Best overall
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15
A new supercritical foam makes the 1080 lighter, softer and livelier.
Sqwod Verified / Apparel & Footwear
Best Training Apparel & Footwear 2026: 12 Picks, Scored 0–100
For most people the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15 is the right buy: 84/100, the highest score in this category, at €118. The biggest 1080 update in years: a new supercritical foam makes it lighter, softer and livelier. The forefoot is still narrow and stability is limited.
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Our picks
Best cushioned running shoe
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27
Max cushion for easy miles: the shoe most clients should be doing most of their running in.
Best training short
Vuori Kore Short
The short that survives lifting, running and the commute without looking like gym kit.
Best running shoe under €100
Nike Pegasus 42
The everyday workhorse at the lowest price in the table.
Best for tempo runs
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
Plated but forgiving: one shoe for intervals, long runs and race day.
Best barefoot shoe
Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III
For lifting and drills where you want the floor under your feet.
Every scored model
| # | Model | Best for | Sqwod Score | Price | First year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15 Older: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14, 80/100, €137 | Plush daily miles | 84Good | €118 | no subscription |
| 2 | Vuori Kore Short | Do-everything short | 84Good | €60 | no subscription |
| 3 | ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 Newer: ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28, 82/100, €140 | Max-cushion easy miles | 83Good | €130 | no subscription |
| 4 |  HOKA Clifton 10 Newer: HOKA Clifton 11, 81/100, €119 | Max-cushion easy days | 83Good | €128 | no subscription |
| 5 | | Do-it-all super-trainer | 82Good | €126 | no subscription |
| 6 |  Brooks Ghost 18 | Foolproof daily trainer | 81Good | €128 | no subscription |
| 7 | Nike Pegasus 42 | Everyday workhorse | 81Good | €95 | no subscription |
| 8 |  On Cloudmonster 2 Newer: On Cloudmonster 3, 77/100, €140 | Firm max-cushion | 81Good | €122 | no subscription |
| 9 |  Ten Thousand Interval Short | Training shorts | 77Good | €80 | no subscription |
| 10 | Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III Newer: Vivobarefoot Primus Lite IV, 74/100, €97 | Barefoot training shoe | 76Good | €115 | no subscription |
| 11 |  Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 | Gym apparel | 74Fair | €55 | no subscription |
| 12 |  Alo High-Waist Airlift Legging | Yoga & studio | 70Fair | US$134 | no subscription |
- 1 New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15 Plush daily miles→84Good €118Older: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14, 80/100, €137
- 2 →
- 3
- 4 →
- 5 Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 Do-it-all super-trainer→82Good €126Newer: Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, 81/100, €160
- 6 →
- 7 →
- 8 →
- 9 →
- 10 Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III Barefoot training shoe→76Good €115Newer: Vivobarefoot Primus Lite IV, 74/100, €97
- 11 →
- 12 →
Prices researched, as of 17 Oct 2026. First year = price plus twelve months of any required subscription. Optional subscriptions are not counted. Every scored product in this category →
What to know before buying
- Match the shoe to the movement, not the brand. A raised, rigid heel helps squats and Olympic lifts and actively hurts deadlifts. A flat, firm sole is better for pulling and general strength work. A cushioned running shoe is the wrong tool for almost everything under a barbell.
- Judge apparel over its life, not on day one. Everything feels good new. What separates products is odour retention, seam durability and whether the fabric still does its job after months of washing.
- Sizing varies more between brands than within them. Use the brands own measurement chart rather than your usual size, particularly for anything compressive.
- If you compete, check the federation rules before you buy. Thickness and length limits on sleeves and belts are specific, enforced, and cheaper to read than to discover on the platform.
The picks in detail
#1 Plush daily miles
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15
Older: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14, 80/100, €137A new supercritical foam makes the 1080 lighter, softer and livelier.
- Ride8.8
- Cushioning8.8
- Durability8
- Fit7.2
- Value7.5
Pros
- New Infinion foam: very plush, with forefoot energy return above the category average
- About 30 g lighter than the v14 and happier at steady and faster paces
- Several widths, and the toe box scored 4/5 for durability in RunRepeat's lab
Cons
- Narrow, elongated forefoot and below-average breathability
- Limited stability, and the RRP rose to about €180
Buy it if You coach neutral runners who want a plush daily trainer for easy and long runs that can still handle a steady pace. Skip it if Your clients need stability or a roomy forefoot: try the 2E width or a stability shoe instead.
#2 Do-everything short
Vuori Kore Short
A cult-favorite short with buttery fabric that goes from gym to lounge effortlessly.
- Comfort9
- Versatility9
- Quality8
- Fit8
- Value6
Pros
- Softest-in-class four-way stretch fabric, very comfortable
- Extremely versatile: gym to street in one short
- Built-in boxer-brief liner adds support
Cons
- Premium price (€60-85)
- Heaviest in test, absorbs water and dries slowly
Buy it if Buy if you want one premium short that handles strength training, functional workouts and casual wear equally well and you value comfort over race-day speed. Skip it if Skip if you mainly do hot-weather runs or high-intensity cardio and need a light, fast-drying short with secure zip pockets.
