Best Daily Trainers 2026: Seven Shoes Compared
The daily trainer is the shoe that does everything: easy runs, long runs, the occasional tempo session. In 2026 most of the popular ones have moved on a generation, so a comparison written even a few months ago can name shoes that are no longer the current version.
This guide is research-based. It compares the current versions of seven popular daily trainers using the manufacturersâ own US pages where they could be read, and it says so where a figure could not be confirmed. We have not tested these shoes. Prices are US list prices, not sale prices.
Quick Comparison Table
| Shoe (current version) | US list price | Weight | Drop | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saucony Ride 19 | $145 | 8.9 oz (255 g) | 8 mm | Replaces the Ride 18, which is no longer on saucony.com |
| Nike Pegasus 42 | $145 | about 10.5 oz (300 g) | 10 mm | Replaces the Pegasus 41, now sold only in kidsâ sizes on nike.com |
| Brooks Ghost 18 | $150 | 10.2 oz (289 g) | 10 mm | Two versions on from the Ghost 16 |
| HOKA Clifton 11 | $155 | 9.97 oz (282 g, menâs size 10) | 8 mm | Released July 1, 2026; the Clifton 10 is still sold at a discount |
| ASICS Novablast 6 | $155 | 253 g (8.9 oz) | 8 mm | Official US listing as indexed; ASICS blocked direct browser access |
| New Balance 1080v15 | $169.99 | 261 g (9.2 oz) | 6 mm | Infinion foam; replaces the Fresh Foam X 1080v14 |
| On Cloudmonster 3 | $190 at launch | 295 g (menâs US 8.5) | 6 mm | Launched March 5, 2026 per On |
Weights are the makersâ figures; most state no shoe size, so small differences between brands are not meaningful. HOKA and New Balance US product pages were read in a browser on October 28, 2026. The ASICS US Novablast 6 listing supplies its price, weight and drop through official indexed content, but direct browser access was denied. Other rows use Saucony, Nike and Brooks US product pages and Onâs launch release.
What Changed Since the Last Edition
An earlier version of this guide ranked the Novablast 5, Ride 18, Clifton 10, Pegasus 42, Ghost 16, 1080v14 and Cloudmonster 2. Since then:
- Saucony Ride 19 and Brooks Ghost 18 have replaced the Ride 18 and Ghost 16.
- ASICS Novablast 6 and New Balance 1080v15 have replaced the Novablast 5 and 1080v14.
- On Cloudmonster 3 has replaced the Cloudmonster 2.
- HOKA Clifton 11 has replaced the Clifton 10.
We have removed the numbered ranking. It rested on the earlier models and on hands-on claims this site cannot support, and we could not confirm every current price and weight. The roles below are judged from the published specifications.
How to Choose From the Specifications
Lightest listed weight: the Saucony Ride 19 (8.9 oz) and the ASICS Novablast 6 (about 253 g, or 8.9 oz) are the lightest of the seven by the makersâ figures. The Pegasus 42, Ghost 18 and Cloudmonster 3 are heavier, at 10.2 oz and above.
Lowest list price among confirmed models: the Saucony Ride 19 and the Pegasus 42 at $145. The Ghost 18 is $150, the Clifton 11 $155, the 1080v15 $169.99 and the Cloudmonster 3 $190 at launch.
Higher drop (10 mm): the Pegasus 42 and Ghost 18. Higher drops are commonly chosen by heel strikers. 8 mm: the Ride 19, Clifton 11 and Novablast 6. 6 mm: the Cloudmonster 3 and 1080v15.
Wide feet: the New Balance 1080 line is the one many runners look at first for width options. Check the widths New Balance lists for the exact model, and see best running shoes for wide feet.
The Seven Shoes
Saucony Ride 19
The Ride 19 lists at $145, with Sauconyâs page giving 8.9 oz and an 8 mm drop. It is the current version of the shoe this guide previously covered as the Ride 18.
Nike Pegasus 42
The Pegasus 42 lists at $145 on nike.com, at about 300 g (10.5 oz) with a 10 mm drop for the menâs shoe. The Pegasus 41 now appears only in kidsâ sizes there, though it may still be found elsewhere at a discount.
Brooks Ghost 18
The Ghost 18 lists at $150, at 10.2 oz (289 g) with a 10 mm drop. It is the heaviest of the confirmed shoes here, together with the Pegasus 42.
HOKA Clifton 11
HOKA released the Clifton 11 on July 1, 2026 at a US list price of $155. Its US product page, checked in a browser, confirms 9.97 oz and an 8 mm drop, with Regular, Wide and X-Wide options. The Clifton 10 is still sold on hoka.com at a discount, which can make it the better buy if the price gap is large and you liked the Clifton 10 fit.
ASICS Novablast 6
ASICS launched the Novablast 6 on May 29, 2026. Its official indexed US listing gives $155, 253 g and an 8 mm drop. ASICS denied direct browser access during this check, so confirm size availability on its site. Do not transfer ride impressions from the earlier Novablast 5 to this generation.
New Balance 1080v15
New Balanceâs 1080v15 US page confirms $169.99, 261 g (9.2 oz) and a 6 mm drop. It uses Infinion foam, rather than the previous generationâs Fresh Foam X. The menâs selector lists Narrow (B), Standard (D), Wide (2E) and X-Wide (4E); stock varies by width, size and colour.
On Cloudmonster 3
On launched the Cloudmonster 3 on March 5, 2026 at $190, at 295 g (menâs US 8.5) with a 6 mm drop. It is the most expensive of the seven.
FAQ
What makes a shoe a âdaily trainerâ versus other running shoes?
A daily trainer is designed for everyday training runs at easy to moderate paces. Compared to racing shoes, daily trainers usually have more cushioning, heavier construction and better durability. Racing shoes prioritise weight and responsiveness over longevity.
How often should I replace my daily trainers?
Many runners replace daily trainers somewhere between 500 and 800 km, depending on the midsole foam, body weight and running surfaces. Manufacturers do not publish a guaranteed mileage. When the midsole feels flat and your legs feel more beaten up after runs, it is time for new shoes.
Should I choose a higher or lower drop shoe?
Drop is the height difference between heel and forefoot. Higher drops (10 mm, like the Pegasus 42 and Ghost 18) are commonly chosen by heel strikers; lower drops (6 mm, like the Cloudmonster 3) by midfoot strikers. An 8 mm drop (Ride 19, Clifton 11) is a middle ground. If you are unsure, start near 8 mm and change gradually.
Can I use a daily trainer for speed work and races?
You can, but daily trainers are heavier and less responsive than dedicated speed shoes. For occasional tempo runs they are fine. For regular structured speed work or racing, see best running shoes for speed work and carbon plate racing shoes.
Are expensive daily trainers worth the extra money?
Not always. The five listed shoes under $160 (Ride 19, Pegasus 42, Ghost 18, Clifton 11 and Novablast 6) sit within $10 of each other; the Novablast price comes from ASICSâs indexed official listing rather than a directly accessible storefront. Fit and comfort in your own foot matter more than a $10 or $20 gap. A discounted previous-generation shoe can be a better buy than a current one, as long as it is still the right fit.
For more, see our budget running shoes under $100 guide and the best trail running shoes.