01 / 06
ASICS Gel CumulusFeatured
For most runs, on most days
Daily trainers
Balanced cushion and a smooth ride. The safe first pick if you are only buying one pair.
The LUZActive running guide
Running & everyday comfort shoes: the complete guide
How to choose cushioning, width and size, plus an honest brand comparison. For men and women, for runners and for anyone who just wants an all-day comfortable shoe.
Start here
Find your kind of run
Pick the description that sounds most like you. Each card links straight to the models we stock.
02 / 06
HOKA BondiFeatured
Long, easy and recovery miles
Max cushion
The softest, most protective shoes we stock. Great for long runs and long days on your feet.
03 / 06
ASICS NovablastFeatured
Tempo days, intervals and race day
Fast and light
Lighter, bouncier shoes that feel quick under your foot.
04 / 06
ASICS Gel KayanoFeatured
Extra guidance underfoot
Stability and support
A steadier platform for runners who want more support through the stride.
05 / 06
HOKA CliftonFeatured
Walking, standing and casual wear
Everyday comfort
Running-shoe cushioning for all-day comfort. No running required.
06 / 06
SalomonFeatured
Trails, wet ground and street style
Trail and outdoor
Grippy, secure shoes built on trail-running design from Salomon. Also a favourite for a technical streetwear look.
Cushioning
How much cushion do you actually need?
Cushioning is a trade-off, not a ranking. More foam feels softer and protects tired legs, but it is usually heavier and gives less feel for the ground. Less foam feels quicker and more connected. Neither is "better".
Lighter, quicker, more ground feelSofter, more protection
Light and responsive
Quick under foot
Choose these for faster days, shorter runs, or if you like to feel the road. Expect a livelier, bouncier ride with less cushioning bulk.
Balanced
The everyday sweet spot
Enough cushion to protect you, enough bounce to stay interested. The best place to start if you run a few times a week or want one shoe to do most things.
Plush / max cushion
Soft landings, long days
Choose these for long and easy miles, recovery runs, heavier runners, or when you are on your feet all day. Expect a softer, more protective ride.
Neutral or stability?
Most running shoes are neutral: they cushion and leave your foot to do its own thing. Stability shoes add structure to guide the foot through the stride. If your ankles roll inward as you run or you have been advised to wear support, look at the Gel Kayano. If you are unsure, neutral is the usual starting point.
Good to know
- Rocker shapes (common in HOKA and On) roll you forward and can feel effortless at an easy pace.
- Heavier runners often prefer more cushion and a firmer-feeling foam that does not flatten out.
- Rotate pairs if you run often: a plush shoe for easy days, a lighter one for faster work.
Widths
D, 2E, 4E: what "wide" actually means
Width letters are not the same for men and women, which is why a "D" can mean standard in one and wide in the other. Our listings show the width in the product name, for example "(D Wide)" or "(2E Wide)".
Women's widths
| Code | What it is |
|---|---|
| B | Standard width. No label on the listing. |
| D | Wide. Shown as "(D Wide)". |
| 2E | Extra wide. |
Men's widths
| Code | What it is |
|---|---|
| D | Standard width. No label on the listing. |
| 2E | Wide. Shown as "(2E Wide)". |
| 4E | Extra wide. Shown as "(4E X Wide)". |
Signs you need a wider shoe
- The sides of your forefoot bulge over the edge of the sole.
- Your toes feel squeezed together, or the little toe rubs.
- You keep going up a size for room, but then your heel slips.
- Your feet feel tight or hot after the first few kilometres.
Width tips
- Choose a wide width, not a longer size, when the problem is room across the foot.
- Feet swell on long runs and warm days, so a little extra room is not a bad thing.
- Not every model comes in every width. Where wide is offered, it is listed on the product.
Sizing
Get your running shoe size right
All our shoe sizes are US. Men's and women's sizes are different scales, so "US 8" means a different shoe depending on the label. Pick your size below and we will show only running shoes available in it.
Women's running shoes by size (US W)
Men's running shoes by size (US M)
Half sizes are on the collection page.
Men's and women's conversion
| Women's US | Men's US |
|---|---|
| W 7 | M 5.5 |
| W 8 | M 6.5 |
| W 9 | M 7.5 |
| W 10 | M 8.5 |
| W 11 | M 9.5 |
Rule of thumb: women's size = men's size + 1.5. Models are cut differently for each, so check the listing for the exact sizes offered.
Measure your foot at home
- Measure in the afternoon, when feet are at their largest.
- Stand on paper against a wall and mark your longest toe. Measure heel to mark in centimetres.
- Measure both feet and use the bigger one.
- Allow roughly a thumb's width (about 1 cm) in front of your longest toe.
- Compare with the size chart on the product page, because brands differ.
Brand size guides
Sizing varies a little between brands. These are our guides for the brands on this page:
ASICS men's
Nike men's
Nike women's
New Balance men's
adidas men's
adidas women's
On men's
On women's
Between sizes? Go up half a size for running. Wrong size anyway? We offer 14-day returns on eligible items. Final-sale (Exclusive) items are excluded.
Him & her
Men's and women's running shoes
Most models come in separate men's and women's versions. They are sized differently and, in many cases, shaped differently too.
For her
Women's running shoes
- Sized on the women's US scale. Standard width is B; D is wide.
- Women's versions are usually built on a shape that is narrower through the heel and midfoot than the men's version.
- Shopping a men's or unisex model? Subtract 1.5 from your women's size.
- Good places to start: Novablast, Gel Cumulus, HOKA Clifton and On Cloudsurfer.
For him
Men's running shoes
- Sized on the men's US scale. Standard width is D; 2E is wide and 4E extra wide.
