THE BEST LUXURY RUNNING TRAINERS
STYLE IN MOTION:
From Harry Styles to the London Marathon, running's having a moment. Ft. fit, style and tech, this is "Running 101" c/o FLANNELS.
Running is firmly in the conversation right now. And we have Harry Styles to thank.
The singer-songwriter has spent much of his time promoting his fourth album, 'Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally' discussing his love of the sport. He graced the cover of Runner's World in conversation with fellow enthusiast, novelist Haruki Murakami. It was his book ‘What I Talk About When I Talk About Running’ that inspired Harry to take it up. He's spoken about running as meditation. Then there's the forthcoming Together, Together Tour. Fans have noted the dates align with major marathon routes, sparking rumours that he’ll be running in them. He's got form. In 2025, the singer ran the Tokyo and Berlin Marathons, finishing the latter in just under three hours. His choice of shoe? Nike’s Alphafly 3.
There's no getting around it: Harry's made running cool. And besides, running shoes now have serious cultural cachet. We’re still thinking about Jonathan Anderson stepping out in SalomonX to take his bow at Dior’s SS26 show in Paris last October. Zendaya is rarely seen out without a pair of OnX shoes. Plus, the sport itself has a bright new star in British olympian Keely Hodgkinson. She clinched the 800 metre gold medal at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in March and has her sights on dominating the rest of the 2026 calendar.
Harry’s timing couldn’t be better. The London Marathon is around the corner (26th April, for the record). It's the biggest race on the calendar, with over 50,000 people a year taking part. Whether you’re already deep in a training plan or you’ll be cheering from your sofa, don’t get left behind this year. Bad news: your favourite pair of everyday trainers aren’t built for training. Every time your foot hits the ground, you’ll be putting up to three times your body weight on it. That’a lot of stress on your body. Throwing them on and heading out for a run is one of the easiest ways to get injured. Therefore, a good pair of running shoes is a non-negotiable.
So, whether you’re eyeing up a few laps around the park, or thinking about running the 2027 London Marathon, that’s where FLANNELS comes in. We’ve pulled together the definitive edit of the luxury running trainers to have in your rotation.
From distance runners to trail shoes, this is the guide that’ll get you off the sofa and into your stride.
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT RUNNING TRAINERS?
Before you pick a pair, you need to ask yourself one question: how far am I going to run? If you’re a beginner or your schedule only allows for short distances (think 5K-10K) then you’ll need a flexible running shoe. If you’re thinking longer distances like a half-marathon or marathon, look for running shoes with extra cushioning.
The kind of ground you’ll be running on matters, too. If you’re planning to take to the city streets, like Harry, then your best bet is shoes built for comfort and bounce to negate harder impacts. Heading off-road? Trail shoes are best. They’re built with specialised outsoles that grip on uneven terrain.
Next up: fit. A pair can look great, but if they don’t fit properly, you’re going to run into trouble. The thumb test is key. Place it between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. If the width is less than that of your thumb, opt for a half size larger. That’s because your feet expand as they heat up and having some wiggle room matters. If they’re too snug when you put them on, then as you run your toes will knock into the front of the shoe. That means you’ll be uncomfortable and cardio will be (even more) difficult.
One final check. If they feel tight the second you try them on, they’ll feel tighter on the roads or trails.
WHICH RUNNING TRAINERS ARE BEST FOR MY FEET?
Now comes the science. There are three types of foot: neutral arch, low arch, and high arch.
But how do you know? A quick check is to wet your foot and step on a piece of paper. If the imprint only shows your heel, ball, and toes, then you’ve got a high arch. Seeing traces of the midfoot? That’s a sign of a neutral arch. A low arch means you’ll be able to see pretty much everything.
High arches don’t absorb shock well so you’re going to need a pair with cushioning. Look for shoes with a softer feel underfoot. Neutral arches need shoes that balance cushioning and flexibility. You want some support, but not too much. If you’re not sure, bend the shoe. It should feel pliable, not stiff. Motion control shoes are great if you have a low arch. They’re designed to limit inward rolling and add structure, which can help reduce strain.
WHICH BRANDS SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR?
Running trainers are an investment. The brand you opt for matters, and it’s not just down to the logos. Think innovation, creative design and cultural pull.
On is a FLANNELS favourite; we've been paying close attention to the Swiss label since Zendaya stepped out in their Cloudtilts. Elsewhere, Nike is the constant, and for good reason. For six decades, one of the world’s most sports brands has offered science-backed innovation, sharp style and a dependable line-up of trainers that keeps pace with elite athletes and everyday runners alike.
HOKA is firmly in the conversation when mileage matters and impact counts. It’s the brand your most devoted running friends keep recommending to you. And Salomon? It's got fashion week approval. When Johnathan Anderson stepped out in XT-6s to take his bow at the closing of his debut Spring/Summer '26 Dior women’s collection during Paris Fashion Week, it backed what we already suspected: trail runners are firmly in fashion’s favour.
THE ESSENTIAL RUNNING SHOES TO HAVE ON YOUR RADAR
So now you know how far you're running, what to look for in fit, and which shoes suit your feet. It's time to find your pair.
