Kit & Gear

The Best Running Shoes for parkrun 2024

With 815 5k events and 419 junior events in the UK alone, parkrun is incredibly diverse in terms of the type of routes and terrain.

So, whether it's your maiden voyage or you're hitting a parkrun milestone we're here to ensure you have the right footwear for the job.

Check out our top parkrun shoe recommendations below for all types of terrain and performance;

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1. Best parkrun shoes on a budget 2024 (£100 and below)

If you're on a budget but looking for a reliable all-round running shoe suitable for both training and parkrun, then check out these bestselling models for under £100;

*PLEASE NOTE: THE FOLLOWING SHOES ARE NOT LISTED IN RANK ORDER*

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1. BROOKS REVEL 6

Now with added cushioning and a sleeker upper, the Revel 6 from Brooks delivers on-the-run performance with a springy feel. Casual style takes over when you head from your morning run to your coffee run.

SHOP ALL BROOKS REVEL 6 RUNNING SHOES NOW

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2. ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 25 (from £89.99)

Experience a softer feel underfoot with the ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 25 shoe. This neutral everyday trainer is a versatile choice for various running workouts and distances.

Find out more about this shoe here

SHOP ALL ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 25 RUNNING SHOES NOW

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3. HOKA KAWANA

Earning its moniker from the Sunshine Coast's famous beach break, the HOKA Kawana continues to push the boundaries of HOKA foams and geometries. Breaking the mould with a lively new foam that provides solid rebound without packing out, this accessible trainer delivers an incredibly well-balanced ride.

SHOP ALL HOKA KAWANA RUNNING SHOES NOW

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4. ADIDAS ADIZERO SL (from £65.99)

Speed enhancing running shoes, made for daily training.

The adidas Adizero SL features technology from the world record breaking Adizero range, providing comfort and lightweight quality with a highly cushioned midsole.

SHOP ALL ADIDAS ADIZERO SL RUNNING SHOES NOW

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5. NIKE QUEST 5 WOMEN'S RUNNING SHOE

Providing you with a smooth ride, the Quest 5 Running Shoes have plenty of traction and comfort which will help you achieve your personal goals. Nike has focused on their foam, adding more cushioning for a better transaction from heel to toe.

SHOP ALL NIKE QUEST 5 WOMEN'S RUNNING SHOES NOW

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2. Best parkrun shoes 2024 (above £100)

If you want a pair of reliable all-round performance running shoes for training and for parkrun, then here are some great recommendations;

*PLEASE NOTE: THE FOLLOWING SHOES ARE NOT LISTED IN RANK ORDER*

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1. BROOKS GLYCERIN 21

If you're looking for supreme softness and ultimate comfort, the neutral Brooks Glycerin 21 running shoe provides an ultra plush ride thanks to even more soft, nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning than before, plus a new streamlined knit upper that delivers structure and breathability.

SHOP ALL BROOKS GLYCERIN 21 RUNNING SHOES NOW

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2. ASICS NOVABLAST 4

The ASICS NOVABLAST™ 4 running shoe is a great choice if you want a shoe with extra bounce. Lighter and with more energy return than the previous version, it's designed to help you run faster. And it will leave you feeling energised every step of the way. It's no surprise that it's the preferred training shoe among athletes.

Find out more about this shoe here

SHOP ALL ASICS NOVABLAST 4 RUNNING SHOES NOW

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3. NEW BALANCE 1080V13

If New Balance were to only make one shoe, it would be the Fresh Foam X 1080. With a unique combination of reliable comfort and high-performance properties, the shoes provide you with versatility to accompany you from every day to race day running.

Find out more about this shoe here

SHOP ALL NEW BALANCE 1080v13 RUNNING SHOES NOW

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4. MIZUNO WAVE RIDER 27

One of the best-selling running shoes of all time has had an upgrade; say hello to the new Mizuno Wave Rider 27.

Now 5g lighter than its predecessor, it also features an extra 2mm of cushioning in the midsole for even softer landings. While maintaining the comfortable characteristics of the Wave Rider 26, the heel structure of the new upper has been revamped to provide a seamless upper fit that gently wraps around the entire foot.

Available in a range of different colours, including the option of a wider fit, the Mizuno Wave Rider 27 is a shoe for everyone, for every run.

