Our team has tested hundreds of running shoes across every major brand, logging miles on roads, trails, treadmills, and race courses. Rather than filling this list with one brand, we’ve selected the best daily trainers for different needs, including cushioned shoes, stability options, budget friendly picks, lightweight trainers, and shoes that can comfortably handle a little bit of everything.

best daily trainers

A daily trainer is the workhorse of your shoe rotation. It’s the pair you reach for day after day because it’s comfortable, reliable, durable, and can handle the majority of your training miles.

No matter what you seek cushion, low drop, stability, in the end the goal is the same: to provide a comfortable, dependable ride that works for a wide range of runs. The best daily trainers are versatile enough to handle easy runs, long runs, recovery days, and even the occasional tempo workout when you want to pick up the pace.

Unlike super trainers or carbon plated race day shoes, daily trainers aren’t trying to change your stride or make every run feel like race day. And for many runners their daily trainer is all they need for a race day shoe! If you love it in training, then you know it will serve you well on race day too.

10 Best Daily Trainers

Every shoe on this list earned its place after plenty of miles of testing. These are the pairs our testers kept reaching for because they were comfortable, reliable, and simply fun to run in.

As always, we’ll continue updating this list as new shoes are released and we log more miles.

Stable, Max Cushioned Daily Trainer – Mizuno Wave Rider 30

I kind of resent all the folks calling this a beginner running shoe because we think it’s a solid daily trainer that will work for anyone seeking a cushioned shoe that’s not too squishy, is on the lighter side, is durable and priced right!

It’s often described as very stable, but not to be confused with a stability running shoe.

This is a trainer that can carry you through race day as a middle of the pack runner looking for something that works for both your long training weeks and your marathon finish line.Mizuno Wave Rider 30 Overview

Overall, the Mizuno Wave Rider 30 is a winning update to a long time daily trainer, bringing the design and technology firmly into the present. The cushion isn’t overdone, the weight is nice for a daily trainer and the durability feels on point to last through a marathon training cycle.

Wave Rider 30 Specs

Quick Take

Pros

  • Durable outsole that will get you through a lot of miles
  • Smooth, balanced ride
  • Versatile shoe that can do almost everything

Cons

  • All white may get dirty rather quickly
  • A little more of a firmer feel underfoot
  • Firmer ride than many max cushioned daily trainers

Best Daily Trainer – Asics Novablast 6

Asics is one of the brands that you’re going to find a range of widths and even a good handful of more narrow fits. While there are so many good models to pick from, the Novablast 6 is going to be the best all-around trainer.

Underfoot you’ll find FF BLAST MAX cushioning, which strikes a nice balance between comfort and responsiveness. It has enough cushioning to handle long runs and high mileage weeks, but still feels lively enough when you decide to pick up the pace.

One of the biggest updates is the addition of the FF TURBO SQUARED trampoline pod in the forefoot.

It gives each toe off a little extra bounce, making the ride feel smooth and energetic without being over the top.

asics novablast 6
image from @kesakerttu_juoksija

Asics also updated the outsole with ASICSGRIP rubber, providing more confidence when the roads are wet or your run takes you onto some crushed gravel.

Asics Novablast 6 Specifications

  • Weight: 8.9  oz Men’s, 7.6 oz Women’s
  • Heel drop: 8mm
  • 11 colors available
  • Not available in wide
  • Available at Asics.com for $155

Neutral Daily Trainer – Puma Deviate Pure Nitro

Puma has expanded the Deviate Nitro lineup with this new shoe, a daily trainer designed to handle a little bit of everything from easy runs, speed workouts and even those long walks.

The Deviate Pure Nitro is a comfortable, stylish daily trainer that can easily handle a mix of running and walking without missing a beat. While the narrower fit and less than expected pop held it back a bit in our testing, it’s still a solid option for runners looking for a reliable everyday trainer.

The shoe felt just as good at the end of the run as it did at the beginning, thanks to the Puma NITROFOAM.

Since there’s no plate built into the shoe, it also feels more natural for everyday wear. If you’re looking for a shoe that can handle runs, walks, and plenty of time on your feet, the Deviate Pure Nitro can easily pull double duty.
puma deviate pure review

With a versatile ride, comfortable cushioning, and a price point that’s not too high, this shoe aims to be an option for runners looking for a shoe that can cover most of their training.

Puma Deviate Pure Nitro Specifications

  • Brand: Puma
  • Usage: Daily Trainer
  • Previous Model: n/a
  • Weight: 6.3 oz Women’s, 7.7 oz Men’s
  • Stack Height: 38 mm
  • Heel Drop: 8 mm
  • Available in 2 colors
  • Not available in wide
  • Available from Pumarunning.com for $150

Quick Take

Pros

  • Versatile design for running, walking, and even casual wear
  • Breathable upper mesh to keep you cool during summer training runs
  • PUMAGRIP outsole to help if running on slick surfaces

Cons

  • More narrow fit, not available in wide
  • White/see-through upper may get stained with colored socks
  • Only two colorways available

Basic but Reliable Daily Trainer – Saucony Ride 19

The Saucony Ride is a versatile neutral running shoe that provides a smooth ride for runners. It is designed for runners who want a neutral shoe with moderate cushioning, a responsive ride, and a comfortable fit.

