Regardless of whether its is the gym or the pavement, your new fitness goals need a pair of new running trainers that can handle all kinds of weather conditions and terrain. They need to look good, too.
We’ve rounded up the best running trainers on the market, from Nike to Adidas to Asics, to ensure that you’re supported along the way.
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1. HOKA ONE Clifton Edge
Yeezys on steroids (or at the very least, gallons of Lucozade Sport and a Cliff Bar). That sharp statement-making heel will set you apart from other runners – as will the crisp, shouldn’t-work-but-does bubble gum colourway – but it isn’t the only stand-out feature of Hoka’s new Clifton Edge sneakers: they’re extremely breathable and light too (thanks to the shoe’s paper-thin upper and newly resilient foam sole), but still manage to feel surprisingly snug and protective. A padded collar also provides plenty of ankle support – a big deal for tendinitis sufferers like myself. A shoe for hypebeasts and pavement pounders alike.
Hoka One One Clifton Edge, hokaoneone.eu
2. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 22
Part of Asics’ prestige Nimbus range, the 22 is a Rolls Royce of a running shoe. Sitting on a midsole full of Gel and Flytefoam technology (the really good stuff, I am assured) with a super light and breathable mesh upper, the Gel-Nimbus 22 is a luxury ride right out of the box. No ‘breaking in’, no ‘one more run and they’ll feel ok’, they are GOOD to GO. Officially targeted as a neutral running shoe, the Nimbus 22 does a job on road, off road and everywhere in between. Plus, they look really good and come in a veritable plethora of colours.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 22, asics.com
3. SALOMON Speedcross 4
If you’re going to spend a sizeable chunk of change on a pair of trail sneakers, they should be built to last. That’s the least you should expect, and it’s the reason why Salomon (the much-loved French outdoors brand that became a street style hit thanks to a surprise placement in Palace’s spring 2018 look book) has crafted these hardwearing trainers with GORE-TEX, a waterproof, breathable fabric membrane perfect for any kind of weather condition. What’s more, the Speedcross 4 is armed with rubber guards for increased protection.
Salomon Speedcross 4, mrporter.com
4. NIKE Air Zoom Pegasus 37
Let’s begin by stating the obvious: these are really nice looking shoes. You, by extension, will look good in these shoes, even in your most desperate, decrepit running moments. All of the different versions are cool (check them out in the link above), but that ‘lotus pink and obsidian mist’ colourway? Ooof, madone! This long-awaited upgrade stays true to the much-loved Pegasus silhouette while improving many of its component parts, including an innovative forefoot cushioning unit (a thicker ‘Zoom Air bag’ that used to stretch the length of the shoe), which helps you rebound from the ground.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37, nike.com
5. MIZUNO Wave Rider 23
Goths need running trainers too. We’ve spoken about Mizuno’s Wave Riders before – specifically a far jazzier pair further down this very page, but we like this no-nonsense black colourway, too. There’s a temptation with running – and any sport, generally – to spend more time and effort investing in flashy equipment than actually training. But these lightweight, ultra-responsive sneakers are perfect for starters who feel that they should earn their neon go-faster stripes and four-inch platform soles. They’re perfect for summer too, as the X10 outsole helps ventilation to the feet, as does the AIRmesh upper. Great stuff.
Wave Rider 23, sportsshoes.com
6. NIKE Air Zoom Terra Kiger 6
Built for wet and rocky trails, the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 6 trainers are as lightweight, sleek and form-fitting as they look. For that reason they lack somewhat in terms of protection when compared to other trail shoes, but they make up for it in stability and comfort, and they offer a surprising level of spring too. The olive and cerulean colourway is our favourite, but we have to give credit to the mint version’s Nike swoosh, which looks like it’s been designed with candy sprinkles. They come in at a pretty fair price-point, too. We’re big fans.
Air Zoom Terra Kiger 6, nike.com
7. ASICS Novaplast
No, No, you’re not staring directly into the molten core of the Earth. These trainers are just the orange and peach ‘Modern Tokyo’ edition of ASICS’ celebrated NOVABLAST range, and we like them very, very much. Flashy they may be, but they’re old reliables at heart, suitable for any distance and terrain. The cushioned midsole foam gives them a responsive, trampoline-esque bounce, and the mesh uppers keep things light and aid airflow. They are also, you will not be surprised to hear, pretty reflective. A great, statement-making all-rounder for any grade of runner.
ASICS NOVAPLAST, mrporter.com
7. NIKE React infinity run flyknit A.I.R
A new Infinity Run Flyknit design from Nike’s Artist in Residence, A. Savage, who took much inspiration from national flags and costumes. The mixed colour palette is, according to the man himself, a nod to an imaginary country that unites people across the world through and sport, which is really lovely stuff. A lot better than what we thought he design was inspired by, anyway (those cool Nineties jazz cups). As for performance, they’re as stable, lightweight and springy as ever.
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit A.I.R, nike.com
8. ADIDAS Asweeryn
You can’t fault adidas’ Asweerun trainers, some of the most affordable all-rounders on the market (especially now that the price has been sliced even further). Made with an airy mesh upper and a lightweight cushioned midsole, these trainers – available in seven different understated colourways – are the perfect choice for someone who wants to begin their running journey on a budget.
adidas Asweerun, adidas.com
9. UNDER ARMOUR Hovr Machina
Perhaps the best things about these ice-white HOVRs (a reference to the ‘zero-gravity feel’ the impact technology gives you) is the fact you can link it up to Under Armour’s MapMyRun – our jogging app of choice, for what it’s worth. That way you can measure stride length, cadence and pace, and you’ll be updated about your form in real-time (spoiler alert: you have bad form). Meanwhile, it has sprint spike-inspired speed plate that helps you get a powerful push-off. A great all-rounder.
Under Armour HOVR, underarmour.com
10. ADIDAS Ultraboost 20
We’re big fans of the UltraBoost series and even bigger fans of saving the Earth from a fiery, pollution-fuelled apocalypse. So we’re extremely please to say that adidas sourced these super comfortable sock-like trainers from recycled materials without sacrificing any of the quality.
UltraBoost 20, adidas.com
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