Best Everyday Running Shoes – Shoe Guide Spring 2025

The shoes in this set are the most versatile running shoes available. They are ideal for hard city surfaces, but also work well on gravel roads. They offer a lot of cushioning without being too much. They are a great choice for everyday running as well as more intense workouts. If you run in the city and are looking for a single pair of running shoes, this is the one for you!

Who is it for?

Every runner should have everyday running shoes. These are the number one running shoes. Even if you have several styles in your running wardrobe, this is the one you will use most often. These shoes are designed for:

• runners who mainly run on hard urban surfaces
• runners who mainly want a shoe for slow, relaxed training sessions
• runners who weigh up to about 90 kilograms
• runners who want very high comfort and softness underfoot

Technical data comparison

Running Shoe Models Overview

adidas Supernova Rise 2

We start alphabetically with the brand adidas and the model Supernova Rise 2. This is a shoe with a sole made of two types of foam – soft Dreamstrike+ and harder foam in the form of bars. As a result, the shoe offers both pleasant (but not excessive) softness and decent dynamics. If you are looking for a comfortable but uncomplicated shoe for everyday running, this could be an interesting option.

• Stack height: 36/26 mm
• Drop: 10 mm
• Weight: 284 g men’s, 242 g women’s
• Regular price: 150 EUR

Asics Gel-Cumulus 27

The Cumulus 27 is Asics’ proposal for runners looking for an everyday running shoe. It is a lighter and less cushioned brother of the flagship Nimbus 27. It is based on FF Blast+ foam with the addition of PureGEL under the heel for a soft landing. It is extremely comfortable, yet quite lightweight and dynamic, especially considering its level of cushioning. Good stability in the rear of the shoe gives you confidence on longer runs. One of the potential drawbacks is the not-so-aggressive tread. If you plan to run a lot off dry pavement and sidewalks, it may not provide ideal traction.

• Stack height: 37/29 mm
• Drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 255 g men’s, 230 g women’s
• Regular price: 160 EUR

Brooks Ghost 16

For many years, Ghost has been synonymous with versatile cross-country shoes. While it may not stand out in any particular category, it often impresses with its comfort and well-balanced parameters. Cushioning in this model has increased slightly compared to the previous edition, thanks to the use of third-generation DNA Loft foam. However, it does not reach the level of softness characteristic of the so-called “hovercrafts”. The stabilization is solid for a neutral shoe, although it is not intended for overpronators. The tread, mainly designed for running on asphalt, has grooves large enough to handle off-road terrain. Despite successive iterations, the Ghost remains one of the top choices in the all-purpose running shoe category.

• Stack height: 35/23 mm
• Drop: 12 mm
• Weight: 278 g men’s, 249 g women’s
• Regular price: 150 EUR

Brooks Ghost Max 2

The Brooks Ghost Max is the “bigger” brother of the classic Ghost. Although the name suggests maximum softness, it is not as intense. This model has more foam than the Ghost, but it is not overly soft or lazy. It is a great option for runners who need extra cushioning but are not looking for extreme softness. The shoe is ideal for everyday, relaxed running on hard surfaces. It is perfect for all runners, especially those over 90kg, who value comfort and stability.

• Stack height: 39/31 mm
• Drop: 6 mm
• Weight: 306 g men’s, 269 g women’s
• Regular price: 160 EUR

Diadora Equipe Nucleo 2

The Equipe Nucleo 2 is a shoe that combines two key features to adapt to the different needs of runners. On the one hand, it offers the softness and comfort necessary for everyday training and, on the other, a dynamic roll that adds energy to the run. Although this model is primarily designed for training, it has a clear dynamic boost that makes it perfect for both leisurely runs and faster sessions. It is also a good choice for those looking for a universal solution at an affordable price.

• Stack height: 38/32 mm men’s, 38/33 mm women’s
• Drop: 6 mm men’s, 5 mm women’s
• Weight: 280 g men’s, 210 g women’s
• Regular price: 150 EUR

Hoka Clifton 9

The latest, ninth edition of the Clifton is a significant change from what we saw last year. The brand itself is strongly associated with maximalism, and one of the brand’s better cushioned shoes, the Clifton, has grown even more. It has become softer. In addition, we find here other characteristics of this brand: a rocker that makes it easier to roll from the heel to the toes and a foot frame, that is, raised edges of the sole that provide a stable frame for the foot. A shoe for those who like the feeling of “floating” during training.

