Most pages that rank for this search are brand shops or reviews with no Australian buyer numbers behind them. This page is simpler: eight running shoes from five brands, seven of them filed as road running shoes, all listed on Amazon Australia, with the star rating and the number of ratings behind each one, so you can see how many ratings stand behind each score.
Each section also passes on what its listing says about materials, cushioning and fit, in the listing's own words, and the buying guide at the end covers what to check yourself. Men's and women's cuts are separate listings, so each pick says which it is.
Best running shoes overall (men): Under Armour Charged Surge 4
Best running shoes overall (men): the Under Armour Charged Surge 4, because it has the most ratings of any running shoe on this page, 14,864 at 4.4 stars.
The listing is titled Under Armour Men's Ua Charged Surge 4 Running Shoe and is filed under Men's Road Running Shoes. It holds 4.4 stars from 14,864 ratings, more than twice the count of any other shoe here. The listing describes a mesh upper (71% textile, 29% synthetic), improved cushioning in the ankle area, a charged cushioning midsole that absorbs shock, and a rugged rubber outsole (100% rubber). It is a low top, and the listing says hand wash only.
It suits men who want an everyday road running shoe with a very large crowd behind its rating. The honest catch: the rating is pooled across sizes and colours, and the listing describes no race or stability features. Women should look at the next pick.
Best running shoes overall (women): Under Armour Surge 4
Best running shoes overall (women): the Under Armour Surge 4, because it has the most ratings of any women's shoe on this page, 6,147 at 4.3 stars.
The listing is titled Under Armour Womens Surge 4 Running Shoes and is filed under Women's Road Running Shoes. It holds 4.3 stars from 6,147 ratings, the second highest count on this page behind the men's Charged Surge 4. The listing describes a lightweight mesh upper (68% textile, 32% synthetic), enhanced cushioning around the ankle collar, a Charged Cushioning midsole that absorbs impact, and a full rubber outsole with a unique traction pattern. The listing says machine wash.
It suits women who want an everyday road running shoe with proven numbers behind it. The honest catch: its 4.3 stars is a little lower than the Brooks and ASICS women's picks below, which have smaller counts, and the rating is pooled across sizes and colours.
Best cushioned daily trainer for women: Brooks Glycerin 21
Best cushioned daily trainer for women: the Brooks Glycerin 21, because it holds 4.5 stars from 1,908 ratings, the highest score of any shoe here with more than 200 ratings, and its listing describes neutral support with the maximum amount of cushioning.
The listing is titled Brooks Women's Glycerin 21 Running Shoe and is filed under Women's Road Running Shoes. The 4.5 stars come from 1,908 ratings. The listing describes super soft nitrogen infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning, an internal stretch bootie, a breathable warp knit upper and a broad platform for smooth heel to toe transitions. The outer material is polyester with a nylon inner and a rubber sole. It says the shoe has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance, and that it is hand wash only.
It suits women who run most days and want plush cushioning with neutral support. The honest catch: it is the priciest shoe on the page, costing more than three times the cheapest pick, and the listing points runners who want added support to the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21.
Best stability shoe for women: ASICS GT-2000 13
Best stability shoe for women: the ASICS GT-2000 13, because its listing describes a 3D Guidance System that helps provide advanced stability, and it holds 4.4 stars from 1,018 ratings.
The listing is titled ASICS Women's GT-2000 13 Running Shoes and is filed under Women's Road Running Shoes. It holds 4.4 stars from 1,018 ratings. The listing describes a jacquard mesh upper that offers a supportive and comfortable foothold, an OrthoLite X-30 sockliner, and rearfoot PureGEL technology that helps provide lightweight cushioning and softer landings. It has a lace up closure and a rubber sole.
It suits women who already know they like a stability shoe, or who have been fitted for one. The honest catch: it is a women's cut only, and the listing does not state width options.
Best for fast days and racing (men): Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
Best for fast days and racing (men): the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, because its listing describes PWRRUN PB foam, a winged nylon plate and SPEEDROLL technology, and it holds 4.5 stars.
