When it comes to getting sweaty, running is a pretty polarising choice of exercise. Fact is, you either love it—and we mean, really love it—or you hate it. If you’re here though, chances are you’re a fan of clocking up those kms on Strava or the Nike Run Club app. Or maybe you’re running-curious, like most of the world in 2024.
Whatever your vibe, choosing your perfect running shoe is a really important step in your running journey. Not all running shoes are created equal, and how you seek to chase the runner’s high, as well as the intricacies of your own stride, should determine which shoe is best for you.
Urban List's Top Picks
- Best Overall Daily Shoe, Nike Pegasus 41 Blueprint
- Best Max-Cushion Daily Shoe, On Cloudeclipse
- Best Stability Shoe, Asics Gel-Kayano 30
- Best Trail Shoe, Hoka Mafate Speed 4
- Best Women's Specific Shoe, Lululemon Beyondfeel
- Best Max-Cushion Carbon-Plated Shoe, Hoka Skyward X
- Best Racing Shoe For Energy Return, New Balance Supercomp Elite V4
- Best Racing Shoe For Speed & Support, Brooks Hyperion Elite 4
- Best Racing Shoe For Versatility, Nike Vaporfly 3
Best Overall Daily Shoe Nike Pegasus 41 Blueprint
Nike didn't disappoint its loyal fans with the latest update to its go-to daily trainer. Designed to suit both experienced runners and beginners alike, this shoe caters to most runners' everyday needs with its plush and comfortable design.
Featuring Nike’s all-new ReactX foam, the shoe delivers a highly cushioned and responsive underfoot experience. The new design is lighter and more breathable, making it perfect for ticking off those daily kilometres in both comfort and style.
NEED TO KNOW
- Weight: Approx. 297g
- Drop: 10mm
- Type: Road
Best Max-Cushion Daily Shoe On Cloudeclipse
Looking for more cushion for your everyday runs? Look no further than the On Cloudeclipse. Positioned at the maximalist end of daily trainers, these high-stack shoes feature a double layer of CloudTec Phase® for a smooth, plush ride that feels soft underfoot. The Speedboard® enhances control and stability, while rubber pads on the outsole provide better grip in all conditions.
While we wouldn't recommend these shoes for faster runs or speed work, they excel in delivering comfort and protection for long runs and easy miles.
NEED TO KNOW
- Weight: Approx. 285g
- Drop: 6mm
- Type: Road
Best Stability Shoe Asics Gel-Kayano 31
Runners with stability needs often face limited options when it comes to highly cushioned shoes, but the Asics Gel-Kayano 31 changes that. This stability shoe provides a highly cushioned and smooth ride, perfect for high-mileage, tempo work, and beginner runners just starting out.
Perfectly balancing stability, cushioning, and durability, the latest Gel-Kayano 31 features an innovative "4D Guidance System”, that includes a softer foam under the arch, that adapts to the shape of your foot for consistent stability. Combine this with the shoes flared base and you’ve got a super-stable shoe, even when fatigue kicks in.
NEED TO KNOW
- Weight: Approx. 311g
- Drop: 10mm
- Type: Road
Best Trail Shoe Hoka Mafate Speed 4
This beloved trail shoe has been recently updated to deliver the same outstanding performance and versatility in an even lighter package. Designed for off-road adventures and navigating technical trails, this Hoka classic offers the ideal combination of grip, agility, and cushioned comfort.
Both trail enthusiasts and beginners will appreciate this shoe's versatility and durability, thanks to its enhanced traction lugs and vibram outsole. Whether you're embarking on long off-road runs or seeking speed for race day, this all-terrain shoe is the ultimate workhorse for the trails.
NEED TO KNOW
- Weight: Approx. 240g
- Drop: 4mm
- Type: Trail, Race
Best Women's Specific Shoe Lululemon Beyondfeel
Engineered based on extensive research into the differences in foot shapes between men and women, these Lululemon running shoes have been designed to specifically cater to the unique needs of a woman’s foot in motion and to support a woman's stride precisely where it's needed most.
The outsole features an extra flex groove that mirrors a woman’s foot strike, while an additional two millimetres of foam in the front of the shoe provides targeted support.
NEED TO KNOW
- Weight: Approx. 270g
- Drop: 10mm
- Type: Road
Best Max-Cushion Carbon-Plated Shoe Hoka Skyward X
Delivering a unique running experience, the Hoka Skyward X falls into the category of max-cushioned super shoes. The design delivers a soft, rockered feel underfoot, while the shoes' supportive upper and EVA frame maintains a stable feel overall.
The shoe's revolutionary suspension system, featuring a convex carbon fibre plate that provides the right amount of spring for tired legs. This makes the Skyward X an excellent choice for eating up long, easy distances or as a comfortable marathon shoe for most runners.
NEED TO KNOW
- Weight: Approx. 320g
- Drop: 5mm
- Type: Road, Race
Best Racing Shoe For Energy Return New Balance Supercomp Elite V4
Engineered for top-tier performance, the New Balance Supercomp Elite V4 is the race day shoe for those crucial moments where every second counts. Backed by years of research, this competitive super shoe features a FuelCell midsole for a propulsive feel, paired with a thinner carbon fibre plate that delivers exceptional energy return.
The high stack provides plush leg-saving relief over long distances, while the shoe’s rocker profile ensures a smooth, natural transition from heel to toe. This combination makes it the perfect choice for runners aiming to set a new personal best over the half or full marathon distance.
NEED TO KNOW
- Weight: Approx. 188g
- Drop: 4mm
- Type: Road, Race
Best Racing Shoe For Speed & Stability Brooks Hyperion Elite 4
Considered a top-tier choice when it comes to road racing supershoes, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 was designed in combination with pro runners to deliver a responsive and supportive race-ready shoe.
Combining a carbon fiber plate with responsive DNA FLASH v2 cushioning and a durable outsole, this shoe offers a gentler ride compared to typical supershoes. This makes it an ideal choice for runners who want all the benefits of a carbon-plated shoe without having to sacrifice on support.
NEED TO KNOW
- Weight: Approx. 221g
- Drop: 8mm
- Type: Road, Race
Best Racing Shoe For Versatility Nike Vaporfly 3
Designed for race-day speed, the Nike Vaporfly 3 is the ultimate choice for runners looking to chase down a personal best. Perfect for distances from 10K to marathons, this latest iteration of the super shoe comes with some major upgrades.
The Vaporfly 3 is lighter, more responsive, and offers greater stability than its predecessors. Key features include a unique spoon-shaped carbon plate, a springy Pebax midsole, and an overall lightweight design. Its mid-range price—when compared to other super shoes on the market—makes it an attractive option for runners seeking a performance boost without a hefty price tag.
NEED TO KNOW
- Weight: Approx. 165g
- Drop: 8mm
- Heel Stack: Road, Race
Image credit: Hoka Australia | Instagram
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