Our Best Selling Running Shoes Guide

Enjoy the journey with us as we take you through a helpful guide of the best selling running shoes at Sports Direct right now. Featuring both men’s running shoes and women’s running shoes, we take you through our best selling road and trail running shoes, as well as those most suited for 5k or short distance runs and our top long distance running shoes. With sports and running expert brands like Nike, adidas, ASICS, New Balance, Under Armour, Salomon and Karrimor all featured, there’s some true top runners on show.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40

One of the most popular and well-known running shoe series to date, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus range continues to innovate and find new levels of comfort and fit that runners of all levels will appreciate. Designed to put a spring in your step with a Nike React Foam midsole and a Nike Zoom Air unit, you’ll feel like you’re running on air in the Pegasus. A neutral running shoe at home on the road, the shoe also offers a breathable mesh upper and wide toe counter for ultimate comfort and ease of wear. Of course, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 doesn’t just feel great, it looks great too with the large Swoosh and array of colourways on offer.

ASICS GEL-NIMBUS

A neutral running shoe that offers advanced impact cushioning and protection, the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS range is designed for long-distance road running. Featuring a flexible midfoot panel and a cushioned FLYTE-FOAM midsole, the GEL-NIMBUS will move with you to create a smooth stride every step of the way. Furthermore, the breathable mesh upper keeps your feet feeling cool, the ASICS Lite Rubber outsole keeps you stable and the reflective detailing keeps you visible in the dark. A high-quality all-round running shoe, the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 23, 24 and 25 models are available at Sports Direct. One for the more experienced runners, we’d say.

adidas Ultraboost 22

If you’re looking for an immensely-responsive ride, consider the adidas Ultraboost series. Fusing together hundreds of adidas Boost capsules, the shoe responds to all the energy you put in and gives you a boost forward with every step. Sat on top of the Boost midsole is a comfy, stretchy and breathable mesh upper, while the Continental rubber outsole finishes the trainer with ultimate traction. What’s more, the Ultraboost 22 is crafted with at least 50% Parley Ocean plastic, helping reduce adidas’ environmental impact. An amazing running shoe that is also good for the environment – what could be better? Here at Sports Direct, we stock a multitude of colourways to ensure there’s an Ultraboost for you.

Nike Air Zoom Alphafly 2

Now this is a running shoe for the advanced, the experienced and the fast. As the name suggests, the Nike Air Zoom Nike Air Zoom Alphafly 2 is engineered to give you that extra percentage that makes all the difference. Worn by Eliud Kipchoge when he ran the first sub 2-hour marathon, the trainer features two Zoom Air pods in the forefoot, oodles of ZoomX foam in the midsole and a brand new ultra-lightweight AtomKnit upper, combining to provide an incredibly responsive ride while maintaining breathability and moisture control. Finished with a carbon fibre plate to give you a snappy stride, the Nike Air Zoom Nike Air Zoom Alphafly 2 is available in many attention-grabbing colours.

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v12

Think your current running shoes are comfy? Think again. The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v12 takes comfort to the next level - and beyond. Sat on a thick bed of a Fresh Foam midsole for the ultimate in running shoe cushioning, the 1080v12 builds on the success of the 1080 series with a bootie-type construction, an Ultra Heel counter and an Ortholite sock-liner for a snug, comfy fit, paired with the flexible, lightweight and breathable upper. Light as a feather, the 1080v12 is suitable for all runners.

Nike React Pegasus Trail

You can get the iconic look of the Nike Pegasus range with the added functionality needed to smash those tracks and trails thanks to the Nike React Pegasus Trail running shoe. The rugged rubber outsole is designed to keep you on your feet no matter the terrain and the conditions, with added traction to the toe and heel so you stay stable going up and going down. That recognisable Nike React foam gives you cushioning through every step, while a dynamic band system around the midfoot provides added support and the mesh upper maintains breathability. Find the Nike React Pegasus Trail colourway to suit you and you’ll soon be smashing those trails with ease!