Find out more about this shoe here

SHOP ALL MIZUNO WAVE RIDER 27 RUNNING SHOES NOW

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5. HOKA CLIFTON 9

Prepared to go the distance? Get ready to discover the new HOKA Clifton 9, the ultimate pavement pounder delivering everyday miles. The all-new energetic pavement pounder has been innovatively designed to be the trainer you seek for everyday runs - delivering a smoother ride through every mile.

Check out our detailed shoe review here

SHOP ALL HOKA CLIFTON 9 RUNNING SHOES NOW

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3. Best parkrun shoes for gravel and light trails 2024

If your local parkrun is more trail than asphalt, then you'll need a shoe with a bit of extra grip to cope with a mix of terrain. Check out our recommendations for shoes suited to gravel and light trails;

*PLEASE NOTE: THE FOLLOWING SHOES ARE NOT LISTED IN RANK ORDER*

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1. BROOKS DIVIDE 4

Step confidently off the sidewalk in this light-trail running shoe. The Brooks Divide 4 transitions easily from roads to trails - and back again - thanks to trail-ready traction, soft cushioning, and a breathable upper that also features a durable mudguard.

SHOP ALL BROOKS DIVIDE 4 RUNNING SHOES NOW

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2. NIKE PEGASUS GORE-TEX TRAIL 4

Ideal for the winter months, the Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX shoes are made for those moments when you don't want to turn back, no matter what. Feel confident even in the most unforeseen weather conditions with waterproof GORE-TEX keeping you dry, so you can run harder for longer and take your wet run from the road to the trail without breaking stride. A waterproof layer paired with a higher ankle gaiter gives you extra coverage so you stay dry.

Check out our detailed shoe review here

SHOP ALL NIKE PEGASUS 4 GORE-TEX TRAIL RUNNING SHOES NOW

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3. SAUCONY RIDE 15 TR

The redesigned Saucony Ride 15 TR GTX delivers a comfort first sensation that takes your trail runs to new heights. Built using softer cushioning and with a waterproof GORE-TEX upper, it's got more foam, a durable feel, and everything you need to go further no matter the conditions.

SHOP ALL SAUCONY RIDE 15 TR RUNNING SHOES NOW

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4. HOKA CHALLENGER 7

Built at the intersection of road and trail, the HOKA Challenger 7 has been overhauled with plusher foams and a grippy rubber outsole inspired by gravel tires. Delivering inherent cushioning with adaptable tread, there's no telling where your next run will take you.

Check out our detailed shoe review here

SHOP ALL HOKA CHALLENGER 7 RUNNING SHOES NOW

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5. SALOMON SENSE RIDE 5

Looking for the one pair of trail shoes to take you everywhere? The Salomon Sense Ride 5 is the versatile trail runner that does it all. Updates to the iconic Sense Ride bring increased comfort and durability.

Check out our detailed shoe review here

SHOP ALL SALOMON SENSE RIDE 5 TRAIL SHOES NOW

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4. Best parkrun super shoes for smashing a PB 2024

Check out our selection of racing category models that are fast, sleek and engineered to help you smash your parkrun target.

*PLEASE NOTE: THE FOLLOWING SHOES ARE NOT LISTED IN RANK ORDER*

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1. BROOKS HYPERION ELITE 4

The Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 road-racing shoes are designed to help you chase down PB's in distances from the 5k to the marathon. New, lighter cushioning is layered high to absorb impact while the Arris carbon fibre propulsion plate helps propel you forward. A new upper delivers breathability and a snug fit. Combined, these elements work together to deliver a smooth, ultralight ride to get you from start to finish in record time.

SHOP THE BROOKS HYPERION ELITE 4 RUNNING SHOES NOW

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2. NIKE ZOOMX VAPORFLY NEXT% 3

Catch 'em if you can. The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 is made for the chasers, the racers, the elevated pacers who can't turn down the thrill of the pursuit. The leader of the super shoe pack is back, but even lighter, stabler and somehow more responsive than ever. The upper is reworked and the engine underneath is tuned and ready for those who see speed as a gateway to more miles and more seemingly uncatchable highs.

SHOP ALL NIKE ZOOMX VAPORFLY NEXT% 3 RUNNING SHOES NOW

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3. HOKA ROCKET X 2

The ultimate road racing shoe, designed to take you further in pinnacle competitions, the HOKA Rocket X 2 is the newest addition to the Rocket family. World Athletic approved, the Rocket X 2 has been amplified with a hyper-focused on construction for the best possible ride.

