The best affordable daily trainers

With its PureGEL cushioning in the heel and new FluidRide outsole (more on this later), the Gel-Cumulus 26 delivers the plush ride that many runners have come to expect from this classic neutral cushioning shoe. In this iteration, Asics has used a new FluidRide outsole that consists of an EVA and rubber blend. This outsole provides greater cushioning than traditional rubber outsoles while retaining better durability than conventional exposed foam soles. Cushioning is further enhanced thanks to the shoe’s generous stack height: 37.5 mm in the heel and 29.5 mm in the forefoot for the women’s model, while the men’s is a millimetre higher. For the upper, Asics has updated the Gel-Cumulus with an engineered mesh that offers better abrasion resistance and improved fit. If you are looking for a versatile well-cushioned shoe for daily training that won’t break the bank, consider the Gel-Cumulus 26.

Brooks has built the Launch 11 with a unique combination of nitrogen-infused DNA Flash foam in the heel and DNA Flash v2 in the forefoot. This savvy combination provides exceptional cushioning in the back of the shoe while providing a snappy, responsive ride at the forefoot during the propulsive phase of the gait cycle. Underneath, Brooks has chosen to use its RoadTack rubber for the outsole, which provides excellent durability and grip. Finally, the Launch 11 clocks in with a 35 mm heel stack and 27 mm in the forefoot, for an 8 mm drop. These are solid numbers that will work for a large number of runners. From a use perspective, the Launch 11 excels at short daily runs or speedwork and offers phenomenal value and performance.

Runners seeking a lightweight daily trainer with good durability and at a reasonable price will enjoy the Rincon 4. With this iteration, Hoka has updated the outsole (now rubberized EVA), ensuring improved durability over previous models. The midsole has also been tweaked and now provides additional rebound and durability–all good things. The stack height has also been cranked by 3 mm, resulting in 36 mm in the heel and 31 mm in the forefoot. Finally, runners in warmer climates will appreciate the highly breathable upper, which allows for excellent airflow. If you’re looking for a straightforward, lightweight daily trainer at a great price, check out the Rincon 4.

If you’re a heel-striker and want a well-cushioned daily training shoe with exceptional durability, check out the Ghost 16. Built on a nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole, the Ghost 16 provides the impact protection you need during long runs while offering sufficient energy return when you pick up the pace. Runners will also appreciate Brooks’s segmented crash pads, which encourage a smooth heel-to-toe transition and create a smoother ride. Brooks specs a substantial layer of RoadTack rubber for the outsole, which delivers extra durability where you need it most. With its 12 mm drop (24 mm heel stack and 12 mm forefoot), the Ghost 16 is ideal for traditional heel-strikers, but may not be the first choice for mid-foot or forefoot runners.

If you are looking for an affordable, no-nonsense daily trainer that can serve double duty during faster workouts or even races, check out the Hyper Speed 4. Featuring a FlyteFoam foam midsole, the Hyper Speed 4 delivers lightweight cushioning that harkens back (in a good way) to a time when shoes were not only lighter, but also more affordable. The Hyper Speed 4 continues with this theme by having a 32 mm heel stack and a 25 mm forefoot stack for a 7 mm drop. While these numbers may not be in vogue at the moment, they reflect a tried-and-true design that delivers solid, traditional performance. An AHAR rubber outsole provides a surprising level of durability and grip, while the highly breathable upper delivers an exceptional fit and comfort for warm-weather running. At this price, get two pairs; you won’t be disappointed.

Intended as a versatile all-rounder, the Aero Blaze 2 provides the right blend of cushioning and energy return, making it a solid choice for daily training and even the occasional speed workout. Salomon achieves these qualities by using its lightweight SalomonFOAM EVA midsole, which offers great performance without a super-foam price. Staying with the versatility narrative, Salomon specs a 32 m heel stack and a 24 mm forefoot stack, resulting in an 8 mm drop–a nice proven middle ground that will work for many runners. For the upper, an engineered mesh with SensiFit construction provides a nice locked-in fit while offering solid breathability. For the bottom of the shoe, Salomon has employed a durable yet grippy compound with a Geometric Decoupling shape that encourages effortless heel-to-toe transitions.

Products reviewed in this article: