The Most Comfortable Running Shoes for Every Type of Run – A Parent’s Honest Guide

When it comes to buying a new pair of running shoes, comfort is the most important factor for me—hands down. As a parent and a runner, I don’t have time to waste breaking in painful shoes or dealing with blisters on early morning jogs before the kids wake up. Running is hard enough on the body, so finding the most comfortable running shoes is key to enjoying every step, whether I’m doing school drop-offs or logging long miles on the weekend.

In this guide, I’m sharing my personal experience with some of the most comfortable running shoes on the market today. I’ve broken it down into four main categories:

1. Daily Trainers
2. Easy & Recovery Shoes
3. Speed & Racing Shoes
4. Long Run Shoes

I’ve tested each pair myself—no sponsorships, no freebies, just honest opinions from someone who runs and parents every day. Let’s dive into the shoes that made the cut.

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1. Daily Trainers: Versatility Meets Comfort

Daily trainers are your workhorses—the shoes that handle a bit of everything. If you want one comfortable running shoe to do it all, these are your go-to options.

ASICS Novablast 5

• Price: £135
• Weight: 302g (UK size 12)
• Drop: 8mm
• Stack Height: 41.5mm
• Midsole: FF Blast Max

The Novablast 5 impressed me with its spacious forefoot, breathable upper, and incredibly balanced cushioning. Whether I’m jogging on the treadmill or dashing between errands, this shoe feels lightweight and responsive. The lockdown is fantastic too—your feet aren’t going anywhere.

Downsides: Sizing runs a bit large, so I recommend going half a size down. Also, the outsole struggles a bit in wet conditions.

“Read Also: best asics trail running shoes“

New Balance 1080v14 is one of the Comfortable Running Shoes

• Price: £160
• Weight: 360g
• Drop: 6mm
• Midsole: Fresh Foam X

This is an ultra-premium option that feels like a hug for your feet. I love the stretchy, soft upper and the availability of four width options—perfect for wider feet. The rocker design makes transitions smooth and easy, ideal for tired legs after a long day.

Downsides: Heavier than other daily trainers and a bit pricier, but it earns every pound with comfort.

“Read Also: Cross Country Running Shoes Nike“

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2. Easy & Recovery Shoes: Plush Comfort for Tired Legs

After a long day parenting or post-long-run soreness, recovery shoes are lifesavers. These prioritize softness and support above all else.

New Balance More v5

• Price: £140
• Weight: 374g
• Drop: 4mm
• Stack Height: 44mm
• Midsole: Fresh Foam X

If you want the ultimate in squishy, marshmallow-like cushioning, this is it. It absorbs shock beautifully without feeling like you’re sinking. I wore these at a marathon expo for four days straight—on my feet the entire time—and my legs felt fresh.

Downsides: It’s bulky, and some might find it too soft or warm for hot weather. But for daily walks, recovery jogs, or being on your feet for hours? It’s hard to beat.

ASICS Gel Nimbus 27

• Price: £180
• Weight: 374g
• Drop: 8mm
• Midsole: FF Blast+ Eco

This shoe wins for upper comfort alone. The stretch-knit tongue and thick ankle padding feel like slipping on a cozy sock. I had zero issues with hot spots, rubbing, or heel slippage. While the ride isn’t quite as soft as the More v5, it offers a nice balance of plushness and structure.

Downsides: On the heavy and expensive side. Not for racing or speed workouts.

“Read Also: waterproof trail running shoes women’s“

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3. Speed & Racing Shoes: Comfort That Can Fly

Most race shoes sacrifice comfort for weight and performance—but not these two. If you’re training or racing while chasing kids, you’ll love these options that offer both speed and support.

Adidas Adios Pro 4

• Price: £220
• Weight: 237g
• Drop: 6mm
• Midsole: Lightstrike Pro + Energy Rods

This is one of the most comfortable super shoes I’ve ever worn. The Lightlock upper fits like a glove with zero slippage, and the rocker design helps you glide forward. It’s ultra-lightweight and performs beautifully from 10K to marathon distances.

Downsides: Not ideal for heel strikers or heavier runners due to the soft heel foam.

Nike Zoom Fly 6

• Price: £155
• Weight: 320g
• Drop: 8mm
• Stack Height: 42mm (technically “illegal” for races)
• Midsole: ZoomX + SR02 with carbon plate

This shoe gives you carbon-plated performance at a much lower price. It’s perfect for speed sessions and tempo runs, with surprising durability—I’ve put over 200 miles on mine and it still feels great. Lots of padding in the heel, too.

Downsides: It’s not the best for walking or standing. And yes, it exceeds legal stack height for official races.

“Read Also: Best Running Shoes for Kids 2025“

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4. Long Run Shoes: Go the Distance in Total Comfort

Long runs are my favorite, and as a parent, they’re my escape—me time. You need something that offers comfort for the full duration, and these two are fantastic.

New Balance SuperComp Trainer v3

• Price: £230
• Weight: 325g
• Drop: 6mm
• Midsole: FuelCell + carbon plate

This shoe “New Balance SuperComp Trainer v3″ gives you super shoe energy with training shoe comfort. The upper is soft and breathable, and the plate adds just enough snap for marathon pace efforts. If you’re running long and steady, this is a dream.

Downsides: Expensive—especially outside the U.S.—but discounts are available if you shop around.

ASICS Superblast 2

• Price: £200
• Weight: 288g
• Drop: 8mm
• Midsole: FF Turbo+

This might be my favorite running shoe of all time. Lightweight, breathable, and stable without a carbon plate. It’s ideal for long, consistent runs where you want a natural ride but tons of cushioning. I’ve taken this shoe well past 1,000km with no issues.

Downsides: Hard to find—it sells out fast. And sizing runs large, so go half a size down.

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My Pick for the Most Comfortable Running Shoe Overall

If I had to crown one shoe as the most comfortable running shoe out there, I’d go with the ASICS Gel Nimbus 27. While it’s best for easy and recovery runs, nothing beats the way it wraps around your foot like a cozy slipper. For pure comfort, especially for parents juggling long days, errands, and downtime jogs—it’s perfect.

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Final Thoughts for Fellow Parents

Finding comfortable running shoes can be overwhelming, especially when you’re balancing parenting, work, and fitness. My advice? Start with one reliable daily trainer like the ASICS Novablast 5 or New Balance 1080v14. Then, if budget allows, add a recovery shoe or a long-run option. Your feet—and your schedule—will thank you.