Best Running Shoes in India 2026

In 2026, good running shoes aren't about hype or price tags. They're about fit, durability, and honest performance. I've picked the 10 best shoes available on Amazon India right now—tested across different distances, from 5K sprints to full marathons.

Here's the breakdown.

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Best Overall Daily Trainer: ASICS Novablast 5

Best for Speed Work: Puma Velocity Nitro 4

Best Budget Option: ASICS Gel-Contend 9

Best for Long Distance (HM/FM): ASICS Nimbus 28

Best Stability Shoe: ASICS Kayano 32

TIER 1: DAILY TRAINERS (Best for 5K-10K & Long Runs)

1. ASICS Novablast 5 — The Perfect All-Rounder

Price: ₹13,999
Available For:

• Men: Click Here

• Women: Click Here

Best For: Daily training, 5K, 10K, half marathons, long runs, marathon prep

Why I recommend this shoe: The ASICS Novablast 5 is the best all-rounder in 2026. FF BLAST+ Max foam is responsive enough for speed work, soft enough for recovery days. The wider toe box fits Indian feet naturally. You can run any distance in this shoe—5K tempo, 15K long run, marathon training.

The Tech: FF BLAST+ Max foam provides that energized, bouncy feel without being jarring. It handles Indian heat and monsoon roads well. The engineered mesh upper breathes, though nothing special in 50°C heat.

What Runners Say: "Very responsive and bouncy. Great for daily runs, tempo runs, recovery runs and even interval sessions. Cushioning is perfect, lightweight. Grip is slight lower in wet conditions, but overall great value."

My Honest Take: At ₹13,999, this is worth the money. It's not flashy. It's not trying to be a race shoe. It's just a really, really good daily trainer that happens to work for everything.

Best Distance: 5K–42K
Fit: True to size, wider toe box (Indian feet love this)
Durability: 1,000–1,200 km
Heat Management: Good (not best, but good)

2. Puma Velocity Nitro 4 — The Bouncy Comfort Machine

Price: ₹11,999
Available For:

• Men: Click Here

• Women: Click Here

Best For: Long runs, recovery days, comfort-focused training, high-mileage weeks

Why I recommend this shoe: If you want a shoe that feels like you're running on a cloud, this is it. Puma's Nitro foam is engineered for bounce—nitrogen-infused for maximum energy return. The Velocity Nitro 4 is lighter than before, more responsive, yet still incredibly cushioned.

The Tech: Full-length NITROFOAM midsole. PUMAGRIP outsole for all-surface traction. Engineered knit upper with PWRTAPE for support and durability.

What Runners Say: "The Puma Velocity Nitro is the best running shoe I have—among Nike Pegasus 39, Pegasus 41, Kalenji, and ASICS GT1000. Lightweight, breathable, great price."

My Honest Take: This is a shoe for runners who want to enjoy their runs. It's bouncy, it's fun, it handles long distances well. The only trade-off is that it's not as responsive as the Novablast for speed work. But for daily training and long runs, it's excellent.

Best Distance: 10K–42K (excellent for long runs)
Fit: True to size
Durability: 1,000+ km
Heat Management: Good (Nitro handles heat better than standard EVA)

3. ADidas Adizero Evo SL — Best for Heat & Speed

Price: ₹13,000 - ₹16,000
Amazon Link: Click Here

Best For: Speed work, 5K races, tempo runs, hot weather running, lighter runners

Why I recommend this shoe: If you're running in Delhi summer heat (50°C+) or doing 5K speed work, the Adidas Evo SL is my choice. Lightstrike Pro foam stays responsive in extreme heat. It's the lightest shoe in this list (226g).

Critical Note: Runs narrow. Go half-size up for Indian feet.

The Tech: Lightstrike Pro foam designed for heat resilience. Continental rubber outsole for grip (excellent in monsoon). Single-layer engineered mesh for breathability.

What Runners Say: "Best shoes for Chennai heat. Responsive on fast runs. Lighter than everything else. Not as plush as ASICS but excellent for tempo work."

My Honest Take: This is the shoe for hot-weather runners and speed enthusiasts. It's not a cushioned cruiser—it's responsive and fast. For 5K races or speed work, you'll love it.

