Home/Reviews
Fresh experiences from real runners, collected from Reddit, YouTube and blogs and linked to their sources.
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
A solid max-cushion trainer with no real weaknesses: a really durable outsole, good stability, deep cushioning, a comfortable locked-down upper and outstanding reflectivity, premium and well built. But it lacks excitement and energy return, and it's pricier than rivals. Less fun than the Neo Vista 2.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Bach Pham · 2 days ago
A tank-like build with a comfortable fit and huge expected durability, but very stiff and firm. The two foams didn't mesh at first; after 20 miles it runs middle of the road, moderately cushioned and leaning firm. The heel doesn't clear cleanly, the fit is slightly loose, and in a crowded category he can't rank it high.
Blog · Believe in the Run · 2 days ago
The softest, bounciest Mizuno midsole she's tried and her current favourite, able to pick up the pace. Another tester finds the underfoot feel amazing but the upper so narrow and low-volume that at $180 he'd look elsewhere unless you have a narrow foot. A third tester sees lots of potential in the foams.
Blog · Negibozu's Running Diary – Negibozu · 2 days ago
A sub-3 ultra runner and fan of the line: a ~21 km half marathon confirmed it as a highly polished jog shoe, comfortable on recovery jogs and long runs with high cushioning and a rocker, with little change from the excellent v10. Concerns: outsole durability, slippery wet grip, and a rocker not for everyone.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
A really comfortable flagship daily trainer: a softer, lighter upper, a smooth, easy-rolling transition and plenty of cushioning, stable for a neutral shoe, best for easy and long runs or walks. But by 80 miles he'd chewed through the exposed outsole, and the midsole flattens early for heavy runners.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Chad Zimmermann · 2 days ago
Judged in a vacuum it would get pretty decent grades for value and performance (not looks). But with so many solid $140–170 shoes, including HOKA's own Clifton Pro, it's hard to give it the respect its consistent quality deserves. His verdict: just a good shoe, not bad but not great.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
One of his favourite daily trainers to start the year: a highly cushioned, firm but protective rocker with a snappy forefoot, a comfortable, secure upper and very stable geometry. No outsole wear at 50 miles, so durability justifies the price. Some will find it too firm, and the upper may run warm.
Blog · Believe in the Run · 2 days ago
One tester loved the original, but Brooks stripped away the magic and fun: still a solid max-cushion option for fans of a firmer ride and aggressive rocker, yet a step in the wrong direction. Another tester agrees it's a sophomore slump, heavier and firmer than expected. A perfectly fine shoe, but well short of v1.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 2 days ago
Made for loyal buyers of the line and anyone wanting an uncomplicated, comfortable daily driver: soft premium upper, durable outsole and a very stable ride. He enjoys it, but next to modern trainers the DNA Tuned ride is plain vanilla and not springy.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas · 2 days ago
One of his favourite daily trainers so far this year: a smooth, consistent, rhythmic ride at easy paces without a big rocker, balanced cushioning, and a much more accommodating upper that's plush but breathable. It's not the most versatile, and at $175 he'd like more range, but it could be worth it for easy days only.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Robbe Reddinger, Karl Fernandez & Caryn Just · 2 days ago
A reliable daily trainer in a sea of reliable daily trainers: not versatile, and undercut by the lighter, cheaper Glycerin Flex. The midsole mostly absolves a hot upper, but $175 is a lot for a one-trick workhorse; one tester suggests last year's on sale. Another tester: a heavy shoe with a rather standard ride.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
A stable neutral run/walk shoe with a smooth rocker that takes orthotics, is highly durable and is far more runnable than before. The tapered toe box makes it run half a size short. The midsole is firmer and less responsive than he'd like, and the lateral heel wall took 15–20 miles to break in.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Chad Zimmermann & Karl Fernandez · 2 days ago
Not the most exciting shoe to review, but one tester has never had a bad run in any of the four versions: a great easy-mile cruiser with a firmer feel, a great rocker and noticeable improvements, graded A. Another tester finds it the best Ghost and more fun than v18, but since nothing revolutionary changed, he'd hunt for a discounted v3.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas & Andrea Myers · 2 days ago
A springy super trainer, very stable for its 46 mm stack, with a momentous ride when you engage the rocker. One tester loves it for uptempo long runs but finds the stiff midfoot bumpy at easy paces. Another tester: a protective, responsive tempo or long-run shoe, even a marathon racer if super shoes feel unstable.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Chad Zimmermann, Meaghan Murray & Ryan Haines · 2 days ago
ASICS defied the odds by improving both fit/comfort and the ride, and it was a blast to run in, though $190 makes value questionable. Still a great shoe and a clean, confident upgrade, but super trainer of the year is a tougher case in a stacked market with strong cheaper rivals. A third tester agrees.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 2 days ago
One of the most comfortable shoes he's tested this year, with a super smooth ride, padded landings, a luxurious upper and good stability. But it's heavy by today's standards and feels cumbersome, the outsole wears down fast, and at $180 it's way overpriced. He'd rather wear it to the gym or casually than run in it.
