Best Daily Running Trainers Tested — Comfort, Cushioning and Everyday Miles

Here's our verdict on a dozen brand-new shoes that we dirtied in our quest to uncover what's really inside the box.

Throughout the summer the RUN Mag team has been banging out miles in a bunch of the latest shoes to hit the market. Our mission is to save you the time, money and pain of potentially buying a shoe that is wrong for you.

There will be a few here that may work for your particular foot shape, running habits, speed, goals and gait, so we suggest that you touch and feel a few options in store before making your final decision. Our deep dive will hopefully narrow your search so you can check online to see which stores carry the brands and models you most like the sound of.

We have tried to avoid unnecessary tech jargon where possible and rather describe how these innovations felt on our feet. The big trend in new releases remains cushioning — minimalism has given way to maximalism, or really a bit of both: minimal jarring on fragile joints requires maximum stable cushioning at minimal weight with maximum response and minimum impact on the environment. Each shoe uses a different blend of shapes, materials, uppers, outsole rubbers and plates to find its own balance of comfort, purpose and value.

Here's our verdict on the shoes built for comfort, protection and covering distance without chasing pace.

NEW BALANCE 1080 v15 — Soft, protective daily trainer built for covering the easy miles RRP R3 899 | newbalance.co.za

Tested in a bright, hard-to-miss luminous green, the 1080 v15 weighs 250g (size 45) and keeps the modern high-stack silhouette the line is known for. The biggest update is a switch to New Balance's new Infinion cushioning, replacing Fresh Foam X. Around 40mm of heel cushioning and a 6mm drop put it firmly in the max-cushioned category — smooth, well controlled and forgiving, though the wide forefoot platform makes the stride feel a touch heavier when picking the foot back up.

Verdict: A comfort cruiser — the shoe to reach for on easy days or long steady runs where the goal is simply covering miles comfortably. — Justin Howes

ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 — Comfy and stable high-stack experience for long efforts RRP R4 700 | asics.com

A max-cushioned, non-plated trainer with a new, softer yet springier midsole foam. At 280g (size 45) with a 46.5mm heel / 38.5mm forefoot stack, it delivers a bouncy, soft, smooth ride — lighter and more energetic than its sturdier sibling, the Nimbus 28.

Verdict: An ideal training companion to an all-out racing shoe like the Metaspeed. — Paul Ingpen

ASICS GEL NIMBUS 28 — Plush comfort for slow and steady running RRP R4 000 | asics.com

A refined, sleeker take on the Nimbus line at 290g (size 45), running Asics' FF Blast+ Eco foam (40mm heel / 32mm forefoot, 8mm drop). Soft and well protected without feeling unstable, and noticeably lighter on the run than the 27.

Verdict: All about relaxed miles — grab it when pace doesn't matter. — Justin Howes

NEW BALANCE ELLIPSE — Stable, protective and best suited to easy miles RRP R3 399 | newbalance.co.za

A crisp, contemporary daily trainer at 275g (size 45) with a tall, sculpted midsole and wide platform for stability. Controlled and predictable rather than energetic.

Verdict: A solid, stable daily trainer for steady mileage — not the first pick if you want something exciting underfoot. — Justin Howes

SAUCONY ENDORPHIN AZURA — A balanced all-rounder for everyday miles RRP R3 899 | saucony.co.za

250g (size 45), PWRRUN PB foam, 40mm heel / 32mm forefoot, 8mm drop. Steady and composed rather than bouncy — happiest ticking over at everyday training paces.

Verdict: A dependable all-round training shoe that handles steady miles comfortably. — Justin Howes

PEAK KINETIQ TRAINING — Versatile budget option that's both stable and comfortable RRP R2 099 | peaksports.co.za

Light for a budget shoe at 216g (UK10), with a thick midsole that gets more responsive the faster you push it. Excellent traction, though the ride is firmer and less flexible through the forefoot.

Verdict: Great value for a shoe that covers multiple roles — stable, lightweight, grippy and versatile for hybrid workouts and everyday training. — Chris Williamson

MERRELL AGILITY PEAK 6 — A tough, dependable trail shoe built for stability and grip RRP R3 299 | merrell.co.za

280g (size 45), 38mm heel / 30mm forefoot, 8mm drop, with a built-in rock plate. Vibram Megagrip rubber and aggressive 5mm lugs bite confidently into loose ground, mud and rock.

Verdict: A reliable, do-it-all trail shoe for technical terrain where stability and protection matter more than speed. — Justin Howes