Best Daily Trainer Running Shoes

Your daily trainer is the workhorse of your shoe rotation. It should handle 80 percent of your runs: easy days, long runs, and general mileage. Here's what to look for and our current favourites.

What makes a good daily trainer

Durability is non-negotiable. A good daily trainer should last 640 to 960km (400 to 600 miles) before the cushioning degrades. Cheaper shoes often feel great initially but break down quickly.

Comfort over long distances matters more than outright speed. Save the fast, aggressive shoes for race day. Your daily trainer should feel easy to run in for 10, 15, or 20km.

Versatility helps. The best daily trainers handle easy days, moderate-paced runs, and even the occasional tempo effort without feeling out of place.

Our top daily trainers

Brooks Ghost 16: Consistently one of the most popular daily trainers in the world. Neutral, well-cushioned, durable, and available at a sensible price. If you're unsure where to start, start here.

Asics Gel-Cumulus 26: A brilliant all-rounder with excellent cushioning and a smooth ride. The Gel technology in the heel absorbs impact particularly well for runners who land hard.

Saucony Ride 17: One of the most responsive daily trainers available. The PWRRUN foam makes it feel more dynamic than most in this category, good for runners who find traditional cushioned shoes too dead.

New Balance 880v14: Plush, reliable, and excellent value. The Fresh Foam X midsole provides a pillowy ride without feeling sloppy, and the upper fits a wide range of foot shapes.