, encouraging and capable running shoe that will easily guide you from parkrun to half marathon and beyond.
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.
Back when it was first released in 2010, the Saucony Kinvara was a low-profile, lightweight shoe perfect for speedwork. Since then, the stack height has been gradually creeping up towards the maximalist cushioning that’s now appearing everywhere.
Indeed, that’s the case here – the 14 has gone up to 31mm in the heel (from 28.5mm in the Kinvara 13) and 27 mmin the forefoot (up from 24.5mm), though the low drop remains the same. Yet despite the higher stack, it’s also way lighter – thanks to the new, lighter Pwrrun midsole foam.
The upper is made from a breathable mesh material, with a built-in ‘bootie’ tongue that wraps around the front of the foot for a snug lockdown. The level of cushioning is comfortable rather than pillowy, with a good amount of ground feel, and the newly designed rocker shape creates a ride that feels smooth and agile over everyday miles, as well as harder effort runs.
The Kinvara combines medium cushioning with a good amount of stiffness, wrapped up in a really lightweight shoe. Our testers commented that the Kinvara 14 was well-balanced, nimble and agile, though some did find it a little narrow, so it’s certainly not for wide-footed runners.
Hoka's Arahi 6 isn’t a particularly ‘sexy’ shoe – there’s no uber-bouncy or uber-fast ride here, but it does its job perfectly: providing over-pronating runners with much-needed structure and support to run long miles niggle-free. The latest Arahi utilises the same J-frame tech as its predecessor – essentially a firmer piece of foam that runs from the medial (inner) side and hooks around the heel to the lateral (outer) side. This, plus thick midsole cushioning, ensures a stable ride with plenty of shock absorption underfoot – an excellent combo for long, slow runs.
Up top, a structured heel counter and plush heel collar offer an extra layer of protection and support. At 216g, the Arahi is noticeably lighter than comparable stability shoes, which makes it a joy on longer runs. Our only gripe is they come up small, so we’d recommend going half a size up.
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.
When you have a workhorse shoe with legions of loyal fans, you don’t mess around with it. The latest iteration of Saucony’s daily stability shoe features a thick stack of Pwrrun cushioning, plenty of structure and a comfy interior.
Where there are tweaks, they add comfort: a new Pwrrun+ sockliner –essentially a more padded, plush and soft interior – and more Pwrrunmidsole foam. There’s also a softer and more flexible dual-layered mesh upper and the shoe is a tad lighter, shedding 12g off the Guide 15.
The pronation control, provided by the Hollow Tech support frame, is excellent. It’s essentially a lighter and less intrusive version of a medial post. There’s also a sturdy heel counter to provide more stability. The shoe fits true to size with a roomy toebox. Though it’s certainly not a speeds hoe, it’s surprisingly lightweight, with reasonable firmness. Our testers commented that it felt light and nimble, with just as much comfort from the first mile to the last of even a long run.
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.
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.
Featuring one of the softest foams out there, this trainer has had quite a substantial redesign. It’s part of the new generation of stable, neutral shoes with lots of cushioning, and is designed for everyday easy runs. It’s also a great choice for new or low-mileage runners.
The fourth iteration has an all-new midsole, made with the new ReactX foam – which, according to Nike, gives you 13% more energy return compared with the standard Nike React foam –and also reduces the carbon footprint of the midsole by at least 43%.
There’s a new waffle outsole with improved traction, as well as a stretchy knit upper, which features a water-resistant liner to keep your toes dry.
While the shoe offers great bounce and comfort, it’s not a lightweight option, so it’s definitely a cruisy, easy day shoe, rather than a speedster.
It also comes up pretty snug, so you may want to go up half a size. That’s partly due to the revamped upper, which is thicker than usual.
In the age of maximalist rocker geometries and carbon-fibre plates, the New Balance Fresh Foam880 very much remains a traditional, mid-cushioned trainer – its classic 10mm heel-toe drop being just one testament to that.
Now on its 13th iteration, it’s clear why the shoe has stood the test of time. It’s highly versatile, responsive enough for interval sessions – albeit perhaps not for the most advanced – yet comfortable for long runs.
It packs in enough Fresh Foam X in the midsole that it feels soft and protective underfoot, but not so much that it veers into softness and loses its bounce. The upper, made from engineered mesh, allows for good breathability, comfort and stretch for those longer runs, too. And despite being a neutral shoe, it’s got decent amount of arch support.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for a daily workhorse, or a high-mileage runner seeking consistent performance with a bit of cushioning, the 880 really is a shoe that can work for everyone.
If you were judging a shoe on looks alone, you’d be forgiven for assuming the Wave Rider 27 would feel a touch heavy or a little flat underfoot. But you’d be wrong, because this is a deceptively good and lightweight trainer you can use every day.
The ride is smooth, stable and springy, with enough cushioning to keep you comfortable on easy runs and longer efforts. The latest update of an already popular shoe also has a new heel counter that locks your foot into the platform better than the previous model, with no slippage or irritation around the heel. Another key update is in the upper material, which again helps create a more locked-in fit – though on the other hand, the robust and thicker material does feel slightly on the hot side in warmer weather.
The shoe’s X10 carbon rubber outsole has good grip on slippery surfaces. That being said, the high12mm drop won’t be for everyone – this is definitely a shoe for the slower end of your runs as picking up the pace doesn’t feel natural. But if you’re looking for a comfortable shoe that can handle pretty much everything bar speedwork, then the Wave Rider is a strong contender.
If you're bored of the same old shoe designs, look no further. The Velociti 3’s flat-knit upper definitely has a unique look, which promises ‘dynamics tretch and compression’ as well as breathability. Does it deliver? Well, how dynamic you feel might differ day to day, but it offers a super-comfy fit.
The updated Velociti features a cushioned Flow midsole that tends towards the firmer end of the scale– but this is a shoe that definitely gives a little as you wear it in.
The simplicity of its construction makes for a lightweight shoe that also feels responsive when you pick up the pace – though at the same time, the reinforced heel gives a supportive fit. The padded, winged tongue and lacing (both redesigned from the previous model) are well constructed, locking down the foot and eliminating pressure points nicely.
With none of the bells and whistles that supershoes now promise, what you get is a seamless ride with great grip and traction from the outsole on any surface. This is a good all-rounder for those who value simplicity – and want one shoe to do everything.
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