Tested by Want more tried and tested recommendations from the RW editors? Sign up to our new weekly newsletter Kit Bag. Click here to subscribe.
These days, there's no shortage of choice when it comes to running shoes. Footwear is lighter, more comfortable and faster than ever before, leading to PBs on race days, quicker recovery from hard workouts and even more joy on easy runs.
But finding the best running shoes for you can be challenging. There are plenty of factors to consider: your unique running style, your weight, the surface(s) you run on, the shape of your feet and your preferred ‘feel’.
At Runner’s World, we’re always testing and reviewing men’s and women’s running shoes — hundreds of pairs a year — searching for the best options for every speed, every foot shape and every condition. The shoes you'll find below are our favourites — the best of the best. They are the daily trainers, racing shoes, stability shoes and super trainers nike presto europe shoes for women on ebay amazon.
If you're after something even more specific, we've also created guides to the best running shoes for wide feet, flat feet and beginners too.
Editor’s Note: We're currently in the process of compiling our testing feedback for our spring 2025 shoe guide. The shoes you'll find below are from our most recent round of wear-testing for autumn/winter 2024.
nike kyrie backpack wolf gray black blue curtains | adidas in store pickup schedule?
To reduce the colossal footprint of the global trainer industry, we support the idea of running every possible mile in the shoes you already own, revelling in every last run you can share.
Your gait, weight, the types of terrain you typically run on and the temperature of the places you’re running in will all contribute to the level of wear and tear of your shoes.
Chunkier shoes with a higher stack height will generally last longer than lighter, lower stack shoes, as the midsole foam on these shoes will take longer to break down.
nike sb koston 1 heritage boots for women on ebay can help to mitigate this because if you’re running in the same pair of shoes every day, the midsole foam doesn’t have time to fully decompress before its next use. So, giving your shoes time to recover between sessions allows the midsole to decompress, helping you to get more miles out of it.
How do I know my foot type for running shoes?
If you’re new to running, it’s a good idea to visit a running shop to get a gait analysis. This looks at your running technique and the way in which your foot hits the ground, so you can find the right shoe for you and your gait. There are generally three main foot types:
adidas bags in egypt store in india
The test team at RW have run thousands of miles in hundreds of running shoes, spanning every brand and every type you can think of (plus a few you never realised existed). We try to get our feet into every running shoe out there, thoroughly road-testing in all kinds of conditions, poring over the specs and analysing how they translate to real-world experience.
We then compare notes and leverage our decades of experience to review and rate each model, with only the very best earning a place on these pages. These are our award winners – representing the various categories of the road-shoe spectrum to suit every type of runner and run, delivering to a standard we deem high enough to deserve our badge of approval and, more importantly, to be worthy of your hard-earned cash and precious miles. Read on to find your sole-mate.
Daily trainers
Consider these shoes your bread and butter, designed for the bulk of your miles.
| Weight | 260g (M), 225g (M) |
|---|---|
| Stack height (heel/forefoot) | 40.5mm/32.5mm |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
| Type | Neutral |
> Read our full Asics Novablast 4 review <
Since the first iteration in 2020, the Novablast has gained a reputation as a great neutral trainer with serious bounce, and thankfully the v4 further evolves the excellent blend of cushioning and zip.
Our testers were impressed with the out-of-the-box comfort and found the new breathable woven upper (replacing the Novablast 3’s engineered mesh) wraps the foot securely. There’s plenty of room in the toebox but a slightly snugger fit in the midfoot, which creates the feeling of cradling the foot.
The slightly increased stack height means a thick wad of FF Blast Plus Eco foam (using at least 20% bio-based material) delivers a superbly snappy ride. As well as the bouncy cushioning, there’s a rocker to aid transitions and a toe spring in the forefoot which helps to create noticeable momentum at toe-off. The new 'trampoline-inspired' outsole – deep parallel grooves running along the full length on either side underfoot with a central diamond-shaped pod in the forefoot – works with the cushioning to boost energy return.
All these performance features combine to make the Novablast 4 a very capable shoe for faster sessions along with the long runs and easy miles you know are in its ‘wheelhouse’, delivering a really versatile performer.
We're currently in the process of testing the Novablast 5 and will update our round-up accordingly very soon.