It’s not flashy; it doesn’t have huge selling points; it’s just a trainer that feels pretty nice and will last! 

While it’s not a stability shoe, we’ve always found the Ride to have some elements which inherently make it feel more stable.

You could certainly do some speed work in this shoe, but it’s probably not what we’d reach for on those days. It doesn’t feel fast, but you aren’t held back by mounds of cushion either.

Plus, for a daily trainer, it’s pretty light, meaning for a lot of our readers this could absolutely be the training shoe that also takes you through your half marathon race day!

Saucony Ride 19 Specifications

  • Weight:  7.7 oz Women’s, 8.9 oz Men’s
  • Stack Height: 36/28 mm
  • Heel Drop: 8mm
  • Available in  10 Colors
  • Available in wide in limited colorways
  • Available from Saucony.com for $140

Quick Take

Pros

  • Cushioned without being overdone
  • Improved outsole
  • A shoe that will keep you comfortable for miles
Cons
  • Holes in the upper mesh for rocks and dirt to get into the shoe
  • Wide is available only in a few colorways

High Drop Daily Trainer – Nike Pegasus 42

The Nike Pegasus is one of the most popular running shoes of all time.

The Pegasus remains a well priced daily trainer that is going to be extremely durable, carry runners through a lot of easy miles without feeling heavy or clunky. It’s not a max cushioned soft trainer, that goes to their Vomero line up, and it’s not a speed workout shoe, but it can pick up the pace.

The fit is going to help with preventing any heel slipping or midfoot sliding.Nike Pegasus 42 Review

This is a good option for your easy weekday runs or for the support of a marathon training run.

<strong>Nike Pegasus 42 Specs</strong>

  • Brand: Nike
  • Usage: Daily Trainer
  • Previous Model: Pegasus 41
  • Weight: 10.6 oz Men’s, 8.6 oz Women’s
  • Stack Height: 37 mm
  • Heel Drop: 10 mm
  • Colors: 6 colors
  • Available in wide: Yes for some colors
  • Available at nike.com for $145

Quick Take

Pros

  • Feels lighter than it is
  • Solid daily trainer that can do more
  • Durable and good price

Cons

  • Shallow toebox
  • Runs a bit short

Mid-Stack Daily Trainer – Salomon Aero Blaze 3

This Merrell shoe is designed to be versatile for every runner and our team has been extremely impressed. In fact, it was a shoe that caught the attention of a lot of runners last year.

It’s lightweight, has a low stack height (35 mm), and still provides enough cushion to keep you feeling supported through every run.

There’s just the right amount of snappiness from the optiFOAM2 and a gentle roll with each stride from the rocker.

Sure, Salomon is known for its trail shoes, but it’s making waves with its road and road-to-trail models.Salomon Aero Blaze 3 Overview

Even with a lower stack there is plenty of foam to carry you and feel supported on long miles.

This is one of the lighter-weight daily trainers we’ve tested, and it shows that it can transition from easy miles to picking up the pace. It will be a great race-day shoe for many everyday runners.

Salomon Aero Blaze 3 Specifications

  • Weight: 6.8oz women’s, 7.9 oz men’s
  • Stack Height: 35mm
  • Heel Drop: 8mm
  • Available in 4 colors
  • Not available in wide
  • Available on www.salomon.com for $140

Quick Take

Pros

  • Lower stack height, very light weight
  • Comfortable arch support
  • Smooth, effortless rocker
Cons
  • Not available in wide
  • Tongue not gusseted

All Around Superstar Daily Trainer – Adidas Adizero EVO SL

This is going to be the perfect shoe to carry you through long runs while still allowing you to pick up the pace for half-marathon and even full-marathon miles.

You’re not going to find all the fancy bells and whistles packed into the midsole, just some nice foam underfoot without feeling too soft or squishy.

Lighstrike Pro is their top-of-the-line foam. It’s the lightest with the best energy return, and we’re finding it here in a $150 daily trainer; that’s fairly unusual.

Adidas Evo SL Review

The Adidas EVO SL is not as bouncy as a carbon-plated shoe and not as soft as a daily trainer. It’s a blend right in the middle that allows for that energy return.

Adidas EVO SL Specifications

Quick Take

Pros

  • Lightweight and super comfortable
  • Versatile trainer for easy runs, long runs and marathon paced miles
  • Durable midsole that will last for many, many miles
Cons
  • Not available in wide
  • Tongue can move around if not tied securely

Hoka Mach 7

This daily trainer is ideal for runners who want a lower stack running shoe that can pick up the pace and still feel good for long runs. It’s plenty of cushion without being over built.

