Having celebrated its 20th anniversary, parkrun continues to be a weekly event that’s more popular than ever
Here, we take a look at some of the best shoes for that weekly 5km for everyone, from beginners to those challenging for course records.
These reviews are independent and unbiased views based on running real miles in these shoes. This piece contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission when you purchase using these links.
Brooks – Ghost 16 – £135.00
The latest version of the brand’s most popular model sees the addition of their range-topping DNA Loft v3 foam. This nitro-infused foam was previously used on the brand’s premium model, the Glycerin, so now being available at this price point sees a real boost for the shoe.
Nitrogen foam offers a bouncier and more durable ride and elevates this model perfectly without distracting from the established fit and feel of the shoe.
Brooks Ghost parkrun edition
To tie in perfectly with the more durable foam, a new recycled silica-infused rubber is used on the outsole for a longer life and great traction. As always with the Ghost, the upper is a top-quality engineered mesh that has a fuss-free fit to step in and go.
The Ghost is also available (for a limited time) in this parkrun anniversary edition colourway, so be quick!
New Balance – Fresh Foam X 860v14 – £140.00
For those requiring a little support, the 860v13 was one of the most popular and effective models around in controlling pronation. This 14th edition takes a fresh approach to control with a ‘stability plane’, a thin plate running the width and length of the shoe. The plate is sandwiched by Fresh Foam X, below it a firmer layer and above it a softer layer of the brand’s proprietary midsole foam.
The plane is angled to create a slightly larger area of the firmer material on the medial side of the foot and, therefore, gently control any roll. The result is a smooth riding support shoe with a great cushioned feel.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14
The engineered mesh upper has a slight stretch to it, so it can accommodate most foot shapes and sizes comfortably. It’s a good choice for everyday training for those seeking a light and stable do-it-all shoe.
Get the New Balance 860v14 here
INOV-8 – Trailfly Speed – £140.00
For those whose local parkrun is a little bit more ‘off the beaten track’, the Trailfly Speed features from INOV-8 features the brand’s POWERFLOW PRO midsole for a cushioned and ‘bouncy’ ride. Combined with the BOOMERANG footbed the shoe feels highly energised with a great level of ‘energy return’.
The 4mm studs feature Graphene for added durability and are perfect for grass, gravel and parkland conditions. The Trailfly is built on a new anatomical shape last, which, when combined with the 4mm drop, offers a more natural foot strike and allows the foot to spread and adapt to the uneven nature of the trails.
INOV8 Trailfly Speed
The shoe feels fast yet able to cope with trail conditions, making it a good choice for various surfaces and the kind of multi-terrain course often associated with parkrun.
Get the Inov08 Trailfly Speed here
Saucony – Endorphin Speed 4 – £180.00
The fourth-generation version of the popular Endorphin Speed retains the key features that make it one of the most versatile racer/trainers on the market and perfect for the faster parkrunner.
The lightweight and ultra-responsive PWRRUN PB midsole foam runs the full length of the shoe and sandwiches a winged nylon plate that provides a highly propulsive feel to the shoe. The plate is a winged design and it’s this feature that adds some lateral stability to the shoe and gives it the ability for more regular use than simply race day.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
A slightly broader overall ‘footprint’ also adds to the more stable ride and helps make the most of the plate at toe-off for an energised feel. There’s more outsole rubber coverage than a pure racing model, so durability is better and the lightweight, engineered mesh fit hugs the foot neatly for a ‘barely there’ fit sensation.
For moving quickly and more regular midweek speed sessions and tempo running, the Speed 4 is a great all-around fast-moving option.
Get the Endorphin Speed 4 here
Saucony – Guide 17 – £135.00
Another popular support-type shoe, this time from Saucony, sees a major change in this, the 17th edition. Gone is the traditional medial support in favour of a midsole that, thanks to its shape and structure, helps control pronation.
A broader base, flared heel cushioning and straighter last through the medial aspect of the shoe all contribute to helping to keep pronation under control. The deep stack of cushioning also features higher side walls that cup the heel for a stable yet natural ride.
Saucony Guide 17
There’s plenty of cushioning from the PWRRUN midsole and a soft PWRRUN+ innersole makes the step-in sensation very plush and welcoming. An engineered mesh upper wraps around the foot neatly and is nicely padded in the tongue, ankle collar and Achilles. The design allows plenty of breathability and it’s typical of the brand’s good-quality uppers.
The new Guide 17 offers great all-around support and cushioning and does it in a package that disappears around the foot, leaving you to concentrate on the running.
HOKA – Arahi 7 – £130.00
With many runners requiring a little support or control, this model offers just that in a lightweight package that’s welcoming for new runners.
Being largely unchanged from the Arahi 6, the Arahi 7 retains the J-Frame support and CM-EVA cushioning. The J-Frame is a firmer section of the midsole sitting around the edge of the rear of the shoe in a J-shaped structure. The combination of a softer cushioning core within the frame provides support.
It’s a unique method of providing control and works effectively for those requiring milder levels of control. The lightweight EVA also helps to keep the overall weight of the shoe low. Of course, the brand’s meta-rocker is present and this gives the whole shoe a relatively smooth riding sensation.
HOKA Arahi 7
A new zonal engineered, flat-knit upper with plusher tongue and ankle collar are the revisions this season and only serve to improve the overall fit, so fans of this shoe will be grateful the model hasn’t strayed too much from its formula.
It’s a lightweight, supportive shoe with a lower heel drop, perfect for those wanting a shoe that offers control but is light enough to pick up the pace in.
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