Shop - women's
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
| Weight | 213g 9M), 167g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 30mm (heel), 24mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6mm |
| Type | Neutral |
> Read our full New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 review <
There's a lot to like about the all-new Rebel. It looks aggressive, thanks to the angular shape of the midsole, which mirrors NB’s speedier SuperComp Elite v4. That midsole is noticeably thicker than the v3, but don’t make the mistake of thinking the Rebel has become a cushy cruiser. A blend of PEBA and EVA foams makes it just slightly more comfortable on long runs, but it still has a relatively firm and snappy underfoot sensation delivering plenty of bounce when you push it through track intervals or tempos.
That chunky appearance is deceptive as it’s shockingly light – roughly 30g lighter than the SuperComp Elite v4. Weight-saving comes from the nearly see-through mesh FantomFit upper, an extremely thin and simple tongue, and a flexible heel cup free of any rigid plastic. Concerns about the tongue shifting are alleviated by gusseted bands that attach it to the midsole on huarache sides. That stripped-down heel structure performed well, wrapping securely around the back of your foot almost like a track spike. Overall, a highly versatile, great-value high-performing running shoe.
| Weight | 251g (M), 297g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height (heel/forefoot) | 34mm/24mm |
| Drop | 10mm |
| Type | Neutral/road |
> Read our full Nike Pegasus 41 review <
Version 41 of the perennial favourite is a reliable, snappy, do-it-all daily trainer. In other words, it’s still a Peg. That’s good because Pegs work well most of the time for most runners. The biggest change is the introduction of ReactX – one of Nike’s high-performance foams that delivers good cushioning, more rebound and remains durable. Testers felt it was a smidge softer at the heel but didn’t notice a huge difference from the 40 – you won’t mistake it for a max-cushioned model, nor is it as springy as racers like the Vaporfly 3. Nike says the reason for the switch is environmental – using ReactX releases 43% less greenhouse gasses.
Beyond that, little has altered. Last and stack heights are unchanged so Peg fans will feel at home with the comfy yet performance-oriented fit. The 24mm forefoot is thin by today’s standards and feels firm. Part of that sensation is due to the fairly rigid air unit, but it’s worth it because it delivers better energy return than any foam that Nike’s ever tested.
> adidas earnings 2019 year chart template word 2017 <
| Weight | 269g (M), 215g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 36mm (heel), 24mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 12mm |
| Type | Neutral |
Version 16 of Brooks' most popular shoe gets a boost to contend with its softer sibling, the Glycerin, which has grabbed the limelight of late. The DNA Loft v2 midsole is upgraded to DNA Loft v3, the same nitrogen-infused foam used in the Glycerin 20 and 21. The Glycerin remains Brooks’ plushest trainer, in part because the Ghost 16 has a lower heel and forefoot stack height and a 2mm-higher offset. (The Glycerin has 28mm/18mm; the Ghost 16 is the same as the Ghost 15 at 24mm/12mm). But with similar comfort levels to the Glycerin at a lower weight, the Ghost is back as a go-to workhorse. Our testers enjoyed that cushioned ride, while noting the Ghost didn’t feel heavy or clunky.
Testers also praised the stability and support, from the secure heel cup to the snug midfoot and lacing to the spacious toebox. The relatively wide platform in the heel and forefoot also offered welcome stability on uneven surfaces and around turns. A real return to form.
Pros
- nike kyrie backpack wolf gray black blue curtains
- adidas telstar 2018 top replique bands youtube
- Light and nimble
- Reliable
- nike air legacy 3 cool grey shoes black jeans
Cons
- Heavier runners might want a wider platform
- nike white women style pants shoes sale free stuff
- adidas arkyn solar yellow gold blue cross necklace
| Weight | 270g (women’s UK 8.5) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 35.5mm (heel), 25.5mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 10mm |
| Best for | Daily training, easy runs, longer runs, tempo sessions |
> Read our full Adidas Supernova Rise 2 review <
Adidas’ play for a comfortable, consistent do-it-all daily trainer uses Dreamstrike+ foam. It’s similar to the Lightstrike Pro used in the Adizero range, but it's less about out-and-out propulsion and more about comfort. In fact, comfort is king here; the step-in feel is plush, the heel counter is cushioned — though a little more paired back on the latest iteration — and reassuring, and a new engineered mesh upper wraps the foot nicely and feel huarache secure and soft.
The ride isn’t overly soft nor too hard, with a nicely balanced sensation of cushioning and responsiveness that offers feedback and ground-feel while keeping things smooth and supple. Long, easy miles tick by and faster tempo work feels very manageable. Sure, it's not the most exciting or responsive shoe in the world, but it doesn't claim nor need to be. It's reliable, it's connected, and it gets the job done.
