7 Best Daily Running Shoes in 2024

A one-of-a-kind, lightweight sensation — the Novablast 4 performs well at any distance or pace based on our lab and wear tests. It hits the spot in terms of comfort, durability, and support, which is why it deserves the best overall title among top daily running shoes.

Wearing these shoes made us experience a superior kind of comfort with its blend of a tall and luscious platform. Our lab results confirm the FF Blast+ ECO foam is 28.7% softer than average, while its stack rises to 39.2/30.2 mm. We can run comfortably for long miles because we’re supported with a bouncy and plush cushion underfoot. Novablast 4 encourages stable strides by keeping its platform very wide, notably in the 122.8 mm forefoot.

For its height, it’s surprisingly lightweight at only 9.1 oz (259g). This makes us more agile and fast when we want to pick up the pace. What also keeps the feeling light is its unresisting midsole. Our flex test confirms it’s 13.5% more bendable than average, adding to the shoe’s comfort.

Even after hitting double-digit miles, we noticed its outsole could take a lot of beating. Its rubber is 3.9 mm thick while its material is more resistant to wear than average, as proven by our Dremel test.

With a sub-par breathability score, we recommend looking elsewhere if a summer-friendly daily trainer is needed.

The ASICS Gel Kayano 31 is one of the most reliable shoes out there. Its bottomless cushioning delivers a heavenly underfoot sensation while delivering exceptional and unquestionable support in our runs. Among daily running shoes in the lab, GK 31 leads the stability game.

At the heart of GK31 lies the 4D Guidance System, which provides custom support by adapting to the contours of our feet, addressing the needs of unique individuals. On top of this, it adds width to the midsole to ensure safe and steady landings. Our caliper confirms this with a massive 122.1/97.6 mm platform vs. the 113.8/90.4 mm standard.

The FF Blast+ foam, rising to 39.2/27.8 mm, delivers a low-impact, forgiving ride. Our durometer shows the ethereal midsole is 27.1% softer than average. Further accentuating gentle landings is the PureGEL insert in the heel area. Despite its stack, the shoe enhances natural movement with the midsole being 14.4% more flexible than average.

However, the shoe’s bulky 10.4 oz (295g) build is heavier than the 9.4 oz (265g) average running shoe and may not appeal to runners seeking a lightweight option.

The Hoka Mach 6 perfectly encapsulates a lightweight daily trainer, making it at the top of this category. Our lab results align with what we’ve experienced in our runs: the Mach 6 truly shines across the board with its responsive midsole for intense efforts and its exceptional comfort for long-haul runs. At any pace and distance, its airy build delivers an effortless and enjoyable ride.

To our delight, the scales reveal Mach 6 weighs only 8.2 oz (232g), 12.5% lighter than average despite its generous stack. Adding to its weightless feel is its fluid midsole that bends freely with our natural foot flexions. Our 90-degree test confirms it’s less resistant than average by 36.4%, enhancing comfort for easy days.

The midsole delivers the best of both worlds in terms of responsiveness and comfort. Our caliper measurements show it’s above the average at 36.0/26.4 mm, but is made of a light and bouncy 20.4 HA foam that boosts our pace. On top of this, it features a rocker that paves the way for seamless forward transitions that keep our momentum strong.

However, its commitment to agility and weight reduction sacrificed some midsole width. We recommend those with wider feet to explore alternatives for better comfort.

Brooks Ghost 16 tops the cushioning category among daily running shoes, offering outstanding comfort and support over any distance we ran. Our lab reveals it boasts a plush platform with a natural feel and a reliable outsole that can take the beating of daily mileage.

Crafted for comfort, its DNA Loft v3 midsole felt perfectly soft and bouncy, confirmed by our durometer with a balanced 21.6 HA reading. The 35.1 mm heel mutes out our landings, while the 12.4 mm drop delivers smooth transitions, particularly for heel-strikers. Meanwhile, the generous 10.4 mm tongue padding cradles our feet in plush comfort while allowing ample ventilation.