#3 Max-cushion easy miles
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27
Newer: ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28, 82/100, €140Plush, stable max-cushion daily trainer: the value pick on discount.
- Cushioning9
- Stability8.5
- Durability8.4
- Fit8.2
- Versatility6.5
Pros
- Plush, shock-absorbing ride: excellent for easy and recovery miles
- Surprisingly stable for a max-stack neutral shoe
- Breathable engineered-mesh upper, comfortable and true to size
Cons
- Heavy (~300 g) with low energy return, no pop for faster paces
- A minimal update over the 26; only makes sense on discount
Buy it if You coach runners who want maximum underfoot protection for easy days, long slow distance, or higher-mileage and heavier runners. Skip it if You want one lively do-it-all trainer with pop for tempo work: look at the Novablast or a plated shoe.
#4 Max-cushion easy days
HOKA Clifton 10
Newer: HOKA Clifton 11, 81/100, €119A plush, protective max-cushion cruiser for easy miles.
- Cushioning9
- Stability8.4
- Durability8.5
- Fit8
- Liveliness6.5
Pros
- Superb joint/impact protection, stable despite a tall stack
- Roomier, wider forefoot with a plush, comfortable knit upper
- Improved traction and durable outsole
Cons
- ~10% heavier than the Clifton 9 (~278 g)
- Dated CMEVA foam feels firm and lacks liveliness, no pop for tempo
Buy it if You coach easy-day and recovery clients who want maximum, protective cushioning in a stable neutral daily trainer. Skip it if You want a lightweight, springy shoe for tempo or faster paces: the firm EVA and weight make it dull.
#5 Do-it-all super-trainer
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
Newer: Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, 81/100, €160Versatile nylon-plated trainer: easy days to race day, now a steal.
- Ride9
- Versatility9
- Durability8
- Fit7
- Value8
Pros
- Versatile: easy runs, tempo, intervals and long runs
- Bouncy, responsive PWRRUN PB midsole with nylon plate
- Light with a secure, breathable upper
Cons
- Fits slightly small with a narrow-ish toe box
- Excess tongue fabric and long laces can bunch
Buy it if Runners who want one shoe for daily miles, tempo and race day, especially at today's discounted prices. Skip it if Skip if you need a maximally stiff carbon racer or have wide feet that need a roomy toe box.
#6 Foolproof daily trainer
Brooks Ghost 18
Dependable, durable neutral trainer: safe over spectacular.
- Cushioning8
- Ride7.8
- Durability8.8
- Fit8
- Value7.8
Pros
- Reliable, do-everything daily workhorse with a stable neutral ride
- Comfortable, well-padded upper with secure lockdown
- Excellent outsole durability
Cons
- Low energy return vs modern rivals: nothing groundbreaking
- Heavier (289 g) and the toebox runs a touch narrow/warm
Buy it if You coach beginners or neutral heel-strikers who need a stable, durable, foolproof shoe for daily easy miles. Skip it if You want lightweight pop for tempo work, or you have wide feet needing more room.
#7 Everyday workhorse
Nike Pegasus 42
Reliable, durable neutral trainer that nails comfort: an average but safe ride.
- Cushioning7.8
- Ride7.5
- Durability8.4
- Fit8.2
- Value8
Pros
- Reliable, durable, stable everyday ride
- Roomier, improved toe box and comfortable fit
- Strong value and build quality for the tier
Cons
- Midsole feels flat: the new Air Zoom adds little
- Best kept to easy runs; limited versatility for faster paces
Buy it if You coach beginner-to-intermediate athletes who need one dependable, cushioned neutral trainer for daily easy mileage. Skip it if You have heavier runners needing rearfoot stability, or athletes wanting a lively single-shoe rotation.
#8 Firm max-cushion
On Cloudmonster 2
Newer: On Cloudmonster 3, 77/100, €140Stable, durable daily trainer with a firm, cushioned roll.
- Cushioning8.6
- Stability8.5
- Durability8.6
- Fit7.6
- Softness6.8
Pros
- Huge, protective max cushioning on a wide, stable platform
- Smooth CloudTec/rocker transition through the stride
- Dual-density foam adds pop versus the original
Cons
- Heavy for the category (~292–300 g)
- Firm ride: the foam reads more like enhanced EVA than a soft superfoam
Buy it if You coach neutral runners who want a firm-but-cushioned, durable max-stack daily trainer and like On’s rockered ride. Skip it if You want a soft superfoam feel, a light tempo shoe, or a snug/precise fit: size down or look elsewhere.
#9 Training shorts
Ten Thousand Interval Short
Durable, high-mobility do-everything short (US-only shipping: see review).