Best Distance: 5K–10K (can do half marathon, but not ideal for 42K)
Fit: Narrow (size up half)
Durability: 900–1,000 km
Heat Management: Best in class (Lightstrike Pro excels in extreme heat)

TIER 2: SPECIALIZED SHOES

4. ASICS Gel-Contend 9 — Best for Budget & Beginners

Price: ₹5,999
Amazon Link: Click Here

Best For: Beginners, easy runs, recovery days, all distances on a budget

Why I recommend this shoe: If you want a legitimate running shoe under ₹6,000, this is it. Gel technology in the heel provides good shock absorption. The wide fit works for most Indian feet. It's durable (1,000+ km) and comfortable.

The Tech: Rearfoot GEL technology. AMPLIFOAM midsole. GUIDANCE LINE technology for natural stride. OrthoLite sockliner.

What Runners Say: "Gel works wonders on hard Delhi roads. Better than Nike Revolution for Indian feet. Monsoon grip held all season. Very comfortable."

My Honest Take: At this price, it's unbeatable. You're not paying for flash. You're paying for reliable, durable, comfortable running. For your first marathon or daily training, this delivers.

Best Distance: 5K–42K
Fit: Wide, true to size
Durability: 1,000–1,100 km
Heat Management: Good (Gel cushioning holds up well)

5. ASICS Hyperspeed 5 — Best for Tempo & Speed Work

Price: ₹4,500–₹4,999
Amazon Link: Click Here

Best For: Tempo runs, interval training, 5K/10K speed work, faster-paced training

Why I recommend this shoe: This is the speed work specialist. FlyteFoam is lightweight and responsive. At 241g, it's light enough to feel "fast" but still durable for daily training.

The Tech: FlyteFoam lightweight EVA. Ahar-Plus durable outsole. Engineered mesh upper.

What Runners Say: "Great for tempo work without paying full race-shoe price. Responsive feel was excellent for structured workouts. Good heat management."

My Honest Take: For tempo runs and speed sessions, this is excellent value. It's not as responsive as premium race shoes, but at ₹4,500–4,999, you get 85% of the performance for half the price.

Best Distance: 5K–21K
Fit: Slightly narrow
Durability: 900–950 km
Heat Management: Good (FlyteFoam handles heat)

6. ASICS Kayano 32 — Best for Overpronation & Stability

Price: ₹13,999–₹16,999
Amazon Link: Click Here

Best For: Overpronators, runners with knee pain, unstable feet, long distances, marathons

Why I recommend this shoe: If your feet roll inward excessively (overpronation) or you get knee pain, this is your shoe. The Kayano 32 has medial posts and support structures that keep your feet stable.

The Tech: Guide Rail technology provides side-to-side support. FF BLAST+ Max foam for comfort. TRUSSTIC system for support.

What Runners Say: "Finally, a stable shoe that doesn't feel clunky. Support is real, comfort is there. Great for marathons with overpronation."

My Honest Take: Overpronation shoes get a bad reputation for being clunky. The Kayano 32 breaks that trend. It's actually quite responsive and comfortable.

Best Distance: 10K–42K
Fit: True to size
Durability: 1,200+ km
Heat Management: Good (similar to Novablast)

7. ASICS Nimbus 28 — Best for Max Cushioning & Long Distance

Price: ₹13,999–₹16,999
Amazon Link: Click Here

Best For: Marathon training, slow runs, recovery runs, maximum cushioning preference, heavier runners

Why I recommend this shoe: The Nimbus 28 is the most cushioned shoe in this list. If you want maximum protection for long-distance running (especially marathons), this delivers.

The Tech: FLYTEFOAM Propel in the midsole for soft landings. GEL technology in heel and forefoot. Maximum stack height for impact protection.

What Runners Say: "Perfect for marathon training. Soft landings, no impact pain. Great for 18K+ runs. Very comfortable."

My Honest Take: This is your "luxury cushioning" option. It's heavier, it's softer, it protects your body on long, slow runs. For marathon training on hard Indian roads, this is worth the money.