Blog · The Running Club – Paolo Corsini · 2 days ago
A daily trainer that positively surprised him after 150 km: comfortable on easy, recovery and longer runs, and a reliable, affordable option at €140 for many runners. The foam's responsiveness is moderate, and picking up the pace is limited more by weight and bulk than by the midsole. Final score 7.1.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 2 days ago
The best mid-range daily trainer he's tested all year and a treat to run in, a big surprise after the bland first version. It has a balanced, energetic ride for a wide range of paces, deep cushioning and a forefoot rocker for long runs, plus a durable outsole. The upper is a bit too built up, and heavy overpronators may find it unstable.
Blog · Alastair Running – Alastair Dixon · 2 days ago
On's best shoe yet for everyday runners doing real marathon training, a plated super trainer 4:00–5:00 marathoners can race in. It's durable, stable and protective over big mileage, with energy that doesn't just absorb impact. The heel bevel and forefoot rocker roll tired legs along, which felt noticeably less beaten up after long runs.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Sam Winebaum · 2 days ago
A max-but-not-over-max trainer done right: deep, reactive, friendly cushioning, a flexible propulsive plate, impeccable straight-tracking stability, and friendly at any pace with a smooth rocker off a broad, stable heel. Traction and expected durability are strong. It's heavy, by deliberate choice, and the upper could shed weight.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Chad Zimmermann & Karl Fernandez · 2 days ago
One tester fits its 4–5 hour marathon target perfectly and had high hopes for Chicago, but after 20+ mi doubts he'll wear it again: not comfy enough for easy days, not snappy enough for tempo, too stiff and heavy for long runs. Another tester finds it overbuilt for racing, had a pinky-toe hot spot, and would buy the S/Lab Spectur.
Blog · Fordy Runs – Fordy · 2 days ago
He likes a lot: resilient ZoomX, excellent lockdown and comfort, a good outsole and stability, doing everything he wants from a daily trainer, and it's the one to buy. But it's heavy, the tongue is annoying, and amid lighter, more fun competition there are better options for the money.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Thomas Neuberger · 2 days ago
He wanted more bang from the Air Zoom unit: for a 'tempo trainer' it leans hard into daily-trainer territory and feels a little overbuilt for its job. But at $165, while rivals creep past $200, the price alone bumps it back up to a solid A.
Blog · Runner's World – Jeff Dengate · 2 days ago
ZoomX gives a soft heel landing, the roomier forefoot helps runners who've found Nikes too narrow, and the exposed Air unit makes toe-off snappy. It's a smidge heavy for a performance trainer, and some runners will want a softer forefoot.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
For big fans of the line it's the best version right now, worth the premium over v42, and a good cushioned 10 mm option that's more fun than rivals like the Ghost 18. If you shop around, though, better options exist, such as the Novablast 6, whether you want a speedy all-rounder or a cushioned daily trainer.
Blog · Coach – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
The update doesn't improve the experience: heavy and sluggish even for easy runs, though it protects the legs well and looks good, maybe for the odd 5K or lifestyle wear. For a cushioned shoe for extensive use there are better options, and within Nike's range he much prefers the Vomero 17.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 2 days ago
More comfortable than v3, with a softer, stretchy Flyknit upper, good lockdown, better durability and stability. But it gained an ounce and feels heavy, and the ReactX lacks energy return. Average with no major flaws, at $160 he can't recommend it over rivals like the MaxRoad 6.
Blog · Runner's World UK – Alice Barraclough · 2 days ago
Comfy, cushioned and great-looking for cruising easy miles, and Infinity fans will appreciate the updates. But at £155, an everyday shoe that isn't lightweight or snappy is hard to justify, and they wouldn't reach for it as a plush trainer. It runs snug, so go half a size up.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Andrea Myers & Matt Klein · 2 days ago
A stable neutral daily trainer with a soft Flyknit upper and a firm, rockered ride that v3 fans will like. It gives little softness despite the high stack, and a heavy, high-drop plodder best for easy miles. Size down half, as the sock-like Flyknit holds poorly on turns and faster efforts.