- Mobility8.8
- Durability8.5
- Comfort8.4
- Value7
- Service6
Pros
- Excellent four-way stretch and mobility: versatile across training styles
- No-pinch, lay-flat waistband that stays put
- Abrasion-resistant; holds up over years of use
Cons
- Price rose to about €80 (unlined 7"); EU duty and return terms are not spelled out
- Premium price for a polyester short; unlined feels thin for the cost
Buy it if You want one durable, high-mobility do-everything short and don't mind paying about €80. Skip it if You want max breathability, a budget option, or a German retailer with local returns.
#10 Barefoot training shoe
Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III
Newer: Vivobarefoot Primus Lite IV, 74/100, €97Premium wide-toe barefoot trainer with real ground feel for natural movement.
- Ground feel9
- Versatility6
- Durability8
- Fit7
- Value6
Pros
- Outstanding ground feel and stable, flat lifting platform
- Wide, foot-shaped toebox with room to splay
- Durable recycled construction; grips well on gym floors
Cons
- Steep price for a minimalist shoe
- Real adaptation period: calves and feet need weeks to adjust
Buy it if Buy if you want maximum ground feel for lifting and functional training and you are ready to transition to barefoot gradually. Skip it if Skip if you are new to barefoot shoes and want one do-everything trainer, or if outdoor/trail grip and cushioning matter to you.
#11 Gym apparel
Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0
Affordable, iconic seamless training staple that ships fast to Germany.
- Fabric & fit8
- Value8
- Range8.5
- Durability7.5
- Service6
Pros
- Squat-proof seamless fabric and a consistent, recognizable silhouette
- Ships to Germany cheaply and fast (€4.40 standard, free over €55)
- Well-rated shopping app (4.8★, 21.3k) for easy DTC ordering
Cons
- Weak independent service ratings (Reviews.io 1.7★; Trustpilot 3.6★)
- DTC-only, no Amazon.de fallback, so returns route through Gymshark alone
Buy it if Your clients want an affordable, recognizable seamless legging or kit for everyday training and are fine ordering DTC. Skip it if You need try-before-buy retail, guaranteed precise sizing, or hassle-free local returns.
#12 Yoga & studio
Alo High-Waist Airlift Legging
Premium, sculpting compression legging with a localized German store.
- Fabric8.2
- Fit8
- Look8.5
- Value6.5
- Breathability6.5
Pros
- Compressive, structured double-layered waistband with a sculpting fit
- Durable double-lined fabric with an elevated, subtle-sheen look
- Generally true to size
Cons
- Price premium ($128–$134) and no pockets
- Moderate breathability, not ideal for hot yoga
Buy it if You want a premium, sculpting, sheeny compression legging for strength or studio-to-street wear and accept the price. Skip it if You need pockets, high breathability for hot yoga, or a budget option.
◆ For professionals
For operators: apparel is brand surface, not revenue. Team kit and member merch earn their keep when they are the pieces coaches wear on camera; a rack of third-party leggings does not. Partner on co-branded drops with a brand that already sells online. Brands: the professional channel is coach endorsement and studio kit deals, both cheaper than paid social and stickier.
How we score
Every Sqwod Score is a 0–100 composite of three published components:
- Crowd Signal: 45%. Real-user feedback across retailers, app stores, review platforms, Reddit and YouTube. Normalised, volume- and recency-weighted, fake-review filtered.
- Sqwod Assessment: 40%. Our weighted scorecard: performance, value, build, experience, coach/operator fit, support.
- Value / Deal: 15%. Best live price against the category benchmark, plus real price history. Subscriptions weigh against the score.
All sub-scores are shown on every product page. Commission never affects the score: we publish low scores too. Full methodology →
For coaches and studio owners
Coaches buy apparel differently: you are on the floor for far more hours than any client, so durability per euro over a year is the honest metric, not how something looks new. If you are considering branded kit for a studio, the questions are minimum order quantities, whether the blank holds up to commercial laundering, and how the colour looks after twenty washes. Recommending gear to clients also carries a quiet responsibility: a shoe recommendation that puts someone in the wrong heel height for their lift is a coaching error wearing a shopping decision.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need weightlifting shoes, or is this just marketing?
They genuinely help if limited ankle mobility is capping your squat depth or you do Olympic lifts, because the raised heel lets you reach depth with a more upright torso. They are unhelpful and often counterproductive for deadlifts, where you want to be as close to the floor as possible. If you mainly deadlift and press, a flat firm sole is the better buy.
What heel height should I choose?
Lower heels suit those with reasonable ankle mobility and anyone doing mixed training; higher heels suit longer femurs, restricted ankles and dedicated Olympic lifting. If you are unsure, go lower: a heel that is too high shifts load forward and can make the squat feel less stable, not more.
How should knee sleeves fit?
Snug enough that they take real effort to pull on, without cutting off circulation or numbing anything below the knee. Use the brands measurement chart rather than your clothing size, and expect to size differently between brands. If you compete, check your federations thickness and length limits first.
Is expensive training apparel worth it?
Sometimes, and the reason is longevity rather than performance. Better fabric and construction usually mean less odour retention and seams that survive more washes, which matters if you train four or five times a week. If you train twice a week, the premium is much harder to justify.
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