Ready to start the new year right with a fresh pair of running kicks? Step into the future of running with the latest styles, colours, and tech for 2024.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all shoe, there are category recommendations based on your running style, foot type, terrain, preferred ‘feel’ and key running shoe features. So to help you find the perfect pair, we’ve put together a tried and tested roundup.
Below you’ll find running shoes for everyday runs, trail runs and marathon racing, as well as shoes that are lightweight, versatile and bring the most value. For the overpronators, there are shoes in here for you too.
And if you want to know more about how to choose the right running shoe for you, check out our guide here.
Best Daily Trainer – ON Cloudmonster 2
Key Features:
- Biggest-ever CloudTec® for massive cushioning with every step
- Powerful Speedboard® for huge energy return
- Forward-rolling, effortless momentum
- Super-soft landings with Helion™ superfoam
Honourable Mentions: HOKA Clifton 9, BROOKS Glycerin 21
ShopSoftest Daily Trainer – New Balance 1080 v13
Key Features:
- Combination of reliable comfort and high performance offers versatility that spans everyday to race day
- Fresh Foam X midsole delivers their most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort
- Endurance rubber outsole is built for increased durability in high-wear areas
Honourable Mentions: ASICS Nimbus 26, NIKE Invincible 3
ShopBest Lightweight Daily Trainer – ASICS Novablast 4
Key Features:
- Energetic FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning adds more bounce with a lower carbon footprint
- A trampoline-inspired outsole with added grip generates maximum bounce with every step
- Breathable woven upper combined with a padded mesh tongue delivers a plush fit
Honourable Mentions: ON Cloudrunner 2, HOKA Rincon 3
ShopBest Model Update – HOKA Mach 6
(Coming Soon)
Key Features:
- A combination of speed and cushioning, designed to power you through everyday runs, training sessions, or long distances
- High-rebound super-critical foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
- Lightweight jacquard upper with the right amount of structure to keep you moving at top speeds
Honourable Mentions: UA Infinite Elite, ADIDAS Supernova Rise
Best Value (<$200) – NB Propel V4
Key Features:
- FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
- TPU plate for superior propulsion
- N-Durance rubber outsole for maximum durability
Honourable Mentions: Nike Pegasus 40, UA Infinite Pro
ShopBest Supertrainer – ASICS Superblast
Key Features:
- Super cushioned FF Blast Turbo foam tech is layered on FF Blast Plus foam for a bouncy and energetic ride
- Super stacked height of 45.5mm for a standout running experience
- Super lightweight at only 239gm, due to FF Blast Turbo foam cushioning
Honourable Mentions: NB SC Trainer v2
ShopBest Tempo Trainer – ADIDAS Boston 12
Key Features:
- Targeted support from engineered key zones, providing both midfoot lockdown and forefoot flexibility
- Lightstrike Pro and Lightstrike 2.0 midsole is engineered to deliver a cushioned and dynamic ride
- Energyrods 2.0 brings race-day performance to high-speed training runs
- Continental™ outsole provides superior grip in the most demanding conditions
Honourable Mentions: NIKE Zoom Fly 5, BROOKS Hyperion Max
ShopMost Versatile Trainer and Racer – NIKE Vaporfly 3
Key Features:
- Designed to conquer any distance and keep you moving at race pace, this shoe is fast, light and responsive
- A lightweight upper with targeted mesh offers breathability for a cool and breezy run
- A full-length carbon-fibre plate plus ZoomX foam creates a responsive ride designed to deliver refined propulsion in every stride
Honourable Mentions: NB SC Elite v4, UA Velociti Elite 2
ShopBest Marathon Racing Shoe – ADIDAS Adios Pro 3
Key Features:
- One of the lightest, most breathable, and stable racing options available. Weighing in at just 220g, this shoe has been setting records ever since its introduction in June 2022
- Lightstrike Pro and Lightstrike 2.0 midsole are engineered to deliver a cushioned and dynamic ride.
- Energyrods 2.0 brings race-day performance to high-speed training runs
- Continental™ rubber outsole provides top-tier grip and durability
Honourable Mentions: NIKE Alphafly 3 (Coming Soon), Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2
ShopBest Stability Shoe – ASICS Kayano 30
Key Features:
- FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO foam and Rearfoot PureGEL™ technology delivers softer landing and energised cushioning to keep you feeling comfortable on harder surfaces.
- Engineered stretch knit upper improves breathability and secure fit
- 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM™ feature helps create adaptive stability for a more balanced stride
Honourable Mentions: BROOKS Glycerin 21 GTS, MIZUNO Wave Inspire 20
ShopBest Overall Trail Shoe – SALOMON Ultra Glide 2
Key Features:
- Built for the widest variety of surfaces. It delivers durability and confidence on wet, dry, hard or loose surfaces
- Lightweight, responsive foam to deliver long-lasting cushion and bouncy energy return
- Signature Reverse Camber rocker geometry combined with a 6mm drop ensures quick, smooth transitions
Honourable Mentions: NIKE Peg Trail 4, New Balance FF More v3
ShopBest Value Trail Shoe – ASICS Sonoma 7
Key Features:
- Engineered mesh upper helps improve breathability
- AMPLIFOAM™ midsole and GEL™ technology improves impact absorption and creates a softer feeling at footstrike
- The trail-specific outsole is functional for providing advanced traction - ensuring a confident stride on the uphill and downhill sections of challenging terrain
Honourable Mentions: NIKE Juniper Trail 2, New Balance Nitrel v5
ShopLace up, hit the ground running, and let the latest shoes of the year drive you towards new goals and PB’s – one step at a time.