The Best Running Shoes

Each year our team of running experts test out all the latest running shoes in order to discover the latest and greatest options available at Running Warehouse Australia. From cushioned comfort for everyday mileage to carbon-plated speed on race day, our guide to the Best Running Shoes will help you find the best shoes for your next run.

To pick the best running shoe, it’s important to know what you’ll be using the shoes for. How often do you run? Where do you run? If your favourite route takes you on a lot of trails or you simply prefer trail running, then consider trail shoes. Are you training for a race and looking for the latest and greatest shoe tech, then consider a carbon-plated racing shoe. Are you open to buying multiple pairs? The answers to these questions will help narrow your search and lead you to your new favourite shoes!

Once you identify the shoe for you, it’s also vital you choose the correct size. No worries, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guide on how to choose the right size. If you’re still struggling, keep in mind that we offer Free Returns!

From uptempo runs to recovery days, this shoe can just about do-it-all, and do-it-all really well. After careful consideration and much deliberation, our staff kept coming back to the one shoe that rules them all.

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In this category, we’re zeroing in on shoes that we consider to be our everyday workhorse—the ones that we log most of our daily mileage in. Whether you feel like a quick 30 minute jog around town or you're training for a race and need to get in 20 miles, these shoes will help you get the job done in comfort.

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When it comes to reliable everyday comfort, the HOKA Clifton has been a model of consistency for years, and the 9th version carries on that legacy while adding an additional 3 mm of stack height. The HOKA Clifton 9 is highlighted by a fantastic weight-to-cushion ratio as well as its early-stage meta-rocker design, which allows for a smooth heel-to-toe transition as you rack up the miles. We certainly found the Clifton 9 to be versatile enough to walk in or take them to the gym, but where they really shine is in those daily easy miles and recovery miles. Most of our runs are of the easy variety, so it's imperative to have a go-to shoe like the Clifton 9 in the rotation. And at Running Warehouse Australia, they're in heavy rotation.

Another top choice in the best all-around category is the Saucony Ride 16. The Ride may not be the flashiest or most innovative shoe on the market, but it has everything you would want in a daily running shoe. The PWRRUN midsole foam provides a moderate amount of cushioning that dampens the impact from landing while still allowing the runner to the feel the ground. With the rockered geometry of the shoe, our staff found the strides to be efficient at a variety of paces. Highlighting this shoe is the fit. The new upper on the Ride 16 offers a comfortable, breathable, and secure fit on a variety of foot types. We also appreciated the versatility of the Ride 16. Not only does it make for a fantastic everyday running companion, but it performs well at the gym, and feels nice and comfy on walks as well.

If you're looking for all-day comfort, whether running for miles or taking a brisk walk, look no further than the HOKA Bondi 8. This max cushioned daily trainer feels absolutely fantastic on the legs, and we kept lacing them up on recovery runs this year. But don't stop the recovery process at the end of the run; keep those legs protected and wear these wherever your day takes you. Whether it's walking the pups, pushing the stroller, or grocery shopping, pamper your feet with the luxurious comfort of the Bondi 8.

Check out our full review of the HOKA Bondi 8

For speed and tempo workouts, you need a lightweight and fast shoe that is going to help you reach those breakneck speeds, but still offer enough support and protection to prevent injuries. Here are our picks that offer just the thing.

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Some shoes can feel too firm, some can feel too soft, and some feel just right. This is the Goldilocks category in terms of comfort, and we've picked two shoes that take everyday comfort to another level. These are our top options if you are looking for a premium experience from start to finish.

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The ASICS Gel Nimbus has embodied premium everyday comfort for years, and we were pleased to see that trend continue in the revamped 25th iteration. The full-length FLYTEFOAM BLAST PLUS foam in the midsole, continues to make the Nimbus more versatile than ever, and our staff found that it performed well in a variety of workouts. Long, easy efforts in the Nimbus 25 feel like being on cruise control—just let these shoes do the work while you enjoy the views.

The Saucony Triumph 20 is another fantastic everyday training shoe that offers plush comfort no matter the distance. The soft midsole compound, PWRRUN+ made easy miles feel truly easy and provided excellent protection on our joints. In addition to the comfort provided by the PWRRUN+ midsole, the Triumph can pick up the pace if needed. And expect these shoes to hold up well over time thanks to the durable outsole rubber. We hardly noticed any wear after approximately 100 miles in these shoes, which is always nice to see. Overall, the Saucony Triumph is an excellent option for those looking for a premium everyday trainer.

