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Fresh experiences from real runners, collected from Reddit, YouTube and blogs and linked to their sources.
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 · Rundefeated – Rizqa Lahuddin · 2 days ago
A reliable, comfortable cushioned daily trainer: Fresh Foam X that's soft without being mushy, and monsoon-proof grip on wet asphalt, tiles and painted road lines. Understated looks work for the office, and it gives ~90% of the 1080/More experience for less. Great for long runs, not for speed sessions.
Blog · Runner's World UK – Jessica O'Donnell · 2 days ago
A great high-cushion daily trainer for easy miles: soft and forgiving without being squishy, with a smooth rocker that rolls you forward, a true-to-size accommodating fit, a breathable upper and secure stretch laces. When she picked up the pace it felt too soft to respond; not for intervals or races.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein · 2 days ago
A simple, soft shoe for easy running and walking: soft cushioning, a mildly flexible rocker, a wider fit, decent durability at 30 miles and solid value at $145. But the midsole bottoms out and isn't responsive, it's mostly unstable, and the heel padding irritates. Fine for walking, not for his running needs.
Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Ally Arcuri · 2 days ago
Simple, affordable and light at 7.2 oz: the soft DNA Loft heel absorbs landings, good for casual runs, recovery days, heel strikers and everyday wear. The thin 22 mm forefoot feels flat on uptempo moments with minimal energy return, and the high heel slightly undermines stability in sharp turns.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas · 2 days ago
A classic high-drop neutral trainer with a moderate stack and flexible forefoot: a great starter shoe that won't break the bank, with a durable, reliable, very stable ride. The fit is snug and low-volume, bounce and responsiveness are unexciting, and he hoped for more; it lacks pace versatility.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Chad Zimmermann & Lindsay Agro · 2 days ago
One tester disliked fit and heat. Brooks hasn't messed up the gravy train: if you loved v17 and earlier, this will do the trick again, though he prefers the lower-drop Ghost Max. One tester really wanted to like it but fought it: it suits only tiny toes and little need for airflow, so it's a walking shoe for her.
Blog · Weeviews – Scott Hilton · 2 days ago
He really enjoyed it. He set out to test outsole durability after wearing through v7s in 190 miles, and was surprised by the much more dynamic foam. He'd like a more breathable upper that wicks rather than absorbs. A strong zero-drop daily trainer. Incentivized review.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Andrea Myers · 2 days ago
She liked the P35x midsole, the best foam yet, plus the lower stack and lighter weight. But Altra failed at its signature feature: the low-volume toe box with a lateral sidewall caused severe 5th MTP pain and limited her runs. A nice neutral zero-drop trainer only for narrower forefeet. $160 is a bit overpriced.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein & David Salas · 2 days ago
A cushioned 4 mm-drop daily trainer with a good rhythmic rocker and firmer cushioning one tester likes, but he chewed through much of the outsole in 27 miles and the fit is slightly long. Another tester found it snug for an Altra yet stable. At $160 versatility is limited, and the forefoot lacks classic Altra width.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Austin Bonds · 2 days ago
Altra calls it max cushion, but to him it's a firm shoe with maximum cushioning, far less soft than the Glycerin Max or MagMax Nitro. As with the original Via Olympus there's a disconnect: a comfortable upper and impressive stack, but the EGO FLO ride undercuts it. This time he's not going with the FLO.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Markus Zinkl · 2 days ago
A genuinely good daily trainer at a really attractive price, with build quality equal to models costing €30–40 more. The upper should fit a wide range of foot shapes, and the Boost and Bounce combination surprised him. The only compromise as an all-rounder is at higher paces. Score 8.83/10.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Sam Winebaum · 2 days ago
Adidas finally delivers a practical daily trainer that's neither elite nor heavy. The upper rivals pricier shoes: comfortable, true to size, roomy with no pressure points and an excellent heel hold. At $100 it's an incredible value under 10 oz, though he wishes the forefoot were a bit less soft and mellow.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Jim Coulson · 2 days ago