The listing is filed under Men's Road Running Shoes. It holds 4.5 stars, the joint highest score on the page, from 76 ratings. The listing describes energy efficient cushioning that bounces back, a winged nylon plate for a responsive, snappy ride, a full length longitudinal groove for flexibility, and a lightweight engineered mesh. It has a lace up closure and a rubber sole.
It suits men who already have an everyday pair and want a second shoe for races and quicker sessions. The honest catch: only 76 ratings so far, which is a thin count to judge it on, and the listing itself describes comfort for everyday use, so the fast day and racing role is our reading of its plate and foam.
Best cushioned long run shoe for men: Saucony Triumph 23
Best cushioned long run shoe for men: the Saucony Triumph 23, because its listing calls it a premium neutral cushioning running shoe with a thick stack of PWRRUN PB underfoot, and it holds 4.3 stars.
The listing is filed under Men's Trainers, not Men's Road Running Shoes, so the category is looser than most picks here. It holds 4.3 stars from 130 ratings. The listing describes a new SRS sockliner for step in comfort, a redesigned XT-900 carbon rubber outsole for flexibility and durability, and a premium engineered mesh that is breathable. It has a lace up closure.
It suits men who want a plush Saucony for longer runs. The honest catch: only 130 ratings so far, so the evidence behind it is thinner than for the Under Armour or Brooks pairs.
Best value road running shoe: Puma Space Runner ALT
Best value road running shoe: the Puma Space Runner ALT, because it is the lowest priced road running shoe on this page and still holds 4.2 stars from 1,903 ratings.
The listing is titled Puma Unisex Adults' Space Runner ALT Road Running Shoe and is filed under Men's Road Running Shoes. It holds 4.2 stars from 1,903 ratings. The listing calls it an entry model of Puma running shoes for beginners to running and walkers, with a breathable mesh upper and a SOFTFOAM+ insole with excellent shock absorption. It gives sizes of about 22 to 30 cm and says hand wash.
It suits anyone who wants a first pair of road running shoes without spending much, or a spare pair for the gym. The honest catch: it has the lowest rating on the page, and it is an entry model, so it is a basic option next to the pricier picks.
Best for new runners (men): ASICS Gel-Contend 10
Best for new runners (men): the ASICS Gel-Contend 10, because its listing describes gel technology for optimal cushioning, a durable rubber sole and reduced weight, and it holds 4.5 stars.
The listing is titled Asics Gel-Contend 10 Men's Running Shoes and is filed under Men's Road Running Shoes. It holds 4.5 stars from 112 ratings. The listing describes a synthetic upper for better breathability, a removable insole, and a durable rubber sole for excellent traction. It has a lace up closure.
It suits men starting out who want a running brand without paying for race or stability features. The honest catch: only 112 ratings so far, and the listing does not say it is for beginners, so that role is our reading. If a bigger crowd matters more to you, the Under Armour Charged Surge 4 is the safer count.
How to choose running shoes
Road or trail
Road shoes are made for pavement, paths and parks. Trail shoes are a separate kind of shoe, and barefoot style shoes are another. Seven listings here use the Road Running Shoes category and the Triumph 23 is filed under Men's Trainers, so none is aimed at bush tracks. If you run mostly on bitumen or concrete, road shoes are the right starting point.
Neutral or stability
Running shoes are described as neutral or as stability shoes. The Brooks Glycerin 21 and Saucony Triumph 23 listings both describe neutral support or cushioning, while the ASICS GT-2000 13 listing describes a 3D Guidance System that helps provide advanced stability. These listings do not establish which type suits you.
Match the shoe to the job
Think about the run, not the brand. For daily miles choose a cushioned trainer like the Brooks Glycerin 21 or the Saucony Triumph 23. For races and quick sessions the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is the pick. For a lighter shoe, the Endorphin Speed 5 listing describes a lightweight engineered mesh and the ASICS Gel-Contend 10 listing describes reduced weight. Many runners end up with two pairs: an everyday shoe and a faster one. Start with the everyday pair.