We get it, $200+ running shoes aren't for everyone. Some runners just want a quality shoe to get the job done without breaking the bank. Don't worry, we've got you covered!

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As the market starts to trend further towards neutral shoes that offer inherent stability for overpronators, there are some staples that will continue to live long and prosper. Here are our top picks.

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Carbon fiber plated running shoes have ruled the marathon racing scene for the past few years due to their highly efficient design and the trend is not stopping anytime soon. These shoes represent the best of the elite-level racing shoes. Looking for a racing shoe? Check out our guide to the The Best Carbon-Plated Shoes

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When it comes to the design and build of a super shoe, Mizuno has the magic touch. Featuring one of the most eye-catching designs ever seen in a running shoe, with top-of-the-line technology to boot, this shoe has claimed top spot. The midsole consists of two layers of Mizuno's best foams that work harmoniously together to deliver a resilient ride for any distance, from the 5k all the way up to the marathon. The bottom layer consists of a large slab of the lightweight and soft MIZUNO ENERZY LITE foam, while the top layer features an even plusher and bouncier foam, MIZUNO ENERZY LITE PLUS. The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro has what it takes to help you crush your next race so the only question is, are you ready for the ride?

ASICS has taken a unique approach to their super shoe offerings by dropping two elite marathon racers with the same technologies, but with slightly different geometries—one that caters to stride-style runners who can benefit from a carbon plate positioned closer to their foot to maximise foam compression and energy return (Sky+), and the other for cadence-style runners who benefit from a lower plate position that helps with stabilisation and a more efficient toe-off (Edge+). Both shoes are equipped with a high stack of the exceptionally resilient FLYTEFOAM Turbo foam that unlocks a truly magical on-foot experience. Furthermore, the high stack of FLYTEFOAM Turbo offers great protection while still being incredibly lightweight—a combination that is like music to a marathoner's ears. The tooling on these shoes has really been dialed in, and we anticipate seeing the METASPEED line on our best-of lists for years to come.

Check out our full review of the ASICS METASPEED Sky+

Carrying the nickname of Karl Meltzer, the record holder for winning the most 100-mile trail race wins, the HOKA Speedgoat 5 continues on as our top trail shoe that can really do it all. Mixing a high level of cushioning with an ultra-sticky Vibram¨ Megagrip outsole, this shoe can handle the most rugged terrain while also having the ability to smoothly traverse fire roads. Whether you want a reliable daily trail shoe or a highly cushioned workhorse for your next 100-mile race, the HOKA Speedgoat 5 has you covered.

Check out our full review of the HOKA Speedgoat 5

The Saucony Peregrine 13 keeps the momentum gained by the previous iteration is a nimble and lightweight trail shoe that can fly across varied terrain, and we couldn't be happier! This shoe is not only incredibly lightweight, but it boasts a flexible rock plate that sits below the midsole, offering protection without sacrificing its nimbleness. That being said, long miles on hard-packed trails may end up feeling a bit harsh, so we recommend taking adventures on varied terrain.

If you're looking for all-day comfort, whether running for miles or taking a brisk walk, look no further than the Brooks Glycerin 20. This max cushioned daily trainer feels absolutely fantastic on the legs and we kept lacing them up on recovery runs this year. But don’t stop the recovery process at the end of the run, keep those legs protected and wear these wherever your day takes you. Whether it’s walking the pups, pushing the stroller, or grocery shopping, pamper your feet with the luxurious comfort of the Glycerin 20

Check out our full review of the Brooks Glycerin 20 and Glycerin GTS 20

For those who prefer a closer to the ground feel on their walks, consider a perennial best-seller in the Brooks Ghost. The Ghost 15 makes long walks and long runs fun and comfortable thanks to the soft and lightweight DNA LOFT v2 cushioning in the midsole. And with a number of stylish colours to choose from, you're bound to find something that makes you look as good you feel.

• How often should I replace my running shoes?

There are a number of signs that tell you whether it's time to replace your current running shoes. How many miles are on them? How do they feel during your runs? For a detailed answer, check out this article.

• How much should I spend on running shoes?

The amount you spend on running shoes is dependent upon a lot of factors such as what your budget is, how often you run, and whether you have injury concerns. The shoes that made the list in the article range anywhere from $170 to $320.

• How many pairs of running shoes should I have?

If you're the type of runner who runs most days of the week, has multiple races on the calendar, and/or loves to mix it up on the trails, then it sounds like a running rotation is right for you!