Favorite Daily Trainers of 2021

The daily trainer is the workhorse of your running shoe rotation. It's the shoe you'll use and rely upon the most. Here are my five favorite daily trainers of 2021.

0:00 intro
1:29 disclosures
1:52 novablast 2
3:32 mach 4
4:17 880v11
5:55 clifton 8
7:13 vomero 16

disclosures: some of these shoes were sent to me. some of these shoes I purchased myself. regardless of how a shoe got to me, no one is paying me to make this video or to include their shoe in this video. no one will get a chance to preview any of my footage or my thoughts before this video goes up on YouTube.

Thanks for watching! Leave a comment to let me know you stopped by!

Running footage shot on:
insta360 one X2 (paid link)

GoPro Hero 10 Black (paid link)

Disclosure: It's 2021, so I think we all know how affiliate links work at this point, but for regulatory compliance or affiliate program purposes, I must state that affiliate links do not increase cost to you, but:
I may earn commissions if you purchase items from Insta360 via my affiliate links.
"As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Also, you do not need to use these links. You can also search for these same items in amazon or on any search engine/shopping site of your choice and buy/research them that way.
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subscriber count at time of upload: 90,500

end card music:
Jim Yosef - Checkered

[TheChessPlayer]

Always appreciate your perspective Ko. Here are my picks: Gold: Novoblast 1!!! love my V2's but I prefer the more squirrely version 1. Silver: Mach 4. Bronze: Skechers Max Road 5 (hope you will give it a try), 4th place the Puma Velocity Nitro, and a very close 5th place is the Reebok Floatride Energy 3. I have no experience with your other choices past the Novoblast and the Mach. Special thanks once again to you and also Emily Heller for encouraging us to get the ASICS Metaspeed Sky. It has been love at 1st run for me!

[pmhwong]

This year, I've been running in 1080v11 and recently the Novablast 2. I'm very happy with both. Thanks for your videos for helping with that!

[lvalday]

It has to be the first time that someone includes the 880 on a list of the year's best shoes! Although not a particularly fun shoe, it's such a reliable daily trainer... it gets the job done; I guess that's the reason why you can spot it on the feet of many NB sponsored runners (mainly females).

[ShamirDasgupta]

All the footage in the splashing water just never gets old. 😀

[DaviCupra]

My 2021 Daily Trainers- New Balance 1080v11, Asics Novablast 2, Hoka Mach 4, Saucony Endorphin Speed 2, i also use the Saucony for race days.

[tadeuszlufik]

Ive spent way too much $ on shoes and I dont deserve to do it - I certainly dont run enough lately to warrant such high pricetags but I struck GOLD with the Mach 4. Saucony Endorphin Speed/Pro, Hoka Rocket X, Carbon X, Brooks Elite, Adios Pro 2, Altras, Nike Pegasi... The Mach 4 is so much more satisfying and especially so given its cost (even if I still cant find any discounts whatsoever on them). I have yet to try the New Balance brand shoes and I havent been lucky enough to score/try the Asics Metaspeed Sky but the Mach 4s are so satisfying for all kinds of runs - so sprightly, comfortable, great lockdown, style.. Everything I love about a Rincon with the best fit and comfort. Glad to see it made your list!

[pcyadrian]

7:39 Special cameo from your kids hahha

[AiBusinessConsulting]

A tale of woe. I bought the Novablast 1, when my trusty peg 37's where getting long in the tooth. Partly based on hype and partly based on 2 running buddies that loved it. I HATED IT! My friends run on totally flat, My area is VERY hilly. What I found is the 1 was a dream on flat and up hill but down hill it was jarring over bouncy and actually started causing me issues in my back and hips. With a drop of 10mm and the bouncy foam it felt like I was running in stilettos with springs for heels. Partly my fault as my technique is probably not the best but hey I am not a professional I do this for fun. When my friends came and ran in my area they actually agreed and never used the 1 when visiting me. Fast forward mid 2021. I needed a new daily so after seeing all the hype about the novablast 2 I bit the bullet and ordered it online (couldn't actually buy it locally). Long story short. I returned it after the first run. The changes do not make it any better in my hilly area. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me 🤣

[christophercattie]

Love the Mach 4 - such a versatile shoe. I didn't try the Nova 2, but I did use the original Nova just had too much of a heel drop for me. I love seeing so many shoes getting respect. Something for everybody to check out.

[ripgrve]

my list:
1. Puma Velocity Nitro
2. Asics Novablast 2
3. NB 1080 v11

[jasondahl]

I'll have to check out the Vomero, the Pegasus has been my daily trainer for years, but ever since the Peg 33/34 I have not been as happy with it. I am also considering branching out from Nike in 2022 as well, the more I think about it the more I realize there is no reason to be loyal to one brand especially as a non elite.

[vincentvenieris]

I love the Vomero 16! It’s my go-to, even better than the Endo Shift1.

[markhirdygirdy_runs]

Firstly I just want to say that your recent content from NYC onwards has been awesome, next level and I have really enjoyed all the vlogs. You can really see the care, professionalism and time you are putting into your content. Thank you Kofuzi!

My daily trainer of the year is the Puma Velocity Nitro. I am hoping they don’t mess too much with it for v2 next year. I also have the Mach 4 and the original Novablast. I would say that the Novablast works for me as a daily trainer and easy day shoe and also you can pick up the pace in it. It crosses quite a few categories for me. Hoka need to address their durability reputation to go to the next level and it will be interesting to see what they do in 2022.

[chuy]

Thanks. 2022 New Balance lineup looks freaky exciting

[itsfortheloveofrunning]

Great video.

The Nova blast is my favourite tempo shoe and the mach 4 is my favourite allrounder, I can't say enough good things about either of those!

[therunningdad]

I just keep buying the Endorphin Speed V1, but speaking of wild cards tho I love Reeboks Floatride Ride Energy 3. Love the grip, got them for 50 bucks, I have run fast, run slow, short, long it eats the miles. Love the rebel v2 for short runs set a 10k pr in those. Also love the Nova blast 2

[Martha-fluterunner]

Interesting inclusion of the Vomero, which EDDBUD also loves. I’m not a Nike fan but should try it on sometime in a store. Most of my trainers do double duty if not triple: Mach 4, Speed 2 (just acquired the RunShield version which may be my Boston racer, TBD), Hyperion Tempo, Rebel 2 for shorter faster days, and using up my last pairs of Boston 9. That’s actually my entire rotation. I have the Takumi Sen7 for track days or intervals on the treadmill. Martha

[ringperm]

I’m a Bondi guy. But I’m big and injury prone, so the max cushioned shoes are what keeps me running.

[MrJayNC]

Solid recap. The Nova blast 2 was the first shoe I’ve tried from Asics in many years. I’ve been enjoying it a little more than the Peg 37 I racked up miles in earlier. I think I’ll look into the Vomero when it’s time to update my lineup again.

[Ghimlioak]

Mike, I agree with your choice. If I could add another pair of shoes it would be the Noosa Tri 13.