Ghost 16 keeps it all natural with its uncomplicated and forgiving ride. Our bend test reveals the midsole is 53.3% more flexible than average, enhancing its comfort and versatility. We found it suitable for walking, daily errands, and gym training.

This no-fuss pair proved reliable and consistent, handling daily training effortlessly. Our Dremel test proves it’s more resistant than average by showing less damage. Its minimal 0.7 mm dent promises underfoot protection and a long shoe life span, perfect for beater shoes.

However, mid-to-forefoot runners may find the high drop too harsh for their running style. We believe this pair is best suited for heel-strikers.

Beneath the Nimbus 26 lies a realm of pure bliss. True to its name, it envelops the foot in a luxurious cloud-like embrace. With a midsole so silky and gigantic, each step feels like a dream. Whether logging daily mileage or embarking on longer runs, this pair instills a sense of relaxation and confidence, thanks to its unanticipated surefootedness and exceptional breathability. Our meticulous lab tests leave no doubt: the ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 reigns the comfort arena in the daily training scene.

Unsurprisingly, our durometer readings affirm the ethereal nature of this shoe, registering a velvety 18.5 HA, which is 21.6% softer than average. And with heavenly foam underfoot, measured at a generous 40.4/32.0 mm, it boldly exceeds the average by 6.9/7.3 mm. Every step is a pain-free delight, especially for heel strikers benefiting from the PureGEL technology.

Despite its height and plush composition, the Gel Nimbus 26 surprisingly feels stable. A broad platform and stiff build ensure a solid foundation, with the midsole boasting wider dimensions than average by 5.0/11.4 mm in the forefoot and heel, respectively.

However, while the Nimbus 26 excels as an easy-day companion, those seeking a daily trainer that can handle tempo paces may find better-suited alternatives elsewhere.

At $100, Revel 7 is on the lower end of the Brooks spectrum averaging $134 based on our lab data. We crowned this lightweight shoe the most budget-friendly from Brooks not only because it’s cheaper but because it gave us a little bit of everything—comfort for runs, versatility for daily activities, and exceptional breathability.

We’re surprised at how comfortable the midsole was, measuring a balanced 19.5 HA. The shoe moved naturally with us in our runs; the lab result confirmed this. It took only a force of 20.1N to bend these to 90°, emerging 30.9% more flexible than average. This better explains the comfort we experienced, making it easy to use for activities beyond running.

Testing this pair was a treat—light on the feet and in the pocket. At 9.1 oz (258g), it’s even slightly below our current lab average. The ride feels even more effortless and refreshing thanks to the breezy upper that delivers seamless ventilation, proven by its 5/5 score on our smoke test.

However, this pair may feel harsh on longer efforts because of its modest 32.0/22.2 mm stack. Those who prefer more cushioning and underfoot protection should go for maximalists.

Four decades later, the legendary Pegasus series remains iconic and synonymous with daily running. With its reliable performance in and out of the lab, it’s easy to understand why it’s loved by many. Highly versatile, effortless, and comfortable describe the Nike Pegasus 41 best, which is why it’s our most popular daily trainer.

Comfort reigns supreme in the Pegasus 41, effortlessly accommodating our natural movements with its straightforward midsole design. It bends and twists in response to our every step, making it ideal for walking and other activities. Our lab confirms its exceptional flexibility, with a low 2/5 torsional rigidity score and a bend test rating 34.0% more adaptive than average.

The cushioning feels plush even at a moderate height. Our examination reveals the upgraded ReactX foam with dual Air Zoom units providing a touch of responsiveness. It's notably 26.2% softer than average, enhancing comfort without compromising stability through the midsole sidewalls.

Capping it off is a padded yet breathable upper which we found pleasantly surprising since both elements are usually paradoxical. Despite its dual-layer mesh, the ventilation holes delivered airflow as our smoke test confirms with a 4/5 rating.

While the Pegasus 41 satisfies the general needs of runners, it lacks the explosiveness for speedsters and the cushioning for endurance runners. Those who have more specific needs should find a more tailor-fit shoe.