Best running trainers: I've put real miles into the most talked about trainer brands - here's my expert verdict on the shoe you should choose for comfort, speed and support

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Running trainers get plenty of attention in the fitness world - and rightly so. The right pair can completely change how a run feels, helping your legs stay fresher for longer and making each mile feel that little bit easier.

At the Daily Mail, we've been testing some of the most talked-about running trainers available right now including the Nike Vomero Plus and Brooks Glycerin 23 road runners. We've also put the best running socks and best running leggings through their paces too.

The best running shoes should feel comfortable straight away, offer reliable cushioning and support, and cope with everything from short jogs to longer training sessions without leaving your legs feeling broken the next day. 

Rather than simply trying them on once, I've put real miles into each pair and paid close attention to comfort, cushioning, stability and how they feel when fatigue starts to kick in. I've worn them on short jogs, longer steady runs and faster sessions to see how they actually perform on and off the road.

From max-cushioned comfort shoes from Asics to race-ready speed machines from Adidas, these are the trainers that genuinely stood out during testing.

Best running trainers: Quick list

• Best cushioned running trainers: Nike Vomero Plus
• Best lightweight running trainers: Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
• Best all round running trainers: Salomon Aero Blaze 3
• Best running trainers for long distance: Asics GEL-Nimbus 28
• Best road running trainers: Brooks Glycerin 23

How we test running shoes

I tested each pair during real runs - short recovery jogs, longer steady sessions and faster workouts.

I paid close attention to comfort, cushioning, stability and how responsive the shoes felt when picking up the pace. I also considered how breathable they felt, whether the fit stayed secure during runs and how my legs felt afterwards.

Running shoes can feel great for the first mile but very different by mile eight, so durability and long-run comfort were just as important as the initial feel.

If you're investing in a new pair of trainers, these are the ones that genuinely impressed me during testing.

Read more about how we test products at the Daily Mail.

I've been testing some of the most talked-about running trainers available right now - wearing them on short jogs, longer steady runs and faster sessions to see how they actually perform on the road 

The best running trainers to buy now

1. Best cushioned running trainers: Nike Vomero Plus

The Nike Vomero Plus has quickly become one of the most talked-about cushioned trainers among runners - especially those training for long distances.

The first thing I noticed was the amount of cushioning underfoot. The ZoomX foam feels soft and springy, and it does a great job of absorbing impact on the road. On longer runs, that cushioning really helps reduce the pounding you feel through your legs.

Despite being heavily cushioned, the shoe still has a surprisingly lively feel. There's a gentle bounce with each stride that makes steady miles feel smooth rather than sluggish.

I found these worked particularly well for slower runs, recovery days and longer sessions where comfort matters more than speed. The only downside is that the shoe feels a little heavier than some modern trainers, so it's not the pair I'd choose for faster workouts. The fit also runs slightly narrow, which may not suit wider feet.

The Nike Vomero Plus has quickly become one of the most talked-about cushioned trainers among runners - especially those training for long distances 

Nike Vomero Plus

★★★★★

Product Specs

• Weight242 g
• MaterialZoomX foam midsole, webbed lace loops for an adjustable fit, high-abrasion rubber outsole

What we love

• ComfortableExtremely cushioned and comfortable
• SturdyStrong energy return despite the soft feel
• Good for long runs...and recovery sessions

What could be better

• WeightSlightly heavy compared with other trainers
• FitCan feel narrow for some runners

2. Best lightweight running trainers: Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

If the Vomero Plus is about comfort, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is all about speed.

The first time I ran in these, the lightweight feel was immediately noticeable. They feel incredibly light on the foot, and the Lightstrike Pro cushioning combined with ENERGYRODS creates a very propulsive ride.

When you start pushing the pace, the shoe almost feels like it's helping roll you forward with each stride. It's exactly the sort of feeling you want in a racing shoe.

Despite being built for speed, there's still enough cushioning to keep longer runs comfortable, which is why many runners use shoes like this for half marathons and marathons.

That said, the tall stack of foam does make the shoe feel slightly less stable than everyday trainers, especially on tight turns or uneven pavement.

This shoe sits firmly in the 'super shoe' category - the high-performance trainers designed to help runners chase personal bests. 

It's incredibly lightweight (around 200g) and uses Adidas' Lightstrike Pro foam combined with ENERGYRODS that act like a propulsion system in the midsole.

The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 feel incredibly light on the foot, and the Lightstrike Pro cushioning combined with ENERGYRODS creates a very propulsive ride

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

★★★★★

Product Specs

• Weight172 g
• MaterialOutsole built with Continental™ rubber for a no-slip transition, Lightstrike Pro cushioning

What we love

• WeightExceptionally lightweight
• Good reboundPowerful energy return
• SpeedyGreat option for races and speed sessions

What could be better

• PriceExpensive for the average runner
• BuildLess stable than everyday trainers

3. Best all round running trainers: Salomon Aero Blaze 3 

The Salomon Aero Blaze 3 doesn't get quite as much hype as some of the bigger brand models, but runners who try it often end up pleasantly surprised.

This shoe sits in the 'daily trainer' category - the sort you can comfortably wear for everything from easy runs to moderate workouts.

