Top 5 Running Shoes of 2024: Kieran Picks His Best Running Shoes of 2024

Every year, in The Run Testers Awards we crown the best running shoes, best running watches and best headphones for runners, based on a vote from the whole team. But that means our individual favourites don't always come to the fore. Our Best Running Shoes series aims to balance that out, giving each Run Tester the chance to reveal the top running shoes that have gelled well with the type of runs and style of running they do most. In this latest instalment, Run Tester Kieran reveals his top five picks. Hit play for his best running shoes of 2024.

JUMP STRAIGHT IN:
0:00 – Intro
0:34 – What I look for in my best running shoes
2:27 – Best race shoe: ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris
4:04 – Best all-rounder: Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
5:31 – Best faster trainer: HOKA Mach X2
7:06 – Best cushioned crusier: ASICS Superblast 2
8:55 – My Surprise Pick
10:16 – Also consider: Great shoes that didn't make the shortlist

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[ChairmanAntelope]

Was half expecting you to be knocking out a marathon while talking through the list!

[shild]

Love the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4!! Thanks for this review!! Great shoe!

[mmh]

Nice video. I like that you guys state your preferences and uses when reviewing stuff. It's impossible to do a review that works for everyone, so it's good to know what's your benchmark.

For example, like Kieran, I prefer firmer shoes, so he's reviews are a good reference for me.

[WarneysWorld]

Mach 6 is clear shoe of the year for me. I keep reaching for it and it can handle anything. I also love the Hyperion max 2 - very underrated. I set a 10mile pb in it. I went along to a race feeling a bit ill so left my race shoe at home. It’s a faster shoe than people think

[edwardcreighton]

Love the Speed 4, all is well with the world with Kieran choosing it! 5 looks perfect.

Keep up the great work.

[MillennialMedicine]

I just sent in my Mach X2. I couldn't stand the heel blisters. Looking forward to the update on the X3! I loved the foam!

[PhilipWatts-qr]

As a heavier runner, I love the Brooks Hyperion Max 2. I feel it gives me enough cushion with energy return thanks to the plate without feeling mushy. It helps propel me at my faster paces. The Saucony Endorphin Speed just felt flat for me without any energy return.

[brianflath]

I’ve had all 4 Speed models, with over 400 miles on v.3 With 35 miles on v.4, I can tell it’s just as excellent 🎉

[Potomekopice]

As a heavier runner, i regret buying Endorphin Speed 4. I mean, it is quite ok for 6km runs, but for anything longer, it is suffering. Superblast 2 or Magmax Nitro wins for me always.

[elliegrimes]

Just brought the sc trainer on a deal, and your review of it was spot on. I also have the speeds and the super lasts and love both of those too. Keep up the marathon testing, even if I do think you’ve lost the plot doing it!

[mmh]

Great review, as always.

Could you guys review entry level shoes? At least some of the most popular, like the Saucony Cohesion, Adidas Duramo, etc. I know you recommend looking for previous models of top shoes on sale, since this is the best value. However, that's not always possible or it's not available everywhere. And cheaper shoes often go on sale too.

It could be very helpful for beginners and youth programs. It's not easy to suggest to them (or their parents) to go hunting for deals or to justify spending a few bucks more on a mid or top range shoe.

It could also be helpful to know what you're missing by trying the cheaper shoes.

Cheers!

[doncarlospipely]

None of the shoes I’ve worn this year were released in 2024, I’ll generally only get clearance models. For you bargain hunters though: I ran 50km and 70km trail ultras in my Speedgoat 5’s, loved them. Just did 100km in a backyard ultra in Puma Magnify Nitro 2’s. Good stack of foam which has a bit of firmness to it and the Pumagrip is great. Feet and legs felt good afterwards. Everyday runs in Deviate Nitro 2’s and Nimbus 25’s and short recovery runs in More v4’s. They should all be available on a deal and they all did their jobs really well.

[mikekakonikolas]

You should definitely try some Puma shoes, their price to performance ratio is great, I think you will like them!

[WilltoImprove]

I ran my first half marathon in the endorphin speed four which is the New York City half marathon. I ran 1:44 mins and probably put on another 400 miles after that

I’m about 30 miles into the super blast. It’s really starting to show why it’s so great the first 15 miles it’s still really need to break in with cushion.

[liamhockey]

Mach X2 shoe of year for me, im one of the lucky ones with no heel slip.

[cfx]

The man, the myth, the marathon for every shoe Monster! It's a Kieran

[shild]

I look forward to your trail shoes review.

[MiracleWarriors]

I got quite a few shoes and all are awesome for me. Like the NB4, SuperBlast 2, Monster Hyper and Magmax.
But my best shoes of 2024 are none of the above !
Best cushioning shoes is a draw between the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 and Gel-Kayano 31;
Best daily trainer and for speed and races is my beloved Puma Velocity Nitro 3 and a do-all shoes of the year is the Gel-Cumulus 26 .
And Asics is my favorite brand in 2024.

[lalupato]

I was looking forward to some more ground feel shoe recommendations, but this is all super high stacks

[pedalandypedal]

Is there a time window for the marathon you’re saying is the cut off to benefit from the characteristics of the Metaspeed sky paris? Is a 3:45-4hr marathoner better off with something else?