Best road running shoes and trainers

Do you want a solid pair of road shoes, but without an extortionate price label? The Saucony Axon 2s could be the ones. They're beyond comfortable, they're lightweight and surprisingly durable. The grip is solid for wet conditions which is a huge bonus too. The Axon 2s might become a bit squeaky on some pavements though, but if you can get past this minor setback then you're golden.

Stability can be a make or break for any running shoe; you have to feel supported. Brooks has delivered some brilliant running shoes over the years, but none have a scratch on stability as much as the Adrenaline GTS 23s. They're available in wide or narrow versions, which makes these road shoes so accessible. The upper mesh of the shoe isn't the most durable material, but this shouldn't cause too many issues on the road.

What is a pair of shoes if they're not comfortable? This goes double for running shoes. You need a pair of road shoes that can go the distance while you go the distance. Sketchers are a staple in the trainer world and they've delivered yet again. The Sketchers GO RUN Ride 11 might not be the most breathable road shoe out there, but you get a responsive midsole and a comfortable upper for a great price.

Conquer anything with the Nike Vaporfly 3 road running shoes. It doesn’t matter the distance, the terrain, or the occasion, these have got what it takes. This is a performance road shoe at its finest, delivered get it in a range of booming colours too. If you can accept the price tag, these are a no-brainer.

Experience unparalleled speed with New Balance's FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 Shoes. These advanced runners feature a responsive FuelCell midsole and a carbon fiber plate for explosive propulsion, ensuring maximum performance with every stride. Ideal for competitive athletes.

Read more in our review.

The FitFlop FFRUNNER trainers are meticulously crafted to cater to the specific anatomical features of women runners, such as narrower feet, higher arches, and unique stride patterns. With an anatomically shaped footbed, a responsive Neodynamic midsole, and superior ventilation, these trainers excel in comfort and functionality, ensuring a seamless and supportive running experience. Read our full review here.

You need a shoe that can fit into your daily activities, but if you want to take to the road for a run, they're more than capable of getting the job done. The Nike Pegasus 40s are the full package. You get a springy ride with great grip and security. The cushioning plays a big part in how well-rounded the Pegasus 40s are; it's not too much nor too little. They're surprisingly not the lightest road shoes in the world, although they're far from the heaviest.

Unleash your full potential on the pavement with the Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 10, the ultimate road running shoe. It combines a responsive cushioning system and a durable Continental rubber outsole for superior grip and speed on every run.

Read more in our review.

Master the distance with the Adizero Boston 12 road shoes. Feel connected to the tarmac beneath your feet with durable traction. There's a rather tight upper heel, but this is necessary for the level of stability that these road shoes offer.

If you want to be the best, you need to wear the best. The ASICS Metaspeed Edge is for the competitors. These road running shoes are built for speed, with a brilliant protective cushion and some serious grip for the wet weather. Given their competitive purpose, the fit is quite stiff, so these shoes might not be best for daily wear.

The AltraTorin 7 brings versatility to the road running shoe. You can take these out in the dry, the wet, and the snow and ice. The AltraTorin 7s are the all-stars of road running shoes. It might not be the best for heel strikers, but other than that, there’s not a box left unticked.

Puma is a huge name in sportswear, but can they pull off a great road running shoe? The short answer is yes. The Puma Fast-FWD Nitro Elites can deliver some serious high speeds, they’re practically designed for short to mid-distance high-speed runs. Comfort and performance will drop off on very long-distance trips, so best to stick to where these Puma thrive.

ON, or On Running, is a sports footwear name that’s becoming more and more popular, and rightfully so. This is a brand that specialises in running shoes for every occasion, the road, the trail, the gym, or the shops. The Cloudflow 4 is a special pair of road trainers, lightweight, super stylish, and really responsive. They’re not the softest on the market, but they make for it in stability and response.