With the firmer foam underfoot, there is a subtle bounce after a soft-ish landing that gets you rolling through your stride and on to the next. The rocker is not overly pronounced; it’s just enough to assist your stride whether you’re running easy or tempo/threshold efforts.Hoka Mach 7 Overview

Recovery runs aren’t what the Mach 7 is best suited for. The shoe, while comfortable, lacks the plush feel in the upper and midsole for those extra easy days.

It’s a fantastic single shoe option to carry you through daily miles, speed work and up to the half marathon for most runners comfortably.

While in the past we would’ve added the Hoka Clifton here, after testing the recent Clifton 11, it just hasn’t kept pace with other brands. We still love it for long days on your feet, but it’s not worthy of a spot here.

Hoka Mach 7 Specifications

  • Weight: 7.5 ounces Women’s/ 8.37 ounces Men’s
  • Stack Height: 36mm
  • Heel to Toe Drop: 5mm
  • Available in 7 colorways
  • Available in wide in 6 colorways
  • Available at hoka.com for $145
  • Read our full review of the Hoka Mach 7 here >>

Quick Take

Pros

  • Responsive cushioning
  • Versatile
  • Improved grip and durability
Cons
  • Narrower fit
  • Shorter tongue
  • Soft but not plush

New Kid on the Block Daily Trainer – Brooks Glycerin Flex

Brooks is breaking the typical daily trainer mold here and adding a little twist.

Here, the forefoot and midsole are decoupled, allowing for that full twisting motion you see. Which means that your foot can also roll through a full range of motion or more easily change directions, dash side to side with less rolled ankles.

Instead of feeling over-cushioned, it just felt nice. It still had a little bounce, plenty of underfoot comfort, but there was no sinking into the shoe.

Brooks Glycerin Flex Review

The Glycerin Flex is a great daily trainer with fairly light weight, plenty of cushion and going to move easily with your foot. It’s going to be a shoe that could also go with you for gym classes, pickleball, and some other workouts.

We do want to note, though, if you haven’t been doing any kind of foot strength, you might feel like your feet and ankles need a little adjustment to this shoe.

Brooks Glycerin Flex Specifications

  • Weight: 8 oz women’s, 8.8 oz men’s
  • Stack: 36 mm
  • Heel toe drop: 6 mm
  • Available in 4 colors
  • Not available in wide
  • Available on Brooksrunning.com for $170 

Quick Take

Pros

  • 6mm drop is great to see in Brooks.
  • Good cushion at lower stack.
  • Allows for natural movement of the foot.
Cons
  • Gel pads in heel cup.
  • Not good if you need some stability.
  • Tongue not attached.

Budget Friendly Daily Trainer – New Balance Fresh Foam 680v9

There are no crazy fads or anything that might deter the average person from buying this sneaker. It is simple and clean but not outdated.

While this shoe has just enough technical specs to be a great option for those newer runners, I can totally see the price point drawing in even mid-level, casual runners.

The Fresh Foam cushioning in the 680v9 felt incredibly light and offered a smooth and controlled feeling on my runs, while also having just enough plushness for overall comfort.New Balance 680v9 Side

If you find yourself needing to reach for a dependable sneaker with just enough cushioning without feeling too firm to run a few easy miles in, or walk your dog in, or even head to the gym in, the 680v9 would be a great choice.

<strong>New Balance 680v9 Specs</strong>

  • Weight: 9.7 oz (M) 6.7oz (W)
  • Stack Height: 29 mm
  • Heel Drop: 8 mm
  • Available in 6 Colors
  • Available in wide (M and W) and Extra Wide (M)
  • Available at newbalance.com for $85

Quick Take

Pros

  • Affordable price point
  • Great entry-level option for those new to running
  • Fresh Foam offers just enough cushion without going overboard

Cons

  • Limited to easier uses, not ideal for speed or racing
  • Does not have premium features, if you’re looking for more

Wide Toebox – Altra Torin

While at first glance, the Torin doesn’t look like a speed shoe. But trust us when we say it actually felt better picking up the paces in the zero drop option.

The ride feels quite stable, natural, and free. The foam that makes up the midsole is thick enough to keep the shoe from being excessively flexible, but not so thick that it restricts the flexibility of your foot.

This is going to be a great option, especially for “heavier runners” because it’s lightweight and will provide the support that you need especially when picking up the pace.

Atra Torin 8 Review

Remember, if you’re new to zero-drop shoes, give your body time to adjust. Ease into things and add foot and ankle strengthening exercises as well!

<strong>Altra Torin 8 Specs</strong>

Quick Take

Pros

  • Lightweight with just the right amount of cushion
  • Very accommodating for those needing extra space

Cons

  • Zero drop shoes need a little extra time to adjust if you’re new to them
  • Grip underfoot isn’t the best on gravel
  • Not a lot of bounce

Sometimes the best daily trainers aren’t the ones that immediately wow you; they’re the ones you keep reaching for day after day because they simply get the job done.

We hope this list helped to narrow down your daily trainer search!

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