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Fresh experiences from real runners, collected from Reddit, YouTube and blogs and linked to their sources.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas · 2 days ago
Great value: a lightweight, versatile trainer that's responsive yet training-friendly and fun across efforts, a solid do-it-all shoe for the price. Traction and the H-Plate add some stability to a neutral, narrow platform. But the lateral-heel H-Plate wedge bothers him, and the fit is snug.
Blog · Believe in the Run · 2 days ago
One tester: a lot to love. It doesn't look or feel like a Skechers: a lighter, lower-stack, bouncy daily trainer with enough cushion for easy miles that can pick up the pace. It beat expectations without blowing him away. His favourite Skechers yet and good value at $130, behind the Rebel v5 and Evo SL.
Blog · iRunFar – Craig Randall · 2 days ago
Extremely happy with the fit, comfort and looks: a roomy, cushy forefoot suited his wide, bunion-prone feet and eased his metatarsalgia, and it's a blast at normal paces on smooth trails. But the wavy, sparsely lugged outsole gets clumsy at speed on steep technical terrain. Very pricey.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Taylor Bodin · 2 days ago
No plate, no problem: one of the smoothest shoes he's ever run in, with gobs of soft cushion and a true bounce when pushing. He felt himself gliding over the trail, and his feet felt fantastic after long runs. Priced as a racer, it could equally be a superbly made daily shoe for comfort-first runners.
Blog · Switchback Travel – Maggie Slepian · 2 days ago
The shoe that made running fun this season: the most stable, locked-in feel she's tested, well-spaced lugs that grip on steep terrain, and rebound second to none. The upper, outsole and lugs still look new, unlike shoes she's worn smooth in under 200 miles. Sizing ran nearly a full size off.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Alyssa Leib · 2 days ago
83%: grip this good, light, bouncy cushioning and a snug, secure fit let a Golden, Colorado trail runner pick up the pace on technical trails. But it's very narrow with no wide option, it only comes in unisex sizing and one bright colourway, and the lacing can't be adjusted, so it's not a go-to for everyone.
Blog · Run Oregon – Matt Rasmussen · 2 days ago
A lightweight, high-performance trail racer that thrives on short, fast, technical efforts: smooth over rolling hills and short, steep climbs, with energy return that stays controlled on descents. All Terrain Contagrip bites well on dry rocky singletrack. Not for muddy slogs or 50-mile days.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Taylor Bodin · 2 days ago
Still an exciting, versatile racer, now centred on technical terrain: extra protective foam and a bit more stability give it reach for efforts up to 4–6 hours, though it's less suited to smooth trails. But a pinch in the throat cost forefoot mobility, and chunks of foam were missing after his first 2-hour run.
Blog · WeeViews – Hollie S · 2 days ago
Proof Salomon can make a legit road racer: responsive, bouncy foam, an efficient plate, a smooth ride, a light, breathable upper, and traction she'd trust in the wet. Minimal wear at 50 miles, and she expects ~200. One of her favourite carbon shoes this year. Not for short intervals.
Blog · Runpanel – Or Dalah · 2 days ago
A rare combination of softness, bounce and stability: soft landings, very high responsiveness, and heel and upper stabilisers that, unlike other soft shoes, didn't irritate his ankle tendons. No visible outsole wear after ~200 km, and Contagrip improves grip on asphalt. The extra ankle support takes getting used to.
Blog · RunMag – David · 2 days ago
9/10. A very pleasant fit that adapts even to wide feet, with slipper-like comfort and lightness. Soft Energy Foam+ and a carbon plate combine for dynamic, efficient fast running, and the grip bites on the forefoot. He wouldn't use it for easy endurance runs. Ideal for prepared racers, 5K to marathon.
Blog · Believe in the Run · 2 days ago
A winner: a true race-day fit and a bouncy-yet-stable Pebax midsole, though a touch firmer than rivals. Salomon has arrived on the marathon scene, with forefoot stability that keeps runners comfortable late on, but he wouldn't spend Alphafly money on a first-generation racer.
Blog · FueledByLOLZ – Hollie · 2 days ago
A long-time fan of the line: Salomon kept the ride that worked and improved the fit, so it feels more secure and easier to trust on long days. Protective without feeling heavy, with good Contagrip traction even on wet light trails; still fine after ~100 miles. An easy-day and long-run workhorse.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas · 2 days ago
Lightweight for its max cushioning, with good foam, decent transitions and good versatility. But the midfoot feels undercut with a lateral squeeze, and lateral sole flaring pushes him medially, which limits long-run use and makes it less fun for him. Good value if the geometry and fit work for you.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Kristin Lassen · 2 days ago
Comfortable and buoyant: a cushioned, responsive midsole that feels soft at first but firmer when running, a secure midfoot, a protective gusseted tongue and a grippy, durable outsole. A great all-rounder for neutral runners, though something firmer suits fast intervals. Heel support isn't great.