Blog · The Size 15 Runner · 2 days ago
Extremely stable on a very wide base, with a very comfortable roomy upper, a huge toe box and durable rubber that should last hundreds of miles. But it's heavy and too one-dimensional for anything but easy days, paling next to NB's own 1080. Fine if you want a comfy, soft, stable and slow ride.
Blog · Meta Endurance – Andy · 2 days ago
A one-trick pony that does its trick very well: extremely comfortable and stable for recovery runs of any distance, very quiet with no slapping, and little wear beyond slight midsole creasing after ~70 km. The second tester found the toe box a bit low and the foam more rigid than v5's. Not a frugal buy.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Meaghan Murray, Thomas Neuberger & Chad Zimmermann · 2 days ago
Exactly what one tester expected: a plush max-cushion ride tailor-made for recovery days, like a Bondi with a touch more squish. After a 15-miler left her with sore calves and aggravated feet, lacing up v6 made her feel like a new person: soft enough to cradle, with enough bounce not to feel mushy.
Blog · Runner's World – Cat Bowen · 2 days ago
Not flashy and doesn't try to be: comfortable, supportive without being restrictive, cushioned without feeling mushy, and dependable across many uses. It's an easy recommendation for newer runners or anyone wanting a no-fuss shoe for everyday miles. It runs a touch warm, which is a bonus as the weather cools.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas · 2 days ago
A neutral workhorse for all your daily runs and excellent value, with upside for faster paces thanks to its full-length Wave Plate and softer Enerzy NXT. That softer foam may push some traditional fans of the line away.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Nils Scharff · 2 days ago
A noticeable weight cut versus the 27, better roll-off from the revised outsole, a very comfortable soft knit upper and excellent protective cushioning for long runs, with a rebalanced heel and a durable, grippy outsole. The midsole is still not dynamic, and a foam update is overdue for tempo work.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Meaghan Murray & Thomas Neuberger · 2 days ago
Plush step-in and a smooth, forgiving, compressive ride that puts comfort over responsiveness: a dependable max-cushion trainer and reliable supporting actor, says one tester, though she'd buy v27 on sale for $125. The melatonin of running shoes: it needs a personality, not another tweak.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
A premium, highly stable neutral daily trainer that's light for its 40 mm+ stack, with a snappy forefoot and cushioned, protective ride. It feels far firmer and stiffer than the prior version with more aggressive geometry, there's less outsole rubber, and the thin tongue gives lace bite.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Michael Mason-D'Croz · 2 days ago
Probably the best version yet: almost an ounce lighter, with high stack, a soft, luxurious upper and a ride similar to the last three versions. The FF Blast+ midsole feels outdated and lacks energy return for the price, the ride is firmer than most max-cushion trainers, and the toe box is narrow.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Brandon Law · 2 days ago
He's disappointed: despite the new FF Blast Max midsole the ride is flat, way too firm and dull with little energy return. On the plus side it has a respectable weight, high ground feel, good lockdown and stability, and the outsole is more durable than expected, but grip is below average and the toe box narrow.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Markus Zinkl, Ingrid Zasa, Maren Müller & Eva Wiehe · 2 days ago
Very comfortable, with soft FF Blast Max and PureGEL cushioning, a breathable mesh and a surprisingly spacious toe box. One tester praises the durable, grippy, stone-free outsole. Another tester found it less cushioned than expected with a thin upper, one tester felt the midfoot sloppy, and there's little pop.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Denny Krahe · 2 days ago
He's really enjoyed running in it and plans many more miles: comfortable, amply cushioned, durable and smooth, a shoe for high-volume road runners who want one pair to take the daily pounding. His only quibbles are personal (he prefers zero drop and a bit more toe-box room).
Blog · Believe in the Run – Meaghan Murray, Thomas Neuberger & Karl Fernandez · 2 days ago
A genuinely enjoyable, soft daily trainer and her ideal post-Boston recovery companion, and another tester loves the Invincible-like plush foam. Verdict: cushioning yes, performance not quite. A third tester found it noticeably wide, clipping his ankle, and it's $200 against the Superblast 3 and Hyperboost Edge.
Blog · Runner's World – Cat Bowen · 2 days ago
Built for easy miles: a smooth, stable, cushioned ride where the foam and segmented geometry give stability without a plate or post. It's breathable and light-feeling with no hot spots, and the ride won over a tester put off by its retro look. It isn't a fast super trainer, and the collar could be more plush.
Blog · Alastair Running – Alastair Dixon · 2 days ago
Shines on easy and recovery runs: a soft, protective landing, a smooth guided transition that feels more like 8 mm drop, and outstanding X10 grip wet and dry with basically zero wear. The midsole lacks liveliness, with no pop at tempo, and the thick upper and plush tongue run warm.
