Running shoe finder
Find the right running shoes for your goal, budget and feet. Answer a few quick questions and get three top-rated shoes picked for you, with UK prices.
Find your running shoesFind your running shoes
Five quick questions here, then three about fit. You’ll see your best choice plus two more options.
How the finder picks
- Only shoes that independent lab testers rate among the very best make the shortlist, and the best-tested shoe for your answers comes first.
- Men’s and women’s versions are confirmed from the retailer’s own listing, so you only see the range you asked for.
- Your budget is treated as what you’re happy to spend: you get the best shoe near it, a runner-up and a cheaper option.
- If you don’t ask for support you won’t be shown a stability shoe, and if you do, you’ll only see shoes designed for it.
- Commission never affects the order.
Popular picks right now
From our road running shoes guide. The finder tailors its answer to you.
| Best for | Model | Reference price |
|---|---|---|
| Best first running shoe | ASICS Novablast 6 | £105 |
| Best everyday trainer | adidas Adizero Evo SL | £77.99 |
| Best cushioned shoe for long runs | ASICS Superblast 3 | £200 |
| Best stability shoe | ASICS GT-2000 15 | £108 |
| Best race-day shoe | adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 | £131.99 |
| Best shoe if money’s no object | ASICS Megablast (unisex) | £209.99 |
| Best marathon racing shoe | Nike Alphafly 3 | £169.99 |
| Best on a tight budget | adidas Supernova Rise 3 | £78.19 |
How to find the right running shoes
Start with what you’ll use them for. A shoe for easy runs and parkrun is different from one for marathon racing, and road shoes are different from trail shoes. Then think about how much cushioning you like, whether you want a more supportive feel, and your budget.
Comfort is the best guide. Sports-medicine guidance puts comfort and fit ahead of labels such as ‘overpronator’, so the shoe that feels best when you run in it is usually the right one.
Get the fit right
Leave about a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Your heel shouldn’t slip, and the widest part of your foot shouldn’t press on the sides. Try shoes later in the day, when your feet are slightly bigger, and wear your running socks.
Sizes vary between brands, so don’t assume your usual size. If you have wide feet, look for wide-fit versions, often labelled 2E for men and D for women.
Cushioned, everyday or racing?
Most runners need one versatile everyday trainer first. Highly cushioned shoes suit long runs and recovery days, and light, bouncy shoes suit faster sessions. Carbon-plated racing shoes make race pace feel easier, but they’re expensive, wear faster and are best kept for races and key sessions.
Neutral or stability?
Most runners do well in a neutral shoe. Stability shoes add gentle guidance and can feel more secure if you’ve liked supportive shoes before. It’s a preference rather than a prescription: if you have a recurring injury, see a physiotherapist.
How much to spend
Between about £80 and £140 you get excellent everyday trainers, especially in last season’s colours. Above that, you mostly pay for lighter, livelier foams and race performance. The finder only shows shoes that test well, whatever the price.
Ready to find yours?
A few quick questions, then your best choice and two more options, with UK prices.
Questions people ask
How do I find the right running shoes?
Decide what you’ll use them for, such as everyday running, long runs or racing. Make sure they fit, with a thumb’s width at the toe and no heel slip, and choose the pair that feels most comfortable when you run. Our running shoe finder narrows it down to three top-rated shoes for your goal, experience and budget.
Do I need a gait analysis to buy running shoes?
No. It can be a handy way to try several shoes, but sports-medicine guidance favours choosing on comfort. If you have a recurring injury, see a physiotherapist rather than relying on a shoe to fix it.
How much should I spend on running shoes?
Around £80 to £140 buys an excellent everyday trainer, especially in last season’s colours. Spend more only if you want a lighter, faster shoe or a race shoe.
Should I buy men’s or women’s running shoes?
Buy whichever range fits your foot. Men’s and women’s versions are built on different shapes and size scales. The finder asks which you want and only shows that range.
What size running shoes should I get?
Many runners go up half a size from their everyday shoes. Leave about a thumb’s width at the toe, check your heel doesn’t slip, and look at the brand’s size guide, because sizes vary between brands.
How often should I replace running shoes?
Many runners replace them every 500 to 800 km, but how they feel matters more. If the cushioning feels flat or your legs ache more after easy runs, it’s probably time.