Blog · Doctors of Running · 2 days ago
A light, plush, high-drop max-cushion trainer with surprising responsiveness and little rocker, versatile from easy and long miles to uptempo. It does its job very well. But it's as neutral as it gets, too unstable for another tester beyond shorter runs, and the exposed outsole was wearing and tearing by 30 miles.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 2 days ago
Too much support and guidance for his gait, causing inner-heel discomfort, and the lack of forefoot cushioning hurt his feet on a 40 km long run. The thin tongue causes lace bite and the collar lets in debris. Positives: a wide, planted base, a spacious forefoot and outstanding traction and durability.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
His favourite stability shoe recently: a secure fit, comfortable guidance from sidewalls and a dual-density midsole, a good heel transition and a cushioned, bouncy ride for consistent efforts, fine on 14-milers. Excellent durability, with little wear at 75 miles. Mild lace bite, and heavier than v1.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Sam Sheldon · 2 days ago
Overlooked but solid and dependable for tough daily miles: a firm, bouncy, comfortable trainer that looks great and has the best outsole rubber on the market, doing what runners want from most Brooks trainers better. Not as fun as the Evo SL or Vomero, and lacing was tricky for ~50 miles.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Olivia Yoder · 2 days ago
A lightweight, well-made, great-looking entry-level road-to-trail shoe for gravel paths, dirt roads and mild trails, with little outsole wear after 50+ miles. It was firm and constrictive, needing many runs to break in, felt too high for her weak ankles on rocks, and the upper held water.
Blog · Doctors of Running · 2 days ago
A solid, lighter rockered trail shoe with good ground feel and some road-to-trail ability, best for moderate miles on mild to moderately technical trails; little outsole wear at 40 miles. A go-to for horse and bluff trails, if a tad flexible up front on climbs. Another tester wants more forefoot room.
Blog · Believe in the Run · 2 days ago
One tester sees it as a sign On is turning a corner: Helion foam and CloudTec pods work surprisingly well from sidewalks to gravel rail-trails. But it's narrow with a shallow toe box that left his big toe aching; size up half. Another tester: light and versatile, but too rigid for 10–15+ miles or technical terrain.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Constance Mahoney · 2 days ago
A significant update (93%): plenty of stable, slightly springy cushion that kept her legs fresh on long runs, downhill impact absorption so good she forgot her shoes, and chevron lugs that bite better into loose dirt and rock. Good for hot trail runs. The midfoot is snug, and there's no high-energy pop.
Blog · Road Trail Run · 2 days ago
One tester (8.85/10): a comfortable, protective ride with excellent lockdown over varied terrain and a very durable build, though not the lightest; she rolled an ankle in a race, so heel stability needs work. Another tester: not light at 316 g but never sluggish, balanced and controlled, with enough cushion for ultras.
Blog · CleverHiker – Nathan Allen · 2 days ago
One of the more comfortable trail shoes they tested: solid for everyday training, with good traction, excellent on mixed pavement, dirt and gravel, breathable and stable, with no durability issues near 100 miles. The midfoot runs narrow; not ideal for technical, steep or slick trails or racing. 4.1/5.
Blog · Believe in the Run · 2 days ago
Both were On sceptics; past road models left rocks wedged in the outsole. Fans of On's signature ride will find it a great fit: lightweight, responsive and firm, with a connected-to-the-ground feel plus the durability and traction trails need. On won him over on pavement and now on the trails too.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Olivia Yoder · 2 days ago
After 250+ miles, including several half marathons, she calls it a great daily trainer and a great upgrade: breathable, comfortable all over, durable and well made, working exceptionally well for faster mid-distance runs and part of her rotation for every speed workout. It's a little pricey, and the upper shows dirt.
Blog · Doctors of Running · 2 days ago
A balanced, lightweight trainer with decent responsiveness that does a bit of everything, cushioned enough for long runs, and good value. One tester would like livelier foam and more forefoot width. Another tester loved the firm, neutral ride (13.5 miles without issue), but the toe box hurt until ~15 miles.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Olivia Yoder · 2 days ago
A very well-built daily trainer that will last you miles, with long-lasting comfort, a smooth ride, a stylish look and an upper that delivers on many levels. It can wear many hats but falls short when you want a PR. Despite the 'max' name it's firmer than expected and less soft than rivals.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas · 2 days ago
Excellent cushioning for fans of firm rockers: great for easy rhythmic miles, stable for a neutral shoe thanks to good sidewalls, and a good walking and standing shoe. The foam lacks pop at speed, the laces bite through the tongue, and at $180 it lacks rivals' versatility. Too firm for some.
Blog · Believe in the Run · 2 days ago
One tester sees it as an improvement on the Cloudeclipse and a redemption after v2 flop: a nicer, more dialed-in upper, no loud speedboard, a smooth ride, the same $180. Another tester, on his first On, was impressed: good-looking, a pleasant ride, and minimal wear after 50+ miles.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Olivia Yoder · 2 days ago
A good daily trainer for up to 5 miles: lightweight, breathable and durable, with little to no wear after well over 100 miles. The midsole falls short on longer runs, and it runs small. She loves it most for all-day wear and walking, and recommends it for people who stand all workday.
Blog · Doctors of Running · 2 days ago
One tester: a nice training shoe with good rhythm, a durable build, a steady forefoot rocker, mild-to-moderate responsiveness, good cushioning and lockdown; fair value at $160.
