Best Running Shoes August 2026
Finding the perfect pair of running shoes can transform your training. Whether you're chasing a new personal best or just enjoying a daily jog, the right shoe makes all the difference. This guide helps you compare the top models on the market, so you can weigh their features and find the best fit for your feet and running style.
Last updated: 14 August 2026
Asics Novablast 6 (Men's) climbed 2 positions
Asics NOVABLAST 5 Running Shoes dropped 1 position
Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 (Men's) dropped 1 position
Running Shoes: Top 5
1
Adidas Adizero Evo SL JP7149 KI6901 JH6206
from £83.8211 stores
from £83.82
11 stores
2
Hoka Clifton 10 /
from £83.008 stores
from £83.00
8 stores
3
Asics Novablast 6 (Men's)
from £125.006 stores
2
from £125.00
6 stores
4
Asics NOVABLAST 5 Running Shoes
from £85.006 stores
1
from £85.00
6 stores
5
Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 (Men's)
from £102.997 stores
1
from £102.99
7 stores
The Adidas Adizero EVO SL is a top-tier choice for runners focused on speed and performance. As one of the lightest shoes available, it's built for racing on asphalt and features a construction that includes recycled materials.
Pros
Extremely lightweight at 224 g
Made from recycled materials
Excellent for asphalt running
Wide range of sizes and colours available
Cons
Only available in standard width
Lower drop of 6.5 mm might not suit everyone
Not waterproof
The Hoka Clifton 10 upholds the series' reputation for combining generous cushioning with a surprisingly lightweight feel. It's a versatile and reliable daily trainer for neutral runners, with the welcome option of a wider fit.
Pros
Available in both standard and wide fits
Versatile for daily training
8 mm drop suits many running styles
Lightweight for a cushioned shoe
Cons
Heavier than race-focused shoes
No Gore-Tex for wet conditions
Fewer fractional sizes than some rivals
The Asics Novablast 6 is the latest entry in a line celebrated for its bouncy and energetic ride. It aims to deliver a versatile and fun experience for daily training, building upon the success of its popular predecessors.
Pros
The newest model in the popular Novablast line
Likely features updated foam and design
Available in a wide range of common sizes
Cons
Key specifications like weight are not listed
Pronation type and drop are unknown
The Asics Novablast 5 offers the responsive and lively ride the series is known for, in a lightweight package. This neutral trainer is made with recycled materials and is versatile enough for both road and cold-weather runs.
Pros
Lightweight design at 255 g
Made with recycled materials
Bouncy and energetic ride
Suitable for asphalt and winter running
Cons
An older model than the Novablast 6
Only available in a standard width
Not waterproof
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 continues its legacy as a premium, maximum-cushion trainer for neutral runners. It's built for ultimate comfort and impact protection on daily runs and long miles, featuring a breathable and eco-friendly upper.
Pros
Maximum cushioning for high comfort
Breathable mesh upper
Made from recycled materials
Durable option for high mileage
Cons
Heaviest shoe on this list at 281 g
Not built for speedwork or racing
Only comes in a standard width
Compare specifications
| Gender | Men's | Men's | — | Men's | Men's |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronation type | Neutral | Neutral | — | Neutral | Neutral |
| Area of use | For asphalt running | For asphalt running | — | For asphalt running, Winter running | For asphalt running |
| Series | Adidas Adizero | Hoka One One Clifton | Asics Novablast | Asics Novablast | Asics Gel-Nimbus |
| Sizes (EU) | 36, 36.5, 37, 37.5, 38, 39, 39.5, 40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 45.5, 46, 46.5, 47, 48, 49, 49.5, 50, 51, 50⅔, 49¹⁄₃, 48⅔, 47¹⁄₃, 46¹⁄₃, 46⅔, 45¹⁄₃, 44⅔, 43¹⁄₃, 42⅔, 41¹⁄₃, 40⅔, 39¹⁄₃ | 35, 35.5, 36, 37, 38, 39, 39.5, 40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 49.5, 50, 50⅔, 49¹⁄₃, 48⅔, 47¹⁄₃, 46¹⁄₃, 46⅔, 45¹⁄₃, 44⅔, 43¹⁄₃, 42⅔, 41¹⁄₃, 40⅔, 38⅔, 37¹⁄₃, 36⅔ | 38, 39, 39.5, 40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 46, 46.5, 47, 48, 49 | 36, 37, 37.5, 38, 39, 39.5, 40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 45.5, 46, 46.5, 47, 48, 48.5, 49, 50 | 37, 38, 39, 39.5, 40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 46, 46.5, 47, 48, 48.5, 49, 50, 51 |
| Features | Made from recycled material, Lightweight | Lightweight | — | Made from recycled material, Lightweight | Breathable construction (mesh), Made from recycled material |
How we create the list
The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular among our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert assessments. Specifically, we weigh how many users follow the product via price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in retail. The texts on this page are AI-generated and created to give you a quick and clear overview. No products are paid placements – the ranking is driven solely by data.