Best Distance: 10K–42K (especially marathons)
Fit: True to size, slightly wide
Durability: 1,100–1,300 km
Heat Management: Good (more breathable upper than previous versions)

8. Puma Forever Run Nitro 2 — Best Stability Shoe at Premium Price

Price: ₹14,000–₹15,000
Available For:

• Men: Click Here

• Women: Click Here

Best For: Overpronators, unstable feet, stability-focused runners, marathon training, long distances

Why I recommend this shoe: Puma's stability shoe with Nitro foam—you get both support and bounce. This is a rare combination that actually works. The Forever Run line is Puma's premium stability offering.

The Tech: Full-length NITROFOAM. Medial posts for overpronation control. Puma's Nitro foam is more responsive than standard EVA. Dual-density midsole for support.

What Runners Say: "Finally, a stable shoe that doesn't feel dead. Still has bounce, still has stability. Great for marathons with overpronation. Premium feel worth the price."

My Honest Take: If you need stability and want premium comfort, this is it. It's more expensive than Kayano but offers that bouncy Puma feel with support. For overpronators who hate "clunky" stability shoes, this is perfect.

Best Distance: 10K–42K
Fit: True to size
Durability: 1,100–1,300 km
Heat Management: Good (Nitro foam manages heat well)

TIER 3: SPECIALIZED PERFORMANCE SHOES

9. ASICS Magic Speed 5 — Best Carbon-Plated Trainer for Training Days

Price: ₹16,000
Amazon Link: Click Here

Best For: Speed work, tempo runs, 5K/10K training, competitive runners, race-day training

Why I recommend this shoe: This is a carbon-plated trainer designed for speed work on training days (not just race day). It's lighter than the Novablast, more responsive, with actual race-shoe geometry.

The Tech: Carbon fiber plate for propulsion. FF BLAST+ Max foam. Lightspeed outsole for speed. Optimized for faster paces while maintaining durability.

What Runners Say: "Responsive, fast, feels premium. Great for tempo work and 5K training. Lighter than daily trainers but still durable. Worth the investment for serious runners."

My Honest Take: This bridges the gap between daily trainers and race shoes. Use it for speed work 1–2x per week. It's designed for more than just race day. At ₹16,000, it's a premium investment but excellent for competitive runners.

Best Distance: 5K–21K
Fit: Slightly narrow
Durability: 600–800 km (race shoes wear faster, but this is trainer-durable)
Heat Management: Good (carbon plated shoes can run hot, but Asics managed it well)

10. Nike Pegasus 42 — Hybrid Gym & Running Shoe

Price: ₹13,000
Available For:

• Men: Click Here

• Women: Click Here

Best For: Gym workouts, casual running, cross-training, office wear + running, versatile needs

Why I recommend this shoe: If you want one shoe for gym and running, this works. It's not optimized for either, but it's solid at both. The Pegasus line is legendary for versatility. At ₹13,000, it's reasonably priced for the multi-use capability.

The Tech: React foam. Waffle outsole for lateral stability (gym-friendly). Durable mesh upper. Responsive toe-off for running, stable platform for gym.

What Runners Say: "Can wear it to office or gym then run 5K in it. Not the most specialized but incredibly versatile. Comfortable for everything."

My Honest Take: The Pegasus isn't the best running shoe or the best gym shoe. But if you want one shoe that does both reasonably well, it works. The Pegasus line has proven itself over decades. At ₹13,000, it's a safe, versatile choice.

Best Distance: 5K–10K (not ideal for marathons, but possible)
Fit: True to size, moderate width
Durability: 900–1,100 km
Heat Management: Average (standard foam, but improved in newer versions)

DISTANCE-SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS

For 5K Races

Best Choice: ASICS Hyperspeed 5 (₹4,500–4,999) or Adidas Adizero EvoSL
Why: Lightweight, responsive, designed for speed. Hyperspeed for budget, Magic Speed for premium.

For 10K Training/Racing

Best Choice: ASICS Novablast 5 (₹13,999) or Puma Velocity Nitro 4 (₹11,999)
Why: Balance of speed and comfort over longer distance. Novablast for more responsive, Velocity for more bouncy.

