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Whether running errands or going for a run, stars wear their favorite sneakers on repeat.
But with so many options on the market, finding the perfect pair is anything but cut and dried — something celebrities’ personal trainers know well.
“When working with my celebrity clients, it is very important that we get them in the right sneakers before we start any movement,” Sculpt Society founder Megan Roup (whose clients include Dakota Johnson and Miranda Kerr) tells Page Six Style.
While finding the right fit ultimately comes down to personal preference, the below brands have had a great run in Hollywood — and their popularity’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Asics
Hailey Bieber, Kaia Garner ad Jennifer Garner wearing Asics Gel-Kayanos. GC Images
The celeb-adored Asics Gel-Kayano has spawned 30 iterations since its 1993 launch — but it’s hardly run its course. Jennifer Garner’s sported several pairs over the years, while Hailey Bieber, Laura Harrier, Nina Dobrev, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Lawrence and Kaia Gerber (to name just a handful) all own at least one model.
As for why so many stars love them? The classic kicks are both a stability shoe (i.e. designed to help prevent over-pronation) and highly cushioned — a combo Roup loves.
“I am looking for a shoe that will not only provide a nice cushion while I workout, but also provide a great deal of stability to support me through any modality of movement,” the fitness pro tells us, calling the Gel-Kayan a design that does “just that.”
Asics Gel-Kayano 31 Running Shoes
Asics
Asics Gel-Kayano 31 Running Shoes
Asics
Asics Gel-Kayano 31 Running Shoes
Asics
Hoka
Olivia Wilde, Camila Cabello and Reese Witherspoon wearing Hokas. GC Images; BroadImage/ Shutterstock
These once-polarizing kicks are now so trendy, they’re often styled with everyday outfits. Stars have taken note, with Reese Witherspoon, Cameron Diaz and Harry Styles all slipping on colorful pairs of the bestselling Hoka Cliftons.
The Bondi — a platform model with additional cushioning — is also a Hollywood hit, seen on the likes of Britney Spears and Kylie Jenner.
Page Six Style’s review: “As a former college cross-country runner with plantar fasciitis, I’m particularly picky about my footwear,” says Hannah Southwick, Page Six Commerce Writer. “While I’ve also run in the Clifton over the years, the Bondi is my personal favorite right now as a walking/gym shoe. It’s ultra-cushioned and super comfy — although it’s not designed for serious speed work.”
Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes
Nordstrom
Hoka Bondi 8 Running Shoes
Nordstrom
Hoka Clifton L Running Shoes
Nordstrom
New Balance
Hailey Bieber, Emily Ratajkowski and Taylor Swift wearing New Balances. GC Images
When models aren’t strutting the catwalk, they’re often making the sidewalk their runway in New Balance’s running and walking shoes. (Case in point: Emily Ratajkowski, Hailey Bieber, Alessandra Ambrosio and Gigi Hadid all have a soft spot for the classic kicks.)
But while the brand’s shoes are no stranger to street style fame — Margot Robbie even paired hers with a full suit in July — they’re also a workout essential for trainers like Roup, who lists the Fresh Foam X 860 v14 as a go-to.
While the cushioned shoe is designed for stability, the brand also offers more lightweight daily trainers like the Fresh Foam X 880 v14 and Fresh Foam Beacon v3, both featuring New Balance’s proprietary foam.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 Running Shoes
Nordstrom
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v14 Running Shoes
Nordstrom
New Balance 990 Running Shoes
Nordstrom
Brooks
Jennifer Garner, Natalie Portman and Hannah Ann Sluss wearing Brooks. GC Images; Hannah Ann Sluss/Instagram
Seattle-based Brooks narrowed its offerings to focus just on running in 2001, adopting the slogan “Run Happy.” In the decades since, plenty of stars have been doing just that in its bestselling shoes.
While Natalie Portman and Reese Witherspoon have both worn Brooks, Jennifer Garner is unquestionably the brand’s biggest famous fan; she’s worn at least three colors of the Glycerin — a neutral, cushioned road running shoe — in summer 2024 alone, in addition to cycling through pairs of the light-weight Ghost and more stability-focused Adrenaline models over the years.
Brooks Ghost 16 Running Shoes
Brooks
Brooks Glycerin 21 Running Shoes
Brooks
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Running Shoes
Brooks
Adidas
Emily Ratajkowski, Jennifer Lopez and Olivia Wilde wearing Adidas. GC Images
Adidas has certainly earned its stripes in Hollywood. The brand’s most star-loved sneakers include its classic triple-striped Ultraboosts, which Meghan Markle, Princess Eugenie, Dakota Johnson, Olivia Wilde, Jessica Alba and Jennifer Lopez all own.
Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 Running Shoes
Adidas
Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 Running Shoes
Adidas
Adidas Ultraboost 5X Running Shoes
Zappos
On
Luch Hale, Zendaya and Jennifer Lopez wearing On sneakers. GC Images; On Shoes/Instagram
Retired athlete Olivier Bernhard founded On in 2010, reportedly using garden hoses to construct his initial prototype for the cushioned kicks. In the years since, the brand’s running shoes (now constructed sans garden gadgets) have certainly kept pace with the competition.
In addition to officially teaming up with stars like Zendaya, Courteney Cox and Roger Federer, the label’s also earned organic superstar fans like Gisele Bündchen and Lucy Hale.
On Cloud 5 Running Shoes
Zappos
On Cloudswift 3 Running Shoes
Zappos
On Cloudrunner 2 Running Shoes
Zappos
Nike
Olivia Rodrigo, Kaia Gerber and Bella Hadid wearing Nikes. Olivia Rodrigo/TikTok; GC Images
Purchasing Nikes? Several stars have just done it. The brand’s Nike Free Metcon sneakers are a particular favorite, with celebrity devotees like Kendall Jenner, Kaia Gerber and Olivia Rodrigo. Unlike most others on this list, the design’s better suited to HIIT training and lifting than cardio days.
Nike Free Metcon 6 Workout Shoes
Nike
Nike Free Metcon 6 Workout Shoes
Nike
Nike Pegasus 41 Running Shoes
Nike
FAQ
Roup’s trained stars like Dakota Johnson and Miranda Kerr with her signature sculpt cardio classes. meganroup/Instagram
How to pick the right running shoes
While stars and athletes can be a source of inspiration, the right running shoes are ultimately a personal decision based on your workout routine, foot support needs and more.
“I think sneakers are very specific to the person,” says Roup, although she does warn against knit sneakers for anything other than walking, having found “they allow the foot to move around and slide during your workout which can lead to instability.”
How often should you replace running shoes?
To help prevent injuries, don’t keep your trusty trainers for too long. While Roup recommends replacing sneakers “every 6 to 12 months,” the ideal timeline depends on how much mileage you’re logging.
“If you are running or cross-training this can affect the longevity of your shoe and you would need to replace them much sooner,” she advises.
Why Trust Page Six Style Shopping
This article was written by Hannah Southwick, Commerce Writer/Reporter for Page Six Style. Hannah spies deals on actually affordable celebrity-worn styles, puts Hollywood’s favorite labels to the test and finds the beauty products that keep stars red carpet-ready. She consults stylists and industry pros — including celebs themselves — for firsthand product recommendations, trend predictions and more. In addition to writing for Page Six since 2020, her work has been featured in USA Today and Parade.