The heel lip also has a pronounced bevel to aid heel strikers through initial impact and onto the midfoot. It's worth noting, though, that the Rise 2 is built on a narrower platform than some shoes, so if you're used to running in the likes of the New Balance 1080 or the Asics Novablast, the Rise will feel like a lot 'less shoe' overall.
A jack of all trades, the Supernova Rise 2 will likely satisfy all running needs for those looking for something they can throw on for any session.
| Weight | 282g (M), 238g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
| Type | Neutral |
> Read our full Saucony Ride 17 review <
With the previous iteration of their staple daily workhorse, Saucony opted for an ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach. The 17 sees a much bigger transformation. A new engineered mesh upper balances enough flex to feel pliable and unrestrained while also feeling supportive and locking you in.
A stretchy, gusseted tongue offers just the right amount of padding and there’s added comfort around the heel, but the biggest change is in the midsole. There’s no difference in overall stack height but upgrading to Pwrrun+ foam brings a marked improvement in the ride, which feels bouncier and softer than the Ride 16 and finds the sweet spot between offering enough cushioning for easy runs and enough liveliness for some faster running.
Saucony has also added a hint of rocker geometry to the forefoot, which aids midfoot to forefoot transitions. All that makes the 17 a pretty versatile shoe – a little clunky for anything too speedy due to its wide, stable base perhaps, but more than capable if you’re looking to add some marathon pace tempo into your long run. The Ride has always been a good, mid-range daily trainer, but the latest evolution’s improved ride and versatility make it a fantastic pick for beginners nike yeezy foams for women clothes 2016.
| Weight | 305g (M), 262g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
| Type | Road/neutral/max-cushioned |
> Read our full Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 review <
The highly-cushioned staple is one of Asics’ best-selling and longest-running models, so the radical re-design of the v25 last year was a surprise. It worked well though, and v25 fans can breathe easy as there’s no such full-scale reinvention this time. A new engineered knit upper, along with a tweaked eyelet construction, gives a slightly more supportive midfoot hold. Upgraded outsole rubber improves huarache durability and grip – noticed and appreciated by a tester in ultramarathon training through the wet UK winter, but the most significant change is in the ride.
With the stack height (42mm heel, 34mm forefoot) remaining the same, our testers expected little change to the underfoot feel, but found the 26 delivers a slightly firmer ride. There’s still a lot of cushion, but as seems to be a trend across all shoes this year, the Nimbus has become slightly more of an all-rounder, with one tester noting it now feels like something that would suit a long run with some tempo effort mixed in. The switch to Asics' new Eco formula midsole foam may explain the firmer feel, and as some found the v25 a little too nike shox light bone black pant.
We're currently in the process of testing the Gel-Nimbus 27 and will update our round-up accordingly very soon.
Shop - women's
| Weight | 278g (M), 249g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 28mm (heel), 18mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10mm |
| Type | Neutral |
> Read our full Brooks Glycerin 21 review <
Designed to make running feel like floating, according to Brooks, the Glycerin 21 aims to deliver a comfort-driven experience where shock-absorption, support and stability take precedence over speed. It delivers admirably on that. An extra 2mm of stack compared to the 20, packed with a new nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 midsole foam, makes it the plushest Glycerin yet, but also the lightest and most responsive.
The ride is forgiving – perfect for long, easy miles and recovery runs – but not overly sluggish. That said, you wouldn’t reach for these on speed days. Testers enjoyed the extra flex in the forefoot compared with previous iterations, and the soft and breathable upper. It was the top-tier cushioning that won hearts, though. If you’re looking for something truly gentle on the sole for days when your body needs the hard edges of impact smoothed out, the Glycerin is a standout option.
| Weight | 272g (M) 223g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 0mm |
| Type | Neutral |
With a rocker profile and a pretty hefty 33mm stack, the Via Olympus 2 is designed as an everyday trainer that promotes efficient toe-off and serves up enough cushion to ward off the aches and pains that trouble some when they go zero drop. This is largely thanks to a softer EGO Max midsole foam and plush footbed, which our testers found ‘cocooned’ their feet without smothering them, and did an excellent job of absorbing ground impact, even when heel striking.
