The Runner's Guide to Picking the Perfect Daily Trainer

When I first started running, I had one shoe, the Adidas Ultraboost, and I used it for everything. Now that I run every day of the week (sometimes twice) and have a structured training regimen with target paces and goal mileage, I keep a rotation of running shoes to pull from based on the type of run I'm doing. However, the foundation of that rotation is the daily training shoe, the one that can tackle most any run. In this article, we'll explain what a daily trainer is and how to pick the perfect one based on your preferences. 

What Is A Daily Trainer?

A daily trainer is your go-to running shoe that's designed to meet the demands of regular training sessions. They serve as a versatile option for runners aiming to log miles day in and day out, providing a balance of cushioning, support and durability. Unlike carbon-plated racing shoes or specialized trail shoes with rubber-knobbed outsoles for navigating harsh terrain, daily trainers are built to offer a well-rounded running experience, making them suitable for a wide range of distances and surfaces. The best daily trainers can do everything from the occasional county park trail to an impromptu track session. Some long running examples are the Nike Pegasus, Brooks Ghost and Saucony Ride.

How to Choose A Daily Trainer: 6 Considerations

While daily trainers are designed to offer a balanced combination of cushioning, support, and responsiveness, different models play up or down each of these characteristics to deliver a unique ride. Here are the six key qualities that you'll want to look for in a daily trainer, plus a few picks that represent each of the qualities well.

1. Cushioning

One of the most important components in a shoe's construction is the midsole foam used to cushion the ride. Foam can help with shock absorption to reduce impact on your joints, give a responsive and snappy sensation on your stride and provide a comfortable underfoot experience. The type of foam used plays major role in the feeling and performance, with PEBA generally giving a bouncy and fun ride and EVA providing a more stable platform. 

Max cushioned shoes, which have a high stack of soft and comfortable foam, are all the rage right now. Especially during marathon training, these shoes can eat up mountains of miles while keeping your legs fresh. However, keep in mind that too much cushioning can alter your natural gait, so find the right balance. Below, we've broken out options on both ends of the spectrum.

Soft and Max Cushioned Daily Trainers

• Asics Gel-Nimbus 25
• Saucony Triumph 21
• Nike Invincible 3

Firmer Daily Trainers

• Saucony Endorphin Shift 3
• New Balance 880
• Adidas Adizero SL

2. Support and Stability

Having a stable platform to land on—whether that's due to good form or the right footwear—is essential to preventing unnecessary injuries. If you overpronate (i.e., your feet rotate inward when you land) or your form degrades when you're tired, you should consider a shoe that offers support in the midsole and arch area to help maintain proper foot alignment. Stability shoes can also help runners with flat feet. 

Traditionally, stability shoes looked like what you'd see driving a golf cart around a community in South Florida, there have been recent models introduced in the past few years that move beyond the plastic-cladded white or black aesthetic. Consider a shoe in the mild stability category if you want something fashion-forward and supportive.

Daily Trainers with Mild Stability Elements

• Saucony Tempus
• On Cloudstratus
• Diadora Mythos

Stability-Focused Daily Trainers

• New Balance 860
• Hoka Arahi 6
• Brooks Adrenaline GTS

3. Fit and Size

A good daily trainer should feel snug but not tight, allowing some room for your toes to move. Having the right fit minimizes the risk of blisters and discomfort during your runs—and maximizes the chances of enjoyment. Some daily training models, even within a brand's own lineup, run narrower or wider for the same size shoe. Fit can differ not just in the width, but in the toe-box and midfoot as well.

If you have wider feet, most popular daily trainers have dedicated wide models, a few of which we've included below. It's also a good idea to check whether a brand's shoes run large, small or true to size.

Daily Trainers With a Snug Fitting Upper

• Nike Pegasus
• New Balance 880
• On Cloudmonster

Daily Trainers with a Roomy Toe-Box

• Hoka Clifton 9
• Altra Rivera
• Topo Phantom

Daily Trainers That Come in Wide

• Hoka Clifton 9
• New Balance Rebel
• Saucony Ride

4. Durability

A good daily trainer is going to be put through its paces (pun intended). They'll be accompanying you on warm days, cool days, dry days, wet days and everything in between. Most mainstream daily trainers that cost more than $100 are made from durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. However, the most important factor to longevity is the rubber outsole that covers the foam, because once the outsole starts wearing through and exposing the midsole, it will be time to get a new pair. Not all outsoles are made equal, so below we've included three models that have full-length, durable rubber outsoles to get you 300+ miles with a single pair.

Daily Trainers with Durable Outsoles

• Saucony Triumph 20
• Puma Deviate Nitro 2
• Nike Pegasus 40

5. Responsiveness & Speed

Your daily trainer should provide a good balance between comfort and speed. However, some runners prefer to have a more responsive and snappy shoe for their daily miles instead of a soft and supple max-cushioned option. The three picks below are good options if you like to pick up the pace on your daily miles, or you're looking for a shoe that will excel on both regular runs and workouts (or even the occasional race day).

Responsive & Speedy Daily Trainers

• Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
• Topo Cyclone
• Hoka Mach 5

6. Style & Swag

Some may argue this is the most important factor of all: how a shoe looks on foot. While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, we've highlighted a few options below whose looks we appreciate for different reasons. Whether you're into timeless Americana, streetwear or fullblown made-in-Europe fashion, there's a good looking daily trainer out there waiting for you. 

Fashion Forward Daily Trainers

• Tracksmith Eliot Runner (preppy and classic)
• Nike Pegasus Premium (sporty street style)
• Diadora Atomo v7000 (90s swag; made in Italy)

Final Thoughts

Picking a daily trainer is like shopping for a home; there are dozens of style and hundreds of minor variations, but once you hunt long enough you'll find the one that's right for you. Whether you go for a speedier option or a max-cushioned cruiser, the most important thing is that you have a pair of running shoes that keeps you healthy and excited to get out there and run.