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The Best Running Shoes for a 5k

It goes without saying that the tremendous rise of parkrun participation in recent years has seen the 5k distance become a popular choice for people running, jogging or walking their way into a more active lifestyle. As official retail partners of parkrun UK we want to help you cut through the noise of the overwhelming amount of running shoes on offer to help you find the right shoe for your 5k run. Whether you’re at a parkrun, on a training run, heading off-road or in a big race, rest assured we have something for every 5k runner out there!

The 5k distance offers the unique versatility of being the perfect entry into long distance running for newcomers to the sport, whilst also attracting serious attention from the most seasoned club runners. 

There’s no two ways about it, 5ks can really hurt! Nothing quite compares to the lactic induced torture of a hard 5k hit out but when you’re bounding down the finishing straight to demolish your previous PB, suddenly the oxygen debt and metallic taste in the mouth is so worth it! 

On the opposite side of the spectrum, a relaxing 5k trot around your local park with good company can be a truly wonderful way to improve general fitness and clear the mind.

Either way, in this article, we’ll go through a list of shoes suited to the needs of runners from all abilities. So stick around!

THE BEST BUDGET FRIENDLY RUNNING SHOE

Carbon plated super shoes are all well and good, but if you’re new to running and looking for a comfortable, cushioned running shoe that won’t break the bank, check out some of these affordable, yet highly capable options!

adidas Supernova Stride

Part of adidas’ brand new daily milage road running range, the Stride offers a balanced run with support, cushioning, lightness and durability. By mixing the plush Dreamstrike+ foam from higher priced shoes with an EVA carrier foam they can keep the cost down, without a big drop in quality.

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Nike Zoom Winflo 11

The Nike Winflo has long been a reliable daily trainer, packing solid performance in a lightweight, affordable package. With a balanced feel, full length Nike Air cushioning and updated comfort, you get a lot of bang for your buck.

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PUMA Electrify Nitro 3

Combining nitrogen infused NITRO foam with PROFOAMLITE the Electrify Nitro 3 offers improved responsiveness over its previous versions with a pop of extra bounce in the heel. A PUMAGRIP outsole offers highly durable traction.

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Skechers Go Run Consistent 2

Versatile enough to run 5k in the morning, and head to the gym in them after work, the Sketchers Go Run Consistent offers a surprising level of comfort and responsiveness at a great price.

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HOKA Rincon 4

Built with a uber-light softness that is perfect for shorter distances like the 5k, the Rincon is a budget shoe designed to give a taste of race day speed. Despite the speedy feel its durable and comfortable enough to wear every day.

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THE BEST RUNNING SHOES FOR OFF-ROAD

Lover of the great outdoors? Prefer technical terrain and forest trails to pounding pavement? For those days when you need a little extra bite underfoot, or, if you’re taking on a more adventurous route, the following shoes will keep you on your feet.

HOKA Speedgoat 6

HOKA and trail running go hand in hand. The Speedgoat series is one of the brands most popular options, offering excellent cushioning, durability thanks to a Vibram outsole, and a locked in feel thanks to the internal support chassis.

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Nike Pegasus Trail 5

Classic Pegasus fit and feel with grip that won’t let you down. Also feels pretty good on harder surfaces making this this one a great hybrid option for mixed Terrain. Now updated with lighter, bouncier and more sustainable ReactX through the midsole making your adventures even easier.

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Saucony Peregrine 14

A real fan favourite for its low profile, lightweight design. The Peregrine combines aggressive traction with a new softer underfoot feel. Cushioned enough for taking it easy, light enough for chasing your parkrun PB!

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On Cloudvista 2

Built to give a lightweight and agile feel with plenty of speed, the Cloudvista 2 is particularly suited to hard packed earth, gravel tracks or road-to-trail. Cloudtech pods paired with an updated speedboard help to give a rolling, forward sensation.

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adidas Terrex Speed Ultra

Co-created with Ultra Running legend Tom Evans, you can have every confidence that this one is fit for purpose. Built for speed and comfort, if your parkrun course has some technical terrain, this could be the shoe for you.

