Whether you’ve just started your running journey or you’ve been pounding the pavement for years, you probably already know how important it is to find the best pair of running shoes in Australia. Your joggers can literally make or break your run. If they don’t fit properly, you can end up with blisters that’ll hurt like a bitch. And aside from that, if the soles are worn out, you’ll be lacking the stability and support you need to enjoy your run.
There are a few things to consider when choosing your new running shoes. You want a decent amount of shock absorption cushioning (running can be hell on the old joints). Ideally, you want them to be lightweight but still supportive (running with heavy shoes is no bueno), and you want them to have a good amount of support around the heel and ankles.
It’s also important to consider how often you run and where you run — do you prefer running on a treadmill or road? Are you looking to get into trail running? Are you planning on joining a run club? Do you need these shoes to work for both running and in the gym? Because each running shoe is different and each style of running typically requires a different style of shoe.
We’ve rounded up nine of 2024’s best running shoes worth considering for your next upgrade — especially if you’re about to obliterate your old ones at the City to Surf on the weekend.
The Best Running Shoes in Australia for 2024
The Best All-Rounder: Nike Pegasus 41
The everyday runner is going to love just how responsive Nike’s Pegasus 41 is. With a combination of Nike’s famous Zoom Air units and React foam, each step feels lightweight and springy while being supported and comfortable.
Why the people love it: The Nike Pegasus has been one of the best-selling running shoes for years now. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and supportive — and you can design your own colourway.
Food for thought: Some runners find these baddies a little uncomfy around the toes.
Best Daily Trainer: Lululemon Beyondfeel Women’s Running Shoe
Lululemon finally launched its first range of footwear in the Aussie market earlier this year, and they really live up to the hype. The Beyondfeel Running Shoe was designed to be as comfortable as it is supportive. It also has a mesh upper body to stretch and support your stride.
Why the people love it: Aside from the fact that they’ve finally landed in Aus, apparently they feel like you’re bouncing around on a cloud with every step you take.
Food for thought: Word on the street is that these are probs better for your shorter, daily runs and hot girl walks as opposed to your long-distance clicks.
RunTok’s Favourite Running Shoe: Hoka Bondi 8
It feels like literally every girlie on RunTok is sporting a pair of Hoka’s. From the cult-famous Cliftons to the Bondi 8s, they’re a pair for every style of runner. We’re personally obsessed with the Bondi 8’s for road running, the higher bed of soft cushion sole provides a forgiving impact with each stride.
Why the people love it: Okay, both the cushioning and support are next level, but NGL most people’s favourite part is the fun colourways.
Food for thought: Some runners find these to be tough to ‘break in’ and all that cushioning can be a little much.
Best Beginner Running Shoe: Adidas Supernova Rise
Whether you’re about to run your first 5km or your first half marathon, the Adidas Supernova Rise might just be your new running companion. They’re an everyday trainer that seamlessly combines comfort and support from heel to toe.
Why the people love it: It’s a truly comfortable running shoe.
Food for thought: Some runners are recommending you try these on IRL because they’ve typically had to go up half a size.
Best Long-Distance Running Shoe: Asics GEL-KAYANO 31
Asics Gel Kayanos are pretty famous among runners as being one of the best running shoes because of their comfort and stability. The pureGEL technology improves softness and shock absorption to reduce the impact on your joints and keep you running comfortably.
Why the people love it: People love Kayanos for long-distance runs. They’re so responsive and comfortable.
Food for thought: Some runners reported back that the fit of the 30s is drastically different to previous Kayanos so it might be worth trying them on first.
Best Treadmill Running Shoe: New Balance Fresh Foam x 1080v13
From every day to race day, New Balance’s The Fresh Foam X will show up as long as you do. It features midsole cushioning for smooth transitions from landing to push-off, while the mesh upper part of the jogger is breathable and supportive.
Why the people love it: We’d put these down as the fashion girlies running shoes. They’re a blend of supportive, cushiony and aesthetically pleasing.
Food for thought: While the extra cushioning means you’ll probably get more life out of the shoes when you’re consistently running on treadmills, some runners say it makes them feel less supported.
Best Run To Training Running Shoe: ON Cloudmonster 2
Folks on the Internet are slowly but surely becoming obsessed with ON sneakers. They pull double duty, meaning they’re great for both high-intensity training like running or low-impact mobility work (read: hot girl walks).
Why the people love it: We love these because they double-duty and work for both running and strength training.
Food for thought: Because it’s a more versatile shoe, and not just for running, it’s got less cushioning, which can mean less protection from the impact of the road/treadmill running.
Best Trail Running Shoe: Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX
Nike’s Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX is said to deliver a smooth, responsive ride on mixed terrain, making them perfect for trail lovers. They’ve got a grippy outsole that provides durable traction for running between slippery roads and uneven surfaces. Plus, they’re comfy as hell.
Why the people love it: According to avid trail runners, they’re wonderful for hikes. They’re comfy, grippy and water-resistant.
Food for thought: The waterproofing may wear over time.
Best Sustainable Running Shoe: All Birds Tree Dasher 2
The All Birds Tree Dasher 2 is seriously springy (and seriously sustainable) and has increased stability, support, and grip to keep you hitting those Strava goals run after run.
Why the people love it: It’s one of the most eco-friendly running shoes on the market.
Food for thought: According to runners, it’s more of a daily, short-distance running shoe.
The 5km to Half Marathon Runner: Brooks Adrenaline GTS
If you’re a runner with wide toots, we’ve been informed that these have the perfect mix of stability and cushioning for long-distance runs. They’re also super comfy no matter what terrain you’re running on.
Why the people love it: There’s a version of the Adrenaline GTS that was made for the wide toots.
Food for thought: Apparently these aren’t as supportive or comfy as the earlier versions, but worth checking out for yourself.
Of course, this is our running list of 2024’s best running shoes in Australia, so we’ll be adding more as they drop throughout the year.
If you’re someone who already experiences pain from your running shoes (how fkd are shin splints?!), it’s best to go get fitted by an expert as opposed to buying online.
Image credit: Nike Instagram / Hoka Instagram
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