<em>Best running shoes overall:</em>Saucony Endorphin Azura

• What we love:Easy, fast and light comfort, plus versatility
• What we don’t love:Not as snappy as the fastest training shoes

• Men’s, £108 at Cotswold Outdoor Cotswold Outdoor £108
• Women’s, £111.96 at Runners Need Runners Need £111.96

Men’s

Women’s

Saucony’s excellent all-rounder, the Azura, is a new addition to its speed-focused Endorphin line, which also includes the plated Endorphin Speed 5 and the Endorphin Pro 5.

Why we love them
They’re high-energy, well-cushioned, nicely balanced, non-plated training shoes that are easy to lace up for a wide range of runs, across the pace range. They feel instantly at home and natural on the foot, with no fussiness: just a good, accommodating fit that suits long, fast runs.

The big stack of PWRRUN PB foam works with Saucony’s SpeedRoll rockered shaping to urge you to move faster without feeling too bouncy, wild and uncontrolled. They’re tamer than plated race shoes (in a good way) and not quite as snappy as the rival Adidas EVO SL. But they’re still poppy, propulsive, natural and smooth, with a lot of rebound energy coming back from the midsole.

They’re not just fast-run shoes, either. There’s enough cushion right across the foot to look after your easy, cruising runs, and you can cover the slowest miles without feeling too exposed, thanks to a wide platform that creates a relatively stable setup.

They’re an ideal pick for marathon training, and versatile enough that you can stick them in a suitcase to cover most of your runs on a holiday.

It’s a shame that … they’re heavier than fast rivals such as the Adidas EVO SL.

Suitable for: daily miles from easy to marathon pace
Weight (size): 250g (UK M 8.5)
Size range: 3-10 women’s; 6-14 men’s
Drop: 8mm

<em>Best value running shoes for speed:</em>Kiprun Kipride Max

• What we love:Fantastic comfort, versatility and durability for the price
• What we don’t love:The grip struggled on some wet surfaces

• Men’s, £119.99 at Decathlon Decathlon £119.99
• Women’s, £119.99 at Decathlon Decathlon £119.99

Men’s

Women’s

Decathlon brand Kiprun is a relative newcomer to the running shoe shelves, but offers some excellent options at affordable prices. The Kipride Max is one of them.

Why we love them
I’ve run more than 70km in these trainers, and they’re one of the best pairs of running shoes I’ve tested this year. Straight out of the box, the comfort is excellent. Quality mesh uppers, plush padded tongues and heel collars make for an inviting setup that feels instantly at home on your foot.

The midsole deploys a combination of foams and a big rocker for a soft and protective ride – it’s cushy, cradling and soft, but not soggy or laboured. Some cushioned shoes prioritise marshmallowy impact protection over pace, but the Kipride remains pleasantly energetic while smoothing out the road underfoot.

That generates some versatility, too. They may not be the first shoes you’d pick to run tempo efforts, but they can handle them if you need them to. They’re also relatively stable and reliable underfoot, though I experienced a little wobble in the softer heel.

If you want big cushioned shoes for comfortable daily miles that also bring bounce, energy and fun, the Kipride Max are right up there alongside pricier rivals such as the Nike Vomero 18 and the New Balance 1080 V15.

It’s a shame that … the grip isn’t 100% reliable on every wet surface.

Suitable for: easy runs and everyday training miles
Weight: 285g (UK M 8)
Size range: 3-8 women’s; 5.5-13.5 men’s
Drop: 6mm

<em>Best value running shoes for comfort:</em>Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo

• What we love:Megablast all-around capability at half the price
• What we don’t love:Not as propulsive as plated race shoes

• Men’s, £99.99 at Decathlon Decathlon £99.99
• Women’s, £99.99 at Decathlon Decathlon £99.99

Men’s

Women’s

Kiprun has worked magic here, packing bucketloads of Asics Megablast-rivalling performance into an excellent all rounder for less than £100.