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THE BEST SUPPORTIVE RUNNING SHOES

If you’re looking for a little extra support in your stride to keep you running 5k and beyond in comfort and confidence, take a look at some of our favourite stability options.

Most of the shoes on this list will feature the same plush padding and cushion underfoot, with the addition of a firmer density medial post on the inside of the shoe to guide your foot through your gait cycle.

Saucony Guide 17

The supportive sibling of the Saucony Ride series, the Guide uses Centre Path technology to “guide” your foot through the transition from landing to take off, without the need for uncomfortable barriers in the midsole.

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ASICS Gel Kayano 31

A running shoe household name, the Kayano has an almost unrivalled reputation for a reason. Always reliable, always there to offer support when your form starts to slip with a few hundred metres to go. ASICS most premium support shoe is here to stay.

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Nike Structure 25

One of the more versatile offerings on the list, the Nike Structure takes the classic Nike DNA into the support shoe arena with performance you can trust.

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New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo v6

With the luxurious softness of Fresh Foam underfoot and supportive features throughout the shoe, the Vongo offers long lasting cushioning with an extra bit of medial support to keep you moving in confidence.

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HOKA Arahi 7

Lightweight support comes in the form of a J-frame underfoot in the Arahi for unobtrusive structure. It also brings the classic max cushioned, lightweight, smooth meta-rocker feel that Hoka are famed for.

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Mizuno Wave Inspire 20

With a specially designed Wave Plate that allows smooth weight transfer through the stride without allowing the arch to collapse, the Inspire offers support that also guides a forward motion. ENERZY cushioning and a stretch woven upper ensures you get a comfortable feel mile after mile.

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THE BEST SHOES FOR RUNNING FAST

We love parkrun for a plethora of reasons. One of which being it’s commitment to inclusivity for runners of all abilities. That being said, if you’re ready to let rip and use the free 5k as a chance to blast your old PB out the water, we’ve got the shoes for you.

Ultra-lightweight uppers, responsive midsoles, carbon plates. You’ll find all that and more with the following top tier, high performance options!

Nike Vaporfly 3

The original Vaporfly was the OG and nothing came close in terms of performance for many years. Although other brands may have shortened the deficit, for many, the Vaporfly still rules the roost!

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Nike Streakfly

An old-fashioned racing flat that uses the very best of modern technology, the Streakfly is a plateless, lightweight shoe ideal for shorter distances. Low profile, but packed with pinnacle ZoomX foam, you get lightweight energy return and agility.

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On Cloudboom Echo 3

Built with a laser focus on speed the Echo 3 combines Helion X1 superfoam, a carbon plate and On’s proprietary Cloudtech, shrunk in the Echo 3 to give firmer, faster feel. Keep them back for race day for an amazing feeling of speed.

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Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

SPEEDROLL technology, re-engineered winged nylon plate, super breathable upper, comparatively durable outsole and PEBA based PWRRUN PB midsole. Sounds like recipe for a good time. The Endorphin Speed is a smooth mover.

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adidas adizero Takumi Sen 10

The first shoe of its kind specifically designed for shorter road races, the Takumi Sen 8 continues to build upon the rich Adizero heritage. Lower to the ground, lighter and more flexible than its Adios Pro 2 sibling, this one is a no brainer for your next 5k!

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HOKA Rocket X 2

HOKA's lightest high performance shoe to date. Relatively lower stack height comparative to other offerings on the market ensures stability around those tight parkrun course bends. Full length carbon plate adds the pop!

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For even more options, check out our Shoe Finder tool now!

Stay tuned to our social channels for more insight from the running industries most exciting brands and to stay up -to-date with the latest and greatest running shoe releases. You can find us at:

 

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Tom Folan

My name's Tom, former professional football freestyler turned long distance runner. As a self-proclaimed running shoe aficionado, I love keeping up with the latest performance innovation and product releases almost as much as I enjoy running in them. With a running specialty retail background, I hope to provide some valuable insight and aid you in finding your next favourite item of running kit!
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Find Your Perfect Fit

Shop our huge selection of running shoes from the biggest brands!

Shop Men's Shop Women's