Home/Reviews
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 · Running Shoes Guru – Justin Alpaugh · 2 days ago
A rollercoaster: he digs the concept and speed of this light, cushioned performance trainer, but can't get the fit right. Every run ends with a blister on the back of his right heel, and his toes feel cramped. Decent for picking up the pace, but not for daily wear, and its place in a rotation is unclear.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Ryan Haines · 2 days ago
Like most of Mizuno's uptempo shoes, an acquired taste that won't suit everyone or every distance, but if it works for you, you'll love it, and he does. It's a little more democratic than the Wave Rebellion Pro 3 without feeling watered down, and the release colourway is spot on.
Blog · WearTesters – Drew Whitcomb & Arune · 2 days ago
If you want to move fast, it will move you fast, and Enerzy XP improves the quicker you go. Lockdown is fantastic. It only moves at one speed, so it's no everyday trainer. The heel counter and ball-like foam under the arch hurt comfort, the tongue is floppy, and it's pricey for its range.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein & Andrea Myers · 2 days ago
A plated performance trainer with a bouncy dual-density midsole, good at easy and workout paces, and highly durable. One tester loves the geometry for her midfoot landing. But the inward-angled heel collar gave her a severe heel blister, it runs half a size short, and the heel pivot feels awkward.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Adam Glueck & Sam Winebaum · 2 days ago
A technological masterpiece that rejuvenates the racing flat: versatile, fast and fun for speed work, tempo, 5K to half racing and smooth trails. It's stable at the heel and midfoot with a flexible toe-off. One tester wanted more stack to extend its range, and heel strikers need more counter and width.
Blog · Runner's World – Amanda Furrer · 2 days ago
Pre-super-shoe simplicity with a responsive PEBA-based midsole and a thin, breathable upper, for speedwork and race days. She still runs in it, but after about six months the upper tore above her pinky toe, partly from a cramped toe box. She estimates around 100 mi of durability, and cushioning is minimal.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas · 2 days ago
A really fun ride, both nimble and responsive, with an upper he loves for the track: low-volume and snug. Traction limits it in rain or mist, and stability is only average. The fit only works for normal and narrow feet, and wide feet won't fit at all.
Blog · Run Your Story – Dave McDonald · 2 days ago
Worth a look for a premium uptempo shoe, or a race-day option for those wary of carbon. It suits midfoot strikers, and the foam/plate combo reduces fatigue and aids recovery. Not ideal for heel strikers, less stable in turns, and the G3 rubber may slip on slick surfaces.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Paul Soriano · 2 days ago
A plush landing, with bounce and responsiveness for midfoot strikers and an aggressive rollover for forefoot strikers. The inner mesh irritated his right lateral toes from the first run (he now tapes them), heel striking can be an issue, and midsole stability is limited.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein et al. · 2 days ago
B+/A-/A grades. A firmly neutral shoe, but Mizuno did a nice job promoting forward motion. The midfoot reinforcement needs the laces locked down just right; otherwise his foot slid, or the top of the foot felt pressure.
Blog · tomo.run · 2 days ago
'A shoe that lets you run fast without tiring.' Very high cushioning reduces leg load on the road. Rebound isn't strong, but the Smooth Speed Assist rocker gives efficient propulsion if you control your center of gravity. Stability is lacking for a Mizuno.
Blog · Doktor Nakano blog · 2 days ago
Very satisfied after 100+ km: a big update that moves it closer to the Wave Rebellion Pro. No midsole collapse, and the outsole rubber shows no significant wear.
Blog · Runner's World UK – Ali Ball · 2 days ago
She wanted to love it. It's versatile, with a soft but firm-enough ride and surprising ground feel, but the stiff plate doesn't deliver much propulsion. It's less comfortable than a cushioned trainer, and the narrow waist plus soft foam feels slightly unstable. She'd like a wider midfoot.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Amanda Brooks · 2 days ago
90%. Underrated: a great option for many paces and daily miles. It isn't overly soft or max-stack, and it should last toward 300-400 miles. The narrow fit is the main limitation.