A practical daily trainer that's neither elite nor clunky, and one of the better $100 shoes he's run in a while: light, with a breathable upper, excellent rear hold and traction. Energy return is low to moderate, and he'd like a livelier forefoot. It runs half a size small. Ideal for logging long easy miles.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Amanda Brooks · 2 days ago
Rated 95%, one of their top scores of the year: a lightweight, nicely cushioned shoe that suits many runners and lets you run without thinking about your shoe. The tweaked PWRRUN adds energy return, and the upper is super breathable. Its main drawback is a narrow midfoot fit, and the lace loops raise durability worries.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Paul Soriano · 2 days ago
The ground feel was strange after high-stack trainers, but he enjoyed it more with every run. A 14-miler with 4:00/km segments sold him: responsive with enough protection. It's light, with a very comfortable upper. Minor lateral outsole wear showed by 50 miles, though he still expects 300+ miles away from abrasive surfaces.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Justin Alpaugh · 2 days ago
A lightweight trainer meant for speed and short easy miles, with an affordable price and a nice upper, but it still lacks cushioning for longer days and the outsole is a weak point. He likes its simple design but says it just doesn't have a home in his rotation: even for an easy 4-miler he has more fun options.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein & David Salas · 2 days ago
An extremely light plateless trainer and workout or racing shoe, with smooth, natural transitions for speedwork and a permanent spot in one tester's rotation. Midsole sidewalls add surprising guidance. The midfoot is slightly baggy, the forefoot needs breaking in, and it's too minimal beyond ~10 miles.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Kaleb Kabakjian & Ruby Wyles · 2 days ago
One tester sees Saucony starting to make a classic of the line for the modern age: lower stack and a simpler upper, moving the right way for original fans while still suiting everyday runners. The firm-at-first foam softens after a few miles. Another tester was won over by its inherent stability and ground connection, which make her feel nimble.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Michael Mason-D'Croz · 2 days ago
No frills, just a quality shoe that gets the job done for a great price. It performed incredibly well on short quick runs, long runs and tempos, with grip that feels secure. Saucony didn't mess with a good thing, and putting it on felt like a reunion. The upper gets hot on hot runs.
Blog · Runner's World – Amanda Furrer · 2 days ago
That rare bargain shoe that rides like pricier rivals: a rocker propels you forward, and one tester felt no forefoot or heel restrictions while upping tempo and enduring hard pavement with no discomfort days later. Some testers wanted more support.
Blog · Fordy Runs – Fordy · 2 days ago
Mild tweaks rather than a reinvention: a resculpted midsole, new mesh and extra tongue and heel padding. The ride and midsole feel so similar to v4, which can be had for as little as £65, that it makes more financial sense to buy v4 now and pick up v5 once it's discounted.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas · 2 days ago
A lightweight daily trainer for logging the majority of your miles, with great cushioning for its stack. The fit may be a touch narrow for some, and the flexible forefoot won't work for everyone.
Blog · Marathons.com – Clément Laborieux · 2 days ago
Not disappointing only because he expected nothing special, sad for such a historic line. It has secure lockdown, excellent durability and reliable grip, but at 300 g it's one of the heaviest daily trainers, the foam lacks responsiveness, propulsion is minimal, and it's not versatile. Nike needs more meaningful updates.
Blog · Runner's World – Jeff Dengate · 2 days ago
At first it fell flat: after bouncy rivals his midfoot strikes thunked down, like a Mazda 3 after a BMW. It grew on him as a sporty all-rounder. At $145 in an age of $200 trainers it's a solid bargain and one-shoe quiver for easy runs, long runs and tempos, especially for newer runners. It remains relatively firm.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
Noteworthy updates make the ride smoother and a little more energetic than v41 while keeping the feel that made it popular. It's good value, durable and comfortable for easy daily training, but unlikely to win new fans: less cushioned than rivals, heavy for a lowish stack, and not great for faster runs.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Paul Soriano · 2 days ago
A joy to run in from the first run, and after 100+ mi the upper shows no wear or tearing, with a soft midsole, durable outsole and good traction. The TPU plate doesn't deliver the responsiveness it promises, and rocks get stuck in the canyon-like outsole grooves.
Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Nathaniel Bailey · 2 days ago
Decent and budget-friendly, with soft, slightly bouncy FuelCell, decent breathability and wet-pavement grip, and no issues in testing. Comfort is decent rather than exceptional, the midfoot cutout collects rocks on gravel and dirt, and many shoes that cost only a little more perform far better, so they'd look elsewhere.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Nick Harris-Fry · 2 days ago
A great shoe and still one of the best, either as an all-rounder for all your running or a speedy rotation shoe, especially for those who don't love max cushion. The upper is tweaked and the outsole improved, but the ride is much the same, so while v6 is on sale it's the better value.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Lindsay Agro & Ryan Haines · 2 days ago
A lot like v6, in the best way: just a little cosmetic sprucing and another year of fun running in the line. The line is aging like fine wine, and one tester thinks the real deal-breaker will just be aesthetics.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Michael Ellenberger, Peter Stuart & Maya Kahana · 2 days ago
A no-nonsense, jack-of-all-trades tempo daily trainer: springy, fast and fun as the line should be, with no more durability concerns and great tongue and upper construction.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Dominique Winebaum & Michael Ellenberger · 2 days ago
One tester enjoys it more than the Ghost 15: DNA Loft v3 is softer and lighter without being mushy, the extra 3 mm of forefoot foam is more pleasant, and the geometry gives a stable, energetic ride. It's still a high-drop shoe (she'd prefer ~5 mm) and slightly heavier than its predecessor.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Robbe Reddinger, Chad Zimmermann & Renaldo Robinson · 2 days ago
As reliable daily trainers go, you can't do much better at $150, and it continues Brooks' long line of durability, with 36 mm stack closing the gap to the Ghost Max. But it's so close to the Ghost 16, which is 'boring' in a reliable way, that buying the 16 on sale may make more sense.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Matt Klein & Bach · 2 days ago
One of the best Ghost midsoles yet: more versatile, so you can cruise or push the pace fairly well, a jack of all trades. It has a mildly stable platform and excellent lockdown that's slightly snug, with wide options. It's at the top end of daily-trainer pricing.
Blog · The Size 15 Runner · 2 days ago
His first Ghost in over a decade, and the 'friendliest' yet: more DNA Loft v3 foam and a lower drop make for a surprisingly efficient, enjoyable ride at a good price. If you haven't tried the Ghost in a while, there's never been a better time. The upper fits tight.
Blog · Runner's World – Amanda Furrer · 2 days ago
Testers loved the balanced, supportive cushioning and smooth landing-to-push-off transition, and one said she 'loved the shoes like no other.' The soft upper is breathable, never too hot, and there are four widths. The midsole is firmer than some wanted, and some testers found the toe box slightly narrow.
Blog · Runner's World UK – Ali Ball · 2 days ago
Stylish, comfortable and versatile, possibly one of the best shoes of the year: gentle on tired legs yet responsive when the pace rises. The Speedboard rolls you forward on soft double CloudTec landings, and it shines on long steady runs. Stones no longer get stuck in the Clouds, and it's cemented a place in their rotation.
Blog · Treeline Review – Becca Downs · 2 days ago
A people-pleasing, do-it-all trainer and the most versatile On she's tested: plush, forward-rolling cushioning, breathable mesh and no durability issues after 30+ hours. It doesn't excel at anything specific and has less propulsion than the Cloudmonster, which is hard to justify at $180.
Blog · Tom's Guide – Jane McGuire · 2 days ago
A plush, stable cushioned cruiser that keeps tired legs fresh. Unlike On shoes she's found too firm for her stompy stride, she loved it for easy miles, long runs in a marathon block and everyday wear, with toe-box room in her normal size. Lockdown took tweaking, faster sessions felt like hard work, and it's pricey.
