The Best Daily Trainer Running Shoes, Right Now

How I tested and chose the best daily trainer running shoes

When it comes to finding the best daily trainers, I approach each new release with a critical eye and a commitment to honest, no-fluff reviews.

Every shoe featured in this roundup has been tested by me on real-world road runs—everything from easy recovery jogs and steady aerobic runs to longer efforts that push comfort and durability over time.

This hands-on approach helps me figure out which shoes can really handle daily mileage, and which ones fall short—no marketing fluff, just real insights.

Alastair Running

Quality, practical running gear reviews. I review road and trail running gear from affordable entry-level daily trainers through to the fastest carbon fiber plated race day shoes. As well as featuring cool new gear from the best running brands, I also create gear roundups to help you choose the best products based on review performance - visit www.alastairrunning.com for all those and more! I also review other lifestyle gadgets and gear from time to time.

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Every review you read or watch on my YouTube channel reflects my personal experience with the product, based on real training, not hype. I stay objective and independent—and I want to help you find the right daily trainer for you, not just the one that’s trending on social media.

What are daily trainer running shoes for?

Daily trainers are the shoes most runners will spend the most time in. They’re built to handle the bulk of your weekly training miles—whether that’s easy runs, steady aerobic sessions, or just getting out the door for 30 minutes.

The Best Running Shoes, Right Now

From daily training miles to trail ultras and race-day PRs, these are the best running shoes of the year (so far) that I personally rely on and recommend after thousands of miles of real-world testing. This is the ultimate running shoe rotation.

Alastair RunningAlastair Dixon

A good daily trainer should feel reliable, comfortable over many miles, and not fall apart after a few weeks of use (no shoe should do that, lol).

They tend to be more affordable, and they're not necessarily flashy, but they’re the workhorses of your rotation—and arguably the most important pair in your lineup.

1. Mizuno Neo Zen

$150 at Road Runner Sports / Sportsshoes (For UK Readers)

Fit: (Go down a half size) | Width: Medium | Weight: 8.3oz / 235g | Drop: 6mm

The Mizuno Neo Zen is a lightweight daily trainer that also works well for uptempo runs, thanks to its soft yet bouncy ENERZY NXT midsole. It delivers a smooth, stable ride that feels great over long miles and still holds up for quicker efforts.

The knit upper hugs the foot comfortably, and the overall feel is plush without sacrificing energy return—making it a strong choice for runners who want comfort, versatility, and a bit of speed in their rotation.

2. ASICS Superblast 2

$200 at dickssportinggoods.com / Sportsshoes (For UK Readers)

Fit: True to size | Width: Medium | Weight: 9.1oz (258g) | Drop: 8mm

The ASICS Superblast 2 is a versatile daily trainer that works across a wide range of runs—from slow recovery days to long runs and faster workouts. Its dual-foam midsole blends soft cushioning with a responsive feel, making it easy to switch gears depending on the pace. The wide platform adds a touch of stability, and the breathable upper and grippy outsole round it out as a solid choice for runners who want one shoe to do it all.