Best Running Shoes UK (2026)
The right running shoe depends heavily on what you actually run: easy daily miles, tempo sessions, or race day. This guide compares shoes lab-tested by RunRepeat, which measures weight, cushioning stack height and energy return rather than relying on impressions alone.
We have not hands-on tested these products. Our picks are based on published independent tests and reviews, listed at the bottom of this page. How we pick.
Our top pick
Adidas Adizero EVO SL
Best overall
RunRepeat's overall winner, lightweight with a breathable upper and exceptional energy return, versatile enough for various distances, though the midsole is narrow with minimal support.
- Lightweight
- Breathable upper
- Versatile for various distances
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adidas Adizero EVO SL | Best overall | 223g, Lightstrike Pro foam, 74.3% energy return | Check price |
| New Balance 1080 v15 | Best daily trainer | 255g, Infinion foam, 37mm stack | Check price |
| Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 | Best for tempo runs | PWRRUN PB foam with nylon plate, 73.2% energy return | Check price |
| Nike Vaporfly 4 | Best for racing | 166g, full ZoomX midsole, carbon-fibre plate | Check price |
| Mizuno Neo Vista 2 | Best shock absorption | 264g, Enerzy NXT foam, 46mm stack | Check price |
| Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 | Best energy return | 210g, IncrediRUN foam with forked carbon plate, 80.6% energy return | Check price |
| ASICS Gel Kayano 33 | Best for stability | FluidSupport system, 132 SA heel shock absorption | Check price |
Our picks in detail
Best overall
Adidas Adizero EVO SL
RunRepeat's overall winner, lightweight with a breathable upper and exceptional energy return, versatile enough for various distances, though the midsole is narrow with minimal support.
- Weight
- 7.9oz (223g)
- Cushioning
- Lightstrike Pro foam
- Energy return
- 74.3% heel, 70.3% forefoot
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable upper
- Versatile for various distances
- Exceptional energy return
Cons
- Narrow midsole
- Minimal support
- Poor laces
- Short tongue
Best daily trainer
New Balance 1080 v15
A plush, comfortable daily trainer with a premium knit upper, lightweight and flexible for easy miles, though the midsole is narrower than previous versions.
- Weight
- 9.0oz (255g)
- Cushioning
- Infinion foam
- Stack height
- 37.0/30.6mm
- Energy return
- 65.9% heel
Pros
- Plush comfort
- Lightweight
- Flexible
- Premium knit upper
Cons
- Narrower midsole than previous versions
- Limited stability
- Disappointing breathability
Best for tempo runs
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
A tempo shoe RunRepeat says has supershoe-like energy return and excellent ventilation, versatile across paces, though it's pricier and has some durability concerns.
- Cushioning
- PWRRUN PB foam with nylon plate
- Energy return
- 73.2% heel, 78.2% forefoot
Pros
- Supershoe-like energy return
- Excellent ventilation
- Versatile for multiple paces
Cons
- Higher price
- Less agile than predecessors
- Durability concerns
Best for racing
Nike Vaporfly 4
An ultra-lightweight racing shoe with high stiffness and a carbon plate for propulsion, though the stack is reduced versus earlier versions and it's less suited to marathon distances.
- Weight
- 5.6oz (166g)
- Cushioning
- Full ZoomX midsole (34.7mm)
- Plate
- Carbon-fibre FlyPlate
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight
- High stiffness
- Excellent breathability
- Carbon plate propulsion
Cons
- Reduced stack versus earlier versions
- Narrow midfoot and heel
- Less suitable for marathons
Best shock absorption
Mizuno Neo Vista 2
The maximum stack height and plush feel in RunRepeat's testing, with the highest recorded shock absorption score, though energy return and responsiveness are limited.
- Weight
- 9.3oz (264g)
- Cushioning
- Enerzy NXT foam
- Stack height
- 46.0/37.5mm
- Shock absorption
- 170 SA heel (highest recorded)
Pros
- Maximum stack height
- Plush feel
- Lightweight for its size
- Durable
Cons
- Low energy return
- Limited responsiveness
- Stability issues for heel strikers
Best energy return
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
RunRepeat's pick for energy return, with a record-breaking result in testing and exceptional shock absorption, though it's heavier than competitors and can feel unstable for overpronators.
- Weight
- 7.4oz (210g)
- Cushioning
- IncrediRUN foam with forked carbon plate
- Energy return
- 80.6% heel, 81.0% forefoot
Pros
- Record-breaking energy return
- Exceptional shock absorption
- Explosive ride
Cons
- Heavier than competitors
- Unstable for overpronators
- Premium pricing
Best for stability
ASICS Gel Kayano 33
A stability shoe with reliable support and excellent grip in testing, well suited to runners who need extra structure, though RunRepeat found its energy return low and underwhelming for speed work.
- Cushioning
- FluidSupport system
- Midsole
- 120.7/97.1mm
- Shock absorption
- 132 SA heel
Pros
- Reliable stability support
- Excellent grip
- Lasting comfort
Cons
- Low energy return
- Feels underwhelming
- Doesn't suit speed-focused training
Buying guide
How many pairs of running shoes do I need?
Most runners are well served by one comfortable daily trainer for the bulk of their miles. If you race or do regular tempo sessions, a second, lighter shoe with more energy return can help, but it isn't essential to get started.
What does energy return mean?
It's a measure of how much of the energy you put into the ground the shoe gives back through the midsole foam, generally as a percentage. Higher energy return can make a shoe feel more propulsive, though comfort and fit matter just as much for everyday running.
Do I need a stability shoe?
Stability shoes add structure aimed at controlling overpronation (the foot rolling inward). If you've had related injuries or a gait analysis has recommended it, a stability shoe like the ASICS Gel Kayano here is worth trying; otherwise a neutral shoe suits most runners.
How often should I replace running shoes?
A common rule of thumb is every 300-500 miles, though this varies with your weight, running style and the shoe's cushioning. Watch for compressed, less responsive foam or visible wear on the outsole as signs it's time to replace them.
Sources
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