Our Favorite Shoes for Different Types of Training Runs
Below we are giving our favorite 2 running shoes for each type of training run. We will tell you why we like the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 and Nike Vomero Premium for recovery runs, the Salomon Aero Glide 3 and Puma Velocity Nitro 4 for aerobic daily miles, the new R.A.D UFO and TYR Maverick-V1 Runner for Zone 3 runs, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 3 for tempo runs, the Nike Vomero Plus and Brooks Hyperion Max 3 for progression runs, the Adidas Boston 13 and ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo for threshold runs, the Puma MagMax and Mizuno Neo Vista 2 for relaxed long runs, and the ASICS Megablast or Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 for long runs with pace.
We’ve put together our go-to lineup for recovery days, daily miles, tempos, thresholds, and everything in between. Each pair brings its own strengths, whether it’s soft foam for easy days or responsive plates for faster work. This breakdown helps us match the shoe to the purpose so training stays smooth, efficient, and consistent.
Recovery Runs
For pure recovery days, we recommend lacing up a shoe that's optimized for comfort and impact absorption. The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 is our go-to max cushion recovery pick and the Nike Vomero Premium is a fun new release that's been designed to simulate anti-gravity treadmill technology, giving your sore and tired muscles and joints a break.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 27
Nike Vomero Premium
Aerobic Daily Miles
Aerobic runs make up the bulk of a long distance runner's weekly mileage, so it's important to have a workhorse daily trainer to support you on these efforts. The Salomon Aero Glide 3 and Puma Velocity Nitro 4 are bouncy, reliable and fun options that will help you tick off those daily miles in comfort.
Salomon Aero Glide 3
.png)
Puma Velocity Nitro 4
Zone 3 Runs
The R.A.D UFO and TYR Maverick-V1 Runner both feature lively and reponsive, yet comfortable, midsole foams and rockers that encourage you to pick up the pace. These are fantastic options for days when you want to forget about data and metrics and just get outside and run some fun, steady miles.
R.A.D UFO
%202.png)
TYR Maverick-V1 Runner
%207.png)
Tempo Runs
Tempo runs involve sustained blocks of hard, but manageable running. For these types of efforts, we recommend a shoe that's bouncy, responsive, and peppy, but not so aggressive as to inhibit recovery. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 3 fit the bill, offering a balance of soft comfort and speed assistance.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 3
.png)
If you are training for a marathon, check out Ten Things I Learned from Running 10 Marathons.
Progression Runs
For progression runs, we reach for shoes that blend speed and protection. The Nike Vomero Plus might appear to be a simple max stack cruiser, but it comes alive when you pick up the pace thanks to its geometry and bouncy midsole. The Brooks Hyperion Max 3 has a similar quality with its dual form, plastic plated platform, offering a floaty ride that helps you effortlessly lock in to whatever pace you're running.
Nike Vomero Plus
Brooks Hyperion Max 3
Threshold Runs
When we need to throw down some serious pace, we'll either go for a top carbon-plated race shoe such as the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo, or a stripped back, workmanlike speed shoe like the Adidas Boston 13. Both options offer bouncy race foam, carbon fiber elements for added snap and responsiveness, and lightweight constructions.
ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo
Adidas Boston 13
Relaxed Long Runs
The Puma MagMax and Mizuno Neo Vista 2 are perfect cruisers to help you maximize time-on-feet. Whether you're doing relaxed long runs as part of an off-season, or are stacking 3+ hour aerobic efforts during a marathon block, these shoes have you covered.
Puma MagMax Nitro
.png)
Mizuno Neo Vista 2
Long Runs with Race Pace
Long runs with race pace are one of the keys to a successful marathon block, so we don't mess around when picking shoes for them. These runs provide the perfect opportunity to break in your race shoes, such as the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3. If you prefer not to train in carbon, shoes like the ASICS Megablast offer race caliber tech in a durable training shoe package.
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3
ASICS Megablast
Here we have created the 3 Perfect Workouts for Your Favorite Running Shoes.
For a weekly dose of MILEAGE, shoe reviews, and inspiration, sign up for Mileage Mantra, the Supwell weekly newsletter.
Find your next running shoe
Answer a few questions to find the best shoe based on your preferences and goals