Blog · Geeks on Feet – Aravind · 2 days ago
92/100. A versatile carbon trainer: comfortable to 30 km, top-notch stability and outstanding grip on Bengaluru's sandy, wet roads. Still like new at 400 km, and he expects 1,000 km. Firmer and less fun than v2 (no trampoline feel), with a slightly snug fit.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Meaghan Murray, Thomas Neuberger · 3 days ago
A solid update to one of a favorite daily trainers, designed for the marathoner: comfort for tired legs plus a responsive, bouncy ride for weekend long runs. Fans of v1 and v2 should be happy.
Blog · Runner’s World UK – Ali Ball · 3 days ago
A firm yet cushioned ride, subtle rocker and secure lockdown that had her looking forward to every run, which is rare for a heavy tester. Her main contention is the 'eye-watering' £230 price.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas, Andrea Myers, Nathan Brown (DPTs) · 3 days ago
B to A-: One tester's current choice for long runs and workouts, and another's go-to for tired legs and time on feet. One tester likes the ride, but toenail pain limited her to ≤8-mile runs.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein (DPT) · 3 days ago
B+ overall: a great redesign with a big weight drop that works for tempos, intervals and moderate-distance racing for those who dislike high stacks. Stiff, stable forefoot. He'd stick to faster shoes for workouts himself.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Larry Lam · 3 days ago
A lightweight trainer and racer with a smooth, propulsive ride that's a great rotation addition. It feels good until ~90 minutes, then legs want more. Irritation spots inside (especially the arch), and outsole wear was notable by 50 miles, raising durability doubts.
Blog · Coach – Nick Harris-Fry · 3 days ago
Softer, lighter and simply better than the past couple of versions: a good-value, traditional choice for fast sessions and the odd race, and nimble on hill reps. Too firm for easy running, and short on cushion for long sessions.
Blog · Runner’s World UK – Ali Ball · 3 days ago
The upper and heel structure give it a clearer identity as an elevated trainer. Fits the bill for heavy mileage and long runs over 90 minutes, especially mid-run pickups and tired-leg days.
Blog · Doctors of Running · 3 days ago
One tester grades it B to A as a recovery-friendly cushioned trainer, building on a v1 he relied on for ~200 miles. The second tester's grades are all B-.
Blog · Tom’s Guide – Jane McGuire · 3 days ago
It still handles easy, long and speed sessions in a marathon block. Fans of v1 may be disappointed: the lower stack and lighter midsole aren't as big and bouncy, and it's now more of a trainer than a racer.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Sam Winebaum, Ryan, Jeff, Joost · 3 days ago
Deep cushion for high mileage, pleasant plate stability, a relaxed upper for long runs, and likely the friendliest plated shoe at very slow paces. Toe-off feels laboured at easy effort due to the soft heel and lower drop.
Blog · Morning Miles – Cameron Messier · 3 days ago
'The shoe I put on when I am not thinking about what to put on': it sits between the Kinvara and a super shoe. Early outsole abrasion evened out by 169 miles, and the rubber is intact. Wear is on the exposed midfoot foam.
Blog · WearTesters – Drew Whitcomb, Annie Keris · 3 days ago
One tester (6.5/10) calls it 'the worst in the line to date' for bigger runners: high price, mediocre materials and a subpar feel underfoot, so a hard pass. Another tester enjoyed some miles but the rearfoot didn't suit her stride, so try before you buy.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Peter, Sally Reiley · 3 days ago
Quick turnover, efficient, and a breathable, comfortable upper. The ride harks back to her favourite v2/v3. Another tester finds it on the firm side, without as much bounce or energy return as he'd like.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein (DPT) · 3 days ago
Overall A-: a performance fit with a wider toe box, a smooth heel transition, and a versatile ride for long runs and workouts. Not as fast and slightly heavier than v4, and wear is starting to show at 45 miles.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Meaghan Murray · 3 days ago
A solid choice for uptempo runs and even daily training. Small updates make it feel more dialed-in for speed, and fans of v4 should be pleased.