Blog · Kobasuke no Nikki – Kobasuke · 2 days ago
Brooks' superb fit, a shoe that goes slow or fast as you choose, decent ground feel and no carbon plate. Speed came easily in races and fartleks. It's more cushioned than his old Hyperion Tempo, so his soles suffered less late in a marathon. He ran a 100 km ultra in 10:49 (a PB by over an hour) without instability or blisters.
Blog · Unattached Runner – Seiya Ishikawa · 2 days ago
He expected little given the big weight gain, but it's faster: top-level speed among non-plated shoes, with quick response, much more rebound and a 37 mm rocker that pushes you forward. It can hit 60 s/400 m pace yet works as a daily trainer. The heel hold is firm, so consider half a size up for daily use.
Blog · WearTesters – Drew Whitcomb · 2 days ago
A more democratic ride that should compete fiercely with versatile daily trainers: more cushioning underfoot and an extremely comfortable upper with a divine tongue and collar. He'd take it on medium-long runs without thinking. The layered upper runs warm and the toe box is narrow.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Tim Harrison · 2 days ago
The changes fundamentally shift its use: less fast than before but more comfortable underfoot. Light, versatile and breathable, soft at slow paces and responsive when going faster, it handles long runs up to ~15 miles. Speedwork ability is limited, the fit slightly snug, and it's a bit wobbly in turns.
Blog · Running Shoes Guru – Olivia Yoder · 2 days ago
A well-made, lightweight shoe ideal for smooth running that doesn't cost you speed, whether training or racing a triathlon. Breathable, easy on and off, with unique colours, and she loved it. The outsole is slippery on wet surfaces and the tongue rides up a little.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Lindsay Agro & Alexander Walker · 2 days ago
Another tester grew to love the bold Van Gogh-style design, the contouring minimalist tongue and the subtly stabilising heel counter. One tester found it sluggish and stopped having fun, so he sees it better for light 2–6 mile easy days.
Blog · Runner's World · 2 days ago
A mile eater for easy days and weekly mileage, with a spacious toe box that wide-footed runners revel in on long, swollen-foot days and a soft, padded upper. An ideal introduction to zero drop. Not much bounce, and some testers felt the toe box rubbed their pinky toe.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Andrea Myers · 2 days ago
The toe box is a big, classic-Altra improvement on v7. But the stiff platform feels unnatural for zero drop and needs an earlier rocker, so the ride felt stiff and unforgiving. The prominent medial sidewall caused arch pain during and after every run. Heavy for its 30 mm stack.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Kurt Biesemans · 2 days ago
A comfortable zero-drop daily trainer with a great, secure fit, solid traction and better durability (should last ~500 mi). He isn't convinced by long runs: it's firm and lacks cushioning at slower paces, but works well at faster tempos, so it joins his rotation for shorter, quicker runs.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Andrea Myers · 2 days ago
It runs like every other in the line, a flexible, low-stack zero-drop trainer with lots of ground feel. But the huge fit change to a low-volume, narrow toe box caused toe discomfort that limited her runs. Good only for narrow, low-volume feet, and exposed midsole wear showed at 20 mi.
Blog · Believe in the Run – John Calabrese · 2 days ago
The gold standard of Altra road shoes: a light, flexible zero-drop shoe that brought back fond memories. Another tester says it remains the healthiest shoe for keeping a light, flexible stride and finishing a marathon injury-free, though they'd like a bit more cushioning late in the race.
Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Nathaniel Bailey · 2 days ago
An excellent choice for zero-drop fans who want lots of ground feel: a near-perfect fit, a natural feel and great breathability, and one of the most comfortable options for daily wear and the gym. Cushioning is poor, the use is niche, it's not ideal for high mileage, and outsole wear is a common complaint.