ASICS GEL-KAYANO

Are you into long-distance running on trails, through fields and over hills? Then the ASICS GEL-KAYANO has been developed with high levels of support and stability, along with the iconic GEL cushioning – making it suitable for all surfaces but especially able to excel on tough terrain. The engineered mesh upper provides the breathability you need over long runs, the Ortholite sock-liner provides a snug, comfy fit and the FF Blast foam helps with shock absorption. The GEL-KAYANO also benefits from an external heel counter for durable stability, a padded ankle collar and a 3D Space Construction to help compression at the foot strike, all coming together to form a highly-advanced trail shoe.

Salomon Speedcross

The Salomon Speedcross collection of trail running shoes is crafted with every element of trail running in mind, helping to give you the support, stability and cushioning that you need to take on any running adventure. Featuring thick lugs on the rugged rubber outsole for advanced traction, an Ortholite sock-liner for premium comfort and a highly-responsive EnergyCell midsole to propel you forward, the Salomon Speedcross is one of the most functional running shoes you can find. Finished with an advanced lacing system and a welded upper, this running shoe is perfect for anybody who wants to really challenge themselves over hills and rough terrain.

adidas Terrex Two Ultra

Built for the trails, the adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2 is ready to accompany you over the hills. Featuring a stretchy and breathable knitted upper, the Terrex Two Ultra brings the comfy and easy-to-wear nature of a neutral running shoe to the trails. The midsole utilises lightstrike EVA foam for the ultimate in lightweight cushioning, giving you the energy to keep going over long distances, while the rock protection and grippy Continental rubber outsole ensure the shoe can take on any challenge - and win. You’ll look as great as you feel in the adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2 running shoes, with many colourways on offer.

Nike Wildhorse 8

Unleash the Wild Horse inside of you with the Nike Wildhorse 8 - one of the best Nike running shoes available, specifically for use on trails. The most striking aspect of the shoe is the multi-directional traction lugs seen in the large rubber outsole to provide amazing traction over the hills and keep you up straight. Naturally, a Nike React foam midsole is there for superb cushioning (with extra around the heel), while the mesh upper is supremely breathable and the added skin on the toe ensures extra durability. To complete the immense functionality of the Nike Wildhorse 8, there’s a Dynamic Fit System around the midfoot, a gaiter collar around the ankle and a utility tag at the rear. And let’s be honest, they look awesome too!

Generally, running over shorter distances (up to 5k) means a focus on speed – and so your running shoes should be focussed on that too, through lightweight silhouettes and targeted support. Short distance running shoes are also shaped in a way to propel you forward in every step and you’re unlikely to find high levels of cushioning as your feet don’t require as much help while running over a shorter distance. But it should also be noted that you may well only be planning a shorter run because you are new to running and as such you will likely want to pick up some more supportive running shoes that will continue to be effective as you build up your distance.
Some great options for short distance/5k running shoes at Sports Direct are:

If you want to go further, you need the right running shoes to take you there. Pounding away mile after mile takes a toll on your feet and ankles, and that’s why you really need some high levels of cushioning and support to prevent injuries and keep you on your feet. Underfoot cushioning in the midsole is paramount, but so is cushioning and structure around the collar to ensure your ankles are kept straight and lessen the chance of ankle injuries. If you pick the right long distance running shoes to fit your feet perfectly, you should find building up your distance relatively easy and without as much of an impact on your feet as you might think. Some recommended long distance running shoes available at Sports Direct are:

The advice provided in this guide is general in nature; it is not intended to be scientific or medical advice, or as a substitute for scientific or medical advice. Sports Direct makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained in this guide or its suitability for any purpose. The information is based on the popularity of various running shoes and the technology used by each brand to create the shoe. We recommend seeking further advice before buying your first pair of running shoes, as it is important to find the type of fit and cushioning that your feet require. This is especially important for anybody with overpronation or supination. A select number of Sports Direct stores offer running shoe fitting and gait analysis, but lots of helpful advice can be found elsewhere online. For more information on each shoe, visit the brands’ websites.

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