The On Running Cloudflow 5 at £138 is the best all-rounder for serious runners seeking responsive cushioning and durability, though exceptional value options exist at every price point below £60. Whether you prioritise maximum cushioning, lightweight speed, or budget-friendly mileage, there’s a shoe here that matches both your running style and wallet.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: On Running – Men’s Cloudflow 5 Shoes — £138.00
The Cloudflow 5 combines responsive CloudTec cushioning with a lightweight 9.8oz frame, making it ideal for tempo runs and race days. On’s renowned platform delivers energy return without the weight penalty of heavier trainers.
Best for Cushioning: Hoka – Men’s Bondi 8 Running Shoes — £99.95
Hoka’s signature maximal cushioning platform absorbs impact across the entire stride cycle, perfect for runners logging 40+ miles weekly or those with impact-sensitive joints. The Bondi 8’s 33mm stack height is among the softest in this lineup.
Best Budget Pick: Puma Foreverrun Nitro 2 ‘Green’ (Wmns) — £34.95
This women’s trainer delivers serious value at under £35, pairing Puma’s Nitro foam with a secure fit system. Ideal for beginners or easy-pace base building without the premium price tag.
Best for Responsive Speed: Adizero Boston 12 Running Shoes — £52.50
Adidas’s performance racer weighs just 7.2oz and features responsive Boost cushioning, making it the choice for 5K specialists and tempo sessions. This is race-day lightweight without sacrificing impact protection.
Best for Everyday Training: Mizuno – Men’s Wave Horizon 8 Running Shoe — £50.00
Mizuno’s Wave technology distributes impact across a wider platform than traditional cushioning, suiting neutral runners tackling varied terrain. The Horizon 8 balances cushioning and responsiveness for 4-5 weekly runs.
Best for Maximum Comfort: Max Cushioning Endeavour Slip-ins Mandalay — £64.99
The slip-in entry system speeds up transitions while the max-cushioning platform absorbs shock on long, easy runs. Best for runners prioritising comfort over speed or those with joint concerns.
Best Budget Alternative: Supernova Rise Running Shoes — £44.95
Adidas’s Supernova Rise offers genuine cushioning innovation at mid-budget pricing, using Boost foam and a stable platform. Strong option for everyday trainers under £50.
Best Lightweight Option: UA Infinite Elite 2 Collegiate Unisex — £69.44
Under Armour’s responsive platform prioritises ground feel and agility, weighing under 8oz. Unisex fit makes this accessible regardless of gender, ideal for tempo and interval workouts.
Best for Distance Running: Asics GT 2000 14 Mens Running Shoes — £119.84
Asics’s stability-focused platform combines cushioning with a medial post, supporting runners tackling marathons or those with mild overpronation. The GT 2000’s proven durability means 400+ miles per pair.
Best Value Lightweight: Puma Voltaic Evo Elemental Camo — £41.95
Puma’s Elemental Camo pairs lightweight construction with responsive cushioning at under £42. Strong pick for tempo runners on a budget or those seeking minimalist road feel.
Best for Transitions: Men’s Skechers Go Run Supersonic Max — £58.49
Skechers’ responsive foam provides snappy returns on quick cadence runs, making this ideal for track workouts or tempo intervals. The Supersonic Max bridges cushioning and responsiveness at mid-tier pricing.
Best Premium Comfort: On Running – Women’s Cloudsurfer Max — £101.50
On’s women’s-specific Cloudsurfer Max uses softer CloudTec cushioning than the Cloudflow, targeting longer runs and recovery days. The £101.50 price reflects specialised women’s engineering.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Price | Best For | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| On Running Cloudflow 5 | £138.00 | Overall performance & racing | Responsive CloudTec + 9.8oz lightweight |
| Hoka Bondi 8 | £99.95 | Maximum cushioning & comfort | 33mm stack height, max impact absorption |
| Puma Foreverrun Nitro 2 | £34.95 | Budget beginners & base building | Under £35 entry price with solid cushioning |
| Adizero Boston 12 | £52.50 | Speed work & tempo runs | 7.2oz race-ready lightweight |
| Mizuno Wave Horizon 8 | £50.00 | Everyday neutral training | Distributed Wave impact platform |
| Asics GT 2000 14 | £119.84 | Marathon distance & stability | Medial post support, 400+ mile durability |
How We Chose
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Cushioning vs. responsiveness trade-off: Ranked shoes on whether they prioritise impact absorption (stack height 25mm+) versus ground feel and energy return (under 10oz weight). Maximum cushioning shoes scored higher for long-distance comfort; lightweight shoes for speed workouts.
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Durability and mileage capacity: Selected shoes with track records of lasting 300-500 miles before significant breakdown. Hoka, Asics, and On models consistently deliver this threshold; budget options often cap at 200-300 miles.
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Price-to-performance ratio: Identified standout value at each price tier—under £50 (Puma, Mizuno, Adidas), £50-£100 (UA, Skechers, Hoka), and premium (On, Asics). Rejected similarly-priced shoes lacking distinctive features.
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Fit accessibility: Prioritised options with unisex or wide-fit availability (UA Infinite Elite 2, Skechers Supersonic Max) to serve diverse foot shapes and genders.
The Bottom Line
The On Running Cloudflow 5 at £138 is the best all-purpose running shoe for serious runners seeking responsive cushioning and proven durability, though it’s a premium investment. If you’re budget-conscious, the Puma Foreverrun Nitro 2 at £34.95 delivers surprising quality for beginners or easy-pace training, while the Adizero Boston 12 at £52.50 offers the best responsive speed work under £60. Choose based on your primary run type: maximum cushioning (Hoka Bondi 8), everyday training (Mizuno Wave Horizon 8), or competitive speed (Adidas Boston 12).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best running shoes under £50?
The Puma Foreverrun Nitro 2 at £34.95, Mizuno Wave Horizon 8 at £50, Adizero Boston 12 at £52.50, and Supernova Rise at £44.95 are the standout picks under £50. The Puma offers maximum cushioning for the price, while the Adizero wins for lightweight speed work.
Which running shoes are best for marathon training?
The Asics GT 2000 14 (£119.84) with its stability support and proven durability is purpose-built for marathon distance, though the Hoka Bondi 8 (£99.95) with 33mm cushioning is excellent for high-mileage weeks where impact protection matters most. Both consistently deliver 400+ miles before breakdown.
Are expensive running shoes worth the price difference?
The On Running Cloudflow 5 at £138 costs roughly 3x the Puma Foreverrun Nitro 2 but delivers superior responsiveness, lighter weight (9.8oz vs. standard 10.5oz), and extended lifespan (450+ miles vs. 250-300 miles). Worth the investment if running 30+ miles weekly; less essential for casual trainers logging under 15 miles.
What’s the best lightweight running shoe for speed work?
The Adizero Boston 12 at £52.50 weighs just 7.2oz and prioritises ground feel for tempo and interval training, making it the best budget-friendly lightweight. For premium lightness, the On Running Cloudflow 5 at £138 matches responsiveness with sub-10oz weight, though at significantly higher cost.
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