We've focused on four key labels that balance performance with design: On, Hoka, Salomon and Nike. Each brings something different to the table: On is designed for runners, by runners. Hoka's quietly underrated credentials speak for themselves. Nike brings decades of innovation. And Salomon? Designs that cross over from trail to city.
Here's how they break down.
BEST STARTER SHOES:
ON CLOUD 6
If you’re dipping your toe into running, then look to On. Since 2010, they’ve gone from a niche performance brand to a global phenomenon. Their Cloud 6 demonstrates why, mixing technical details with Gorpcore styling. The CloudTec soles (aka the one with the holes) use that negative space to reduce muscle fatigue, giving you the sensation that you’re running on clouds. They’re built for light jogging but work just as well for your commute or gentle walks. In short, they’re an all-rounder you’ll be reaching for time and again.
BEST ROAD RUNNING SHOES:
HOKA CLIFTON 10
Hoka are the brand that your most devoted running friends keep recommending. And with good reason. Take its Clifton 10. Designed to handle tarmac, they come with thick layers of protective foam that cushion your feet, absorbing the impact every time you hit the pavement. Plus, the roomy toeboxes and flared heels reduce uncomfortable rubbing, so you can break them in quicker and get moving with less fuss.
BEST TRAIL RUNNING SHOES:
ON CLOUDVISTA
Not every run needs to be on the road. If you’re itching to take in some scenery with your workout, take to the trails. And go for On. Their Cloudvista Trail Running Shoes are built to handle uneven terrain. The cushioning is softer and the outsoles offer better traction underfoot. The reengineered Speedboard® plate converts your foot’s energy into forward momentum, so you can push past your personal best.
BEST FOR STYLE:
SALOMON XT-6
Aka the ones that Jonathan Anderson wears. Originally designed for ultra-distances and trail running, they’re now adapted for the city. Lugged soles grip wet pavements and park grass. They’re built with stability in mind, keeping your stride controlled as you move. The QuickLace™ system seals the deal. One pull and you’re good to go. Best of all, they’re stylish enough that you’ll be reaching for them even on rest days.
BEST FOR FLAT FOOTED RUNNERS:
HOKA ARAHI
If you find your feet roll inward during runs, chances are you’ve got flat feet (i.e. no arch). Not that it should stop you from running. You just need to adapt. We rate Hoka’s Arahi line. They’ve got firmer foam cushioning for support and an inner H-frame that prevents excessive rolling. Even better, higher sidewalls allow your feet to sit inside the midsoles, keeping them more secure than shoes built for neutral and higher arches.
BEST FOR SLOW RUNNERS:
NIKE VOMERO 18
Speed isn’t everything. Truth is, most of us don’t run that fast, and that’s fine. Even marathon runners stick to an easy pace most of the time. Nike’s Vomero 18 is built for the pace that most people actually run at. The ZoomX cushioning is stacked atop ReactX foam for maximum comfort. And the mesh upper keeps air flowing and your feet cool. These are the shoes to choose when you want to enjoy the run, rather than suffer through it.
BEST FOR LONG-DISTANCE RUNNING:
NIKE ALPHAFLY 3
If you’ve committed yourself to running the London Marathon, then you’ll want Nike’s Alphafly 3. After all, Harry wore them in Berlin. Built for distance, they feature carbon-fibre Flyplates that increase propulsion and stability. Nike's signature Air Zoom units do the rest. They store your kinetic energy and return it to your feet for forward momentum. The end result? A responsive ride that will see you all the way to the finish line.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What's the difference between everyday trainers and running trainers?
A: It comes down to support. Everyday trainers are built for casual wear and light activity. Running trainers are engineered to handle repeated impacts, with reinforced midsoles, energy-returning foam and structured heel support that help to protect your body. Wearing everyday trainers for running increases the risk of injury because they lack that specialised technology. That's why we recommend investing in a dedicated pair.
Q: How often should I replace my running trainers?
A: The general rule is every 300-500 miles. After that, cushioning starts to lose its ability to absorb impacts. The result is more stress on your joints. In practical terms, if you're running 15 miles a week, that's roughly every five to eight months. Don't wait till they look worn out either. The damage is usually internal. Your body will notice too. If you're noticing new aches in your hips, knees and feet after a run, it's time to switch your shoes out.
Q: Can I use my running shoes for the gym?A: You can, but in reality, it's not ideal. Running trainers are built for forward momentum and come with cushioning and support for heel-to-toe movement. That's fine if you're on the treadmill. Gym workouts, especially lifting weights, need a flatter, more stable base that running trainers can't provide. If you're dividing your time between running and the gym, we recommend investing in separate pairs for each.
Q: Are expensive running shoes worth it?
A: In short, yes. Premium running shoes use better materials, more advanced cushioning and more refined engineering. That translates to better shock absorption, improved comfort over long distances and longer-lasting durability. Think of it as an investment in your body. The right pair can be the difference between enjoying a run and dreading one.
Running’s having a moment. Whether you’re finding your stride for the first time, training for a marathon or looking for a pair that looks as good off the track as on it, the right trainers make all the difference.