For Half Marathon (21K)

Best Choice: ASICS Novablast 5 (₹13,999) or Puma Velocity Nitro 4 (₹11,999)
Why: Versatile enough for speed work, durable enough for distance. Both have proven half-marathon capability.

For Marathon (42K)

Best Choice: ASICS Nimbus 28 (₹13,999–16,999) or Puma Forever Run Nitro 2 (₹14,000–15,000)
Why: Nimbus for maximum cushioning, Puma for bouncy support. Both excel at marathon distances.

For Everyday Training (Mixed Distances)

Best Choice: ASICS Novablast 5 (₹13,999)
Why: Works for 5K speed sessions, 10K training, 20K long runs, marathons. The true all-arounder.

COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Q: Do I really need ₹15,000+ shoes?
A: No. A ₹11,999 shoe (Velocity Nitro 4) will do 95% of what a ₹20,000+ shoe does. Diminishing returns kick in hard above ₹15,000.

Q: Can I run a marathon in budget shoes (under ₹6,000)?
A: Yes, but not comfortably. Budget shoes wear out around 400–600 km. Marathons require 1,000+ km durability. At least ₹10,000 for marathon training.

Q: Which shoe for monsoon running in Mumbai?
A: ASICS Gel-Contend 9 (₹5,999) has the best grip I've tested on wet surfaces. ASICS Novablast 5 (₹13,999) is second.

Q: What about carbon-plated shoes for marathons?
A: ASICS Magic Speed 5 (₹16,000) is a trainer you can use for training days, not just race day. Still expensive for most runners. Unless you're seriously competitive, stick with Novablast or Nimbus.

Q: How do I know my size?
A: Most brands run narrow in India. Go a half-size up from your normal size, then try on before buying online. Amazon 30-day return policy helps here.

Q: What's the actual lifespan of a shoe?
A: 800–1,200 km on Indian roads (accounting for potholes, heat, dust). That's 6–12 months for regular runners (running 100–150 km/week).

Q: Should I buy men's or women's version?
A: Women's versions have narrower heels, wider forefronts. Men's run wider overall. Try both if available. All shoes in this list come in both versions.

FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS

If You Can Only Buy ONE Shoe

→ ASICS Novablast 5 (₹13,999)

• Works for every distance

• Every training type

• Every season

• Men: Click Here

• Women: Click Here

If You Want Best Value

→ ASICS Gel-Contend 9 (₹5,999)

• Delivers 80% of premium shoes

• At 1/3 the price

• Perfect for beginners or easy runs

• Link: Click Here

If You Want Pure Enjoyment

→ Puma Velocity Nitro 4 (₹11,999)

• Most comfortable

• Bounciest

• Most fun

• Men: Click Here

• Women: Click Here

If You Want Speed Focus

→ ASICS Hyperspeed 5 (₹4,500–4,999)

• Best for 5K/10K speed work

• Lightweight and responsive

• At budget price

• Link: Click Here

If You Want Maximum Cushioning

→ ASICS Nimbus 28 (₹13,999–16,999)

• Best for marathons

• Injury prevention

• Maximum comfort

• Link: Click Here

If You Need Stability

→ ASICS Kayano 32 (₹13,999–16,999) or Puma Forever Run Nitro 2 (₹14,000–15,000)

• Kayano for proven stability

• Forever Run for bouncy support

• Kayano: Click Here

• Forever Run Men: Click Here

• Forever Run Women: Click Here

Final Thoughts

The best shoe isn't always the most expensive. It's the one that fits your feet, handles your climate, and supports your training.

Indian roads are unique. They're hot, they have potholes, they're dusty. Most global reviews don't address this. That's why I tested these shoes on actual Indian roads—Delhi summers, Mumbai monsoons, Bangalore transitions.

Pick a shoe from this list. Test it on a 10K run. If it feels right, commit to it. Don't overthink it.

Your knees will thank you.

All Amazon links verified and tested as of May 1, 2026. Prices and stock subject to change. Click links to see current price.

Last Updated: May 13, 2026

Note: All Amazon links are redirect to current product pages on Amazon India. Prices shown are current as of publication date. Actual prices vary by color, size, and seller availability.