Why we love them
The Tempo nails comfort, with a unique neoprene-esque stitched-in booty tongue that wraps and locks in your feet without making them feel caged. I used them for a 90-minute run, and they felt good from the first minute to the last.

On the move, you get bouncy, high-energy feedback that’s punchy and fun. But there’s a firmness – a snappy edge – that stops the midsole from being overly soft or sinky.

The landings offer plenty of protective cushion, but the midsole kicks back quickly with a fast, high-energy return, good responsiveness and an effective rocker.

It’s a winning package that bridges the gap between a comfortable daily trainer and a race-day shoe. They’re not as propulsive as a plated racer, but are truly excellent for long tempo and marathon-pace miles. And they’re incredible value – arguably the best road running shoes you’ll find for less than £100.

It’s a shame that … they’re not as propulsive as plated race shoes.

Suitable for: all training runs
Weight: 232g (UK M 8.5)
Size range: 3-8 women’s, 5.5-12.5 men’s
Drop: 8mm

<em>Best running shoes for beginners:</em>New Balance 1080 V15

• What we love:Big on cushioned comfort but stays light
• What we don’t love:More expensive than similarly cushioned rivals

• Men’s, £135 at Sports Direct Sports Direct £135
• Women’s, £135 at Sports Direct Sports Direct £135

Men’s

Women’s

New Balance’s max-stack workhorse offers the perfect beginner’s package of road-taming cushion, fuss-free comfort and killer cruising potential.

Why we love them
The New Balance 1080 V15 are among the best cushioned running shoes for logging daily miles. They’re built for big-mileage comfort and lend themselves perfectly to easy training runs and the kind of efforts you’ll encounter as a beginner runner. They also offer enough versatility to carry you from those first steps to longer training runs.

The big stack of soft, mildly springy midsole foam offers a lot of cushion in a relatively reliable platform that avoids being too unstable for the height.

This latest version of the 1080 has shed a little weight thanks to a new, lighter gas-infused foam, which also offers more rebound. So it’s protective, but it’s not lifeless – it gives a bit back, too. At 249g, it’s impressively light for the amount of cushion and a bit more nimble than the Kipride Max.

The engineered knit upper and well-padded heel collars provide good overall comfort. The 1080 comes up a little narrow, though, so you may want to consider going up half a size if you have wider feet or prefer a roomier fit.

If you’re after well-built, durable, reliable workhorse running shoes to help you build a habit, the 1080 v15s are a top choice.

It’s a shame that … they’re a little pricier than other similar shoes.

Suitable for: easy runs, daily miles, beginner runners
Weight: 249g (UK M 8.5)
Size range: 3-10 women’s, 6.5-15.5 men’s
Drop: 6mm

<em>Best marathon shoe for all-out speed:</em>Puma Nitro Fast-R Nitro Elite 3

• What we love:Light, efficiency-boosting and lightning-fast
• What we don’t love:Requires the best running form to unlock the efficiency

• Men’s, £259.99 at Pro:Direct Sport Pro:Direct Sport £259.99
• Women’s, £259.99 at Pro:Direct Sport Pro:Direct Sport £259.99

Men’s

Women’s

The Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 sets the benchmark for top-tier carbon race shoes. They’re made for chasing PBs and moving fast, and pack some serious efficiency-boosting punch.

Why we love them
Puma has the receipts to prove it: lab tests show these improved running economy against every shoe on test. And not just for gifted elite runners, either – everyone tested showed better running efficiency thanks to their unique midsole setup with a cutaway heel, extended plate and lightweight design.

Lab tests are one thing; performance on real-world asphalt is another. But they’re the real deal. I’ve used them to set a 2:50 marathon personal best and even ran an accidental half-marathon PB during the London Marathon.