Fit, width and sizing
Men's, women's and unisex adults' cuts are separate, so check which one you are looking at before you order. These listings do not state widths. The Puma Space Runner ALT is the one that gives a size range, about 22 to 30 cm. The listings do not establish orthotic compatibility or room for wide feet. Our women's walking shoe guide is the better start if you walk more than you run.
How to read the ratings
A star score only means something with the count behind it. The Under Armour Charged Surge 4 has 4.4 stars from 14,864 ratings, while the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 has 4.5 from 76. The second score is higher, but the first is far better evidence. Read the two numbers together, and treat anything under a few hundred ratings as early.
Budget or premium
More money buys a cushioning technology such as DNA Loft v3 or PWRRUN PB from a specialist running brand, and the Brooks Glycerin 21 is the clearest example here. Less money buys an entry model like the Puma Space Runner ALT. The Under Armour Surge 4 pair sits between them and has the largest rating counts. Set your budget first, then pick the best rated shoe inside it.
What to wear with them
New shoes are only part of the kit. Our compression socks guide and gym shorts guide cover the socks and shorts that go with a regular running habit.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best running shoes for women in Australia?
The Under Armour Surge 4 is the women's shoe with the most ratings here, 4.3 stars from 6,147. The Brooks Glycerin 21 holds 4.5 stars from 1,908 ratings and its listing describes neutral support with maximum cushioning. The ASICS GT-2000 13 holds 4.4 from 1,018 and is our stability pick.
What are the best running shoes for men in Australia?
The Under Armour Charged Surge 4 has the most ratings of any shoe on this page, 14,864 at 4.4 stars. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 holds 4.5 stars for fast days but from only 76 ratings, and the Saucony Triumph 23, described as a premium neutral cushioning shoe, holds 4.3 from 130.
What are the best running shoes for beginners?
The Puma Space Runner ALT listing calls itself an entry model for beginners to running and walkers, and it holds 4.2 stars from 1,903 ratings. The ASICS Gel-Contend 10 is our other first pair, with gel cushioning described, at 4.5 stars from only 112 ratings so far.
What are the best cheap running shoes in Australia?
The Puma Space Runner ALT is the lowest priced road running shoe on this page, and it holds 4.2 stars from 1,903 ratings. Its listing describes a breathable mesh upper and a SOFTFOAM+ insole for shock absorption. The Under Armour Surge 4 pair is the next step up in cost.
Are these good trail or barefoot running shoes?
No. Seven picks are filed under road running shoes and the Saucony Triumph 23 under trainers, and none of the listings describes trail grip or a barefoot design, which are separate kinds of shoe. For pavement, paths and parks start with the Under Armour Charged Surge 4, the most rated, or the Brooks Glycerin 21, our cushioned choice.
Which running shoe brands are on this list?
Five brands: Under Armour, Brooks, ASICS, Saucony and Puma, chosen by star rating and rating count on Amazon Australia rather than by name. Under Armour holds the two largest counts, Brooks and ASICS cover cushioning and stability for women, Saucony covers fast days and long runs for men, and Puma is the lowest priced pair.
What are the best running shoes for wide feet or orthotics?
The listings we checked, including the ASICS GT-2000 13 and the Brooks Glycerin 21, do not state width options or room for orthotics, so we cannot recommend one on that basis. The ASICS Gel-Contend 10 listing mentions a removable insole. The listings do not establish orthotic compatibility.
Which running shoes are best for racing or 5k and 10k?
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is our pick for fast days and racing. Its listing describes PWRRUN PB foam, a winged nylon plate and SPEEDROLL technology, and it holds 4.5 stars from only 76 ratings so far. For everyday and long runs, the Saucony Triumph 23 holds 4.3 stars from 130 ratings.
Which running shoes are best for long distance?
For long runs we pick cushioned shoes: the Saucony Triumph 23 for men and the Brooks Glycerin 21 for women. The Glycerin has 4.5 stars from 1,908 ratings, the stronger evidence, while the Triumph has 4.3 from 130. Both listings describe cushioning, the Glycerin with DNA Loft v3 and the Triumph with PWRRUN PB.