Blog · Tom’s Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 3 days ago
A great, very versatile all-rounder or workout shoe. However, it isn't a noteworthy upgrade on the Speed 4, which is now heavily discounted and the better buy.
Blog · Road Trail Run · 3 days ago
Lighter, cushier and bouncier than v5, and excels at moderate to fast paces. The laces are too skinny, it runs short and shallow (toenail risk) and it's a bit loud.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Meaghan Murray, Thomas Neuberger · 3 days ago
'Most improved shoe of 2024' and finally a true super trainer to pair with the Alphafly or Vaporfly. Stable at speed, with good wet grip from the waffle outsole and a snug, true-to-size fit.
Blog · Doctors of Running · 3 days ago
Performance B+ to A-, with good value marks. Very versatile for long runs and workouts, and could race for some. More soft than responsive, the fit is extremely low-volume, and there’s only mild outsole wear at 30 miles.
Blog · Runnea – Jorge García Betanzos · 3 days ago
After 400 km, one of Nike’s most sensible plated options for hard training with occasional racing. Not the most aggressive or “wow,” which is why it works. The outsole lugs are intact and the midsole shows only normal creasing.
Blog · Tom’s Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 3 days ago
One of his favourite new shoes: the updated midsole gives a fast, comfortable ride for many training runs and even races. No rubber wear after 70 miles.
Blog · Runnea UK – Asier Rosende · 3 days ago
Among the most versatile daily trainers, light and responsive, scoring 8.9/10. Outsole durability is excellent, but the forefoot mesh tore on both shoes by 400 km. Firm and snug, so not for wide feet.
Blog · Supwell · 3 days ago
A versatile workhorse that handles speed sessions, easy doubles and 20-milers. After 100 miles the Continental outsole shows minimal wear, and grip is excellent on wet pavement.
Blog · Tom’s Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 3 days ago
A direct upgrade on v12, mainly thanks to a much more comfortable upper. The ride is snappy and direct but firmer and less cushioned than modern super trainers. Often on sale, which makes it good value.
Blog · HalfMarathons.net – Gabrielle Hondorp · 3 days ago
Gabrielle Hondorp, despite disliking past Endorphins, found it light, comfortable and gentle on her shin-splint-prone legs. She notes a large arch gap and thin tread that may wear quickly.
Blog · Tom’s Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 3 days ago
Nick Harris-Fry calls it an exceptionally versatile shoe for training and racing. Some runners may want a softer ride with more forefoot foam on long, hard runs.
Blog · Believe in the Run · 3 days ago
Shines at any pace and is a blend of v2 and v3. The first run felt mushy, but it won her over after 150 miles. The tongue bunches, the laces are too long, and the toe box angles in.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein, David Salas · 3 days ago
A faster, more aggressive Speed and a go-to long-run shoe, much more durable than v3 for him. Excellent wet traction. The heel feels clunky at first, and calves work harder at speed.
Blog · Run with the Slow Coach · 3 days ago
The shoe left her a little disappointed over 21.1 km: it was uncomfortable, rubbed, lacked support and caused blisters. She suggests slower runners save their money for a Ghost or Adrenaline.
Blog · Run161 – Lars-Christian Simonsen · 3 days ago
Lars-Christian Simonsen praises one of the most comfortable uppers he has run in, a smooth ride below 4:00/km and no outsole wear at 110 km. It is too firm for recovery and slow runs and exposes form flaws when tired.
Blog · Kobasuke no Nikki – Kobasuke · 3 days ago
Kobasuke reports exceptional durability: at 800 km the midsole is barely compressed, while the upper has stretched and the heel is worn. He had no blisters even in ultras and bought it again for its rebound without a carbon plate.