- Check the listing for the width offered, since not every model comes in every width.
- Heavier or high-mileage runners often lean towards plush models.
- Good places to start: Nike Pegasus, Gel Nimbus, HOKA Bondi and New Balance 1080.
Everyday wear
Not a runner? These are for you too
Plenty of people buy running shoes purely for comfort: long shifts on your feet, travel days, walking the dog, or a relaxed casual look. The cushioning built for repeated impact is exactly what makes them easy to wear all day.
What to look for
- Cushioning you can feel that does not bottom out by the afternoon.
- A roomy toe box or a wide fit so your feet can spread naturally.
- A breathable upper for warm days and long wear.
- A stable, grippy sole for wet pavements and polished floors.
If you have ongoing foot pain or a medical condition, a podiatrist can advise on the right support for you.
All-day comfort picks
Comfort-first models that suit walking and standing:
Prefer a retro, street-style look over a performance one? Browse our lifestyle sneakers.
Brand comparison
ASICS, HOKA, Nike, New Balance, On, adidas and Salomon
Every brand has its own character. This is a guide to the general feel of each, not a ranking. Individual models vary, so use it to narrow the field, then pick a model.
| Brand | What it is known for | Best for | Models we stock |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASICS | GEL cushioning and long experience with support. Smooth, secure and dependable. | Everyday training, long distance, and runners who want support. | |
| HOKA | Big, soft cushioning in a light shoe, with a rocker shape that rolls you forward. | Long easy miles, recovery runs and all-day wear. | |
| Nike | Familiar, versatile shoes. Pegasus is the all-rounder, Vomero is the softer sibling. | Daily training, first-time buyers, and mixing running with gym. | |
| New Balance | Plush Fresh Foam comfort, with width options on many models. | Comfort seekers, wider feet and long runs. | |
| On | CloudTec cushioning pods, a smooth ride and a clean, modern look. | Daily runs, city miles and casual wear. | |
| adidas | Light, race-inspired shoes with a quick, snappy feel. | Faster runs and anyone who wants a light trainer. | |
| Salomon | Trail-running heritage: grippy outsoles and a secure, locked-in fit. The XT-6 and XT-Whisper are also popular as everyday street shoes. | Trails, wet or uneven ground, and a technical outdoor look. |
Go deeper: head-to-head reads
ASICS vs New BalanceWhich is better for running, walking and everyday comfort?
On vs NikeRoad, trail and all-weather training compared
Nike vs adidasDaily training, value and race day
On vs ASICS, women'sWhich running shoe suits you better?
New Balance vs On, men'sWhich running shoe is better for you?
ASICS vs New Balance, men'sRetro Gel vs Fresh Foam: what suits runners
When to replace your shoes
There is no single number, but many runners replace a pair somewhere around 600 to 800 km. Sooner if:
- The cushioning feels flat or dead compared with a new pair.
- The foam is visibly creased, or the outsole is worn smooth.
- New aches appear in your feet, shins or knees after runs.
- Rotate between two pairs if you run most days.
- Air them out after a run and avoid the dryer or direct heat.
- Keep running shoes for running and use another pair for errands.
How we source and what to expect
LUZActive is an Australian parallel importer. We buy genuine retail stock overseas, currently in New Zealand and Malaysia, and it ships from there to you. Each product page says which.
- $25 flat shipping on every order, tracked, with GST and any duty already in the price.
- 14-day returns on eligible items. Final-sale (Exclusive) items are excluded.
- Faults: the brand's Australian warranty generally does not apply to parallel imports, so we handle faults directly. Your Australian Consumer Law rights against us are unaffected.
FAQ
Running shoe questions, answered
What running shoe size should I buy?
Start with your usual US size, then check the size chart for that brand. Measure your longest foot in the afternoon and leave about a thumb's width in front of your toe. If you are between sizes, go up half a size for running. If the issue is width rather than length, choose a wide fit instead of a longer size.
What does "D Wide" mean?
In women's sizing, B is standard and D is wide. In men's sizing, D is standard and 2E is wide. So "(D Wide)" on a women's listing is a wide shoe, while a men's D is the regular width.
How do men's and women's sizes compare?
A women's size is the men's size plus 1.5. For example, a women's US 9.5 is about a men's US 8. Men's and women's versions are also shaped differently, so check the listing for the sizes offered.
Gel Cumulus or Gel Nimbus?
The Gel Cumulus is the balanced everyday trainer. The Gel Nimbus has more cushioning and a softer feel, which suits long runs, recovery days and anyone who prefers a plush ride.
HOKA Clifton or HOKA Bondi?
The Clifton is lighter and more balanced. The Bondi is HOKA's most cushioned road shoe, softer and more protective, and a favourite for long days on your feet.
What is the best running shoe for walking or standing all day?
Look for generous cushioning, a roomy toe box and a stable sole. The HOKA Clifton and Bondi, Nike Vomero, On Cloudsurfer and ASICS Gel Cumulus are comfort-first options. Choose a wide fit if your feet need more room.
Do I need a stability shoe?
Not necessarily. Most runners do well in a neutral shoe. Stability shoes such as the Gel Kayano add guidance for runners whose feet roll inward or who have been advised to wear support. If you are unsure, ask a podiatrist or physio.
Will the brand's Australian warranty cover my shoes?
Generally not. These are parallel imports bought from retailers overseas, so the brand's Australian warranty service usually does not apply. We handle faults directly, and your Australian Consumer Law rights against us as the seller are unaffected.
What are your shipping and returns terms?
Shipping is a flat $25 Australia-wide on every order, with GST and any duty included in the price. You can return eligible items within 14 days. Final-sale (Exclusive) items are excluded.
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