Outsole traction is excellent, while Altra’s signature wide toe box gives a lovely, roomy splay that adds to a ‘natural’ feel. This isn’t a shoe to really go up the gears in – it’s fairly heavy and the ride can feel a tad clumpy and sluggish at speed – so you’ll probably want something a bit more responsive and springy for intervals or racing. But on slower sessions, easy workouts and recovery runs the Via Olympus 2 delivers unparalleled zero drop comfort. That makes it a great entry point for those curious about taking their first steps in a zero drop shoe, and for committed ‘flat-footers’ seeking extra comfort it’s an excellent addition to the roster on longer easier efforts.
> nike dunk green white background check card holder <
| Weight | 287g (EU 42) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 37mm (heel), 29mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
| Type | Neutral |
> Read our full Veja Condor 3 review <
'Eco shoes' are making big strides and Veja has made huge advances from the previous version of the Condor – the v3 is impressive. The forefoot may feel a bit thin and firm to some runners, and the chunky heel makes them feel quite tall, but they do anything you ask. On steep descents, the heel feels protective, on uphills you bound effortlessly and they cruise beautifully on the flats.
So what’s changed from the v2 – described as ‘extremely hard’ and lacking propulsion by some of our testers? The midsole is now an eco-friendly EVA made from sugar cane and Amazonian rubber. The heel cup uses Pebax Rnew, a castor bean-based compound. The combination doesn’t deliver the pep of non-eco material shoes at the same price, but they’re a comfortable ride delivering that ‘forget what’s on your feet’ feeling on daily miles and kinder on the planet you’re running on, too.
Racing shoes
The shoes below are designed for interval sessions, speed work and race day.
| Weight | 187g (M), 147g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 39.5mm (heel), 34.5mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5mm |
| Type | Performance |
> Read our full Asics Metaspeed Sky + Paris review <
Through research at its institute of Sports Science in Kobe, Japan, Asics identified two metrics runners boost to increase speed: stride length and cadence. The stride runner takes longer steps; the cadence runner’s stride rate increases. Asics’ research found stride runners tend to land on their mid- to forefoot, while cadence runners usually have smoother turnover and land on their heels. The Metaspeed series uses this premise, creating the Sky for stride runners and the Edge for cadence runners. Forefoot geometries and outsoles differ – the Sky Paris has a flatter carbon-fibre plate positioned closer to the foot, which helps stride runners leverage the midsole’s bounce over their longer steps. The plate is angled lower in the Edge’s forefoot, since cadence runners need to roll off the toe faster.
The ride in huarache is light and smooth with just enough cushion, and added stability on turns courtesy of a slightly wider base than other super shoes. And while our testing found the Metaspeeds are gait-specific, that doesn’t mean each is restrictive to one type of runner. Like any shoe in your quiver, the model you choose can depend on your race distance, other running-form mechanics or simply your preferred underfoot feel.
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4
| Weight | 237g (M), 188g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 4mm |
| Type | Neutral/performance |
> Read our New Balance SuperComp Elite v4 review <
Building on learnings and athlete feedback from previous iterations, New Balance aimed to make the new SC Elite a record-breaker. And the result looks and feels like a completely different shoe to its predecessor. The biggest advance is its new 100% PEBA foam which, according to NB’s lab data, delivers 87% energy return compared with 83% in the v3. Our testers found it felt instantly lighter, more responsive and bouncy than the v3. This is also thanks to an updated carbon fibre plate design, which increases forefoot stiffness.
The v4 sticks with the same 4mm drop. That’s relatively low for a super shoe, but NB believe it works best with the curve of the carbon plate and allows for additional foam under the forefoot for toe off, maximising energy return.
Up top, FantomFit (a heat bonded film) delivers a much thinner mesh package which offers a vastly improved midfoot lockdown and more structure, while not ‘overbuilding’ the shoe with too much emphasis on comfort. All this creates much more of a classic super shoe feel. It's not unstable, uncomfortable or overly-aggressive – it's still pretty accommodating compared to something like the Adios Pro 3 – but as intended it's now very much a speedster for fast sessions and race day rather than an all-rounder for most of your runs.
| Weight | 212g (M), 185g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
| Type | Neutral/performance |
Saucony have tinkered with the midsole mix in the latest Pro, adding a layer of PWRRUN HG (the same foam found in the Endorphin Elite) to PWRRUN PB (which the Pro 3 used exclusively). The result is rather wonderful. The v4 feels super-soft on step in – almost too soft for a racer – but once you get moving the foam blend combines with the plate and Speedroll midsole (shaped to help heel/toe transition) to launch you forward. There’s so much propulsion you struggle not to accelerate, but the softness so palpable at step in stays in the mix to smooth any hard edges. It’s a dream ride, delivering those super shoe snappy, bouncy, fast transitions, but softened and smoothed to feel comfortable and stable over longer runs and at slower paces.
