Top 5 Daily Trainers of 2022: Versatile Running Shoes Worth a Look

Introduction

At the end of a year of running, a handful of daily trainers stand out from the pack. These five shoes earned their spots not because they are flashy race-day picks, but because they handled the everyday workload: easy runs, long runs, strides, recovery miles, and the occasional detour onto easy trails. Here is the ranking, starting from number one.

1. Asics Novablast 3

The Asics Novablast 3 takes the top spot. Asics has been refining this series for three years, and this is the best version yet. It uses FF Blast Plus, the lightest and squishiest foam Asics has put into a daily trainer, and the upper is comfortable from top to bottom.

With plenty of miles logged in this shoe across all kinds of terrain, it proved consistently fun and versatile, which is exactly what earns a shoe the daily trainer of the year title.

2. New Balance Rebel v3

The New Balance Rebel v3 finally crossed over into true daily trainer territory. The first two versions felt more like speed shoes, but this year New Balance bumped the forefoot stack height by a millimeter, widened the base slightly, and adjusted the toe spring, so there is noticeably more FuelCell foam feel in the forefoot.

The result is a shoe that can still pick up the pace but now handles everything a daily trainer should. It passed a 20-mile long run test and works for strides and recovery runs alike. It is lightweight and versatile, though the forefoot still feels a bit thin, with just enough cushion to qualify as a daily trainer.

3. Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is a slightly controversial pick because it is technically a speed shoe, but so many runners use it for daily training, recovery runs, and speed work alike that it belongs in this conversation. Many consider it their daily trainer of the year.

It is arguably the best Endorphin Speed yet, with a comfortable upper and improved PWRRUN PB foam. It shines at 5K pace intervals, though the forefoot can feel a touch firm, and softer options like the Rebel v3 and Novablast 3 edge it out for easy and recovery runs. The one design change worth wishing for: cutting out the rearfoot section the way Saucony did on the Endorphin Pro 3 would remove most fit complaints.

4. Hoka Mach 5

The Hoka Mach 5 came close to taking the top spot earlier in the year. Building on a predecessor that was already a favorite, it keeps everything that worked and adds a supercritical top layer of ProFly foam, giving a nice initial compression on landing followed by a snappy push-off.

It feels light, snappy, and well cushioned, and it is easy to take on strides, easy runs, and long runs. Despite minimal rubber on the outsole, it has even held up on trail runs, handling just about everything in a fun package.

5. New Balance 880 v12

The New Balance 880 v12 rounds out the list with Fresh Foam X instead of FuelCell. It keeps the strong workhorse vibe of its predecessor, with plenty of rubber on the outsole for durability, but tweaks to the foam make it feel lighter and livelier than before.

You get durability without the plodding feel that sometimes comes with it. It is ready to pick up the pace for strides and handles long runs too, and its beefier outsole makes it a fun option for dry, non-technical trails where a road shoe can get away with it.

Buying Advice

If you want the most versatile, fun daily trainer, the Novablast 3 is the standout. Runners who prefer a lighter, faster feel should look at the Rebel v3 or the Mach 5, while the Endorphin Speed 3 suits those who want one shoe for both daily miles and speed work. For maximum durability in a workhorse package, the 880 v12 is the safest bet.

Conclusion

These five shoes cover the full range of what a daily trainer needs to do in 2022, from soft and bouncy to light and snappy to tough and durable. Match the shoe to your priorities and any of them can carry your training through the year.