These are super-lightweight running shoes, stripped right back with highly breathable, minimal uppers and a midsole that’s had any unnecessary foam lasered off. They’re not the most natural shoes to run in, however. The complex midsole requires a bit of attention to foot placement – you have to find the sweet spot to unlock the energetic ride. They also definitely work best when you’re moving with fast, good form. If your running gets ragged, they won’t look after you with as much road protection as top alternative carbon race shoes, such as the Asics Metaspeed Edge Tokyo. They wouldn’t be my recommended shoes for four-, five- or six-hour marathon runners, who tend to need more cushion underfoot, particularly in the heel, and more protection from the added impact of more time pounding the asphalt.

But when you’re moving more quickly, the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 feeds back energy, efficiency and a lightness that’s hard to beat.

It’s a shame that … they’re not very protective if you’re struggling.

Suitable for: all-out efforts, racing up to the marathon
Weight: 175g (UK M 8.5)
Size range: 4-8 women’s, 6-13 men’s
Drop: 8mm

<em>Most versatile running shoes:</em>Asics Megablast

• What we love:One shot that handles almost every type of run
• What we don’t love:They’re eye-wateringly expensive

• Asics £210
• Amazon £209

Unisex

From big mileage to faster efforts, the Megablast is built to handle everything you throw at it. They’re some of the best do-it-all shoes you can buy.

Why we love them
If you can get past the eyewatering price, the non-plated Megablast is a great pick for speed sessions, long tempo efforts, cruising long Sunday runs and easy recovery efforts. There’s honestly not much they can’t handle, though they definitely move best when you’re running with intent, locking into your most efficient running form.

The secret to the Megablast’s versatility lies in the mix of race-ready, lightweight uppers and a giant stack of FF Turbo Squared midsole cushion. They’re light and punchy enough to let you pick up the pace, but cushioned and protective when you rock back to easy.

The midsole has a bouncy energy, mixed with a rockered roll from heel to toe that ensures easy and smooth transitions. They also load a good level of assistive spring into each step. I found the shoes a bit oversized for intervals and the fastest sessions, but they’re excellent, energetic asphalt tamers that are ideal for clipping along in comfort for miles.

I tested these with a solo marathon, and the roomy toe box, airy uppers and padded heel collars took care of my feet for the four hours I was on the move.

The price is high, but if you want one pair of shoes for all of your full or half-marathon training, these have you covered.

It’s a shame that … they’re so very expensive.

Suitable for: marathon training
Weight: 239g (UK M 8.5)
Size range: 2.5-13 unisex
Drop: 8mm

Hoka Arahi 8

• What we love:Finally, a light and agile stability shoe
• What we don’t love:They’re not the most energetic daily trainers

• Men’s, £140 at Hoka Hoka £140
• Women’s, £140 at Hoka Hoka £140

Men’s

Women’s

Best for: mild stability

Stability shoes aren’t generally known for being light and sprightly, but the Arahi 8 bucks the trend. They use Hoka’s H-Frame support technology, which adds firmer foam on both the lateral and medial sides of the midsole for more balanced guidance. The result is a milder stability that works with your stride for wobble-free and consistent landings, with natural, smooth-rolling transitions, helped by the rocker.

They’re softer, lighter and more agile than your regular stability shoes and move with a happy ease where every footstrike is assured but not forced. They’re also much less blocky than rival stability shoes, the Asics Gel Kayano 32, and not as sluggish as a Saucony Hurricane 25. I used the Arahi 8 from mile 40 to 75 of a 100-mile ultra, and they soaked up my tired, ragged form. They also took care of my feet across mixed terrain with lightness, protection, reliability and comfort.

They didn’t make the final cut because … they may be a tad firm for some runners.

Suitable for: mild stability on easy to mid-paced runs; weight: 270g (UK M 8.5); size range: 3-10 women’s, 6.5-14.5 men’s; drop: 8mm

Brooks Glycerin Max 2

• What we love:Offers excellent protection without losing stability
• What we don’t love:It’s a heavy shoe

• Men’s, £134 at Runners Need Runners Need £134
• Women’s, £143.95 at Runners Need Runners Need £143.95

Men’s

Women’s

Best for: heavier runners

Heavier runners often need more cushion to reduce the impact of running on road, but the softness of many max-stack shoes is often at the cost of stability. The Glycerin Max 2s balance the two, combining big protection with big comfort and a healthy dose of reliability underfoot – at least for such a big midsole.