The redesigned mesh upper is featherweight and super-breathable, with just enough padding at the collar and on the integrated woven tongue that you can run long in comfort. The rubber outsole has switched to a lattice design which improves traction, adding to the confidence factor in all conditions. A seriously impressive stand-out performer that offers fast, smooth and true to its name, endorphin-inducing miles.
| Weight | 218g (M), 174g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
| Type | Performance |
> Read our full Nike Alphafly 3 review <
How do you improve a record-breaking shoe? Nike listened to their athletes, who asked for comfort and stability. So, distinct from previous versions, the Alphafly 3 has a continuous outsole for added stability. A new last – fleshed out around the midfoot – improves arch comfort and reduces rubbing. A moulded sock-liner supports the lower profile arch, while Flyknit heel pods offer additional padding. Durability has been another focus, with Nike acknowledging most runners need their £285 shoe to last. Despite all that, it’s 15% lighter than the Alphafly 2.
Our testers were impressed with the added comfort and noted a lack of blistering or irritation. They also loved the ride – unsurprisingly, the Alphafly 3 is built for speed and you feel unrivalled propulsion and response from the ZoomAir pods. It actually feels slightly more aggressive than the Alphafly 2, with more of a 'tippy' sensation, but also smooth and noticeably more stable, ‘dialled-in’ and connected. (Although it hasn’t lost that distinctive ‘clip-clop’ sound).
Punchy, light and more accommodating, this is a significant evolution that stays true to the Alphafly series, but will appeal to a wider audience. The bouncy, propulsive ride is an absolute joy, lockdown is near-perfect, and the extra comfort is perfect for half-marathon and marathon PB-chasers.
| Weight | 196g (M) 162g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 40mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
| Type | Performance |
The Deviate Nitro Elite 3 finally puts the ‘super’ in Puma’s marathon racing super shoe. The midsole is 4mm thicker than the previous version, bumping up to the World Athletics 40mm max stack height, and it’s a noticeable change. Previous versions felt less lively than the top-tier marathon racing shoes, but the change makes v3 the softest Deviate Elite, with the highest energy return. It’s also lighter than the v2 – now fractionally lighter than Nike’s Alphafly 3. Some of that weight saving comes from the way the midsole foam is compressed, resulting in a lower durometer (foam density), which maintains cushioning but reduces weight. The trade-off is it can’t last as many miles as heavier compounds.
The v3’s carbon-fibre plate is thinner and reinforced with ribs that run lengthwise. That keeps it rigid but sheds a few grams. The 8mm drop feels tall, giving the sensation of being pushed forwards. The overall result is a shoe that’s a joy when running fast.
| Weight | 232g (UK size 7) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 39.5mm (heel), 37.5mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 2mm |
| Type | Neutral/performance |
> Read our full Under Armour Velociti Elite 2 review <
Under Armour has been playing catch-up in the super-shoe sector, but it’s made up the ground fast. Before the first Velociti Elite was even available to consumers, UA athlete Sharon Lokedi won the 2022 New York City Marathon (her 26.2 debut) in a v2 prototype, proving her sponsor now makes a top racing shoe.
The low-profile original Velociti Elite had the nostalgia of racing shoes that weren’t yet skyscrapers. The second iteration sees the heel stack bumped up from 36mm to 39.5mm, and the offset dropped from 8mm to 2mm. More height in the heel and forefoot means a more cushioned ride, but the resulting 2mm drop drifts near zero-drop territory. That’s lower than many runners are used to racing in, but we found it still feels propulsive. And the secret lies inside the midsole. The full-length carbon-fibre plate is updated with a scooped shape to encourage faster turnover. There’s a rocker profile – but not too much – and a nice, spacious toebox. Perfect if you’re after a high-performance race-day shoe that blends softness and snap.
