I'm a Health Editor who tests running trainers for a living: this is officially my pick of the best

USP? ON's Cloudmonster design has long been my go-to all rounder shoe - so much so, I wrote an entire Cloudmonster review on the version one. Recently launched is the second iteration of their bouncy, super supportive shoe, this time offering even more cushioning, propulsion and energy return than ever before. 

Pros: It's hard not to run fast in these mega-bouncy shoes, but what I love about them is they're also comfortable, supportive and versatile. They've never rubbed and I've never rolled an ankle in them, but I could also race a 5km in them, if I so wished. All in all, they're a great all-rounder shoe that will perform well for any kind of run.

Cons: The price point is high, but these shoes are durable and long-lasting, not to mention the outer material is actually far more waterproof/wipe-clean than other competitors on the market, meaning they stay cleaner for longer.

USP? Asics’ Gel-Kayano was the first pair of "proper" running shoes I ever bought. After trying out the first week of Couch25k in my casual walking trainers, I thought it was time to invest in the real deal, and Asics make some of the best running trainers around. To this day, they’re still my favourite pair and I’ve repurchased them once already. Having injured my ankle a few years ago, I really appreciate the extra support provided by the padded section around the ankle, as it keeps my feet feeling secure through the high impact.

Cons: They do come up a little small, so I’d suggest going up half a size for a still-snug fit. - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

USP? I've struggled to get on with previous Nike training shoes, but the Nike Invincible 3 ticks all the right boxes for a short, medium and long run shoe. 

Pros: Topline: they're springy, supportive and responsive, thanks to new ZoomX foam, roomier than previous Nike iterations, and really comfortable, too. The heel tab makes them easy to pull on, and the snug upper promises to be comfortable for both wide and narrow feet. 

Cons: They run a little small, so do opt for half a size up for max breathability.

Read my Nike Invincible 3 review, here. 

USP? Meet adidas' lightest iteration of their most raved-about shoe to date. This Boost promises to be 30% lighter with a 4% greater energy return, too. 

Pros: If you know me, you'll know I'm a big Ultraboost fan - I once ran a 37-mile ultramarathon in them (yep, really). IMO, they're one of the comfiest running trainers on the market, last well, and are super easy to pull on and off, too. All of the simple things you expect to be right in a running trainer are right here - a yes from me. 

Cons: If you're someone who likes muddy offroading, these will get dirty pretty quickly. The bounce might not be for everyone, but they work for me (and the rest of Boost's cult-like following). Plus, they're still pretty heavy for a runner trainer at 261g, but I've always loved in running them. 

Read my full adidas Boost Light review, here. 

USP: An affordable all-rounder from a trusted brand. 

Pros: Like adidas trainers but can't afford more than £160+ on a pair of running trainers? We hear you - which is where the more budget-friendly Solar Glide 5 come in, designed for runners who workout a couple of times a week and are after an everyday all-rounder.

Cons: Not the springiest, but a sturdy workhorse.

USP? New Balance's Fresh Foam X More v4 are super cushioned - as in, one of the brand's most cushioned offerings, meaning you'll have a spring in your step (literally). 

Pros: These are a really solid all round workhorse of a shoe. If you struggle with joint pain or are just on the hunt for an extra cushioned, bouncy pair of runners, these are for you as one of New Balance's most cushioned pairs on the market. Plus, as someone with wide feet, I found them spacious and comfortable - no blisters here.

Cons: I loved the cushioning - I'm a runner who likes extra bounce with every step - that said, some users felt the bounce compromised the shoe's stability. This wasn't an issue for me, however, but one to be mindful of dependant on your specific shoe requirements. 

USP: The second iteration of lululemon's first shoe is designed for the female foot with a textile upper for maximum support and comfort and a 3D-moulded midfoot panel for stability.

Pros: A development on the brand's first foray into footwear, I'm impressed by the Blissfeel 2. It's noticeably more stable, supportive and propulsive than the first design, offering a supportive yet springy everyday option that promises to help you go the distance. Plus, they offer eight different colourways. I'm a fan.

Cons: Not the best for speed work. 

USP? Super speedy and propulsive, too, the ON Cloudmonster has long been my go-to for long runs, speedwork or improving your 5km time. 

Pros: One of the newer designs from ON is the Cloudmonster - a super springy, well-crafted shoe that challenges some of the top carbon plate shoes on the speed front. By far my favourite iteration from ON, when I tested them they didn't rub once and I found that they worked well over both short and long distances. 

Cons: A higher price point. 

USP? In a nutshell, these are one of the comfiest shoes I've ever worn. I'm a big fan - like a bouncy cloud, they've carried me through hikes, 5km's and long runs, offering support and stability along the way too. 

Pros: These went viral on TikTok for a reason - they're aesthetically pleasing but also a really great running shoe. I've worn them on rotation for training runs, interval sessions, and in the office, too, even persuading our Production Assistant Sofia into purchasing a pair. Yep - that's how much I approve. 

Cons: My lilac colourway did sadly get muddy pretty quickly, but nothing a clean won't be able to fix. Again, they're on the more cushioned side, so if you prefer a flatter shoe, they won't be for you. Other than that, I can't fault them.

USP? These are the lowest CO2 running trainer in the world - hence why Allbirds are one of our favourite sustainable sports brands here at MC UK.

Pros: While a little stiff to start, I still found them enjoyable to run in. They're a significant improvement on Allbirds' former iteration, offering a more sustainable option and a supportive trainer option. 

