Best Running Shoes for Daily Training in 2026

By Editorial Team Editorial | April 2026

You want a daily trainer that makes easy miles feel easier, not a shoe that asks for effort back. The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 is the pick because it nails comfort first without becoming sloppy, and that matters more than headline speed for most runners.

Our picks at a glance

Pick	Product	Price	Best for
Best overall	Fresh Foam X 1080 v14	£162.97	Easy runs, long walks, and all-day comfort
Best upgrade	ASICS Novablast 5	£140	A lighter, bouncier daily trainer with more pop
Best budget	Saucony Ride 17	£85.49	Solid daily mileage without paying max-cushion money

Based on hands-on research, expert review consensus (RTings, Wirecutter, relevant subreddits), and current pricing.

Best overall: Fresh Foam X 1080 v14

Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 — £162.97

This is the shoe for runners who care more about getting through the week comfortably than chasing splits. Our score: 8.0/10. The Fresh Foam X midsole gives you a soft, protective ride, while the triple jacquard mesh upper keeps it more breathable than the version before it.

Why we picked it:

• Fresh Foam X is the main reason to buy it: this is New Balance’s softest, most cushioned daily-running ride.
• The toe box is roomy but the midfoot still feels secure, which is exactly what plush trainers often get wrong.
• It handles daily training and long, easy miles without feeling like a dead slab underfoot.

The trade-off: it is noticeably heavy, and that makes it a poor fit for speedwork or anyone who wants a lively, snappy toe-off.

Buy the Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 if you want one shoe for easy runs, long walks, and comfort that lasts past the first mile.

Best upgrade: ASICS Novablast 5

ASICS Novablast 5 — £140

If you want a daily trainer with more bounce and less of the 1080’s “plush but heavy” personality, this is the smarter step up. It is lighter-feeling, more versatile for mixed pacing, and the kind of shoe that makes easy runs less dull.

Worth it if: you want one shoe that can still handle daily mileage but won’t feel as bulky when you pick up the pace.

Best budget pick: Saucony Ride 17

Saucony Ride 17 — £85.49

This gets the basics right: smooth transitions, reliable cushioning, and a price that doesn’t punish you for buying a second pair later. It is not as soft or luxurious as the 1080 v14, but it is the cleaner value play if you just want a dependable road trainer.

Worth it if: you want a neutral daily trainer for regular miles and long walks, and you’d rather save nearly £80 than pay for max cushioning.

How we chose

We prioritised cushioning, fit security, breathability, and whether the shoe works for the kind of running people actually do most: easy miles, recovery runs, and long walks. We also checked current UK pricing and compared the subject shoe with real alternatives from ASICS and Saucony, plus review consensus from outlets like Wirecutter and Fleet Feet.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 good for beginners? Yes. It is forgiving, comfortable, and stable enough for steady training, which makes it an easy first serious running shoe.

Is £162.97 too much for a daily trainer? For many people, yes — which is exactly why the budget pick exists. You are paying for softer cushioning and a more luxurious underfoot feel, not better speed.

Will it hold up for everyday wear as well as running? Yes, especially for walking and all-day standing, but it is still a soft running shoe first, so don’t expect race-day snap.