Super trainers
These shoes share many of the same qualities as super shoes built for race day (a tall stack height, efficient midsole geometry, high-powered super foam, and usually some sort of plate), but they're designed for everyday mileage
Asics Superblast 2
| Weight | 247g (unisex) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 45mm (heel), 37mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
| Type | Max-cushioned |
> Read our full Asics Superblast 2 review <
Asics' max-cushioned super trainer debuted in 2022 with a near-perfect balance of comfort and efficiency that suits virtually every run or race. And everything that made the original so good remains. With minor tweaks to make it better. An upgraded dual-layer midsole combines the latest FF Blast Plus Eco foam (used in Asics’ more cushioned shoes) and FF Blast Turbo Plus (from racing models), but the overall ride doesn’t feel much different to the original. Beautifully cushioned without feeling squishy, the ride is smooth, with a slight rocker and some rigidity in the forefoot to encourage forward motion. The Superblast glides through each stride, reducing the strain as the miles rack up.
An engineered mesh upper provides added structure, helping it adapt to the shape of your foot. A wide platform and supportive midsole create a stable base and the heel counter is well-cushioned. If you’re looking for a single shoe that can do everything, look no further.
| Weight | 233g (M) 206g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
| Type | Neutral/performance |
> Read our full Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 review <
The Speed 4 is intended to fit into Saucony’s Endorphin line up as a training companion to the race-day Pro 4 or even more speed-focussed Elite models. It fulfils that role with aplomb, but it’s a little more aggressive than the Speed v3, which makes it something most would also happily turn to for their fastest sessions and chasing PBs.
The midsole combines full-length PWRRUN PB PEBA foam with a nylon winged plate to serve up that bouncy PEBA feel, but it doesn’t ride as harsh or aggressive as all-out racing super shoes. Transition is beautifully smooth through the mid- and forefoot, with updated geometry making it feel a touch more stable. The upper is light and extremely breathable, fitting fairly snug for good lock-down. There’s a surprising dash of plushness from the rather thin looking tongue and an almost bucket shaped heel adds comfort, stability and hold. The same grippy lattice outsole as the Endorphin Pro 4 offers great traction, too.
It all adds up to a really versatile shoe which easily shifts between paces. A perfect partner on multi-paced sessions and for those not in a rush to invest in an additional race shoe, it’ll serve you well on your big day over a wide range of distances.
| Weight | 265g (M), 221g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 44.5mm (heel), 36.5mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
| Type | Max-cushioned/performance |
There are a heck of a lot of shoes out there today that are fun to run in, but few bring as much joy as the Neo Vista. Like a pogo stick, it offers the sensation of bouncing along the road, unbound by gravity. Key to that effect is the extra thick midsole made from Enerzy Nxt, an EVA-based foam that has a liveliness more typically found in the techier (and pricier) super-critical foams. Part of that cushioning power and bounce is attributable to the channel that runs along the length of the shoe, which helps to reduce weight but also allows the midsole to compress more easily than a massive solid block would.
Some learnings have been taken from Mizuno’s Wave Rebellion Pro 2 racing shoe with its exaggerated rocker and heel-less sole, but with far less radical geometry here, making the Neo a sound choice for high training volume – or racing for runners who expect to be on a course longer than elite and advanced competitive runners.
| Weight | 260g (M), 207g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 33mm (heel), 27mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6mm |
| Type | Neutral |
> Read our full New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos review <
Shop - women's
Designed to take you seamlessly from training to race day’, the Balos features a PEBA-blended midsole foam with a pronounced rocker for a propulsive ride. Everything about the upper has a premium feel. The knit tongue is fully gusseted and stretches over the foot, the heel collar is well padded, and the engineered mesh offers comfort and breathability.
Initial step-in feel is incredibly soft, the midsole squishing underfoot. On the move, the extreme rocker kicks in, doing a good job at turning your legs over more effortlessly – though the benefit will be felt most by heel strikers. The wide platform feels stable and the heel bevel – which extends almost into the midfoot – helps smooth the ride. Combined with the soft foam, it all feels fantastic on easy runs, long runs and even tempo efforts, but put the hammer down and the ‘pop’ you’re after for faster intervals and race days doesn’t really materialise. Still, the impressive upper and soft, smooth ride make this an excellent trainer with a plush feel.
| Weight | 320g (M), 261g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 48mm (heel), 43mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5mm |
| Type | Max-cushioned |
> Read our full Hoka Skyward X review <
Hoka's most cushioned shoe yet has a lofty 48mm/43mm heel/forefoot stack to push soft and smooth to the extreme. That huge PEBA midsole provides a beautifully cushioned underfoot sensation and, despite the humungous height, feels surprisingly stable. Probably thanks to an EVA frame encasing the PEBA foam. The carbon fibre plate may add further stability, but there’s also a gentle but discernible snap that works with the late-stage rocker to create a flowing ride. That makes it versatile enough for everyday training through to tempo work, though it’s a bit clunky for real speed.
