The Mizuno Wave Sky 9 at £180 is the best running shoe available right now, delivering premium cushioning and stability for serious runners. If you’re prioritising value, the New Balance 1906r at £79.99 punches well above its price point with retro-inspired cushioning and modern comfort technology.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Mizuno Wave Sky 9
£180.00 — Best for runners seeking premium cushioning and responsive performance.
The Mizuno Wave Sky 9 combines Mizuno’s Wave Plate technology (a curved structural element that stabilises midfoot transitions) with ample cushioning throughout the midsole. The shoe accommodates various foot strikes and offers a smooth heel-to-toe transition suitable for both daily running and tempo work. Wide sizing is available at the same £179.95 price point for those needing additional forefoot room.
Best Budget Option: New Balance 1906r
£79.99 — Best for runners on a tight budget without compromising on comfort.
The New Balance 1906r delivers retro cushioning technology at less than half the price of premium competitors. The shoe features a thick midsole providing noticeable shock absorption and a broader toe box compared to modern minimalist designs. It’s an excellent entry point for casual runners or anyone testing whether premium running shoes suit their style.
Best for Tempo Running: Asics Megablast
£224.95 — Best for runners prioritising speed and responsiveness over cushioning.
The Asics Megablast uses a lighter, firmer midsole designed to reduce ground contact time. FlyteFoam cushioning provides energy return without the plush feel of heavier shoes, making it ideal for tempo sessions and races where speed matters more than maximum protection.
Best Under £105: Under Armour Infinite Men’s Running Shoes
£100.00 — Best for those seeking stability without premium pricing.
The Under Armour Infinite delivers reliable cushioning and a secure fit at the £100 mark. The shoe doesn’t reinvent the wheel but offers consistent performance for daily running without unnecessary frills.
Best Value Lightweight Option: Velociti Pace
£99.95 — Best for runners wanting a nimble shoe for shorter, faster efforts.
The Velociti Pace positions itself between cushioning and speed, offering a lightweight midsole with modest impact protection. It’s suitable for runners who prefer responsiveness over maximum cushioning but don’t want the minimalist approach of ultra-light racers.
Budget Alternative: Mizuno Wave Sky 8
£170.00 — Best for runners wanting Mizuno quality at £10 less than the latest model.
The previous-generation Wave Sky 8 retains the core Wave Plate technology and cushioning system. If the Sky 9’s features don’t justify the small price difference, the Sky 8 is a sensible alternative with nearly identical performance characteristics.
Quick Comparison
| Shoe | Price | Best For | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mizuno Wave Sky 9 | £180.00 | All-round running, daily training | Wave Plate stability technology |
| New Balance 1906r | £79.99 | Budget-conscious runners, casual use | Retro cushioning at modern prices |
| Asics Megablast | £224.95 | Speed work, tempo running | Lightweight, responsive midsole |
| Under Armour Infinite | £100.00 | Stable, reliable daily running | Clean design without premium markup |
| Velociti Pace | £99.95 | Fast efforts, responsive feel | Lightweight construction |
How We Chose
- Cushioning and impact protection: We prioritised shoes offering measurable midsole thickness (minimum 18mm) without excessive bulk that slows ground contact time.
- Proven stability features: Shoes with specific technologies (Mizuno’s Wave Plate, Asics’ gel inserts, or structural reinforcements) ranked higher than generic construction claims.
- Price-to-performance ratio: We weighted value heavily—a £80 shoe delivering 80% of a £180 shoe’s performance gains our recommendation over premium alternatives without functional advantages.
- Versatility across running types: Selected shoes perform across daily runs, tempo work, and casual use rather than specialising in narrow scenarios.
The Bottom Line
The Mizuno Wave Sky 9 at £180 is the best running shoe available, delivering genuine performance benefits through Wave Plate technology and comprehensive cushioning—ideal for serious runners logging 30+ kilometres weekly. For those budgeting under £100, the New Balance 1906r at £79.99 is unbeatable, providing legitimate comfort and cushioning without premium pricing. Choose based on your weekly mileage and budget: premium models justify their cost at 25+ kilometres weekly; budget options suit casual runners covering 10-20 kilometres weekly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best running shoes under £100?
The New Balance 1906r at £79.99 is the best running shoe under £100, offering retro-inspired cushioning and a broad toe box. The Velociti Pace at £99.95 and Under Armour Infinite at £100.00 are solid alternatives if you prefer a lighter feel or additional stability, but the 1906r delivers the most noticeable cushioning at that price point.
Are the Mizuno Wave Sky 8 and Wave Sky 9 really different?
The differences are minimal—both feature identical Wave Plate technology and comparable cushioning volumes. The main improvement in the Sky 9 involves marginal refinements to the upper fit and midsole responsiveness. If the Sky 8 is available, it’s a sensible choice at £170 versus £180 for the Sky 9, unless you specifically need the latest iteration.
Which running shoe is best for wide feet?
The Mizuno Wave Sky 9 Wide at £179.95 is purpose-built for wider forefeet, maintaining the same technology as the standard model. The New Balance 1906r also runs with a naturally broader toe box compared to contemporary designs, making it suitable for wider feet without requiring a dedicated wide size.
What’s the difference between the most expensive and cheapest option?
The Asics Megablast at £224.95 costs £145 more than the New Balance 1906r at £79.99. The Megablast prioritises speed and responsiveness for competitive runners, whilst the 1906r emphasises daily comfort and cushioning for casual use. Your choice depends on running goals: racing and tempo work favour the Megablast; daily running and injury recovery favour the 1906r.
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