Best Running Shoes for Daily Training Right Now

By Editorial Team | April 2026

Daily trainers live or die on one thing: whether you actually want to keep wearing them after mile three. The Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 is the one we’d buy for easy miles, long walks, and recovery days because it gets the cushioning right without feeling sloppy.

Our picks at a glance

Pick	Product	Price	Best for
Best overall	Fresh Foam X 1080 v14	£162.97	Soft, comfortable daily miles and long walks
Best upgrade	ASICS Novablast 5	£135.00	More bounce and a livelier ride for mixed training
Best budget	New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15	£120.00	Firmer, simpler everyday runs without max-cushion bulk

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 comfort-first pick that still behaves like a proper running shoe. Our score is 8/10, and the appeal is simple: you get New Balance’s softest-feeling daily ride, a roomier toe box, and an upper that runs cooler than the last version.

Why we picked it:

• Fresh Foam X gives you a plush, protective ride that suits easy runs and long walks.
• The triple jacquard mesh upper is more breathable, so it feels less sweaty on longer sessions.
• The roomy toe box and secure midfoot make it easier to live with than many max-cushion shoes.

The trade-off: it is heavier than the v13, so don’t buy it if you want a quick tempo shoe or anything that feels snappy.

If comfort is the priority, buy the Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 and stop overthinking it.

Best upgrade: ASICS Novablast 5

ASICS Novablast 5 — £135.00

If you want a daily trainer that feels more energetic, this is the better spend. The Novablast 5 buys you a lighter-feeling, bouncier ride for runners who mix easy miles with faster efforts and don’t want to feel bogged down.

Worth it if: you like cushioned shoes but hate the dead, sinking feeling some max-stack trainers give you.

Best budget pick: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 — £120.00

The 880 v15 gets the basics right: stable enough for everyday running, soft enough for regular wear, and less bulky than the 1080 v14. It gives up some of the 1080’s plush comfort, but that is exactly why it costs less and feels easier to use for shorter sessions.

Worth it if: you want an everyday running shoe that feels more straightforward than indulgent.

How we chose

We prioritized comfort, breathability, fit security, and whether each shoe works for real daily use rather than just one type of run. We also checked current pricing and compared the 1080 v14 against widely recommended alternatives from Wirecutter, Women’s Running, Fleet Feet, and RunRepeat.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 good for beginners?
Yes. It is a safe first daily trainer if you want cushioning and comfort more than speed, and the fit is forgiving without feeling loose.

Is £162.97 too much for a daily running shoe?
Not if you will wear it for running and walking. If you only need a short-distance shoe, the 880 v15 is the smarter value.

How long will it last?
For road running and everyday wear, it should hold up well, but the softer ride means it is best kept off rough terrain and used for easy to moderate mileage.