Midfoot lockdown is great, with a deep foot frame cradling the heel. The padded tongue is comfortable and there’s just enough padding around the heel collar. Up top, there’s a flat knit upper while a high abrasion rubber outsole gives great grip. The lack of ground isn’t for everyone, but it’s a good option for high-mileage runners who want a forgiving ride.
Stability running shoes
Designed for runners who overpronate (aka the inward rolling of the foot) when they run. chaqueta adidas futbol shoes for women 2016.
| Weight | 305g (M), 266g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 40mm (heel), 30mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 10mm |
| Type | Stability/road |
> Read our full Asics Gel-Kayano 31 review <
The Kayano has been a go-to for runners in need of pronation control since 1993. But last year, Asics risked a total design overhaul, bringing in a less intrusive stability solution alongside a higher stack height and softer cushioning. It worked and the 31 uses that same 4D Guidance System to provide subtle stability.
Cushioning comes via Asics’ excellent FF Blast Plus Eco foam and the midsole stack height remains the same hefty 30mm/40mm forefoot/heel. Extra shock absorption comes from the addition of PureGel technology in the heel, while upper and outsole upgrades make it a more enjoyable wear. A new knit collar construction boosts step-in comfort along with padding at the tongue. The engineered mesh upper hugs the foot while feeling soft and forgiving.
Despite a slight weight increase, the 31 feels less cumbersome – perhaps due to the improved foothold, or the new Asicsgrip outsole’s softer landing feel – or huarache. Testers did feel the lack of a rocker or toe spring leaves the 31 feeling lethargic at pace, but it delivers on long, easy miles, stability and comfort.
| Weight | 282g (M), 228g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5mm |
| Type | Stability |
Overpronators searching for support, look this way. Mirroring its predecessor, the Arahi 7 features Hoka’s stable compression-moulded EVA midsole foam and signature J-frame midsole support to combat overpronation. It’s essentially a firmer section of foam in the midfoot, which hooks around the back of the shoe in the shape of a J, from the medial to the lateral side.
On the run, these elements combine to deliver supreme gait control, but it comes at the cost of a fairly firm and rigid ride. One tester commented that the cushioning lacks the springiness found in some cushioned daily shoes, such as Asics’ Novablast 4, and some may find it a little unforgiving. But then, that really is the point of a shoe like the Arahi 7 – to deliver a secure, assured, stable ride.
Up top, the latest Arahi features a new zonally engineered flat-knit upper, which is more breathable, a plusher tongue and dual gusset beneath the lace line. These tweaks bring improved step-in comfort, a supportive if not slightly snug fit (we’d recommend going up half a size) and excellent lockdown. Comfort and stability is where the Arahi 7 truly excels and if that’s at the top of your priority list, it may be your perfect match.
> The best HOKA shoes for every type of runner <
Buy now - women's
| Weight | 302g (M), 279g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 38mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6mm |
| Type | Stability/max-cushioned |
> Read our full Saucony Hurricane 24 review <
After a two year hiatus, Saucony’s max-cushioned stability shoe is back with a bang. The engineered mesh upper is breathable and snug, hugging the foot in all the right places with no pinching. The heel cup is comfortably snug, locking you in without being overly rigid. A new dual density midsole combines responsive PWRRUN PB foam directly underfoot with a broad base of PWRRUN foam surrounding and cradling the foot. The result is plush and fairly responsive. The ride is smooth and consistent, transitioning well from heel to toe, thanks partly to the bevelled heel and slightly curved sole, which encourage natural forward motion. Decent energy return makes it versatile enough for easy days to tempo runs, but not for speedier efforts.
Stability now comes from Saucony’s CenterPath Technology, which ditches traditional medial posts in favour of less obtrusive guidance– a broader platform, higher sidewalls, an asymmetric profile and a rocker shape that guides from impact to toe-off. It’s subtle but effective. With a finely tuned blend of comfort, support and performance, the Hurricane is a max-cushioned shoe that offers effective stability without the bulk or rigidity that typically comes with it.
