How do we define a daily shoe?
This is probably the section which will cause the most arguments. What makes a daily shoe? While, for some, the New Balance Rebel makes an excellent daily, there are others who would put it firmly in the uptempo category. Whatever your preference: plated, soft, stable or bouncy, the daily shoe is the dependable running buddy. It’s the shoe you reach for the most. The one you share the majority of your running time with.
As ever, people were free to choose whatever they wanted for this category. I am sure some will disgaree and others will feel validated in their own choices. Let us know in the comments below!
Ivan’s Daily Shoe of 2024: Saucony Kinvara Pro
Ivan: This year, no single daily trainer has completely blown me away, but several models have left a strong impression, including the Mount to Coast S1, Mizuno Neo Vista, and Brooks Glycerin Max. However, the shoe I’ve reached for the most is the Saucony Kinvara Pro.
I realize this shoe divides opinions within the running community. Many seemed to expect a quite plush ride given its high stack, but I personally appreciate its more responsive feel while still providing a deep level of cushioning. The rocker geometry works exceptionally well for me as a midfoot striker, delivering an efficient and smooth ride.
What sets the Kinvara Pro apart for me is its versatility – it consistently saves my legs and keeps me moving, even when I’m starting a run already fatigued. Despite its impressive level of protection, the shoe remains reasonably lightweight, and I’ve encountered no issues with stability. It has truly earned its place as my daily shoe of 2024.
Silke’s Pick: New Balance Rebel v4
Silke: It has been very easy for me to choose my daily shoe of 2024. After taking a look at my stats, I found one shoe with 846 joyous kilometres through the midsole. It is the New Balance Rebel V4. After my first run in December 2023, I knew it would be one of my favourites. Despite the imperfect upper, I found the combination of low weight, 5mm drop and soft but bouncy foam ideal for me. No breaking in miles, no slippery outsole and a foam that lasted much longer than its predecessors.
New Balance have made a nearly perfect daily trainer for me. Aside from that, its versatility made me grab the Rebel V4 so often. I took it for runs around half marathon distance, for tempo workouts, uphill and into the woods. Even now, it still holds up really well, no torn upper and still a lot of that grippy outsole. It must have been love and I am excited to see what New Balance will change for an upcoming fifth version.
Maisie’s Favourite Daily Shoe of 2024: PUMA Deviate NITRO 3
Maisie: My favourite daily trainer of the year has to be the PUMA Deviate NITRO 3. As a super-trainer with the carbon fibre PWRPLATE you could argue that it tips into the uptempo category. But, for me, it has been a shoe that delivers for just about everything and anything. It is the shoe that I have banked the most miles in this year. Moreover, it has been my top choice shoe for ‘cabin bag’ only trips. For me the PUMA Deviate NITRO 3 combines comfort, performance and durability. Overall, this for me makes it a near perfect daily trainer. Although it still wouldn’t be my first choice for my speediest sessions, it makes the cut for pretty much everything else.
When I first tested and reviewed the PUMA Deviate NITRO 3 back in the summer, I said that it would “take something quite special to bump them out of my rotation”. Let’s see what 2025 has to offer, but for now the PUMA Deviate NITRO 3 stands firm as my favourite daily shoe of 2024.
Alex’s Choice: HOKA Mach 6
Alex: I am going with the HOKA Mach 6, which admittedly is not really a daily trainer. I would put it in the “allrounder” category as it can perform a variety of things in one’s training regimen. Things are really simple with this shoe: I like everything about it and so do all the people that I know and who followed my recommendation to get one. From the fair price tag to the delicious midsole compound, HOKA nailed it.
It is my daily shoe of 2024 because I could use it solely for easy runs. Of course I did much more than that but even for easy runs it is perfect. Despite not being a max cushion shoe, the HOKA Mach 6 delivers the right amount of cushion and leg protection. It feels great at slower paces and will make you smile every time you pick up the speed. The great fit (albeit on the narrow side) is another upside for this shoe, and while not perfect the durability is matching my expectations in this price range.
Tim’s Daily Shoe of 2024: HOKA Mach 6
Tim: Last year, my favorite daily shoe was the New Balance 1080 v13. While it wasn’t the most stable shoe on the market, it offered a soft and fun ride that could handle nearly everything. My choice for 2024, however, is an even wider animal but also for a wider use: the HOKA Mach 6. As Alex mentioned, this shoe leans more toward being an all-rounder than a pure daily trainer, but what a daily trainer can do, an all-rounder can do just as well.
Like the 1080 v13, it might not be the most stable shoe, but it’s definitely one of the most fun rides of the year. It’s lightweight yet packed with cushioning, and when you pick up the pace, it responds well despite not having a plate.The fit works well for me, and the price tag is excellent too. On the other hand, the only drawbacks are the grip and durability. However, with so many positives at such a good price, it earns its place as my favorite daily shoe of 2024.That said, I wouldn’t recommend this shoe for beginners due to its lack of stability. It’s better suited for runners who already have some experience and run occasionally.
Andy’s Choice of 2024: ASICS Novablast 5
Andy: I’m lucky enough to have run in a number of daily shoes this year. The Frequenza from Diadora and the Rebel v4 from New Balance were early contenders for my favourite daily shoe of 2024. They are both lightweight and full of bounce. I have had a great time in most of the Topo range this year too. However, my ultimate favourite has been a late arrival. ASICS’ Novablast 5 has stolen my heart and the crown in the last couple of months of the year.
It has a lot in common with the feel of the soft bouncy chaps I started the year with but it also adds a bit more structure and comfort overall. I feel that I could put it on and tackle any distance. As with several of the shoes mentioned above, the versatility also helps it rank highly in my selection. From daily plods to fast blasts, ASICS have created a winner here. Finally, the price of £135 makes it a steal, really. This has really brightened the dark months at the end of the year for me.
