7 Best Daily Running Shoes in 2024

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Daily Running Shoes in 2024
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For days where you like to take it easy, you can rely on daily running shoes to keep your feet pampered from lace-up to the last mile. 

With more than five hundred daily trainers on the market, we’re here to help you. 

We have tested and selected the finest models, trimming them down to the best. And because there’s no such thing as “one size fits all” in running shoes, we’ve chosen our top picks from different categories. 

How we test running shoes

We like to keep everything transparent and fuff-free; hence, our rigorous testing process. 

To gather and compare data, we have created our own shoe testing lab. We also buy all the shoes we examine with our own money to avoid brand loyalty. 

On top of this, we also: 

  • Clock up at least 30-50 miles of wear testing in each shoe. As much as possible, we expand the environment and conditions in which we run using the shoes to assess their on-foot feel, durability, stability, etc in different situations.
  • Slice them open. We then examine their parts and wield our tools to quantify their various aspects such as midsole hardness, stack height, and breathability.

Best daily running shoes overall

ASICS Novablast 4
92
Superb!

What makes it the best?

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.

Pros

  • Enhanced outsole offering better grip and durability
  • Improved upper comfort with premium materials
  • Upgraded tongue padding
  • Exceptional value at just $140
  • More cushion than ever before
  • Accommodates a wide range of foot sizes
  • The most stable Novablast yet
  • Retains most of its fun and energetic ride

Cons

  • Not the best for hot summer runs
  • Outsole still lacks grip in wet conditions
  • Minor weight increase compared to v3
Full review of ASICS Novablast 4

Daily running shoes with the best stability

What makes it the best?

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 calliper 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.

Pros

  • Excellent stability
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Good breathability
  • Comfortable and roomy upper
  • Great for easy paces
  • Maximalist cushioning
  • A bit lighter than v30
  • Plush FF Blast+ foam

Cons

  • Big and clunky
  • Not versatile at all
  • Outsole needs improvements
Full review of ASICS Gel Kayano 31

Best lightweight daily running shoes

Hoka Mach 6
87
Great!

What makes it the best?

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 calliper 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.

Pros

  • Really lightweight
  • Fantastic outsole
  • Exciting ride
  • Highly cushioned
  • Great for heel strikers
  • Handles faster paces
  • Superb lockdown
  • Excellent value at $140

Cons

  • Drop varies from stated
  • Somewhat narrow fit
  • Thin tongue
Full review of Hoka Mach 6

Daily running shoes with the best cushioning

Brooks Ghost 16
83
Good!

What makes it the best?

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.

Pros

  • Fiables
  • Parte delantera espaciosa
  • Óptimas para los talonadores
  • Suela exterior muy resistente
  • Muy estables
  • Retorno de energía mejorado
  • Versátiles para varias actividades
  • Mantienen un precio asequible

Cons

  • Lengüeta sin refuerzo
  • Contrafuerte del talón rígido
  • Poco volumen en la parte delantera
Full review of Brooks Ghost 16

Daily running shoes with best comfort

What makes it the best?

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 instils 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.

Pros

  • Premium all-around comfort
  • Enhanced toebox design
  • Exceptional durability
  • Best-in-series outsole
  • Ideal for long distances
  • Superb knit upper
  • Surprisingly stable
  • A dream for heel strikers

Cons

  • Increased weight
  • Limited energy return
  • Tongue lacks padding
Full review of ASICS Gel Nimbus 26

Best budget daily running shoes

Brooks Revel 7
86
Good!

What makes it the best?

At £100, Revel 7 is on the lower end of the Brooks spectrum averaging £140 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.

Pros

  • Exceptional value
  • Highly breathable upper
  • Impressively low weight
  • Gusseted tongue
  • Ideal for new runners
  • Great for heel strikers
  • Robust durability

Cons

  • Ride lacks excitement
  • Low energy return
  • Forefoot cushioning
Full review of Brooks Revel 7
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.