Cons: They did take some time to break in and caused a few blisters along the way.

Read my Allbird Treeflyer review, here.

USP? The perfect day-to-night shoe that doesn't scrimp on function, either. 

Pros: Fun fact: the Impala is the lightest trainer VEJA has ever created. I was apprehensive pre-trying - in my mind, VEJA are a lifestyle shoe company and they certainly don't design running shoes - but I was pleasantly surprised. They're supportive, lightweight, and great for those of you with wider feet. I also love that while they offer adequate support for your runs or gym classes, they look smart for the office, too.

Cons: They're not the most supportive - I wouldn't advise them for, say, marathon training - but they're great if you run semi-regularly and want a trainer you can wear to Pilates, too.

USP? Though not quite as "secure" feeling as Asics’ Gel-Kayano, the Gel-Cumulus trainers are incredibly comfy and have seen me through countless casual runs and outdoor workouts. 

Pros: They’re incredibly lightweight, have a great bounce to them and come in a few different colours, so whether you enjoy a bit of colour for spring or are more of an all-black kinda person, you’re covered.

Cons: Reviewers did note that they run a little wide and aren't best suited for rainy running due to the lack of a waterproof outer layer. - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

USP? A breathable, reliable training shoe.

Pros: I love the Cloudstratus from On for a number of reasons - they're ridiculously comfortable, offer enough (but not too much) bounce, support you well for short or long distances, and feel like they'll last the test of time, too. Whether you're planning on running a 5k or a marathon, these shoes will see you through with two layers of Helion™-enriched CloudTec® for increased vertical and horizontal cushioning.

Cons: None spring to mind. 

USP: These road running shoes are weatherised and come with a water-repellent finish.

Pros: When looking for the perfect running shoe. I always look for a trainer that has a component which will lend to all weather conditions. This is why I love the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus. These road running shoes are sturdy enough to endure all weather conditions, with a water-repellent finish. I love a trainer that feels chic so I can wear it out to coffee afterwards."

Cons: A higher price point. 

USP? Promising a dynamic energy return and lighter weight, too, the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 are breathable, secure, and super comfortable.

Pros: These shoes really pleasantly surprised me and have become another go-to - a firm contender for one of the best carbon plate shoes IMO. They're springier than previous iterations, and stable, too, making for a great reliable race day or speed work option.  Specifically designed to be both light and fast, you can really notice the return when running in them without any of the clunkiness of other competitors. 

Cons: They can be a bit of a hassle to slip on, that said, it doesn't take long to undo the shoe laces (plus, you're less likely to have one ping undone mid-run that way). One thing that is worth noting is that they do run small - I'd go a whole size up to ensure you don't experience any rubbing.

USP? Their hero carbon plate shoe, the Adios Adizero's are designed for racing. Fun fact for you: 60% of 2021 World Major Marathon wins were by athletes wearing the previous iteration, the Adizero Adios Pro 2. Not bad.

Pros: Never heard of carbon plate shoes? In essence, they're "super shoes" designed with an incredibly lightweight carbon fibre plate allowing runners to run faster, and for longer. adidas' hero offering is the Adizero Adios, and the latest version - version 3 - is more roomy, breathable, and comfortable than earlier designs. I ran a personal best at the Paris Half marathon in them and loved every step - they really are designed for speed.

Cons: All carbon plate shoes will retail at a higher price point, so if you're after a shoe for daily training runs, opt for another design. Similarly, studies have suggested that carbon shoes can cause injury if you wear them day in, day out - I keep mine for speed work and race day. 

USP? Arguably the most popular carbon plate racing shoe, Nike super shoes were worn by Eliud Kipchoge when he broke the sub-2-hour marathon time for the first time in human history, and similarly by Brigid Kosgei when she broke Paula Radcliffe's 16-year marathon world record with a time of 2:14:04.

Pros: These are my go-to race day shoes - I ran Chicago Marathon in them last year and do all of my speedwork in them. They're an investment, but are lightweight, propulsive and proper speed shoes, designed for personal bests. 

Cons: They wear out more quickly than other competitor models. 

"So often I find that running trainers either provide a lightweight, breathable construction or the cushioning and support I require. Well, this pair excels on both accounts, plus has the added bonus of being made from sustainable materials."

"The colourful design also somehow manages to be both uplifting and chic - they pair beautifully with neutral and bright patterned gym outfits alike. They're so versatile in fact, that I wear them just as often to the office or out running errands as I do for a run. In case you can't already tell, I'm a huge fan." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

USP: Under Armour has made a speed shoe that's also super light, and it's certainly impressive. 

Pros: Fun fact that you may not have noticed: the UA Flow Velocity shoes have significantly less cushioning than the previous designs but are still as enjoyable to run in, offering a more balanced and stable iteration. Under Armour shoes also have a nifty function where your run stats are sent from your shoe to your phone, so you can see everything from foot strike angle, cadence, ground contact time and more. Neat.

Cons: They're flatter than other competitors and not as springy, but definitely supportive. 

USP: These trainers have been designed with an ULTRA GO® cushioned platform for extra comfort.

Pros: These were Hayley's other top pick. "As someone who has a wide foot, a little extra cushioning in my trainer when I’m running is ideal. I always look at how the trainer will fit within my everyday wardrobe, which is why I went for the black-on-black with a platform. Who doesn’t love a little platform to give us the ultimate lift."

Cons: These trainers are definitely a more chunky design, so if you prefer something a bit sleeker, we recommend one of the above styles.