The best running shoes from all the top brands

The style of the Nike Invincible 3 makes it instantly iconic: A classic look with a souped-up twist. They’ll look great on pretty much all runners. But they’re about much more than style. The Nike Invincible 3 is packed with cushioning, thanks to ZoomX foam, which puts a literal spring in your step. Or to put it more technically, a powerful, highly-responsive energy return.

The ZoomX foam means better comfort and protection too, so you’re always ready for the next run. Perfect for anyone who puts in serious miles each week. Indeed, they’re softer underfoot and will suit everyday training.

There are some new features, including a smaller, better placed heel clip, plus a wider midsole for added stability. The shoes are covered in Nike’s Flyknit mesh to keep your feet cool. Nike has also dropped the carbon-fibre plate, which you’ll find in other ZoomX shoes, because the Nike Invincible 3 is focused on propulsion.

The price will put off some potential buyers, but they’re pure quality. They race ahead of the competition — and so will anyone who wears them.

Adidas make running shoes with style. They often double up as lifestyle sneakers. And while the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 look undeniably cool, they're built for much more. Indeed, the Pro line has long been a favourite of competitive marathon runners. They're designed for speed over long distances.

The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 maintain those speeds with innovative tech. Instead of a carbon plate, these use five carbon-infused energy rods, which give you an impressive energy return while reducing weight and mimicking the five metatarsal bones along the length of the shoe.

Expert runners also credit the Pro 3's Lightstrike Pro foam technology. This double-layered foam helps maintain energy and gives these shoes a distinctive feel. They aren't bouncy or squishy, like you might get with high-stacked foam sneakers. Instead, there's a responsive snap in the running action.

These shoes are not only suited to marathon distances, but all conditions too. There's a textile runner on the outsole which gives you improved traction. Even if it's hammering it down outside, there's no excuse to not smash your marathon personal best.

New Balance’s Fresh Foam has been an impressive step forward in running shoe tech. It’s created by 3D motion captured pressure mapping and force application data. And the New Balance Fresh Foam x More v4 stacks the foam higher than ever before (a midsole and outsole stack of 34mm) and it runs the entire length of the shoe. The ultimate goal is a plush but stable experience.

The upper is made with an engineered, breathable mesh that provides zonal support. Though there’s plenty of air flow, that combination of high-stacked foam and mesh ensures a secure, snug fit.

The cushioning of these shoes, including a sizeable rocker for that smooth heel-to-toe action, makes these shoes great for high-mileage running. If you’re pounding the tarmac day after day, building those miles, or you need something for recovery, these are absolutely ideal.

The comfort of the fresh foam also makes these a solid pick for beginner runners — though we know the price isn’t necessarily new starter-friendly.

It’s worth noting that the rocker might be a bit much for some runners. Reviewers have noted that it guides your foot in a specific way. Other reviewers however have praised the guidance these shoe provide, which can help keep your runs on track even when you're feeling fatigued.

Brooks is one of the most popular brands with serious runners. That's because it focuses on what matters most: well-engineered shoes for specific goals. The Brooks Hyperion Tempo, for instance, are lightweight and fast. They’re made for tempo training sessions and pushing yourself towards that big race.

They have a DNA Flash midsole, which is made from nitrogen-infused foam. This ultra-light cushioning responds to your stride, giving you a high energy return. These shoes also absorb the impact of hitting the ground fast and hard, which ultimately helps with your recovery.

Breathable mesh ensures your feet get enough air, while the padded heel prevents the kind of blistering you might get from intense training. Don’t be fooled into thinking they're only good for short bursts of speed. The Brooks Hyperion Tempo have the kind of comfort and support for handling long distances too.

There really isn’t much to complain about, though they can vary in price depending on the size and style. And as you can see elsewhere in this roundup, good quality running shoes don’t often come cheap. You'll make your money back in pure speed.

A lot of casual runners fall into the trap of only considering running shoes from the likes of Nike, New Balance, and Adidas. Just because these are the biggest mainstream brands doesn't mean they're always the best choice for you.

