Find Your Perfect Fit
Read more below about our top picks in running shoes for a 5k!
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 BEST RUNNING SHOES FOR 5k
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
A wonderful workhorse of a running shoe. The adidas Supernova is made to check your running goals off one by one. Durable, responsive Boost foam in the heel softens the impact whilst a comfortable upper and durable rubber outsole keeps you running longer with peace of mind.
Nike Zoom Winflo
The Nike Winflo has long been a reliable daily trainer packing solid performance in a lightweight, affordable package. With a wider platform and updated upper, the Winflo is designed to help guide you through each stride.
PUMA Electrify Nitro
The big cat brand PUMA have released some phenomenal shoes in the Nitro line up at seriously competitive prices. Well cushioned and versatile, the Electrify Nitro is one of the best of the lot for getting it done.
Saucony Axon
Sharing some DNA from the famed Endorphin series, the Saucony Axon provides a max cushioned running experience without the max price tag. Those looking for a bit more midsole underfoot will be sure to enjoy this one.
Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly
Designed to help runners take their first steps into speed, the Rival Fly shares similar characteristics to Nike’s high performance offerings with a more affordable price point!
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
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 strategically reinforced upper.
Nike Pegasus Trail
Classic Pegasus fit and feel with grip that won’t let you down. Also feels pretty good on harder surfaces too making this one a great hybrid option for mixed terrain.
Saucony Peregrine
A real fan favourite for its low profile, lightweight design. The Peregrine combines a breathable, well-structured upper with aggressive traction. Cushioned enough for taking it easy, light enough for chasing your parkrun PB!
The North Face Flight Vectiv
We all know about carbon plated road shoes but what happens when you implement that tech to the trails? You get the Flight Vectiv. The first full carbon plated trail shoe!
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.
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
The supportive sibling of the Saucony Ride series, the Guide features a medial post to limit excessive pronation. Perfect for those wanting subtle stability on the run.
ASICS Gel Kayano
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.
Nike Structure
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.
New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo
Subtly supportive without sacrificing performance, the Vongo features many of the same features of the popular neutral Fresh Foam 1080 mentioned above. You can expect the same long-lasting cushioning with an extra bit of medial support to keep you moving in confidence.
adidas Solar Glide ST
Continental rubber outsole, full length super comfy Boost midsole, flared heel collar to avoid contact on the achilles. And a medial post for added stability. The Solar Glide ST gets it done.
Mizuno Wave Inspire
Trademark Wave Plate technology offers exceptional underfoot cushioning whilst an extending medial posting ensures a stable stride. Add in an accommodating upper, the Wave Inspire is a solid choice here.
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
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!
ASICS Metaracer
Lower stack than some of the other shoes on the list, ASICS’ first entry into the carbon plated arena is a super lightweight, incredibly aggressive racer making it ideal for a 5k blast!
On Cloudboom Echo
The original Cloudboom was a little too firm and lacked the pop of its competitors. With the Cloudboom Echo, Swiss brand On have totally reimagined the shoe to be more protective and propulsive than before. A Worthy update!
Saucony Endorphin Speed 2
SPEEDROLL technology, full length carbon plate, super breathable upper, comparatively durable outsole and PEBA based PWRRUNPB midsole. Sounds like a recipe for a good time. The Endorphin Pro is a smooth mover!
adidas adizero Takumi Sen 8
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!
HOKA Rocket X
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!
For even more options, check out our all new 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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Find Your Perfect Fit
Read more about our top picks in running shoes for a 5k!
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