Best daily running shoes 2026
A daily trainer is the shoe most runners need first: comfortable for easy miles, tough enough for hundreds of them, and happy to pick up the pace now and then.
21 current models, newest first. Updated October 2026. Want a personal pick? Try the shoe finder.
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HOKA
Clifton 11
HOKA's best-seller evolves gently: soft, light-for-its-size and rolling, with a slightly more conventional drop.
270 g8 mm dropsoftsmooth -
HOKA
Clifton Pro
A performance flanker of the Clifton with livelier foam: the same comfort with more pop when you push.
269 g9 mm dropbouncysmooth -
Altra
Torin 9
Zero-drop cushioning with Altra's roomy foot-shaped toe box: comfort for runners who like their toes free.
270 g0 mm dropsoftnatural -
ASICS
Novablast 6
Trampoline energy at a sensible price. The Novablast stays one of the most fun daily trainers going, with a little more polish this time.
255 g8 mm dropbouncyfun -
Brooks
Ghost Amp
A more energetic take on the Ghost, with extra foam and extra pep for runners who want comfort with a bit of fun.
285 g8 mm dropbouncysoft -
Nike
Pegasus 42
The workhorse gets a full-length Air Zoom unit and extra forefoot foam: a lively, dependable everyday trainer that handles easy runs and the odd tempo without fuss.
285 g10 mm dropbouncybalanced -
adidas
Hyperboost Edge
A versatile, durable cruiser that Marathon Handbook rated for versatility and longevity.
300 g8 mm dropbouncydurable -
New Balance
Ellipse
Runner's World's best-value pick for 2026: a smooth, dependable daily trainer at a friendly price.
270 g8 mm dropbalancedsmooth -
Brooks
Glycerin Flex
A cushioned shoe that lets your foot bend and move naturally. Comfort without the stiff, maximalist feel.
275 g8 mm dropsoftflexible -
Saucony
Endorphin Azura
A light, lively daily trainer that borrows Endorphin energy for everyday miles.
230 g8 mm dropbouncylight -
Altra
Experience Flow 3
Outside's best natural-ride shoe for 2026: light, nimble and low-drop.
245 g4 mm dropnaturallight -
ASICS
Gel-Cumulus 28
The Nimbus's lighter, lower sibling: soft, comfortable and easy to live with for everyday running.
270 g8 mm dropsoftbalanced -
Brooks
Ghost 18
The everyman's daily trainer, refined again: soft, smooth and ultra-dependable, in four widths.
285 g10 mm dropsoftbalanced -
Kiprun
Kipride
A straightforward ETPU daily trainer for everyday miles, with a roomy toe box and a secure heel.
250 g6 mm dropbalancedcushioned -
Mizuno
Neo Zen 2
CNN's best men's running shoe for 2026: soft, bouncy and anything but soulless.
245 g8 mm dropplushbouncy -
Mizuno
Wave Rider 30
Outside's 2026 best-value pick: a soft, stable, smooth-rolling everyday shoe.
280 g12 mm dropsmoothbalanced -
New Balance
880v15
A durable, traditional daily trainer in every width imaginable.
290 g10 mm dropbalancedfirm -
PUMA
Velocity Nitro 4
Marathon Handbook's best-value pick: lively NITRO foam and grippy PUMAGRIP at a great price.
260 g10 mm dropbouncybalanced -
Saucony
Ride 19
A softer, roomier everyday trainer that does everything well and nothing badly. A true generalist.
265 g8 mm dropsoftbalanced
Not sure which one is right for you?
The shoe finder checks every current shoe against how you run and shows your two best matches.