The Best Daily Trainers of 2025

For runners, the best daily trainers are the backbone of training—versatile, comfortable shoes that handle everything from easy jogs to long runs. Whether you’re chasing a marathon PR or squeezing miles between work and family, the right daily trainer makes every step feel effortless.

Ready to find your perfect pair? Let’s explore the shoes that keep runners moving.

Finding the best daily trainers means cutting through the hype, so we tapped three runners—Eric, Blake, and Cody—who live for testing gear while juggling work, family, and chasing PRs. Their mile-tested feedback, spotlights shoes like the Adidas Adizero Evo SL and Salomon Aero Glide 5.

With Blake’s retail expertise, Cody’s road-to-trail grit, and Eric’s coaching smarts, they bring real-world insights you can trust. Their YouTube channels—TF XC Running Shoe Reviews (Blake), The Shoe In With Cody (Cody), and Rad Dad Bod TV (Eric)—share a deeper dive to what makes these shoes tick. 

The Up and Runner's picks for best daily trainer in 2025?
 
Adidas Adizero Evo SL, a versatile favorite and overall pick
Salomon Aeroglide 3, a cushioned beast for recovery and long miles
ASICS Novablast 5, a bouncy all-rounder
Mizuno Neo Zen, a max-cushion gem for easy runs
New Balance Rebel v5, blending comfort and pop
Hoka Clifton 10, a durable max-cushion workhorse

Now let's dive into the details of each of these shoes.

Daily Trainer with Race-Day DNA
Built on the heritage of Adidas's Pro line, the Evo SL features a full-length Lightstrike Pro midsole—the same highly responsive foam used in elite racers. A 6 mm drop, ≈39 mm heel stack, and Continental outsole create a shoe that's lightweight (8–9 oz), breathable, and highly versatile.

The Adidas Adizero Evo SL impresses with its versatile performance, handling everything from easy runs to tempo efforts with a smooth, responsive ride. All three runners appreciate its lightweight feel and energetic cushioning, which keeps legs fresh even on longer miles. The shoe's breathable upper and grippy outsole also stand out, offering comfort and traction across various conditions.

The Evo SL was a favorite pick for all three testers.  Check out their in-depth multi-tester review here.

Cody Jett

I love the Adidas Adizero EVO SL because it delivers premium performance without the premium price. The Lightstrike Pro foam feels incredible underfoot—light, responsive, and comfortable enough for everything from daily miles to long runs. It’s one of those rare shoes that just disappears on your feet, and at $150, it feels like you're getting race-day tech at a daily trainer price. Plus, that clean white design? Big win.

Blake also recommends for runners who workout and train in the same shoe, or just love that supershoe feel in every day training. 

Blake Graf

This shoe has racing in its DNA. With it's 100% Lightstrike Pro superfoam midsole, it gives you that energetic feel you'd expect from a racer, but in a training friendly package. I love how this shoe feels right at home both on daily training runs, and workout on the track.The biggest caveat to this shoe is that you'll want to go fast in it.

The Adidas Adizero Evo SL is our unanimous pick with Eric also recommending the shoe as a versatile daily trainer that is ready to tackle speed work.

Eric McIntyre

Possibly the most versatile shoe on the market. Smooth and forgiving enough for easy and standard runs, responsive enough for short intervals to longer tempos. One of the first daily shoes that I've legitimately felt OK racing in.

Intro

Summary of users

https://www.weeviews.com/reviews/4050/salomon-aero-glide-3-23636

Eric McIntyre

The Salomon Aero Glide 3 is just everything you want in a standard trainer. Comfortable upper that is structured without being overbearing. The foam is supportive yet responsive and the grip is top notch.

Cody also chose the Salomon Aero Glide 3 because it brings max comfort to daily running without feeling bulky or unstable. The EnergyFoam Evo midsole is soft, smooth, and perfect for easy and recovery miles, and he's even taking it long without any complaints. It’s the kind of shoe that makes running feel effortless, with a secure fit and surprising stability despite its high stack. Salomon really nailed the comfort game here.

Cody Jett

The Aero Glide 3 is perfect for runners who prioritize maximum cushion and comfort above all else. If you want a soft, smooth ride and don’t care much for ground feel, this shoe delivers that plush, protective experience every time you lace up.

For Blake a great daily trainer is something that you enjoy running in and gets you out the door. It shouldn't fit too snug like a racer, and should have more padding and comfort all around. The main purpose to log the majority of your miles in them and it should feel comfortable from the easy to moderate range of paces.

Blake Graf

The Novablast 5 is fun, bouncy and durable but can be a bit unstable due to softness. This shoe delivers for runners who need one shoe that can do it all.