12 of the best running trainers for men and women

Whether you’re a novice runner, a Parkrun pro or a marathon veteran, choosing the right pair of running trainers is absolutely essential.

A good pair can reduce your risk of injury and blisters and may even help you beat your PB - so, it’s a worthy investment.

What makes a shoe perfect for you really boils down to your individual needs.

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Consider the terrain you usually run on: road and trail running shoes are very different. The distance you plan on running should also be a factor in your decision. For a marathon, you’ll need a shoe with shock-absorption properties whereas for a 5km park run you may opt for a more lightweight shoe.

Your running style should also come into play. Work this out by looking at an old pair of shoes and checking where the shoe is most worn. If the inside edge of the shoe is worn down, it’s likely because your feet over-pronate. If the outer edge is more worn, you probably over-pronate.

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Most of the shoes we’ve chosen offer a neutral fit, but, if you’re unsure, your best bet is to speak to an advisor in a specialist shop who can advise you on the best shoe for your running style by giving you a gait analysis.

Shoe descriptions can seem a little overwhelming but with all the above in mind, we’ve rounded up some of our personal favourites plus award-winning kicks loved by the fitness world to get you started.

Happy running.

New Balance Trail Kaymin Gore Tex Running

Why choose: One Yahoo staffer said: “These are so underrated when it comes to all terrain. I use them for mainly running through the woods, fell running and they are equally comfortable for using on the treadmill. It’s super breathable and nicely cushioned if you’re a heavy runner.”

Available in black.

Women’s | from £64.54 | Shop now

Men’s | from £84.49 | Shop now

Nike Joyride Run Flyknit

Why choose: One Nike customer wrote: “The Nike Joyride Flyknit and its new proprietary technology makes it the perfect shoe for those (like me) who aren’t very fond of running. I absolutely love the shoe. From the way it feels on and how the Flyknit material wraps around your foot for a flexible yet supportive fit and feel, all the way to the way the beads not only respond to your foot strike but how effortless it makes your stride. Whether you’re running long distance or going for a quick jog around the block, the Nike Joyride Flyknit is the perfect shoe for either occasion.”

Available in red, white and black.

Women’s | £159 | Shop now

Men’s | £159 | Shop now

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 Running Shoes

Why choose: One Yahoo staffer said: “It’s a pretty light shoe but supportive on ankles and good cushioning underfoot. They're really durable and can take a bit of a battering from the weather. They also look pretty good imo (particularly the 35 which has a pointy bit at the back and it comes with plenty of colour variations which is something Nike do really well to suit all tastes.”

Available in 20 colourways.

Women’s | from £64.66 | Shop now

Men’s | from £93.52 | Shop now

Ultraboost 19 Shoes

Why choose: Another Yahoo staffer and marathon veteran said: “I’ve been wearing Ultraboost trainers for over three years: they’re my go-to trainer for everything from 5km Parkruns to marathons around the world. It’s a snug fit and the knit upper feels like you’re wearing a sock. It’s such a versatile shoe that is very responsive yet firm, so suitable for gym-work too. Despite being told I over-pronate and couldn’t wear a neutral shoe, these Ultraboosts haven’t failed me once. And even better: they come in a variety of colours and I own every single pair!”

Women’s | £159.95 | Shop now

Available in 8 colourways.

Men’s | £159.95 | Shop now

Available in 11 colourways

Brooks Ghost 11 Shoes

Why choose: “I love these because they’re supportive, lightweight and don’t stretch the purse strings,” said one Yahoo staffer.

Women’s | £84 (WAS £120) | Shop now

Men’s | £89 (WAS £120) | Shop now

Asics Gel-Nimbus 21

Why choose: One long-distance running Asics customer wrote: “This shoe offers the smoothest, most cushioned ride possible. I also use them during my speed track session, it helps with strong impact and provide a little extra bounce to my toe.”

Available in 11 colourways.

Women’s | £155 | Shop now

Men’s | £155 | Shop now

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19

Why choose: W on gold in the Best Support Shoe at the Running Awards 2019.

Available in seven colourways.

Women’s | £120 | Shop now

Men’s | £120 | Shop now

Salomon Speed Cross 4

Why choose: Won gold in the Best Shoe for Trail category at the Running Awards 2019.

Available in three colourways.

Women’s | £88 (WAS £110) | Shop now

Men’s | £88 (was £110) | Shop now

ON Cloud

Why choose: Won gold in the best lightweight shoe category at the Running Awards 2019.

Available in 11 colourways.

Women’s | £80 | Shop now

Men’s | £120 | Shop now

Nike Zoom Air Structure 22

Why choose: One Yahoo staffer and marathon runner said: “I used Nike Zoom Structure when I ran London Marathon - even after 4 and a half hours they were still comfy!”

Women’s | £104.95 | Shop now

Available in three colourways

Men’s | from £72.97 (WAS £104.95) | Shop now

Available in two colourways

Saucony Liberty ISO

Why choose: Won the best runner’s debut category at the Runner’s World Awards 2018.

Women’s | £84 (WAS £140) | Shop now

Available in five colourways.

Men’s | £112 (WAS £140) | Shop now

Available in five colourways.

Adidas Adizero Adios 4

Why choose: Won silver in the best lightweight shoe category at the Running Awards 2019.

Women’s | £129.95 | Shop now

Available in two colourways.

Men’s | £129.95 | Shop now

Available in three colourways.

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