Find out more about this shoe here

SHOP ALL HOKA ROCKET X 2 RUNNING SHOES NOW

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4. NEW BALANCE FUELCELL SC ELITE V3

The New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 is designed to give you a competitive edge on race day. This lightweight running shoe features the high-rebound FuelCell midsole compound paired with a full-length carbon fibre plate to help promote energy return and propulsion.

Check out our detailed shoe review here

SHOP ALL NEW BALANCE FUELCELL SC ELITE V3 RUNNING SHOES NOW

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5. ASICS METASPEED SKY+

The ASICS METASPEED SKY+ racing shoes are designed for stride-style runners who are looking to start fast and finish faster. Runners wearing these shoes will be able to take longer strides while conserving energy with each step. ​Thanks to an energetic midsole foam and a propulsive carbon plate, runners wearing these shoes will be able to conserve more energy while maintaining their pace at the later stages of the race.​

Check out our detailed shoe review here

SHOP ALL ASICS METASPEED SKY+RUNNING SHOES NOW

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5. Best parkrun Trail super shoes for smashing a PB 2024

If your aiming for a PB on your local parkrun but you need to tackle some gravel and light trails, then you'll need a shoe to provide you with both grip and speed.

Check out our top trail running super shoes recommendations below;

*PLEASE NOTE: THE FOLLOWING SHOES ARE NOT LISTED IN RANK ORDER*

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1. BROOKS CATAMOUNT AGIL

Don't let your fast times be just on the road.

Ultra-lightweight and aggressive, the Catamount Agil is Brooks' fastest trail shoe yet — ideal for short races on technical terrain. This is a shoe designed with nitrogen-infused midsole cushioning to help you move faster and provide incredible grip for confidence on the trail.

Find out more about this exciting new trail shoe here

AVAILABLE TO BUY FROM SPORTSSHOES FROM EARLY MARCH 2024

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2. NIKE ZOOMX ULTRAFLY TRAIL

This is Nike's all-new championship trail racing shoe, melding our best speed components from the running world with what you need to plant your flag 1st at the finish line. It offers peak performance, sleek speed and endurance for those who want to summit nature's playground.

Check out our detailed review of this shoe here

SHOP ALL NIKE ZOOMX ULTRAFLY TRAIL RUNNING SHOES NOW

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3. NEW BALANCE FUELCELL SUPERCOMP TRAIL 

Made for trail runners who want to run fast, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail features Energy Arc, which helps to maximise energy return. These shoes are exceptionally lightweight and have a secure upper with breathable properties, providing you with an optimal level of comfort on the trail.

Check out our detailed review of this shoe here

SHOP ALL NEW BALANCE FUELCELL SUPERCOMP TRAIL RUNNING SHOES NOW

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4. HOKA TECTON X 2

A dynamic shift in trail running. Reengineered to maximize weight savings, the HOKA Tecton X 2 has been refined with a brand new Matryx upper. Light, breathable, and inherently hydrophobic, HOKA's high-contrast Matryx upper enlists a lay-flat gusseted tongue to help mitigate trail debris.

Check out our detailed review of this shoe here

SHOP ALL HOKA TECTON X 2 TRAIL RUNNING SHOES HERE

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5. ASICS FUJI SPEED 2

The ASICS FUJISPEED™ 2 trail running shoe is designed to allow maximum speed during your run. 

Thanks to its lightweight design and technology, this is ASICS' fastest trail shoe yet, which means nothing will hold you back. The shoe's full-length carbon plate redirects your energy forward so you can reach maximum speed with ease. And its FF BLAST™ PLUS foam is lightweight, creating an incredibly fast trail running experience, and the unique lightweight upper helps you run even faster.

Check out our detailed review of this shoe here

SHOP ALL ASICS FUJI SPEED 2 TRAIL RUNNING SHOES NOW

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Looking for a support shoe?

Then here are our top shoe recommendations for overpronators and underpronators.

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Want to try parkrun but not sure how it works?

Then check out our SportsShoes' Guide to parkrun here

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Interested in the latest shoes, apparel and technology? Then head over to our Kit & Gear category for more reviews, tips, advice and product releases.