Blog · Road Trail Run – John Tribbia & Ben David · 2 days ago
Lighter (13 g less than v18) on a broader platform, with a breathable upper, some light trail and gravel ability thanks to the outsole, and great value at $140. It's a daily trainer, not a speedster: there's no real 'wow' factor, and one tester wanted more stack.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Robbe Reddinger, Caryn Just & Renaldo Robinson · 2 days ago
The supercritical PWRRUN+ midsole is where it shines, with an upper that feels like a $160–170 trainer. Long-time Ride fans won't need to change, and newcomers get a reliable daily trainer that doesn't break the bank. It can run a little big, making it feel slightly cloggy despite the low weight.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas · 2 days ago
A good-value neutral daily trainer with a steady rocker and softer PWRRUN+ that's dialled in for easy days. Lockdown and traction are good, and it didn't run hot over 16 miles. It loses some of the speedy versatility of earlier versions, and the volume is a touch low through the mid/forefoot.
Blog · RunToTheFinish – Stacey Gross · 2 days ago
Small tweaks that all feel like welcome upgrades: comfortable for miles and not overdone, with an improved outsole that fixes the Ride 18's durability blow-back. She says go for the 19 over a discounted 18. Holes in the mesh let in rocks and dirt, and wide sizes come in few colourways.
Blog · Believe in the Run – Lindsay Agro & Alexander Walker · 2 days ago
For another tester, who fell in love with the 15, this update is a total miss. One tester finds it devoid of personality, a copy of a copy, though he did find the FF Blast Plus fun and responsive.
Blog · Road Trail Run – Ben David & Sam Winebaum · 2 days ago
A light, lively, colourful daily trainer for summer miles at almost any pace, with a beautifully fitting upper and a fun ride that rolls with your pace. Great value at $135 and very durable. One tester wished for FF Turbo foam, and another tester wanted a touch more stack.
Blog · WearTesters – Annie Keris & Drew Whitcomb · 2 days ago
Light, versatile, fun and breathable, with great grip and solid lockdown from the upper, a dependable trainer, especially if you're not a big runner. It has lost some of the eccentric character behind this shoe cult following. The ride geometry may not suit overpronators, and there are no bungee laces.
Blog · Doctors of Running – David Salas · 2 days ago
A neutral workhorse daily trainer for runners who don't mind extra weight (11.2 oz). It's protective and durable but firm underfoot thanks to the extra Bounce. It's aimed at beginners and suits those sensitive to rockers. It runs long, the forefoot can be a little slappy, and he'd refine the heel collar.
Blog · Jimuin-san's Running Blog – Tanishin · 2 days ago
Chose it as a light (216 g, wide 27.0) non-carbon marathon shoe. He felt no shoe weight late in the race, no sole-of-foot pain (unlike carbon shoes) and no cramps. It is a good race option for sub-4 or sub-3.5 runners.
Blog · Jintan's Blog – Jinkei · 2 days ago
At 400 km the ride, cushion, upper and midsole are all fine. But the outsole rubber was clearly worn by 200 km, and by 400 km the heel grooves were gone and it was very slippery on wet roads. He expects ~500 km of life and won't buy it again.
Blog · Doctors of Running – Nathan Brown (DPT) · 2 days ago
Rated A-: a value do-it-all shoe with solid stability design elements. The ride is muted but gives some ground feel. It has a traditional HOKA fit (moderate-wide heel, snugger mid and forefoot). Personal grade B+: the drop is a bit low to use all the time.
Blog · WeeViews – Michael Young · 2 days ago
Super light for its max cushion, with classic pop for double-digit long runs. It is breathable and sheds water, and the laces lock tight. At 70 mi the outsole is already badly worn and he doubts it will reach 300 mi. The tongue is very thin.
Blog · GearJunkie – M.T. Elliott · 2 days ago
A softer midsole fixes v1's overly firm ride: zero-drop with real max cushion. It is peppy enough for pick-ups, and the fit stayed secure. After 100 mi there are only minor midsole cracks and the outsole is in good shape. The grooves pick up rocks, and it is still firmer than other max shoes.
