If you've navigated any London park recently, you'll know the running revolution is in full stride. From casual joggers to dedicated club runners, hitting the pavement has never been more popular. Published on January 16, 2026, this guide by journalist Lydia Wheatley cuts through the clutter to help you find your ideal pair. With countless options boasting different cushioning and tech, selecting the right shoe is crucial. The wrong choice can hinder your progress, while the perfect pair can propel you to new personal bests.
How to Choose Your Perfect Running Shoe
To simplify your search, we've categorised the top running shoes into three essential types based on your training needs. Understanding this breakdown is the first step to a smarter purchase.
Everyday/Long Run Shoes: Your reliable workhorses. These models prioritise cushioning, durability, and comfort, making them ideal for longer, steady-paced runs where support is key.
Tempo Shoes: Designed for speedwork. Lighter and more responsive than daily trainers, they are built for faster sessions like intervals and tempo runs. They often feature nylon plates for a snappier, more efficient ride.
Race Shoes: Your secret weapon for competition day. Engineered to be ultra-lightweight and responsive, they minimise weight to maximise speed. Many incorporate carbon fibre plates to create a propulsive 'rocker' effect, helping you achieve that coveted PB.
Top Picks for Everyday Mileage
For the bulk of your training, you need a trustworthy and comfortable shoe. Here are the standout models for daily use.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14 (£140): A dependable stability shoe, perfect for runners who overpronate. The Fresh Foam X midsole offers plush cushioning for comfort on both short and long runs.
Salomon Aero Blaze 3 (£125): Delivers exceptional bounce and support for medium-length runs. Its optiFOAM midsole provides superb shock absorption, while the rocker geometry helps maintain energy.
Hoka Clifton 10 (£140): A beloved classic for daily kilometres. Known for its plush, forgiving ride and ultralight cushioning, it makes logging maintenance miles a breeze.
Nike Vomero Plus (£154.99): Combines style with high-performance cushioning. It features a full-length ZoomX foam midsole, Nike's most responsive foam, for an incredibly comfortable and energetic ride.
Asics Novablast 5 (£134.99): A popular, no-nonsense trainer that borders on tempo capability. Its FF BLAST MAX foam and trampoline-inspired outsole deliver excellent energy return and a soft, bouncy feel.
Speed Demons: Best Shoes for Tempo Runs
When it's time to pick up the pace, these lightweight, responsive trainers will help you fly through your speed sessions.
On Cloudsurfer Next (£95, save £45): A brilliant hybrid that works for both daily runs and faster efforts. Its CloudTec Phase™ cushioning system provides a smooth yet dynamic and energetic ride.
adidas Adizero EVO SL Shoes (£109.99, save £20): A track and road favourite. A LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam midsole ensures optimal energy return, while the bold, racing-inspired design looks as fast as it feels.
Saucony Women's Peregrine 15 (£78, save £52): The ultimate tempo shoe for trail runners. An upgraded PWRRUN foam offers comfort, while the PWRTRAC outsole delivers exceptional grip on wet and dry, technical terrain.
Race Day Heroes: Shoes Built for PBs
For that all-important 10k, half, or full marathon, these elite racing shoes are engineered to help you smash your goals with less effort.
Nike Alphafly 3 (£185.49, save £99.50): Designed for effortless speed over long distances. It combines dual Air Zoom units, a full-length carbon-fibre plate, and a ZoomX foam midsole for unparalleled propulsion and comfort from start to finish.
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 (£155, save £64.99): A classic racer built for speed. It features Lightstrike Pro foam and carbon-infused ENERGYRODS 2.0 for explosive energy return, plus Continental™ rubber outsoles for superb traction.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 (£224, save £56): A sleek, featherweight racer with incredible rebound. Its IncrediRUN foam and full-length carbon fibre plate work together to deliver explosive propulsion and smooth transitions with every stride.
Whether you're taking your first jogging steps or chasing a marathon personal best, investing in the right footwear is fundamental. The UK market in 2026 is rich with innovation from leading brands like Nike, Asics, Salomon, and Hoka, offering a perfect shoe for every runner's ambition. Use this guide as your starting point, lace up, and hit the ground running.