• Stack height: 32/27 mm
• Drop: 5 mm
• Weight: 248 g men’s, 205 g women’s
• Regular price: 150 EUR

Mizuno Wave Rider 28

It has been popular with runners for years and its success is based on the proven Wave system. The key element is the wavy Pebax plate that provides a combination of moderate cushioning and significant stabilization. In addition, the entire midsole is made of Enerzy Foam for excellent cushioning and energy return. In the latest version, there have been minor changes to the back of the upper, but these are purely cosmetic. The Mizuno Wave Rider 27 still offers an exceptional combination of dynamics, stability and cushioning, ideal for everyday training.

• Stack height: 38/26 mm
• Drop: 12 mm
• Weight: 280 g men’s, 240 g women’s
• Regular price: 160 EUR

New Balance 880 v14

The least outstanding of the bunch. Always a little on the side without the hype of the technology. You could call it the less cushioned brother of the 1080, and it’s true because it uses the same technologies. Its foundation is a Fresh Foam X foam sole for comfort and cushioning. Classic upper made of technical mesh with a stiffened back. A shoe for those looking for a classic, no-frills shoe.

• Stack height: 37/27 mm
• Drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 270 g men’s, 209 g women’s
• Regular price: 160 EUR

Nike Infinity Run 4

One of two options Nike offers for everyday training. It is a model based on the soft and resilient React foam technology. Unlike the popular Pegasus, this shoe does not have gas cushions in the sole. It performs very well during slow runs, occasionally interspersed with “hundreds”. In this respect, it is a shoe that provides exceptional training pleasure. It is worth considering if you are looking for a comfortable trainer with a very high level of cushioning. It is also worth mentioning that due to the tight Flyknit upper, I would recommend choosing a size larger than for other Nike running shoes.

• Stack height: 39/30 mm
• Drop: 9 mm
• Weight: 353 g men’s, 281 g women’s
• Regular price: 170 EUR

Nike Pegasus 41

Pegasus is synonymous with versatile running shoes and is one of the longest running shoe lines in production. The new model has undergone significant changes compared to its predecessor. The main innovation is the use of ReactX foam, complemented by two Zoom gas cushions, which make the new version softer and more resilient. It also features a moderately wide, classic upper and a durable urban tread pattern. It is characterized by a balanced level of cushioning, dynamics, comfort and lightness. For years, it has been trusted by runners around the world as an everyday shoe for both occasional and advanced runners.

• Drop: 10 mm
• Weight: 297 g men’s, 251 g women’s
• Regular price: 140 EUR

On Cloudsurfer 7

This year, under the name Cloudsurfer, we got a completely different shoe than in previous years. First of all, it has much better cushioning, and is therefore aimed at a much wider group of runners. Maybe you too! The Cloud system is a distinctive feature. It works in two ways: it cushions through the softness of the foam and also through the shape of the clouds, which bend and work with every step. The interior? Perfectly smooth, as we have come to expect from this Swiss brand.

• Stack height: 32/22 mm
• Drop: 10 mm
• Weight: 245 g men’s, 205 g women’s
• Regular price: 170 EUR

Puma Magnify Nitro 2

The Puma Magnify Nitro 2 is a running shoe designed for everyday training and longer runs. They feature a very thick layer of NITRO nitrogen-enriched cushioning foam for exceptional softness and responsiveness. This model also features a breathable upper made of advanced mesh and a moderately aggressive tread made of durable PumaGrip rubber that provides traction and safety for everyday running.

• Stack height: 40/30 mm
• Drop: 10 mm
• Weight: 275 g men’s, 245 g women’s
• Regular price: 150 EUR

Saucony Ride 18

The Saucony Ride 18 has been a staple in the everyday running shoe category for many years. Equipped with soft PWRRUN+ foam, it offers comfort that rivals the best of its competitors. Even though it was designed mainly for quiet, slower runs, it can also surprise with a bit of dynamism. Thanks to a slightly wider design in the front, it offers greater comfort during everyday training, making it a universal choice for runners looking for a balance between softness and functionality.

• Stack height: 37/29 mm
• Drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 274 g men’s, 238 g women’s
• Regular price: 150 EUR