The best trainers for every type of runner
Lace up and speed up in this season’s must-have running trainers for high performance, dynamic movement and ultimate comfort
All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.
The running boom continues to soar into the New Year. Figures show an impressive and world record-breaking 1,133,813 entries in the public ballot for the London Marathon 2026, while Parkrun has become the pre-brunch activity du jour, expanding to more and more locations due to popular demand. Running is here to stay, and whether a seasoned athlete or Couch to 5K novice, having the right kit is essential for efficient movement, top performance and injury prevention – and a great pair of running trainers should be your first port of call.
The right shoes can make all the difference to your running experience – look for cushioned designs for maximum energy output, grippy soles for reliability and breathable materials to keep feet cool and comfortable while on the move. There’s a huge range to choose from, including road running and trail styles, those for speedy records and others for long-distance race days.
From Asics and Brooks to Nike and Adidas, shop our edit of the best running trainers promising to help you smash your PBs. All trainers featured are available for men and women.
Asics Novablast 5
Meet the Novablast 5: lightweight and bouncy, designed to help you run faster, lace up, sprint out and hit your PBs. A big-hitting trainer from the Asics running shoe collection, the Novablast’s latest model features the brand’s unique FF Blast Max foam. Providing maximum cushioning and superb comfort, you’ll feel energised in every stride. The Novablast 5 offers a new jacquard mesh upper for optimum breathability while on the move, plus reflective details for visibility in low light conditions and strong gripping soles for safety. A responsive trainer that holds technical advances at its core, wear for short or long-distance runs and embrace the challenge of speed.
Brooks Glycerin 23
Get the miles in with Brooks’ latest trainer, the Glycerin 23. A broad platform covered in a newly engineered double jacquard knit mesh, the shoe is as supportive as it is breathable, ideal for long-distance road running. The pièce de résistance is the nitrogen-infused DNA-tuned cushioning – super bouncy and flexible, providing energetic lift-offs and responsive landings. Head outside or hit the treadmill and keep up a smooth and stable stride.
Saucony Ride 19
Championing style and substance, take your running gear up a notch with Saucony’s new Ride 19 trainers. A slick silhouette, available in a range of vibrant shades, the Ride 19 is lightweight, softer and more responsive than ever, encouraging flexible movement wherever you run. The shoe is crafted with Saucony’s unique PWRRUN+ foam for clean and energised heel-to-toe action, along with enhanced rubber and flex grooves for stability and an innovative mesh upper for maximum breathability. Comfortable while making a statement, wear over and over again thanks to the durable design.
On Cloudsurfer Max Year of the Horse
When it comes to trainers, On is ahead of the game with its innovative Swiss-engineered CloudTech cushioning system (designed to feel like you’re running on clouds). These limited edition Year of the Horse Cloudsurfers, like all On’s shoes, feature reactive technology, enabling soft landings and powerful take-offs to maximise support and improve performance. The Cloudsurfer also takes comfort to the next level with its bouncy Helion superfoam midsole to help absorb impact and prioritise safety. This racing-inspired shoe is one to watch for 5km and marathon runners alike.
Nike Zoom Fly 6
Take your running to new heights with Nike’s Zoom Fly 6 trainers, made for speedy movement. A super responsive shoe, made with ZoomX foam, the design is light and cushioned, providing maximum support on your runs, and features a carbon-fibre Flyplate to propel you like lightning. Finished with thin rubber outsoles for grip and reflective details for safety, make this your go-to trainer for hitting your PBs, whether sprinting or marathon racing. Plus the vibrant colourway will brighten your sports kit any day.
New Balance 1080 v15
Be unstoppable in New Balance’s latest edition of its bestselling 1080 running trainers. Combining comfort and durability with high performance and versatility, make these trainers your go-to for everything from weekend jogs and park runs to race days and marathons. Updates to the v15 include perforated mesh uppers for more breathability, reflective detailing and cushioned tongues for the ultimate comfort. The star of the show? A brand-new midsole technology, Infinion, providing enhanced cushioning and longer lasting performance.
Hoka Clifton 9 Gore-Tex
Don’t let the weather dampen your running with Hoka’s first-ever waterproof road shoe. Taking its all-time best-selling Clifton shoe and updating it with Gore-Tex invisible fit technology, Hoka has created a safe, secure, splash-proof and stylish running shoe for whatever the weather throws at you. The 100 per cent water-resistant silhouette features weather-ready traction pods to ensure enhanced grip and 360-degree reflectivity for all-round visibility. Propel forwards with efficient heel-to-toe action thanks to the Metarocker engineering and enjoy smooth and speedy runs come rain or shine.
Altra Timp 6
Conquer tricky terrain in Altra’s new Timp 6 trail running shoes, designed to provide support on all types of ascents and descents, whether roads, mountains or woodland. The brand’s redesigned Vibram Megagrip – a sticky rubber compound – provides optimal grip and reliable traction for stable and safe movement, while soft and responsive Ego Max midsole foam cushioning offers breathability, durability and energy in every step.
Adidas Supernova Rise 3
From everyday running to training for race day, Adidas’ latest Supernova Rises will see you through mid- to long-distance runs, supporting your feet while upping the tempo. Designed with the brand’s fresh Dreamstrike+ midsole, which is 20 per cent softer than previous versions, the high-performance silhouette ensures maximum comfort and stability for speedy movement and dynamic rides. The Primeweave upper provides breathability while a lightweight Lighttraxion outsole gives reliable grip for a shoe that moves with you, getting you ready to roll at any race start line.
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