2024 Wrap Up
As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time for the RunDNA team to reflect on their top picks from an incredible year of running shoe releases. We asked some of the team to share their single favourite shoe to run in and explain why in a few sentences.
The selections were wide open—spanning road and trail shoes across all categories, from daily trainers to race day shoes. The only limit was the shoe must have been released between summer 2023 and spring 2024 (Dec 2023 – Nov 2024).
Curious to see which shoes made the cut? Let’s dive in!
New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Elite v4
Surface: Road | Category: Racing | RRP: $360
Edward
A super comfortable, yet responsive race day shoe. I also found the SC Elite really nice for speed workouts during my training blocks. I ran Gold Coast marathon and Busselton 70.3 in them, which puts them in a great place for me.
Derek
A really versatile and accommodating shoe that feels very stable. It handles corners like a beast too, which isn't normally the case for a shoe in this category.
Mizuno Neo Vista
Surface: Road | Category: Super Trainer | RRP: $320
Lindsay
The first new model release from Mizuno in a while, mixed hype about its potential, but I think Mizuno has finally delivered on a durable, fun daily trainer with a bit of pop in it. It's incredibly versatile in how you can use it and looks visually competitive against others in the market.
Zach
The Mizuno Neo Vista stands out as my shoe of the year for its perfect combination of responsive energy return, stability, and a lively ride that spans across a variety of runs.
Saucony Triumph 22
Surface: Road | Category: Daily Trainer | RRP: $260
Degras
Triumph 22 is my pick because of how supportive, comfortable and stable it is. It keeps me moving forward for my next run!
Luke
For me it’s a great blend of comfort, support and durability. Looks fantastic as well!
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3
Surface: Road | Category: Racing | RRP: $320
Harry
This shoe has become a go-to for all sessions and races. I've found it to be an incredibly light, responsive, underrated and versatile option which has felt comfortable at efforts ranging from tempo all the way through to races.
Adam
I really enjoyed using the deviate elite 3 for all my faster sessions and race day! The updated model had more guts and felt more aggressive underfoot!
Salomon Genesis
Surface: Trail | Category: Daily Trainer | RRP: $270
Seb
Great all around, versatile shoe that handles both long and short/fast trail runs, great grip on technical terrain. The cushioning is just right—protective but still light and nimble, with a great balance of comfort and ground feel.
Puma Deviate Nitro 3
Surface: Road | Category: Daily Trainer | RRP: $250
Josh L
A great update, light, responsive and a very versatile shoe. I enjoyed this shoe for all my tempo runs this year and it's a shoe I also felt comfortable warming up and cooling down in after harder speed workouts.
Asics Metaspeed Paris (Edge/Sky)
Surface: Road | Category: Racing | RRP: $330
Oakley
One of the lightest and most responsive racing shoes on the market. Great update from the previous version, it feels unreal!
Molly
Super light, bouncy and fast. Keeps the foot secure and is highly propulsive!
Asher
Hands down the best super shoe I've ever worn. It's light weight, responsive, cushioned and it fits my foot really well!
Max
This thing feels fast the second you put it on. It's comfortable, but also aggressive for race day.
Lachie
I have run in a lot of super shoes and this one has felt the best of them all. It's the shoe I've used to run 5km, 10km and half marathon personal bests in this year so it's a no brainer for me!
Jack A
Super light, angle of the plate and the extra responsive FF Turbo + foam does it for me. Easily the best super shoe on the market in my opinion.
New Balance 1080v14
Surface: Road | Category: Daily Trainer | RRP: $270
Josh W
My training focus is all about the easy days and recovery runs. Having a shoe that I can trust is so important. The right changes made from V13, with increased platform, altered geometry allows this shoe to simply cruise. It may not be as "exciting" as a super trainer, but that's why I love it. It's honest!
Altra Experience Wild
Surface: Trail | Category: Daily Trainer | RRP: $270
Tiaan
For a wide foot like myself, I have enjoyed this trail shoe because I can spend long days on my and still feel very comfortable. The outsole and upper have been very accommodating for the hot dry South Australian terrain.
Brooks Glycerin Max
Surface: Road | Category: Daily Trainer | RRP: $350
James
An excellent upper, 45mm of stack height but the midsole is the perfect blend between cushion and response. It has great energy return under the foot and surprisingly good for forefoot injuries I've encountered in store.
Mizuno Wave Sky 8
Surface: Road | Category: Daily Trainer | RRP: $260
Rhys
The Wave Sky 8 is light for a mileage shoe, it feels smooth, honest and just an all round great fit for my foot. I use it for most of my jogging and it has never had a bad day.
On Cloudmonster Hyper
Surface: Road | Category: Super Trainer | RRP: $320
Josh N
This was a shoe that felt more fun to run in than a Superblast and I really loved the toe spring and pop during a long run. I found it stable with a really secure upper and it looked after my calves on my easy runs.
Puma MagMax Nitro
Surface: Road | Category: Daily Trainer | RRP: $280
Jessie
Super fun shoe from Puma, a bouncy responsive ride that is definitely good value for money. The Puma grip outsole is also very reliable and durable!
Asics Superblast 2
Surface: Road | Category: Super Trainer | RRP: $320
Tom D
Superblast 2 is my favourite shoe of 2024 due to its versatility and durability. The resilient properties of the foam keep it feeling consistent over the duration of a long run.
Shaun
From easy and long runs to maybe a tempo effort here and there, it's the shoe that can do it all. The first real max stack, non-plated super trainer and it still holds first place for me.
Georgia
I love the versatility of this shoe! I have had a year of ups and downs with injury, but it's always a shoe I can rely on for the easy days, long runs, tempos and fartlek sessions - when I'm not keen to wear a super shoe. They are durable, grip well on wet surfaces, poppy, lightweight and of course, fun!
Nathan
The king of the super trainer category in my opinion. I like to use the example of if I was going away for a week and could only bring one shoe along, the Superblast 2 would be it! It's also a shoe that holds up and feels good towards the back end of a long run, which is a really underrated characteristic.
Miffy
Very versatile, it can be used for all kinds of runs. It's also super comfortable, I do not like shoes that give me blisters and these don't! Overall a very reliable shoe.
About the author
Nathan Pope - Runner and Shoe Nerd
I'm really passionate about running footwear and how shoes can be used as a tool to get the best of your running, whether that be general fitness or performance.
My favourite event is the marathon. I feel as though the marathon is the ultimate test both physically and mentally! It requires careful planning both within the race and during the training block and it can be super satisfying when it comes together on race day.