Blog · Believe in the Run · 2 days ago
One tester: a utilitarian daily trainer at best, not the worst shoe you'll buy but not one you'll long to run in; On is treading water on innovation. An average addition that proves On's inconsistency. A third tester finds it fine but with nothing excellent: OK for 3–6 miles, then monotonous.
Blog · Startline wa doko desu ka? – Shibuken · 2 days ago
He switched into it at 15 km of a rainy overnight 100 km run and ran the last ~80 km in it. It stayed dry until ~60 km, then water seeped in at the ankle; it's not a rain boot. Amazingly, no blisters at all, even with soaked feet. Slippery on wet manholes. A buy for people who run or go out in the rain.
Blog · iRunFar – Natalie Chirgwin · 2 days ago
An excellent choice for mountain running, technical trails or simply going fast, with a lightweight, responsive ride and a breathable yet protective upper; smooth even on concrete. After 150 miles the upper shows minimal wear, though midsole longevity is unproven. The forefoot fits slightly tight.
Blog · Believe in the Run · 2 days ago
Great and comfortable but too close to the Pegasus Trail 5 for $10 more: a plush road-to-trail grinder. Another tester found it uber-comfortable but wobbly on technical descents, with forefoot slide and an unstable heel. A third tester found it narrow, a bit heavy and short on traction, but great on gravel.
Blog · Running Lab – Julien Guyod · 2 days ago
A 2:38 marathoner calls it a formidable weapon from 5K to the marathon: excellent shock absorption at any distance, best when you accelerate, and a tough Atomknit upper. Less explosive for sharp track work. The foam shows visible wear fast and an Air unit burst on his v3, so save it for race day.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Nathan Brown · 2 days ago
His current racing shoe of choice from 5 miles to the marathon: bouncy, fun and versatile, with a secure, roomy-for-a-racer fit, and comparatively stable, so it works at 5:30/mile or 9+ min/mile. It's comparatively heavy (still light) and squeaky; 5K specialists have lighter, more aggressive options.
Blog · Believe in the Run · 2 days ago
It remains one of the best race-day shoes, especially for the marathon: a comfortable, accommodating upper, light, bouncy foam and Air pods that carry tired legs late on, now cheaper. Lighter, faster options exist, and it squeaked for the first 5–6 miles. Another tester: 'you can buy confidence.'
Blog · Gearist – Brandon Wood · 2 days ago
A switchblade of a shoe: it cruises easy miles or goes whip-fast without fuss, with an upper that holds the foot on any terrain and no break-in. After 60 miles, much of it on abrasive rock, there's very little wear. It may feel stiff for cushion lovers, it's narrow-ish in the midfoot, and $260 prices many out.
Blog · iRunFar – Alli Miles · 2 days ago
After 250+ miles she trusts it opening up on steep descents, hopping boulders and scrambling peaks: a high-performance trail trainer and racer whose durable build handles sky races to cruisy ultras. Fun for daily runs, but the price reflects super-shoe tech; runners without big goals don't need it.
Blog · iRunFar – Kristin Zosel · 2 days ago
Her favourite shoe in the line and one of her all-time favourite lightweight daily trail shoes: a smooth heel-to-toe roll with firm, efficient energy return that invites pushing the pace. At ~150 miles the upper hasn't stretched and the outsole looks new. It's not burly enough to be an all-mountain shoe for her.
Blog · Believe in the Run · 2 days ago
Possibly one of the best walking shoes money can buy and a solid all-rounder from roads to trails; fans of the last version will love it as much or more. Another tester recommends it for gravel and dry, groomed trails and for anyone wanting higher drop. A third tester: one of Nike's best 'everything' shoes.
Blog · Run & Smile – Roman Brcar · 2 days ago
Not a do-it-all shoe. Bought with his own money, reviewed in agreement with NB. Over 120 km it felt light, snappy and propulsive; it kept him in control through a half marathon and showed no outsole wear. Comfortable with no blisters, sticky on wet roads and stable in corners. Best for 5K to half and workouts, not easy runs. Size up half.
Blog · Road Trail Run · 2 days ago
One tester (8.9/10): delightfully fast turnover, a plate at a sweet spot of stiffness, and a fine choice from 5K to half, though the heel design is problematic. An ideal racer up to the half and an all-round trainer, smooth even at 10:30/mile thanks to a snappy flex, and the outsole looks great after 50 miles.
Blog · Doctors of Running · 2 days ago
A firmer, lower-stack super shoe true to its 5K–10K purpose (one tester says up to a half), and good value at $200. But one tester found it a bit soft for fast efforts, with a short fit, heel rubbing and early outsole tearing. Another tester gave the fit an F: heel blisters and bleeding kept it out of her 7-mile race.
Blog · Believe in the Run · 2 days ago
One of her favourite updates, a more traditional race-day feel for distance runners, kept in her rotation through summer speed work. Probably the most fun shoe he's run in: not the softest, bounciest or most propulsive, but it blends all three into a fantastic racer across paces from tempo to top speed.