Hoka isn't the most recognisable brand in the UK, but that shouldn't put you off. Serious runners know them well. They always feature on 'best running shoes' lists. They're especially well regarded for their chunky, well-stacked cushioning.

Our pick is the Hoka Clifton 8, which offers a range of features. Especially impressive is a midsole made from lightweight, energetic foam. That ensures a responsive toe-off for a forgiving landing. Great for runners with sensitive feet. They also have a specially engineered upper with breathable mesh.

If you're looking for an extremely light shoe that offers the cushioning of a much heavier design, this could be your best option. Other recommended Hoka running shoes include the Rocket X and the Speed Goat 5.

The Saucony Tempus is something of a revelation within the stability shoe market. Which means if you overpronate — roll your foot inwards as you run, pushing off from your big toes — they could be a game changer for your technique and performance. They're stable but not stiff and restricting.

It uses Saucony's PWRRUN PB — a PEBA-based foam — which gives you a real bounce and helps you push the tempo of your run.

Expert runners raved about the shoes' stability features, which will also suit neutral runners who want more support. The Saucony Tempus don't use rigid posting like other stability shoes. Rather, the foam acts as a guidance frame, with a supportive midsole with a deep contour and wide forefoot and heel.

The forefoot rocker helps with push off while the heel stays centred. Ultimately, these shoes are made to propel and guide you forward with purpose. We also like a reflective strip on the back of the heel — a nice safety feature.

If you like to get off the beaten track — and we mean that quite literally — the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 are specialist off-road running shoes. They're built for navigating uneven terrain, undergrowth, natural obstacles, debris, varying weather conditions, and stony ground.

Like other New Balance running shoes, they feature the brand's Fresh Foam X for a cushioned and comfortable ride. They also have an outsole made with Vibram Megagrip, a durable rubber that maintains in all wet and dry conditions. It's a favourite among mountain bikers and hikers too.

The mesh upper is breathable but also keeps your foot protected against the elements. The upper also hugs the foot and ankle, giving you full support in those challenging runs.

We have to admit the design isn't the most attractive — they have that outdoorsy style that brands insist on using. The black and white version is more inconspicuous, at least. But these shoes aren't made for style — they're made for performance and practicality in the great outdoors.

It doesn't get much more iconic than the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus — a style of Nike shoe that has a decades-long lineage and which continues to evolve. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus is “the workhorse with wings,” as Nike likes to boast.

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 continues on from the previous year's 39 version, with Nike's React foam — which is lightweight, springy, and robust — plus added flex groove and an extra Air Zoom unit. This means the Pegasus 39 has an air unit in both the toe and heel. The Air Zoom units are tweaked to cater specifically for men, women, and size. 

There's a new feature too: A midfoot band that hugs your foot arch, making the shoes easier on the most sensitive parts of your foot.

The Zoom X-cushioned Nikes probably beat these as an overall shoe, though for a more reasonably priced option these are still way ahead of most of the competition. Iconic, high-performance, and excellent for everyday running.

Not everyone wants to spend big on running shoes. But if you buy cheap, will the shoes go the distance? If you’re clocking up plenty of miles every week, they’re going to get battered. The dilemma is this: Spend big to handle the mileage, or spend low on a pair that will need replacing every few months.

Fortunately, there are running shoes that deliver a competitive price and level of quality. Asics is a hugely reliable sports brand with plenty of options. The Asics Patriot 13 in particular are an excellent choice — a combination of performance and comfort at a mid-level price.

They have a breathable upper with a springy midsole that gives you both cushioning and support. They’re not intended for marathon training or high intensity, but for regular recreational running, they’re miles ahead. 

They're made with an EVA foam midsole that’s designed to deliver a springy response with each and every stride. They also have a breathable, flexible upper. And best of all — especially if you’re after value for money — is that they’re super durable, thanks to a tough moulded rubber outsole. They’ll still be good-to-go after a few months.