Versatile trainer
12 shoes reviewed
Versatile trainerPuma
Deviate Pure Nitro
A lighter, more direct and agile shoe that keeps you closer to the ground. Works well for both easy runs and faster efforts.
Versatile trainerAdidas
Adizero Evo SL
The most versatile shoe in this list. Lightweight, well-built and delivers excellent performance across a wide range of runs.
Versatile trainerASICS
Megablast
The Megablast is one of the best running shoes ever, with an explosive, springy FF Turbo Squared ride I have never felt before. It is only worth ₹23,000–24,000 if you run 2:30–5:00/km and can spare the money.
Versatile trainerASICS
Novablast 5
If I were training for my first marathon and wanted one shoe, this is the one I would pick. I would not recommend it to beginners or to runners slower than about 6:30/km pace.
Versatile trainerSaucony
Endorphin Azura
A versatile high-stack trainer that combines cushioning, speed and stability very well. Performs well across different types of runs.
Versatile trainerAdidas
Hyperboost Edge
Apart from one heel strip that heats up at fast paces, this is one of the finest shoes and one of the best innovations of 2026. It suits runners at 4:00 to 5:30/km, not slow runners, beginners or heavier runners.
Versatile trainerASICS
Novablast 4
After 100 km, the Novablast 4 is one of the best-value lightweight daily trainers, with a smooth, stable, moderately bouncy ride across all my paces. I rate it 7.75 out of 10.
Versatile trainerAdidas
Adizero SL2
If you want one shoe for all your training and racing from 5 km to the half marathon, the Adizero SL2 is highly recommended at ₹7,000 to ₹8,000. I would not buy it at the ₹12,000 retail price.
Versatile trainerASICS
Novablast 6
Excellent cushioning, stability and maximum comfort for daily mileage. A reliable option for long and easy runs.
Versatile trainerNew Balance
FuelCell Rebel v5
A fun, lightweight, wider and soft trainer. Great for shorter distance runs and daily training.
Versatile trainerAdidas
ZenBoost+
A light, comfortable versatile shoe that performed better than I expected, from slow runs to 3:30/km and races up to the half marathon. But ₹10,000 is expensive for India, and it gives no stability.
Versatile trainerASICS
Versablast 4
The Versablast 4 is one of the most disappointing ASICS shoes this year because the midsole feels completely dead. I would not recommend it for running at ₹5,000, only as a walking shoe for lighter people or for running at ₹2,000 to ₹3,500.