I used it for everything from easy miles to slightly faster workouts and it handled both comfortably.

The cushioning feels balanced rather than overly soft, giving enough protection for longer runs while still feeling responsive when picking up the pace.

I also really liked the secure fit. The upper wraps around the foot nicely and kept everything feeling stable during runs without feeling restrictive.

It may not have the dramatic bounce of a carbon racing shoe, but for everyday training that balance actually works very well.

The Asics GEL-Nimbus 28 (right) continues the Nimbus tradition of prioritising comfort above almost everything else. The Salomon Aero Blaze 3 (left) has cushioning that feels balanced rather than overly soft, giving enough protection for longer runs

AERO BLAZE 3

★★★★★

Product Specs

• Weight198 g
• MaterialOptiFOAM Midsole and mesh upper

What we love

• VersatileGood enough for most types of runs
• ComfortableSecure fit
• WeightLightweight feel

What could be better

• Energy returnLess exciting than race shoes
• ComfortNot designed for maximum cushioning on long runs

4. Best running trainers for long distance: Asics GEL-Nimbus 28

The Asics GEL-Nimbus 28 continues the Nimbus tradition of prioritising comfort above almost everything else.

From the moment I put them on, they felt plush and supportive. The FF BLAST PLUS cushioning combined with PureGEL in the heel does a great job of softening impact, especially during longer runs.

These quickly became the pair I reached for when I wanted a relaxed, steady run without worrying about sore legs afterwards. The cushioning feels protective without feeling overly squishy.

The upper is also very comfortable and breathable, and I found the fit slightly more forgiving than some other performance trainers.

The only real drawback is that they're not built for speed. They're slightly heavier than race shoes and better suited to steady training runs.

Asics GEL-Nimbus 28

★★★★★

Product Specs

• Weight242 g
• MaterialEngineered knit upper, OrthoLite X-55 sockliner, FF BLAST PLUS cushioning

What we love

• ComfortableExtremely comfortable run
• StabilityStable platform for long runs
• PerformanceReliable everyday training shoe

What could be better

• WeightHeavier than racing shoes
• SpeedLess responsive for speed sessions

 5. Best road running trainers: Brooks Glycerin 23

Reviewed by Erin Waks

Using the Brooks Glycerin 23 is like running on clouds. You might worry that such comfort and cushioning affects the bounce of the shoes - but you'd be wrong.

I felt like I could double my speed with a new pair of these. They were perfect for both short and long runs, as well as interval training.

They don't have the best arch support, so someone who needs this especially would benefit from the GTS design, which is the specific pair that helped me with knee pain.

I'd recommend the whole Brooks range to runners new and old alike, depending on your gait and running style.

These are a safe bet for normal, everyday running, especially for those looking for a reliable pair of shoes that won't break the bank. I also like to use these trainers during general strength training at the gym. They provide grip and balance for when I'm lifting weights or working my core.

And I'm not alone. Brooks' running shoes have become relatively stylish and popular among my non-runner friends. At a reasonable price for a high performance shoe, I don't think it will be long before lots of people are sporting Brooks' new Glycerin 23 trainer.

The trainers fared well both outdoors and on a treadmill inside in the gym

Brooks Glycerin 23 running trainer

★★★★★

Product Specs

• Weight269 g
• MaterialKnit upper, RoadTrack rubber outsole

What we love

• ComfortableLightweight with a plush foam inner
• BounceCushioning and bounce is great

What could be better

• Arch supportGTS Glycerin model provides better support

Verdict

If comfort is your priority, the Asics GEL-Nimbus 28 is hard to beat. It's built for long training miles and has the plush feel many runners love.

For runners who want maximum cushioning with a lively bounce, the Nike Vomero Plus stands out, particularly for long runs and recovery days.

If your goal is speed, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is the standout choice, offering the sort of lightweight propulsion that serious racers look for.

And if you simply want one reliable trainer that can handle a bit of everything, the Salomon Aero Blaze 3 offers a great balance between comfort, weight and versatility.

Why trust us

Our product reviewers regularly test running shoes, fitness gear and sportswear in real-world conditions.

We focus on practical performance - highlighting both the strengths and limitations of each product so you can decide whether it’s the right choice for your training.

FAQs

How often should you replace running shoes?

Most running trainers last between 300 and 500 miles, although this can vary depending on your running style and the surfaces you run on. Over time the cushioning compresses and loses its ability to absorb impact.

If your shoes start to feel flat or uncomfortable, or you notice significant wear on the outsole, it's usually a sign they need replacing.

Should running shoes feel comfortable straight away?

Yes. Modern running shoes are designed to feel comfortable from the first run. While the materials may soften slightly after a few runs, they shouldn't cause pain or rubbing straight out of the box.

If a shoe feels uncomfortable during your first run, it's often a sign the fit or style isn't quite right for your foot.

What's the difference between daily trainers and racing shoes?

Daily trainers are built for comfort, stability and durability, making them ideal for regular training runs.

Racing shoes focus more on speed and energy return. They're usually lighter and may include carbon plates or specialised foam to help improve running efficiency - but they often sacrifice some stability and durability in the process.