It uses Brook’s DNA Tuned foam, placing larger cells in the heels for more cushioned landings and smaller cells under the forefoot for more energy in the toe-off. That works well with a pronounced Brooks GlideRoll rocker – and quite a steep upsweep at the toe – to get you smoothly from heel to toe and out into your next step.

The foam isn’t as compressive as some, so the midsole returns faster than big marshmallow midsoles. That creates an excellent road-taming cushion without any of the laboured squish that can stifle bigger cushioned shoes. The upshot is that easy miles in the Glycerin Max 2s feel a touch more effortless.

They didn’t make the final cut because … I’d like a little more versatility for the price.

Suitable for: easy to mid-pace runs with maximum cushion; weight: 328g (UK M 8.5); size range: 3-10 women’s, 6-14 men’s; drop: 6mm

The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4

• What we love:A good balance of cushion, energy and long-haul comfort
• What we don’t love:They’re sometimes a bit wide for cluttered trails

• Men’s, £79.99 at SportsShoes SportsShoes £79.99
• Women’s, £86.99 at Pro:Direct Sport Pro:Direct Sport £86.99

Men’s

Women’s

Best for: trail running

The Enduris takes some of the elite trail tech you find in the top-tier Vectiv Pro 3 shoes and drops it into more accessible, everyday trail runners’ shoes. The big midsole stack uses an energetic nitrogen TPU Dream foam, which works with a pronounced rocker for a winning combination of cushion and energy. I found them wonderfully smooth, well suited to runnable terrain – even a bit of road – and capable of taking on long- and short-trail adventures.

When the trail gets bumpier, the nylon stability plate and wide forefoot offer reliable landings, and there’s enough ground feel to keep you connected to the terrain. They’re not the most agile shoes, though, and some runners may want more precision on really technical terrain. But for a plodder like me, they were excellent.

An internal booty keeps out debris, reinforced TPU toe caps provide insurance against rock-on-toe aggression, and the bigger 4mm lugs grip well.

They didn’t make the final cut because … they’re not the most agile trail running shoes.

Suitable for: long miles on the trails; weight: 308g (UK M 8.5); size range: 3-9 women’s, 6-13 men’s; drop: 6mm

Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL

• What we love:Handles an impressive variety of terrain
• What we don’t love:Salomon’s quick lacing system is actually a faff

• Men’s, £115.96 at Cotswold Outdoor Cotswold Outdoor £115.96
• Women’s, £115.95 at Cotswold Outdoor Cotswold Outdoor £115.95

Men’s

Women’s

Best for: road to light trail

Gravel shoes are designed to move seamlessly from road to the kind of light off-road you might find alongside your local river or a groomed path through a forest. Think road shoe DNA with a bit more grip and rugged uppers. And these Salomon shoes are among the best I’ve tested.

I put them through all sorts: wet-weather road-only runs, mixed runs from road to river path and outings on road, gravel, compacted mud and forest floor. They served up a combination of energetic and protective cushion, enhanced grip and excellent multiterrain comfort.

The Optifoam midsole is soft and springy enough to rival some of the top daily training road shoes. Then when you move off-road, the chevron Contagrip outsole kicks in for confident traction, at least in mild trail conditions. My only gripe: Salomon’s quick-lacing system doesn’t loosen off enough, so it’s a struggle to squeeze wider feet or high insteps into the shoe.

They didn’t make the final cut because … they lack the grip and ground feel to take on the trickiest trails.

Suitable for: all your runs on road to light trail; weight: 303g (UK M 8.5); size range: 3.5-9.5 women’s, 6.5-13.5 men’s; drop: 8mm